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THIS SUNDAY: Pentecost!  The Sunday to celebrate the empowerment of the church.  And the Sunday to wear red.  There will be streamers and noise makers and flames!  In the story from Acts we are told that everyone heard in their own language.  We’ll talk about what that might mean today.  Take a look at the second chapter of Acts.  After church:  Time to dig out the drainage trench by the playground so that the water from the rainstorms can drain away from the building and not into the building.  The dirt will be taken to a lower portion of the property out by 54th Ave. S.  Bring a shovel if you can. Worship begins at 10:30. Childcare is provided.

Pastor Away Rev. Wells will be away from Tuesday May 26 until Saturday May 29.  If pastoral care is needed, please contact Patti Cooksey at cooksepa@eckerd.edu.

Summer Sundays Ahead Summer Sundays will begin Sunday May 31.  Services will be a bit more relaxed and we’ll sing hymn requests each week.

Mother’s Day Offering for the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund Many thanks to all for the generous contributions to the special Mother’s Day offering for the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund.  So far the total amount given is $817.  Additional gifts are welcome.

May Bin of the Month For the month of May we will be collecting donations for the adult daycare housed in our Fellowship Hall. They would like to receive hygiene and spa items for their clients. This includes: adult diapers, wipes, body sprays, lotions, soaps, accessories, etc. A bin will be in the sanctuary for donations. Monetary donations to help supplement their needs may be made at the following link: https://www.neighborly.org/donations

Lunch Bunch After church most Sundays, everyone who would like to is invited to go out to lunch together.  There will be no Lunch Bunch on Mother’s Day.  Here’s a picture of the group from last Sunday

WEEKLY LABYRINTH UPDATE

Weekly Labyrinth This week the guided walk will take place on Wednesday at 10 a.m. For June, July, and August, the weekly guided walk will be held on Tuesday mornings at 10:00 a.m.   All are welcome! The focus is on the scripture reading from the previous Sunday.   For those who do not feel comfortable walking, a finger labyrinth is available.  Please bring your own chair if you can.   The labyrinth is on the southwest corner of the church property, beyond the bike rack.  You are welcome to walk it any time.

A Garden of Peacephoto by Sue Sherwood

Memorial Service for Rev. Rodney Snedeker Rod Snedeker, known by many in the UCC, has entered life eternal.  Here are the details about the celebration of life for Rod.

Chemical Collection Event Pinellas County Solid Waste will host a household chemical collection event May 30 at the Treasure Island Community Center Park (150 106th Ave.) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  The effort will provide all Pinellas County residents with an opportunity to dispose of unwanted chemicals before the start of hurricane season June 1.

Immigration Vigil This Sunday A weekly vigil is held near the Pinellas County Justice Center to bring attention to the inhumane and unconstitutional treatment of the immigrant community in our midst.  This is an opportunity to voice your values and pray for those who are being traumatized by the current immigration situation.  This is a peaceful, prayerful vigil. Sunday, May 24, 2026 5:00 PM –  6:00 PM Pinellas County Justice Center, 14450 49th St N, Clearwater, FL 33762

Celebrate Kai’Lyn Washington’s Graduation  Sunday June 7th, 2026 following the service

Have you been redistricted?! This link will help you to determine your congressional district and whether you have been redistricted.  Enter your address in the search box, click it on the crop down menu and click on the search icon.  The map will zero in on your location and you will be able to see what district it’s in. The link is from Natalie Stockard, chair of State House  District 60.https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/69a85aceed7847d295f78f1c44baff64

Important Voting Dates Florida’s Primary Election is August 18, 2026, and it includes races for Governor, U.S. Senate, School Board, and other local offices. If you are a snowbird or expect to be away during August, please take a moment to ensure you can still vote. Vote-by-Mail While Away If you’ve already requested a vote-by-mail (VBM) ballot to your Florida home but will be traveling, you must request that your ballot be sent to your temporary address. Important: The U.S. Postal Service will not forward mail ballots. If you don’t update your address directly with the Supervisor of Elections, your ballot will be returned to the Elections Office. To send your ballot to a different address: Complete a paper Vote-by-Mail Request Form Print and sign the form (required) Forms: – English: https://files.floridados.gov/media/707937/ds-de-160-statewide-vote-by-mail-request-eng-fillable-eff-20240417.pdf – Español: https://files.floridados.gov/media/707938/ds-de-160-spn-statewide-vbm-request-form-20240424-fillable.pdf Submit Your Form – Email: mailballot@votepinellas.gov (attach signed form) – Mail or deliver in person: Supervisor of Elections offices – Locations: https://www.votepinellas.gov/168/Office-Locations Please Note: – School Board and other important elections could be decided in the August 18 election, if a candidate gets more than 50% of the vote. – If you plan to arrive back just before the November 3 Election day, don’t wait until you return to vote! If you’ll be at your alternate address through mid October, you can receive your mail ballot there. – If you encounter a problem receiving or mailing a mail ballot, the Supervisor will issue you a replacement. Important Dates July 20: Registration / party change deadline August 6: Deadline to request a mail ballot August 8–15: Early voting August 18: Election Day Thanks for being a voter! VoterActionPinellas.org for more information.

Care Closet Good Samaritan Food Pantry The food pantry has requested pet food and breakfast cereal.  Donations may be placed in The Caring Closet here at the church. Plastic Bags for Missio Dei Missio Dei is in need of plastic grocery bags for the homeless and needy. Please place bags in The Caring Closet at church. Toiletries for Celebrate Outreach Celebrate Outreach is a local ministry with people who are living without shelter in St. Petersburg.  An average of 135 people are served each week.  Here is a list of donations needed: towlettes travel size, socks and underwear.  Please leave your donation in The Caring Closet at church.

