Some years ago, Jeff and Kim Wells went to hear Jane Goodall speak at the University of South Florida. Among other things, Goodall talked about a youth program she was sponsoring with groups around the world. The program is like scouts with an environmental focus.
One of the projects of the youth groups is to make these large Peace Dove puppets for parades and demonstrations. At the USF talk, Goodall described how to make the dove. After the lecture, Jeff found the instructions online and decided to make a dove for LUCC to display at the St. Petersburg International Day of Peace Celebration in Straub Park downtown. The dove has been flown on several other occasions including at Circus McGirkus.
This year the peace dove was stirred from its rest in the rafters of the church garage and flown around the church lawn before the service for Earth Sunday April 23.
As part of the Earth Sunday service the congregation contributed to creating the altar. The congregation was asked in advance to bring something that represents what they appreciate or are thankful for in the natural world. People brought their contributions forward, described the significance of their item, and placed it on the altar. After each addition, the congregation responded: “How manifold are your works!” [Ps. 104:24]
Not only was this ritual rich with meaning in terms of reverence for the Earth, it was also a wonderful opportunity to learn more about others and create community among the congregants.
UCC General Minister and President Rev John Dorhauer with LUCC continent Kim Wells, Emily Bell, and Dyanne Edds
Four members of Lakewood UCC joined hundreds of students, faculty, parents and supporters of New College in Sarasota in a demonstration on Tuesday Feb. 28. The Rev. Dr. John C. Dorhauer, General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ, traveled from Cleveland, Ohio to speak at the demonstration. There were pastors and congregants from numerous other UCC churches in west central Florida who also were present.
Why was this important to us? The Board for Homeland Ministries of the United Church of Christ started New College sixty years ago. Now it is part of the Florida public college system. Recently, the FL Governor appointed six new trustees and a president to the college to reform it into a conservative replica of Hillsdale College in Michigan. New College has traditionally been a place which welcomed all students regardless of race, religion, or sexual identity. The students have thrived there where they might not have in another college environment.
The protest at New College had two components. First was the outdoor demonstration at 11:00 am, with more than 250 participants, most with signs denouncing the hostile takeover of New College by the new conservative trustees appointed by Governor DeSantis. A particularly passionate statement was made by the Rev. John Dorhauer, from the UCC, who complained about what was happening at New College, which was founded and funded by the UCC.
The second part of the protest took place at the formal Board of Trustees Meeting beginning at 1:10 pm. The meeting began with a short report by a member of the Board Of Governors about the gains in the reputation of Florida’s Universities in the past 10 years. Then the floor was open to comments from the public. Each speaker was limited to one minute. Forty-nine speakers took the podium – students, faculty, alumni, parents and other concerned persons. All but one condemned the actions of the governor and the trustees as they tried to change the nature of New College, one of the top 5 Liberal Arts Colleges in the country. Most of the comments were directed against the firing of the current president and the hiring of a politician with no background in higher education at a salary and perks of more than a million dollars, and the disbanding of programs promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Many of the most passionate speeches were met with applause and cheering by those in the audience, but not by the trustees!
One of the main highlights of the demonstration for the LUCC contingent was meeting and hearing Dr. John Dorhauer. His message was inspiring and passionate. When he spoke his “minute” at the Trustees meeting, many of the students rose to their feet in gleeful applause.
The number of UCC people in attendance and the passion and preparedness of the students filled us with pride and hope.
To stand and be present with the students, families, alums, and faculty was truly meaningful.
Those who went from LUCC: Dyanne Edds, Emily Bell, Bill Parsons, and Kim Wells
Rev John Dorhauer and LUCC pastor Rev Kim WellsDyanne Edds and Rev Kim Wells with Rev John DorhauerRev Kim Wells and Dyanne EddsDyanne Edds and Bill ParsonsA New College student
Lakewood United Church of Christ 