Category: Updates

Weekly Update May 11, 2023

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ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING
This Sunday, LUCC will receive the national UCC special offering, One Great Hour of Sharing.  This offering is used in partnership with faith communities and interfaith organizations in the US and around the world to do good where it is most needed.  The theme this year is “It’s Time to Share.”  This theme is inspired by Galatians 6:9-10 from The Message by Eugene Peterson:  “So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good.  At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit.  Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance let us work for the benefit of all. . .” 
The OGHS offering is a wonderful opportunity to work together for the benefit of all.  Special envelopes are available at church for your use on Sunday.  
In honor of mothers who seek to provide for their families and create a world where all children can flourish, this special offering will be received at LUCC on Mother’s Day, May 14.
This Sunday
This Sunday is Mother’s Day.  During the service there will be an opportunity to name those who have embodied mothering love in our lives.  
Childcare is provided at all Sunday services.
Summer Sundays Ahead
For the Sunday services this summer, Rev. Wells would like to hear from you!  What would you like to hear a sermon about?  Is there a theme or a topic or a scripture lesson or an issue or a story that is of interest to you?  Kim would love to hear from you and she will plan the summer services around your requests.   Send an email or fill out a form at church and give it to Kim.  
2023 Financial News 
In February 2023 it became clear that Lakewood UCC faced serious financial challenges. A Congregational Meeting in February elicited support for planning our first six months of the year, with a review to follow in late June  A motion to request one-time special offerings from individuals resulted in generous contributions. Within a month, eleven members had contributed a total of $10,500 and one anonymous donor committed to donate $2000. In addition, 31commitment forms for 2023 giving were returned to the church.  To date, 26 forms accounted to a total of $48,144 and five were returned with one-time donations amounting to $600.
Submitted by Financial Secretary Lucille Ruga
Congregational Meeting Ahead
There will be a congregational meeting following morning worship on Sunday June 25.  This is a special called meeting to discuss a financial plan for the church for the second half of 2023.  
Congratulations to Jackson Cosper
Jack Cosper, son of Chip and Dana Cosper, will be graduating from Lakewood High School Center for Advanced Technology on Wednesday May 17.  Congratulations to Jack and to Chip and Dana! 
Climate Card Project Coming Soon
The national UCC has invited churches around the country to join in sending cards about climate change to Congress.  LUCC will be participating in this campaign which has been developed by Rev. Well’s son-in-law, Andy Wells-Bean, who works for the Creation Justice office of the National United Church of Christ.
Look for cards to sign soon!
Pentecost Ahead
Pentecost is the Sunday 50 days after Easter which is a celebration of the Holy Spirit being given to the community of followers of Jesus enabling them to become the church of Jesus Christ.  This year Pentecost falls on Sunday May 28.  
The liturgical color for Pentecost is red, so wear red if you can.  
The story of Pentecost in Acts mentions the spirit appearing like a flame upon each of Jesus’ disciples.  This year you are invited to bring a candle to church as we celebrate the presence of the Holy Spirit in the LUCC faith community.
LUCC Book Talk
This is an opportunity to hear what others have been reading and to share what you have been reading. Everyone welcome!
NEXT BOOK TALK: Thursday May 25 at 6:30. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2700683648 Please note change of date for May.
PTL Discussions Begin
This coming week, conversations will begin between Pilgrim UCC, Trinity UCC, and Lakewood UCC, all in St. Petersburg, about how the three churches can work together and support each other.  This promises to be an exciting process that will lead to a stronger UCC presence in this area.
Guided Labyrinth WalksCHANGE OF TIMEfor Guided Labyrinth Walks Wednesday Evenings at 7:00 p.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.
Beginning, May 10, the weekly guided labyrinth walk will be held on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.  There are several factors that have led to this change including the construction on the property next to the church.  All are welcome!
The first evening labyrinth walk was held this week.  It turns out the labyrinth is bathed by the colors of the setting sun in the evening.  It is a gorgeous time of day to walk!
In case of rain, the walk will be held the following evening, Thursday, at 7 p.m.
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.
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, 32,34Women’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
Operation Attack is an ecumenical food pantry located at Lakeview Presbyterian Church.  
The current need is for canned fruit.
USEFUL LAKEWOOD LINKS
Sermon and Reflection TextsLakewood UCC YouTube ChannelLakewood UCC on TwitterLakewood on FacebookLakewood 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 http://hiltonkeanjones.com/look-listen/ as well as purchase his CDs and digital albums there.
MAY Birthdays
May 2 Mark GibsonMay 7 Angela Wells-BeanMay 8 Emily GibsonMay 9 Julian RicciardiMay 11 Colleen CoughenourMay 15 Christy MartinMay 16 Bill ParsonsMay 25 Danielle Hintz
Are any church family birthdays missing? Please contact the Church Office!
Circle of ConcernYvonne Riesen who took a fall and is in the hospitalBarbara Donohue’s friend, KelseyJeff Wells and family over the death of his brother, Frank WellsErik JohnsonAnn Quinn is under Hospice careJanet HallSchools: Students, families, teachers, and staffCaregivers
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 WEBSITE POSTS
Music for Sunday, Mother’s DayMay 8, 2023Bulletin 5/7/23May 6, 2023
Credits:
Images of congratulation, soup, thank you, stack of books, birthday cake, and printer from Freepik.com

