Join Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty and other opponents of the death penalty for a vigil during the execution of Donald Dillbeck. The vigil will be from 5:00-6:00 PM on Thursday, February 23 at the northwest corner of 49th Street North and Ulmerton Road in mid-Pinellas County. This site is close to the jail and court complex and is at an intersection with heavy traffic. It is where death penalty opponents have gathered during executions for decades. Park in the vacant lot behind the Checkers. Feel free to bring signs, or organizers will provide them. Call (727) 492-1590 for more information. If the execution is commuted or postponed, the vigil will not be held.
Category: Posts
Bulletin 02.12.23
A Just Peace Church
An Open and Affirming Church
A Creation Justice Church
February 12, 2023
10:30 am
WELCOME and ANNOUNCEMENTS
LIGHTING THE PEACE CANDLE
Kay Rencken, Liturgist
For people with darker skins, or of a different religion, or a minority sexual orientation, there is always the threat of violence that is bred by hate.
We must stand up to that and say, “no more!” We Americans must develop better hearts and minds in our common civil life. If not, the axe of hate will be laid to the tree of liberty.
A Meditation on Martin Luther King Day 2020, Old Verger
PRELUDE
As Time Goes By Hupfeld
*OPENING READING based on Psalm 119
We are blessed when we stay on course, walking steadily in the way of Love;
When we do not go off on our own, but walk along the road Divine Love has set before us.
May our steps be steady;
Keeping to the course.
May we ponder every morsel of wisdom Love offers,
and not forget a word of it.
May we delight far more in Love than in gathering a pile of riches.
* HYMN Guide My Feet 497
SCRIPTURE LESSONS
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.
Deuteronomy 30:15-20 and Matthew 6:24-34
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!
MYSTIC READING Mechtild of Magdeburg, 1207-1282
*HYMN
God’s Eye Is on the Sparrow 475
SERMON Say Yes! Rev. Kim P. Wells
UNISON READING
Cathy Hutcheon
Your love comes to me
in the silence,
ordinary.
Like a child’s treasure
I turn it over
in the nook of my hand,
warming its smooth
heaviness.
A thought of You,
stony,
clearly defined,
drops as though
down a deep
well,
is lost
momentarily,
then turns up
a certainty in the heart.
ANTHEM
All Bless the One HKJ
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
Morning offerings may be brought forward and placed in the plates on the altar. 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. If you would like assistance, please turn to someone seated near you.
Offertory Sunflower Slow Drag Joplin
*Dedicating Our Gifts Fannie Lou Hamer, 1917-1977
Christianity is being concerned about your fellow man, not building a million-dollar church while people are starving right around the corner. Christ was a revolutionary person, out there where it was happening. That’s what God is all about, and that’s where I get my strength.
* PREPARATION FOR PRAYER
Seek Ye First Lafferty
Seek ye first the kin-dom of God
and God’s righteousness,
and all these things shall be added unto you,
allelu, alleluia.
One shall not live by bread alone,
but by every word
that proceeds from the mouth of God,
allelu, alleluia.
Ask, and it shall be given unto you.
Seek, and you shall find.
Knock, and the door shall be opened unto you,
allelu, alleluia.
MORNING PRAYERS – SAVIOR’S PRAYER
Fathering and Mothering God, lover of us all, most holy one.
Help us to respond to you
To create what you want for us here on earth.
Give us today enough for our needs.
Forgive our weak and deliberate offenses,
Just as we must forgive others when they hurt us.
Help us to resist evil and to do what is good.
For we are yours, endowed with your power to make the world whole. Amen.
* HYMN
What a Covenant 471
* BENEDICTION
Celtic, adapted
*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE (please form a circle)
Lead Us From Death to Life 581
Lead us from death to life, from falsehood to truth,
from despair to hope, from fear to trust.
Lead us from hate to love, from war to peace;
let peace fill our hearts, let peace fill our world,
let peace fill our universe.
*POSTLUDE
Easy Winners Joplin
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
LAKEWOOD UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
ANNOUNCEMENTS – 2.12.23
Congregational Meeting Notice
With many challenges facing the church post covid, there are important decisions that need to be made by the congregation relating to the ministry of LUCC going forward. All are needed to be part of the decision-making process, family-style!
Please make plans to attend an officially called congregational meeting after church on Sunday Feb. 19 to take action on a financial plan for 2023. The church advisors and the finance team have been working very hard to prepare for this meeting. Your presence is needed for responsible decisions to be made.
Those who are not official members of the church are welcome to participate. This is an important part of our life together as a community.
Annual Giving Reports
Finance Secretary Lucille Ruga has prepared annual giving statements for 2022.
If you would like your statement for your records, please contact Lucille: ceilruga@gmail.com
New Members to be Received
LUCC is a welcoming community and on Sunday Feb. 19 during morning worship new members will be officially received into the membership of the church. Those who would like to know more about joining the church are asked to speak with Rev. Kim Wells, wells.kim.p@gmail.com or 727-867-7961.
