Well......we like to call it Fellowship.....but there is a LOT of talking each Sunday as we come together as the Family of God!! It is a great time to connect and build relationships with each other. And....what a blessing that we can do that in God's House with His Spirit in our midst. May God continue to bring us together in His Name!
It was a wonderful time Sunday afternoon as many came from near and far to wish Pastor Dave and Beckie God's best in their retirement. A cake and dessert reception was held and gave time for many to share personal wishes. Dave and Beckie's children, Ben and Lee F. and Hannah F., were able to share in the special day (Sarah F. was unable to be here). May God be with them as they follow His leading in this new chapter of their lives.
God loves to hear our praise....in music, word and act!! It is such a blessing to have so many here at Lakewood willing to share their abilities as we worship together. There have been several new members of the praise band....Owen and Brady E., Ryan K. and Kayla B., have all been involved in leading our time of worship. May we continue to praise Him in all we do and may His praise fill our hearts!
This past Sunday Pastor Dave and Beckie were presented with a beautiful quilt created by the Quilting Group here at Lakewood. Each square contained wishes and prayers from the congregation as Dave and Beckie begin retirement. Thank you to the ladies who put this all together: Chris P., Dorothy K., Betty N., Becky A., Jo W., and Norine E. May our prayers continue with both Dave and Beckie as they begin this new chapter in their lives.
Congratulations to the Lakewood Class of 2013!! May God bless you as you step into the next chapter of your lives! A special recognition of the graduates from LUMC was held this past Sunday. Ten graduates were recognized and prayed for. What a blessing to have such a fine group of young people from our church! Those recognized were: David P., Kyler K., Dylan D., Erik M., Brett F., Skyler C., Andy A., Cody D., and Zack E. (not pictured but present was Jenna B.).
This past Sunday night the Living Stones shared in ministry here at Lakewood. It was inspiring to witness our youth share their faith through puppetry, dance and music. The Stones are preparing for their summer trip to Nebraska and seek our prayers. May God be praised as this group goes out and shares His love with many.
It was a great time as a group of eight traveled to Branson MO last week. What a blessing to share together with Christian friends in growth, fun and adventure. The five day trip included the Dutton Family Show and the production of Joseph at the Sight and Sound Theater. There were many other "surprises" and LOTS of good eating!!! The group studied the story of Joseph during our time together and explored God's Word concerning our character. Rumor has it that plans are already in progress for next year's trip!!
What a great succes for the youth with this Sunday's Taco Lunch! Over $1,000 was raised toward the Youth Mission Trip and projects-Praise the Lord! It was a great turn out and the tacos were great too! If you weren't here you really missed seeing Drew D., Harrison M. and Franky P. in their aprons.....that was something else!! Thank you to all who participated and supported this project.
This past Sunday the Living Stones shared the song "Chosen Generation" as we worshipped together. The dance and song were taken from I Peter 2 where we find those words that God has called us to be a Chosen Generation-A Royal Priesthood! It is great to see youth ready to share their faith....it is what this world needs-Jesus!
It was a great day on April 7 as many from Lakewood gathered at the Ionia 300 Bowling Alley. About 75 children, youth and adults spent the afternoon bowling and just having fun! Even Sandi E. (with a sprained ankle) came out to join in! The smiling faces, laughter and good talk all filled the place with lots of love from above! Praise the Lord for times to share together as Christians!
The winter session of Centershot was completed in April. Twelve students (not all pictured) successfully finished their studies and training. The advanced students did outstanding as well as the beginners in memorizing God's Word and working to do their best. Thank you to Mr. P., Mr. C. and Mrs. O. for their time and dedication. May God continue to work in the hearts and lives of each of these students.
What a wonderful blessing to see so many families and children worshipping here at Lakewood this week! We serve a Risen Savior and our celebration was filled with praise as the children beamed with God's love. Both the children's sermon time and children's church were filled to capacity! Pray for our children and their parents.....may God bless each one!
Around the world and here at Lakewood we observed Palm Sunday this week. As we sang Hosanna, Loud, Hosanna, each one came forward waving palm branches and praising God. May our hearts and minds be focused on all that this week reminds us of.....and praise God for His Son Jesus Christ!
Children's Sermon is always a time of learning...not only for the kids but for everyone! This Sunday the lesson was on love and especially on God's love! May each of us share that love this week as we remember Christ's gift of life on the cross!
It was an awesome night at King's Club as the Woodland and Lake Odessa Fire Departments visited! Even Nozzle the Dalmatian came to help the children learn about fire safety. It was great to watch as the children explored the fire trucks and listen to the safety talks given by the firemen. This was a great way to end this year's King's Club......can't wait to see what happens in the fall!
The King's Club had LOTS of surprises Sunday night as we had many visitors from the animal kingdom! Among the crowd were chicks, a goat, lambs and "Jackson" the dog! It was great to watch the children interact with the animals by petting them, feeding them and just loving them. God is an awesome God and what fun to share in His creation!
The children from King's Club sang for special music this week.....some are a blur as each song had lots of actions! The children love to sing and express themselves....may we have a childlike heart as we come each week to worship!!
Congratulations to Ryan K., Robbie O., Gage D., Emily P., and Danielle K. as they became members here at Lakewood UM! Each one has participated in a youth membership class where the basics of Christianity were learned. Each one desired to become members and were welcomed by Lay Leader Perry S. and Pastor Dave. Pray for these youth as they witness of their faith each day.
It was great to have three come before the church this Sunday seeking Baptism! Gage D., Kimberly C. and Mel M. all professed their faith in Jesus Christ and were baptised into the faith. Pray for each one as they experience God's love in each of their lives.
The King's Club kids keep bringing food and money to help our project with Manna's Market! How awesome is that?!! The 4th and 5th grade class is leading the effort and last week they went to Carl's to purchase more food! They will be delivering the food next week and we continue to pray for God to bless it as we share with others in need.
The youth at Lakewood have fun, eat great snacks and plug into times of study and growth! Have you seen the new FLATSCREEN in the youth room? What a great addition to help our youth learn more as they explore their walk with Christ. May God continue to bless the youth as they grow in Him!
Tuesday mornings are always full of surprises at Respite. This week Julie D. with Claire and Ellie too brought a young lamb to visit. The Respite Crew loved the lamb and were excited with the visit. It was a lot of fun to see each one's reactions and to share this special creation of God's! The Respite program continues to meet each Tuesday with many varied activities, special treats and good lunches too!!
What a fun time the kids had at King's Club this week! It was movie night and Evan Almighty was the movie. Forty children and their families came on out to share this special night. Popcorn, pop and candy helped to make the night even more fun! There is LOTS of excitement at King's Club each week.....praise the Lord!
It was a busy day at Lakewood this past Sunday! Worship....lunch and fellowship and then a Congregational Meeting. It was a good time of exchanging thoughts and ideas. As we continue to pray and grow together may we follow God's leading in all we do!