Weekly Update 4.13.23

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This Sunday

This Sunday: This Sunday is the Sunday after Easter. It is traditionally called ‘low’ Sunday because attendance is usually much lower than it was the week before on Easter. This 50 or so member congregation had 64 people in worship for Easter. What a marvelous celebration. In the early church, every Sunday was considered a celebration of the resurrection, so please know that you are welcome to be part of celebrating the resurrection again this Sunday!
The service will involve the echoes of Easter themes and the beautiful story of Thomas whom we remember for his faith (and doubt). Take a look at John 20:19-31.

SPECIAL GUESTS THIS SUNDAY

This Sunday, the congregation of Trinity United Church of Christ of St. Petersburg will be worshipping at Lakewood with the LUCC congregation. This is an opportunity for the two congregations to begin to get to know one another as conversations begin between Trinity, Lakewood, and Pilgrim UCC in St. Pete about how the three congregations can work together and support each other.
The Trinity folks are bringing refreshments for after worship.
Childcare is provided at all Sunday services.

Grandma’s Lentil Soup

At the Maundy Thursday observance, lentil soup was served for dinner along with a mulberry crumble made with mulberries from the farm where Malcolm Wells works. Several people asked for the soup recipe.
It was also mentioned that lentil soup has become a staple sustaining the people of Ukraine as the sourcing of their food supply has been disrupted by the war there.
Here’s the recipe for lentil soup from Kim’s Italian grandmother, Grandma Angie.

3 tbsp. olive oil
1 large or 2 small cloves of garlic
1 cup lentils
1 8 oz. can Del Monte tomato sauce (or whatever brand is available)
1 tbsp oregano
2 tbsp vinegar (red balsamic is an option)
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup elbow noodles
water (or vegetable broth)

