Category: Announcements

Weekly Update 12/17

‘Tis A Gift

The Gift of Music

LUCC Music Director Hilton Jones has recorded 2 CDs for the LUCC family.  One is Christmas Piano featuring favorite songs of this season.  The second is Simply Hymns featuring favorite hymn tunes.  Both CDs are available at the church.  The music is a gift to the congregation.  If you would like to make a donation to offset the production costs, you may.  See the display in the sanctuary.  Enjoy the gift of music from Hilton not just on Sundays but every day!

This Sunday, Dec. 19 is the forth Sunday of Advent. Christmas is almost here.  That means that it is time to Line the Cradle.  Be part of this special service as we celebrate the gifts that we are being given through Jesus at Christmas and all year long!

There will be carol singing outside on the lawn from 10:15-10:30.  Bring a chair if you can.  Last week there were many people enjoying the songs of the season.  Come join in!

The service will be in the sanctuary with the doors and windows open.

Holiday Cheer to the Homebound

The Care Team is planning visits to some of the homebound members of the church family.  The congregation is welcome to be part of these visits.  They are scheduled for Sunday Dec. 19 following worship.  For additional details, please contact Patti Cooksey.  

Advent and Christmas at LUCC

The theme for the season will be Receive the Gift.  It is a continuation of the celebration of gratitude that has been part of the stewardship season and the Thanksgiving holiday.  Even with covid, there is so much to be thankful for!
On Sundays in December, those who enjoy singing Christmas music are invited to come to church at 10:15 .am. and sing sitting outside on the lawn before the service begins.  Bring your own chair if you can.  Hilton will play the piano near the open doors and there will be outdoor singing with masks on.  When it is time for the service to begin, everyone will move inside.  There will be no singing in the service.  

Labyrinth walks will continue on Wednesday mornings at 9:00.  It’s a beautiful season to deepen your spiritual reflection and the labyrinth is a wonderful way to do that.

Anti-racism demonstrations will also continue on Sunday afternoons from 4:30-5:00 in Advent.  This is an opportunity to express the gift of love for all that we celebrate at Christmas.  It’s also a time to remember that the baby Jesus was a person of color.  

There will be a Winter Solstice gathering around a fire on Tuesday, Dec. 21.  This will be a time to share stories and readings and inspiration around the themes of darkness and light.  Those who would like to may walk the labyrinth.  Sunset is at 5:41 p.m. so that is when the gathering will begin! You are invited to bring a reading or poem or scripture about light or darkness or winter to share. 

Christmas Eve will be celebrated with an outdoor service at 7:00 p.m. on the church lawn.   Music of the season will begin at 6:30. Please bring your own chair if you can.  The offering on Christmas Eve will be used to support the Creation Justice ministries of the church.

The Christmas Eve Offering will be used to support the Creation Justice ministries of the church.  There are several projects under consideration including reforesting part of the church property, signs for the EV station, and installing solar panels.  Caring for the Earth is a priority ministry of LUCC.  The Christmas Eve offering will help the church to increase its greening initiatives.

Church School There will be Church School for elementary age children each Sunday on the themes of Advent

New Year – New Beginnings

Sunday January 2 will be a beautiful service inviting us to find Love in the New Year.  Following the service there will be a special guided labyrinth walk themed on journeying into the New Year.  All are welcome to extend the worship experience into this labyrinth walk.  You may bring a chair for use at the labyrinth.  

End of the Year Giving

Please consider LUCC as you make plans for your end of year giving.  For some there are tax implications for making additional gifts.  Thanks to the monies from the federal government to help navigate the pandemic, the church has been able to stay solvent.  But these funds are no longer available and some fixed costs are increasing so your increased giving is needed to equip the vital  ministries of the church.  As we say on Sundays, may our giving reflect the generosity of God!

New Century Hymnals Available

LUCC has been given 60 used New Century Hymnals from a church that no longer needs them.  If you would like a hymnal for home use, you are welcome to have one.   They are available at church on the book shelf in the main hallway.  Please help yourself! 

Christmas Eve Readers

Readers are needed for the outdoor Christmas Eve service.  If you would be willing to do a reading, please speak with Rev. Wells.  This is a beautiful way to share the spirit of Christmas with your LUCC family. 

