Open and Affirming 2.0 Part 3
2025-11-02 11:30 - 12:30 (America/Denver)
Please join us for the third in a three-part series about deepening our understandings of what it means to be an Open and Affirming community. Sunday Nov. 2, we will be joined by two presenters, Rev. Candace Woods and Terra Greer from Juniper Formation (a local UCC community), who will lead us through specifically what it means to create a safe and welcoming space for our trans and nonbinary community members. To find out more about Candace and Terra, please see their bios below. If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Curt or Rev. Mollie.

Interested in signing up for this event? Please click HERE.

Rev. Candace Woods (she/her)

Rev. Candace Woods (she/her) serves as Minister of Gender + Sexuality Liberation at Juniper Formation UCC. She holds a Master’s in Divinity from Iliff School of Theology with a certificate in Social Justice + Ethics. She spends her days doing work around the wild intersections of gender and sexuality, faith and spirituality, and bodies and nature. Personally, Candace lives in Colorado Springs with her dog and flock of feminist chickens on a little urban farmstead. She loves to be outside, whether hiking, foraging for medicinal plants, or in the garden, and she also loves connecting in community over coffee or a beer, dreaming up how to cocreate the future with God and her neighbors.

Terra Greer (she/he/they)

Terra graduated from Candler School of Theology with their Master’s of Divinity in 2020, with a Women’s Studies in Theology and Ministry Certificate and a Justice, Peace, and Conflict Transformation concentration. She is a trans person, and is passionate about inclusion in various forms. He is part of the IDEA committee in Wheat Ridge, as well as the Disability Committee for the Mountain Sky Conference of the United Methodist Church, and a member of Affirmation, the founding organization of the Reconciling Ministries Network in the UMC. They have volunteered with the Transmission Ministry Collective, which is a worldwide online community of Trans People of Faith, and she does ongoing inclusion work as part of Juniper Formation in the ONA 2.0 workshops. She brings her experiences from all of these into his preaching, always approaching the texts with an eye to lifting up marginalized communities and stories. They enjoy singing, writing, and experiencing stories of all kinds. She loves to go for hikes and long walks outside, and is always learning new things about the world around him and the people in it. She lives with his spouse, Faryn, and their dog, Selah, in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.

Stewardship Sunday Luncheon Celebration
2025-11-16 11:30 - 12:30
Beacon of hope…. this is the Stewardship theme for 2025. The theme of Lighthouses, radiant light shining forth, and how we become the symbol of hope for the world, is our focus. We turn faithfully to Matthew 5:16;
“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to God.”
The stewardship campaign will be held on three Sundays, November 2, 9, and 16. Our pledge cards will be dedicated during the church service on November 16, followed by a celebratory luncheon. This year, we will be hosting a Chili luncheon provided by the committee and special congregational helpers. Please plan to join us as everyone is invited!
Please connect with us as we talk about our beacon of hope for the weary world, the amazing ways our church works in the community, and our planet. Praise God for all our cherished members/friends of this wonderful church. We thank each of you for your continued support, both financially and prayerfully, to help us make our budget goals.
If you have any questions, please email or call Nancy Jorgenson, chair of Stewardship at chousecat81@gmail.com or 303-886-7093. You may also email or call Sheila Wiese at sheilamwiese@gmail.com or 303-589-1851. You will be able to email Sheila with your pledge if that is more convenient.
How will we be the Beacon of light in the World in 2026?

Click HERE for the 2026 Narrative Budget
Click HERE to access a digital Pledge Card!

Pine Ridge Service Learning Trip Information Meeting
2025-11-19 18:00 - 19:00
If you are interested in the 2026 multi-generational service learning trip, please join for a brief information meeting. We will be going to Re-member on the Pine Ridge Reservation from June 20-26 of 2026.

We will meet via Zoom (click for the link to join) on Wednesday, November 19 (TONIGHT), from 6:15 pm-6:45 pm, just before Church Council. This Zoom will be recorded and available if you are unable to attend.

We will go over the cost, fundraising, and what the trip will look like. We will also identify a lay leader to co-lead logistics and planning with Rev. Mollie. Please also check out Re-member’s website for more info by clicking HERE.

ALL AGES Advent Decorating
2025-11-23 11:30 - 12:30
Join the Faith Formation Board & Board of Congregational Care for this yearly tradition of decorating the Sanctuary, Narthex, and other parts of the church for our Advent and Christmas season. This will be an ALL-AGES event, with cookie decorating, an Advent project to take home, and of course, decorating for the season ahead.

