Category: Updates

Weekly Update 2/25

The Season of Lent

The season of Lent has begun. Like a seed in the ground during the winter months, Lent is a time of preparation for the new life that we celebrate at Easter. The Lenten season began on Ash Wednesday and lasts 40 days not including Sundays.  It is traditionally a season of repentance; a time to turn your life back toward God, Spirit, Divine Love, however you envision that.  The Lenten season at LUCC this year will be a time to reflect with several mystics of centuries past and consider the wisdom they offer for our walk of faith today. 

In Person Indoor/Outdoor Services

There will be another indoor/outdoor set up this Sunday to try to mitigate some of the problems last week. There will be well-ventilated, physically distanced indoor seating as well as outdoor seating on the sidewalk adjacent to the sanctuary.  Masks are worn by all.  Please know that your safety is of primary consideration!  

Childcare provided.

This Sunday the service will focus on the mystic Julian of Norwich. Rev.Dr. Sally Purvis will be sharing about Julian with the congregation.

The bulletin and text of the Sunday sermon will be posted at the website early in the week and there will be regular posts of music and music videos from Hilton Jones.

Here’s the link for last Sunday’s service: https://lakewooducc.org/2021/02/25/sunday-service-2-21-2021/

Watch the service on FaceBook Live Sundays at 10:30.  https://www.facebook.com/LakewoodUCC

Dollie Pettis Memorial Service

Sympathy and condolences are expressed to Claire Stiles and Ruth Pettis and family over the death of Ruth’s mother, Dollie, on December 31. Dollie was a resident of Westminster Suncoast.

There will be a memorial service held over Zoom tomorrow, Friday the 26th, 2021 from 11:30-1:30p.m. The Dollie Pettis Memorial & Celebration of life starts at 12 noon.

We’ll look forward to seeing you there!

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Eckerd College Environmental Film Festival, Virtual

Eckerd students, faculty and staff have turned to the natural world for study, recreation and conservation efforts. Our campus wide immersion in concern for the health of the planet shines through many of our endeavors, including the return of the Visions of Nature/Voices of Nature Environmental Film Festival. The reimagined festival will feature online access to Viktor Kossakovsky’s Gunda, a black-and-white documentary about a sow and her piglets, from February 26 to 29, and a virtual discussion of the film with Assistant Professor of Animal Studies Erin Frick on February 27 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. Almost every moment at Eckerd is a chance to engage with the environment. We’re proud to share the ways our community continues to excel at positive interactions with nature. 

Please use the following link to view this post: https://lakewooducc.org/2021/02/16/ec-environmental-film-festival-virtual/

New Locks on Breezeway Bathrooms

Many thanks to Bert Lee for putting new locks on the breezeway bathrooms. The new locks are combination locks. Please speak with Bert and he will be happy to give you the combination! The bathrooms will be open as usual for all church events. Thank you so much, Bert.

Rev. Wells Away

Kim has gotten clearance from her doctors to go to Massachusetts on Grandma duty.  She will be gone from Wednesday Feb. 24 – Friday March 12.  Many thanks to all those who will be serving in her absence!  If you are in need of pastoral care, please contact Patti Cooksey at cooksepa@eckerd.edu. 

Want to make a difference? Represent LUCC on the Pinellas Coalition for Immigration Justice!

To remain part of the PCIJ, Lakewood needs a representative to replace Sue Sherwood. Please contact the Church if you can attend the  PCIJ monthly meeting (currently on Zoom the first Tuesday of the month at 7 PM) and serve as a liaison, reporting to the church on actions taken and encouraging LUCC participation in activities such as contacting elected representatives and promoting educational events. With the new Administration in Washington talking of reopening the private Homestead facility for immigrant youth and the FL legislature’s committee work starting, there is much at stake. You are needed in making a difference! 

He does do windows!

Many thanks to Rick Carr for working on the windows above the cupboards in the Sanctuary.  Rick cleaned the windows and the tracks and removed the plates and screws which kept them locked.  Now the windows can be opened to allow more circulation of fresh air in the sanctuary to help the church be covid safe.  These windows have not been opened in at least 30 years and probably more like 50!  Thank you so much, Rick!

Adult Daycare Update

The inspections are underway so that the licensing can be finalized and the center can open.  Hopefully it will be soon!

Operation Attack Needs

There was another successful OA Food Distribution Drive Thru in December due to caring volunteers, thankful families, and all of you.  We fed 91 families with 2 bags of non perishables, fresh produce, meat,  and dairy products.  We also gave extra food to large families (over 6 people), diapers and wipes, 50 referrals to Clothes to Kids, and 120 Christmas Goodie Bags.  The  goodie bags were donated and made by E.L.F.S., The Elected Ladies For The Savior.  Each beautifully decorated Christmas bag was filled with a juice box, chips and candy.  We were grateful to be asked to distribute these gifts to children. 

The next Food Distribution Drive Thrus will March 13.  Listed below are ways you can participate in our future Drive Thrus: 

Volunteer to pre-bag food before the Drive Thru. Purchase baby wipes and large/family size nonperishable food Donate plastic grocery bags Pray for the people/groups making this event happen Pray for the people we are serving

Thank you for your faithfulness to the people in the community who need our support right now.  Yours in Christ!