Celebrating Our Gifts Stewardship 2022

Thank you to all who have participated generously by returning your commitments of giving to assure the financial future of Lakewood UCC!  As of this week, the total pledged is $52,500.  We’ll begin the work of setting a budget for 2022 very soon.  If you have not yet let us know how you can help financially support the work of our church, or if you would like to increase your giving, we invite you to contact us.  You may send a note or an email to the office to the attention of the Finance Committee, or directly contact Lucille Ruga.

Advisors Needed for 2022

Each year 3-5 wonderful people meet monthly to support the life and ministry of the church especially attending to matters involving finance, administration, personnel, and property. This past year, the church was ably served by Patti Cooksey, Lucille Ruga, Jane Diven, and Malcolm Wells. Some new advisors are needed for 2022. Is this something you might like to be involved in? Or can you think of someone in the church that you would like to see serve in this role? There are forms to fill out at church or speak to one of the current advisors or to Rev. Wells. This is a wonderful way to deepen your ties with the church and to make a difference!

Being Covid Safe and In-Person Worship

Please stay home if you are not feeling well.

Please wear a mask while in the church building.  While most people have been vaccinated, this helps visitors to feel safe.  

Additional masks will be available at church to use as needed.

Two hand sanitizing stations are available for use by worshippers.

There is well-ventilated, physically distanced indoor seating in the sanctuary.

Please know that your safety is of primary consideration! 

Safe childcare is provided.

Operation Attack Update

OA needs donations of cereal/oatmeal, mac and cheese, pasta sauce, peanut butter, canned meat, fruit, soup, and vegetables. Donations may be placed on the shelf in the hallway at church.

Sundays

Look for the bulletin posted on the church website on Friday: https://lakewooducc.org/category/bulletins/

Watch the service on Facebook Live Sundays at 10:30. https://www.facebook.com/LakewoodUCC

Or on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/LakewoodUCC/videos

Instructions for how to access Facebook Live: For additional assistance, please contact the church office.

Here are some instructions to watch our Sunday services live through Facebook:

Use the following link to visit our homepage: https://www.facebook.com/LakewoodUCC/

On Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. please use the link above to visit our homepage. There, after using the link, you will see a section labeled “Happening Now”. This is our Livestream of the Sunday Service.

To watch the live stream, locate and click the “watch video” button in the lower right corner of the screen.

If the link above is not working, there is also a link to our Facebook page on our website. Please try that link located on the Home page of our website.

PLEASE NOTE:  

With the cooler temperatures, we will resume opening the doors and windows for morning worship as we continue efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Sunday services are being held at 10:30 a.m. Masks are required. There is physical distancing. Childcare is provided.

You can also join in on Facebook Live at 10:30. Please see the instructions below. 

USEFUL LAKEWOOD LINKS:

For the above church website links, please note the “Older Posts” button near the bottom of each page.

You can stream Hilton’s music and videos for free at hiltonkeanjones.com/look-listen/ as well as purchase his CDs and digital albums there.

December Birthdays: Patti Cooksey 12/8, Becky Palmer 12/16, Amaiya Washington 12/18, George Diven 12/27, Melanie Moore 12/27, Someone missing? Contact the church office with birthday information.

Apologies for leaving out Patti Cooksey’s birthday last week.  Patti is head of the Care Team and sends birthday greetings to many in the church family.  Many blessings and good wishes to Patti as she celebrates her birthday this week!

Circle of Concern: 

Dana Cosper and family following the death of Dana’s mother

Carol Shores

Deanna Moore

Dave Radens

William Owen-Cowan

Jen Degroot

Carolyn Moore

Ann Quinn is now under Hospice care

Maggie Brizendine

Janet Hall

All those suffering from COVID-19 and all healthcare workers

Schools: Students, families, teachers, and staff

Church Office Hours:  Tuesday 9:30-noon Thursday-Friday 9:30-noon. 

Recent Posts:

Weekly Update: If you are involved with an activity or event that you would like to share with the LUCC family, please send the information to the Church Office by Tuesday since the Update usually is sent out on Wednesday.

On land originally inhabited by the Tocabaga

Weekly Update 12/9

‘Tis A Gift

Poinsettias Beautify the Sanctuary Adding a Festive Spirit of Joy

Please complete your poinsettia orders by this Sunday, Dec. 12.  Turn in the order form at church or email/call the Church Office indicating how many plants you would like to order and the designation ‘In honor of’ or ‘In memory of’.  Plants are $10 each.   The plants will be taken to homebound members of the church family following worship on Sunday, Dec. 19.

