Please read ALL of the ANNOUNCEMENTS!
Meal Train and Home Recovery Support
We keep the Sliheet family in our hearts and prayers as Jane and Raja care for Tanas. If you wish to support them through their meal train, please sign up
here. George Han and Deacon Ken Schoon thank you for your prayers as George recovers from surgery.
Children and Youth Ministry Updates
Thank you to all the families who joined us for the farm outing! We were blessed to have over 25 people come together for a wonderful time of fellowship. We’re grateful for a beautiful day to connect with nature, the animals, our church community, and God.
Upcoming Gatherings:
?2/23 – Youth Sunday School: We’ll continue our Bible & Boba series! Parents, please send your youth’s boba order to Lulu.
? 3/2—Children’s Choir: The 20-minute choir class will follow the Children’s Moment in worship, just before Godly Play/childcare.
? 3/9 – Youth Group: Join us at St. John’s Episcopal Church from 12 PM – 2 PM for faith, food, and fellowship! RSVP to Lulu at office@lakemerritumc.org.
Ash Wednesday Self Guided Prayer Walk
Wednesday, March 5th
On Ash Wednesday, March 5th, we will observe the first day of the Lenten season with a self guided prayer walk available in our Sanctuary. The Sanctuary will be open from 1:00 to 2:00 and from 5:30 to 6:30. There will be five stations with the reflection topics of Dirt, Brokenness, Ashes, Water, and Permission. While you can walk the stations at any pace, we do think they will have more impact if you go through them in order, one through five. Of course, ultimately the path you take is up to you; this prayer walk is intended to be a self paced, self-guided experience designed to meet you where you are. We hope to see you there.
If you are unable to participate in person on Ash Wednesday, we are offering a package of items that will allow you to take part in a modified experience at home. Please let Laurel Williams know by Sunday, February 23rd, if you would like one of these packages created for you. You will be able to pick it up at church on Sunday, March 2nd, or during office hours (10-2) on March 3rd and 4th, or we can make arrangements to mail it to you. Laurel may be reached at LaurelandRandy@gmail.com or 510-715-4109.
Sumetra’s Baby Shower
Saturday, March 15th, 11am-1pm
The women of the church are invited to Sumetra’s baby shower on 3/15 from 11am-1pm. The shower will be held at the church. Please RSVP by 3/10 to Judi Fabrizio, (510) 530-7094.
Worship Music
“Sing the psalms, compose hymns and songs inspired by the Spirit, and keep on singing –
sing to God from hearts full and spilling over with thankfulness.” Colossians 3:16 (The Voice)
The Worship Team would like to hear from YOU about what songs you would like to sing in Worship.
Drop a note into the suggestion box by the sanctuary door to let us know what favorite hymns you would like to sing again, and what praise songs fill your heart.
Richmond Interfaith Immigration Vigil
Friday, February 21, 5:30pm-7pm
Join religious and political leaders to take a united stance in support and protection of our immigrant families. This will be a first step toward advocating for a county-level policy with strong language in protection of our immigrants. Leaders and congregations from all faith traditions are invited to attend. The vigil will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. on Friday, February 21 at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, 159 Harbor Way, Richmond This event is hosted by Faith in Action East Bay.
Ways to Support Those Impacted by 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. You can read more about the fires
here. Here are a few ways to support financially:
1.Donate to the recovery efforts for Altadena UMC
here.2. Donate to the Los Angeles Fire Recovery Fund through the UMC California Pac Conference. These funds will benefit all the Los Angeles communities suffering in the fires. Donate
here.
3. Donate to UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) for its disaster relief for all the California fires. Donate
here.
4. Send donations of e-gift cards (amazon, target, grubhub. etc.) to palisadesmethodist@gmail.com. These will be given to community members who lost their homes and belongings.
5. Donate directly to the church in Pacific Palisades. The funds will be used to help people who lost their homes cover immediate expenses and for the church’s eventual reconstruction. Donate
here.
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.
Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, Lost Son
In Short Stories by Jesus, Amy-Jill Levine examines the parables of the lost sheep, lost coin, and lost son (Luke 15:4–32) through a historical and Jewish lens. She challenges traditional Christian interpretations that frame these as simple stories of repentance and divine mercy.
