Tuesday Evening Lenten Programs
LPC has a long tradition of evening gatherings during the Lenten season that nourish and encourage Christian faith. This year’s programming begins on Tuesday, March 3 and continues on March 10, 17 and 24. Each evening will begin with a “happy hour” at 6:15 p.m. followed by the program at 7:00 p.m.
MARCH 3 · 7pm · SANCUARY
Lenten Concert · Kenyon College Chamber singers
LPC welcomes the 47-member choral ensemble from Kenyon College. Details below.
MARCH 10, 17 & 24 · 7pm · WRIGHT CHAPEL
“Christian Parameters of the Paranormal”
LPC Pastor Jim Butler will lead a three-part presentation that explores the various human experiences that do not fit within normal, “materialist” human experiences. These include extrasensory perception, telepathy, precognition, near-death experiences, mystical encounters with the dead, “hauntings,” telekinesis, and all manner of esoteric phenomena such as spirit mediumship, “dark” magic (sorcery), and Ouija boards.
Christian faith can inform these experiences. There can be no doubt that the three great Abrahamic faiths (Judaism, Christianity and Islam) acknowledge non-material reality co-residing with the physical world. In fact, the scriptures and church history include multitudes of stories about paranormal experiences, some of which have been categorically forbidden. On the other hand, it has been argued that many of the spiritual experiences Paul called “gifts of the Spirit” such as tongue speaking, healing and “knowledge,” fit the definition of paranormal or supernatural phenomena. Is there a difference and what is it? Except for hardened materialists and most atheists, most of us have a sense that the universe is stranger than meets the eye. And some of it, according to the scriptures, mystics, and even modern secular psychologists, is not friendly or life-giving.
A Message from the Pastor
by the Rev. Dr. James Butler
Just a few weeks ago at the Annual Congregational Meeting, the members gathered approved a compensation and benefits package for me for 2026. For those of you who were not there, I send my heartfelt appreciation for generously providing for my livelihood including health insurance and pension premiums. And while I give thanks for these blessings, many of my non-clergy friends are losing employer-provided health insurance and retirement programs and are forced to purchase policies on the open market that come with high monthly premiums and huge annual deductibles. Experts in the economics of health care are warning us that our unique American systems of employer-linked health insurance, and a for-profit health insurance industry protected by lobbyists and incredibly wealthy politicians, is not sustainable. It appears they do not care about those of us who are somewhere below the top two percent. Recent federal budget spending cuts to Medicaid, most of which will not be triggered until after the mid-term elections, will likely cause even more harm to the poor, the self-insured, senior citizens on Medicare, nursing home residents, and rural hospitals and clinics, while the very rich will enjoy massive tax cuts. As followers of the world’s most famous healer of mind, soul, and body, the time for us to speak up, act up, and participate in our democracy (vote!) is upon us.
The Music Corner with Dr. Kaori Hongo
Kenyon College Chamber Singers
Tuesday, March 3 – 7:00 p.m.
We are excited to welcome the Kenyon College Chamber Singers to Lakewood Presbyterian Church. Kenyon College is a private liberal arts college in Gambier, Ohio. Founded in 1824, Kenyon College is the oldest private institution of higher education in the state and enrolls approximately 1,800 undergraduate students. Led by Dr. Benjamin “Doc” Locke, the Kenyon College Chamber Singers meet five times a week for rehearsal and are required to participate in performances and their annual spring tour (which LPC is privileged to be part of this year). Their program at LPC will kick off our Tuesday Evening Lenten Programs and will consist of religious and secular repertoire (Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck, Morten Lauridsen, Antonio Estévez, Johannes Brahms and others).
Please come and join us as we welcome this very talented and dedicated group of young artists to our community and bring your friends and family into our beautiful space!
Easter Baskets for Project Noelle 2026
Project Noelle was founded by Kelli Clark to address the needs of the thousands of children who have suffered and lost family members because of the opioid epidemic. We will again be collecting items to fill Easter baskets. All donations must be received no later than Sunday, March 15. Youth of the church and their friends will assemble the baskets.
The following items have been requested:
Easter baskets, candy (prepackaged; no peanut-based candy), sidewalk chalk, small stuffed animals, reading books, coloring books, crayons, bubbles, Matchbox cars, play dough, slime, jump ropes, Pokémon cards, hair ties, and cellophane bags to cover each basket.
Hidden Symbols in LPC’s Stained-Glass Windows
The Incarnation Window is spectacular, both visually and in meaning. With outstretched arms, Christ is welcoming people of all ages and races to join in kinship with God. The basic color of the window is blue, symbolizing faithfulness, constancy and Heaven. And just above Christ’s right hand, you will see a small image which can easily be overlooked. It’s a Gladiolus flower, often referred to as Sword Lily, for its tall, sword -like shape. And it carries rich symbolism.
In ancient Rome, Gladiators wore these flowers as symbols of victory and bravery, linking them to strength and heroism. Gladiolus symbolizes strength of character and moral integrity across various cultures. Its vibrant colors and tall stature make it a choice for celebrations and memorials alike.
Our windows are full of symbolism, and looking more deeply helps bring their stories into the light. I like to think the artist would appreciate that.