Listening and Learning Session: Pride Flags
2025-11-30 11:30 - 12:30
As we seek to continue to live out our Open and Affirming Covenant, the Love Leads Team brought a proposal to the November 19 Church Council meeting to move the pride flags, currently in the windows, to a more prominent place on the columns. As Church Council considers this proposal, we would love to hear the thoughts of the congregation. Please join us for a listening and learning session on Sunday, after worship in the conference room. If you’d like to view the video from our most recent ONA session regarding trans and nonbinary inclusion, please click HERE. We intend to have a second conversation opportunity in the New Year.

Incredible Edibles and Heifer International in Person!
2025-12-07 11:30 - 12:30
SAVE THE DATE! Incredible Edibles is back on Sunday, December 7. It’s that time of year again-Incredible Edibles bake sale led by those wonderful sisters: Janet Hehr, Linda Royval. Who benefits from the Proceeds? The Action Center is a non-profit organization that provides a continuum of services for people facing challenges. Their services include, but are not limited to, free food and clothing, financial assistance, and family services. How do you participate? Besides shopping on December 7, we encourage you to bring nicely presented baked goods that will sell! Presentation is important and as Janet likes to say….Bring your A game.

Heifer International Donations In-Person on Sunday, December 7, at 11:30 am. Because of Lakewood UCC’s long-standing tradition of donating to Heifer International, Glenda Bobby will once again be receiving donations after church on December 7 in the Fellowship Hall. If you are wondering what you can do this Christmas to help people throughout the world, this is your chance. You can give a share of an animal or the whole animal to a needy family, but much more is available. You can also give a gift of clean water, biogas stoves, a family solar kit, or send a girl to school. Please stop by the Heifer table to find out more. You will receive credit for your donation through your Breeze account. Cash or checks will be accepted, but no credit cards. There will also be holiday cards available for you to donate in someone’s honor. What a great gift for that person in your life who has everything, a wonderfully meaningful gift for a friend or relative!

NoEnemies Song Circle
2025-12-07 14:00 - 15:00
Join NoEnemies monthly song circle, which is being held at Lakewood United Church of Christ this December. These monthly gatherings are an opportunity to raise our voices, learn simple chants and song verses. NoEnemies is not an organization or political party, but a space we create together, share songs, and practice our power. Questions? Contact nancy.gruschow@outlook.com.

Blue Christmas Service 2025
2025-12-09 19:00 - 20:00
The holidays 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 9, at 7:00 pm. We will gather in person only to hold space for grief, uncertainty, and the fullness of what we may be carrying this season. Please see one of the Pastors for additional support or resources.

Messy Pageant Multi-Generational Service
2025-12-24 16:00 - 17:00
Join us for this all-age service on Christmas Eve. Together with song and scripture, costumes and collaboration, we will tell the story of Christ’s birth through our Messy Pageant. No rehearsals, costumes, or story provided (and other costumes are welcome). Participation is by choice, as we share the joy of the story of God-with-us. Childcare will be available during this service.

Christmas at Lakewood UCC!
2025-12-24 16:00 - 20:00
Messy Pageant Christmas Eve: Wednesday, December 24, 4:00 pm
Join us for this all-age service on Christmas Eve. Together with song and scripture, costumes and collaboration, we will tell the story of Christ’s birth through our Insta Pageant. No rehearsals, costumes, or story provided (and other costumes are welcome). Participation is by choice, as we share the joy of the story of God-with-us. Childcare will be available during this service.

Carols and Christmas Eve: Wednesday, December 24, 7:00 pm
Join us on Christmas Eve at 7:00 pm for pre-service music, with the worship service starting at 7:30 pm. Together, with songs, scripture, and prayers, we hear and celebrate the story of Christ’s birth. The service ends in the sharing of the Christ-light with one another and an invitation to take the light into the world. We hope to see you there, in-person or online!

Candlelight Christmas Eve Service
2025-12-24 19:00 - 20:30
Join us on Christmas Eve at 7:00 pm for pre-service music, with the worship service starting at 7:30 pm. Together, with songs, scripture, and prayers, we hear and celebrate the story of Christ’s birth. The service ends in the sharing of the Christ-light with one another and an invitation to take the light into the world. Childcare is available for this service! We hope to see you there, in-person or online!

Advent Undecorating
2026-01-04 11:30 - 12:00
After we celebrate Epiphany in worship on January 4, we’ll need many hands to make light work of undecorating the Sanctuary from our Advent season. Thank you, we hope to see you there!

