In celebration of the 25th anniversary as an Open and Affirming Church, Lakewood/Trinity United Church of Christ publicly redeclared the enthusiastic welcoming of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons into the full life and ministry of the church in today’s service. To demonstrate this wide open welcome to those who have often found church to be a hostile and hurtful place, a gay pride/transgender flag was raised on the church grounds. Metro Inclusive Health and Equality Florida also gave presentations on their work in our community as part of this special commemoration. Many thanks to all who attended this important event and a special thanks to the Outreach Committee for all that was done to make it happen!
SB 1044/HB 931: Why Chaplains in Public Schools Are a Bad Idea Government-sanctioned chaplains make sense in some settings, but not in public schools.There are contexts in which individuals cannot access their religious services — such as the military, a prison, or a hospital — which is hardly the case for children in public school. Military members may have security or language barriers in finding a house of worship while on deployment. Incarcerated individuals are not given a “religious hall pass” to leave prison and attend the corporate worship service of their own choosing. Hospitalized patients may be too sick or far away from their congregations to engage in meaningful religious exercise. Public school children simply do not face the barriers to religious exercise that service members, prisoners, and patients face.
Here are some talking points about this bill:Families, not the government, are responsible for their children’s spiritual development. The government should not assert authority for the spiritual development and formation of public school children. Public schools should not interfere or alter parental decisions in the realm of religious exercise or spiritual care.Parents or guardians must have the right to choose the religious leaders who will influence their children’s spiritual journey. In order to do this, they must have enough information to choose a spiritual care provider. Awareness of a chaplain’s religious/denominational affiliation (or none) is not enough information to make an informed decision. Faith is voluntary and should not be coerced. There is no requirement in this law that the chaplains refrain from proselytizing while at schools or that they serve students from different religious backgrounds. This lack of proper boundaries surrounding what chaplains are allowed to do is very problematic. Passing a background check is not a sufficient litmus test to be given the title of “chaplain.” Professional chaplains have specific education and expertise to fulfill their role in helping others engage their own religious practices and traditions.Chaplains are typically required to have a graduate theological degree and be supported by an approved organization connected to their spiritual tradition. In some settings, chaplains also must have one to two years of full-time experience as a religious or spiritual leader prior to becoming a chaplain. Many chaplains are ordained in their faith tradition. Board certified chaplains in healthcare go through a rigorous certification process, pursuing hundreds of hours of extensive training and hands-on experience. More information is needed about the requirements for becoming a volunteer chaplain within this bill. Proper chaplaincy training prepares chaplains to follow the lead of the individuals seeking spiritual care without imposing their own faith tradition upon the individual. (For example, a Jewish military chaplain would advocate that a Muslim service member be able to pray the five daily prayers while deployed. A Christian hospital chaplain would help an atheist patient explain to her family that she has peace of mind in her belief that there is no afterlife because it is the type of spiritual care requested.)Consider supporting religious freedom and parental rights by rejecting this harmful program to have government-approved chaplains in our public schools. Contact your legislators TODAY!Click on the proposed house and senate bills which are identical to read more: SB 1044; HB 931. To read about the advocacy work done in Texas on a similar school chaplains bill, click here.
We are looking for clergy and laity who are willing to set aside time to go to Tallahassee ONE TIME during the 2024 Legislative Session in order to make visits and give testimony before Florida legislators. Please consider joining us to make your voice heard.
Your participation can make such a difference for Florida children and families!!
Almost two years ago, Lakewood United Church of Christ built on the foundation of a grant of $500 from the Florida Conference to provide books on anti-racism for the children in our community. Generous contributions from the congregation made possible the purchase of books by the libraries of two low-income elementary schools, Maximo and Campbell Park. The books were selected by the school; appropriate for each grade level. We then raised another $1000 to provide the nearest public library’s children’s department with a similar collection. The library selected the books. The library has finally received and catalogued all the books.
All patrons now see this wonderful temporary display inside the door of the South St. Petersburg branch of the Pinellas County Public Library system. Any library card holder in the county may now check out these new books written and illustrated for young people ages toddler to young adult. Stop in soon and have a look!
UCC General Minister and President Rev John Dorhauer with LUCC continent Kim Wells, Emily Bell, and Dyanne Edds
Four members of Lakewood UCC joined hundreds of students, faculty, parents and supporters of New College in Sarasota in a demonstration on Tuesday Feb. 28. The Rev. Dr. John C. Dorhauer, General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ, traveled from Cleveland, Ohio to speak at the demonstration. There were pastors and congregants from numerous other UCC churches in west central Florida who also were present.
Why was this important to us? The Board for Homeland Ministries of the United Church of Christ started New College sixty years ago. Now it is part of the Florida public college system. Recently, the FL Governor appointed six new trustees and a president to the college to reform it into a conservative replica of Hillsdale College in Michigan. New College has traditionally been a place which welcomed all students regardless of race, religion, or sexual identity. The students have thrived there where they might not have in another college environment.
The protest at New College had two components. First was the outdoor demonstration at 11:00 am, with more than 250 participants, most with signs denouncing the hostile takeover of New College by the new conservative trustees appointed by Governor DeSantis. A particularly passionate statement was made by the Rev. John Dorhauer, from the UCC, who complained about what was happening at New College, which was founded and funded by the UCC.
The second part of the protest took place at the formal Board of Trustees Meeting beginning at 1:10 pm. The meeting began with a short report by a member of the Board Of Governors about the gains in the reputation of Florida’s Universities in the past 10 years. Then the floor was open to comments from the public. Each speaker was limited to one minute. Forty-nine speakers took the podium – students, faculty, alumni, parents and other concerned persons. All but one condemned the actions of the governor and the trustees as they tried to change the nature of New College, one of the top 5 Liberal Arts Colleges in the country. Most of the comments were directed against the firing of the current president and the hiring of a politician with no background in higher education at a salary and perks of more than a million dollars, and the disbanding of programs promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Many of the most passionate speeches were met with applause and cheering by those in the audience, but not by the trustees!
One of the main highlights of the demonstration for the LUCC contingent was meeting and hearing Dr. John Dorhauer. His message was inspiring and passionate. When he spoke his “minute” at the Trustees meeting, many of the students rose to their feet in gleeful applause.
The number of UCC people in attendance and the passion and preparedness of the students filled us with pride and hope.
To stand and be present with the students, families, alums, and faculty was truly meaningful.
Those who went from LUCC: Dyanne Edds, Emily Bell, Bill Parsons, and Kim Wells
Rev John Dorhauer and LUCC pastor Rev Kim WellsDyanne Edds and Rev Kim Wells with Rev John DorhauerRev Kim Wells and Dyanne EddsDyanne Edds and Bill ParsonsA New College student
We are looking for clergy and laity who are willing to set aside time to go to Tallahassee ONE TIME during the 2024 Legislative Session in order to make visits and give testimony before Florida legislators. Please consider joining us to make your voice heard. 
Lakewood United Church of Christ 