This is a season to ponder the many gifts that we are being given each and every day. It is a season for gratitude. 

The Gift of Music

LUCC Music Director Hilton Jones has recorded 2 CDs for the LUCC family.  One is Christmas Piano featuring favorite songs of this season.  The second is Simply Hymns featuring favorite hymn tunes.  Both CDs are available at the church.  The music is a gift to the congregation.  If you would like to make a donation to offset the production costs, you may.  See the display in the sanctuary.  Enjoy the gift of music from Hilton not just on Sundays but every day!

This Sunday, Dec. 12 is the third Sunday of Advent. It is also the saint day of The Virgin of Guadalupe, the Mary of the Americas.  Her story is a witness to the gifts of Christmas given to all! 

There will be carol singing outside on the lawn from 10:15-10:30.  Bring a chair if you can.  Last week there were many people enjoying the songs of the season.  Come join in!

The service will be in the sanctuary with the doors and windows open.

Advent and Christmas at LUCC

The theme for the season will be Receive the Gift.  It is a continuation of the celebration of gratitude that has been part of the stewardship season and the Thanksgiving holiday.  Even with covid, there is so much to be thankful for!
On Sundays in December, those who enjoy singing Christmas music are invited to come to church at 10:15 .am. and sing sitting outside on the lawn before the service begins.  Bring your own chair if you can.  Hilton will play the piano near the open doors and there will be outdoor singing with masks on.  When it is time for the service to begin, everyone will move inside.  There will be no singing in the service.  

Labyrinth walks will continue on Wednesday mornings at 9:00.  It’s a beautiful season to deepen your spiritual reflection and the labyrinth is a wonderful way to do that.

Anti-racism demonstrations will also continue on Sunday afternoons from 4:30-5:00 in Advent.  This is an opportunity to express the gift of love for all that we celebrate at Christmas.  It’s also a time to remember that the baby Jesus was a person of color.  

Book Talk will be held via Zoom on Thursday, Dec. 16 from 6:30-7:30.  This is an opportunity to share some of your favorite Christmas stories and books. 

There will be a Winter Solstice gathering around a fire on Tuesday, Dec. 21.  This will be a time to share stories and readings and inspiration around the themes of darkness and light.  Those who would like to may walk the labyrinth.  Sunset is at 5:41 p.m. so that is when the gathering will begin!72389

Christmas Eve will be celebrated with an outdoor service at 7:00 p.m. on the church lawn.   Music of the season will begin at 6:30. Please bring your own chair if you can.  The offering on Christmas Eve will be used to support the Creation Justice ministries of the church.

The Christmas Eve Offering will be used to support the Creation Justice ministries of the church.  There are several projects under consideration including reforesting part of the church property, signs for the EV station, and installing solar panels.  Caring for the Earth is a priority ministry of LUCC.  The Christmas Eve offering will help the church to increase its greening initiatives.

This year, the congregation is invited to donate poinsettias to beautify the sanctuary for Advent and Christmas Eve.  The plants will be taken by the Care Team to those in the congregation who are not able to attend church.  There are order forms available at church.  The cost of the plants is $10 each. The deadline for orders is Sunday, December 12. 

Church School There will be Church School for elementary age children each Sunday on the themes of Advent

Holiday Cheer to the Homebound

The Care Team is planning visits to some of the homebound members of the church family.  The congregation is welcome to be part of these visits.  They are scheduled for Sunday Dec. 19 following worship.  For additional details, please contact Patti Cooksey.  

New Century Hymnals Available

LUCC has been given 60 used New Century Hymnals from a church that no longer needs them.  If you would like a hymnal for home use, you are welcome to have one.   They are available at church on the book shelf in the main hallway.  Please help yourself! 

Advisors to Meet

The advisors will be meeting this Sunday after the service.  Please contact an advisor or the pastor if there is something you would like the advisors to discuss.  The advisors are:  Patti Cooksey, Jane Diven, Lucille Ruga, and Malcolm Wells.

Christmas Eve Readers

Readers are needed for the outdoor Christmas Eve service.  If you would be willing to do a reading, please speak with Rev. Wells.  This is a beautiful way to share the spirit of Christmas with your LUCC family. 

