Lakewood UCC

Men's Breakfast
2022-09-10 09:00 - 10:30 (America/Denver)
We will gather at the Valley Inn Restaurant (1997 S Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood, CO 80227) at 9:00 am on Saturday, September 10th. This is a time of casual conversation with no particular agenda. Any and all are welcome! Please email Curt (curt@lakewooducc.com) if you intend to be there so he can give the restaurant an approximate number of attendees.

Kick Off Sunday Potluck
2022-09-11 11:00 - 12:30
After the COVID hiatus, our Potlucks are back. We will be back in the Fellowship Hall enjoying the company of each other over wonderful home-cooked dishes. You can be thinking about which of your favorites to share. To be sure that we have plenty, here are the guidelines. If you really want to bring something in a different category, find someone and trade with them.
Last names beginning A-I: Main dish
Last names beginning J-R: Salad or side dish
Last names beginning S-Z: Dessert
You will see more about this in the midweek announcements. It will be wonderful to be back in the Fellowship Hall together filled with joyous chatter and laughter.

Weekly Bible Study
2022-09-14 10:30 - 12:00
Bible Study Is Back!

Our weekly bible study meets on Wednesday mornings from 10:30am-noon. Anyone is welcome! You need not have previous bible study experience. We will start on Wednesday Sept 7 in-person, at the church. We will meet in the fellowship hall and/or courtyard for a “bible study social.” We’ll do about an hour of “getting to know you” activities and at 11:30am will transition to potluck lunch. Beginning Sept. 14, we will start our actual bible study and will be meeting via zoom. We will continue in a zoom format at least until Christmas. If you would like to be added to the “Bible Study Email” list, please email Pastor Curt and he will add you. If you have questions, please reach out.

Team Delores Virtual Planning Meeting
2022-09-14 18:00 - 20:00
Team Delores will have a virtual planning meeting on Wednesday, September 14, 6:30 pm
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86892713202; meeting ID : 868 9271 3202.

Lakewood UCC Book Group
2022-09-18 11:30 - 12:30
The next meeting of the LUCC Book Group will be held on Sunday, September 18th, at 11:30 in the Conference Room. We will discuss Radium Girls, by Kate Moore. All are welcome! If you have any questions, contact Linda Andreen at 720-257-4275.

Open and Affirming Statement Conversations In Person
2022-09-25 11:30 - 12:30
Sunday, September 25, 11:30 am In-Person
In June, our congregation voted to update and expand our Open and Affirming Statement. We also agreed to host conversations about the statement and what it might look like to fully live into the updated version. These are the first two opportunities to do just that. Both sessions will cover the same material. We are asking people to register for the zoom conversation on the 28th. More information and the link to registration are HERE. No registration is needed for the in-person session on the 25th. If you have questions, please see Pastor Curt or Tamara Boynton.

World Communion Sunday
2022-09-28 08:00 - 17:00
Every year on the first Sunday in October, Christians around the globe celebrate World Communion Sunday. Join us in worship on Sunday, October 2 as we celebrate communion with our siblings in Christ around the world. Nursery care is available, no Sunday morning Faith Formation, as the worship service will be designed for all ages.

Open and Affirming Statement Conversations Zoom Meeting
2022-09-28 19:00 - 20:00
Wednesday. September 28, 7:00 pm (via zoom)
In June, our congregation voted to update and expand our Open and Affirming Statement. We also agreed to host conversations about the statement and what it might look like to fully live into the updated version. We are offering two opportunities to do just that. Both sessions will cover the same material. We are asking people to register for this zoom conversation HERE. No registration is needed for the in-person session on the 25th. If you have questions, please see Pastor Curt or Tamara Boynton. Information on the in-person session can be found HERE.