May Birthdays! 5/2    Mark Gibson5/3    John Rosario5/6    Eleanor Rouse Bates5/9    Julian Ricciardi5/15  Christy Martin5/15  Lexi Green5/16  Bill Parsons5/25  Danielle Hintz

Circle of ConcernJackie ShieldsJacquie LewisBarbara DonohueCathy GieseyAnn Cloutier, Michelle’s motherJoAnne ReidChristy MartinSusan GilbertTony Pelletier and the family and loved ones of PaulaBarbara WalburnYvonne RiesenDenise WilliamsVita UthCate Colgan & Marty Seyler’s dog, TrinityThe Denehy FamilyAll school students, families & staffCaregiversThe 280 women and men on Florida’s Death Row

Weekly Update If you are involved with an activity or event that you would like to share with the LUCC family, please send the information to the Church Office by Wednesday. Please provide the information in paragraph form with pertinent details and links. THANK YOU!

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

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

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

Our mailing address is: Lakewood United Church of Christ2601 54th Ave S St Petersburg, FL 33712-4709On land originally inhabited by the Tocabaga on the Gulf of Mexico

THIS SUNDAY:

This Sunday features the story of doubting Thomas.  Maybe a bigger problem with faith is fear rather than doubt?  Jesus the Christ wants to breathe new life into us.  A life of peace.  I think we are so ready!  Take a look at John 20:19-31.

Worship begins at 10:30. Childcare is provided.  

A glorious celebration of the resurrection. Happy Easter, everyone!

Maundy Thursday Service……involving 4 Pinellas United Church of Christ congregations at Pilgrim United Church of Christ in St. Petersburg

Combined choir of singers from all four participating congregations.

Palm Sunday Festivities

Book Talk Ahead

All are welcome at this monthly gathering to discuss what you are reading.  Share what is of interest to you.  Listen and get great ideas for your next read.  Come Thursday April 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the church.

Bible Study Ahead

This group continues to meet monthly to delve into stories from scripture that involve women.  The next discussion topic will be Miriam.  All are welcome Tuesday April 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the church.

April Bin of the Month This month we will be collecting food donations for the Hispanic Outreach Center in Clearwater. Due to the presence of ICE and 287 agreements between ICE and local police forces, many people do not feel safe to go out and work or buy groceries. The HOC is providing our local Hispanic population with culturally specific food items: vegetable oil, dried lentils and red beans, rice, corn husks, corn tostadas, masa harina, and canned/jarred jalapeños. Please place items in the bin in the sanctuary. You can also donate money using the QR code on the flyer, donations will be used to buy fresh food items.

Immigration Vigil This Sunday A weekly vigil is held near the Pinellas County Justice Center to bring attention to the inhumane and unconstitutional treatment of the immigrant community in our midst.  This is an opportunity to voice your values and pray for those who are being traumatized by the current immigration situation.  This is a peaceful, prayerful vigil. Sunday, April 12, 2026 4:00 PM –  5:00 PM Pinellas County Justice Center, 14450 49th St N, Clearwater, FL 33762

No Kings Day 3 LUCC demonstrates our value

WEEKLY LABYRINTH UPDATE

Guided labyrinth walks are held weekly on Wednesday’s at 10 am.  All are welcome! The focus is on the scripture reading from the previous Sunday.   For those who do not feel comfortable walking, a finger labyrinth is available.  Please bring your own chair if you can.   The labyrinth is on the southwest corner of the church property, beyond the bike rack.  You are welcome to walk it any time.

Care Closet Good Samaritan Food Pantry The food pantry has requested pet food and breakfast cereal.  Donations may be placed in The Caring Closet here at the church. Plastic Bags for Missio Dei Missio Dei is in need of plastic grocery bags for the homeless and needy. Please place bags in The Caring Closet at church. Toiletries for Celebrate Outreach Celebrate Outreach is a local ministry with people who are living without shelter in St. Petersburg.  An average of 135 people are served each week.  Here is a list of donations needed: towlettes travel size, socks and underwear.  Please leave your donation in The Caring Closet at church.

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

View

April Birthdays!27 Nancy Shrepf

Circle of ConcernBarbara Donohue Tina Allen Cathy Giesey Ann Cloutier, Michelle’s mother JoAnne ReidChristy Martin, who is recovering at homeSusan Gilbert Linda Reuscher, friend of Hilton Paula and Tony Pelletier Barbara Walburn Yvonne Riesen Denise Williams Vita Uth Cate Colgan & Marty Seyler’s dog, TrinityFamily and Loved Ones of Diane  The Denehy Family All school students, families & staff Caregivers The 280 women and men on Florida’s Death Row

Weekly Update If you are involved with an activity or event that you would like to share with the LUCC family, please send the information to the Church Office by Wednesday. Please provide the information in paragraph form with pertinent details and links. THANK YOU!

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

RECENT WEBSITE POSTSLent Devotion 40: OneApril 4, 2026Lent Devotion 39: HeartApril 3, 2026Lent Devotion 38: Taking LumpsApril 2, 2026Sermon video 3.22.26April 2, 2026Devotion Thirty-Seven, “Stories”April 1, 2026Devotion Thirty-Six, “Space”March 31, 2026Devotion Thirty-Five, “Mother”March 30, 2026Lent Devotion 34 “Nurture”March 28, 2026Lent Devotion 33: “Las Meninas”March 27, 2026Lent Devotion 32: WisdomMarch 26, 2026Lent Devotion 31: Good-byesMarch 25, 2026

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

Our mailing address is:Lakewood United Church of Christ2601 54th Ave S St Petersburg, FL 33712-4709On land originally inhabited by the Tocabaga on the Gulf of Mexico