Join us on Wednesday, April 24, at 7 p.m. for our second annual Blessing the Earthkeepers service, a liturgy celebrating and supporting the efforts of people who contribute to, work for, or volunteer for environmental and animal rescue organizations. There will be time for fellowship after the service; you are invited to bring information about organizations you work for or support, to share with others. The Lakewood Abbey @ Good Soil Lutheran Ministries, 16511 Hilliard Road, Lakewood, Ohio.
Beginning last November, we began opening the Good Soil Lutheran Ministries’ Lakewood sanctuary on the first Monday evening of each month to provide space for prayer, meditation, or sitting quietly with one’s thoughts. The sanctuary is open from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. In the adjacent Lakewood Abbey chapel we typically screen a social or environmental justice documentary from 7 p.m. to 8:30 or so, and encourage visitors to hang around for discussion afterward. Light refreshments are available.
*Yes, we’re using the phrase deliberately. Though the expression has taken some some legitimate criticism in popular culture – where it may too often substitute for meaningful action and change – we invite you to “thoughts and prayers” to center and recharge yourself!
There’s been a lot happening as the Lakewood Abbey continues to grow as a community hub:
Literary Cleveland, based in the Gordon Square area of Cleveland, is beginning to offer writing workshops in the chapel area of the Abbey.
The Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging is offer a 13-session peer support group for people with hoarding issues.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has started a weekly peer group meeting.
Note that the sign out front has changed to Good Soil Lutheran Ministries, which owns and operates the Lakewood Abbey. We’re looking into “Lakewood Abbey” plaques for the side of the building.
Have questions? Call 216-226-6500 or e-mail deborah@GoodSoilLutheran.org.
This Wednesday at the Lakewood Abbey, “Blessing the Earthkeepers,” a special service celebrating and supporting those 
who work for or volunteer for efforts to care for the Earth and its creatures, from environmental advocates to urban farmers to people who foster pets. Hear scripture and contemporary readings centered on giving thanks for the Earth and those who care for it.
Service begins at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 25, in the Abbey’s sanctuary.
There will be time for refreshments and conversation after the service. You are welcome to bring information about organizations you work for or support to share with others.
The Lakewood Abbey @ Good Soil Lutheran Ministries (formerly Faith Lutheran Church), 16511 Hilliard Road, Lakewood, Ohio.
As of February 1, the Lakewood Abbey officially becomes the home of Good Soil Lutheran Ministries (formerly Faith Lutheran Church).
Good Soil remains committed to operating the Lakewood Abbey as a community center, offering office space to organizations involved in the arts and community care.
Good Soil has campuses in Lakewood (the Abbey) and in Rocky River (formerly Our Savior’s Lutheran Church on Hilliard Boulevard).
Learn more about Good Soil and the opportunities it offers to connect with God and community here.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas around the Abbey.
Here’s what Good Soil Lutheran Ministries has planned at the Abbey and in Rocky River:
Sunday, December 17
– Christmas Pageant presented by our kids (and thanks to our Sunday School teachers) during our 10 am. worship service in Rocky River.
Thursday, December 21
– 7 p.m. in Lakewood. The Light in the Darkness: A Service of Healing and Hope. Worship and a healing rite that acknowledges that this season is difficult for those coping with the loss of a loved one, illness, broken relationships, addiction or economic stress. Come either for your own healing or to comfort others with your presence — and maybe both.
Sunday, December 24
– 10 a.m. in Lakewood. Worship marking the Fourth Sunday in 
Advent.
– 7 p.m. in Lakewood. Christmas Eve with candlelight and communion.
– 11 p.m. in Rocky RIver. Christmas Eve with candlelight and communion.
Monday, December 25
– 10 a.m. in Rocky River. Christmas Morning Worship. Come as you are as we rejoice and sing carols, hear scripture and receive communion.
Check out this opportunity to get it out through a month-long challenge to write 50,000 words — a little more than 1,600 a day.
Despite its name, what you produce during National Novel Writing Month doesn’t have to be a novel. It can be a memoir, a non-fiction work or collection of short stories. The point is to get in the writing groove for a month.
Check out National Novel Writing Month here — it starts Wednesday!
A local chapter will hold its “Thank God It’s Over” party on December 3 at the Lakewood Abbey.
Check out our newest community partner, She Collective, here at their website or on Facebook and at the Lakewood Abbey’s open house this Sunday (Sept. 17) , from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m..
Welcome!
Come on by this Sunday (Sept. 17) from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and see what’s happening at the Abbey.
Meet our community partners, tour the building and see what’s available:
Meet our community partners and learn about our social justice films and forums and Holy Hikes.
Tell a friend and share this poster …
The Lakewood Abbey welcomes two new partners in addressing needs of people in our community:
Work in Progress is a Lakewood firm offering coaching and consulting services, many geared toward people in recovery. Teresa and Gretchen have moved into a cool, second-floor office. You can find more about what they do at their website or Facebook page.
Refuge Recovery is a start-up recovery group that uses Buddhist principles in addressing addictions. They’ll begin meeting downstairs in the lounge downstairs on Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m., beginning September 21. Find out more at their Facebook page or the website for the national group.