Listening & Learning Session 2: Pride Flags
2026-01-18 11:30 - 12:30
As we seek to continue to live out our Open and Affirming Covenant, the Love Leads Team brought a proposal to the Oct. 19 Church Council meeting to move the pride flags, currently in the windows, to a more prominent place on the columns. As Church Council considers this proposal, we would love to hear the thoughts of the congregation. Please join us for a second listening and learning session on January 18, after worship in the conference room.

Lakewood UCC Book Group in January
2026-01-18 11:30 - 13:00
The Lakewood UCC Book Group will meet on Sunday, January 18, in the Conference Room after the service. At this meeting, we will be selecting what books we will read throughout 2026. Please bring one or two book titles you would recommend. If you are interested, this is the perfect time to join the group. Hope to see you there!

Congregational Meeting 2026
2026-01-25 11:30 - 12:30
All are invited to join us for our Congregational Meeting on Sunday, January 25, at 11:45 am. The meeting will be hybrid. The purpose of the meeting is to vote on the 2026 Proposed Budget. The Proposed Budget will be available sometime in mid January, once we close out the 2025 financials and have received all of our pledges from the congregation. After worship, before the meeting, the Pine Ridge group will be selling YACaritos (breakfast burritos) to fundraise for their upcoming service learning trip. Childcare will be available.

Please email office@lakewooducc.com if you would like a copy of the proposed budget or the Zoom link to join remotely!

SOUPer Bowl Potluck and Canned Soup Drive
2026-02-01 11:30 - 13:00
Mark your calendars for the Third Annual SOUPer Bowl Potluck and Canned Food Drive on February 1! Bring your favorite soup or stew. We also need bread and desserts. Please include the ingredients so that we don’t have any allergic reactions. This is such a fun event to share hearty food and Fellowship with our friends. We are also asking everyone to bring canned soup or other canned food to take to the Action Center so that we can also share with our neighbors.

LUCC Book Group
2026-02-15 11:30 - 13:00
The LUCC Book Group will meet in the Conference Room after the service.This month we will discuss The Nightingale, by Kristen Hannah. It is a bestselling historical fiction novel about two French sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, and their different paths to survival and resistance during World War II. Everyone is invited to attend.

Ash Wednesday
2026-02-18 19:00 - 20:00
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent, 40 days (six weeks) of intentional prayer, introspection, ritual, and forms of fasting or abstaining from certain practices, that ends with the sweet celebration of Easter Sunday. Ash Wednesday is when we look squarely at our morality and say, “From dust we have come, and to dust we will return.” We are marked and anointed with ashes (from last year’s palm branches), a physical reminder of where we have come and where we will return. While seemingly somber, this is a chance for us to be honest with God and ourselves. We are here on this earth for a short time and ponder how we will live in God’s good news.
Join us for our Ash Wednesday service on February 18 at 7:00 pm in person or online. Ashes-to-go containers will be available starting Sunday, February 15, so you can do the imposition of ashes with your household at home.

Big Questions from Little Ones Conversation
2026-02-22 11:30 - 12:00

Fat Tuesday Pancake Breakfast
2026-02-22 11:30 - 13:00

Delores Project Lunch
2026-02-26 11:00 - 13:00
Our next meal will be lunch on February 26. We will collect food in the church parking lot at 11:00 am and serve the meal at noon. Our menu is creamy tortellini with sausage and spinach, garlic bread, and dump cake/whipped cream. If you would like to be a server or contribute food, please sign up here.

Mental Health First Aid Course
2026-02-27 09:00 - 14:00
Lakewood UCC is proud to host a Mental Health First Aid Training for the Jefferson Center! Join the more than four million Americans who have taken the first step to stomp out stigma in their own communities with Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). When you attend Mental Health First Aid, you’ll learn how to identify the signs and symptoms of a range of mental health and substance use disorders, and will build the skills and confidence to help someone in crisis.
This course is designed for anyone who would like to make their community a healthier, happier, and safer place for all. Mental Health First Aiders are neighbors, parents, friends, veterans, first responders, people in recovery, and community leaders. Everyone is welcome to join this community! Be sure to register fast, as space is limited.

If you would like to learn more or register by February 13, please click HERE!

