Wouldn’t ya know it: someone just now bought my previous version of my arrangement. Whoever you are, thank you! But, I hope you see this post so you can download this revision. I really do think it’s better and more playable.
This Sunday: This Sunday Kim will be back and the service will focus on the theme Something Better. This will be a celebration of how the Divine Love is made manifest in our lives. Take a look at Hebrews 11:29-12:2.
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.
Facebook Live Update
Sunday Facebook Live is now being streamed from a new iPad that the church was able to purchase with funds from a grant from the Florida Conference of the United Church of Christ. The grant also provided for the purchase of a new microphone. With these two improvements, the sound on Facebook Live on Sunday mornings and on the videos posted to YouTube should be much better!
Ideas About the Church Lawn
After church on Sunday, 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?
Rev. Wells Away
Kim will be away on vacation with family Aug. 2-12. If pastoral care is needed, please contact Patti Cooksey.
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
Masks and Sanitizer Available
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!
There are several important events ahead in the wider UCC fellowship and it would be wonderful to have LUCC participation! Much can be learned from engagement with the wider church and people from other UCC congregations. ALSO, people from LUCC have much to contribute to the wider church and to other churches!
Here are some opportunities:
JUST PEACE IN A SOUTHERN CONTEXT A One Day Event for the Southern Region UCC Saturday, August 27 | 10 – 4 PM EST
The Florida Conference of the UCC, with support from the Southeast, South Central, and Southern Conferences and Justice and Local Church Ministries, invites you to join “Just Peace in a Southern Context.” This virtual event will offer a historical overview, theological grounding, and current examples of why being a Just Peace Church matters today. Guest Speakers will include: Rev. Dr. Susan Thistlethwaite, Rev. Geoffrey Black, Sandra Sorensen, and others. The UCC Washington Office and members of the UCC Just Peace Network will share examples of how together we can bring hope for a more just and peaceful tomorrow. REGISTER NOW: bit.ly/jpinsoutherncontext
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. Please contact Rev. Wells if you are willing to attend! The church can help with the expenses involved.
THE CHURCH IN A POST-PANDEMIC WORLD September 19-21, 2022 | Online, and in person in St. Louis Join the entire UCC as we envision what a vibrant, healthy church looks like as it emerges from the pandemic. Online participants will be fully engaged via Pheedloop, a virtual event platform. In-person sessions will be available, too, alternating between the Hilton—St. Louis Airport and Eden Theological Seminary. The program will include:
Keynotes by Jacqui Lewis and Laura Everett Ted Talk-style “provocations” by Damayanthi Niles, Michael Malcom, Juan Carlos Huertas, Patrick Duggan, Jamesetta Ferguson, Cameron Trimble and David Vásquez-Levy Play space for ingenuity and creativity – in plenaries and smaller clusters – as we discuss what we learned during COVID that will change what we do after COVID. A capture of ideas about what fits now, where we need to stretch ourselves, and how to build capacity to meet needs as the church evolves.
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!
From the Florida Conference: The Sabbatical: A Win-Win
What exactly does it mean when a pastor is “on sabbatical”? Well, it is more than just a long vacation away from the church building – and perhaps even cell phone connection. And for some, a “Do Not Disturb” sign is an appropriate trapping (and maybe even necessary).
We asked our Associate Conference Minister Rev. Leslie Etheredge to give us some idea of the basics of a pastoral sabbatical. She first cites our denominational publication, A Sure Foundation: Resources for the Relationship between Pastors and Congregations, and notes that a sabbatical ideally accomplishes the following:
Encourages longer pastorates Refocuses ministry Contributes to a pastor’s spiritual growth Prevents burnout Establishes new patterns for work and self-care Promotes congregational self-sufficiency
The UCC standard Call Agreement suggests a three month sabbatical every five years. Some pastors divide it differently. Some pastors utilize this privilege but some don’t, and Rev. Leslie suggests that all should.
Rev. Wells will be on sabbatical for September and October this year walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain.
