Category: Updates

Weekly Update 7/14

Sundays

 The service is at 9:30 in person, covid safe.

Childcare provided.

The Sundays in July will be themed “Tell Me the Stories of Jesus.”  Each Sunday will feature a beloved story associated with Jesus.  These stories still offer much to inspire and inform our faith and our living today. 

What does it mean to be a person of faith?  Jesus uses the image of seeds to illuminate the faith journey.  Take a look at chapter 4 of the gospel of Mark.  Sunday will involve reflecting on “A Seedy Faith.”  See you then!   In person or on Facebook Live.  

Watch the service on Facebook Live Sundays at 9:30. https://www.facebook.com/LakewoodUCC

Or on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/LakewoodUCC/videos

Book Talk Thursday July 15 at 6:30 on Zoom

What have you been reading?  Want to share with others and hear from others what they are reading? That’s what happens at Book Talk, the third Thursday of the month from 6:30-7:30.  You can participate from wherever you are because it’s a Zoon.  Here’s the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2700683648

If you haven’t been reading lately, join in anyway and hear about what others have been reading.  So many books, so little time!  The LUCC family has wide ranging interests and Book Talk is an eclectic review of books.   Be part of the fun!

United Church of Christ General Synod to Meet Virtually 

The biennial national meeting of the United Church of Christ, the General Synod, will be held virtually this year.  It includes speakers, workshops, updates on the ministry of the UCC, resolutions, and other business.  Workshops are being held this week.  The official online gathering begins July 11 and ends July 18.  Major events and speakers take place in the evenings.  For the schedule and instructions about how to participate, click here:  https://www.generalsynod.org/ 

New Members

In these challenging times, being part of a church community is more grounding and supportive than ever!  The LUCC congregation is so grateful for all of the ways that spiritual support has been offered this past year and beyond.  The church would like to officially welcome as members those who are finding a spiritual ‘home’ at LUCC.  For those who are interested in considering church membership, there is an orientation session about the mission, identity, history and theology of the church.  Please be in contact with Rev. Wells if you would like to consider joining the church.  The orientation and the Sunday for joining will then be determined accordingly.

Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels now has a distribution center at Lakewood United Church as part of the Neighborly senior center. They need volunteers to help deliver meals to shut-in seniors in our area. Sometimes, the only person a client sees all day is a MoW volunteer. They are following COVID-safe practices (mask wearing, social distancing, dropping off food rather than entering the home). Volunteers pick up the meals at 10:30 and drive to clients in the area, and return the empty bags to LUCC when they’re done, usually within an hour. Please consider doing this; it takes just an hour once a week to make someone happy. Please contact Angela, the MoW coordinator at 727-612-1791 and she will tell you how to get trained. Or go to https://neighborly.org/volunteer-opportunities/ to find out more.

Scan the QR code to watch a video for more information about volunteering

The Labyrinth Has Been ‘Groomed’

For those who walk the labyrinth at the church, please know that the labyrinth has been raked and weeded this week.  Also, the readings and prayers used on Wednesdays at the guided walk are put in the mailbox by the labyrinth each week for use during the week.  

The guided walk is held weekly on Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m.  This provides an opportunity to be aware and deepen your spiritual journey.  If it is raining, the walk is held on Thursday at 9:00 a.m.

The labyrinth is on the church grounds near the southwest corner of the church property.  It is available for use at all times.  

Be Part of Reducing AIDS

There is an  the increase in HIV/AIDS infections in our area.  As a way of responding, Suncoast Hospice has given the church a large supply of condoms to be distributed. They will be placed in the bathrooms at the church.  They will also be available in the sanctuary.  The church advisors are encouraging the congregation to take some condoms and put them in public bathrooms and workplace bathrooms where they may get picked up by the appropriate population.  

So, the next time you are at the church, pick up a few condoms and see that they make their way out into the community!

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.  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending double masking.  Please consider wearing two masks to church.  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! 

Safe childcare is provided.

Immigration Justice: Action Item

The Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program provides a path to safety for Afghans who worked with U.S. forces and who, as a result of that affiliation, suffer direct threats to their safety. These visas have been long delayed. As the U.S. anticipates its final withdrawal of our Armed Forces in September, we know that we cannot simply abandon the Afghans who risked their (and their families’) lives to help us and our allies (think of the U.S. evacuation of Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War).

