Annual Congregational Meeting & Potluck – Sunday, February 2
Fellowship at the Communion Table and Lunch Table
We meet first in the sanctuary for worship as we sing, pray, hear the word read and proclaimed, and celebrate God’s goodness and grace at the Lord’s Table. Following the service, we gather again downstairs in Lawther Hall around bountiful buffet tables for a potluck lunch. Ham, rolls and beverages will be provided by members of the Fellowship and Member Care Ministry. The rest of us are asked to bring a side dish or dessert that can serve 8–10 people. The church kitchen has warming ovens (but dishes need to be fully cooked) and a large refrigerator where food can be dropped off and held prior to the meal. The business meeting will begin about 12:15 p.m. and last approximately one hour.
Celebrate Our 2024 Mission and Ministry
The Presbyterian Church (USA) constitution requires every congregation to meet at least once per year to review and celebrate the congregation’s mission and ministry, approve the salary and benefits package of all installed pastors, and elect a new class of Elders to serve on the church’s Session. A printed Annual Report is distributed the previous Sunday, which includes reports from clergy and other staff, Session Ministries, and other groups connected to the church. Please remember to bring your report back to church for the Annual Meeting.
Approve the Pastor’s 2025 Terms of Call
In our historic Reformed and Presbyterian church tradition, congregations choose their leaders according to constitutional standards, including Elders and Pastors. An important responsibility of every church member is to approve the salary and benefits packages for their installed pastor(s).
Practice Financial Accountability and Transparency
One of the Session’s responsibilities is to prepare and monitor the operating budget, oversee endowments and other financial resources, and keep the congregation apprised of the church’s financial status. Ev Corcoran, chair of the Session’s Finance and Administration Ministry, will review the 2024 year-end financial statements, the 2025 budget, and the status of the church’s endowment investment portfolio including bequests that have been received in recent years.
Elect New Leaders and 2025 Nominating Committee Members
During an Annual Congregational Meeting, church members practice their right to choose their own leaders by electing individuals who have been selected by the Nominating Committee and examined for “fitness” to serve on a Session. The Annual Report will include a slate of four people to serve on the Session’s Class of 2028, and three individuals to represent the congregation on the 2025 Nominating Committee.
The Music Corner with Dr. Kaori Hongo
Our Safe Haven
As I am going through my daily activities, there are moments in the day where I stop and think of where I am and what the future holds. It amazes me that it is already the second month into the New Year 2025! We have come through the cold and long month of January and are now looking towards the beginning of spring (officially next month — March 20). Being the “between” month, February can be difficult for many people. These are times when we need each other and the community we have at LPC. Every week we come together to worship in our beautiful sanctuary and through the word, music and fellowship, we can gather strength to continue with our lives. It is truly a safe haven in a world where there is so much controversy. For this month’s choir testimonial, I have asked Lucie Freeman to share what it has meant to be a part of the Chancel Choir here at LPC. From Brooklyn New York, Lucie is a sophomore at Oberlin Conservatory and is working on her Voice Performance degree.
Singing at Lakewood Presbyterian Church fills me with immense joy and a profound sense of peace. Every time I step into the building on Sunday mornings, it feels like a restorative deep exhale I didn’t know I needed. The community at Lakewood is incredibly kind and caring — filled with people who genuinely care for one another and lift each other up. I absolutely love creating music in this space and with these people, surrounded by individuals who share a genuine passion for what we do. Kaori, our director, is an incredible musician whose dedication and vision help us create something beautiful together every week.
Lakewood has been a constant source of strength for me, especially during tough times. Whether through the music, or just the comforting atmosphere at Lakewood, this church has given me so much peace and clarity within myself. The songs we sing are sung with intent, and they stay with me long after rehearsals and services. At Lakewood I feel deeply connected to myself and the music we create — it’s a safe haven where time stands still and where I can find calm amidst the stress of everyday life. I am so grateful for my role here. It has not only helped me grow as a musician but also as a person, and I look forward to singing here every week.
