Please read ALL of the ANNOUNCEMENTS!


Charge Conference This Sunday

November 17th, 12pm

We are gathering to celebrate our church’s ministry for the All Church Conference on Nov17, 2024.  Rev. Mei Na Ko from Oakland Chinese United Methodist Church is our Presiding Elder for the conference.


Sonos Handbell Concert

December 1st, 2pm

Sonos Handbell Ensemble is excited to perform again for the Lake Merritt community. Directed by LMUMC Music Director, Jim Meredith. “This is our most ambitious program so far. It includes the famous Borodin Polovtsian Dances No. 17 (from which the song, “Take My Hand I’m a Stranger in Paradise” was derived.) It’s with percussion and is thrillingI. hope all of you get to hear this free concert.”  Sunday, December 1, 2:00 PM.


Resurrection of Cookie Walk

December 15th

I heard about a cookie walk that had been going on for years until Covid closed down all personal gatherings. The stories tell me this event was a lot of fun, as an additional holiday doings. It was a means of raising funds for UMCOR. This time, however, we would like to raise funds for the school in Sierra Leone that is being sponsored by Joseph Koroma. Since this means that I would need to know how many volunteer bakers we will need, see me after church, and sign up to participate. Thank you, everyone, for your cooperation in helping support the school in Sierra Leone. Contact: Fellowship Coordinator, Shannon J. Bruce (510) 368-2426


Food 4 Thought Taking Advent Break

The Food 4 Thought small group will not be meeting in December, and will begin a new lecture series on the first Sunday of the New Year. More information to come! Please see Laurel Williams if you have any questions.

Sunday Parking Update

The City of Oakland has started using the parking meters on Lakeshore Ave on Sundays. They have started ticketing at noon. Please plan accordingly to avoid getting a parking ticket!


Thanksgiving Lunch

November 28th, 12pm-1:30pm

Mark your calendars and note the time change for our Thanksgiving Community Meal from 12pm to 1:30pm on Thursday, Nov 28, 2024. We especially need pie donations! Sign up today to lend your support and spread the word! Please sign up here or go to https://www.lakemerrittumc.org/food-programs/ and scroll down to the sign up link.


MECA’s 21st Annual Palestinian Holiday Crafts Bazaar

November 16th, 10am-6pm

Support Palestinian artisans and keep ancient crafts alive! Purchase unique holiday gifts that support Palestinian children and families. Olive oil, ceramics, embroidery, jewelry, olive wood, cookbooks, keffiyehs, soap, stunning scarves & shawls, Palestinian Dead Sea products, children’s toys and books, kitchenware, t-shirts, and much more. Plus delicious Arabic food and coffee! Lunch tickets are available for 3 seatings: enjoy a taste of Palestine with Zaytoon’s mouthwatering selection of freshly made falafel, creamy hummus, smoky baba ghanouj, and fluffy pita bread. Paired with a refreshing, vibrant salad, each dish is crafted with traditional flavors and fresh ingredients, offering an authentic and satisfying culinary experience. Celebrate the rich food heritage of Palestine with every bite! Eventbrite info is here. Advance tickets at $5 for adults, children under 18 free. Ticket price helps support new venue costs, but this is first and foremost a Palestine solidarity event and no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Purchase tickets here. This event is wheelchair accessible. For more info email meca@mecaforpeace.org, or call (510)548-0542


Berkeley Methodist United Church Choir Blast 2024

November 16th, 2pm

This year’s Choir Blast topic is “We Give Thanks” and will focus on healing, unity and gratitude. The event will be held Saturday, November 16th at 2PM, followed by food sales of gourmet Japanese Curry dinner and bake sale. Admission is free (donations are appreciated and will be shared with the Coalition of Concerned Medical Professionals, CCMP). The first 200 guests receive a free small gift.  Repeat of concert only on Sunday, Nov 17 @10:30AM. The event will be held at Berkeley Methodist United Church, 1710 Carleton St, Berkeley 94703. bmuc.org/music

Voci Women’s Vocal Ensemble Concerts

December 7th & 8th at 4pm

This December, two of the Bay Area’s leading choirs will come together to create a sensational tour de force of seasonal choral music. Voci Women’s Vocal Ensemble and WomenSing, directed by Ofer dal Lal, will present Synergy, a varied program that will include works for double-choir, choir with solo, and other choral combinations. Allow the music to envelop you as you hear these stellar singers create a unity of sound that will be more expressive and affecting than any single part. The concerts will be held on Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8. Tickets may be obtained at www.vocisings.org

Saturday, Dec 7, 2024 – 4 PM
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
66 St. Stephen’s Drive, Orinda

Sunday, Dec 8, 2024 – 4 PM
St. Mary Magdalen Church
2005 Berryman St., Berkeley


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