Send a message to President Biden today! Urge the administration to provide urgent humanitarian protections, including evacuation for those who have put their lives on the line for our country. Easy, templated, click and send link here from the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service: https://www.votervoice.net/LIRS/campaigns/85410/respond

Operation Attack Update

Good Afternoon, 
I hope you are doing well, many members of Lakewood UCC are aware that I’ve graduated from high school (thank you for the card) and plan to head to college. While at college, I won’t be able to help collect any OA donations or help keep Lakewood up to date on OA needs. I’ve had this task all of high school and I am very thankful for it. For replacing me, I HIGHLY recommend my brother Owen Blair-Catala. This position has been passed down from Zach to me and now to Owen. He’s someone who is active in OA and understands the task he must complete from watching me do them. 

Besides this OA is still doing very well. There are the same drive thru dates as before (July 31st and September 11th). In addition, OA also still needs Donations of cereal, peanut butter, canned meat, fruit, vegetables and soup, dried beans, and mac/cheese. I came by this past week and was able to get some donations. Remember we still aren’t accepting clothing donations at the moment. If you have any questions please contact me. 

Thanks,Ian Blair-Catala

iblaircatala@gmail.com

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:

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

July Birthdays: Ann Quinn 7/6. Someone missing? Contact the church office with birthday information.

Circle of Concern: 

Earl Waters

Mae Wiggins

Sherry Santana

William Owen-Cowan

Jen Degroot

Carolyn Moore

Ann Quinn

Maggie Brizendine

Janet Hall

All those suffering from COVID-19.

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 Update7/9

Sundays

 The service is at 9:30 in person, covid safe.

Childcare provided.

The Sundays in July will be themed “Tell Me the Stories of Jesus.”  Each Sunday will feature a beloved story associated with Jesus.  These stories still offer much to inspire and inform our faith and our living today.

The story of Jesus to be revisited this Sunday is the story of Zacchaeus.  See Luke 19:1-10.  Better yet, read Luke chapter 18 first.  What does this story have to offer to people who are not rich, cheating, abhorred sinners?  We will reflect on that Sunday.  Come to covid safe in person worship or join in on Facebook Live.  

Watch the service on Facebook Live Sundays at 9:30. https://www.facebook.com/LakewoodUCC

Or on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/LakewoodUCC/videos

Storm Safety

We have weathered another storm.  And the church was dry with minimal water encroachment into the building.  A slight puddle crept under the sanctuary doors.  Storm mitigation efforts included clearing drainage trenches, removing leaf litter, and cleaning gutters.  Sandbags were put in place around the Fellowship Hall.   These efforts helped to keep the building dry inside and contents unharmed. 

Advisors to Meet

The advisors are meeting this Sunday after church.  Please contact an advisor if there is something you would like to have discussed at the meeting:  Malcolm Wells, Patti Cooksey, Lucille Ruga, Jane Diven.

United Church of Christ General Synod to Meet Virtually 

The biennial national meeting of the United Church of Christ, the General Synod, will be held virtually this year.  It includes speakers, workshops, updates on the ministry of the UCC, resolutions, and other business.  Workshops are being held this week.  The official online gathering begins July 11 and ends July 18.  Major events and speakers take place in the evenings.  For the schedule and instructions about how to participate, click here:  https://www.generalsynod.org/ 

New Members

In these challenging times, being part of a church community is more grounding and supportive than ever!  The LUCC congregation is so grateful for all of the ways that spiritual support has been offered this past year and beyond.  The church would like to officially welcome as members those who are finding a spiritual ‘home’ at LUCC.  For those who are interested in considering church membership, there is an orientation session about the mission, identity, history and theology of the church.  Please be in contact with Rev. Wells if you would like to consider joining the church.  The orientation and the Sunday for joining will then be determined accordingly.

Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels now has a distribution center at Lakewood United Church as part of the Neighborly senior center. They need volunteers to help deliver meals to shut-in seniors in our area. Sometimes, the only person a client sees all day is a MoW volunteer. They are following COVID-safe practices (mask wearing, social distancing, dropping off food rather than entering the home). Volunteers pick up the meals at 10:30 and drive to clients in the area, and return the empty bags to LUCC when they’re done, usually within an hour. Please consider doing this; it takes just an hour once a week to make someone happy. Please contact Angela, the MoW coordinator at 727-612-1791 and she will tell you how to get trained. Or go to https://neighborly.org/volunteer-opportunities/ to find out more.

