“I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation. The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!”
Psalm 118: 21-24
Lakewood NEXT is a great way to learn more about Lakewood Methodist Church! Join our pastors on Sunday, April 19 at 12:15 PM in Founders Court for a seminar luncheon for those wanting to learn more about our church and mission. For this special meeting, we will serve lunch, explore our mission, vision, values, what it means to be a Methodist, and what it means to be a member of Lakewood Methodist Church! Everyone is welcome to join, and childcare is available for this event – you can register below.
Save the date for our Extraordinary Marriage Retreat on Saturday, April 25, from 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM! This is a special couples’ retreat where you will learn what it takes to have an extraordinary marriage – a marriage that brings deep satisfaction and joy to your life and to all those in your life! This has been an empowering and refreshing event for our Lakewood couples, and you and your spouse will find it just as powerful for your relationship. Our teacher is Dr. Ken Shuman, a powerful speaker and highly effective personal transformation coach. The retreat is $100/couple with lunch provided. There will also be a special program for the children of those attending. You can register below.
Student Ministries is hosting a fundraiser dinner for our Student programs and scholarships. The Glorious Night Fundraiser will take place on Sunday, April 26 at 5:00 – 7:30 PM in Asbury Hall! The funds raised will benefit everything we do in Student Ministries. This includes events, missions, weekly and summer programs. The evening will include dinner, a silent auction, entertainment, student testimonies, and we will also share the vision of the future of our Student Ministries program. We plan on having a silent auction with donated items and a live auction that evening. The live auction will give people the opportunity to sponsor students on summer mission trips and summer camp who wouldn’t be able to attend without the church’s support. Tickets are $10 a person, unless your child is serving. You can also reserve a table that fits up to 8 people for $75.
Submit a Life-Giving Moment”While shopping in a department store I observed a young mother in the store with two young children. She was cursing at the children in a very loud voice and calling them names and then she started hitting them. Everyone in the store watched this and was disturbed by it. I could not stand by and watch this so I approached her and started talking with her. Her children were crying and came over and stood behind me. I reminded her that these two children were her most precious possessions. She started crying and shared with me that she had been abused by her husband and lost her job the same week and did not know what to do. I talked with her for a long while and I gave her a card for a family violence center at the non-profit I volunteer for and told her that they offer rent assistance as well. I also gave her a card and contact information for the Between Jobs Ministry that my friend works with. I also gave her our church contact information. I asked if I could pray with her and she agreed. We held hands and prayed together. Once again I told her that her words and actions towards her children were very damaging to them. She cried and hugged me and promised that she would call the ministries and try to get her life back on track. She came over and hugged her children and told them she was sorry. I was hesitant to approach her at first but felt like the children were at risk and she needed someone to talk to. I hope she will call and get the help she needs and realize that God is always there to help through stressful times.
Pat Davis
For the month of April, the Matthew 25:35 Team is asking for donations of complete (just add water) pancake mix and syrup. This month’s Second Sunday Pairing will take place on April 12, and is a monthly food drive to help restock the shelves of our community food pantry for those in need. Thank you for your continued support!
The Flower Ministry is looking for a few new volunteers to help arrange small flower bouquets from our altar flowers each week to be hand-delivered to our sick and homebound members. Flower Ministry volunteers are asked to help us arrange flowers on Sundays after the 11:15 AM service, or on Monday mornings. If you are interested in helping, please contact Carol Calicott below!
The Northwest Assistance Ministry (NAM) food drive was a huge success! Thank you Lakewood for generously donating 814 pounds of food for our neighbors in need and being the hands & feet of Jesus.
Lakewood Kids Ministry is seeking a motivated and passionate individual to join our team as a Kids Ministry Summer Intern! This paid position will consist of helping plan and execute this year’s Vacation Bible School and Summer Camps, plan and implement Midweek/Sunday curriculum, and helping with Rise Up sleep away camp. The role will require bible knowledge, creativity, and patience and love for kids. You can get a full job description and submit a resume, below.
In the North Alabama Conference, a clear theme is emerging. When churches are well resourced and trusted to lead locally, they flourish. Since its launch in May 2023, the conference has focused less on top-down directives and more on equipping churches for effective ministry in their communities. That commitment is evident in leadership development, missions, financial health, and overall church vitality. A core value is excellence in ministry. That focus was evident in a recent Preaching Conference featuring Dr. Jessica LaGrone, which brought together 80 clergy for a day of learning and encouragement. The following day, approximately 40 Certified Lay Ministers gathered for continued training centered on preaching. This dual investment reflects a broader strategy of strengthening the…
Sermon: The Gospel of Luke
Speaker: Senior Pastor, John Stephenson
Scripture: Luke 6:27-36
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