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Vol. 67 No. 30 ✥ July 29, 2026

August 2, 2026 ❖ The Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

Lessons: Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21; Romans 9:1-5

Sermon: "Grief and Hope"

The Apostle Paul, writing to the church in Rome, finds himself in a state of grief over his fellow Jews and their unbelief. Paul’s trust in the promises given by God in Christ that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (from chapter 8) has left him in a state of sadness over those who actively choose not to embrace that grace-filled love. Maybe you’ve experienced these moments, watching as you have poured the love of Christ into a family member or close friend – perhaps even a fellow church member – only to watch them reject their faith. And yet, even in the midst of the worst of his worry, Paul cannot help but find hope in Christ and those promises. Can we?

Our Second Summer series is Good News for Tough Times and follows the letter from the Apostle Paul to the church in Rome. Paul’s letter to the Romans is addressed to people he had never met, in hopes of encouraging and building up this community to which he dreamed of traveling. Christian life was perilous in those days. In this letter, we learn how God sustains us in the midst of brokenness, both within and without, helping us find wholeness and unity, no matter what crises we are facing.

Anthems:

"Come To The Water" - arr. Hasseler

Worship is live on our homepage and YouTube channel at 11:00 a.m.,

but we love having you with us in the sanctuary!

We will receive a Benevolence Offering for local ministries this Sunday.

RainBowls will be at the exits to receive your offerings as we leave worship.

NEW LAKESIDE LOGO & BRANDING!

For months, the Lakeside ad hoc Logo & Branding Committee met to dream a refreshed logo and branding for our new church website, which will launch later this year. The fruits of those dreams is here! Our Diaconate approved the new look at their last meeting, and starting now, you will begin to see this image, these fonts, and these colors to represent our church. Many thanks to Marion Weathers, Susan Ballentine, Chuck Taylor, and Justin Sykes for joining Libby and Elizabeth in this dreaming process!

From Committee Member, Marion Weathers - Three significant design elements are incorporated into the new Lakeside logo design:

- Our Palladian Window has stood as a “Window on the World” from Lakeside’s beginnings. Thanks to our location on Sunset Avenue, it is easily the most recognizable part of our church for the general public and across our community.

- Everyone loves our Mosaic cross. It is one of the most beloved and meaningful parts of entering our sanctuary. We heard it said, “I hope the mosaic will be included in the new design.” For those of us who mourned with Mark Strickland’s family after the Mother’s Day fire in Chapel Hill, we know that this beautiful mosaic was borne of unspeakable tragedy. Over the years, it has become a powerful symbol of remembrance, watching over our congregation every day as we experience the Truths of our faith and the victory of eternal life.

- Colorful Light extending from our window into the world, taking the Light of Christ from within our sanctuary to Rocky Mount and “the ends of the earth” through our Palladian window. The white space between the rays creates line differentiation between the colors. This is meant to maintain a consistent design between the design elements: unifying visual space between the mosaics in the cross, and the rest of the window design. The curved areas tie together and complement the circular energy of the mosaic cross. Why these colors? Yellow = Spiritual energy. Red = Warmth & Life. Blue = Lakeside Blue.

It was a pleasure to share in the energy of the thoughtful group gathered together to refresh and revise a new logo for Lakeside.

It is said that a good logo expresses the ideals and mission of the organization that it represents. A key question is: “Where do you see Lakeside’s future in 5 years? 10 years? What does it represent to you?”

We knew we wanted to add energy and color. We wanted to express a bright future unfolding on the foundation of Lakeside’s commitment to “going forth to a responsible involvement in the world.”

Our group asked these questions, shared varied insights, and with thoughtful leadership reached a creative consensus…what a miracle it was to see it all come together!

JAKE MAUK'S LAST SUNDAY

On Sunday, July 26, we bid farewell to our Minister of Music, Jake Mauk, as he heads to Wisconsin to complete his doctoral work. We are so grateful for the 4 years of faithful music leadership and for the added bonus of his fiancée Rebecca Blackwell, who joined us a choral scholar a few months ago.

Our music committee and congregation honored him at the end of worship and provided a gift for their journey. Then our social and music committees held a beautiful reception in the courtyard to offer our love to them.

Our prayers and support go with you, Jake & Rebecca!

Click for Photos of Jake's Last Sunday

COMMUNITY SUMMER WORSHIP SERVICE

On Sunday evening, July 26, nearly 20 different churches gathered to worship at Lakeside for our Community Summer Worship Service. Adding to a near 20-year tradition, this service included churches of many different denominations and traditions, as well as Spanish translation for our Spanish churches. We are so grateful to have hosted this special service, and we look forward to opportunities for shared service and dialogue that are upcoming.

If you are interested in serving with the Migrant Ministry, United Community Ministry, or Gatekeepers, please let the church office know. And mark your calendars for Saturday, October 3 for a follow-up dialogue about those things that divide us, which will be held at Truth Tabernacle Ministries (704 Arlington St.).

Click for Photos of Community Summer Worship

Click below to watch our Community Summer Worship Service!

PEOPLES CHOICE ART SHOW

"See some fine pictures” at the "Peoples Choice Art Show” at our Arts Center this month!

Our own Marion Clark Weathers is showing at the Arts Center n this wonderful show.

The idea is to encourage more of us attending and supporting the Arts Center - and create increased attendance figures to show the City how important they are to the life of our community!

Deadline July 31 to cast your votes for your favorite artist!!

(ballots are in the Gallery Shop)

Open every day except Monday, including Sunday afternoon (go after church!)