Guided Labyrinth WalksTime Change
In August, labyrinth walks will return to Wednesday mornings at 9:00 a.m.
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.
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
Tony Larson
Yoko Nogami in flooded Kentucky
All those suffering from COVID-19 and all healthcare workers
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!
Fuji Sanctuary Japan In remembrance of the atomic bombings Aug. 6-9, 1945
PRELUDE The River’s Song HKJ
* OPENING SENTENCES Meister Eckhart, c.1260-1328
Be willing to be a beginner every single morning.
* HYMN Great Is Your Faithfulness423
SCRIPTURE READING
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. Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 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.
MODERN READING Gilda Radner, 1946-1989
from It’s Always Something
* HYMN God Moves in a Mysterious Way 412
SERMON Faith from a distance… Rev. Ann Wynne-Phillips
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH see insert
INTERLUDE Danzas Españolas #5 Granados
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 Celebration Løvland
* Words of Dedication Tracy
Sometimes love looks like small things. Gentle gestures rich with import. We give such things to one another at times without even realizing it. Tiny soul-saving acts.
* COMMUNION HYMN As the Grains of Wheat783
CELEBRATION OF HOLY COMMUNION
Invitation
Communion Prayer- 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.
Blessing the Bread and Cup
Sharing the Meal
Prayer of Thanksgiving
* HYMN We Are Often Tossed and Driven 444
*BENEDICTION
*SUNG RESPONSE (please form a circle)
Weave, weave, weave us together; weave us together in unity and love. Weave, weave, weave us together; weave us together, together in love.
*POSTLUDE Psalm 19 Marcello
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
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.
The Communion Offering will be received. This offering is used to help people in the church and the community with basic needs such as rent and utility assistance, bus passes, prescriptions, etc. There has been heavy need for these funds. Please consider how you can help the community through this offering.
New Time for Weekly Labyrinth Walk In August, labyrinth walks will return to Wednesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. All are welcome!
Thank you! Gratitude is expressed to Rev. Ann Wynne-Phillips for preachingthis morning! Ann works in the Spiritual Care services ofSuncoast Hospice and she and Heather park their RV here at thechurch.
Rev. Wells Away Kim will be back from vacation on Friday Aug. 12. If pastoral careis needed while she is away, please contact Patti Cooksey or theChurch Office.
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 AttackOA 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.
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 727-867-7961 lakewooducc@gmail.comLakewooducc.org On land originally inhabited by the Tocabaga
This Sunday: Rev. Ann Wynne-Phillips will be preaching while Kim is on vacation with family in North Carolina.
This Sunday is also a Communion Sunday. The Communion offering will be received. This offering is used to help people in the church and the community with basic needs such as rent and utility assistance, bus passes, prescriptions, etc. There has been a heavy need for these funds. Please consider how you can help the community through this offering.
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.
Facebook Live Update
Sunday Facebook Live is now being streamed from a new iPad that the church was able to purchase with funds from a grant from the Florida Conference of the United Church of Christ. The grant also provided for the purchase of a new microphone. With these two improvements, the sound on Facebook Live on Sunday mornings and on the videos posted to YouTube should be much better!
Here’s some background about Ann:
Ann is a native of North Carolina. She received her B.A. in Theatre Arts from Queens University of Charlotte, N.C. Ann holds a Master’s in Education and Human Development from The George Washington University and a Master of Divinity from Memphis Theological Seminary.
Ann completed her Clinical Pastoral Education residency within the Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare system. She later served as a staff chaplain at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. During her tenure there, she was the chaplain for the first Palliative Care Team and the Program Coordinator for the Methodist Le Bonheur system’s Non Violent Crisis Intervention training.
Moving to Florida, she became a staff chaplain with Tidewell Hospice. Now Ann is “semi- retired” and serves part-time as one of the Spiritual Care Coordinators at the Mid-Pinellas Care Center of Suncoast Hospice-Empath Healthcare.
