The way to war is a well- paved highway and the way to
peace is still a wilderness.
Paul P. Harris, 1868-1947 Founder of Rotary International
PRELUDE Raglan Road Irish Trad
* OPENING SENTENCES Padraig O. Tuama, adapted
We begin our day-
honoring this life, with all its potentials and possibilities.
We begin our day with trust,
knowing we are created for loving encounter.
We make room for the unexpected,
may we find wisdom and life
in the unexpected.
We begin our day with hope.
knowing the day can hold
love, kindness, forgiveness and justice.
* HYMN Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness 288
SCRIPTURE LESSON
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.
Isaiah 43: 18-21 and Ephesians 3: 18-21
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.
* HYMN Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning 369
UNISON READING Thomas Merton, 1915-1968
I can depend less and less on my own power and sense of direction…
It is so strange to advance backwards and get where you are going in a totally unexpected way
INTERLUDE The Lost ( a song of hope ) 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 and COMMUNION 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 St. Anne’s Reel Irish Trad.
* Time of Dedication Ghalib, adapted
I do not know where lead the paths;
The end of the road is out of view
May it be enough for us to know
That Love will see our footsteps through. Amen
* PREPARATION FOR COMMUNIO My life flows on in Endless Song476
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 trail 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
Prayer for Thanksgiving
* HYMN I’ll Fly Away 595
*BENEDICTION Celtic, Adapted
May the peace of Christ go with you,
wherever he may send you.
May he guide you through the wilderness,
protect you through the storm.
May he bring us home rejoicing
at the wonders he has shown us.
May he bring us home rejoicing
once again into these doors .
*SUNG RESPONSE (please form a circle) Rosemary Crow
Weave, weave, weave us together; weave us together in unity and love.
Weave, weave, weave us together; weave us together, together in love.
*POSTLUDE The Red Haired Boy Irish Trad
Circle of Concern: Family from Colombia,Tony Larson, Emily Bell, Ann Quinn who is under Hospice Care, William Owen-Cowan, Jen Degroot, Carolyn Moore, Maggie Brizendine, Janet Hall, Yoko Nogami, Erik Johnson, 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.
Facebook Live: The 10:30 a.m. service is being streamed on Facebook Live.
New Time for Weekly Labyrinth Walk: In August, labyrinth walks will return to Wednesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. All are welcome!
Many thanks!
Gratitude is expressed to Sally Purvis and to Barbara Donohue for leading worship this morning. Your ministry is a blessing!
Covid Supplies: There is a table set up in the back of the sanctuary with masksand sanitizer. These supplies have been donated to the church.Please take what you can use. Thank you!
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 shelf in hallway.
Toiletries for Celebrate Outreach: Celebrate Outreach is a local ministry with people who are living without shelter in St. Petersburg. Needed: men’s and women’s underwear. (Men sizes 30, 32,34; and 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.
Rev. Wells Away: Kim will be on sabbatical for the months of September and October walking the Camino De Santiago in Spain. For pastoral care please contact Patti Cooksey at the information below.
Family Promise: Family promise, a program to empower houseless families, is reopening and is in need of Volunteers. Please see the weekly update on the church website for more information.
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
Dear choir, I’m a bit better and I think I’ll be able to play service in person Sunday. But, I won’t have the energy to do a rehearsal as well. So, I’d like to postpone the first rehearsal of the choir from September 11th, to September 18th.
Remember, some of us won’t be able to start rehearsals on the 18th. That’s okay. That’s normal. It’s life. But, I want to keep you in the loop for when you finally get to start.
I’m copying this email to a post on the website in case you don’t get a chance to read your email regularly.
To recap: first rehearsal of the choir postponed from September 11th, to September 18th.
LIGHTING THE PEACE CANDLE Barbara Donohue, Liturgist
Selfishness is the most constant of human motives. Patriotism, humanity, or the love of God may lead to sporadic outbursts that sweep away the heaped-up wrongs of centuries; but they languish at times, while the love of self works on ceaselessly, unwearyingly, burrowing always at the very root of life, and heaping up fresh wrongs for other centuries to sweep away.
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.
Luke 12:32-40
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.
* HYMN Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning 369
SERMON Rev. Kim P. Wells
UNISON READING Teresa Of Avila, 1515-1582
The truth is that the treasure lies within our very selves.
INTERLUDE New Britain Trad/arr.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 Viennese Ladies’ Ländler Schubert
* Time of Dedication Vivian Greene, 1904-2003
“ Giving is the highest expression of our power.”
And of our faith. Our love. And our trust. Amen
* PREPARATION FOR PRAYER God Speak to Me531
MORNING PRAYER – SAVIOR’S PRAYER
Our Father who is throughout the universe,
Let your name be set apart.
Come your counsel.
Let your desire be, as in the universe, also on earth.
Give us bread for our necessities this day
And free us from our offenses,
As also we have freed our offenders.
And do not let us enter our worldliness,
But set us free from error.
For belongs to you the kingdom, power,
And song, from ages to ages.
