Newsletter Highlights

Peacemaking on World Communion Sunday – October 4

This year’s scriptural theme and focus is a beloved verse from the prophet Micah. It calls us to do what many religious leaders and scholars believe is the essence and core of real faith: doing justice for all people whether well-resourced or poor and powerless, being kind and helpful, and adopting an attitude and demeanor of humility as equal and beloved children of God.

Who was Micah? He lived over 700 years before Jesus and ministered in the southern kingdom of Judah after the northern kingdom of Israel was conquered by the Assyrian empire in 722. Micah said that the southern kingdom could fall just like the northern kingdom because of its abuses of power and money. The small pieces of land of the poor and the powerless were being taken by the rich and powerful with the consent of evil kings who had turned from the just and compassionate ways of God. Micah confronted three kings and the Temple leaders with a powerful central message: “What does God require of human beings? To do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with the Lord….” (Micah 6:8). Sadly, biblical history tells us that the kings and the aristocracy kept abusing the poor and the powerless. The southern kingdom was conquered and Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 B.C.

The World Communion Offering is one way that we can “do what God requires” as we follow Jesus Christ in a culture where power and money are used to abuse God’s people who are not at the top of the socio-economic ladder. The offering (formerly called Peacemaking and Global Witness) helps Presbyterians to show kindness and mercy with various ongoing ministries addressing racial justice, justice around gender issues, peacemaking (especially gun violence) and ecumenical partnerships and missional work all over the globe.

The Presbyterian Peacemaking Ministry was birthed at LPC and the Presbytery of the Western Reserve in the late 1970s under the prophetic leadership of the Rev. Dr. Richard Watts, Lakewood’s seventh pastor. Special envelopes will be available in the pews for your contribution.

The Music Corner with Dr. Kaori Hongo

Looking through the calendar and the month of October, it struck me that the days we celebrate during this month as part of the Presbyterian Church (USA) are close and dear to my heart.

October 4 – World Communion Sunday
October 12 – Indigenous Peoples’ Day
October 16 – World Food Day
October 18 – Children’s Sabbath/Educate a Child/Transform the World
October 24 – United Nations Day
October 25 – Reformation Sunday

Recently it was brought to my attention by a choir member that we have a new hymn that focuses on Micah 6:8, “God has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Set to the tune ST. DENIO, Carolyn Winfrey Gillette wrote these beautiful words, which remind us of God’s call to us to come together and serve each other around the table of Christ. As you read the following poem, think of the six special days we will be celebrating this month.

O God, by your mercy we come to this place. We feast at your table on gifts of your grace. We taste your forgiveness, then learn what to do. “Do justice, love kindness walk humbly” with you. O Christ, we’re not strangers or enemies here. For we’re at your table, and you’ve made it clear. We all are God’s children, and blessed from above, we’re global, connected, and shaped by your love. Lord, we look around and see hate everywhere. Yet, you’ve shown us grace! It’s a gift we’re to share. May we share this grace till your blessings increase. Through justice and dialogue, kindness and peace. Through missions and meetings where justice is shown, through co-ops where farmers learn they’re not alone. Through YAVs (Young Adult Volunteers) who are willing to try something new, God, make us good partners in working with you. O Spirit, we pray that you’ll move through the church, till peace, love and unity cover the earth. O God, bless these gifts with your grace from above, till others find joy in the feast of your love. –Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, 2026

Affordability Webinar Series this Fall

The Presbyterian Committee on the Self Development of People presents a series of webinars. Join one or both online, interactive discussions the first Thursday of October and November.

  • October 1, 1–2:30 p.m. (ET): Accessible Healthcare through Community Education and Patient Support and Policy Advocacy.
  • November 5, 1–2:30 p.m. (ET): Advocating for Affordable Housing and Working alongside Communities Seeking Justice.

To register: pcusa.info/sdop-struggle-webinar

Sunday Adult Faith Formation

Sundays, October 4 & 11 at 11:20am
“The Prophet Who Told Us What God Requires”

Jim Butler will lead a deeper dive into the Hebrew Prophet Micah who courageously spoke against civil and religious leaders who abused their power to benefit themselves and their wealthy supporters.

Sunday, October 18
Youth Fundraiser – no Adult Faith Formation

Sunday, October 25 at 11:20am
“Pop Up Questions and Responses”

Put Jim Butler and Aliyah Kennedy on the spot with your spiritual, theological or biblical questions!

Opportunities to Volunteer/Donate

This holiday season we will again see people who are struggling, and for many of them, that struggle is for the daily necessities of life. There are opportunities to help, and if you feel inspired to volunteer or donate, there are many ways you can do that. A few of the local organizations that help with food, clothing and housing are:

Their websites include what they do, and how you can help. Additionally there will be collections for specific items later this year at Lakewood Presbyterian Church. Your generosity makes a difference and is greatly appreciated.

Faith Formation Events & Volunteer Opportunities in October

FALL YOUTH LUNCH FUNDRAISER

In the summer of 2027, the LPC youth group will go on a mission trip. The youth rotate summer trips between a retreat, a mission trip and Triennium. This past summer, the group traveled to Hocking Hills, Ohio for a retreat. To help raise money for this summer program, the youth will make “breakfast for lunch” on Sunday, October 18 following the worship service. Please join us for delicious breakfast casseroles and waffles prepared and served by the youth as we begin to save for this special event. Donations can be made during the event or  labeled as Youth Summer Trip and left in the office for Aliyah Kennedy. We thank you for your continued support.

YOUTH LOCK-IN!

Youth Group will have a Halloween themed Lock-In on Friday, October 16 at 8 p.m. through 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 17. If you need to come late or leave early, just let us know. Friends are always welcome. We will have several themed activities, food, movies and all of our normal fun! Bring something to sleep on, a snack to share with the group, and waffles or muffins for the breakfast fundraiser.