Celebrating Our Gifts Stewardship 2022

Thank you to all who have participated generously by returning your commitments of giving to assure the financial future of Lakewood UCC!  As of this week, the total pledged is $52,500.  We’ll begin the work of setting a budget for 2022 very soon.  If you have not yet let us know how you can help financially support the work of our church, or if you would like to increase your giving, we invite you to contact us.  You may send a note or an email to the office to the attention of the Finance Committee, or directly contact Lucille Ruga.

A Gift of the Season

Many thanks to Sally Purvis, Colleen Coughenour, Patti Cooksey, and Claire Stiles for beautifully decorating the sanctuary for the holy season of Advent and Christmas.

Advisors Needed for 2022

Each year 3-5 wonderful people meet monthly to support the life and ministry of the church especially attending to matters involving finance, administration, personnel, and property. This past year, the church was ably served by Patti Cooksey, Lucille Ruga, Jane Diven, and Malcolm Wells. Some new advisors are needed for 2022. Is this something you might like to be involved in? Or can you think of someone in the church that you would like to see serve in this role? There are forms to fill out at church or speak to one of the current advisors or to Rev. Wells. This is a wonderful way to deepen your ties with the church and to make a difference!

Being Covid Safe and In-Person Worship

Please stay home if you are not feeling well.

Please wear a mask while in the church building.  While most people have been vaccinated, this helps visitors to feel safe.  

Additional masks will be available at church to use as needed.

Two hand sanitizing stations are available for use by worshippers.

There is well-ventilated, physically distanced indoor seating in the sanctuary.

Please know that your safety is of primary consideration! 

Safe childcare is provided.

Operation Attack Update

OA needs donations of cereal/oatmeal, mac and cheese, pasta sauce, peanut butter, canned meat, fruit, soup, and vegetables. Donations may be placed on the shelf in the hallway at church.

Sundays

Look for the bulletin posted on the church website on Friday: https://lakewooducc.org/category/bulletins/

Watch the service on Facebook Live Sundays at 10:30. https://www.facebook.com/LakewoodUCC

Or on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/LakewoodUCC/videos

Instructions for how to access Facebook Live: For additional assistance, please contact the church office.

Here are some instructions to watch our Sunday services live through Facebook:

Use the following link to visit our homepage: https://www.facebook.com/LakewoodUCC/

On Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. please use the link above to visit our homepage. There, after using the link, you will see a section labeled “Happening Now”. This is our Livestream of the Sunday Service.

To watch the live stream, locate and click the “watch video” button in the lower right corner of the screen.

If the link above is not working, there is also a link to our Facebook page on our website. Please try that link located on the Home page of our website.

PLEASE NOTE:  

With the cooler temperatures, we will resume opening the doors and windows for morning worship as we continue efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Sunday services are being held at 10:30 a.m. Masks are required. There is physical distancing. Childcare is provided.

You can also join in on Facebook Live at 10:30. Please see the instructions below. 

USEFUL LAKEWOOD LINKS:

For the above church website links, please note the “Older Posts” button near the bottom of each page.

You can stream Hilton’s music and videos for free at hiltonkeanjones.com/look-listen/ as well as purchase his CDs and digital albums there.

December Birthdays: Patti Cooksey 12/8, Becky Palmer 12/16, Amaiya Washington 12/18, George Diven 12/27, Melanie Moore 12/27, Someone missing? Contact the church office with birthday information.

Apologies for leaving out Patti Cooksey’s birthday last week.  Patti is head of the Care Team and sends birthday greetings to many in the church family.  Many blessings and good wishes to Patti as she celebrates her birthday this week!

Circle of Concern: 

Dana Cosper and family following the death of Dana’s mother

Carol Shores

Deanna Moore

Dave Radens

William Owen-Cowan

Jen Degroot

Carolyn Moore

Ann Quinn is now under Hospice care

Maggie Brizendine

Janet Hall

All those suffering from COVID-19 and all healthcare workers

Schools: Students, families, teachers, and staff

Church Office Hours:  Tuesday 9:30-noon Thursday-Friday 9:30-noon. 

Recent Posts:

Weekly Update: If you are involved with an activity or event that you would like to share with the LUCC family, please send the information to the Church Office by Tuesday since the Update usually is sent out on Wednesday.