The Labyrinth Has Been ‘Groomed’

For those who walk the labyrinth at the church, please know that the labyrinth has been raked and weeded this week.  Also, the readings and prayers used on Wednesdays at the guided walk are put in the mailbox by the labyrinth each week for use during the week.  

The guided walk is held weekly on Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m.  This provides an opportunity to be aware and deepen your spiritual journey.  If it is raining, the walk is held on Thursday at 9:00 a.m.

The labyrinth is on the church grounds near the southwest corner of the church property.  It is available for use at all times.  

Be Part of Reducing AIDS

There is an  the increase in HIV/AIDS infections in our area.  As a way of responding, Suncoast Hospice has given the church a large supply of condoms to be distributed. They will be placed in the bathrooms at the church.  They will also be available in the sanctuary.  The church advisors are encouraging the congregation to take some condoms and put them in public bathrooms and workplace bathrooms where they may get picked up by the appropriate population.  

So, the next time you are at the church, pick up a few condoms and see that they make their way out into the community!

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.  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending double masking.  Please consider wearing two masks to church.  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! 

Safe childcare is provided.

Immigration Justice: Action Item

The Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program provides a path to safety for Afghans who worked with U.S. forces and who, as a result of that affiliation, suffer direct threats to their safety. These visas have been long delayed. As the U.S. anticipates its final withdrawal of our Armed Forces in September, we know that we cannot simply abandon the Afghans who risked their (and their families’) lives to help us and our allies (think of the U.S. evacuation of Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War).

Send a message to President Biden today! Urge the administration to provide urgent humanitarian protections, including evacuation for those who have put their lives on the line for our country. Easy, templated, click and send link here from the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service: https://www.votervoice.net/LIRS/campaigns/85410/respond

Operation Attack Update

Good Afternoon, 
I hope you are doing well, many members of Lakewood UCC are aware that I’ve graduated from high school (thank you for the card) and plan to head to college. While at college, I won’t be able to help collect any OA donations or help keep Lakewood up to date on OA needs. I’ve had this task all of high school and I am very thankful for it. For replacing me, I HIGHLY recommend my brother Owen Blair-Catala. This position has been passed down from Zach to me and now to Owen. He’s someone who is active in OA and understands the task he must complete from watching me do them. 

Besides this OA is still doing very well. There are the same drive thru dates as before (July 31st and September 11th). In addition, OA also still needs Donations of cereal, peanut butter, canned meat, fruit, vegetables and soup, dried beans, and mac/cheese. I came by this past week and was able to get some donations. Remember we still aren’t accepting clothing donations at the moment. If you have any questions please contact me. 

Thanks,Ian Blair-Catala

iblaircatala@gmail.com

Anti Racism Demonstration Schedule Change

The demonstrations will be suspended until September.  

Gratitude is express to those who have been part of this meaningful ministry.  It provides a needed uplifting message to the community.

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:

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

July Birthdays: Ann Quinn 7/6. Someone missing? Contact the church office with birthday information.

Circle of Concern: 

Earl Waters

Mae Wiggins

Wally LeBlanc whose cat, Francis, died

Sherry Santana

William Owen-Cowan

Jen Degroot

Carolyn Moore

Ann Quinn

Maggie Brizendine

Janet Hall

Teachers, students, and school personnel, and all healthcare workers and essential workers. All those suffering from COVID-19.

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 7/1

Sundays

 The service is at 9:30 in person, covid safe.

Childcare provided.

The Sundays in July will be themed “Tell Me the Stories of Jesus.”  Each Sunday will feature a beloved story associated with Jesus.  These stories still offer much to inspire and inform our faith and our living today.

The readings and material from the Sunday gathering will be posted at the website the following week and there will be regular posts of music and music videos from Hilton Jones.

Watch the service on Facebook Live Sundays at 9:30. https://www.facebook.com/LakewoodUCC

Or on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/LakewoodUCC/videos

There Is a Season: Water

Last Sunday was the fourth and final in the June series on spiritual healing and comfort in this time of transition in the covid pandemic.  It was a bit of a Sunday service and a bit of a mini spiritual retreat.  The content is posted at the church website so that you can see what went on and do the guided spiritual reflection on your own if you would like to.  

https://lakewooducc.org/2021/06/29/sunday-service-6-27-2021/

You can also watch on Facebook or YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfuyL06YcvJ5AZg_1ZJ48Wg

New Members

In these challenging times, being part of a church community is more grounding and supportive than ever!  The LUCC congregation is so grateful for all of the ways that spiritual support has been offered this past year and beyond.  The church would like to officially welcome as members those who are finding a spiritual ‘home’ at LUCC.  For those who are interested in considering church membership, there is an orientation session about the mission, identity, history and theology of the church.  Please be in contact with Rev. Wells if you would like to consider joining the church.  The orientation and the Sunday for joining will then be determined accordingly.

Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels now has a distribution center at Lakewood United Church as part of the Neighborly senior center. They need volunteers to help deliver meals to shut-in seniors in our area. Sometimes, the only person a client sees all day is a MoW volunteer. They are following COVID-safe practices (mask wearing, social distancing, dropping off food rather than entering the home). Volunteers pick up the meals at 10:30 and drive to clients in the area, and return the empty bags to LUCC when they’re done, usually within an hour. Please consider doing this; it takes just an hour once a week to make someone happy. Please contact Angela, the MoW coordinator at 727-612-1791 and she will tell you how to get trained. Or go to https://neighborly.org/volunteer-opportunities/ to find out more.

Rev. Wells Away

Kim will be away Monday June 28-Saturday July 3 taking care of her grandchildren.  If pastoral care is needed, please contact Patti Cooksey at cooksepa@eckerd.edu

The Labyrinth Has Been ‘Groomed’

For those who walk the labyrinth at the church, please know that the labyrinth has been raked and weeded this week.  Also, the readings and prayers used on Wednesdays at the guided walk are put in the mailbox by the labyrinth each week for use during the week.  

The guided walk is held weekly on Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m.  This provides an opportunity to be aware and deepen your spiritual journey.  If it is raining, the walk is held on Thursday at 9:00 a.m.

The labyrinth is on the church grounds near the southwest corner of the church property.  It is available for use at all times.  

Be Part of Reducing AIDS

There is an  the increase in HIV/AIDS infections in our area.  As a way of responding, Suncoast Hospice has given the church a large supply of condoms to be distributed. They will be placed in the bathrooms at the church.  They will also be available in the sanctuary.  The church advisors are encouraging the congregation to take some condoms and put them in public bathrooms and workplace bathrooms where they may get picked up by the appropriate population.  

So, the next time you are at the church, pick up a few condoms and see that they make their way out into the community!

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.  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending double masking.  Please consider wearing two masks to church.  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! 

Safe childcare is provided.

Immigration Justice: Action Item

The Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program provides a path to safety for Afghans who worked with U.S. forces and who, as a result of that affiliation, suffer direct threats to their safety. These visas have been long delayed. As the U.S. anticipates its final withdrawal of our Armed Forces in September, we know that we cannot simply abandon the Afghans who risked their (and their families’) lives to help us and our allies (think of the U.S. evacuation of Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War).

Send a message to President Biden today! Urge the administration to provide urgent humanitarian protections, including evacuation for those who have put their lives on the line for our country. Easy, templated, click and send link here from the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service: https://www.votervoice.net/LIRS/campaigns/85410/respond

Operation Attack Update

Good Afternoon, 
I hope you are doing well, many members of Lakewood UCC are aware that I’ve graduated from high school (thank you for the card) and plan to head to college. While at college, I won’t be able to help collect any OA donations or help keep Lakewood up to date on OA needs. I’ve had this task all of high school and I am very thankful for it. For replacing me, I HIGHLY recommend my brother Owen Blair-Catala. This position has been passed down from Zach to me and now to Owen. He’s someone who is active in OA and understands the task he must complete from watching me do them. 

Besides this OA is still doing very well. There are the same drive thru dates as before (July 31st and September 11th). In addition, OA also still needs Donations of cereal, peanut butter, canned meat, fruit, vegetables and soup, dried beans, and mac/cheese. I came by this past week and was able to get some donations. Remember we still aren’t accepting clothing donations at the moment. If you have any questions please contact me. 

Thanks,Ian Blair-Catala

iblaircatala@gmail.com

Anti Racism Demonstration Schedule Change

The demonstrations will be suspended until September.  

Gratitude is express to those who have been part of this meaningful ministry.  It provides a needed uplifting message to the community.

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:

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

June Birthdays: Genie Terrell 6/10, Tony Rogers 6/21, Michelle Cloutier 6/21. Someone missing? Contact the church office with birthday information.

