This Week @ LPC July 2, 2023

The secret of happiness is freedom, the secret of freedom is courage.

A note from Pastor Joy...

During the month of July, we will be doing a summer series based on the theme “Here I am, Lord.” The hymn is a favorite in Protestant denominations, but it was written by Dan Schutte who was a Jesuit studying theology in 1979. A friend asked him to write a hymn for a deacon’s ordination Mass. The lyrics recall the words of biblical prophets who were called by God and said yes, even if they did also express their doubts and fears.

God still calls to us today, and we may have our own doubts and fears when we hear God’s call. Even so, God invites us to be his witnesses, to share his love, and to be instruments of healing and grace for those who need it. Even if we feel unqualified or afraid, it is God’s choice to use us, and the Holy Spirit gives us power to do what God calls us to do. In our sermon series, we will consider a variety of people from Scripture who heard God’s call, and we will learn lessons from their stories that will challenge and encourage us as we say yes to God’s call.

Many of the services will include drama, and each week we will collect a special canned food offering for UCOM. Please bring CANNED PASTA and help us reach (or surpass) our goal of 500 cans. I look forward to seeing you in worship in July!

In Christ’s love,

Pastor Joy

Click here to see what's coming up at LPC & where there are opportunities to use your time & talents!

Whether you're looking for an in person study or a virtual one, we've got you covered. Click here to see what classes are currently meeting.

Sunday Morning Worship

July 2, 2023

Please join us this Sunday for worship as Rev Joy Laughridge begins the summer series Here I Am, Lord and brings the Word from the book of Genesis in her sermon Noah.

Join in person at 10 am or online by clicking the link below.

Watch Online

Whether you love to serve, bake, or shop we've got a place for you to share your talents. Click here for more information.

"Where there is HOPE, there is FAITH, where there is faith MIRACLES happen." We are praying for you. Download the prayer list here.

Sanctuary Flowers

The 2023 flower sign up is here! Click the button below to pick your week. Be sure and add your dedication. If you don't have one yet, put "TBD" in the Dedication box. Thank you!

Available Upcoming dates:

8/27, 10/1, & 10/8

Flower Signup

Carl Marucci

Director of Music & Organist

I want to offer a HUGE "Thank You" to our Lakewood Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir as we break for the summer months of July and August. It's hard to believe that we have celebrated a full choir year together!

On my own personal behalf, and on behalf of the LPC faith family we serve, I want to thank you for many things: for your effort, your time and your talents. Thank you for your interest in singing and for your dedication. Thank you for helping to build upon the excellent work of music directors and singers who have preceded us. And thank you for putting up with me during our first season together! Transitions in pastors or music directors can stretch us in unfamiliar ways, new styles and directions . . . but you have risen to the challenge beautifully.

You've been an amazing gift to our LPC congregation. I know that because they've told me so many times.Through your music you exercise a vital ministry to our LPC family--to bring Christ's message of healing, hope, love, joy, strength and peace. We've been given a wonderful gift, as well as an incredible responsibility to exercise those gifts--yes, for our own enjoyment and enrichment, but most importantly for the building of God's kingdom here in our little corner of the world. I wish you all a happy and safe summer, and all of us at LPC look forward to your return in September!

In Jesus,

Carl

If you have an announcement you would like shared on Sunday morning, please email the church office no later than Thursday at 3 pm. Announcements requested after this deadline (including Sunday morning) will be given top priority for the following Sunday. Thank you for your cooperation!

Canned Pasta Drive Every Sunday in July!

We will be collecting canned pasta each week in Sunday morning worship to help fill the shelves at UCOM.

Please help us reach our goal of collecting 500 cans by July 31st!

Libby Tullis, our Office Administrator will be out of the office Friday, June 30 - Friday, July 7. We will have reduced office hours during this time, 9 am - 1 pm Monday - Thursday & 9 am - noon on Friday. Volunteers will be in the office to cover the phones.

Upcoming Campus Work

Summer is here which means contractors and workmen will be on campus over the next few weeks. Here are the projects coming up in July:

July 3 ALL DAY: Pine tree removal (3 pine trees at the southeast corner of the sanctuary)
July 5 - 7 ALL DAY: Plumbing work in the men's room in the education building
July 10 ALL DAY: Limb removal in the rear parking lot
July 10 2pm - 5 pm: Kitchen will be closed for annual range hood cleaning
July 10 - 14 ALL DAY: Tile work in the men's room in the education building
July 17 ALL DAY: Carpet cleaning in the sanctuary & education building (all classrooms & offices)*

HELP WANTED: The remainder of the white vinyl fence will be installed in August & we need help clearing the fence line. Please contact the church office if you are interested in helping.

*The Education Building will be closed on July 17. Staff will be working from home & will be available via email & mobile phone.

Always wanted to be in a bell choir??

Well, now's your chance! I have selected an exciting mix of songs for this year including everything from contemporary pieces to good old gospel standbys! Be a part of enhancing the worship service, make new friends, keep your brain sharp, and have LOTS of fun! Rehearsals are Tuesdays from 1:30-2:30 during the season (September, after Labor day through the last Sunday before Memorial Day).

I'm excited to teach new ringers to join us. If you are interested, please contact the church office. I'd like to offer beginning sessions, starting in July, to anyone wanting to learn - YOU pick the time. If there is enough interest, I would create an additional bell choir that would practice in the evening for those of you who work days. You MUST be able to count to 4! Ideally you already know how to read music but we can help with that also. Contact the church office if you are interested.

Looking forward to sharing our passion and energy!

Ruthann Strebler, Handbell Choir Director

It's time to fire up those sewing machines, sharpen your tools, & get your creative juices flowing. The LPC Fall Mission Fair will be here before you know it and we would love to feature your handmade items during the fair. Please contact Nancy Carlton for details, more information, or if you have any questions.

Monday 7/3

9:00 am - 1:00 pm - Reduced Office Hours
5:00 pm - Chair Yoga in Benz Hall
6:30 pm - Jenny Tammera's Small Group in Pastor Joy's Office

Tuesday 7/4

Church Office Closed in Observance of Independence Day

Wednesday 7/5

9:00 am - 1:00 pm - Reduced Office Hours
5:30 pm - Band Practice in the Sanctuary

Thursday 7/6

9:00 am - 1:00 pm - Reduced Office Hours

Friday 7/7

9:00 am - 12:00 pm - Reduced Office Hours

Saturday 7/8

9:00 am - Bag Ladies in Benz Hall

For a complete list of upcoming events, visit our website at www.lpcjax.org/events.

Parent Support Group

Monday, July 10

Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Pattie Pallay will be leading a support group for parents with children of all ages (birth-adult) who are seeking support with children who are neurodivergent, have physical disabilities, are struggling with mental illness or just daily life. No registration is required.

When: 2nd Monday of the Month

Where: Session Room

Time: 6:00 pm

Cost: FREE

Bunco

Tuesday, July 11

Who's ready to roll the dice?!?

Let's plan a night of fun, food, & fellowship and play BUNCO! We need 12 people to play so whether you're a Bunco pro or you want to learn you are encouraged to sign up. Please bring an appetizer to share. Contact Libby Tullis at libby@lpcjax.org if you are interested. All are welcome to play!

When: Tuesday, July 11

Time: 6:30 pm

Where: Libby & Jonathan Tullis's home