On land originally inhabited by the Tocabaga

Bulletin 12/5/21

WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS

LIGHTING THE PEACE CANDLE                                 Sherry Santana, liturgist

Where people are praying for peace the cause of peace is being strengthened by their very act of prayer, for they are themselves becoming immersed in the spirit of peace.

George MacLeod, 1895-1991
Founder of the Iona Community in Scotland

PRELUDE                                     

CALL TO WORSHIP                                             Judith Jessop, contemporary

We await the Christ,
the one who will reveal God to us.
He comes to us as sparkling light:
Twinkling with joy and playfulness.
He comes to us as everyday light:
Brightening the ordinary world around us.
He comes to us as softened light:
Creating a gentle, healing space in the shadows.
He comes to us as a focused spotlight:
Bringing truth and justice into stark relief.
This is the Light of the world —
Jesus Christ, coming to shine among us.

MUSICAL REFLECTION

LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLE- Peace

Unison Prayer

We give thanks for the many ways that peace is made manifest in
our lives and in our world. We need the gift of peace to sustain
us on life’s journey. May we look for signs of peace in the
darkening days of this Advent season. May we be signs of
peace for the world. Amen.

Musical response

SCRIPTURE READINGS

Let us prepare ourselves for the word of God as it comes to us in the reading of Holy Scripture. Our hearts and minds are open.

Malachi 3:1-4 and Luke 3:1-6

For the word of God in scripture, for the word of God  among us, for the word of God within us. Thanks be to God.

RESPONSIVE READING                                Hugh of St. Victor, 1096-1141

Brothers and sisters, it is now the season of the Lord’s’ coming,
and we must use the time to prepare ourselves by some spiritual
devotion.
We must strive to enter the house of our hearts,
open the windows,
and notice what is seemly and what is unseemly in that house.
We must brush away the cobwebs,
sweep the floors,
clean out the dust and dirt,
strew the clean floors with freshly gathered rushes,
fragrant herbs, and sweet-smelling flowers.

SERMON                          Receive the Gift: Repent!            Rev. Kim P. Wells

RESPONSIVE READING- If You Came                                Thom M Shuman

If you came
with a fistful of anger,
who could endure?

But you come
with open hands,
eager to grasp our own in love.

If you came
with the fire of judgement,
who could endure?

But you come
with the light of grace
to show us the way.

If you came
hardened against our sin,
who could endure?

But you come
holding us in your heart,
that we might have life.

If you came
bearing bad news
we might be able to handle it.

But can we endure
the gift of good news?

Even so,
come, Lord Jesus,
come. Amen

MUSICAL INTERLUDE                   

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of Lakewood United Church of Christ, as part of the Church Universal is to:

  • Celebrate the presence and power of God in our lives & in our world.
  • Offer the hospitality and inclusive love of Christ to all people.
  • Work for God’s peace and justice throughout creation.

MORNING OFFERING and COMMUNION OFFERING

Morning offerings may be brought forward and placed in the plates on the altar.

Offertory                            

Prayer of Dedication                    Maria I. Tirabassi, contemporary

There are many ways we can offer our thanks for the gifts we receive. We choose to show our gratitude, for when we are lost, God returns us to the fold, and when we have given up all hope, we are redeemed. Amen.

PREPARATION FOR COMMUNION    

You are invited to write your prayer requests on the sheets provided in the bulletin and bring them forward and place them in the basket on the altar.  Please observe physical distancing.

CELEBRATION OF HOLY COMMUNION

Invitation

Communion Prayer- Savior’s Prayer

Our Creator in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

Blessing the Bread and Cup

Sharing the Meal

*BENEDICTION                                                        Angeles Arrien, adapted                    

Gratitude before us,
gratitude behind us,
gratitude to the left of us,
gratitude to the right of us,
gratitude above us,
gratitude below us,
gratitude within us,
gratitude all around us. Amen.

*POSTLUDE

Circle of Concern: Carol Shores, Deanna Moore, Ann Quinn who is under Hospice Care, Dave Radens, William Owen-Cowan, Jen Degroot, Carolyn Moore, Maggie Brizendine, Janet Hall, All those suffering from COVID-19 and all healthcare workers, Schools: Students, families, teachers, and staff

Announcements

Communion This is a Communion Sunday. We are using the prepackaged individualcommunion servings. Please know that everyone iswelcome to participate in communion. Young people are invited toparticipate at the discretion of the adult(s) who have brought them.The Communion Offering will be received. This offering is used to help people in the church and the community with basic needs such as rent and utility assistance, bus passes, prescriptions, etc. There has been heavy need for these funds. Please consider how you can help the community through this offering.