Anti-Racism Demonstrations Continue

Weekly demonstrations to end racism resumed Sunday January 10 at 4:30 p.m..  Many thanks to all who are participating.  While there was a break in the demonstrations, we know that there is no break in the systemic racism that is harmful to everyone.  Add your presence to this weekly demonstration making a witness to your commitment to anti racism.

Weekly Labyrinth Walks Continue

Each Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. a small group gathers at the outdoor labyrinth for a time of devotion, discussion, and meditative walking of the labyrinth.  The theme for the week is taken from the Sunday before, so it is an opportunity to go deeper in the spiritual exploration of that theme for your life.  This devotional gathering is outside and physical distancing is maintained. All are welcome!

If there is rain on Wednesday morning, the gathering will be held on Thursday morning at 9:00.

Spiritual Direction Offered by LUCC Clergy Member.

In these troubled times, it is important to find ways to tend to our spiritual lives. In the Christian tradition, Spiritual Direction is one of the ways of paying attention to the spirit in our lives. A Spiritual Director is someone to talk with about what is going on in our spiritual life and in our relationship with God however we may conceive of God.

Rev. Sally Purvis, Ph.D., a member of LUCC, is a retired clergy person with training and experience in Spiritual Direction. She is offering her services as a Spiritual Director to the community. The sessions would be held on Zoom and there is no fee to be paid. Church leaders are pleased to have the ministry of the church expand in this way.

Spiritual Direction with Sally is open to anyone, not just the congregation. And it is offered to everyone whatever their spiritual or religious background or affiliation or lack thereof. Sessions are generally held once every three weeks. Spiritual Direction is not a mode of therapy. It is a process for understanding and deepening your relationship with God/Spirit in ways that are authentic and life-giving.

Sally was trained by Henri Nouwen, a noted spiritual guide of the 20th century, and did Spiritual Direction as part of her professional ministry before retiring in 2015.

If you would like to explore Spiritual Direction with Sally, please contact her at
sallybpurvis@icloud.com or contact the church (867-7961 or lakewooducc@gmail.com ).

The church is very grateful to Sally for offering this avenue of support to the congregation and the community.

Music from Hilton

You can watch 5 videos Hilton made as lead-ups to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUn2RmCFhW2uAVwKQLfqJnzNmZhEK_TK5.

If you want to just hear they soundtracks, without the videos, you can hear those at https://soundcloud.com/hilton-kean-jones/sets/mlk-day.

USEFUL LAKEWOOD LINKS DURING THE CORONA CRISIS:

For the above church website links, please note the “Older Posts” button near the bottom of each page.

February Birthdays: Jim Andrews 2/6, Jeff Wells 2/15, Joyce Lee 2/28, Someone missing? Contact the church office with birthday information.

Circle of Concern:  To the family and loved ones of Wilbur Reid. Marg and Dave Radens, Victoria Long, Edward Jones, William Owen, Jen Degroot, Carolyn Moore, Ann Quinn, Maggie Brizendine, Joyce Lee, Wally LeBlanc, teachers, students, and school personnel, and all healthcare workers and essential workers. All those suffering from COVID-19.

Please keep LUCC member, Olivia Gibson, in your prayers. She is a nurse in a COVID-19 unit in a local hospital. We are grateful for her ministry!

Church Office Hours:  Tuesday-Friday 9:30-noon. 

Recent Posts:

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 Tuesday since the Update usually is sent out on Wednesday.

Weekly Update 2/10

In Person Outdoor Services

Weekly services are being held on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. The services are held outside on the lawn. Masks are to be worn and physical distancing will be observed. Please bring your own chair if you can.

Childcare provided.

If the weather is bad, the service will be held on the patio adjacent to the playground.

It should be another beautiful Sunday for worship out on the church lawn! This Sunday is Valentine’s Day.  So, yes, the service will be focused on Love!  Celebrate Love!  Come to church! 

The bulletin and text of the Sunday sermon will be posted at the website early in the week and there will be regular posts of music and music videos from Hilton Jones.

Here’s the link for last Sunday’s service: https://lakewooducc.org/2021/02/10/sunday-service-2-7-21/

Lent Ahead

Next week, the season of Lent begins.  Like a seed in the ground during the winter months, Lent is a time of preparation for the new life that we celebrate at Easter.  The Lenten season begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts 40 days not including Sundays.  It is traditionally a season of repentance; a time to turn your life back toward God, Spirit, Divine Love, however you envision that.  The Lenten season at LUCC this year will be a time to reflect with women mystics of centuries past and consider the wisdom they offer for our walk of faith today. 

Ash Wednesday Ahead

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17 this year.  There will be a beautiful fireside service held on the church grounds that evening at 7:00 p.m.  Bring a chair if you can.  Masks will be worn and there will be physical distancing.  It will be a meaningful start to the journey into Lent, the 40 days of preparation for the celebration of Easter.  

Advisors to Meet

The Advisors will meet on Sunday at noon.  If you have things you would like the advisors to discuss, please contact one of them and share your ideas:  Patti Cooksey, Jane Diven, Lucille Ruga, and Malcolm Wells. 

