Category: Announcements

Weekly Update 6/24

WHAT IS GOING ON AT CHURCH –

Summer Sundays

The theme for the Corona Sabbath posts this summer is ‘GROUNDED.’ Yes, with the COVID-19 pandemic continuing, many are not taking expected summer trips and vacations.  Feeling grounded.  And with the demonstrations going on, many do not feel safe to venture out because of the pandemic and feel grounded.  And with a global pandemic, a global recession, and global demonstrations against racism, it is a time to lean on our faith to help us feel grounded.  Each week’s presentation will explore a different dimension of our faith which helps us to feel grounded in these uncertain times.  When we are grounded, we can grow and flourish and bear fruit!  So, look for the Corona Sabbath post each week to help you be grounded!

Corona Sabbath

Each Sunday will have a different theme.  In addition to the material from Hilton and Kim, we hope to include contributions from the congregation each week.  You are invited to send a picture, a poem, a quotation from a book or article, an image, a work of art, a song, a video of you doing something or reading something, anything you would like, that you feel relates to the theme.  Hilton and Kim will try to incorporate the contributions into the Corona Sabbath Devotional on the related theme.

The themes coming up are:

Hope for the Future

Forgiveness

Compassion/Justice

Service/Generosity

Transformation

Trust

Gratitude

Comfort

Peace

Healing

Wonder/Awe

Please email contributions on any of these topics to the church at lakewooducc@gmail.com. Or use the “regular” mail. 

Is there something you would like to share but are not sure where it fits?  No worries.  Send it in and it will get used where appropriate. 

Many thanks!

This Sunday

The church will be open from 10:30 to 11:30.  The peace candle will be lit.  It will be a time of prayer and reflection as a witness that the church is still open and ministry continues even though we are not able to gather in person for worship.  

Look for a Corona Sabbath post on Friday.  Check for it at the website – lakewooducc.org
Also, please subscribe to the website so that you receive regular updates about church life. 

Hymnals for All

While we might not be able to recite many scripture verses, we can probably sing the words to many hymns.  Singing is one of the things people miss most about not having in-person church services at this time.  Hymns are a source of inspiration.  We have associations with certain hymns.  The tunes and the words help us to feel grounded.

Music Director, Hilton Jones, would like to use more hymns in the devotional posts provided by the church.  If you have a hymnal and sing along, there are no copyright issues and problems. 

To that end, please know that the church hymnals are available to be checked out like a library book but with no due date and no fines!

You may pick one up at church on Sunday mornings (10-12) or Wednesday mornings (9-12) or Sunday evenings (7:30-8:00).  There is a clip board to sign your name indicating that you have taken a book. 

If you would like a hymnal delivered to you, please contact the church office and we will try to do that. 

When we can worship in person again, the hymnals will need to be returned. 

‘God respects me when I work; but God loves me when I sing.”  Rabindranath Tagore 

Are You Counted?

With all of the upheaval in society, it might be easy to forget about the census.  But responding to the census is a way to respond to all that is going on around us.  The census is very important to the allocation of resources in our society.  And it effects our representation in government.  If you have not already done so, complete the census!  

https://2020census.gov/en.html

Sunday Evening Demonstration for Racial Justice

Last week there were 14 people participating in the demonstration for racial justice along 54th Ave. S. in front of the church from 7:30-8:00 p.m.  In addition to folks from LUCC, there were people from the Social Justice Committee at Westminster Suncoast, and a friend of a church member.  There were many expressions of support and a few expressions of opposition from passing cars.

This public witness will continue in coming weeks.  Everyone is welcome.  Bring a sign or use one of the signs provided.  The intent is to send a positive message about racial justice.  No political or partisan signs, please.

Here are pictures from last week’s witness:  https://lakewooducc.org/2020/06/23/sunday-evening-demonstration-for-racial-justice/

Father’s Day Zoom

Many thanks to those who participated in the Father’s Day Zoom last Sunday.  In addition to many stories about fathers shared by those present, there was a creative reading of “The Good Woman” from Proverbs 31:10-31 re-oriented to apply to a man/father/husband.  Rick Carr shared a music video featuring a song that he wrote and pictures of his father that he prepared for his father’s memorial service in 2011.  The new board book for children by Ibram X. Kendi, Antiracist Baby, was read as part of the Zoom.  It was a very meaningful time together.  Many thanks to all!

There will be another all church Zoom gathering on the evening of Friday July 24.  This will be a Christmas Eve in July celebration complete with Christmas carols.  And maybe even Christmas cookies!

There will also be an all church Zoom gathering  on Sunday morning August 9 at 10:30.  The theme is Back to School.  It is the Sunday before school starts and it will be a celebration of learning and a time to share memories of teachers who have made a difference in our lives.  

Feedback Forms

Many thanks to those who submitted feedback forms to the church.  The advisors met last Sunday and reviewed the forms and made plans according to the suggestions and recommendations of the those who responded.  The information provided was extremely helpful.  Again, many thanks!  Please know that ideas and responses and feedback from the congregation and beyond are ALWAYS welcome!  Please contact Pastor Kim Wells or one of the advisors:  Lucille Ruga, Jane Diven, Malcolm Wells, Olivia Gibson, or Patti Cooksey.  

Labyrinth Has Been Refurbished

In recent weeks, the labyrinth has been restored and refurbished with some trimming, raking, and new hay.  Please know that this spiritual path is open for your use any time. 

There is a guided walk on Wednesday mornings at 9:00.  This involves scripture, reflection, and sharing for those who would like to.  This devotional gathering is outside and physical distancing is maintained.   All are welcome!  

https://lakewooducc.org/2020/06/23/labyrinth-has-been-refurbished/

Installation in Covid Time

A colleagues in the Florida Conference UCC was installed last Sunday afternoon on Zoom.  Since there couldn’t be a processional, clergy were asked to send a picture, robed and in red stoles, the color of the Holy Spirit, designated for an installation.  Here is the picture sent by Rev. Kim Wells:

the picture will be in the email and website post.

Creation Justice Task Force Update: Permaculture Report 

On Sunday, June 7 at 11:30am in the Fellowship Hall, the Permaculture Design Team students, Scott and Sarah, presented their ideas for transforming our church property into an inviting and sustainable natural environment for our community and beyond. The Creation Justice Task Force met with them multiple times over the past few months and were ready to see how our dreams and desires for an environmentally friendly, attractive, and useful transformation of our natural environment might translate into a reality. We were thrilled with their slide show and well researched presentation of possibilities divided in three phases for implementation over the next few years.
The Creation Justice Task Force is planning for the Permaculture Design Team to share this slide show and information with more of you in the near future in either a zoom or in person meeting. Stay tuned for further information!

Spiritual Direction Offered by LUCC Clergy Member.