Ann was first licensed as a Baptist minister and was later ordained within the United Church of Christ. She became a Board Certified Chaplain through the Association of Professional Chaplains and also holds a certification from the Pediatric Chaplains Institute-Little Rock, Arkansas.
Ann and her wife Heather love living in the Tampa Bay area and camping whenever they are able with their Chiweenie, Buffy.
Rev. Wells Away
Kim will be away on vacation with family Aug. 2-12. If pastoral care is needed, please contact Patti Cooksey. Next Sunday, Rev. Ann Wynn-Phillips will be preaching. Ann comes highly recommended by Victoria Long! Ann has served as a Hospice Chaplain. She and spouse Heather park their RV here at the church!
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
Masks and Sanitizer Available
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!
There are several important events ahead in the wider UCC fellowship and it would be wonderful to have LUCC participation! Much can be learned from engagement with the wider church and people from other UCC congregations. ALSO, people from LUCC have much to contribute to the wider church and to other churches!
Here are some opportunities:
JUST PEACE IN A SOUTHERN CONTEXT A One Day Event for the Southern Region UCC Saturday, August 27 | 10 – 4 PM EST
The Florida Conference of the UCC, with support from the Southeast, South Central, and Southern Conferences and Justice and Local Church Ministries, invites you to join “Just Peace in a Southern Context.” This virtual event will offer a historical overview, theological grounding, and current examples of why being a Just Peace Church matters today. Guest Speakers will include: Rev. Dr. Susan Thistlethwaite, Rev. Geoffrey Black, Sandra Sorensen, and others. The UCC Washington Office and members of the UCC Just Peace Network will share examples of how together we can bring hope for a more just and peaceful tomorrow. REGISTER NOW: bit.ly/jpinsoutherncontext
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. Please contact Rev. Wells if you are willing to attend! The church can help with the expenses involved.
THE CHURCH IN A POST-PANDEMIC WORLD September 19-21, 2022 | Online, and in person in St. Louis Join the entire UCC as we envision what a vibrant, healthy church looks like as it emerges from the pandemic. Online participants will be fully engaged via Pheedloop, a virtual event platform. In-person sessions will be available, too, alternating between the Hilton—St. Louis Airport and Eden Theological Seminary. The program will include:
Keynotes by Jacqui Lewis and Laura Everett Ted Talk-style “provocations” by Damayanthi Niles, Michael Malcom, Juan Carlos Huertas, Patrick Duggan, Jamesetta Ferguson, Cameron Trimble and David Vásquez-Levy Play space for ingenuity and creativity – in plenaries and smaller clusters – as we discuss what we learned during COVID that will change what we do after COVID. A capture of ideas about what fits now, where we need to stretch ourselves, and how to build capacity to meet needs as the church evolves.
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!
From the Florida Conference: The Sabbatical: A Win-Win
What exactly does it mean when a pastor is “on sabbatical”? Well, it is more than just a long vacation away from the church building – and perhaps even cell phone connection. And for some, a “Do Not Disturb” sign is an appropriate trapping (and maybe even necessary).
We asked our Associate Conference Minister Rev. Leslie Etheredge to give us some idea of the basics of a pastoral sabbatical. She first cites our denominational publication, A Sure Foundation: Resources for the Relationship between Pastors and Congregations, and notes that a sabbatical ideally accomplishes the following:
Encourages longer pastorates Refocuses ministry Contributes to a pastor’s spiritual growth Prevents burnout Establishes new patterns for work and self-care Promotes congregational self-sufficiency
The UCC standard Call Agreement suggests a three month sabbatical every five years. Some pastors divide it differently. Some pastors utilize this privilege but some don’t, and Rev. Leslie suggests that all should.
Rev. Wells will be on sabbatical for September and October this year walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain.
Guided Labyrinth WalksTime Change
In August, labyrinth walks will return to Wednesday mornings at 9:00 a.m.
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.
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
Tony Larson
Yoko Nogami in flooded Kentucky
All those suffering from COVID-19 and all healthcare workers
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!
Lakewood United Church of Christ 