The Gift of Music LUCC Music Director Hilton Jones has recorded 2 CDs for the LUCC family.  One is Christmas Piano featuring favorite songs of this season.  The second is Simply Hymns featuring favorite hymn tunes.  Both CDs are available at the church.  The music is a gift to the congregation.  If you would like to make a donation to offset the production costs, you may.  See the display in the sanctuary.  Enjoy the gift of music from Hilton not just on Sundays but every day!

Advisors Needed for 2022 Each year 3-5 wonderful people meet monthly to support the life and ministry of the church especially attending to matters involving finance, administration, personnel, and property. This past year, the church was ably served by Patti Cooksey, Lucille Ruga, Jane Diven, and Malcolm Wells. Some new advisors are needed for 2022. Is this something you might like to be involved in? Or can you think of someone in the church that you would like to see serve in this role? There are forms to fill out at church or speak to one of the current advisors or to Rev. Wells. This is a wonderful way to deepen your ties with the church and to make a difference!

New Century Hymnals Available LUCC has been given 60 used New Century Hymnals from a church that no longer needs them.  If you would like a hymnal for home use, you are welcome to have one.  They are available at church on the book shelf in the main hallway.  Please help yourself! 

Celebrating Our Gifts Stewardship 2022 Thank you to all who have participated generously by returning your commitments of giving to assure the financial future of Lakewood UCC!  As of this week, the total pledged is $52,500.  We’ll begin the work of setting a budget for 2022 very soon.  If you have not yet let us know how you can help financially support the work of our church, or if you would like to increase your giving, we invite you to contact us.  You may send a note or an email to the office to the attention of the Finance Committee, or directly contact Lucille Ruga.

Christmas Eve Readers Readers are needed for the outdoor Christmas Eve service.  If you would be willing to do a reading, please speak with Rev. Wells.  This is a beautiful way to share the spirit of Christmas with your LUCC family. 

Operation Attack OA needs donations of cereal, peanut butter, canned meat, fruit, vegetables and soup, dried beans, and mac/cheese. Donations may be placed on the shelf in the hallway at church.

Anti Racism Demonstrations The church offers a witness against racism with weekly demonstrations along the sidewalk of 54th Ave. S.  Make your own sign or use one of the signs at the church. Demonstrations are held Sundays from 4:30-5. In case of rain, the demonstration will not be held that week. 

Facebook Live The 10:30 a.m. service is being streamed on Facebook Live.

For the safety and comfort of all, please wear a mask. Thank you!

Lakewood United Church of Christ 2601 54th Ave. S. St. Petersburg, FL 33712
727-867-7961 lakewooducc@gmail.com Lakewooducc.org
On land originally inhabited by the Tocabaga

New Issue of Celebrate Florida

Advent greetings, Florida UCC members:

Here is the link to the December-January issue of Celebrate Florida.

Some articles that may be of interest:

Recap of the Annual Gathering of the Conference (pp. 1-7)

Advent events and activities across the Conference (pp. 12-15)

Thanksgiving blessings (pp. 17-18)

“A Tree Grows in Ocala” (pp. 20-21)

Report to the Church from the National UCC (p. 29)

“A Unique Take on Prayer” (p. 35)

For Christmas Giving: Books by Florida UCC Clergy (pp. 38-39)

Halloween and Fall Festival Happenings (pp. 42-43)

Need a dose of inspiration? How about some creative ideas? As always, the issue contains lots of links to helpful resources and programming ideas you may wish to consider adopting or adapting in your own congregation.

If we’ve not been hearing from you, please make sure we’re on the mailing list for your newsletter and e-blasts (rickcarson1@gmail.com) — simple and much appreciated.

We especially welcome your providing the Celebrate Florida link information (https://www.uccfla.org/celebrateflorida) to church members via your newsletters, e-communications and on your website.

Holiday blessings,

Rick Carson
Editor

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Weekly Update 12/1

‘Tis A Gift

This is a season to ponder the many gifts that we are being given each and every day. It is a season for gratitude. 