The first two parables in Luke 15, one of one hundred and then one of ten is lost. Yet in the third parable there are only two sons and the father is convinced that the younger, the prodigal is the one who is lost and in many respects he is correct. However, he finds at the end of the parable that the son who is in fact “lost” is the elder. The father, with only two sons, was unable to count correctly.
The first two parables, fasting and rejoicing end the story. In the third parable, the fasting and rejoicing are left behind as the desperate father tries to make his family whole. Levine highlights in her book that perhaps the lesson we learn is our need to take count of those in our families, and in our communities of those who are missing. Who is missing? Who needs to be found? Join us.
Sunday worship begins at 10:15AM.
Join us in person in our sanctuary or watch online via Zoom, Facebook or YouTube Live.
Bulletin Link
February 16th, 2025
You may give your Tithes & Offerings by mail, or click here to give online.
Watch Online
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87993979913
Meeting ID: 879 9397 9913
Passcode: 326043
Or dial the following number: 1(669) 900-6833.
When prompted, enter the meeting ID & passcode above.
To join Sunday Worship via Facebook, click here and look for the live video at the top of the page.
To watch the livestream of our service on YouTube, click here.
Upcoming Sundays
The Short Stories of Jesus
February 16, 2025
Lost Sheep, Los Coin, Lost Son
Luke 15:4-32
February 23, 2025
The Good Samaritan
Luke 10:25-37
March 9, 2025
The Pearl of Great Price
Matthew 13:45-46
Please read ALL of the ANNOUNCEMENTS!
Meal Train and Home Recovery Support
We keep the Sliheet family in our hearts and prayers as Jane and Raja care for Tanas. If you wish to support them through their meal train, please sign up
here. George Han and Deacon Ken Schoon thank you for your prayers as George recovers from surgery.
Children and Youth Ministry Family Outing
Monday, February 17th, 10am-1pm
On February 17th, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, we’re planning a farm outing for children and youth families at Lulu’s farm! We’ll enjoy a farm tour, visit with animals, and have a great time of fellowship. We’ll meet at the farm. Please reach out to Lulu for the address. To RSVP, please email Lulu at office@lakemerritumc.org.
Ash Wednesday Self Guided Prayer Walk
Wednesday, March 5th
On Ash Wednesday, March 5th, we will observe the first day of the Lenten season with a self guided prayer walk available in our Sanctuary. The Sanctuary will be open from 1:00 to 2:00 and from 5:30 to 6:30. There will be five stations with the reflection topics of Dirt, Brokenness, Ashes, Water, and Permission. While you can walk the stations at any pace, we do think they will have more impact if you go through them in order, one through five. Of course, ultimately the path you take is up to you; this prayer walk is intended to be a self paced, self-guided experience designed to meet you where you are. We hope to see you there.
If you are unable to participate in person on Ash Wednesday, we are offering a package of items that will allow you to take part in a modified experience at home. Please let Laurel Williams know by Sunday, February 23rd, if you would like one of these packages created for you. You will be able to pick it up at church on Sunday, March 2nd, or during office hours (10-2) on March 3rd and 4th, or we can make arrangements to mail it to you. Laurel may be reached at LaurelandRandy@gmail.com or 510-715-4109.
Sumetra’s Baby Shower
Saturday, March 15th, 11am-1pm
The women of the church are invited to Sumetra’s baby shower on 3/15 from 11am-1pm. The shower will be held at the church. Please RSVP by 3/10 to Judi Fabrizio, (510) 530-7094.
Laity Convocation 2025
Saturday, February 22, 9am-3pm
Are you a new laity leader at your church and wondering where do I begin? You are invited to explore the answer to this and more at the California-Nevada Laity Convocation being held on Saturday, February 22, 2025 from 9am-3pm. The event will be held at the California-Nevada Conference Center, 1350 Halyard Drive, Sacramento, CA 95691. There are in person and virtual options. The registration deadline is 2/15. For registration or other information please contact: Tyree Johnson at (650) 270-6678 or johnson.tyree@gmail.com.
