THIS SUNDAY: In this season of Light perhaps we are seeing some things illuminated by the Light that we do not feel good about.  How did we get here?  We can learn alot from the past.  And, how do we move forward?  Take a look at two of the most well known passages in the Bible:  Micah 6:1-8 and Matthew 5:1-12. Worship begins at 10:30. Childcare is provided.

Blessing Bags Thank you to everyone who participated in our Blessing Bag event. We filled 20 bags with hygiene items to distribute to our local unhoused community.

Collection of Antiperspirant  Our featured donation bin for February will be for Lakewood High School. They need antiperspirant/deodorant for their student pantry. Different types (spray, stick) of different scents, including unscented, are needed for students of all genders. Donations can be placed in the bin inside the sanctuary.

After Church Lunch Come enjoy a buffet luncheon with your church friends on February 15th after services! We will be dining at Buffet City, an Asian buffet in West St. Pete. They serve an all day dinner for $21.99 that includes a variety of sushi, cooked seafood, Chinese-American entrees and sides, as well as some traditional American fare. Please be aware that as a buffet, it may be more difficult for certain dietary restrictions to be met.  If you are interested in joining and would like to know more, please speak to Joyce Lee.  All are welcome. The church will cover the cost for those who request it. Please speak with Kim Wells.  Address: 1030 58th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710

Memorial Garden Restoration For some time, the church has been planning a restoration of the Memorial Garden.  The Garden is between the bike rack and 54th Ave. S.  It was established as a sacred space for the ashes of people associated with the church to be buried.  It was also a place of calm for people to rest, reflect, and pray.   In recent months, large trees and shrubs have been removed from the Garden in preparation for new plantings more appropriate in size as well as a new railing around the Garden.  Several people have donated financially to this project.   After the hurricanes of 2024, there was significant damage to Pass A Grille Beach Community Church United Church of Christ.  For several months after the storms, LUCC provided space for the PAG youth groups to meet until they could use their church again.  To thank LUCC, the youth group wanted to do a project at the church. So, they agreed to help with the restoration of the Memorial Garden.  On Saturday, Jan. 24, the youth and youth leaders from Pass A Grille Beach Church spent over 5 hours working on the Memorial Garden.  The area was cleared of weeds and debris.  The new plantings were placed and the young people were instructed in the proper technique for establishing a plant in the ground.  After the planting of trees and bushes, mulch was placed around each plant.  The students were capable and willing workers!   Still to come:  a new railing, more mulch, and a couple of additional bushes. Take a look the next time you are at church. Questions: Talk with Malcolm Wells who is leading this project.  Malcolm has extensive knowledge and experience in gardening and landscaping.

In Memoriam Our condolences go out to the family and loved ones of James Waterman, brother-in-law of Ed Kaspar.  James died on Sunday Jan. 18 after a fall on the ice when he was visiting his mother in Virginia. James is a former member of LUCC.

Ladder Needed Provided Many thanks for the 10 foot ladder that is being generously donated to the church! This is much needed not only for installing decorative material in the sanctuary, but also for changing light bulbs and for getting on the roof to remove debris.  Thank you!!!

We’re Invited! Join Pass-a-Grille Beach Community Church for a Book Launch and Author Event!

Immigration Vigil Continued Be with us as we stand together in prayer, solidarity, and witness against the inhumane and unconstitutional treatment of our immigrant community. All are welcome at this peaceful, prayerful vigil. Sunday, February 1, 2026 4:00 PM –  5:00 PM ET Pinellas County Justice Center, 14450 49th St N, Clearwater, FL 33762

From Minneapolis to Palestine  Date: Thursday, January 29, 2026Time: 3:00 pm (Eastern) / 2:00 pm (Central) Location: on Zoom – https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86413437746 In the new Kairos Palestine document which came out of Bethlehem in November 2025, our partners are calling us to: clearly name the reality of genocide, occupation, and ethnic cleansing; advocate for accountability and uphold international law; reject and expose theologies that justify oppression; practice costly solidarity; and support creative non-violent resistance. These are precisely the things needed here at home in the face of racism, ethnic cleansing, targeting of vulnerable communities, and violation of human rights. In our time together, we will explore the connections between militarization and repression in Palestine and here at home, get eyewitness updates from the West Bank and Minneapolis, and hear from siblings in the US who are practicing costly solidarity in the face of ICE raids and authoritarianism. We will also pray together and share the challenges and power of solidarity in this time.