Brown garlic in olive oil in a 3 quart pot.
Put aside until cool.
Examine lentils and remove any foreign particles. Wash well under cold water.
Add tomato sauce to garlic and oil. Then add lentils, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Fill pot 3/4 full with water (or vegetable broth can be used). Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Then add vinegar and noodles. Cook an additional 10-12 minutes.
Serves 6.
[For ceci bean soup, replace oregano with rosemary.]
LUCC Book Talk
For almost two years a small group has been meeting each month via zoom. Each member shares the book(s) they have been reading…fiction, non-fiction, current or classics. There is always a wide variety of books shared and discussion is lively. We usually meet on the third Thursday of each month. Rev. Kim issues the zoom invitation. We would love to have you join us!!! NEXT BOOK TALK: Thursday April 13 at 6:30. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2700683648
Florida UCC Women to Host Retreat
LUCC Dyanne Edds is involved in the women’s ministry of the Florida Conference. She can share more information about this upcoming retreat.
93rd Annual FL UCC Women’s Conference – All women belonging to a UCC church are invited to attend the 93rd Annual FL UCC Women’s Conference, May 5-7 2023 at San Pedro Conference Center in Winter Park, FL.
Registration deadline is April 1, 2023. More information as well as registration forms can be found on the FL UCC Women’s website: Register here: https://www.uccfla.org/floridauccwomen
Religious Leaders for Reproductive Choice
LUCC pastor, Kim Wells, has been recruited to participate in a demonstration on Monday morning April 17 in Tallahassee. The rally is a gathering of religious leaders witnessing to the Florida Legislature that there are people of faith, faith leaders, in fact, who fully support the rights of women to access the full spectrum of reproductive health care options, including abortion. A woman deserves to have the right to make her own health care decisions. This is a personal matter that should not be fraught with interference from the state or national government. While the laws may not be changed any time soon, we must make sure that our voices are being heard.
https://www.ucc.org/history-will-grind-you-into-dust-ucc-gmp-blasts-desantis-appointees-as-new-college-faces-authoritarian-takeover/
St. Petersburg Museum of History Offers Civil Rights Exhibit
Rev. Wells was part of a clergy tour of a new civil rights exhibit at the St. Petersburg Museum of History. The display, “Civil Rights in the Sunshine State” provides history and information about the civil rights movement in Florida. We often hear about Mississippi and Alabama but there was also a vibrant civil rights movement in Florida. Learn about it at this new exhibit. Feb. 25-June 8.
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 NeedsA New List This Week
Family Promise, a local ministry to houseless families with children, is in need of the following items:
Liquid detergentPull Ups size 5 and size 1Baby wipesSmall bottles of waterEasy carry snacks (please no granola bars or mac and cheese cups)Garbage bagsCleaning supplies (Fabuloso, toilet bowl cleaner, Windex, etc.)Women’s deodorantBar soapRazorsShaving creamHand 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, 32,34Women’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 TextsLakewood UCC YouTube ChannelLakewood UCC on TwitterLakewood on FacebookLakewood 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 http://hiltonkeanjones.com/look-listen/ as well as purchase his CDs and digital albums there.
April Birthdays
April 16 Zachary Blair-Andrews
Are any church family birthdays missing? Please contact the Church Office!
Circle of Concern
Samantha Wassmer and familyThe family and loved ones of Lorne PalmerErik JohnsonAnn Quinn is under Hospice careJanet Hall
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!
RECENT WEBSITE POSTS
Easter at Lakewood music playlist April 10, 2023Easter at Lakewood April 10, 2023Sermon 4.2.23 Palm Sunday April 5, 2023Weekly Update 3.31.23 March 31, 2023
Copyright (C) 2023 Lakewood United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
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Our mailing address is:Lakewood United Church of Christ2601 54th Ave S On land originally inhabited by the Tocabaga
St Petersburg, FL 33712-4709
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Images of soup, stack of books, birthday cake, and printer from Freepik.com
LogoCopyright (C) 2023 Lakewood United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website.

Our mailing address is:
Lakewood United Church of Christ2601 54th Ave SOn land originally inhabited by the TocabagaSt Petersburg, FL33712-4709

Weekly Update 3.31.23

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This Sunday
This Sunday: This Sunday is Palm Sunday! The service will begin outdoors on the lawn with the blessing of the palms.
Please bring a palm branch if you can!
Also, this Sunday is the deadline for ordering Easter flowers. Please turn your form in this Sunday.
This year the flowers will be cut flowers in vases. After the Easter service, the flowers will be delivered to those in the LUCC family that are homebound. You can email the church office to order flowers. Simply indicate who the flowers are ‘in memory of’ or ‘in honor of.’
Childcare is provided at all Sunday services.