In these troubled times, it is important to find ways to tend to our spiritual lives. In the Christian tradition, Spiritual Direction is one of the ways of paying attention to the spirit in our lives. A Spiritual Director is someone to talk with about what is going on in our spiritual life and in our relationship with God however we may conceive of God.

Rev. Sally Purvis, Ph.D., a member of LUCC, is a retired clergy person with training and experience in Spiritual Direction. She is offering her services as a Spiritual Director to the community. The sessions would be held on Zoom and there is no fee to be paid. Church leaders are pleased to have the ministry of the church expand in this way.

Spiritual Direction with Sally is open to anyone, not just the congregation. And it is offered to everyone whatever their spiritual or religious background or affiliation or lack thereof. Sessions are generally held once every three weeks. Spiritual Direction is not a mode of therapy. It is a process for understanding and deepening your relationship with God/Spirit in ways are authentic and life-giving.

Sally was trained by Henri Nouwen, a noted spiritual guide of the 20th century, and did Spiritual Direction as part of her professional ministry before retiring in 2015.

If you would like to explore Spiritual Direction with Sally, please contact her at
sallybpurvis@icloud.com or contact the church (867-7961 or lakewooducc@gmail.com ).

The church is very grateful to Sally for offering this avenue of support to the congregation and the community.

DayStar Donations 

Grocery donations given to the church were donated to DayStar Life Center this week.  Daystar is taking grocery donations as well as adult clothing on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. To drop off donations, drive around to the back of the building to the open bay area. 

DayStar Life Center
1055 28th St. S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712

We encourage you to take your donations to them rather than leave them at the church.  However, if you are unable or don’t feel comfortable going to DayStar, please do leave donations at the church and we will deliver them once a month to DayStar.  Thank you.

QUICK LINKS TO OUR RECENT POSTS DURING THE CORONA CRISIS:
Sermon videos: https://lakewooducc.org/category/online-devotional/
Sermon texts: https://lakewooducc.org/category/posts/sermon-texts/
Posts containing music: https://lakewooducc.org/category/posts/music/

For all those links, please note the “Older Posts” button near bottom of page.

FOR JUST THE MUSIC: https://soundcloud.com/hilton-kean-jones/sets/music-at-lakewood 

Daily Corona Prayer

https://lakewooducc.org/2020/03/20/lucc-corona-daily-prayer

Assistance Available

If you need help of any kind – something from the store, someone to talk with, support managing during shelter-in-place, parenting concerns – please know that the church is ready and willing to help in any way needed.  This situation is trying for everyone.  You are not alone.  We’ll make it through together.  Please contact the church office (lakewooducc@gmail.com or 867-7961 or Rev. Kim Wells at wells.kim.p@gmail.com).  

Miss someone from church?  Give them a call or send a note.  Personal contact is so important when physical contact is limited.  

Music Ministry

About Hilton’s music. . . If you would enjoy hearing Hilton play more Irish folk songs, you can
listen for free at either https://hiltonjones.bandcamp.com/album/irish-
tunes or https://soundcloud.com/hilton-kean-jones/sets/irish-tunes .

June Birthdays: Genie Terrell 6/10, Tony Rogers 6/21. Someone missing? Contact the church office with birthday information.

Circle of Concern: JoAnn Reid, William Owen, Wilbur Reid, Martha Lamar, Jen Degroot, Carolyn Moore, Ann Quinn, Maggie Brizendine, and All healthcare workers and essential workers. All those suffering from COVID-19.

Please keep Yvonne Riesen and family in your prayers.  Yvonne is in the process of moving to the Memory Care unit at Westminster Suncoast.

Vita Uth is having surgery on Wednesday.  Please keep her in your prayers.

 Please Keep Ann Rogers in your prayers as she has been in the hospital and has now been moved to rehab. 

Please keep LUCC member, Olivia Gibson, in your prayers. She is a nurse in a COVID-19 unit in a local hospital. We are grateful for her ministry!

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.

Weekly Update 6/18

WHAT IS GOING ON AT CHURCH –

Summer Sundays

The theme for the Corona Sabbath posts this summer will be ‘GROUNDED.’ Yes, with the COVID-19 pandemic continuing, many are not taking expected summer trips and vacations.  Feeling grounded.  And with the demonstrations going on, many do not feel safe to venture out because of the pandemic and feel grounded.  And with a global pandemic, a global recession, and global demonstrations against racism, it is a time to lean on our faith to help us feel grounded.  Each week’s presentation will explore a different dimension of our faith which helps us to feel grounded in these uncertain times.  When we are grounded, we can grow and flourish and bear fruit!  So, look for the Corona Sabbath post each week to help you be grounded!

This Sunday

The church will be open from 10:30 to 11:30.  The peace candle will be lit.    

There will be a Zoom at 10:30 to share stories of fathers, grandfathers, and those who have been father-figures in our lives. There will be a time to remember those who grow up without fathers who are not present because of racism. You’ll get the link later in the week. This will be a beautiful opportunity to see one another and to share together!  

Look for the Corona Sabbath post on Friday.  It will include the special Father’s Day music video that includes pictures submitted by the church family.

 Check for it at the website – lakewooducc.org
Also, please subscribe to the website so that you receive regular updates about church life. 

Advisors Meeting Ahead

The advisors will meet on Sunday to discuss all of the comments contributed on the Feedback Forms. LUCC is very much committed to being non-hierarchical. The congregation shapes the ministry of the church so your involvement is important! Many thanks to all who offered their ideas and suggestions!  

A Farewell from Bill and Kay

Dear Church family, Bill and I are about to leave for our summer sojourn in Tucson – where the heat is high and the humidity is low.  We shall miss you all and are more than a little hopeful that you all will be well and safe during the summer.  We will join our Rincon UCC church family for some very interesting discussions – which we know you will be having here also! Take care…..gra agus slan agus beannachts…….Kay Rencken and Bill Parsons  

Witness for Racial Justice to Continue

Knowing that achieving racial justice in our society will take a long time, those who have been coming to the witness on behalf of George Floyd at the church for the last week want to continue calling attention to this issue.   Beginning on Sunday, June 14, people from the church are invited to gather, with masks and signs, in front of the church along 54th Ave. S. from 7:30 – 8 p.m.  Please bring signs with a positive message.  No overtly political messages, please.  This witness will continue weekly on Sunday evenings.  All are welcome!

Here’s a post from last Sunday’s witness:  https://lakewooducc.org/2020/06/17/demonstration-in-support-of-racial-justice/

Masks to be distributed in St. Petersburg

As of Friday masks will be mandatory in public places in St. Petersburg. If you’re a St. Petersburg resident, Restart St. Pete has cloth masks for you. The locations below have them during their regular business hours

To see more information please use the link below:
https://lakewooducc.org/2020/06/10/masks-to-be-distributed-in-st-petersburg/

Building Usage

The Thursday night AA group is meeting in person and using the Fellowship Hall. The church has agreed to host a Monday night AA group but given the spike in Corona virus cases, they are going to postpone meeting in person until some time in the future when they feel the conditions are safer.