Sealed in faithfulness. Aramaic Translation
* HYMN Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life543
*BENEDICTION
*SUNG RESPONSE (please form a circle) Rosemary Crow
Weave, weave, weave us together; weave us together in unity and love.
Weave, weave, weave us together; weave us together, together in love.
*POSTLUDE Pennsylvania Polka Schubert
Circle of Concern: Family from Colombia,Tony Larson, Emily Bell, Ann Quinn who is under Hospice Care, William Owen-Cowan, Jen Degroot, Carolyn Moore, Maggie Brizendine, Janet Hall, Yoko Nogami, All those suffering from COVID-19, and all healthcare workers, Schools: Students, families, teachers, and staff.
Announcements
Facebook Live: The 10:30 a.m. service is being streamed on Facebook Live.
New Time for Weekly Labyrinth Walk: In August, labyrinth walks will return to Wednesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. All are welcome!
Covid Supplies: There is a table set up in the back of the sanctuary with masksand sanitizer. These supplies have been donated to the church.Please take what you can use. Thank you!
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 shelf in hallway.
Toiletries for Celebrate Outreach: Celebrate Outreach is a local ministry with people who are living without shelter in St. Petersburg. Needed: men’s and women’s underwear. (Men sizes 30, 32,34; and 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.
Rev. Wells Away: Kim will be on sabbatical for the months of September and October walking the Camino De Santiago in Spain. For pastoral care please contact Patti Cooksey at the information below.
New Office Staff: The church welcomes Hailey Hetrick as the new church administrator. Hailey will be in the office Tuesday-Thursday 10-1:30pm, Please stop by and say hello, send an email or call. The church is Grateful to welcome Hailey to LUCC.
Family Promise: Family promise, a program to empower houseless families, is reopening and is in need of Volunteers. Please see the weekly update on the church website for more information.
LUCC Needs 2 Delegates for Annual gathering OF Florida – LUCC is entitled to send 2 delegates as well as a clergy delegate to the Annual Gathering of the Florida Conference. Please contact Rev. Wells if you are willing to attend! The church can help with the expenses involved. This year’s theme is “This is the Day! #Building Beloved Community”
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
This Sunday: This Sunday the teachings of Jesus about money and anxiety hit home. How can we make peace with ourselves in our consumerist culture? Take a look at Luke 12:32-40. “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is God’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
Childcare is provided at all Sunday services.
The service will be streamed live on Facebook and then posted on the church’s YouTube channel.
Masks are required at in-person worship.
Ideas About the Church Lawn
The advisers would love to hear from people in the church family about your ideas for the church lawn where the white cross once stood. If you can’t be at church on Sunday please feel free to email the church office, one of the advisers, or Pastor Kim Wells. All thoughts and ideas are welcomed! What would you like to see out the windows when you sit in the sanctuary on Sunday morning? How would you like that extensive, accessible, outdoor space used?
Book Talk Ahead
Join in this month’s Book Talk on Thursday, August 18th at 6:30 p.m. to discuss what you have been reading and to hear what others have been reading. It’s an informal gathering on Zoom. A very enriching conversation. All are welcome! No book banning here! Everything is open for discussion!
Family Promise will open its doors to serve families on Friday, September 2, 2022, and we need you! Volunteers are needed to assist in the FP Day Center working with the families we serve.
Family Promise of Pinellas: Use the link below to start your online volunteer training journey Volunteer Training Link
Below is an email we received regarding Volunteering and some frequently asked questions:
Dear Potential Volunteer,
Welcome to Family Promise of Pinellas County! We recognize you could choose to volunteer your time and talents anywhere; we thank you for considering our organization. Volunteers play an essential role in helping families who are experiencing homelessness attain sustainable independence. Below you fill find frequently asked questions along with potential volunteer opportunities. Do you have a skill, trade, or passion that you’d like share? Talk to us-we are open to new ideas!
Below is a checklist reminder of the steps to take next:
Consider what volunteer roles you are interested in
Complete Volunteer Assessment at the end of the training
Sign up to serve by completing paper or electronic application.
Lastly please complete a background screening if volunteering to work directly with families.
Frequently Asked Questions About Volunteering with Family Promise
How much time do I need to commit? This is a personal decision based on the amount of time you can give and the type of volunteer opportunity that interests you. Evening hosting is just a few hours and is perfect for volunteers with busy schedules. For those with a bit more time, our ‘done in a day’ projects, like helping at the Day Center or supporting a special event work well. Volunteering to teach financial literacy and technology skills is best for volunteers who are capable of a longer time commitment.
Can I volunteer one-time, or do I have to make an ongoing commitment? Family Promise volunteers can have a lasting impact on a family’s life without making an ongoing time commitment. One-time volunteer opportunities such as supporting a special event, helping with cleaning, and organizing projects, hosting or participating in a supply drive work well for those with full schedules. There are also opportunities for volunteers who are available to make a more long-term, regular commitment.