Holy Week ScheduleApril 2 – Palm Sunday Service begins with the blessing of the palms outside. Please being a palm branch if you can.
April 6 – The Maundy Thursday service will be held at 6:30 around the table over dinner, a remembrance of the last supper.
April 7 – On Good Friday the sanctuary will be open for reflection and prayer from noon until 3 p.m There will be readings and prayers provided for your use.
April 9 – Easter Sunday there will be one service at 10:30 a.m. in the church sanctuary.
Lunch at the Tiki Docks (3769 50th Ave. S) on Sunday, April 2, 2023 after church. Please come for some fun conversation with some fun folks. Contact Kay Rencken (bobandkayrencken@cox.net) for more information.
LUCC Book Talk
For almost two years a small group has been meeting each month via zoom. Each member shares the book(s) they have been reading…fiction, non-fiction, current or classics. There is always a wide variety of books shared and discussion is lively. We usually meet on the third Thursday of each month. Rev. Kim issues the zoom invitation. We would love to have you join us!!! NEXT BOOK TALK: Thursday April 13 at 6:30. Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2700683648
Lakewood UCC feature in National UCC News about New College
https://www.ucc.org/history-will-grind-you-into-dust-ucc-gmp-blasts-desantis-appointees-as-new-college-faces-authoritarian-takeover/
Florida UCC Women to Host Retreat
LUCC Dyanne Edds is involved in the women’s ministry of the Florida Conference. She can share more information about this upcoming retreat.
93rd Annual FL UCC Women’s Conference – All women belonging to a UCC church are invited to attend the 93rd Annual FL UCC Women’s Conference, May 5-7 2023 at San Pedro Conference Center in Winter Park, FL.
Registration deadline is April 1, 2023. More information as well as registration forms can be found on the FL UCC Women’s website: Register here: https://www.uccfla.org/floridauccwomen
St. Petersburg Museum of History Offers Civil Rights Exhibit
This past week, Rev. Wells was part of a clergy tour of a new civil rights exhibit at the St. Petersburg Museum of History. The display, “Civil Rights in the Sunshine State” provides history and information about the civil rights movement in Florida. We often hear about Mississippi and Alabama but there was also a vibrant civil rights movement in Florida. Learn about it at this new exhibit. Feb. 25-June 8.
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:
Women’s underwear sizes S/M/LWomen’s socksWash clothsBath towelsPull Ups sizes 2T-3T, 3T-4T, 4T-5THair conditioner (no shampoo)Women’s deodorantCerealCups, forks, platesSnacks to go (not granola bars)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, 32,34Women’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 TextsLakewood UCC YouTube ChannelLakewood UCC on TwitterLakewood on FacebookLakewood 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 http://hiltonkeanjones.com/look-listen/ as well as purchase his CDs and digital albums there.
March Birthdays!
March 1 Carol ShoresMarch 3 Claudia RodriguezMarch 13 Yvonne RiesenMarch 19 Ron Huff
Are any church family birthdays missing? Please contact the Church Office!
Circle of Concern
Samantha Wassmer and family
Tony and Jim Larson
Ann Quinn is under Hospice care
Maggie Brizendine
Janet Hall
Family and Loved Ones of Lorne Palmer
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!
RECENT WEBSITE POSTS
Oppose Another Florida Execution – VIGILMarch 31, 2023Bulletin 3.26.23March 24, 2023Sermon 2.19.23March 23, 2023Re-request your ballotMarch 23, 2023One City ChorusMarch 22, 2023The Electric Vehicle Charging Station at the Church In UseMarch 22, 2023Guided Labyrinth Walk March 22, 2023March 22, 2023Sermon 2.26.23March 22, 2023sermon 3.5.23March 18, 2023Learn with LucyMarch 17, 2023Sermon 3.12.23March 17, 2023
Copyright (C) 2023 Lakewood United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website.

Our mailing address is:Lakewood United Church of Christ2601 54th Ave S On land originally inhabited by the TocabagaSt Petersburg, FL 33712-4709
Add us to your address book
Credits:
Images of palm & cross, stack of books, “thank you,” birthday cake, and printer from Freepik.com
LogoCopyright (C) 2023 Lakewood United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website.

Our mailing address is:
Lakewood United Church of Christ2601 54th Ave SOn land originally inhabited by the TocabagaSt Petersburg, FL 33712-4709