The Christian Generation Center of Hope, a congregation that rents the sanctuary on Sunday afternoons will also wait to resume their services.

The adult day care is continuing to pursue building adaptations to accommodate their program. When that is complete, the program will open in the Fellowship Hall.

Racism. 

What can we do? Here is one small idea that may help you take a step forward.  Talk with someone you know whose skin is of a different hue than yours and bring up what is going on.  Start a conversation.  Listen. Share with honesty.   See what opens up.  And what might come next.  

At a recent rally, white allies were asked to talk with a Black man and ask him about his first encounter with the police.  It’s a place to start.    

As followers of Jesus, we follow his lead and are committed to creating an anti-racist society.

UCC’s  next webinar is entitled “Protest during a Pandemic.” Instead of becoming suppressed by the pandemic, the spirit of justice has arisen with fierce determination and become embodied in countless ways. This webinar will reflect upon how protest has manifested itself during this time and the lessons that can be learned for communities of faith dedicated to answering the unrelenting call of justice. Our three featured panelists will be:  

From Atlanta to Minneapolis, these three panelists will share lessons from the struggle for justice:
• Sophia Benrud, the environmental justice organizer for Black Visions Collective, which has been a leading force for justice in Minneapolis
• Lindsay Harper, the national coordinator for Arm-in-Arm which centers economic and racial justice in addressing the climate crisis
• Austin Choi-Fitzpatrick, a researcher identifying the numerous ways nonviolent actions have become manifest during the pandemic


Use the link below to register for the webinar: REGISTER

WHEN: June 24, 2020 at 1pm – 2pm

https://www.ucc.org/protest_during_a_pandemic

Labyrinth Walk Open to All

For some, the weekly labyrinth walk has provided needed grounding and spiritual support.  There is a theme for each week.  The gathering includes readings, scripture, prayer, reflection, and group sharing.  And, yes, there is the walking of the labyrinth.  If you would like to see an outline of what goes on, there are copies in the mailbox near the labyrinth or contact the church office and it can be emailed to you.  

You are welcome to participate on Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m.  This gathering is outside and physical distancing is maintained.  Bring a lawn chair if you have one.  

LUCC CREATION JUSTICE TASK FORCE update

 See premier of new film 2040 online to be inspired about the real possibility for change in our climate and environment.

Award-winning director Damon Gameau (That Sugar Film) embarks on a journey to explore what the future could look like by the year 2040 if we simply embraced the best solutions already available to us to improve our planet and shifted them rapidly into the mainstream.

Structured as a visual letter to his 4-year-old daughter, Damon blends traditional documentary with dramatised sequences and high-end visual effects to create a vision board of how these solutions could regenerate the world for future generations.

Go to link https://togetherfilms.org/2040-screenings 
to book a virtual screening on your own computer. First available screening is this Friday, June 5th, World Environment Day but other screenings are available over the weekend. Cost is $12 and you have options of when to book streaming of film.

Creation Justice Task Force Update: Permaculture Report 

On Sunday, June 7 at 11:30am in the Fellowship Hall, the Permaculture Design Team students, Scott and Sarah, presented their ideas for transforming our church property into an inviting and sustainable natural environment for our community and beyond. The Creation Justice Task Force met with them multiple times over the past few months and were ready to see how our dreams and desires for an environmentally friendly, attractive, and useful transformation of our natural environment might translate into a reality. We were thrilled with their slide show and well researched presentation of possibilities divided in three phases for implementation over the next few years.
The Creation Justice Task Force is planning for the Permaculture Design Team to share this slide show and information with more of you in the near future in either a zoom or in person meeting. Stay tuned for further information!

Spiritual Direction Offered by LUCC Clergy Member.

In these troubled times, it is important to find ways to tend to our spiritual lives. In the Christian tradition, Spiritual Direction is one of the ways of paying attention to the spirit in our lives. A Spiritual Director is someone to talk with about what is going on in our spiritual life and in our relationship with God however we may conceive of God.

Rev. Sally Purvis, Ph.D., a member of LUCC, is a retired clergy person with training and experience in Spiritual Direction. She is offering her services as a Spiritual Director to the community. The sessions would be held on Zoom and there is no fee to be paid. Church leaders are pleased to have the ministry of the church expand in this way.

Spiritual Direction with Sally is open to anyone, not just the congregation. And it is offered to everyone whatever their spiritual or religious background or affiliation or lack thereof. Sessions are generally held once every three weeks. Spiritual Direction is not a mode of therapy. It is a process for understanding and deepening your relationship with God/Spirit in ways are authentic and life-giving.

Sally was trained by Henri Nouwen, a noted spiritual guide of the 20th century, and did Spiritual Direction as part of her professional ministry before retiring in 2015.

If you would like to explore Spiritual Direction with Sally, please contact her at
sallybpurvis@icloud.com or contact the church (867-7961 or lakewooducc@gmail.com ).

The church is very grateful to Sally for offering this avenue of support to the congregation and the community.

DayStar Donations 

Grocery donations given to the church were donated to DayStar Life Center this week.  Daystar is taking grocery donations as well as adult clothing on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. To drop off donations, drive around to the back of the building to the open bay area. 

DayStar Life Center
1055 28th St. S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712

We encourage you to take your donations to them rather than leave them at the church.  However, if you are unable or don’t feel comfortable going to DayStar, please do leave donations at the church and we will deliver them once a month to DayStar.  Thank you.

QUICK LINKS TO OUR RECENT POSTS DURING THE CORONA CRISIS:
Sermon videos: https://lakewooducc.org/category/online-devotional/
Sermon texts: https://lakewooducc.org/category/posts/sermon-texts/
Posts containing music: https://lakewooducc.org/category/posts/music/

For all those links, please note the “Older Posts” button near bottom of page.

FOR JUST THE MUSIC: https://soundcloud.com/hilton-kean-jones/sets/music-at-lakewood 

Daily Corona Prayer

https://lakewooducc.org/2020/03/20/lucc-corona-daily-prayer

Assistance Available

If you need help of any kind – something from the store, someone to talk with, support managing during shelter-in-place, parenting concerns – please know that the church is ready and willing to help in any way needed.  This situation is trying for everyone.  You are not alone.  We’ll make it through together.  Please contact the church office (lakewooducc@gmail.com or 867-7961 or Rev. Kim Wells at wells.kim.p@gmail.com).  

Miss someone from church?  Give them a call or send a note.  Personal contact is so important when physical contact is limited.  

Music Ministry

About Hilton’s music. . . If you would enjoy hearing Hilton play more Irish folk songs, you can
listen for free at either https://hiltonjones.bandcamp.com/album/irish-
tunes or https://soundcloud.com/hilton-kean-jones/sets/irish-tunes .

June Birthdays: Genie Terrell 6/10, Tony Rogers 6/21, and Shirley Locke 6/30. Someone missing? Contact the church office with birthday information.

