Introducing our Little Free Library!

In addition to the updated and comfortable library for members and friends of Lakewood inside our doors, a Little Free Library now stands in front of our office under the windows facing Caesar Way South. The box is a reclaimed Tampa Bay Times tabloid dispenser that was donated to St. Pete Shush*, a small organization that has distributed 130 Little Free Libraries throughout St. Petersburg.  Lucille Learned that the driving force behind St. Pete Shush, Kristine Dowham, was planning on rehabbing and distributing 30 new libraries for her 30th birthday. In early January Kristine placed Lakewood UCC on the list.  On Sunday, January 31st, our deep purple box was delivered and mounted on a platform of large pavers provided by Claire Stiles.  Soon, our location will be posted on the international Little Free Library online map so seekers of a book exchange from all over can find it, now stocked with a variety for all ages and all tastes, awaiting readers who are invited in bold white letters to TAKE A BOOK and  SHARE A BOOK.

*Shush is the collective noun for a group of librarians, like a pride of lions or a school of fish.

Incorporating Innovation into the Life of the Church

That’s a Theory of Change and why does it matter for local church ministry? If you’d like answers to these questions you didn’t ask, tune into to this webinar to learn more about UCC’s new ministry initiative in collaboration with the United Church of Canada and the Disciples of Christ. You’ll hear from a couple participants who have just gone through the most recent Theory of Change workshop as well as the project lead, the Rev. Phiwa Langeni, who is the Ambassador for Innovation and Engagement in the UCC’s Center for Analytics, Research & Development, and Data (CARDD).

Register

Other Upcoming Webinars Thursday, February 4, 3:30pm ET – The State of the Church View the full calendar here for more upcoming webinars


Tuesdays for Nurture and Thursdays for the Soul webinars are made possible through your support. To continue to support programs like this, please donate to the Annual Fund.

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With Peace,Justice and Local Church MinistriesThe United Church of Christ

Immediate Action on Immigration Needed!

From Pinellas County Immigration Justice

Governor DeSantis HB1 Legislation is processing through Committees. Thursday at 9 AM Justice Appropriations Subcommittee members will discuss and vote.


If you want to speak to members, here is a list with their email and phone. The message is to please STOP consideration of this bill which criminalizes free speech and protest.

Please value the groups who have expressed opposition to this dangerous legislation: NAACP, ACLU, LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS, SOUTHERN POVERTY LAW CENTER, RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF FRIENDS, INDIVISIBLE FLORIDA NETWORK, DREAM DEFENDERS.


Scott Plakon 850-717-5029 scott.plakon@myfloridahouse.gov
Mike Gottlieb 850-717-5098 mike.gottlieb@myfloridahouse.gov
Michelle Rayner 850-717-5070 michelle.rayner@myfloridahouse.gov
Mike Beltran 850-717-5057 mike.beltran@myfloridahouse.gov
Cord Byrd 850-717-5011 cord.byrd@myfloridahouse.gov
Nick Diceglie 850-717-5066 nick.diceglie@myfloridahouse.gov
Sam Garrison 850-717-5018 sam.garrison@myfloridahouse.gov
Lauren Melo 850-717-5080 lauren.melo@myfloridahouse.gov

League of Women’s Voters opposition statement: https://conta.cc/2M6jTAL