Blessing of the Animals
2022-10-01 10:00 - 11:00
Mark your calendars to attend the Lakewood United Church of Christ annual Blessing of the Animals service on Saturday, October 1 beginning at 10:00 am. Reverend Curt Preston and the Care for Creation team will host participants in a spiritual celebration of all creatures—great and small. If you are an individual who recognizes the value of companionship and connection with animals, bring your friendly companion animal (pet) or a photo to have a blessing bestowed. This special service is planned in honor of St. Francis of Assisi (patron saint of animals) Feast Day. Join us in the church courtyard with your beloved pet. Refreshments will be served.

All Church Day Retreat at La Foret
2022-10-08
Join the entire Lakewood UCC church community at La Foret on Saturday, October 8 for a day retreat. This (no cost*) retreat for all ages day will
include Worship, Games, Labyrinth, Free time (for a hike, nap, La Foret exploration, etc), and Lunch!
Sign-ups HERE or at the Welcome Center.
Carpooling will be available, more information soon. We can’t wait to experience La Foret with the whole church community

**Funding for this retreat comes from the Sabbatical Lilly Grant of 2021
More information about La Foret can be found HERE.

Lakewood UCC Book Group
2022-10-09 11:30 - 12:30
The Lakewood UCC Book Group will meet Sunday, October 9th at 11:30 am in the Conference Room. We will discuss Anxious People, by Fredrick Backman.
“It captures the messy essence of being human…It’s clever and effecting, as likely to make you laugh out loud as it is to make you cry” – The Washington Post. All are welcome!

CFCU Presentation on ERPO Law
2022-10-16 11:30 - 13:00
Colorado Faith Communities United to End Gun Violence (CFCU) Presentation on ERPO law, an important tool in the Gun Violence and Suicide Prevention Toolkit

The Mission, Outreach and Evangelism Board (soon to be Faith in Action) in partnership with CFCU will sponsor a presentation on ERPOs. ERPOs are an important tool in the gun violence and suicide prevention “toolkit”. With the support of Colorado Faith Communities United to End Gun Violence (CFCU) and Colorado Ceasefire, the Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) became law in Colorado in 2020. (Lakewood United Church of Christ is a participating member of CFCU.)

Colorado’s ERPO law allows family members and law enforcement to petition the courts for temporary removal of firearms from individuals who are at risk to themselves and/or others. ERPOs help to reduce the daily loss of life due to firearm violence, including gun suicide, but the law is not widely understood. Learn more on Sunday October 16 at 11:30am when Lakewood UCC will host a presentation about ERPO to the congregation and the community. Join in person in the sanctuary or online through Zoom. Registration for the Zoom meeting is required and can be done HERE.

Micah 6:8 Presentation
2022-10-23 11:30 - 12:30
The Micah 6:8 Project is a ministry of Lakewood UCC that makes grant funding available for projects that promote social justice and lead to more just, diverse, inclusive, and equitable communities. Our first grant recipient, Campbell Preston, will be making a presentation after worship on Sunday, October 23. We hope you will join us to hear about Campbell’s trip to Costa Rica and see how it inspired her to work for justice and equity here at home.

Trunk or Treat!
2022-10-30 11:30 - 12:30
All are welcome to our Trunk or Treat, following worship on October 30. Wear your costume to worship, then join us in the parking lot as we trick or treat from car to car (trunk to trunk). No sign up is required! There will also be a few crafts. We hope everyone can enjoy this intergenerational event!
We also need trunks and humans in costumes! Trunk or treating is when people gather in a parking lot, decorate the trunks of their cars and hand out goodies as kids “trick or treat” from car to car. We will be spread out and encourage contactless ways of handing out treats. This will be a real treat for our families. We invite you to dress up, decorate your trunk, and contactless-ly pass out goodies to the kids! If you are interested in participating with your vehicle, please sign up here.