Circle of Concern: JoAnn Reid, William Owen, Wilbur Reid, Martha Lamar, Jen Degroot, Carolyn Moore, Ann Quinn, Maggie Brizendine, and All healthcare workers and essential workers. All those suffering from COVID-19.

Please Keep Ann Rogers in your prayers as she has been in the hospital and has now been moved to rehab. Also remember Irma Smith in your prayers.  She was in the hospital for 5 days.  

Please keep LUCC member, Olivia Gibson, in your prayers. She is a nurse in a COVID-19 unit in a local hospital. We are grateful for her ministry!

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.

Weekly Update 6/10

WHAT IS GOING ON AT CHURCH –

Summer Sundays

The theme for the Corona Sabbath posts this summer will be ‘GROUNDED.’ Yes, with the COVID-19 pandemic continuing, many are not taking expected summer trips and vacations.  Feeling grounded.  And with the demonstrations going on, many do not feel safe to venture out because of the pandemic and feel grounded.  And with a global pandemic, a global recession, and global demonstrations against racism, it is a time to lean on our faith to help us feel grounded.  Each week’s presentation will explore a different dimension of our faith which helps us to feel grounded in these uncertain times.  When we are grounded, we can grow and flourish and bear fruit!  So, look for the Corona Sabbath post each week to help you be grounded!

This Sunday

The church will be open from 10:30 to 11:30.  The peace candle will be lit.  It will be a time of prayer and reflection as a witness that the church is still open and ministry continues even though we are not able to gather in person for worship.  

Look for a Corona Sabbath post on Friday.  Check for it at the website – lakewooducc.org
Also, please subscribe to the website so that you receive regular updates about church life. 

Father’s Day:  Pictures RequestedFather’s Day is June 21.  Hilton would like to do a music video with pictures of fathers, grandfathers, and such submitted by the LUCC church family.  Please email your pictures to hilton.kean.jones@gmail.comThe pictures are needed bySunday, June 14.

A Farewell from Bill and Kay

Dear Church family, Bill and I are about to leave for our summer sojourn in Tucson – where the heat is high and the humidity is low.  We shall miss you all and are more than a little hopeful that you all will be well and safe during the summer.  We will join our Rincon UCC church family for some very interesting discussions – which we know you will be having here also! Take care…..gra agus slan agus beannachts…….Kay Rencken and Bill Parsons  

YOUR VOICE IS NEEDED:  Church Family Feedback

In thinking about how the ministry of the church will adapt and change in light of new circumstances, your perspective is needed. The church has sent out a feedback form.  This information will be helpful as the church looks to the future.  Your thoughts are important to the process. Please return the form by June 15.  If you did not receive a form with the cover letter, you can find it on the church website:  https://lakewooducc.org/2020/06/03/church-family-feedback-requested/

  So far, the church has had 6 forms returned.  Please take a few moments to fill out the form and return it.  The advisors will be VERY grateful!   

Pentecost Zoom On Sunday May 31

There was a wonderful faith community gathering on Zoom last Sunday in honor of Pentecost, the birthday of the church.  Participants met in small groups to talk about their church experiences.  And then the whole group generated a list of 50 things they love about LUCC.  Check out the post!  https://lakewooducc.org/2020/06/08/50-things-to-love-about-lakewood-united-church-of-christ/ 

George Floyd Solidarity Nightly at LUCC

It has been wonderful to have people with a candle/flashlight/cellphone at church each night, along 54th Ave. S. on the sidewalk, 6 feet apart, with masks on, from Tuesday June 2 – Tuesday June 9.  The request was to take the knee at 8:00 p.m. for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. Many thanks to all who have participated:  Patti Cooksey, Bob Bell, Emily Bell, Sue Sherwood, Danielle Hintz, Kay Rencken, Bill Parsons, Earl Waters, Ron Spivack, Kim Wells, Malcolm Wells, Claire Stiles, Ruth Pettis, Victoria Long, and Gary Long.  There are posts from each day.  Much support was expressed by passing cars!  May LUCC’s witness continue in support of an anti-racist society. 

Witness for Racial Justice to Continue

Knowing that achieving racial justice in our society will take a long time, those who have been coming to the witness on behalf of George Floyd at the church for the last week want to continue calling attention to this issue.   Beginning on Sunday, June 14, people from the church are invited to gather, with masks and signs, in front of the church along 54th Ave. S. from 7:30 – 8 p.m.  Please bring signs with a positive message.  No overtly political messages, please.  This witness will continue weekly on Sunday evenings.  All are welcome!

Masks to be distributed in St. Petersburg

If you’re a St. Petersburg resident, Restart St. Pete has cloth masks for you. The locations below have them during their regular business hours

To see more information please use the link below:
https://lakewooducc.org/2020/06/10/masks-to-be-distributed-in-st-petersburg/

 Adult Day Care Coming Soon

After a year of fits and starts, including the interference caused by the pandemic, the church and the Neighborly Care Network have signed a lease.  The next steps include some adaptations to the Fellowship Hall building including the construction of 3 accessible restrooms.  Once the building is ready the program will begin offering day care to seniors in the community.  Many thanks to church leaders for their work on this important ministry and to Advisor Patti Cooksey for signing the lease!

Racism. 

What can we do? Here is one small idea that may help you take a step forward.  Talk with someone you know whose skin is of a different hue than yours and bring up what is going on.  Start a conversation.  Listen. Share with honesty.   See what opens up.  And what might come next.  

As followers of Jesus, we follow his lead and are committed to creating an anti-racist society.

UCC’s  next webinar is entitled “Protest during a Pandemic.” Instead of becoming suppressed by the pandemic, the spirit of justice has arisen with fierce determination and become embodied in countless ways. This webinar will reflect upon how protest has manifested itself during this time and the lessons that can be learned for communities of faith dedicated to answering the unrelenting call of justice. Our three featured panelists will be:  

From Atlanta to Minneapolis, these three panelists will share lessons from the struggle for justice:
• Sophia Benrud, the environmental justice organizer for Black Visions Collective, which has been a leading force for justice in Minneapolis
• Lindsay Harper, the national coordinator for Arm-in-Arm which centers economic and racial justice in addressing the climate crisis
• Austin Choi-Fitzpatrick, a researcher identifying the numerous ways nonviolent actions have become manifest during the pandemic


Use the link below to register for the webinar: REGISTER

WHEN: June 24, 2020 at 1pm – 2pm

https://www.ucc.org/protest_during_a_pandemic

Labyrinth Walk Open to All

For some, the weekly labyrinth walk has provided needed grounding and spiritual support.  There is a theme for each week.  The gathering includes readings, scripture, prayer, reflection, and group sharing.  And, yes, there is the walking of the labyrinth.  If you would like to see an outline of what goes on, there are copies in the mailbox near the labyrinth or contact the church office and it can be emailed to you.  