Circle of Concern: 

Earl Waters

Mae Wiggins

Wally LeBlanc whose cat, Francis, died

Sherry Santana

William Owen-Cowan

Jen Degroot

Carolyn Moore

Ann Quinn

Maggie Brizendine

Janet Hall

Teachers, students, and school personnel, and all healthcare workers and essential workers. All those suffering from COVID-19.

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 6/23

Services in July

The Sundays in July will be themed “Tell Me the Stories of Jesus.”  Each Sunday will feature a beloved story associated with Jesus.  These stories still offer much to inspire and inform our faith and our living today.  

Sundays

 The service is at 9:30 in person, covid safe.

Childcare provided.

Please bring a reusable water bottle if you have one.  And bring some water, in the water bottle or in another container, if you can.

The month of June is being devoted to “There Is A Season.”  Gatherings each Sunday provide the opportunity to reflect on this season of transition in the covid pandemic.  It will be a time to look back, to notice what we have been going through, and to move forward with intention.  Scripture, readings, ritual, and music will be used to guide this time of spiritual healing.  

Each Sunday will be themed to one of the ancient elements: Air, Fire, Earth, and Water. This final Sunday of the series, the theme will be water. You may want to bring a journal, notebook or pad to make notes

If you know someone who has been struggling during this time, consider inviting them to church in June. It will be a season for healing the spirit.

The readings and material from the Sunday gathering will be posted at the website the following week and there will be regular posts of music and music videos from Hilton Jones.

Watch the service on Facebook Live Sundays at 9:30. https://www.facebook.com/LakewoodUCC

Or on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/LakewoodUCC/videos

There Is a Season: EARTH

Last Sunday was the third in the June series on spiritual healing and comfort in this time of transition in the covid pandemic.  It was a bit of a Sunday service and a bit of a mini spiritual retreat.  The content is posted at the church website so that you can see what went on and do the guided spiritual reflection on your own if you would like to.  

In the post, you can read about the rocks and how they were used to remember and release our grief. It was a very moving experience to watch as people added their rocks to the growing cairn.  You are welcome to add to the rock cairn in the sanctuary at church.

https://lakewooducc.org/2021/06/23/sunday-service-6-20-2021/

You can also watch on Facebook or YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfuyL06YcvJ5AZg_1ZJ48Wg

Permaculture Class Meets This Weekend

LUCC will host a permaculture class offered by Koreen Brennan of Grow Permaculture.  The class will be at church all day Saturday and Sunday.   This is one of the ways the church is fulfilling its Creation Justice Covenant. 

New Members

In these challenging times, being part of a church community is more grounding and supportive than ever!  The LUCC congregation is so grateful for all of the ways that spiritual support has been offered this past year and beyond.  The church would like to officially welcome as members those who are finding a spiritual ‘home’ at LUCC.  For those who are interested in considering church membership, there is an orientation session about the mission, identity, history and theology of the church.  Please be in contact with Rev. Wells if you would like to consider joining the church.  The orientation and the Sunday for joining will then be determined accordingly

From an LUCC Graduate

Hey everyone at Lakewood UCC,

I just wanted to thank you all for the kind words and also for your kindness as people in the time I have known you all. Also, a special thanks to Pastor Kim and Jeff for everything you guys said in the tribute video. Again thank you all very much!

Jullian Ricciardi

Rev. Wells Away

Kim will be away Monday June 28-Saturday July 3 taking care of her grandchildren.  If pastoral care is needed, please contact Patti Cooksey at cooksepa@eckerd.edu

The Labyrinth Has Been ‘Groomed’

For those who walk the labyrinth at the church, please know that the labyrinth has been raked and weeded this week.  Also, the readings and prayers used on Wednesdays at the guided walk are put in the mailbox by the labyrinth each week for use during the week.  

The guided walk is held weekly on Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m.  This provides an opportunity to be aware and deepen your spiritual journey.  If it is raining, the walk is held on Thursday at 9:00 a.m.

The labyrinth is on the church grounds near the southwest corner of the church property.  It is available for use at all times.  

Be Part of Reducing AIDS

There is an  the increase in HIV/AIDS infections in our area.  As a way of responding, Suncoast Hospice has given the church a large supply of condoms to be distributed. They will be placed in the bathrooms at the church.  They will also be available in the sanctuary.  The church advisors are encouraging the congregation to take some condoms and put them in public bathrooms and workplace bathrooms where they may get picked up by the appropriate population.  

So, the next time you are at the church, pick up a few condoms and see that they make their way out into the community!