Those who join the church during worship on the 19th will be able to vote at the Congregational Meeting following the service. That is putting faith immediately into practice!
Earthquake Response
In response to the horrific devastation and loss of life in Turkey, Syria, and beyond, the United Church of Christ Disaster Ministries in on the scene offering assistance. To make a financial donation through the UCC, please visit ucc.org
Family Promise Needs
Family Promise, a local ministry to houseless families with children, is in need of the following items:
Milk, Water (small bottles), Paper Goods (paper towels, toilet paper, napkins, plates, cups), Cleaning supplies (disinfectants, sponges, dish soap, laundry soap). Please bring items to church and place them on the shelves behind the curtain in the hallway.
Ash Wednesday Ahead
The Lenten season begins in just a few weeks. Lent is the 40 day season of preparation for the festival of Easter. In the New Testament we are told of Jesus spending 40 days in the wilderness to prepare for his ministry. We will spend 40 days, not including Sundays, focusing on tapping into the image-of-God within us. We will find that Love is Wild!
The Ash Wednesday service will be held Wednesday Feb. 22 at 7:00 p.m. around a fire at the lakefront home of Chip and Dana Cosper. The address is: 1040 56th Ave. S. If you would like a ride, please contact the Church: lakewooducc@gmail.com or 727-867-7961.
Potluck Ahead
After church Sunday Feb. 26. More details to come!
Creation Justice Event in Sarasota
“Contagious Hope: Making a Difference on Climate” is the theme of a special presentation Saturday February 25 from 9:30-12:30 at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Sarasota [1031 S. Euclid Ave.]. The featured speaker
is Rev. Brooks Berndt, Minister of Environmental Ministry for the United Church of Christ. There are several local panelists who will also be involved in the presentation. A vegetarian lunch will be served. To make a reservation for the event, please email Sarah Melcher at melchersj8856@gmail.com If you would like to carpool from LUCC, please contact Rev. Wells at wells.kim.p@gmail.com
Inkjet Recycling
The church is continuing to collect used inkjet cartridges. They are sent to a recycler and the church receives payment for the cartridges provided.
Operation Attack
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.
Circle of Concern
The Family and Loved Ones of Beulah Coughenour – Tony and Jim Larson
Erik Johnson – George and Jane Diven and Family – Katherine Conover
Sherry Santana – Ann Quinn is under Hospice care – Maggie Brizendine
Janet Hall
Schools: Students, families, teachers, and staff
UCC Supports New College
February 1, 2023
To: The Churches of the Florida Conference
Perhaps you’ve been reading about the recent Florida government interruption of life at New College in Sarasota, Florida. A lead article in the Orlando Sentinel on February 1, 2023 begins this way:
“Former Florida House Speaker Richard Corcoran is slated to become the next president of embattled New College of Florida, while Gov. Ron DeSantis is pushing to cut diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and curtail faculty tenure on state university campuses.
All of these planned changes apparently are intended to further DeSantis’ campaign against what he describes as a “far–left” agenda in higher education.”
Current and former students, faculty, and education experts from around the country are decrying this incursion into higher education by one seeking political points to engage a base of voters who have bought into the so called ‘anti-woke’ movement. It’s time for the church to raise our voice, too. It is a different voice that needs a platform you can provide.
Here’s something you maybe didn’t know: “In 1960 New College was founded as a private liberal arts college in cooperation with the United Church Board for Homeland Ministries (Congregational); in 1962, at the campus dedication ceremony on November 18, earth from Harvard was mixed with soil from New College to symbolize the shared Congregationalist origins and high academic ideals of the two institutions.”
The history of our United Church of Christ is one of valuing education and encouraging freedom of thought as each generation shapes a sound future for itself and those who will come after them. The Florida government attack on New College is an attack on foundational values that have shaped our United Church of Christ culture for generations. I encourage you to reach out to your legislators and to the governor’s office. Make it known that we value the high academic ideals upon which New College was founded and that we object to this hijacking of higher education at New College and on campuses across the state of Florida.
