Please read ALL of the ANNOUNCEMENTS!


Pastor Sunae Attending the Annual Gathering of Spiritual Leaders

January 14th to 16th

Bishop Sandra Olewine calls the Orders (active and retired) and assigned Spiritual Leaders to gather this January for a time of retreat, connection, healing, and embracing God’s preferred future with one another, as we continue on the journey of ministry with our congregations, our communities, and our conference. They are gathering at Asilomar Conference Center from January 14-16, 2025. The theme for this gathering “Trusting in God’s New Direction” (Isaiah 43:18-19). Please keep them in your prayers.


Youth Gatherings

January 12th & 26th

Save the date for our upcoming youth gatherings! Join us on January 12th from 12 PM to 2 PM for youth group at Montclair Presbyterian Church. Then, on January 26th, we’ll be having a pizza and mini golf outing with the joint youth group, also from 12 PM to 2:30 PM. Starting January 26th, we’ll kick off our Youth Sunday School program with a Bible & Boba series. To RSVP, please reach out to Lulu at office@lakemerrittumc.org.


Children’s Choir

Starting February 2nd

Lake Merritt UMC’s Children’s Choir launches next month in February 2025! Let’s try to bring our kids every first Sunday of the month (Communion Sundays) to this exciting new monthly program, led by parent volunteers. The 20-minute choir class will take place following the Children’s Moment in worship, just prior to Godly Play/childcare. We are excited to teach and sing together the songs of our faith, and we welcome children and youth of all ages! For questions, please contact Dr. Anne Hege at annehegemusic@gmail.com or Rev. Stephanie Gameros at singingchaplain@gmail.com.


LMUMC Visioning Workshops

On January 18th a team will embark on the first of two visioning workshops to help us discern God’s purpose for our church and shape our path forward (learn more here). A shared vision is the foundation for a thriving and impactful church. One way you may contribute is to write down your ideas and place them in a suggestion box located in the sanctuary. Please also hold our team and our church in your ongoing prayers.


Thank You Oakland Methodist Foundation

In the past year, we made enormous strides in improving the condition of our facility, including completing work on a new roof, exterior painting, new carpeting and wood floor refinishing, and many more projects. This work would not have been possible without more than $200,000 granted to us by the Oakland Methodist Foundation. We extend our deepest gratitude to the leadership of OMF and ask you to consider direct contributions to this important organization that supports our church and our community. Learn more at https://oaklandmethodistfoundation.org/.


Pray for the Los Angeles Fires

Let us pray for our siblings impacted by the devasting fires in Los Angeles. We also pray for the firefighters, first responders, and community leaders. Updates can be found on the Cal-Pac website.


Cooking Up Solidarity:

Cooking Class Series and Fundraiser

Please join Friends of Wadi Foquin and Adam Manasra to cook, eat, and talk about food, culture, solidarity, and the taste of home. Click here to register. All funds beyond the cost of materials will be considered tax deductible and benefit current FoWF programs, including Green Valley Soccer Academy (serving 100+ kids); Emergency Fund (for those food insecure); Green Valley Grocery Store (accounting system); Tomor al Amal (used refrigerator for date storage). Co-sponsored by the Lake Merritt UMC Peace in Palestine/Friends of Wadi Foquin Circle.
Registration will open to the community on Monday, Jan 13th. Sign up now to reserve your spot! 

If you would like to submit an announcement for our weekly e-blast, please adhere to the guidelines found here. All submissions are due Wednesday by noon.