Introducing our Little Free Library!

In addition to the updated and comfortable library for members and friends of Lakewood inside our doors, a Little Free Library now stands in front of our office under the windows facing Caesar Way South. The box is a reclaimed Tampa Bay Times tabloid dispenser that was donated to St. Pete Shush*, a small organization that has distributed 130 Little Free Libraries throughout St. Petersburg.  Lucille Ruga Learned that the driving force behind St. Pete Shush, Kristine Dowham, was planning on rehabbing and distributing 30 new libraries for her 30th birthday. In early January Kristine placed Lakewood UCC on the list.  On Sunday, January 31st, our deep purple box was delivered and mounted on a platform of large pavers provided by Claire Stiles.  Soon, our location will be posted on the international Little Free Library online map so seekers of a book exchange from all over can find it, now stocked with a variety for all ages and all tastes, awaiting readers who are invited in bold white letters to TAKE A BOOK and  SHARE A BOOK.

*Shush is the collective noun for a group of librarians, like a pride of lions or a school of fish.

Ministry Reports

Inspite of the covid pandemic, the ministry of LUCC was full and vibrant in 2020.  Brief reports about many of the ministries of the church were prepared for the Congregational Meeting that was held on Zoom on Sunday Jan. 31.  Please use this link to see the reports at the church website.  It is very inspiring!

https://lakewooducc.org/2021/01/29/ministry-reports-for-2020/

Congregational Meeting Endorsed Spending Plan

Last Sunday at the Congregational Meeting on Zoom the budget for 2021 was unanimously endorsed by the congregation.  Your continued faithfulness and generosity will make this ministry plan possible.  Gratitude is expressed to all who are able to financially support LUCC.  If you are able, please consider increasing your giving to the church in 2021.  Many thanks to all for your faithful, persistent ministry! 

Here is a link to the budget:
https://lakewooducc.org/2021/02/02/lucc-budget-for-2021/

The notes from the meeting will be posted on the website after they are approved at the next advisors meeting on Feb. 14.  

Want to make a difference? Represent LUCC on the Pinellas Coalition for Immigration Justice!

Please contact the Church if you would be interested in joining her as one of Lakewood’s two reps on the Coalition. You would represent the church at the PCIJ meeting (currently on Zoom the first Tuesday of the month at 7 PM) and serve as a liaison, reporting to the church on actions taken and encouraging LUCC participation in activities such as contacting elected representatives and promoting educational events. With a new Administration in Washington and the FL legislature’s
committee work starting now, this should be an exciting year for immigration reform! Join us in making a difference!

Adult Daycare Update

Construction is wrapping up on the facilities for the Adult Day Care at the church.  There are signs out by 54th Ave. S. letting the community know that the center will be opening soon!  Inspections and licensing approvals are underway.

The church is thrilled to be part of offering this much-needed care to the elders of the community!

Ceiling Repair Complete

Thanks to the efforts of Bert Lee, the ceiling in the sanctuary has been repaired!  The plaster was damaged due to a roof leak.  Not only did Bert eradicate the mold and mildew that had developed, he exactly matched the color of the ceiling that was painted a light green in the 1960’s!  

Now, as soon as Neighborly Services moves their furnishings to the Fellowship Hall, the church will start having indoor/outdoor services based in the sanctuary!

Operation Attack Needs

There was another successful OA Food Distribution Drive Thru in December due to caring volunteers, thankful families, and all of you.  We fed 91 families with 2 bags of non perishables, fresh produce, meat,  and dairy products.  We also gave extra food to large families (over 6 people), diapers and wipes, 50 referrals to Clothes to Kids, and 120 Christmas Goodie Bags.  The  goodie bags were donated and made by E.L.F.S., The Elected Ladies For The Savior.  Each beautifully decorated Christmas bag was filled with a juice box, chips and candy.  We were grateful to be asked to distribute these gifts to children. 

The next Food Distribution Drive Thrus will March 13.  Listed below are ways you can participate in our future Drive Thrus: 

Volunteer to pre-bag food before the Drive Thru. Purchase baby wipes and large/family size nonperishable food Donate plastic grocery bags Pray for the people/groups making this event happen Pray for the people we are serving

Thank you for your faithfulness to the people in the community who need our support right now.  Yours in Christ!

Anti-Racism Demonstrations Continue

Weekly demonstrations to end racism resumed Sunday January 10 at 4:30 p.m..  Many thanks to all who are participating.  While there was a break in the demonstrations, we know that there is no break in the systemic racism that is harmful to everyone.  Add your presence to this weekly demonstration making a witness to your commitment to anti racism.

Weekly Labyrinth Walks Continue

Each Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. a small group gathers at the outdoor labyrinth for a time of devotion, discussion, and meditative walking of the labyrinth.  The theme for the week is taken from the Sunday before, so it is an opportunity to go deeper in the spiritual exploration of that theme for your life.  This devotional gathering is outside and physical distancing is maintained. All are welcome!

If there is rain on Wednesday morning, the gathering will be held on Thursday morning at 9:00.