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.  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending double masking.  Please consider wearing two masks to church.  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! 

Safe childcare is provided.

Immigration Justice: Action Item

The Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program provides a path to safety for Afghans who worked with U.S. forces and who, as a result of that affiliation, suffer direct threats to their safety. These visas have been long delayed. As the U.S. anticipates its final withdrawal of our Armed Forces in September, we know that we cannot simply abandon the Afghans who risked their (and their families’) lives to help us and our allies (think of the U.S. evacuation of Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War).

Send a message to President Biden today! Urge the administration to provide urgent humanitarian protections, including evacuation for those who have put their lives on the line for our country. Easy, templated, click and send link here from the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service: https://www.votervoice.net/LIRS/campaigns/85410/respond

Operation Attack Update

The two most recent OA drive thru events were a success! Thank you for Lakewood continuous donations during this trying time. OA is having 4 drive thru dates in the coming months. Those being June 26, July 31, and September 11. Please get these dates out to members of our congregation if they wish to help volunteer. In addition to those dates, OA is also still needing

Donations of cereal, peanut butter, canned meat, fruit, vegetables and soup, dried beans, and mac/cheese. Remember we still aren’t accepting clothing donations at the moment. Finally, pray for the people in our community who are continuing to be challenged during this difficult time and the volunteers who are trying to ease their burdens. I’m hoping to find a time to stop by Lakewood to pick up any donations. 

Thank You,Ian Blair-Catala

Please note that OA is not accepting clothing donations.

Anti Racism Demonstration Schedule Change

After the anti-racism demonstration this Sunday at 5:30, there will be a break in this witness.  The demonstrations will resume in September.  

Gratitude is express to those who have been part of this meaningful ministry.  It provides a needed uplifting message to the community.

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:

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

June Birthdays: Genie Terrell 6/10, Tony Rogers 6/21, Michelle Cloutier 6/21. Someone missing? Contact the church office with birthday information.

Circle of Concern: 

Mae Wiggins

Wally LeBlanc whose cat, Francis, died

Sherry Santana

William Owen-Cowan

Jen Degroot

Carolyn Moore

Ann Quinn

Maggie Brizendine

Janet Hall

Teachers, students, and school personnel, and all healthcare workers and essential workers. All those suffering from COVID-19.

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 6/16

Sundays

 The service is at 9:30 in person, covid safe.

Childcare provided.

Please bring a rock, or a rock for each person that you would like to remember, to church on Sunday.  These rocks will remain at the church.

This coming Sunday is Father’s Day. There will be the naming of fathers in honor of Father’s Day. 

Communion will also be served this 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 heavy need for these funds. Please consider how you can help the community through this offering.

The month of June is being devoted to “There Is A Season.”  Gatherings each Sunday provide the opportunity to reflect on this season of transition in the covid pandemic.  It will be a time to look back, to notice what we have been going through, and to move forward with intention.  Scripture, readings, ritual, and music will be used to guide this time of spiritual healing.  

Each Sunday will be themed to one of the ancient elements:  Air, Fire, Earth, and Water.  This Sunday, the theme will be Earth.  You may want to bring a journal, notebook or pad to make notes.

If you know someone who has been struggling during this time, consider inviting them to church in June. It will be a season for healing the spirit.

The readings and material from the Sunday gathering will be posted at the website the following week and there will be regular posts of music and music videos from Hilton Jones.

Watch the service on Facebook Live Sundays at 9:30. https://www.facebook.com/LakewoodUCC

Or on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/LakewoodUCC/videos

There Is a Season: Fire

Last Sunday was the second in the June series on spiritual healing and comfort in this time of transition in the covid pandemic.  It was a bit of a Sunday service and a bit of a mini spiritual retreat.  The content is posted at the church website so that you can see what went on and do the guided spiritual reflection on your own if you would like to.  

In the post, you can read about the matches. You are welcome to create your bundles of 21, 19, and 50 matches and engage in a process of spiritual transformation.  There is more information in the post from last Sunday. https://lakewooducc.org/2021/06/16/sunday-service-6-13-2021/

You can also watch on Facebook or YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfuyL06YcvJ5AZg_1ZJ48Wg

Water Bottle Left at Church

Last Sunday after the service a pink water bottle was found left in the sanctuary. Please contact the church if this is yours or belongs to someone you know.

Driveway Fixed!