You are welcome to participate on Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m.  This gathering is outside and physical distancing is maintained.  Bring a lawn chair if you have one.  

LUCC CREATION JUSTICE TASK FORCE update

Free online Viewing of the Film The Human Element, previously only available on Earth Day,  followed by a webinar with renowned filmmaker James Balog is now available for all of you to watch!

View the film at your leisure between June 8 and June 17. Then join Interfaith Power and Light for a 45-minute webinar with filmmaker James Balog on June 17, 8pm Eastern/7pm Central/6pm Mountain/5pm Pacific.

Click here to view a preview, sign up to view the film, AND register separately for the webinar.

You can also Download a free screening guide at the same link with faith-based discussion questions, promotional images, sample newsletter article, and more.  If enough interest among all the LUCC family develops, we can schedule a Zoom discussion of this film. In this riveting and visually rich drama, blending art and science, we follow environmental photographer James Balog of Chasing Ice fame as he explores the impact of wildfires, hurricanes, sea level rise, a struggling coal mining community, and our changing air.  With rare compassion and heart, The Human Element highlights Americans who are on the front lines of climate change, inspiring us to re-evaluate our relationship with the natural world.  See premier of new film 2040 online to be inspired about the real possibility for change in our climate and environment.

Award-winning director Damon Gameau (That Sugar Film) embarks on a journey to explore what the future could look like by the year 2040 if we simply embraced the best solutions already available to us to improve our planet and shifted them rapidly into the mainstream.

Structured as a visual letter to his 4-year-old daughter, Damon blends traditional documentary with dramatised sequences and high-end visual effects to create a vision board of how these solutions could regenerate the world for future generations.

Go to link https://togetherfilms.org/2040-screenings 
to book a virtual screening on your own computer. First available screening is this Friday, June 5th, World Environment Day but other screenings are available over the weekend. Cost is $12 and you have options of when to book streaming of film.

Creation Justice Task Force Update: Permaculture Report 

On Sunday, June 7 at 11:30am in the Fellowship Hall, the Permaculture Design Team students, Scott and Sarah, presented their ideas for transforming our church property into an inviting and sustainable natural environment for our community and beyond. The Creation Justice Task Force met with them multiple times over the past few months and were ready to see how our dreams and desires for an environmentally friendly, attractive, and useful transformation of our natural environment might translate into a reality. We were thrilled with their slide show and well researched presentation of possibilities divided in three phases for implementation over the next few years.
The Creation Justice Task Force is planning for the Permaculture Design Team to share this slide show and information with more of you in the near future in either a zoom or in person meeting. Stay tuned for further information!

Advisors At Work

The advisors met last Sunday.  On the agenda were several finance matters including insurance coverage and follow up on stimulus money from the federal government.  Many thanks to the advisors for their steady leadership in these uncertain times!

Spiritual Direction Offered by LUCC Clergy Member.

In these troubled times, it is important to find ways to tend to our spiritual lives. In the Christian tradition, Spiritual Direction is one of the ways of paying attention to the spirit in our lives. A Spiritual Director is someone to talk with about what is going on in our spiritual life and in our relationship with God however we may conceive of God.

Rev. Sally Purvis, Ph.D., a member of LUCC, is a retired clergy person with training and experience in Spiritual Direction. She is offering her services as a Spiritual Director to the community. The sessions would be held on Zoom and there is no fee to be paid. Church leaders are pleased to have the ministry of the church expand in this way.

Spiritual Direction with Sally is open to anyone, not just the congregation. And it is offered to everyone whatever their spiritual or religious background or affiliation or lack thereof. Sessions are generally held once every three weeks. Spiritual Direction is not a mode of therapy. It is a process for understanding and deepening your relationship with God/Spirit in ways are authentic and life-giving.

Sally was trained by Henri Nouwen, a noted spiritual guide of the 20th century, and did Spiritual Direction as part of her professional ministry before retiring in 2015.

If you would like to explore Spiritual Direction with Sally, please contact her at
sallybpurvis@icloud.com or contact the church (867-7961 or lakewooducc@gmail.com ).

The church is very grateful to Sally for offering this avenue of support to the congregation and the community.

DayStar Donations 

Grocery donations given to the church were donated to DayStar Life Center this week.  Daystar is taking grocery donations as well as adult clothing on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. To drop off donations, drive around to the back of the building to the open bay area. 

DayStar Life Center
1055 28th St. S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712

We encourage you to take your donations to them rather than leave them at the church.  However, if you are unable or don’t feel comfortable going to DayStar, please do leave donations at the church and we will deliver them once a month to DayStar.  Thank you.

QUICK LINKS TO OUR RECENT POSTS DURING THE CORONA CRISIS:
Sermon videos: https://lakewooducc.org/category/online-devotional/
Sermon texts: https://lakewooducc.org/category/posts/sermon-texts/
Posts containing music: https://lakewooducc.org/category/posts/music/

For all those links, please note the “Older Posts” button near bottom of page.

FOR JUST THE MUSIC: https://soundcloud.com/hilton-kean-jones/sets/music-at-lakewood 

Daily Corona Prayer

https://lakewooducc.org/2020/03/20/lucc-corona-daily-prayer

Assistance Available

If you need help of any kind – something from the store, someone to talk with, support managing during shelter-in-place, parenting concerns – please know that the church is ready and willing to help in any way needed.  This situation is trying for everyone.  You are not alone.  We’ll make it through together.  Please contact the church office (lakewooducc@gmail.com or 867-7961 or Rev. Kim Wells at wells.kim.p@gmail.com).  

Miss someone from church?  Give them a call or send a note.  Personal contact is so important when physical contact is limited.  

Music Ministry

About Hilton’s music. . . If you would enjoy hearing Hilton play more Irish folk songs, you can
listen for free at either https://hiltonjones.bandcamp.com/album/irish-
tunes or https://soundcloud.com/hilton-kean-jones/sets/irish-tunes .

June Birthdays: Genie Terrell 6/10, Tony Rogers 6/21, and Shirley Locke 6/30. Someone missing? Contact the church office with birthday information.

Circle of Concern: JoAnn Reid, William Owen, Wilbur Reid, Martha Lamar, Jen Degroot, Carolyn Moore, Ann Quinn, Maggie Brizendine, and All healthcare workers and essential workers. All those suffering from COVID-19.

Please Keep Ann Rogers in your prayers as she has been in the hospital and has now been moved to rehab. 

Please keep LUCC member, Olivia Gibson, in your prayers. She is a nurse in a COVID-19 unit in a local hospital. We are grateful for her ministry!

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.

Weekly Update 6/4

WHAT IS GOING ON AT CHURCH –

This Sunday:The church will be open from 10:30 to 11:30.  The peace candle will be lit.  It will be a time of prayer and reflection as a witness that the church is still open and ministry continues even though we are not able to gather in person for worship.  