Blessings,
Rev. John Vertigan
Conference Minister, United Church of Christ in Florida
Weekly Update 2.8.23
 |
| Weekly Update 02.08.23 |
| This Sunday: This Sunday, the service is a prep for Valentine’s Day! Yes, there will be relationship advice! Don’t miss it! Childcare is provided at all Sunday services. |
| Congregational Meeting Notice – BE THERE! With many challenges facing the church post covid, there are important decisions that need to be made by the congregation relating to the ministry of LUCC going forward. All are needed to be part of the decision-making process, family-style! Please make plans to attend an officially called congregational meeting after church on Sunday Feb. 19 to take action on a financial plan for 2023. The church advisors and the finance team have been working very hard to prepare for this meeting. Your presence is needed for responsible decisions to be made.All are encouraged to attend. Those who are not official members of the church are welcome to participate. This is an important part of our life together as a community. Please plan to be present! |
| Ash Wednesday Ahead The Lenten season begins in just a few weeks. Lent is the 40 day season of preparation for the festival of Easter. In the New Testament we are told of Jesus spending 40 days in the wilderness to prepare for his ministry. We will spend 40 days, not including Sundays, focusing on tapping into the image-of-God within us. We will find that Love is Wild! The Ash Wednesday service will be held Wednesday Feb. 22 at 7:00 p.m. around a fire at the lakefront home of Chip and Dana Cosper. For additional details or if you would like a ride, please contact the Church: lakewooducc@gmail.com or 727-867-7961. |
| New Members to be Received LUCC is a welcoming community and on Sunday Feb. 19 during morning worship new members will be officially received into the membership of the church. Those who would like to know more about joining the church are asked to speak with Rev. Kim Wells, wells.kim.p@gmail.com or 727-867-7961. Those who join the church during worship on the 19th will be able to vote at the Congregational Meeting following the service. That is putting faith immediately into practice! |
| Earthquake Response In response to the horrific devastation and loss of life in Turkey, Syria, and beyond, the United Church of Christ Disaster Ministries in on the scene offering assistance. To make a financial donation through the UCC, please click here. |
| Annual Giving Reports Finance Secretary Lucille Ruga has prepared annual giving statements for 2022.If you would like your statement for your records, please contact Lucille: ceilruga@gmail.com |
| Creation Justice Event in Sarasota “Contagious Hope: Making a Difference on Climate” is the theme of a special presentation Saturday February 25 from 9:30-12:30 at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Sarasota [1031 S. Euclid Ave.]. The featured speaker is Rev. Brooks Berndt, Minister of Environmental Ministry for the United Church of Christ. There are several local panelists who will also be involved in the presentation. A vegetarian lunch will be served. To make a reservation for the event, please email Sarah Melcher at melchersj8856@gmail.com If you would like to carpool from LUCC, please contact Rev. Wells at wells.kim.p@gmail.com |
| Guided Labyrinth Walks Wednesday Mornings at 9:00 a.m. Each week there is a guided labyrinth walk on the outdoor labyrinth at the church. It is a time of prayerful faith sharing, and a time to listen more deeply to our spiritual lives. In case of rain, the walks are held on Thursday morning. Also, the readings and prayers used each week at the guided walk are put in the mailbox by the labyrinth 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. |
| Family Promise Needs Family Promise, a local ministry to houseless families with children, is in need of the following items: Milk Water (small bottles) Paper Goods (paper towels, toilet paper, napkins, plates, cups) Cleaning supplies (disinfectants, sponges, dish soap, laundry soap) Please bring items to church and place them on the shelves behind the curtain in the hallway. |
| Toiletries for Celebrate Outreach Celebrate Outreach is a local ministry with people who are living without shelter in St. Petersburg. An average of 135 people are served each week. LUCC was asked to collect toiletries to be distributed to the community at the meals that are provided on Saturday and Sundays each week. Celebration Outreach has an ongoing need for men’s and women’s underwear. Men sizes 30, 32,34 Women’s sizes 5,6, 7,8. Also in high demand are socks of all kinds /sizes for both men & women. Other needed items are Deodorant & disposable razors.Toothbrushes, toothpaste, disposable razors, bar soap, wash cloths, deodorant, feminine hygiene items, travel size creams, shampoo, body wash, individual packets of Kleenex, hand wipes, toilet tissue, and paper towels are always needed as well. Many thanks to Janet Blair and Jim Andrews for taking the donations to Celebrate Outreach. |
| Inkjet Recycling The church is continuing to collect used inkjet cartridges. They are sent to a recycler and the church receives payment for the cartridges provided. So, don’t throw out your cartridges. Bring them to church. Not only do they get recycled but they provide income for the ministry of the church. |
| 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. Many thanks to Owen Blair-Catala for seeing that the donations are received by Operation Attack. |
| USEFUL LAKEWOOD LINKS Sermon and Reflection Texts Lakewood UCC YouTube Channel Lakewood UCC on TwitterLakewood on Facebook Lakewood on Instagram 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. |
| February Birthdays! 02/06- Jim Andrews 02/15- Jeff Wells 02/28- Joyce Lee Are any church family birthdays missing? Please contact the Church Office! |
| Circle of Concern The Family and Loved Ones of Beulah Coughenour Tony and Jim Larson Erik Johnson George and Jane Diven and Family Katherine Conover Sherry Santana Ann Quinn is under Hospice care Maggie Brizendine Janet Hall Schools: Students, families, teachers, and staff |
| 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 Wednesday. Please provide the information in paragraph form with pertinent details and links. THANK YOU! |
| RECENT POSTS Sermon 01.29.23 Bulletin 1.29.23 CONTAGIOUS HOPE: MAKING A DIFFERENCE ON CLIMATE Operation Attack Update |
Lakewood United Church of Christ 