Spiritual Direction Offered by LUCC Clergy Member.

In these troubled times, it is important to find ways to tend to our spiritual lives. In the Christian tradition, Spiritual Direction is one of the ways of paying attention to the spirit in our lives. A Spiritual Director is someone to talk with about what is going on in our spiritual life and in our relationship with God however we may conceive of God.

Rev. Sally Purvis, Ph.D., a member of LUCC, is a retired clergy person with training and experience in Spiritual Direction. She is offering her services as a Spiritual Director to the community. The sessions would be held on Zoom and there is no fee to be paid. Church leaders are pleased to have the ministry of the church expand in this way.

Spiritual Direction with Sally is open to anyone, not just the congregation. And it is offered to everyone whatever their spiritual or religious background or affiliation or lack thereof. Sessions are generally held once every three weeks. Spiritual Direction is not a mode of therapy. It is a process for understanding and deepening your relationship with God/Spirit in ways that are authentic and life-giving.

Sally was trained by Henri Nouwen, a noted spiritual guide of the 20th century, and did Spiritual Direction as part of her professional ministry before retiring in 2015.

If you would like to explore Spiritual Direction with Sally, please contact her at
sallybpurvis@icloud.com or contact the church (867-7961 or lakewooducc@gmail.com ).

The church is very grateful to Sally for offering this avenue of support to the congregation and the community.

Music from Hilton

You can watch 5 videos Hilton made as lead-ups to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUn2RmCFhW2uAVwKQLfqJnzNmZhEK_TK5.

If you want to just hear they soundtracks, without the videos, you can hear those at https://soundcloud.com/hilton-kean-jones/sets/mlk-day.

USEFUL LAKEWOOD LINKS DURING THE CORONA CRISIS:

For the above church website links, please note the “Older Posts” button near the bottom of each page.

February Birthdays: Jim Andrews 2/6, Jeff Wells 2/15, Joyce Lee 2/28, Someone missing? Contact the church office with birthday information.

Circle of Concern:  To the family and loved ones of Wilbur Reid, Dollie Pettis, and Irma Smith. Victoria Long, Edward Jones, William Owen, Jen Degroot, Carolyn Moore, Ann Quinn, Maggie Brizendine, Dave Radens, Joyce Lee, Wally LeBlanc, teachers, students, and school personnel, and all healthcare workers and essential workers. All those suffering from COVID-19.

Please keep LUCC member, Olivia Gibson, in your prayers. She is a nurse in a COVID-19 unit in a local hospital. We are grateful for her ministry!

Church Office Hours:  Tuesday-Friday 9:30-noon. 

Recent Posts:

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 Tuesday since the Update usually is sent out on Wednesday.

Weekly Update 2/3

In Person Outdoor Services

Weekly services are being held on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. The services are held outside on the lawn. Masks are to be worn and physical distancing will be observed. Please bring your own chair if you can.

Childcare provided.

If the weather is bad, the service will be held on the patio adjacent to the playground.

It should be another beautiful Sunday for worship out on the church lawn!  This week, the service is about healing.  Namaan and the people with leprosy invite reflection on being receptive to the healing power of Divine Love.

 It’s the first Sunday of the month but there won’t be communion because of covid.  But the Communion Offering will be received.  This is an important way to ‘love your neighbor’ by donating funds that help with rent, utilities, transportation, and other basic needs for people in the church family as well as the community at large. 

The bulletin and text of the Sunday sermon will be posted at the website early in the week and there will be regular posts of music and music videos from Hilton Jones.

Thank you for your understanding in this continuing season of adaptation and experimentation!

Ministry Reports

Inspite of the covid pandemic, the ministry of LUCC was full and vibrant in 2020.  Brief reports about many of the ministries of the church were prepared for the Congregational Meeting that was held on Zoom on Sunday Jan. 31.  Please use this link to see the reports at the church website.  It is very inspiring!

https://lakewooducc.org/2021/01/29/ministry-reports-for-2020/

Congregational Meeting Endorsed Spending Plan

Last Sunday at the Congregational Meeting on Zoom the budget for 2021 was unanimously endorsed by the congregation.  Your continued faithfulness and generosity will make this ministry plan possible.  Gratitude is expressed to all who are able to financially support LUCC.  If you are able, please consider increasing your giving to the church in 2021.  Many thanks to all for your faithful, persistent ministry! 

Here is a link to the budget:
https://lakewooducc.org/2021/02/02/lucc-budget-for-2021/

The notes from the meeting will be posted on the website after they are approved at the next advisors meeting on Feb. 14.  

Want to make a difference? Represent LUCC on the Pinellas Coalition for Immigration Justice!

Please contact the Church if you would be interested in joining her as one of Lakewood’s two reps on the Coalition. You would represent the church at the PCIJ meeting (currently on Zoom the first Tuesday of the month at 7 PM) and serve as a liaison, reporting to the church on actions taken and encouraging LUCC participation in activities such as contacting elected representatives and promoting educational events. With a new Administration in Washington and the FL legislature’s
committee work starting now, this should be an exciting year for immigration reform! Join us in making a difference!