Look for a Corona Sabbath post on Friday.  Check for it at the website – lakewooducc.org
Also, please subscribe to the website so that you receive regular updates about church life.

Church Family Feedback

The church has sent out a feed back form.  This information will be helpful as the church looks to the future.  Your thoughts are important to the process. Please return the form by June 15.  If you did not receive a form with the cover letter, you can find it on the church website:  https://lakewooducc.org/2020/06/03/church-family-feedback-requested/

Pentecost Zoom Last Sunday May 31

There was a wonderful faith community gathering on Zoom last Sunday in honor of Pentecost, the birthday of the church.  Participants met in small groups to talk about their church experiences.  And then the whole group generated a list of 50 things they love about LUCC.  That will be posted on the website soon.  Look for it!  

George Floyd Solidarity Nightly at LUCC

In support of this citywide effort, it would be wonderful to have some people with a candle/flashlight/cellphone at church each night, along 54th Ave. S. on the sidewalk, 6 feet apart, with masks on.  The request is to take the knee, with the light/candle on at 8:00 p.m. for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. Many thanks to Patti Cooksey and Sue Sherwood for their witness on the first night, June 2. 

https://lakewooducc.org/2020/06/03/george-floyd-solidarity-nightly-at-lucc-first-evening/

 
Adult Day Care Coming Soon

After a year of fits and starts, including the interference caused by the pandemic, the church and the Neighborly Care Network signed a lease today, June 3, 2020.  The next steps include some adaptations to the Fellowship Hall building including the construction of 3 accessible restrooms.  Once the building is ready the program will begin offering day care to seniors in the community.  Many thanks to church leaders for their work on this important ministry and to Advisor Patti Cooksey for signing the lease!

Racism. 

What can we do?Here is one small idea that may help you take a step forward.  Talk with someone you know whose skin is of a different hue than yours and bring up what is going on.  Start a conversation.  Listen. Share with honesty.   See what opens up.  And what might come next.  

As followers of Jesus, we follow his lead and are committed to creating an anti-racist society.

Labyrinth Walk Open to All

For some, the weekly labyrinth walk has provided needed grounding and spiritual support.  There is a theme for each week.  The gathering includes readings, scripture, prayer, reflection, and group sharing.  And, yes, there is the walking of the labyrinth.  If you would like to see an outline of what goes on, there are copies in the mailbox near the labyrinth or contact the church office and it can be emailed to you.  

You are welcome to participate on Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m.  This gathering is outside and physical distancing is maintained.  Bring a lawn chair if you have one.  

LUCC CREATION JUSTICE TASK FORCE update

Free online Viewing of the Film The Human Element, previously only available on Earth Day,  followed by a webinar with renowned filmmaker James Balog is now available for all of you to watch!

View the film at your leisure between June 8 and June 17. Then join Interfaith Power and Light for a 45-minute webinar with filmmaker James Balog on June 17, 8pm Eastern/7pm Central/6pm Mountain/5pm Pacific.

Click here to view a preview, sign up to view the film, AND register separately for the webinar.

You can also Download a free screening guide at the same link with faith-based discussion questions, promotional images, sample newsletter article, and more.  If enough interest among all the LUCC family develops, we can schedule a Zoom discussion of this film. In this riveting and visually rich drama, blending art and science, we follow environmental photographer James Balog of Chasing Ice fame as he explores the impact of wildfires, hurricanes, sea level rise, a struggling coal mining community, and our changing air.  With rare compassion and heart, The Human Element highlights Americans who are on the front lines of climate change, inspiring us to re-evaluate our relationship with the natural world.  

Mobile care team on the road again

Recently the care team set out on another caravan to bring greetings, joy, and love to LUCC members. This time the team, along with Ed Kaspar, drove their cars to the homes of Olivia and Amaiya where they greeted the families, from the sidewalk, with personalized cheers of celebration and thanksgiving. Amayia was celebrated for completing 8th grade and now preparing to attend Lakewood High School. Olivia was thanked for her tireless work, devotion, and care as a nurse on the Covid unit at a hospital in Tampa. The rain did not dampen the spirits or the personally designed posters (thanks to Ruth!) presented
to both Olivia and Amayia. It was a joyous experience for all, including a few neighbors standing by!

https://lakewooducc.org/2020/05/27/mobile-care-team-on-the-road-again/

Advisors At Work

The advisors met last Sunday. Though the church is not holding Sunday services, there are many things to discuss relating to the life of the church. And there are property issues to address. The advisors are actively discussing the shape of the church’s ministry going forward. There is discussion about when to resume having services of some kind on Sundays – knowing there can be no singing, no touching, people must wear masks, and stay 6 feet apart. There are no plans to resume services in the near future.


There are plans to send out a form requesting feedback and ideas from the congregation. It will be sent out this week. After the forms are returned, the advisors will have a better idea of the inclinations of the congregation. WHEN YOU GET THE FORM, PLEASE FILL IT OUT AND RETURN IT TO THE CHURCH. The advisors really do want to hear from everyone in the church family.


There was also discussion of when to let renters resume meeting and what the health and safety requirements will be for those gatherings.

There are plans to move most of the chairs out of the sanctuary and the Fellowship Hall to prevent large gatherings with people close together.


Going forward, the advisors will be meeting twice a month to address the new realities that are emerging in this time of pandemic. The next meeting will be Sunday, June 7.

Spiritual Direction Offered by LUCC Clergy Member.

In these troubled times, it is important to find ways to tend to our spiritual lives. In the Christian tradition, Spiritual Direction is one of the ways of paying attention to the spirit in our lives. A Spiritual Director is someone to talk with about what is going on in our spiritual life and in our relationship with God however we may conceive of God.

Rev. Sally Purvis, Ph.D., a member of LUCC, is a retired clergy person with training and experience in Spiritual Direction. She is offering her services as a Spiritual Director to the community. The sessions would be held on Zoom and there is no fee to be paid. Church leaders are pleased to have the ministry of the church expand in this way.

Spiritual Direction with Sally is open to anyone, not just the congregation. And it is offered to everyone whatever their spiritual or religious background or affiliation or lack thereof. Sessions are generally held once every three weeks. Spiritual Direction is not a mode of therapy. It is a process for understanding and deepening your relationship with God/Spirit in ways are authentic and life-giving.

Sally was trained by Henri Nouwen, a noted spiritual guide of the 20th century, and did Spiritual Direction as part of her professional ministry before retiring in 2015.

If you would like to explore Spiritual Direction with Sally, please contact her at
sallybpurvis@icloud.com or contact the church (867-7961 or lakewooducc@gmail.com ).

The church is very grateful to Sally for offering this avenue of support to the congregation and the community.

Money Matters 

 The church is still under consideration for a stimulus loan/grant.  Many thanks to Bill Parsons for overseeing this convoluted process!