Braiding Sweetgrass Discussions
2022-11-06 11:30 - 12:30, 2022-11-13 11:30 - 12:30
In cooperation with Care For Creation (C4C) Paul Michalec will lead a two part discussion on Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. In these troubled social, ecological, and economic times we need new ways of thinking, feeling, and being in relationship with self, others, and the natural world. Kimmerer weaves her indigenous wisdom, scientific training, and emerging sense of self into a series of stories that offer numerous ways to address the challenges of our time of distress. The whole book is worth reading, but for this two-part series we will focus on particular chapters. The materials, as well as reflection questions/prompts will be provided prior to each session. The November 6th and 13th sessions will occur after church, 11:30-12:30. For additional information or questions contact Paul at, Paul.Michalec@du.edu

Service Celebrating Indigenous Wisdom
2022-11-20 10:15 - 11:30
Please join us on Sunday November 20 for a service celebrating Indigenous Wisdom and healing. The service will be a Taize-style service with a series of readings, prayers, song, and silence.

Lakewood UCC Book Group
2022-11-20 11:30 - 12:30
The Lakewood UCC Book Group will next meet, Sunday, November 20th at 11:30 am in the Conference Room. We will discuss A Woman Is No Man by Etauf Rum.
“A Woman is No Man is a devastating, heart-wrenching but also, hopeful, novel about a Palestinian-American family.” Book Club Chat

Advent Decorating
2022-11-20 11:30 - 13:30
Come one and all! We will be decorating our Church for Advent on Sunday, November 20.
The fun will start after our service.
This year we are asking folks to bring an ornament that has special meaning for you, or if you prefer something you have made.
We will be adding them to the tree in the Sanctuary.

Simple Advent Event
2022-11-27 11:30 - 12:30
Join the Faith Formation Board and Fellowship in the Fellowship Hall after worship on Nov. 27 for a start to Advent. Decorate a nativity ornament, frost (and eat!) some cookies, try on the instant pageant costumes and get excited to tell the story of the birth of Jesus. We’ll have simple Advent calendars too, so you can engage the time of waiting and preparation with others from the congregation throughout Advent . We hope you’ll join us!

Alternative Gift Market 2022
2022-12-04 11:30 - 13:00, 2022-12-11 11:30 - 13:00
December 4, 11 11:15-1 pm Alternative Gift Market (Fellowship Hall)

All welcome-invite a friend or relative. A great way to give gifts and give back to the larger community

Women’s Bean Project is a social enterprise that hires women experiencing chronic unemployment. Participants develop job skills, discover their talents, and break the cycle of poverty. In addition to their signature bean and lentil soups, you’ll find trail mixes, dog treats, spice mixes, corn breads, chocolate covered espresso beans and more!

International Library Project sells jewelry and craft items from international crafts people from over 15 countries. Part of the proceeds from their sales goes to the Colorado Association of Libraries Cultural Interest Group exchange which promotes cultural understanding and respect and facilities library partnerships.

Friendship Bridge is a non-profit based in Lakewood, Colorado working to empower Guatemalan women artisans. Their microcredit program gives access to small loans so they can start a business and Handmade by Friendship Bridge provides markets and training for artisans to sell their products. Colorful and decorative home items, beaded jewelry, woven baskets, linens, ornaments and so much more.

African Community Center (ACC) welcomes refugees from all over the globe and conducts educational and social service programs that help newcomers rebuild their lives in their new community, navigate U.S. systems and cultures, gain confidence and economic self-sufficiency, and become productive, contributing, thriving members of society. “We Made this” is a program where women create home/lifestyle items for sale .(12/4 only).

Heifer International is a global nonprofit working to eradicate poverty and hunger through sustainable, values-based holistic community development. Shoppers will have the choice of gifting in someone’s name a goat, flock of chicks ,heifer and other farm animals to help families in need in 21 countries. Checks or cash only.

Earthlinks- For 25 years, EarthLinks has been cultivating personal transformation and self-worth with people experiencing homelessness and poverty. They sell Earth-friendly products that they make/assemble including lotion bars, soaps, lip balms, salt scrubs, bookmarks, cards, recycled earrings, candles, honey, teas, and coffee and reusable bags. (12/11 only).