Bicycle Information

Several years ago, someone from the congregation donated a bicycle that the church gave to a homeless friend of the church.  Apparently, the bike has been stolen, and it would be helpful to have paperwork or more specific information about the bicycle so that the homeless person can secure its return if/when it is found by the police.  Who donated the bike?  And do you have any details about it?  Please contact the Church Office if you have any information about this.  THANK YOU! 

Care Team and Care Team Plus Zoom

All those who are part of the Care Team and Care Team Plus are invited to participate in a Zoom gathering on Thursday Feb. 4 at 6:30 p.m.  Care Team Leader Patti Cooksey has sent out the details and agenda for the meeting.  Check your email. 

Here is how to access the Zoom:
 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2700683648

Or call in at: 1-301-715-8592  and use the Zoom ID 270 068 3648

Ash Wednesday Ahead

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17 this year.  There will be a beautiful fireside service held on the church grounds that evening at 7:00 p.m.  Bring a chair if you can.  Masks will be worn and there will be physical distancing.  It will be a meaningful start to the journey into Lent, the 40 days of preparation for the celebration of Easter.  

Westminster Palms and Westminster Suncoast Receive Covid Vaccines

Numerous people from the LUCC congregation live in these Westminster communities.  We are grateful that they have received the first Covid vaccine with another to come on Sunday Feb. 7.  We look forward to all in the congregation and community and country receiving the vaccine!

Adult Daycare Update

Renovations continue in the Fellowship Hall. Three accessible bathrooms are being added.  New flooring is being installed.  A new ceiling has been put in.  Instead of a full kitchen, there will be a kitchenette and a nurses’ station.  Meals will be brought in for the participants in the adult day care.  The tentative opening date for the Adult Daycare Center is Feb. 15. 

The church will have full use of the facilities in the evenings and on the weekends. It is very exciting to see this ministry finally coming to fruition!

Gratitude!

Rev. Wells would like to thank everyone for their prayers and expressions of support as she and Jeff recover from surgery.  They are hopeful about continued healing!

Operation Attack Needs

There was another successful OA Food Distribution Drive Thru in December due to caring volunteers, thankful families, and all of you.  We fed 91 families with 2 bags of non perishables, fresh produce, meat,  and dairy products.  We also gave extra food to large families (over 6 people), diapers and wipes, 50 referrals to Clothes to Kids, and 120 Christmas Goodie Bags.  The  goodie bags were donated and made by E.L.F.S., The Elected Ladies For The Savior.  Each beautifully decorated Christmas bag was filled with a juice box, chips and candy.  We were grateful to be asked to distribute these gifts to children. 

The next Food Distribution Drive Thrus will March 13.  Listed below are ways you can participate in our future Drive Thrus: 

Volunteer to pre-bag food before the Drive Thru. Purchase baby wipes and large/family size nonperishable food Donate plastic grocery bags Pray for the people/groups making this event happen Pray for the people we are serving

Thank you for your faithfulness to the people in the community who need our support right now.  Yours in Christ!

Anti-Racism Demonstrations Continue

Weekly demonstrations to end racism resumed Sunday January 10 at 4:30 p.m..  Many thanks to all who are participating.  While there was a break in the demonstrations, we know that there is no break in the systemic racism that is harmful to everyone.  Add your presence to this weekly demonstration making a witness to your commitment to anti racism.

Weekly Labyrinth Walks Continue

Each Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. a small group gathers at the outdoor labyrinth for a time of devotion, discussion, and meditative walking of the labyrinth.  The theme for the week is taken from the Sunday before, so it is an opportunity to go deeper in the spiritual exploration of that theme for your life.  This devotional gathering is outside and physical distancing is maintained. All are welcome!

If there is rain on Wednesday morning, the gathering will be held on Thursday morning at 9:00.

Spiritual Direction Offered by LUCC Clergy Member.

In these troubled times, it is important to find ways to tend to our spiritual lives. In the Christian tradition, Spiritual Direction is one of the ways of paying attention to the spirit in our lives. A Spiritual Director is someone to talk with about what is going on in our spiritual life and in our relationship with God however we may conceive of God.

Rev. Sally Purvis, Ph.D., a member of LUCC, is a retired clergy person with training and experience in Spiritual Direction. She is offering her services as a Spiritual Director to the community. The sessions would be held on Zoom and there is no fee to be paid. Church leaders are pleased to have the ministry of the church expand in this way.

Spiritual Direction with Sally is open to anyone, not just the congregation. And it is offered to everyone whatever their spiritual or religious background or affiliation or lack thereof. Sessions are generally held once every three weeks. Spiritual Direction is not a mode of therapy. It is a process for understanding and deepening your relationship with God/Spirit in ways that are authentic and life-giving.

Sally was trained by Henri Nouwen, a noted spiritual guide of the 20th century, and did Spiritual Direction as part of her professional ministry before retiring in 2015.

If you would like to explore Spiritual Direction with Sally, please contact her at
sallybpurvis@icloud.com or contact the church (867-7961 or lakewooducc@gmail.com ).

The church is very grateful to Sally for offering this avenue of support to the congregation and the community.

