John 4:5-42

This week we continue our Lenten Journey “Toward Wholeness” from the perspective of Wholeness in Community. It is a timely theme as we experience the realities of social distancing and quarantines. How do we maintain meaningful connections in a time of distance and isolation? How does our faith provide comfort and assurance when the world seems to be in chaos? Join us this week as Pastor Curt preaches on how friendship, family, and community are at the center of our faith and discipleship, especially in times such as these.

As we face the effects of the Coronavirus as local and wider communities, we are doing our part to keep everyone safe and healthy in this time. Our worship will be streamed online, our meetings and events will be either postponed or moved to a digital format online with Zoom. We will be trying new things such as Pastoral Care through Zoom. Take a minute to read the various announcements below and take note of the changes. Please reach out to Pastor Curt, Rev. Mollie, or Allison Booth at office@lakewooducc.com if you have any questions. Keep taking good care of yourselves and one another as we navigate these changing and challenging times.

Rev. Mollie and Pastor Curt will be hosting online office hours for folks to drop in and visit. Curt will be available from 3:00 pm-4:00 pm on Wednesday, March 18, and Monday, March 23. Rev. Mollie will be available from 11:30 am-12:30 pm on Thursday, March 19, and Tuesday, March 24. To attend a meeting, go to zoom.us and click “Join a Meeting” in the upper right hand corner. It will ask you to enter a meeting ID. Each meeting time has a unique 9-digit ID of which you can find below. Click “Join” and then you’re in! If you have any challenges or questions, please call the church office. The meeting ID’s for Each day are as follows:
Pastor Curt, Wednesday, March 18, 3:00 pm:
413-272-490
Rev. Mollie, Thursday, March 19, 11:30 am:
519-458-665
Pastor Curt, Monday, March 23, 3:00 pm:
877-489-713
Rev. Mollie, Tuesday, March 24, 11:30 am:
725-624-913
Please click HERE for a simple Zoom instruction guide.

If you are willing or able to help others in the congregation with meals and groceries during this time, or feel you need assistance with these tasks, please let your Shepherd, Rev. Mollie, or Pastor Curt know. The need and the help are there,so let us help connect you!

Week Four:

The time will soon be here when my grandchild will long for the cry of a
loon, the flash of a salmon, the whisper of spruce needles, or the screech
of an eagle.
But he will not make friends with any of these creatures and when his heart
aches with longing, he will curse me.
Have I done all to keep the air fresh?
Have I cared enough about the water?
Have I left the eagle to soar in freedom?
Have I done everything I could to earn my grandchild’s fondness?
-Chief Dan George, Tsleil-Waututh (1899-1981)

This week challenge yourself and reflect on your use of natural
resources  . . . Let’s turn our thermostats down 1-2 degrees . in the winter
and up 1-2 degrees in the summer; replace bulbs in our homes with LED bulbs
as we can; stop letting water run down the drain or out the hose when it is
not needed. Use energy savings appliances, a smart thermostat. Repair
household leaks, insulation. Xeriscape your lawn. Check out wind/solar
options through Xcel Energy.

Sunday, March 15, 2020

John 4:5-42

One of the paradoxes we live in is this: we all want to be seen and known for our true selves, yet we are hesitant for others to know all of us, including our mistakes, doubts, blunders, and poor choices. This week, we hear the story of Jesus and the Samaritan Woman’s encounter at the well. Jesus sees her for all she is, success and shortcomings, all she represents – different gender and social group, and loves her still. As we continue our Lenten journey toward wholeness, join us in worship this Sunday as Rev. Mollie preaches on the joy and struggle of being fully seen and known – and still loved.

In the midst of the happenings in the world and the country, we here at Lakewood UCC are taking every precautionary measure to protect any and all who step through our doors. While you may see changes in scheduling for certain events and meetings around the church, please know that we will be continuing to have worship service on Sundays unless otherwise noted. Unless posted in an all-church email, the website, or any other form of communication, it is best to assume that your regularly scheduled activities and meetings will continue as planned. You can read the pastoral letter from Pastor Curt and Rev. Mollie here. Remember, wash your hands, stay home if you don’t feel well, and take good care of one another.

The Action Center is launching a MEGA food drive this weekend, asking for specific food items to better prepare their food pantry in the event of an emergency, They are looking for canned fruit, hearty soups, pasta & sauce, cereal, and peanut butter.  These items can be delivered to the Action Center Donation Center (8755 14th St, Lakewood) this Sunday, March 15, from 1:00 pm-5:00 pm or you can bring them to church this weekend and someone will deliver them! These five items can make all the difference in a time of emergency, so THANK YOU for supporting the Action Center and our community. 

Out of an abundance of caution, the Care for Creation Committee is regretful to announce that they have decided to cancel the Earth Hour Potluck Dinner scheduled for March 28. We do invite you to participate in Earth Hour at home by turning off all electricity in support of our planet for one hour on March 28 from 8:30 pm-9:30 pm! We appreciate your understanding, and we look forward to seeing all the lights out on the 28th!

Week Three:

Reflection: Interfaith Prayer taken from GreenFaith
We have forgotten who we are
We have alienated ourselves from the unfolding of the cosmos
We have become estranged from the movements of the earth
We have turned our backs on the cycles of life.
We have sought only our own security
We have exploited simply for our own ends
We have distorted our knowledge.
We have abused our own power….
Now the forests are dying
And the creatures are disappearing
And humans are despairing.
We ask for forgiveness
We ask for the gift of remembering
We ask for the strength to change.
Action: This week challenge yourself and reflect on how to reduce your food waste . . . Try to cook through the contents of your pantry and freezer. Plan your menus and make a weekly shopping list. Look at the entire cycle of a food or a product and what happens when it ends up in the landfill. Let’s buy less produce and other foods that are out of season or come from distant shores. Consider a compost pail for your fruits, vegetables, coffee grounds and egg shells. Research where you may drop off (a neighbor who gardens may want your compost); if your city doesn’t provide, ask your city council for this option. Food waste in landfill creates methane.