February Adult Faith Formation: “Visible Signs of Invisible Realities…”
With the exception of Quakers (Friends), every Christian Church practices some form of baptism and communion. Depending on the church tradition, they have different names — Holy Baptism, Christening, Lord’s Supper, Eucharist, Holy Communion. Most Christians call them sacraments but some call them “rites” or “ordinances.” Most churches baptize infants and children, but not all. Some churches serve communion to small and/or unconfirmed children and to adults who are not church members, but most do not. LPC Pastor Jim Butler will introduce these and other issues in a two-part series planned for Sunday, February 9 and Sunday, February 16 at 11:20 a.m. He will also share the sacramental theology and scriptural basis in our Reformed and Presbyterian tradition and why LPC’s communion table is open to all.
North Church Needs Volunteers in March
Lakewood Presbyterian Church has for many years had a special connection to North Church. As one of more than 20 partner churches, we have shown our support by providing a meal following their Sunday service. We have committed to doing that for the month of March this year. The meal is to serve about 50 people. If you would like to help, please contact Terry Dugan.
Lecture about Douglas Phillips, Stained Glass Artist
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5 AT 7PM — LAKEWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY
LPC’s sanctuary houses fourteen “modernist” stained glass windows created by the late Douglas Phillips, the first African American graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Art. He founded his own studio in Cleveland in 1952, which is now owned and operated by two of his student apprentices.
Phillips’ work is noted for its unique colors, swirling light, and profound theological messages transcending race, class and cultures. The lecture will be presented by Jamie Miles from the Cleveland Restoration Society in the Main Library Auditorium.
Come Skate with Us!
Children and youth (K-12th) are invited to go ice skating at North Olmsted Community Center (26000 Lorain Road) on Saturday, February 22 from 4–5:30 p.m. Come enjoy time together, get to know our church family, and have a good time ice skating. Open to K-12th grade and families of LPC and the surrounding communities. Feel free to invite friends and family. $5 per skater. Please sign up by contacting Aliyah Kennedy in the church office.
Treasures Abound in LPC’s Library
Why check out a book from the LPC Library? I believe it has to do with a special feeling that it’s not only a great library, it’s Our Library. And it’s so easy to do! The shelves are documented by subjects which can pique your interest. From there, you’re led to treasures you’d not have noticed in a larger setting. In future issues, I will share some of my own discoveries. Come browse our library, then choose a book or two!
–Kathryn Hack
Scouting Updates at LPC
BSA is changing its name!
Boy Scouts of America announced in 2024 that it will change its name to Scouting America, to emphasize its commitment to inclusion. The youth organization said the new name is meant to help everyone, including boys and girls, feel welcome. While the name change will officially go into effect on February 8, 2025 on its 115th anniversary, all are encouraged to use the name immediately. The Scout Oath, Law and program will remain unchanged. LPC Pack and Troop 115 are proud to be part of Scouting America!
Scout Sunday “Throw back” Pancake breakfast
On Sunday, February 23 the Scouts chartered to LPC (Pack 115 and Troop 115) will celebrate Scout Sunday with the LPC congregation by hosting a pancake breakfast in Lawther Hall following the 10 a.m. service. This will include a buffet serving and sit-down breakfast as we did years ago.
The Scout Law says that a “Scout is Reverent” and scouts of all ages promise to do their duty to God. One opportunity for scouts to do their duty to God is through service to others. We look forward to preparing pancakes, eggs, sausage, fruit, muffins and beverages for the LPC congregation and sitting down together for a hearty breakfast!
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: $25.76 to our Presbytery, $10.84 to General Assembly and $3.40 to our Synod.
Per capita is a fundamental way in which the nearly 9,000 congregations and governing bodies of the PCUSA are connected and allows its 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 apportionment on top of your pledge amount. Simply note “per capita” on the memo line of your check or pew envelope. Thank you for considering this request.