Music from Hilton

You can watch 5 videos Hilton made as lead-ups to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUn2RmCFhW2uAVwKQLfqJnzNmZhEK_TK5.

If you want to just hear they soundtracks, without the videos, you can hear those at https://soundcloud.com/hilton-kean-jones/sets/mlk-day.

USEFUL LAKEWOOD LINKS DURING THE CORONA CRISIS:

For the above church website links, please note the “Older Posts” button near the bottom of each page.

February Birthdays: Jim Andrews 2/6, Jeff Wells 2/15, Joyce Lee 2/28, Someone missing? Contact the church office with birthday information.

Circle of Concern:  To the family and loved ones of Wilbur Reid, Dollie Pettis, and Irma Smith. Victoria Long, Kim Wells, Jeff Wells, Edward Jones, William Owen, Jen Degroot, Carolyn Moore, Ann Quinn, Maggie Brizendine, Dave Radens, Joyce Lee, Wally LeBlanc, teachers, students, and school personnel, and all healthcare workers and essential workers. All those suffering from COVID-19.

Please keep LUCC member, Olivia Gibson, in your prayers. She is a nurse in a COVID-19 unit in a local hospital. We are grateful for her ministry!

Church Office Hours:  Tuesday-Friday 9:30-noon. 

Recent Posts:

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 Tuesday since the Update usually is sent out on Wednesday.

Weekly Update 1/27

Congregational Meeting Ahead

There will be a congregational meeting held on this Sunday January 31 at 1:00 p.m. on Zoom to take action on the budget for 2021.  Please plan to participate in this brief but important event in the life of the church.  This work undergirds the ministry of the church.  Here is the Zoom link:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2700683648

Or call in at: 1-301-715-8592  and use the Zoom ID 270 068 3648

Please check the website later in the week for the proposed budget and ministry reports.

In Person Outdoor Services

Weekly services are being held on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. The services are held outside on the lawn. Masks are to be worn and physical distancing will be observed. Please bring your own chair if you can.

Childcare provided.

If the weather is bad, the service will be held on the patio adjacent to the playground.

This Sunday we reflect on perspective.  Yes, we are created in the image of God.  We are also like a blade of grass in a field.  How does this ground our life experience?  Looking forward to Sunday and worship outside under the oak tree or on the patio if it is raining.  

The bulletin and text of the Sunday sermon will be posted at the website early in the week and there will be regular posts of music and music videos from Hilton Jones.

Thank you for your understanding in this continuing season of adaptation and experimentation!

Congratulations to Zach Blair-Andrews

LUCC’s Zach Blair-Andrews is one of two recipients of the 2021 USF Ron & Libby Sanders Public Service Scholarship given to students who have demonstrated a commitment to a career in public service!

Zach is an Honors student majoring in Political Science and minoring in Public Administration. He currently serves as the elected Lt. Governor for the USF Student Government on the Tampa campus. After he graduates from USF, he plans to pursue a master’s degree in Public Administration and work in the public/non-profit sector.

CONGRATULATIONS, ZACH!

Westminster Palms and Westminster Suncoast Receive Covid Vaccines

Numerous people from the LUCC congregation live in these Westminster communities.  We are grateful that they have received the first Covid vaccine with another to come on Sunday Feb. 7.  We look forward to all in the congregation and community and country receiving the vaccine!

Vacuum Cleaner

Many thanks to Bert Lee donated the vacuum cleaner to the church. It is much appreciated!

Adult Daycare Update

Renovations continue in the Fellowship Hall. Three accessible bathrooms are being added.  New flooring is being installed.  A new ceiling has been put in.  Instead of a full kitchen, there will be a kitchenette and a nurses’ station.  Meals will be brought in for the participants in the adult day care.  The tentative opening date for the Adult Daycare Center is Feb. 15. 

The church will have full use of the facilities in the evenings and on the weekends. It is very exciting to see this ministry finally coming to fruition!

Gratitude!

Rev. Wells would like to thank everyone for their prayers and expressions of support as she and Jeff both had surgery this week.  They are hopeful about continued healing!

Operation Attack Needs

There was another successful OA Food Distribution Drive Thru in December due to caring volunteers, thankful families, and all of you.  We fed 91 families with 2 bags of non perishables, fresh produce, meat,  and dairy products.  We also gave extra food to large families (over 6 people), diapers and wipes, 50 referrals to Clothes to Kids, and 120 Christmas Goodie Bags.  The  goodie bags were donated and made by E.L.F.S., The Elected Ladies For The Savior.  Each beautifully decorated Christmas bag was filled with a juice box, chips and candy.  We were grateful to be asked to distribute these gifts to children. 

The next Food Distribution Drive Thrus will be January 30 and March 13.  Listed below are ways you can participate in our future Drive Thrus: 

Volunteer to pre-bag food before the Drive Thru Volunteer on January 30 Purchase baby wipes and large/family size nonperishable food Donate plastic grocery bags Pray for the people/groups making this event happen Pray for the people we are serving

Thank you for your faithfulness to the people in the community who need our support right now.  Yours in Christ!

