Sunday, October 13, 2019

Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7

A long time ago, God’s people were living in exile far away from what they considered their home. They were facing new customs and new norms. Everything around them seemed strange and joy was hard to come by. Enter the prophet Jeremiah and his word from God that the people should not wait for home before they start living again. “Plant gardens,” he says. “Get married. Enjoy your family. Don’t wait. Now is the time for living.” Join us this Sunday as Pastor Curt preaches on our current experiences of exile and how God calls us to enjoy life now, even when so much around us seems strange and unfamiliar.

We extend our gratitude to all who had the opportunity to invest their time at the CFCU informational meeting this last Sunday, as well as to David Livingston, our speaker, who took the time to come out and speak on and answer questions about the cause! If you are interested in reading more about CFCU and the participating congregations and mosques, please click here

Sunday, October 6, 2019

2 Timothy 1:1-14

 A service for all ages! Join us in worship on Sunday, October 6 for an All Ages worship service as we celebrate communion with our siblings in Christ around the world. This Intergenerational service will invite us to reflect on our shared humanity as children of God, and challenge us to care for each other, and especially the children. Nursery care available, no Sunday morning Faith Formation, as the worship service will be designed for all ages.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Isaiah 56:1-8

Our scripture this week comes from the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah, as a mouthpiece of God, demands justice of God’s people. He reminds the people that old categories which have brought about separation are no longer necessary. He says that God’s house shall be a house of prayer for all people. No exceptions. Join us this Sunday as Pastor Curt reflects on his trip to the US-Mexico border and what we can do to help God’s people struggling on both sides of the border.

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Luke 16:1-13

Parables, with their layers of meaning, are meant to be explored all life long. Some parables are a little easier to understand than others. This week, we’ll unpeel a lesser-known parable, one that is a bit confusing on the first read. Together, we’ll unpack the parable of the crooked manager, and try to digest the nuggets of truth that still speak to us in this day. Join us in worship this Sunday as Rev. Mollie preaches and we explore what it means to serve God in varied life circumstances.

We welcome Allyson Koplen and Alan Thompson to their new roles among the Lakewood UCC team! Allyson will be moving forward as our new Director of Music Ministries and Alan will be stepping into the role of  Choir Director and Organist. Congratulations and welcome to you both!

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Luke 15:1-10
This Sunday we get the familiar parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin. Both parables are told to remind us of the extraordinary lengths God will go to welcome us home when we get lost or wander off. Join us this Sunday as Pastor Curt preaches on being lost, being found, and how God’s grace can bring us home.

Our Whole Lives, a comprehensive and developmentally appropriate sexuality curriculum, will be offered at Lakewood UCC in winter/spring of 2020. We are building a program beginning with grades 4-6. We are excited to offer this important piece of faith formation that “helps participants make informed and responsible decisions about their relationships, health and behavior in the context of their faith”. We will offer the program for Lakewood UCC members, friends, and the wider community. If you are interested in the program for a young person in your life, please see Rev. Mollie. There are also opportunities for those interested in becoming a facilitator for the grades 4-6 program and other age groups as well. Training is November 15-17 at LaForet. Please see Rev. Mollie for any questions or interest.

For those who are interested, Ministry Expansion Campaign statements (not annual pledge) are available on the Welcome Center in the narthex.

Sunday, September 8, 2019

Jeremiah 18:1-8
As a kid, I remember getting a lot of “do-overs.” If we had to stop our kickball game because a dog ran on the field, no problem, let’s have a do-over.  If I totally messed up a math test, no problem, you can have a do-over. If I hurt a friend with something I said, apologize and move on. No problem, it’s a do-over. As adults, it feels like we get a lot fewer do-overs. Our mistakes and problems seem to have a lot more sticking power than they did when we were younger. But the good news is God loves to give do-overs. In fact, sometimes even God needs a do-over. Join us this Sunday as Pastor Curt preaches on God as the great Potter and our opportunities to be remade.