Please note:  Deposits at church are being made once or twice a month, not weekly, so there may be a delay in the depositing of checks.  This is to reduce risk for those who are involved in doing the banking.

DayStar Donations 

Grocery donations given to the church were donated to DayStar Life Center this week.  Daystar is taking grocery donations as well as adult clothing on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. To drop off donations, drive around to the back of the building to the open bay area. 

DayStar Life Center
1055 28th St. S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712

We encourage you to take your donations to them rather than leave them at the church.  However, if you are unable or don’t feel comfortable going to DayStar, please do leave donations at the church and we will deliver them once a month to DayStar.  Thank you.

Font Page News 

UCC’s Victoria Long Featured on the Front Page of the Tampa Bay Times!Rev. Victoria Long, a UCC minister and member of LUCC, was featured in a front page article about serving as a Hospice chaplain in the difficult days of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Many thanks to Victoria for her meaningful ministry.  Here’s the link to the article:

https://www.tampabay.com/narratives/2020/05/23/comforting-the-dying-and-their-families-from-a-distance/.

QUICK LINKS TO OUR RECENT POSTS DURING THE CORONA CRISIS:
Sermon videos: https://lakewooducc.org/category/online-devotional/
Sermon texts: https://lakewooducc.org/category/posts/sermon-texts/
Posts containing music: https://lakewooducc.org/category/posts/music/

For all those links, please note the “Older Posts” button near bottom of page.

FOR JUST THE MUSIC: https://soundcloud.com/hilton-kean-jones/sets/music-at-lakewood 

Corona Sabbath Posts

Each Friday, the church will post a devotional with readings, video from Kim, and music from
Hilton. You are invited to access these at the website and observe the sabbath according to
your schedule over the weekend. There will be a new one posted each week. 

Please use the link below to view last week’s Corona Sabbath Post –
https://lakewooducc.org/2020/05/29/corona-sabbath-11-pentecost/

In addition to the weekly Corona Sabbath devotions on the website every Friday, Hilton is also posting music, mainly hymns, on the website daily. These are also posted on the church’s Twitter and Facebook accounts. You may find links to all the music posts on the website at https://lakewooducc.org/category/posts/music/ — note the “Older Posts” button down the page.

Daily Corona Prayer

https://lakewooducc.org/2020/03/20/lucc-corona-daily-prayer

Assistance Available

If you need help of any kind – something from the store, someone to talk with, support managing during shelter-in-place, parenting concerns – please know that the church is ready and willing to help in any way needed.  This situation is trying for everyone.  You are not alone.  We’ll make it through together.  Please contact the church office (lakewooducc@gmail.com or 867-7961 or Rev. Kim Wells at wells.kim.p@gmail.com).  

Miss someone from church?  Give them a call or send a note.  Personal contact is so important when physical contact is limited.  

Music Ministry

About Hilton’s music. . . If you would enjoy hearing Hilton play more Irish folk songs, you can
listen for free at either https://hiltonjones.bandcamp.com/album/irish-
tunes or https://soundcloud.com/hilton-kean-jones/sets/irish-tunes .

June Birthdays: Genie Terrell 6/10, Tony Rogers 6/21, and Shirley Locke 6/30. Someone missing? Contact the church office with birthday information.

Circle of Concern: JoAnn Reid, William Owen, Wilbur Reid, Martha Lamar, Jen Degroot, Carolyn Moore, Ann Quinn, Maggie Brizendine, and Ann Rogers. All healthcare workers and essential workers. All those suffering from COVID-19.

Please keep LUCC member, Olivia Gibson, in your prayers. She is a nurse on a COVID-19 unit in a local hospital. We are grateful for her ministry!

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.   

Weekly Update 5/28

WHAT IS GOING ON AT CHURCH –

This Sunday is PENTECOST. This is the celebration of the giving of the Holy Spirit to the dispirited followers of Jesus after the crucifixion. From then on, they were a galvanized movement that continues through us today! So this is a Sunday to celebrate the church!

We’ll have a Zoom this Sunday at 10:30 in celebration of Pentecost. The liturgical color for Pentecost is red, so consider wearing red! The theme will be around wind and fire. How have you experienced the church in refreshing, renewing ways? How has the church been energizing for you? How has the church inspired you? How has the church gathered you in? Or pushed you out into new things?

You are invited to think about your experiences in church. What stands out? What has made a difference? Was it a certain conversation with someone? Was it a hymn? Was it a response someone made in a church-wide discussion? Was it something someone from church did for
you?

Give some thought to your church experiences and be ready to offer them to the gathered congregation on Zoom this Sunday.  We will share stories of things that have happened in church that have had an impact on us. Maybe memorable. Maybe funny. With our stories, we will celebrate the importance of the church in our lives and give thanks!

You will get an email later in the week with the details for the Zoom event.

Looking forward to seeing each other again!

Mobile care team on the road again
Last Sunday afternoon the care team set out on another caravan to bring greetings, joy, and love to LUCC members. This time the team, along with Ed Kasper, drove their cars to the homes of Olivia and Amaiya where they greeted the families, from the sidewalk, with personalized cheers of celebration and thanksgiving. Amayia was celebrated for completing 8th grade and now preparing to attend Lakewood High School. Olivia was thanked for her tireless work, devotion, and care as a nurse on the  Covid unit at a hospital in Tampa. The rain did not dampen the spirits or the personally designed posters (thanks to Ruth!) presented to both Olivia and Amayia. It was a joyous experience for all, including a few neighbors standing by!

https://lakewooducc.org/2020/05/27/mobile-care-team-on-the-road-again/

Advisors At Work


The advisors met last Sunday. Though the church is not holding Sunday services, there are many things to discuss relating to the life of the church. And there are property issues to address. The advisors are actively discussing the shape of the church’s ministry going forward. There is discussion about when to resume having services of some kind on Sundays – knowing there can be no singing, no touching, people must wear masks, and stay 6 feet apart. There are no plans to resume services in the near future.


There are plans to send out a form requesting feedback and ideas from the congregation. It will be sent out this week. After the forms are returned, the advisors will have a better idea of the inclinations of the congregation. WHEN YOU GET THE FORM, PLEASE FILL IT OUT AND RETURN IT TO THE CHURCH. The advisors really do want to hear from everyone in the church family.


There was also discussion of when to let renters resume meeting and what the health and safety requirements will be for those gatherings.

There are plans to move most of the chairs out of the sanctuary and the Fellowship Hall to prevent large gatherings with people close together.


Going forward, the advisors will be meeting twice a month to address the new realities that are emerging in this time of pandemic.

A Great Flush

Following the advisors meeting on Sunday, several stayed to assist with a great flush. The church has been advised by the water department to flush the pipes since the water has not been used on a regular basis. This involved running all 11 taps and the water fountain, and repeated flushing all 8 toilets until all evidence of rust and residue was gone. Everything is running pure and clear now!