Hobby Swap
2026-03-08 11:30 - 12:30
Join us for Lakewood UCC’s first-ever hobby swap on March 8! Ever had grand plans to take up knitting, quilting, or playing guitar and got all the things for it, only to discover it’s not for you? Us too, which is why Care for Creation invites you to bring in the hobby items that you no longer want or need and swap them for someone else’s. Consider bringing your gently- or never-used yarn, thread, songbooks, puzzles, board games, cake pans, paints, fabric, art supplies, woodworking tools, and more, and see what others have brought you might want to try. We encourage all to peruse the offerings, even if you don’t bring anything, and to participate, even if you aren’t looking for any hobby supplies to take home. Questions? Contact Lucy Preston or Joy Carletti.

Lenten Service Project
2026-03-15 11:30 - 13:00
For Lent this year, we will support The Gathering Place (TGP), a daytime resource center in Denver. TGP serves women, gender-diverse individuals, and children who are experiencing poverty and homelessness. TGP offers a variety of ways to serve their members and relies on donations and community support to do so. LUCC will help in a few main ways:

Stay after worship and help assemble sack lunches. This is a project for all ages. We’ll deliver the lunches on March 16. Maybe you have a vehicle and cooler to help? Sign up here or on the welcome center.

Lenten Donation Drive
2026-03-22
For Lent this year, we will support The Gathering Place (TGP), a daytime resource center in Denver. TGP serves women, gender-diverse individuals, and children who are experiencing poverty and homelessness. TGP offers a variety of ways to serve their members and relies on donations and community support to do so. LUCC will help in a few main ways:

March 22 and 29: We’ll collect donations of new full-size toiletries for families: shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, soap, and toothpaste.

Educational Forum on Lakewood's Special Election on Zoning
2026-03-22 11:30 - 13:00 | Lakewood United Church of Christ, 100 Carr Street, Lakewood, CO, 80226, United States
Join us for a Educational Forum featuring speakers Karen Gordey from Lakewood Citizen’s Alliance, Sophia Mayott-Guerrero from Make Lakewood Livable, and Roger Low, Lakewood City Council Member for Ward 3.

Lakewood City Council has set an April 7 special election to ask Lakewood voters whether to repeal updates to Lakewood’s Zoning Code that City Council approved in October 2025 or to keep the existing Zoning Code. The Zoning Code is the set of rules that determine how property in Lakewood can be used and developed.
Voting “yes” on each question means a vote to repeal each part of the Zoning Code that City Council approved, and voting “no” to each question means a vote to keep the existing Zoning Code.

This forum is an opportunity for Lakewood voters to learn about the importance of the election and how it will impact the city’s future.

Faith and Justice Lobby Day
2026-03-23 08:30 - 17:00
Lakewood UCC is a member church of Together Colorado, and you are invited to their annual Lobby Day.

Here’s what you can expect on lobby day:

We will come together at the Capitol, joining in teams by legislative district, united by our commitment to justice.
Together, we will meet with legislators to lift up our shared priorities: energy affordability, immigration rights, affordable housing, worker protections, and more.
We will close our morning of advocacy by calling each other into deeper action and commitment.

Afterward, we will gather again to reflect, share what we have learned, and renew our resolve to keep building people power.

Lunch will be provided at First Baptist Church, located across the street from the Capitol.

Together, we can advocate for bold change and help build a Colorado where every person can thrive no matter our race, income, or zip code. Our faiths call us to act for justice and ensure no one is left behind. All are welcome.

Register here today: https://www.mobilize.us/togethercolorado/event/886275/. If you have questions, please reach out to Pauline Nunez paulinenunez40@gmail.com.

Delores Project Dinner
2026-03-26 18:00 - 19:00
Want to do something special for Lent? Sign up here as a server for the Delores Project. This month, we will serve dinner at the Delores Project on March 26. Our menu is chicken enchilada casserole, rice and beans, and ice cream with 3 toppings.

Lenten Donation Drive
2026-03-29
For Lent this year, we will support The Gathering Place (TGP), a daytime resource center in Denver. TGP serves women, gender-diverse individuals, and children who are experiencing poverty and homelessness. TGP offers a variety of ways to serve their members and relies on donations and community support to do so. LUCC will help in a few main ways:

March 29: We’ll collect donations of new full-size toiletries for families: shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, soap, and toothpaste.

Palm Sunday Brunch and Egg Hunt
2026-03-29 11:30 - 13:00
Please bring a dish to share to the Fellowship Hall on Sunday beginning at 9:30 am. It should be fully cooked and ready to serve. Please provide a list of ingredients so we can avoid any allergic reactions. Volunteers wanted for set up at 2:00 pm on Saturday, March 28 and for clean up at the end of the brunch.