Thursday morning, city workers leveled the driveway entrance to the church near the dumpster.

Facebook Live

Many thanks to Patti Cooksey and Barbara Donohue for staffing Facebook Live last Sunday.  In addition to filming, they provided interaction with the viewers in the chat.  

Would you like to help with this ministry?  Contact Rev. Wells.  Many thanks!

Book Talk THIS THURSDAY

The initial gathering of LUCC’s Book Talk was lively and spirited!  This is an opportunity to discuss what you have been reading and hear about what others are reading. Join in the fun this month, on Thursday, June 17 at 6:30 on Zoom.  It’s the same link the church always uses:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2700683648

If you aren’t reading anything compelling at the moment, you’ll certainly be inspired after Book Talk.  And you may even be given some specific recommendations based on your personal interests!

Be Part of Reducing AIDS

There is an  the increase in HIV/AIDS infections in our area.  As a way of responding, Suncoast Hospice has given the church a large supply of condoms to be distributed. They will be placed in the bathrooms at the church.  They will also be available in the sanctuary.  The church advisors are encouraging the congregation to take some condoms and put them in public bathrooms and workplace bathrooms where they may get picked up by the appropriate population.  

So, the next time you are at the church, pick up a few condoms and see that they make their way out into the community!

Congratulations to Graduates

The LUCC church family celebrates the academic accomplishments of Julian Ricciardi and Ian Blair-Catala who graduated from Lakewood High School.  Both will be going to USF for college.

It has been a challenging year for all students and teachers.  The church celebrates that all students and teachers have completed another year of school.  Blessings to students:  Autumn and Nina Moore, Jackson Cosper, Ian and Owen Blair-Catala, Julian Ricciardi, Amaiya and Kai’Lyn Washington, Shelby and Gage Wilson, Zach Blair-Andrews, Noah Saylor, and Gabi Paxton.  And to teachers:  Mark Gibson, Dana Cosper, Claudia Rodriguez, and Melanie Moore.

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.  

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending double masking.  Please consider wearing two masks to church.  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! 

Safe childcare is provided.

Immigration Justice: Action Item

The Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program provides a path to safety for Afghans who worked with U.S. forces and who, as a result of that affiliation, suffer direct threats to their safety. These visas have been long delayed. As the U.S. anticipates its final withdrawal of our Armed Forces in September, we know that we cannot simply abandon the Afghans who risked their (and their families’) lives to help us and our allies (think of the U.S. evacuation of Saigon at the end of the Vietnam War).

Send a message to President Biden today! Urge the administration to provide urgent humanitarian protections, including evacuation for those who have put their lives on the line for our country. Easy, templated, click and send link here from the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service: https://www.votervoice.net/LIRS/campaigns/85410/respond

Operation Attack Update

The two most recent OA drive thru events were a success! Thank you for Lakewood continuous donations during this trying time. OA is having 4 drive thru dates in the coming months. Those being June 26, July 31, and September 11. Please get these dates out to members of our congregation if they wish to help volunteer. In addition to those dates, OA is also still needing

Donations of cereal, peanut butter, canned meat, fruit, vegetables and soup, dried beans, and mac/cheese. Remember we still aren’t accepting clothing donations at the moment. Finally, pray for the people in our community who are continuing to be challenged during this difficult time and the volunteers who are trying to ease their burdens. I’m hoping to find a time to stop by Lakewood to pick up any donations. 

Thank You,Ian Blair-Catala

Please note that OA is not accepting clothing donations.

Anti Racism Demonstration Continues

Yes, it is still going on every week.  Because racism is still going on every week, every day, every moment in this country.  We can imagine a different future.  And we are making a small effort at creating that new reality at the demonstrations each Sunday.  

Signs are available at church or bring your own.

The time is 5:30.  Come every week.  Come for a season.  Come once. Come once in a while.  Everyone is ALWAYS welcome!

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.

June Birthdays: Genie Terrell 6/10, Tony Rogers 6/21, Michelle Cloutier 6/21. Someone missing? Contact the church office with birthday information.

Circle of Concern: 

Wally LeBlanc whose cat, Francis, died this week

Sherry Santana

Carol Shores’ grandson, Ben

Edward Jones

William Owen-Cowan

Jen Degroot

Carolyn Moore

Ann Quinn

Maggie Brizendine

Janet Hall

Teachers, students, and school personnel, and all healthcare workers and essential workers. All those suffering from COVID-19.

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.