Can I volunteer with my family? Yes, absolutely! For example, families often enjoy volunteering in the evenings or weekends when they can share a meal with the guest families and children can enjoy some play time together.
Will I receive volunteer training? Volunteers who are working with families are required to complete the virtual training sessions through our national platform, Volunteer 101 and 102, as well as our local affiliate training which is offered in person or virtually.
Are there opportunities to volunteer with my co-workers? There are opportunities for you to volunteer with a group of colleagues or even with just a single co-worker. We can help you with project ideas.
What are the hours during which volunteers can help? Family Promise offers volunteer opportunities during the day, in the evening, and on weekends. Scheduling depends on the type activity. For example, volunteers providing homework help will do so in the evenings or on the weekends. Volunteers assisting at our office may do so during regular business hours.
Do you offer virtual volunteer opportunities? Yes, virtual volunteers are welcome. Virtual volunteers can help with public relations, fundraising, and administrative tasks.
* It is the policy of Family Promise of Pinellas County to provide equal opportunities without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, sexual preference or identity, age, or disability.
Best,
Denis M. Sousa, MS Executive Director Family Promise of Pinellas County, Inc.
6201 22nd Avenue North St. Petersburg, FL 33710 (O) 727-201-9571 (C) 727-487-2156
The church has a supply of masks and sanitizer that was donated to the church. Items will be available on Sunday morning. Please take what you can use.
UCC Events Ahead – Get Involved!
LUCC needs Two Delegates for the Annual Gathering of Florida Conference UCC
ANNUAL GATHERING OF THE FLORIDA CONFERENCE UCC
Oct. 6-8, 2022 Vero Beach
Now is the time to gather the church and to celebrate and recommit to our shared covenant as The United Church of Christ in Florida. This year’s theme is “This is the Day! #Building Beloved Community”.
LUCC is entitled to send 2 delegates as well as a clergy delegate to the Annual Gathering of the Florida Conference. Please contact Rev. Wells if you are willing to attend! The church can help with the expenses involved.
2022 UCC SOUTHERN REGIONAL WOMEN’S RETREAT In Person: October 14 – 16, 2022 Camp Weed and Cerveny Conference Center 11057 Camp Weed Place Live Oak, Florida 32060 GOD OF MYSTERY – SPIRIT OF HOPE Dyanne Edds of LUCC is on the planning team for this retreat! For more information: https://www.uccfla.org/floridauccwomen
Enrich LUCC and enrich the UCC by participating in these wider church events!
Rev. Wells on Sabbatical
Rev. Wells will be on sabbatical For September and October this year walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain.
People from the congregation will be speaking each Sunday in worship sharing their faith journeys. For pastoral care, please contact Patti Cooksey at the email below.
Patti Cooksey’s Email: cooksepa@eckerd.edu
Here is the schedule of speakers for September and October:
Oct. 30: Jim Andrews- liturgist Michelle Cloutier- speaking
Guided Labyrinth WalksWednesday 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.
How to Help Ukraine
The local Ukrainian Catholic Church is sponsoring humanitarian aid. There are more details at their website: https://www.epiphanyukrch.com
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. This collection will be ongoing in addition to the food being collected for Operation Attack. All are invited to donate the following items:
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
August Birthdays: Barbara Donohue 8/4, Mardie Chapman 8/7, Claire Stiles 8/11, Kay Rencken 8/13, Vita Uth 8/14, Dana Cosper 8/22, James Waterman 8/23, and Joanne Reid 8/28. Someone missing? Contact the church office with birthday information.
News About the Colombian Family
The church received this update about the Colombian family that came to church several weeks ago and is now staying in Tampa. This comes from their host:
These lively and lovely folks are real go getters! The younger daughter is in school but we are being put through hoops to get the older daughter registered. Hopefully this week will complete the struggle. The mother cooks awesome Colombian dishes with lots of fresh vegetables and meat. Soup is also a staple. The father helps with the housework and purchased a car!! Today is a full day of fun and family bliss. They are ready to see ICE on Tuesday and everyone is ready for more adventure starting Wednesday. They have visited Hispanic Services in Pinellas for the attorney, visited the free market, are exploring others over here, discovered the Dollar Store, and met a few new friends. Speaking for myself, they have been a joy and have given me some unexpected abuela time. Thank you so much for sending them my way.
Circle of Concern:
Colombian Family
Christy Martin and family
William Owen-Cowan
Jen Degroot
Carolyn Moore
Ann Quinn is under Hospice care
Maggie Brizendine
Janet Hall
Yoko Nogami in flooded Kentucky
All those suffering from COVID-19 and all healthcare workers
Schools: Students, families, teachers, and staff.
Change in Office Staff:
This week, LUCC welcomes Hailey Hetrick as the new church administrator. Hailey has much to offer to support the ministry of LUCC. Please welcome her with an email, a call, or a visit to the church.
Previous office administrator, Gabi Paxton, is moving to Gainesville!
New Office Hours will be: Tuesday- Thursday 10-1:30
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!
Lakewood United Church of Christ 