the church building. Thanks to funding primarily from
memorials, we have been able to experience another
type of prayer - prayer in motion.
PRAYER GROUP...
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances." I Thess. 5:16-18
Prayer is central to the life of any Christian community and to the individual Christian journey. Prayer is a conversation with God that includes both speaking and listening. Each of us has our own ways of praying and some prayers don't even include words. Here at Lakewood UCC we have many ways of engaging in the various practices of prayer.
The Prayer Group meets on the first Monday of the month at 9:45 a.m. and is open to anyone who wants to attend. At each meeting joys and concerns are brought forward, we discuss the prayer concerns of the church, and pray together. Recently the Prayer Group has begun reading a book together on prayer as well.
Prayer Shawl Ministry: For
about 10 years, Lakewood UCC has also taken on a ministry of creating prayer
shawls.
"Shawls ... made for
centuries universal and embracing,
symbolic of an inclusive, unconditionally
loving, God.
They wrap, enfold, comfort, cover, give solace,
mother, hug,
shelter and beautify.
Those who have received these shawls have
been
uplifted and affirmed, as if given wings to
fly above their
troubles..."
The above was written in 1998 by Janet Bristow, one of two women who began this ministry. Everyone loves a little warmth and wants to know they are valued and prayed for-no matter what season in life they may be in. Many people experience seasons in their life that are challenging, times when the warmth of Christ's love seems so distant and unattainable. This ministry reminds people they are not alone through those life challenges. People are praying and extending the warmth of Christ through the Prayer Shawl Ministry.
Prayer shawls are knitted and
crocheted by loving hands and given to people who are hurting as reminders of
God's healing, caring and loving presence. While the shawls are being made,
people are praying. If we're not sure who we're making the shawl for, we pray as
we knit and crochet that God would reveal that person. If we know who it is for,
we pray specifically for that person and his or her needs.
God uses this gift of knitting and
crocheting in a powerful way. If you know just one stitch, you are able to make
a shawl! Age or gender, fleece or yarn... the meaning is all the same: God is
glorified through the prayer Shawl ministry- you and the receiver will be
blessed. If you want to share your skills, bring your completed shawl to the
church office.
The Labyrinth-Praying Without Words
Lakewood UCC has a labyrinth in the
garden next to
the church building. Thanks to funding primarily from
memorials, we have been able to experience another
type of prayer -
prayer in motion.
A labyrinth is an ancient symbol that
relates to wholeness. It
combines the imagery of the circle and the spiral
of a
meandering, but purposeful path. It represents a journey to
our own
center and back again out into the world. There are
no blind alleys as there
are in a maze. One needs to be open
and receptive to hear your inner voice;
we need to move away
from anxiety toward peace and faith.
Our labyrinth is open for use by
anyone. If you would like some
initial instruction and helpful hints about
using the labyrinth as
a part of your spiritual practice, please feel free
to contact our
pastor, Curt Preston. 
(Special thanks
to Myra & Carmen for all their hard
work!)