DayStar Donations Grocery donations given to the church were donated to DayStar Life Center this week.  Daystar is taking grocery donations as well as adult clothing on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. To drop off donations, drive around to the back of the building to the open bay area. 

DayStar Life Center
1055 28th St. S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712

We encourage you to take your donations to them rather than leave them at the church.  However, if you are unable or don’t feel comfortable going to DayStar, please do leave donations at the church and we will deliver them once a month to DayStar.  Thank you.

Spiritual Direction Offered by LUCC Clergy Member.

In these troubled times, it is important to find ways to tend to our spiritual lives. In the Christian tradition, Spiritual Direction is one of the ways of paying attention to the spirit in our lives. A Spiritual Director is someone to talk with about what is going on in our spiritual life and in our relationship with God however we may conceive of God.

Rev. Sally Purvis, Ph.D., a member of LUCC, is a retired clergy person with training and experience in Spiritual Direction. She is offering her services as a Spiritual Director to the community. The sessions would be held on Zoom and there is no fee to be paid. Church leaders are pleased to have the ministry of the church expand in this way.

Spiritual Direction with Sally is open to anyone, not just the congregation. And it is offered to everyone whatever their spiritual or religious background or affiliation or lack thereof. Sessions are generally held once every three weeks. Spiritual Direction is not a mode of therapy. It is a process for understanding and deepening your relationship with God/Spirit in ways are authentic and life-giving.

Sally was trained by Henri Nouwen, a noted spiritual guide of the 20th century, and did Spiritual Direction as part of her professional ministry before retiring in 2015.

If you would like to explore Spiritual Direction with Sally, please contact the church at 72-867-7961 or lakewooducc@gmail.com

The church is very grateful to Sally for offering this avenue of support to the congregation and the community.

Font Page News LUCC’s Victoria Long Featured on the Front Page of the Tampa Bay Times!Rev. Victoria Long, a UCC minister and member of LUCC, was featured in a front page article about serving as a Hospice chaplain in the difficult days of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Many thanks to Victoria for her meaningful ministry.  Here’s the link to the article:

https://www.tampabay.com/narratives/2020/05/23/comforting-the-dying-and-their-families-from-a-distance/. 

Money Matters   The church may be approved for government assistance through the pandemic relief.  Bill Parsons submitted all of the applications and information and the advisors will be following up.  

Also related to finances, the adult day care is continuing to prepare to open a center at the church.  Building modifications and health concerns make the opening date still uncertain.

The ministry of the church is needed now more than ever!  Your continued support makes that ministry possible.  

One last note:  Deposits at church are being made once or twice a month, not weekly, so there may be a delay in the depositing of checks.  This is to reduce risk for those who are involved in doing the banking.

PINELLAS COALITION FOR IMMIGRATION JUSTICE/Immokalee Workers

Even while sheltering at home, we are still part of a larger Beloved Community that needs our help and support.  Please join your Lakewood family in contacting Gov. Ron DeSantis by phone (850-488-7146) or email (GovernorRon.Desantis@eog.myflorida.com) on behalf of the Immokalee farmworkers, who are putting their lives on the line for us. Ask for (1) a temporary field hospital to isolate/treat workers positive for COVID-19 & live in crowded conditions (2) masks/PPE/sanitizers for workers and (3) free COVID testing for workers.  The Coalition is tallying our impact so please let Sue Sherwood(sherwood.susan@gmail.com) know if you called or emailed the Governor. Thanks to Patti Cooksey and Sally Purvis for helping to launch this campaign!

Want to learn more about life and legislation for those held at the border or in ICE detention facilities?  “Friend” and follow the Coalition for Immigration Justice on Facebook. 

To see the status of legislation to ensure that asylum seekers, refugees, detainees, and children receive just and humane treatment, check out the Action Lanes at the Coalition’s website: bit.ly/PinellasIJ

QUICK LINKS TO OUR RECENT POSTS DURING THE CORONA CRISIS:
Sermon videos: https://lakewooducc.org/category/online-devotional/
Sermon texts: https://lakewooducc.org/category/posts/sermon-texts/
Posts containing music: https://lakewooducc.org/category/posts/music/

For all those links, please note the “Older Posts” button near bottom of page.

FOR JUST THE MUSIC: https://soundcloud.com/hilton-kean-jones/sets/music-at-lakewood 

Corona Sabbath Posts

Each Friday, the church will post a devotional with readings, video from Kim, and music from
Hilton. You are invited to access these at the website and observe the sabbath according to
your schedule over the weekend. There will be a new one posted each week. 

Please use the link below to view last week’s Corona Sabbath Post –
https://lakewooducc.org/2020/05/22/corona-sabbath-10-memorial-day-weekend/   

In addition to the weekly Corona Sabbath devotions on the website every Friday, Hilton is also posting music, mainly hymns, on the website daily. These are also posted on the church’s Twitter and Facebook accounts. You may find links to all the music posts on the website at https://lakewooducc.org/category/posts/music/ — note the “Older Posts” button down the page.

Daily Corona Prayer

https://lakewooducc.org/2020/03/20/lucc-corona-daily-prayer/

 Labyrinth Walks

Labyrinth Walks are being held as scheduled on Wednesday mornings at 9:00.  We feel given current information and restrictions that it is safe to hold this activity. It involves less than 10 people, it is outside, and the people can be at least 6 feet apart. Bring your own chair and wear a mask if you wish.

Assistance Available If you need help of any kind – something from the store, someone to talk with, support managing during shelter-in-place, parenting concerns – please know that the church is ready and willing to help in any way needed.  This situation is trying for everyone.  You are not alone.  We’ll make it through together.  Please contact the church office (lakewooducc@gmail.com or 867-7961 or Rev. Kim Wells at wells.kim.p@gmail.com).  

Miss someone from church?  Give them a call or send a note.  Personal contact is so important when physical contact is limited.  

Music Ministry

About Hilton’s music. . . If you would enjoy hearing Hilton play more Irish folk songs, you can
listen for free at either https://hiltonjones.bandcamp.com/album/irish-
tunes or https://soundcloud.com/hilton-kean-jones/sets/irish-tunes .

May Birthdays: Mark Gibson 5/2, Angela Wells-Bean 5/7, Emily Gibson 5/8, Julian Micheal Ricciardi 5/9, Colleen Coughenour 5/11, Jen DeGroot 5/12, Christy Martin 5/15, Bill Parsons 5/16, Danielle Hintz 5/25, Someone missing? Contact the church office with birthday information.

Circle of Concern: JoAnn Reid, William Owen, Wilbur Reid, Martha Lamar, Jen Degroot, Carolyn Moore, Ann Quinn, Maggie Brizendine, and Ann Rogers. All healthcare workers and essential workers. All those suffering from COVID-19.

Please keep LUCC member, Olivia Gibson, in your prayers. She is a nurse on a COVID-19 unit in a local hospital. We are grateful for her ministry!

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.