Sheri’s Silverware Art and Randy’s Ecofriendly Pens and Pencils- beautiful jewelry from vintage silverware and wood turned pens and pencils. Care for creation by purchasing these items that foster reduce, reuse and recycle. Just replace the cartridges and reduce landfill. Ask Randy about his pens and pencils made from tobacco sticks. (12/11 only)

Incredible Edibles Favorite family holiday treats and baked goods for sale. Proceeds benefit the Jeffco Action Center serving over 20,000 people a year and providing immediate response to those facing hardship or experiencing homelessness. Cash/checks preferred. If you bring a holiday treat to donate, we request all items be Nut Free due to concerns about cross contamination.

Blue Christmas Service
2022-12-13 19:00 - 20:30
The holidays in general, and Christmas in particular, can be a difficult time of year to find the

space to feel emotions other than joy & cheer. Grief and pain know no season. Join us for the

Blue Christmas Service on Tuesday, December 13 at 7:00 pm. We will gather in the sanctuary

to hold space for grief, uncertainty, and the fullness of what we may be carrying this season.

We will also be live streaming the service in such a way that people can view it from home, but

people in the sanctuary will not be on camera. Please have a candle with you. Click here for a bulletin and order of service.

Sandy Hook Vigil of Remembrance
2022-12-14 17:30 - 18:30
Sandy Hook Vigil of Remembrance: Wednesday, December 14, 5:30 pm

Join us for a vigil of remembrance as we mark the 10th anniversary of the Sandy Hook school

shooting. We will gather together for lament and healing, outside of the front of the church

for prayer, candlelight, and honoring the victims of Sandy Hook and other school shootings.

We offer this vigil in collaboration with Colorado Faith Communities United to End Gun Violence

and other congregations offering such vigils, as we work toward a world without gun violence.

Lakewood UCC Book Group
2022-12-18 11:30 - 12:30
We will meet in the Conference Room at 11:30 am Sunday, December 18th to discuss Dewey the Small Town Cat that Touched the World, by Vicki Myron and Brett Witter. For questions, contact Linda Andreen at 720-257-4275.
An abandoned kitten from the heartland transforms a sleepy library, inspires a classic American town, and captures the hearts of animal lovers. Readmore Books.com.

Christmas Caroling
2022-12-18 12:00 - 15:00
Christmas Caroling: Sunday, December 18, 12:00 pm

A-caroling we will go! Join us after worship as we visit our folks who are sick or shut-in. Help

spread Christmas cheer to those who cannot make it to church. It should be great family fun

for all. Christmas caroling will happen on December 18, from 12:00-3:00 pm. Lunch will be

provided. Sign up here, on the Welcome Center, or contact Allyson Koplen for more information.

Instant Pageant Family Christmas Eve Service
2022-12-24 16:00 - 17:00
The service will be less than an hour long and is designed to be a casual, welcoming, and
meaningful worship experience particularly geared toward families with younger children.
We include lessons, carols, candlelight, a children’s sermon, and an “instant pageant” where
children and adults can become part of the Christmas Story.

Christmas Eve Candlelit Service
2022-12-24 19:00 - 20:30
Join us as we celebrate the birth of Christ with a traditional evening candlelight service and
carols. We’ll start with a medley of Christmas songs at 7:00 pm, move into the service proper
at 7:30 pm, and conclude with a candlelit Silent Night. Plan to arrive early!
This service will be live-streamed – Click HERE to join online – Click HERE for the bulletin.

Epiphany Un-Decorating
2023-01-08 11:30 - 12:30
Many hands make light work! Let’s gather together after worship and take down the Advent decorating as we move into the new year!

Open and Affirming Statement Conversations Zoom Meeting
2023-01-08 19:00 - 20:00
In June, our congregation voted to update and expand our Open and Affirming Statement. We also agreed to host conversations about the statement and what it might look like to fully live into the updated version. We offered a session back in September and canceled the October Zoom session due to a lack of participation. We will be hosting another session on Sunday, January 8, 2023, at 7:00 pm via zoom. This session will cover the same content as the September in-person session. If you have questions, please see Pastor Curt or Tamara Boynton. Join the Zoom meeting HERE.