WEEKLY LABYRINTH UPDATE

On February 4th, the labyrinth will begin at 9:30 am. Afterwards, it will begin at 10:00 am.   All are welcome! The focus is on the scripture reading from the previous Sunday.   For those who do not feel comfortable walking, a finger labyrinth is available.  Please bring your own chair if you can.   The labyrinth is on the southwest corner of the church property, beyond the bike rack.  You are welcome to walk it any time.

Care Closet Good Samaritan Food Pantry The food pantry has requested pet food and breakfast cereal.  Donations may be placed in The Caring Closet here at the church. Plastic Bags for Missio Dei Missio Dei is in need of plastic grocery bags for the homeless and needy. Please place bags in The Caring Closet at church. 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.  Here is a list of donations needed: towlettes travel size, socks and underwear.  Please leave your donation in The Caring Closet at church.

USEFUL LAKEWOOD LINKS PostsLakewood UCC YouTube ChannelLakewood UCC Bluesky accountYou can listen to Hilton’s music and videos for free at https://hiltonkeanjones.com/.

View

January Birthdays! 7 – Chip Cosper  9 – Jackson Cosper  14 – Deb Kenneda 17 – Julie Huber  23 – Hilton Jones   28 – Bob Bell

Circle of Concern Cathy Giesey Ann Cloutier, Michelle’s mother JoAnne Reid Dyanne Edds & family. Dyanne’s brother died.  Paula and Tony Pelletier Barbara Walburn Yvonne RiesenBurt Lee & family. Burt’s sister died. Denise Williams Vita Uth Cate Colgan & Marty Seyler’s dog, Trinity Family & loved ones of James Waterman Jackie Shewmaker All school students, families & staff Caregivers The 280 women and men on Florida’s Death Row

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!

THIS SUNDAY:

This week is the celebration of the Baptism of Jesus.  This is a time to remember that Jesus, too, was called to his ministry.  What is our ministry?  How does our baptism empower us to incarnate Divine Love?  Take a look at Matthew 3:13-17.

Worship begins at 10:30. Childcare is provided.  

Preparing for the New Year, Sunday December 28th

Advisors Needed

Each year, the church is beautifully served by a group of leaders, the Advisors, who guide the ministry and the workings of the church.  They make sure that what we are doing as a church is consistent with our mission and they oversee the infrastructure of the church including building and grounds, personnel, and finances.  It is thanks to the Advisors that things go smoothly, for the most part!  And this ministry is a joy to those who are involved.  

For 2026, several new Advisors are needed to serve.  Is this something that you would like to be part of?  For more information, please contact Rev. Wells (wells.kim.p@gmail.com, 727-776-7890).

Book Talk Ahead

Is one of your resolutions for the year to read more?  Well, LUCC Book Talk can help with that.  Each month a group gathers to share what they have been reading.  There are many good reads suggested.  Come, share what you have been reading, or listen and get some great ideas about what to read next.  

The group will meet January 15 at 6:30 p.m.  on Zoom.  Here’s the information needed to participate: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2551937851?omn=81332873706

Meeting ID: 255 193 7851
One tap mobile
+1-305-224-1968,,2551937851# US
+1-929-205-6099,,2551937851# US (New York)

Bible Study Ahead

All are welcome to participate in an engaging Bible Study about the book of Ruth.  You are encouraged to read this short book in the Hebrew Bible and come ready to learn and share.  The group will meet on Wednesday Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the Church Office.  All are welcome!

After Church Lunch

Come enjoy a buffet luncheon with your church friends on February 15th after services! We will be dining at Buffet City, an Asian buffet in West St. Pete. They serve an all day dinner for $21.99 that includes a variety of sushi, cooked seafood, Chinese-American entrees and sides, as well as some traditional American fare. Please be aware that as a buffet, it may be more difficult for certain dietary restrictions to be met. 