–Kathryn Hack, Library Committee
One Great Hour of Sharing Offering
In obedience to Jesus’ example and teaching, Presbyterians have collected a special offering every spring to support people in need. One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) is an opportunity for all of us to follow Jesus’ commands to feed the hungry, provide shelter for those without it, clothe the naked and care for people experiencing hardship and suffering. The Presbyterian Church (USA) seeks to follow Christ with three nationally acclaimed outreach ministries supported by OGHS — Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA), Presbyterian Hunger Program and Self-Development of People.
PDA sends trained mission workers into communities hit by floods, fires, hurricanes and other disasters, natural or human made. PDA addresses basic survival needs, emotional support and long-term recovery efforts. The Hunger Program addresses systemic causes of hunger and provides means for people to access the resources that will lead to a life of dignity. Self-Development of People invests in under-resourced communities with micro loans to help industrious individuals start new small business ventures that produce jobs and income.
The offering will be collected during the Palm Sunday service on March 29. If you cannot be present for the service, just drop off or mail your offering to the church office in care of Sara Gresh, Financial Secretary. Donations will continue to be received through mid-April.
Faith Formation Events for Children and Youth
EASTER EGG HUNT & PALM PROCESSION
Please join us for our palm procession and Sunday morning worship on March 29. We will usher in Holy Week by waiving palms as we parade through the sanctuary. All ages are welcome. Meet at 9:45 a.m. in the Lucas Youth Parlor below the sanctuary to receive palms. After worship on Palm Sunday, children, infants to 5th grade, are invited to participate in our annual Easter Egg Hunt. Each child who registers can collect a set of colored eggs to exchange for candy and prizes. Meet on our lower level in Lawther Hall at 11:20 a.m. Please register via SignUpGenius on our Facebook event or contact Aliyah Kennedy in the church office. All community members are welcome.
SPRING LOCK-IN
All 6th–12th graders are invited to our Lucky Youth Lock-In from Friday, March 20 at 8 p.m. to Saturday, March 21 at 10 a.m. Stay for games, talk about the upcoming retreat, prepare for the Spring Youth Breakfast, and have a lot of fun with friends. Youth are encouraged to bring friends, something to sleep on, and a snack to share with the group. Contact Aliyah Kennedy with questions or to RSVP.
SPRING YOUTH BREAKFAST
Every three years, the youth set off on a retreat with the hope of deepening their faith and connection as a group. For some of our kids, this is the only chance they have during the summer to get away from technology and the stress of everyday life. Help us support this cause and enjoy breakfast made and served by our youth on Sunday, March 22 following worship.
IT’S TIME TO RETREAT!
It’s almost time to register for the LPC youth summer retreat! On June 22-25 the youth will head to Hocking Hills and have a chance to get away from all the hassles of everyday life, strengthen friendships and dive deeper into their faith. We will have a daily devotional and evening campfire vespers. We will also play fun games, have campfires, soak in the hot tub, and hike to amazing caves and waterfalls. Youth may bring a friend. This opportunity is open to all youth in the community who will be entering 6th–12th grades in the fall of 2026. More details to come. Please contact Aliyah Kennedy in the church office as soon as possible if your child is interested in attending or if they will be bringing a friend. Beds are first come, first served. Feel free to contact Aliyah with questions. We are going to have a great time!
Helpers Needed for Lenten Programs
This year’s Tuesday Evening Lenten Programs will begin March 3. The evening will start with a “Happy Hour.”
Please consider hosting one of the Lenten “Happy Hours” by bringing a dessert. Beverages will be provided by the Fellowship and Member Care Ministry. Available dates: March 3, 10, 17 and 24. Contact Carole Cox with any questions or to sign up.
MARCH Adult Faith Formation
“The Four Loves … and More”
Lent is a six-week period of “giving up” something. But what if it were also a time of “adding” to our lives … like adding a class? On Sundays, March 1, 8, 15 and 22 at 11:20 a.m. in the Chapel, Rev. Dr. Steve Gorman will offer an Adult Faith Formation class on love: the four major forms of it found in our Bible — and many other “loves” found in the Greek language.
How do we Christians recognize all these “loves” and live into them pleasing to our Creator, the God of love? (1 John 4:7-12). Put this “addition” on your calendar, and join with us in this Lenten class starting Sunday, March 1.
Upcoming Dates to Remember
Maintaining LPC’s Building!
Have You Considered “Paying Your Portion”?
Are you aware that there is a price on your Presbyterian “head?” It’s true! The expenses of operating our Presbyterian denomination (Presbytery, Synod and the General Assembly) will cost every congregation in our Presbytery $40.00 per “head” (each member). The $40.00 is distributed as follows: $25.34 to our Presbytery, $11.26 to General Assembly and $3.40 to our Synod.
Per capita is one way nearly 9,000 congregations and governing bodies of the PCUSA are connected. It helps church members to participate in the work of the wider church. It is the responsible way of sharing costs that equitably belong to the whole Presbyterian community.
Please consider paying your per capita in addition to your pledge amount. Simply note “per capita” on your check or pew envelope. Thank you for considering this request.