Anti-Racism Demonstrations Continue

Weekly demonstrations to end racism resumed Sunday January 10 at 4:30 p.m..  Many thanks to all who are participating.  While there was a break in the demonstrations, we know that there is no break in the systemic racism that is harmful to everyone.  Add your presence to this weekly demonstration making a witness to your commitment to anti racism.

Weekly Labyrinth Walks Continue

Each Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. a small group gathers at the outdoor labyrinth for a time of devotion, discussion, and meditative walking of the labyrinth.  The theme for the week is taken from the Sunday before, so it is an opportunity to go deeper in the spiritual exploration of that theme for your life.  This devotional gathering is outside and physical distancing is maintained. All are welcome!

If there is rain on Wednesday morning, the gathering will be held on Thursday morning at 9:00.

Spiritual Direction Offered by LUCC Clergy Member.

In these troubled times, it is important to find ways to tend to our spiritual lives. In the Christian tradition, Spiritual Direction is one of the ways of paying attention to the spirit in our lives. A Spiritual Director is someone to talk with about what is going on in our spiritual life and in our relationship with God however we may conceive of God.

Rev. Sally Purvis, Ph.D., a member of LUCC, is a retired clergy person with training and experience in Spiritual Direction. She is offering her services as a Spiritual Director to the community. The sessions would be held on Zoom and there is no fee to be paid. Church leaders are pleased to have the ministry of the church expand in this way.

Spiritual Direction with Sally is open to anyone, not just the congregation. And it is offered to everyone whatever their spiritual or religious background or affiliation or lack thereof. Sessions are generally held once every three weeks. Spiritual Direction is not a mode of therapy. It is a process for understanding and deepening your relationship with God/Spirit in ways that are authentic and life-giving.

Sally was trained by Henri Nouwen, a noted spiritual guide of the 20th century, and did Spiritual Direction as part of her professional ministry before retiring in 2015.

If you would like to explore Spiritual Direction with Sally, please contact her at
sallybpurvis@icloud.com or contact the church (867-7961 or lakewooducc@gmail.com ).

The church is very grateful to Sally for offering this avenue of support to the congregation and the community.

Music from Hilton

You can watch 5 videos Hilton made as lead-ups to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUn2RmCFhW2uAVwKQLfqJnzNmZhEK_TK5.

If you want to just hear they soundtracks, without the videos, you can hear those at https://soundcloud.com/hilton-kean-jones/sets/mlk-day.

USEFUL LAKEWOOD LINKS DURING THE CORONA CRISIS:

For the above church website links, please note the “Older Posts” button near the bottom of each page.

January Birthdays: Martha Lamar 1/2, Chip Cosper 1/7, Jackson Cosper 1/9, Hilton Kean Jones 1/23, Bob Bell 1/28. Someone missing? Contact the church office with birthday information.

Circle of Concern:  To the family and loved ones of Wilbur Reid, Dollie Pettis, and Irma Smith. Victoria Long, Kim Wells, Jeff Wells, Edward Jones, William Owen, Jen Degroot, Carolyn Moore, Ann Quinn, Maggie Brizendine, Dave Radens, Joyce Lee, Wally LeBlanc, teachers, students, and school personnel, and all healthcare workers and essential workers. All those suffering from COVID-19.

Please keep LUCC member, Olivia Gibson, in your prayers. She is a nurse in a COVID-19 unit in a local hospital. We are grateful for her ministry!

Church Office Hours:  Tuesday-Friday 9:30-noon. 

Recent Posts:

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 Tuesday since the Update usually is sent out on Wednesday.

Weekly Update 1/5

In Person Outdoor Services Resume Jan. 10

After the time of experimentation in Advent, weekly services will resume on Sundays at 10:30 a.m.  The services will be held outside on the lawn.  Masks are to be worn and physical distancing will be observed.  Please bring your own chair if you can.  

Childcare provided.  

If the weather is bad, the service will be held on the patio adjacent to the playground. 

The theme for the service this week will be around Epiphany – and the coming of the light of Christ into the world.  

With in person worship resuming, the weekly Corona Sabbath posts will be suspended.  The text of the Sunday sermon will be posted at the website early in the week and there will be regular posts of music and music videos from Hilton Jones.  

Thank you for your understanding in this continuing season of adaptation and experimentation!  

In Memoriam

Sympathy and condolences are expressed to Claire Stiles and Ruth Pettis and family over the death of Ruth’s mother, Dollie, on December 31. Dollie was a resident of Westminster Suncoast.  

Sympathy and condolences are expressed to the family and friends of LUCC member Irma Smith.  Irma died on Sunday Jan. 3.  She was living with her daughter, Linda, in Louisiana.   Irma is remembered with love at LUCC.  

Sympathy and condolences are expressed to JoAnne Reid and the family and friends of Wilbur Reid who died on Dec. 22 at home in Illinois.  JoAnne has come to Florida to recover.  

We hold all of these dear ones in our prayers in this time of remembering, grieving, and healing.

Church to Be a Possible Covid Vaccination Site

The church is in conversation with Pinellas County Emergency Management about serving as a covid vaccination site for the community.  There is no timeline yet but it may be soon.  If the church can serve in this way, volunteers will be needed to be on site during vaccination hours.  Please look for more updates about this important way the church may be able to serve the community!