If you are interested in joining and would like to know more, please speak to Joyce Lee. 

All are welcome. The church will cover the cost for those who request it. Please speak with Kim Wells. 

Address: 1030 58th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33710

Many Smiles and Much Gratitude sent to Lakewood UCC Congregation 

Each year the Lakewood congregation partners with Maximo Elementary School to provide Christmas gifts for the students who are houseless. The school provides the names and ages of children and preferred gifts. And Angel Tree is set up in the sanctuary with the names and gifts listed on ornaments. People take the ornaments purchase the gifts and bring them back to church wrapped and tagged. We are so grateful to all who support this effort to bring joy to children in our community.

To view more photos, please visit our website.

Blessing Bags

The Outreach Committee will be featuring our Blessing Bags for the January bin of the month. We will be collecting hygiene items for the homeless until the last Sunday of January so that we can fill 20 bags to hand out. We currently need sunscreen, socks, toothbrushes, shelf stable small snacks (protein bars, cracker packs, etc.), combs, and deodorant. The bags are small, so travel sized items are recommended. 

St. Pete MLK Day Parade

Join in on one of the nation’s largest celebrations of Dr. King! Watch the parade going through Downtown St. Pete on January 19, 2026 starting at 11 AM. For more information, go to https://www.stpetemlkparade.com/

Interfaith Service

Rev. Wells will be leading one of the prayers.

Immigration Vigil Continued

Be with us as we stand together in prayer, solidarity, and witness against the inhumane and unconstitutional treatment of our immigrant community. All are welcome at this peaceful, prayerful vigil.

Sunday, January 11, 2026 4:00 PM –  5:00 PM ET

Pinellas County Justice Center, 14450 49th St N, Clearwater, FL 33762

Commemoration of the Fall of Roe v. Wade

Pinellas Now, The League of Women Voters, and other groups will be hosting their annual sign waving event to commemorate the fall of reproductive freedom in the United States. People will gather to wave signs at intersections in Downtown St. Pete.

Date and Time: Thursday January 22, 12-1 PM

Event Information Form: https://tinyurl.com/StPeteJan22

Registration Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdIlcuSM_1Dfn5XS8hGMl_uxdMc1VgtxoSrjHhQDo8jRQTdbg/viewform?pli=1

WEEKLY LABYRINTH UPDATE

From January 7th – 28th, the labyrinth will begin at 9:30 am.

Then, starting February 4th, the labyrinth will begin at 10:00 am. 

All are welcome!

The focus is on the scripture reading from the previous Sunday.   For those who do not feel comfortable walking, a finger labyrinth is available.  Please bring your own chair if you can.  

The labyrinth is on the southwest corner of the church property, beyond the bike rack.  You are welcome to walk it any time.  

Care Closet

Good Samaritan Food Pantry

The food pantry has requested pet food and breakfast cereal.  Donations may be placed in The Caring Closet here at the church.

Plastic Bags for Missio Dei

Missio Dei is in need of plastic grocery bags for the homeless and needy. Please place bags in The Caring Closet at church.

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.  Here is a list of donations needed: towlettes travel size, socks and underwear.  Please leave your donation in The Caring Closet at church.

USEFUL LAKEWOOD LINKS

Posts

Lakewood UCC YouTube Channel

Lakewood UCC Bluesky account

You can listen to Hilton’s music and videos for free at https://hiltonkeanjones.com/.

January Birthdays!
7 – Chip Cosper
9 – Jackson Cosper
14 – Deb Kenneda
17 – Julie Huber
23 – Hilton Jones
28 – Bob Bell

Circle of Concern
Cathy Giesey
Ann Cloutier, Michelle’s mother
JoAnne Reid
Paula and Tony Pelletier
Barbara Walburn
Nancy Schrepf
Yvonne Riesen
Denise Williams
Vita Uth
Susan Sherwood
Cate Colgan & Marty Seyler’s dog, Trinity
Jackie Shewmaker
All school students, families & staff
Caregivers
The 280 women and men on Florida’s Death Row

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!