Oakland Interfaith Immigration March & Vigil
Thursday, February 20, 5pm-7pm
Join us in solidarity as we celebrate and uplift our diverse voices in an interfaith people’s rights march and vigil. Come march peacefully with your community! Feel free to wear your cultural attire and bring artwork that represents you! We will congregate at Fruitvale Village Plaza (near Fruitvale BART Station), 3401 E 12th St., Oakland and march to St. Anthony’s Church, 1535 16th Ave, Oakland. The vigil will take place at St. Anthony’s Church. This event is hosted by Faith in Action East Bay.
Richmond Interfaith Immigration Vigil
Friday, February 21, 5:30pm-7pm
Join religious and political leaders to take a united stance in support and protection of our immigrant families. This will be a first step toward advocating for a county-level policy with strong language in protection of our immigrants. Leaders and congregations from all faith traditions are invited to attend. The vigil will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. on Friday, February 21 at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, 159 Harbor Way, Richmond This event is hosted by Faith in Action East Bay.
Know Your Rights Cards
Rev. J. Martin Lee, California-Nevada Conference, Executive Director of Connectional Ministries, has shared the updated “Know Your Rights” cards with the conference. You can find the English version here. For questions or more information please contact: Rev. J. Martin Lee at Martinl@calnevumc.org.
Ways to Support Those Impacted by 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. You can read more about the fires
here. Here are a few ways to support financially:
1.Donate to the recovery efforts for Altadena UMC
here.2. Donate to the Los Angeles Fire Recovery Fund through the UMC California Pac Conference. These funds will benefit all the Los Angeles communities suffering in the fires. Donate
here.
3. Donate to UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) for its disaster relief for all the California fires. Donate
here.
4. Send donations of e-gift cards (amazon, target, grubhub. etc.) to palisadesmethodist@gmail.com. These will be given to community members who lost their homes and belongings.
5. Donate directly to the church in Pacific Palisades. The funds will be used to help people who lost their homes cover immediate expenses and for the church’s eventual reconstruction. Donate
here.
Respond Reaffirming Sanctuary: Day of Remembrance Vigil
Wednesday, February 19, at 11 AM
At a time of mass enforcement actions threatening to separate families, faith communities must lead with courage. Sanctuary is an ancient and sacred tradition across many faiths—one of accompaniment, protection, and solidarity. This interfaith prayer and ritual will reaffirm sanctuary and uplift the legacy of Japanese immigrants and Japanese American families who, in 1942, were forcibly separated and relocated to incarceration camps. Due to expected heavy rain, the event originally scheduled for this Thursday has been postponed to next Wednesday, February 19, 2025. Contact Rose Lynn (626.695.0687) if you would like to carpool. Note: vehicle transport between the two church locations for those who prefer not to process but want to be a presence. All are welcome. The event will be held at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 1111 O’Farrell St., San Francisco. RSVP NOW: bit.ly/ReaffirmingSanctuaryRSVP
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.
Sabbath as Rhythm
From the very beginning, God designed Sabbath as a rhythm of rest and renewal (Genesis 2:2-3). Just as God rested on the seventh day, we are invited to embrace a sacred pause to deeply ground our lives in God’s grace and love. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that “there is a time for everything,” emphasizing the importance of balance between work and rest. Sabbath is not merely a day off but a rhythm of trust, worship, and renewal—a reminder that our identity is found in God, not just in what we do. Join us. Rev. Jeff Kunkel is preaching this Sunday.
The Short Stories by Jesus
Beginning in February and a part of April and May, we will embark on a study of the parables of Jesus as told in the Gospels. Each week will bring a parable that we might study, and especially examine in context. We will be guided in this series by the book Short Stories by Jesus: The Enigmatic Parables of a Controversial Rabbi by Amy-Jill Levine. Dr. Levine is University Professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies at Vanderbilt Divinity School in Nashville, TN and is the editor of The Jewish Annotated New Testament. Parables are stories that are not true, but convey truth. Parables do not have a single meaning. Amy Jill Levine invites us to listen to the parables anew by hearing them through the lens of Jesus’ earliest audience. Join us.
Sunday worship begins at 10:15AM.