The Gift of Music

LUCC Music Director Hilton Jones has recorded 2 CDs for the LUCC family.  One is Christmas Piano featuring favorite songs of this season.  The second is Simply Hymns featuring favorite hymn tunes.  Both CDs are available at the church.  The music is a gift to the congregation.  If you would like to make a donation to offset the production costs, you may.  See the display in the sanctuary.  Enjoy the gift of music from Hilton not just on Sundays but every day!

This Sunday, Dec. 5 is the second Sunday of Advent. The advent season provides the opportunity to continue to reflect on the gifts that we are receiving through the birth of Jesus and in so many other ways in our lives and in our world.

There will be carol singing outside on the lawn from 10:15-10:30.  Bring a chair if you can.  

The service will be in the sanctuary with the doors and windows open.

The first Sunday of the month is communion Sunday. The Communion offering will be received. This offering is used to help people in the church and the community with basic needs such as rent and utility assistance, bus passes, prescriptions, etc. There has been a heavy need for these funds. Please consider how you can help the community through this offering

Advent and Christmas at LUCC

The theme for the season will be Receive the Gift.  It is a continuation of the celebration of gratitude that has been part of the stewardship season and the Thanksgiving holiday.  Even with covid, there is so much to be thankful for!
On Sundays in December, those who enjoy singing Christmas music are invited to come to church at 10:15 .am. and sing sitting outside on the lawn before the service begins.  Bring your own chair if you can.  Hilton will play the piano near the open doors and there will be outdoor singing with masks on.  When it is time for the service to begin, everyone will move inside.  There will be no singing in the service.  

Labyrinth walks will continue on Wednesday mornings at 9:00.  It’s a beautiful season to deepen your spiritual reflection and the labyrinth is a wonderful way to do that.

Anti-racism demonstrations will also continue on Sunday afternoons from 4:30-5:00 in Advent.  This is an opportunity to express the gift of love for all that we celebrate at Christmas.  It’s also a time to remember that the baby Jesus was a person of color.  

Book Talk will be held via Zoom on Thursday, Dec. 16 from 6:30-7:30.  This is an opportunity to share some of your favorite Christmas stories and books. 

There will be a Winter Solstice gathering around a fire on Tuesday, Dec. 21.  This will be a time to share stories and readings and inspiration around the themes of darkness and light.  Those who would like to may walk the labyrinth.  Sunset is at 5:41 p.m. so that is when the gathering will begin!72389

Christmas Eve will be celebrated with an outdoor service at 7:00 p.m. on the church lawn.   Music of the season will begin at 6:30. Please bring your own chair if you can.  The offering on Christmas Eve will be used to support the Creation Justice ministries of the church.

This year, the congregation is invited to donate poinsettias to beautify the sanctuary for Advent and Christmas Eve.  The plants will be taken by the Care Team to those in the congregation who are not able to attend church.  There are order forms available at church.  The cost of the plants is $10 each. The deadline for orders is Sunday, December 12. 

Church School There will be Church School for elementary age children each Sunday on the themes of Advent

Sundays

Look for the bulletin posted on the church website on Friday: https://lakewooducc.org/category/bulletins/

Watch the service on Facebook Live Sundays at 10:30. https://www.facebook.com/LakewoodUCC

Or on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/LakewoodUCC/videos

Instructions for how to access Facebook Live: For additional assistance, please contact the church office.

Here are some instructions to watch our Sunday services live through Facebook:

Use the following link to visit our homepage: https://www.facebook.com/LakewoodUCC/

On Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. please use the link above to visit our homepage. There, after using the link, you will see a section labeled “Happening Now”. This is our Livestream of the Sunday Service.

To watch the live stream, locate and click the “watch video” button in the lower right corner of the screen.

If the link above is not working, there is also a link to our Facebook page on our website. Please try that link located on the Home page of our website.

PLEASE NOTE:  

With the cooler temperatures, we will resume opening the doors and windows for morning worship as we continue efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Sunday services are being held at 10:30 a.m. Masks are required. There is physical distancing. Childcare is provided.

You can also join in on Facebook Live at 10:30. Please see the instructions below. 

New Century Hymnals Available

LUCC has been given 60 used New Century Hymnals from a church that no longer needs them.  If you would like a hymnal for home use, you are welcome to have one.   They are available at church on the book shelf in the main hallway.  Please help yourself! 

Birthday Blessings

The congregation recently had the wonderful opportunity to share birthday blessings with Katharine Meacham Conover who turned 100 and with Jane Diven who turned 90.  What a gift to be inspired by these amazing women!