Subscribe to Church Website
You are invited to subscribe to the Lakewood UCC Church website. When you subscribe, every time something is posted at the website you receive an email about the post. This is a great way to keep up on what is happening with the church community and beyond!
Here’s a link to subscribe: Subscribe

Credits: Images of birthday cake and books from Freepik.com

Our mailing address is:
Lakewood United Church of Christ
2601 54th Ave S
St Petersburg, FL 33712-4709
On land originally inhabited by the Tocabaga on the Gulf of Mexico
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THIS SUNDAY: This Sunday will include the celebration of Epiphany! Epiphany marks the visit of the astrologers to the baby Jesus.  What can we learn as we journey into this New Year?  Take a look at:  Matthew 2:1-12. Worship begins at 10:30. Childcare is provided.    Altar, Christmas Eve  Lining the Cradle, Sunday December 21st   Preparing for the New Year, Sunday December 28th Immigration Vigil Continued Be with us as we stand together in prayer, solidarity, and witness against the inhumane and unconstitutional treatment of our immigrant community. All are welcome at this peaceful, prayerful vigil. Sunday, January 4, 2026 4:00 PM –  5:00 PM ET Pinellas County Justice Center, 14450 49th St N, Clearwater, FL 33762 Blessing Bags The Outreach Committee will be featuring our Blessing Bags for the January bin of the month. We will be collecting hygiene items for the homeless until the last Sunday of January so that we can fill 20 bags to hand out. We currently need sunscreen, socks, toothbrushes, shelf stable small snacks (protein bars, cracker packs, etc.), combs, and deodorant. The bags are small, so travel sized items are recommended.  WEEKLY LABYRINTH UPDATE From January 7th – 28th, the labyrinth will begin at 9:30 am. Then, starting February 4th, the labyrinth will begin at 10:00 am.  All are welcome! The focus is on the scripture reading from the previous Sunday.   For those who do not feel comfortable walking, a finger labyrinth is available.  Please bring your own chair if you can.   The labyrinth is on the southwest corner of the church property, beyond the bike rack.  You are welcome to walk it any time.    Care Closet Good Samaritan Food Pantry The food pantry has requested pet food and breakfast cereal.  Donations may be placed in The Caring Closet here at the church. Plastic Bags for Missio Dei Missio Dei is in need of plastic grocery bags for the homeless and needy. Please place bags in The Caring Closet at church. 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.  Here is a list of donations needed: towlettes travel size, socks and underwear.  Please leave your donation in The Caring Closet at church. USEFUL LAKEWOOD LINKS PostsLakewood UCC YouTube ChannelLakewood UCC Bluesky accountYou can listen to Hilton’s music and videos for free at https://hiltonkeanjones.com/.View  January Birthdays! 7 – Chip Cosper  9 – Jackson Cosper  14 – Deb Kenneda 17 – Julie Huber  23 – Hilton Jones   28 – Bob Bell  Circle of Concern Cathy Giesey Ann Cloutier, Michelle’s mother JoAnne Reid Paula and Tony Pelletier Barbara WalburnNancy Schrepf  Yvonne Riesen Denise Williams Vita Uth Cate Colgan & Marty Seyler’s dog, Trinity Jackie Shewmaker All school students, families & staff Caregivers The 280 women and men on Florida’s Death Row  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! Subscribe to Church WebsiteYou are invited to subscribe to the Lakewood UCC Church website.  When you subscribe, every time something is posted at the website you receive an email about the post.  This is a great way to keep up on what is happening with the church community and beyond!Here’s a link to subscribe:  Subscribe  RECENT WEBSITE POSTS International Day of Peace Sermon Text, Lost and Found, 9.14.2025Sermon Text, Enlighten Up, 8.10.2025 Credits: Images of birthday cake and books from Freepik.comOur mailing address is:Lakewood United Church of Christ2601 54th Ave S St Petersburg, FL 33712-4709On land originally inhabited by the Tocabaga on the Gulf of Mexico