Join us in person in our sanctuary or watch online via Zoom, Facebook or YouTube Live.
Bulletin Link
February 9th, 2025
You may give your Tithes & Offerings by mail, or click here to give online.
Watch Online
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87993979913
Meeting ID: 879 9397 9913
Passcode: 326043
Or dial the following number: 1(669) 900-6833.
When prompted, enter the meeting ID & passcode above.
To join Sunday Worship via Facebook, click here and look for the live video at the top of the page.
To watch the livestream of our service on YouTube, click here.
Upcoming Sundays
Sabbath as Resistance
February 9, 2025
Sabbath as Rhythm
Genesis 2:2-3, Ecclesiastes 3:1
*
The Short Stories of Jesus
February 16, 2025
Lost Sheep, Los Coin, Lost Son
Luke 15:4-32
February 23, 2025
The Good Samaritan
Luke 10:25-37
February 9, 2025
The Pearl of Great Price
Matthew 13:45-46
Please read ALL of the ANNOUNCEMENTS!
Meal Train and Home Recovery Support
We keep the Sliheet family in our hearts and prayers as Jane and Raja care for Tanas. If you wish to support them through their meal train, please sign up
here. We also pray for George Han and Deacon Ken Schoon as he supports George who is recovering from surgery. If you additionally wish to support or send a note to Ken & George, click
here.
Youth Gathering Canceled
February 9th
The joint youth group meeting scheduled for this Sunday, February 9th, has been canceled.
Children and Youth Ministry Family Outing
February 17th
On February 17th, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, we’re planning a farm outing for children and youth families at Lulu’s farm! We’ll enjoy a farm tour, visit with animals, and have a great time of fellowship. We’ll meet at the farm. Please reach out to Lulu for the address. To RSVP, please email Lulu at office@lakemerritumc.org.
Solidarity with the Sojourner Webinar:
Understanding U.S. Immigration and Our Call to Respond
February 10th
Multiple denominational leaders are set to gather for a webinar to discuss the United Methodist response to immigrant justice and United Methodists across the connection. All interested parties are invited to join the conversation. “Solidarity with the Sojourner: Understanding U.S. Immigration and Our Call to Respond” is scheduled for 4 p.m. PST on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025. Due to limited space, registration is required. More information can be found here.
Dear President Trump: Letter from the United Methodist Council of Bishops
Please see the letter from the United Methodist Council of Bishops to President Trump. The letter can be found here.
Know Your Rights Cards
Rev. J. Martin Lee, California-Nevada Conference, Executive Director of Connectional Ministries, has shared the updated “Know Your Rights” cards with the conference. You can find the English version here. For questions or more information please contact: Rev. J. Martin Lee at Martinl@calnevumc.org.
Ways to Support Those Impacted by 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. You can read more about the fires
here. Here are a few ways to support financially:
1.Donate to the recovery efforts for Altadena UMC
here.2. Donate to the Los Angeles Fire Recovery Fund through the UMC California Pac Conference. These funds will benefit all the Los Angeles communities suffering in the fires. Donate
here.
3. Donate to UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) for its disaster relief for all the California fires. Donate
here.
4. Send donations of e-gift cards (amazon, target, grubhub. etc.) to palisadesmethodist@gmail.com. These will be given to community members who lost their homes and belongings.
5. Donate directly to the church in Pacific Palisades. The funds will be used to help people who lost their homes cover immediate expenses and for the church’s eventual reconstruction. Donate
here.
Respond Reaffirming Sanctuary: Day of Remembrance Vigil
Thursday, February 13, at 11 AM
At a time of mass enforcement actions threatening to separate families, faith communities must lead with courage. Sanctuary is an ancient and sacred tradition across many faiths—one of accompaniment, protection, and solidarity. This interfaith prayer and ritual will reaffirm sanctuary and uplift the legacy of Japanese immigrants and Japanese American families who, in 1942, were forcibly separated and relocated to incarceration camps. The event will be held at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 1111 O’Farrell St., San Francisco. Contact Rose Lynn to carpool (626-695-0687). RSVP NOW: bit.ly/ReaffirmingSanctuaryRSVP
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.