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wrote:

“One ought, every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a good picture,

and if it were possible, to speak a few reasonable words”

We need art daily to keep our souls alive.

MEAL TRAIN FOR LELA & SHELTON CHESSON

Lela and Shelton Chesson are both back home and recovering. They could use some meals 2-3 days per week. If you would like to sign up for a slot, please do so using the link below.

Meal Train Link for Chessons

Please remember the following persons who need our prayers and support:

UNC-Chapel Hill Women's Hospital, 101 Manning Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Andrea Cuthrell

At Home:

Ann Bishop, 2600 Croasdaile Farm Parkway, Apt. S210, Durham, NC 27705

Janice Bobbitt (Chuck Taylor's sister), 4204 Whitehurst Drive, Wilmington, NC 28409

Robyn Edwards Chapman (Jeannette Pittman's cousin), 1481 Richardson Road, Apt. C406, Apex, NC 27523

Lela Chesson, 53 Whispering Pines Drive (04)

Shelton Chesson, 53 Whispering Pines Drive (04)

Jennifer Cobb, 1506 West Haven Blvd. (03)

Doug Edwards, 4699 Moreland Drive, Battleboro, NC 27809

Mike Evans, 1151 Falls Road, Apt. 218 (04)

Michele Costa Foster, 105 Gloucester Court (03)

Charlotte Gilliam, 3794 Loblolly Drive (04)

Leland Goslen (Linda and Cameron Graham's great-nephew), 1021 Oakgate Court, Apex, NC 27502

Bill Jones (Dorrie Wright’s brother)

Brian Lassiter, 104 Killian Court (04)

C. B. Morris, 1930 Northern Boulevard (04)

Grady Pittman, 313 Englewood Drive (04)

Jeannette Pittman, 313 Englewood Drive (04)

Billie Stallings, 404 Wildwood Avenue (03)

Patricia Taylor (Napoleon Taylor's wife), 514 Hammond Street (04)

Ziggy Zalzneck, 324 Piedmont Avenue (03)

Our Members at Home:

Ethel Hines, 125 Cobblestone Court (04)

Ester McKnight (Terry Martin's mother), Brookdale Assisted Living, 650 Goldrock Road, Room 106 (04)

David Ozment, 1249 Green Tee Lane (04)

Give Now

YOUTH NEWS

All youth and children's families are invited to join us on Sunday, August 30, for our Blessing of the Backpacks during morning worship. Following worship, join us in Robbins Hall for a luncheon to welcome Jacob McCain as our new Minister to Children.

Plans for the fall season will begin soon. Mark your calendar for our Fall Kick-Off Sunday on September 13. We will have an evening event for families to start the fall season. Be sure to invite friends who might be interested in getting involved in a youth group. There's room for everyone to find a place to belong at Lakeside!

Elizabeth

MUSIC NOTES

The music ministry wishes to express deep gratitude to Marion Weathers for hosting our gathering to send Jake and Rebecca off to Wisconsin with our love, support, and a firm mandate to visit. We also wish to thank Carol Lucas, our music committee chairperson, and all others who made the farewell reception held after worship last Sunday possible.

The start of the 2026-2027 music ministry season is quickly approaching. Rehearsals for both the Lakeside Ringers and the Chancel Choir will resume on Wednesday, September 9. Both ensembles have plenty of room to grow, so please consider joining us for this next season. No audition is required.

Zack

CHILDREN'S CORNER

What Is Love Poem

Tell people you love them always, you never know just how much it will brighten their day!

Love is sharing, love is kind,

It's caring with your heart and mind.

It's helping someone when they feel small,

Or picking them up when they fall.

Love is listening when friends speak,

Helping those who may feel weak.

It's giving hugs, and a smile so bright,

To make someone's day feel warm and light.

Love is saying, "Please" and "Thank you,”

And treating others like you'd want them to treat you.

It's taking turns and being fair,

Showing everyone you care.

Love can grow like flowers in spring,

From every little thoughtful thing.

A gentle word, a helping hand,

Can spread love all across the land.

So every day, in all you do,

Let kindness shine right out of you.

Because the greatest gift you'll ever share

Is a loving heart that chooses to care

Jacob

TOPNOTCHERS NEWS

Join us on Sunday, August 2 for our Continue the Communion lunch, our monthly gathering for those who wish to share a meal together following our Communion Sunday service, held on the first Sunday of every month. We will meet at Chico's Mexican Restaurant, 1701 Sunset Ave. Call the church office to sign up in advance if possible, though we also love last-minute diners. Hope to see you there!

Sue

AN IMPORTANT OPPORTUNITY FOR THE ROCKY MOUNT COMMUNITY:

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION WITH DAVE CLAWSON

FOR COACHES AND YOUTH LEADERS

One of the exciting opportunities of this year's Turnage Speaker Series is a small group discussion for coaches, athletic directors, and others who work with area youth organizations. On Sunday, August 23, at 2:30 p.m., Dave Clawson will lead a time of dialogue about the challenges of our current environment of high school and college athletics, including reflections on his own journey as college sports evolved into an industry.

The session will include a chance for participants to ask questions and engage in conversation. We hope you will encourage your friends who are involved in school, community, or nonprofit youth and athletic organizations to join us. Participation for this session is by registration only through the Event Registration page of our website by clicking the button below.

In addition to this session, Coach Clawson will share part of his faith journey with us in morning worship on August 23 and offer a public lecture at 5:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary, where he will share further thoughts about leadership and character and provide a time of conversation. Make plans now to join us!