Winter Solstice Celebration

The Winter Solstice Celebration involved readings and conversation around the fire about darkness and light.  And, yes, there were marshmallows.  There were also some unexpected visitations.  Here’s a link to a reflection on the evening from Jeff Wells. https://lakewooducc.org/2021/01/05/a-reflection-on-the-winter-solstice-celebration-at-church/

Operation Attack Message

Dear Friends,

Thank you for the donations of socks, clothes, food/water, soap, beans, canned meat, peanut butter, pasta and canned fruit! Wow! These donations went a long way in helping the families of our community. We are so grateful that you continue to partner with OA.

with love, Samantha

New Year’s Eve at LUCC

For New Year’s Eve, we gathered around the fire again, this time near the labyrinth.  After some discussion about 2020 and our experiences and reflections, we walked the labyrinth.  After the walk each person was given a pine cone.  We were reminded of the pine cones from an evergreen in California that only open and sow their seeds when there has been a forest fire.  It takes drastic conditions to draw forth new life.  We talked about the new life that we want to see coming out of the challenging circumstances we have faced in 2020.  Having expressed our hopes and dreams for 2021, we tossed our pinecones into the fire and watched them burst and crackle.  

Then it was time to roast marshmallows!  

Christmas Eve Service

All was calm, all was bright as the Christmas Eve service began on the patio at church.  And then about midway through, a storm instantly blew in.  Bulletins and papers went flying.  The little Christmas tree on the altar blew to the ground.  People moved out of the way of the rain that was blowing in.  At the end of the service, no candles would stay lit, so worshippers got out their phones to shine their light!  Even in the rain and the wind, the light of Love was still shining!  Here’s the link to some pictures.

https://lakewooducc.org/2021/01/05/christmas-eve-service/

Anti-Racism Demonstrations Resume January 10

Note that the Anti Racism Demonstrations Resume this Sunday at 4:30 p.m.

Weekly demonstrations to end racism will resume Sunday January 10 at 4:30 p.m..  Many thanks to all who are participating.  While there was a break in the demonstrations, we know that there is no break in the systemic racism that is harmful to everyone.  As the New Year begins, add your presence to this weekly demonstration making a witness to your commitment to anti racism.

Weekly Labyrinth Walks Continue

Each Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. a small group gathers at the outdoor labyrinth for a time of devotion, discussion, and meditative walking of the labyrinth.  The theme for the week is taken from the Sunday before, so it is an opportunity to go deeper in the spiritual exploration of that theme for your life.  This devotional gathering is outside and physical distancing is maintained. All are welcome!

If there is rain on Wednesday morning, the gathering will be held on Thursday morning at 9:00.

Spiritual Direction Offered by LUCC Clergy Member.

In these troubled times, it is important to find ways to tend to our spiritual lives. In the Christian tradition, Spiritual Direction is one of the ways of paying attention to the spirit in our lives. A Spiritual Director is someone to talk with about what is going on in our spiritual life and in our relationship with God however we may conceive of God.

Rev. Sally Purvis, Ph.D., a member of LUCC, is a retired clergy person with training and experience in Spiritual Direction. She is offering her services as a Spiritual Director to the community. The sessions would be held on Zoom and there is no fee to be paid. Church leaders are pleased to have the ministry of the church expand in this way.

Spiritual Direction with Sally is open to anyone, not just the congregation. And it is offered to everyone whatever their spiritual or religious background or affiliation or lack thereof. Sessions are generally held once every three weeks. Spiritual Direction is not a mode of therapy. It is a process for understanding and deepening your relationship with God/Spirit in ways that are authentic and life-giving.

Sally was trained by Henri Nouwen, a noted spiritual guide of the 20th century, and did Spiritual Direction as part of her professional ministry before retiring in 2015.

If you would like to explore Spiritual Direction with Sally, please contact her at
sallybpurvis@icloud.com or contact the church (867-7961 or lakewooducc@gmail.com ).

The church is very grateful to Sally for offering this avenue of support to the congregation and the community.

USEFUL LAKEWOOD LINKS DURING THE CORONA CRISIS:

For the above church website links, please note the “Older Posts” button near the bottom of each page.

January Birthdays: Martha Lamar 1/2, Chip Cosper 1/7, Jackson Cosper 1/9, Hilton Kean Jones 1/23, Bob Bell 1/28. Someone missing? Contact the church office with birthday information.

Circle of Concern: Edward Jones, To the family and loved ones of Wilbur Reid, Dollie Pettis, and Irma Smith. Victoria Long, William Owen, Jen Degroot, Carolyn Moore, Ann Quinn, Maggie Brizendine, Dave Radens, Joyce Lee, Wally LeBlanc, teachers, students, and school personnel, and all healthcare workers and essential workers. All those suffering from COVID-19.

Please keep LUCC member, Olivia Gibson, in your prayers. She is a nurse in a COVID-19 unit in a local hospital. We are grateful for her ministry!

Church Office Hours:  Tuesday-Friday 9:30-noon. 

Recent Posts:

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 Tuesday since the Update usually is sent out on Wednesday.