Christmas Eve Readers

Readers are needed for the outdoor Christmas Eve service.  If you would be willing to do a reading, please speak with Rev. Wells.  This is a beautiful way to share the spirit of Christmas with your LUCC family. 

Celebrating Our Gifts Stewardship 2022

Thank you to all who have participated generously by returning your commitments of giving to assure the financial future of Lakewood UCC!  As of this week, the total pledged is $52,500.  We’ll begin the work of setting a budget for 2022 very soon.  If you have not yet let us know how you can help financially support the work of our church, or if you would like to increase your giving, we invite you to contact us.  You may send a note or an email to the office to the attention of the Finance Committee, or directly contact Lucille Ruga.

Harvest Forms

To see the Harvest results, please check out this post:

https://lakewooducc.org/2021/11/11/harvest-form-2021/

Anti-Death Penalty Action

A bill has recently been filed in the Florida Senate that will prohibit the imposition of a sentence of death upon a defendant convicted of a capital felony if the defendant had a serious mental illness at the time the criminal offense was committed.  If you wish to show your support of SB 770, there’s a petition at the website of the Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty at  https://www.fadp.org/

You may also wish to send a thank-you note to the bill’s sponsor, Senator Jeff Brandes,at brandes.jeff.web@flsenate.gov

Advisors Needed for 2022

Each year 3-5 wonderful people meet monthly to support the life and ministry of the church especially attending to matters involving finance, administration, personnel, and property. This past year, the church was ably served by Patti Cooksey, Lucille Ruga, Jane Diven, and Malcolm Wells. Some new advisors are needed for 2022. Is this something you might like to be involved in? Or can you think of someone in the church that you would like to see serve in this role? There are forms to fill out at church or speak to one of the current advisors or to Rev. Wells. This is a wonderful way to deepen your ties with the church and to make a difference!

Anti Racism Demonstrations

The church will resume its witness against racism with weekly demonstrations along the sidewalk of 54th Ave. S. Make your own sign or use one of the signs at the church.
Demonstrations will be held Sundays from 4:30-5. In case of rain, the demonstration will not be held that week.

Know justice, know peace! This is an important way to inspire hope in the community and to work to create an anti-racist society.

Guided Labyrinth Walks

The guided walk is held weekly on Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m. This provides an opportunity to be aware and deepen your spiritual journey. If it is raining, the walk is held on Thursday at 9:00 a.m.

Also, the readings and prayers used on Wednesdays at the guided walk are put in the mailbox by the labyrinth each week for use during the week.

The labyrinth is on the church grounds near the southwest corner of the church property. It is available for use at all times.

Being Covid Safe and In-Person Worship

Please stay home if you are not feeling well.

Please wear a mask while in the church building.  While most people have been vaccinated, this helps visitors to feel safe.  

Additional masks will be available at church to use as needed.

Two hand sanitizing stations are available for use by worshippers.

There is well-ventilated, physically distanced indoor seating in the sanctuary.

Please know that your safety is of primary consideration! 

Safe childcare is provided.

Operation Attack Update

OA needs donations of cereal/oatmeal, mac and cheese, pasta sauce, peanut butter, canned meat, fruit, soup, and vegetables. Donations may be placed on the shelf in the hallway at church.

USEFUL LAKEWOOD LINKS:

For the above church website links, please note the “Older Posts” button near the bottom of each page.

You can stream Hilton’s music and videos for free at hiltonkeanjones.com/look-listen/ as well as purchase his CDs and digital albums there.

December Birthdays: Becky Palmer 12/16, Amaiya Washington 12/18, George Diven 12/27, Melanie Moore 12/27, Someone missing? Contact the church office with birthday information.

Circle of Concern: 

Carol Shores

Deanna Moore

Dave Radens

William Owen-Cowan

Jen Degroot

Carolyn Moore

Ann Quinn is now under Hospice care

Maggie Brizendine

Janet Hall

All those suffering from COVID-19 and all healthcare workers

Schools: Students, families, teachers, and staff

Church Office Hours:  Tuesday 9:30-noon Thursday-Friday 9:30-noon. 

Recent Posts:

Weekly Update: If you are involved with an activity or event that you would like to share with the LUCC family, please send the information to the Church Office by Tuesday since the Update usually is sent out on Wednesday.

On land originally inhabited by the Tocabaga