Our Mission

Lake Merritt United Methodist Church is an open and welcoming Christian congregation serving God in downtown Oakland. We seek to build a multiracial, multiethnic and multicultural community. We welcome and affirm full participation of gays and lesbians in the life of the congregation. We work to promote the inclusiveness of all people in the United Methodist Church as a whole. The church serves its members, the people of greater downtown Oakland, and the global community with a wide variety of programs and missions. Mission and Programs Our members and friends are generous contributors to a multiplicity of social service programs within and beyond the United Methodist Church, serving local, regional and global needs. Many also participate as volunteers with local agencies in projects such as construction work on low-income housing. In service to the people of Oakland, our Anti-Hunger Program prepares and distributes up to 500 bags of groceries each month of families and individuals in needs. This program is part of the wider services of the Alameda County Food Bank, and we welcome volunteers. We serve an Annual Thanksgiving Dinner to all in the local community, regardless of need. An all-volunteer effort, we rely on donations of food, time and money in order to offer this meal at no charge. The children of Oakland are invited each spring to a local park for our Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt. A variety of programs offer our members, friends, and guests opportunities for personal and spiritual growth. In addition to our Sunday Schedule, and ongoing events/programs, Lake Merritt UMC's music program includes choirs for adults and children performing a wide range of music styles. Short-term groups meet for study on various topics. Other events taking place throughout the year, include intergenerational dances and game nights, outings to the Oakland A's, pancake breakfasts, and special dinners. Mission Statement We commit ourselves to: Nurture the growth and well being of our congregation. Serve the community; by our community we first mean the neighborhood surrounding our church, but we also mean prayer, action, and advocacy more broadly on behalf of our congregation, neighborhood, and world. Take care of church business. Home | Sunday Schedule | How to Find Us | Staff | Facility Rental Upcoming Events and Programs | About Us | Sermons An open and welcoming Christian congregation serving God in downtown Oakland.