MEET US IN THE PUMPKIN PATCH!

Families and children K–12 are invited to meet at Patterson Fruit Farm (8765 Mulberry Road, Chesterland) on October 4 from 2–4 p.m. for some festive fun. Bring money for food, drinks, pumpkins and apple picking. Those who register in advance will be given a mini pumpkin at 4 p.m. This event will take the place of youth group for the week.

Come for the:

  • Giant covered straw pile
  • Pedal tractors and push carts
  • Tire swings
  • Various slides (including the Slide Barn and 50′ Racing Slide in the Woods)
  • Corn maze
  • Sandbox
  • Play buildings
  • Wagon rides

Entry fee is only $5 if you sign up with us in advance, or the normal $12 at the entrance (ages 0–2 are always free). RSVP by October 3 to Aliyah Kennedy.

KIDS CLUB (K–6th)

On October 11 from 12–1:30 p.m., children K–6th will be offered a junior youth group called Kids Club. This meeting is fall themed and will include lunch, games and a seasonal lesson. Friends are welcome and children are not required to be members. Contact Aliyah Kennedy if you are interested in having your child join the Kids Club.

TRUNK OR TREAT

Save the date for Trunk or Treat! On Saturday, October 24 from 2–4 pm, families are invited to dress up for Halloween and come for treats. This has become a wonderful tradition for our church to reach local families in the community. Invite your friends and neighbors or come for the fun. 

If you are able to decorate your trunk and hand out treats, let Aliyah Kennedy know. Visitors will vote for their favorite trunk. Candy can be donated in the bin in the atrium, and baked goods for the bake sale can be brought to the coffee hour kitchenette leading up to the event.

Please email us if you are able to volunteer, bake something for the bake sale, or be a trunk! We would love to have youth volunteer to hand out popcorn or help with games. If you have any questions, contact Aliyah Kennedy.

Baby Shower for The Haven Home Scheduled for November 15

This year we will again collect baby shower items for The Haven Home. The deadline for donations is Sunday, November 15. Cynthia Rios, Executive Director of The Haven Home, shares the following message:

    “We are grateful for all the support from Lakewood Presbyterian Church and its members. When we answered God’s call in 2024 and made the decision to move from an emergency shelter to a housing program that focuses on pregnant women and women with children five and under, we took a leap of faith. And God showed up! Since 2024, we’ve shared in the joy of 10 healthy births, and 65% of our residents found housing without the use of Section 8 or other government assistance. An increase in income was experienced by 75% of our clients. All of these factors help women find and keep affordable housing. Our faith-based programs include parenting, family finances, workforce development and personal growth.

What’s next for us? God has given us a vision of creating an employment model for the residents that allows them to do work inside the building while childcare is provided. We recently launched Threads of Hope, a sewing social enterprise. We can always use donations of denim in good condition. We hope to soon have the first bag available to sell.

Items needed for baby shower:

  • Diapers – Size 2 and up
  • Wipes
  • Bibs
  • New clothing sizes NB to 5T
  • Socks
  • Winter jackets 
  • Hats
  • Baby blankets
  • Baby towel sets
  • Diaper rash cream

If people want to pool their money, we could always use strollers, car seats and pack and plays.”

“John Brown: The Dulcimer Diaries”
An Original Radio Play/Musical by Craig Matis and Treva Offutt

John Brown was a militant American abolitionist who led a raid in 1859 on the federal arsenal at Harpers Ferry, Virginia (now in West Virginia) in order to spark a slave rebellion. It made him a martyr to the antislavery cause, and he was instrumental in heightening sectional animosities that led to the American Civil War (1861–65). This original radio play tells the  story while engaging the audience  in song, dance, and a troupe of    actors that will educate and excite and leave you wanting to know more.

WHERE:  West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church, 20401 Hilliard Boulevard, Rocky River

WHEN: Saturday, October 10, 2026

               Doors open at 12:45 p.m. for registration

               Refreshments and art exhibit from 1–2 p.m.

               Program starts promptly at 2 p.m. with a 30-minute intermission

Program ends at 4 p.m. followed by a Q&A and a meet & greet the artists afterwards

RSVP: West Shore Church: 440-333-2255 or racialequitybuddies@gmail.com

This program is FREE and open to the public

Recommended for children 12 and older

2026 General Election Information

Participation in civic life is and always has been important to Presbyterians. Below is some critical information about the upcoming general election:

Exercising our right to vote is important for all citizens!

Fall Gathering of the PWPWR

The fall gathering of the Presbyterian Women of the Presbytery of the Western Reserve (PWPWR) is Saturday, November 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Avon Lake Presbyterian Church (32340 Electric Blvd, Avon Lake). The theme is Ministries of Hope (Part 2). The keynote speakers will be from Youth Opportunities Unlimited and AMIS Friends of Immigrants. The service project is a donation of socks for these organizations.

Cost for the gathering is $12 in advance or $15 at the door (checks payable to Presbyterian Women of PWR). Register to: Suzan Plautz at suzancp@yahoo.com. Registration deadline is Sunday, November 1.

Photos from the Library Ceiling Repair

Heavy spring showers did not bring May flowers to our beloved McKendry Library. They brought down part of the ceiling and damaged an electrical outlet, woodwork, and two book shelves. Actually, the water leak had been doing its undercover damage for decades causing three roof joists to deteriorate without detection. We are grateful to Mike Mishaga of Cutting Edge Carpentry who came to our rescue and restored the joists and ceiling with minimal dust and mess due to a temporary “hut” that helped contain dirt and debris as the work progressed.

Photo of the Lakewood Presbyterian library undergoing repairs.
Photo of the Lakewood Presbyterian library undergoing repairs.