Witness to God’s Grace
The Psalmist sings, Come and see and come and hear what God has done for you. We will gather in our beautiful sacred space in a circle and share the stories of how God’s grace carried our church and some of our members throughout this year. Siblings, looking back in 2024, where do you see God’s grace in your life? 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
December 29th, 2024
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
*
December 29th, 2024
Our Church Members Witness to God’s Grace this Year
Psalm 66:16-20 and Hebrews 11:1
*
January 5th, 2025
Covenant Service
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Please read ALL of the ANNOUNCEMENTS!
Church Office Holiday Closure
12/31 & 1/1
Please note that the church office will be closed on 31st and January 1st. The church office will be open on December 30th and reopen for regular office hours on January 2nd. Our church administrator, Lulu, will also be on holiday from December 25th to January 1st. Thank you for your understanding, and we wish you a joyful holiday season!
Food 4 Thought to Begin New Series in February
The Food 4 Thought small group will gather on the first Sunday in February to begin a new study series.
Keep an eye out for details coming your way in January!
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.
Cost: $115/workshop or $300 for the whole series.
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.
Thriving in Community 2025:
Art and Story Submission
As we step into 2025, the California-Nevada Annual Conference is continuing to embrace the bold and transformative vision adopted in 2023, focusing our attention this year on Thriving in Community. Rooted in the scriptural foundation of Jeremiah 29:7 and Acts 2:41-47, this part of our vision invites us to seek the welfare of our communities, nurture the spiritual growth of our churches, and witness the ripple effects of God’s love throughout the world. In preparation for this year long focus, we are inviting all in the California-Nevada Conference to get involved! Throughout the year, we will highlight stories of congregations and ministries living out the focus in powerful ways. From innovative small group ministries to creative community outreach efforts, these snapshots will inspire and challenge us to think differently about what it means to thrive. If you have a Snapshot of Thriving to share, please submit it here! Conference Communications will turn these ideas and leads into fully fledged stories.
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.
“A Promise of Love” Christmas Program
Much of the Magnificat, Mary’s song of praise to God, is written not in the future tense, but the past. Mary trusts God to see her through this life-changing pregnancy because she remembers how God has cared for her people in the past; God is trustworthy not just in theory, but has proven God’s love for God’s people. Our gift to God in return is loving God before God has fulfilled every promise; loving God both because of our certainty in what God has done, but also our trust in what God will yet do.
Our children and friends will share the message of “A Promise of Love” through the Christmas Program directed by Susannah Wood. They truly shine with God’s light and love. Come and let us adore our newborn King Jesus. 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
December 22nd, 2024
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
*
December 22nd, 2024
A Promise of Love – Christmas Program
Scripture: Luke 1:39-55
*
December 24th, 2024
Joint Alameda and Oakland Circuit Christmas Eve Service
5:30 PM at Twin Towers UMC/Embrace Church
*
December 29th, 2024
Our Church Members Witness to God’s Grace this Year
Psalm 66:16-20 and Hebrews 11:1
Please read ALL of the ANNOUNCEMENTS!
Advent Updates!
This is the season of God coming to us. How shall we prepare for Christ’s coming?
This Sunday, we will listen to God’s promise of love through the lighting of the candle, songs, prayers, and scripture. Our children and friends will reenact the beloved story of Jesus’ birth directed by Susannah Wood. We give God thanks for the gift and grace of Susannah Wood, our children and friends. They truly shine with God’s light and love. Come and let us adore our newborn King Jesus!
There are two opportunities to share your generosity during this Advent season: one is through your Christmas offering on the Fourth Sunday of Advent, 12/22. Your Christmas Offering will go toward our Children and Youth Ministry. Secondly, by continuing to bring gifts that will give warmth and comfort to our unhoused community in need. Place those gifts in worship in the basket under the Christmas tree. Our Connectional Ministries will distribute them during the Christmas season as we serve the Lake Lunches.
Christmas Eve Service meets with our Joint Circuit Churches at Twin Towers UMC at 5:30PM on December 24, 2024.
Last Sunday of 2024, December 29th, we will gather around the sanctuary in a circle and share the stories of how God’s grace carried us this year. Join us.
December Food Pantry and Lake Lunches
Please join us on Friday and/or Saturday Dec 20 and 21 to put on our monthly food distribution. We could use help on Friday for setting up from 10-11 am, an early riser on Saturday to help with set up the lines, welcoming & helping hands to work alongside our many community volunteers who come visit the church through this community service. Spread holiday cheer to our neighbors through Lake Lunches. We will continue without interruption during the holiday weeks and we’ll be sharing the goodies you’ve been donating. This is a good time to help out if you’ve been thinking about it. Help is needed with preparing food, wrapping gifts, and delivery food and goodies. Sign up here and invite your people to do the same!
Lastly, would you like to help us thank our dedicated food ministry volunteers? We have a special gift to prepare and need a couple of hands to prepare them. If that is you, please contact Kathleen or Rose Lynn (liftconcertoakland@gmail.com)
Church Office Holiday Closure
12/25, 12/26, 12/31, 1/1
Please note that the church office will be closed on December 25th, 26th, 31st, and January 1st. The church office will be open on December 30th and reopen for regular office hours on January 2nd. Our church administrator, Lulu, will also be on holiday from December 25th to January 1st.
Important E-blast Announcement Deadline:
The deadline to submit announcements for the December 26th and January 2nd E-blasts is Monday, December 23rd at 12pm. Please ensure your submissions are sent in by this time to be included in these editions.
Thank you for your understanding, and we wish you a joyful holiday season!
Food 4 Thought to Begin New Series in February
The Food 4 Thought small group will gather on the first Sunday in February to begin a new study series.
Keep an eye out for details coming your way in January!
Sound Bath On Hiatus After December
Our monthly Sound Bath will be on hiatus beginning in January 2025.
We may celebrate with various sound healers at different times during the year
and will let you know when these events are planned. Thank you to everyone who has participated in this beautiful ministry.
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.
Cost: $115/workshop or $300 for the whole series.
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.
Blue Christmas Service at Twin Towers UMC
12/21 5pm-6pm
A Blue Christmas service is offered especially for those feeling “blue” this Christmas. Join us on the longest night of the year to acknowledge the difficulties of life and to be reminded that you are not alone. We will gather in hope for healing as we journey together. The service will be held Saturday, December 21st, from 5pm-6pm at 1411 Oak St, Alameda, CA 94501.
Thriving in Community 2025:
Art and Story Submission
As we step into 2025, the California-Nevada Annual Conference is continuing to embrace the bold and transformative vision adopted in 2023, focusing our attention this year on Thriving in Community. Rooted in the scriptural foundation of Jeremiah 29:7 and Acts 2:41-47, this part of our vision invites us to seek the welfare of our communities, nurture the spiritual growth of our churches, and witness the ripple effects of God’s love throughout the world. In preparation for this year long focus, we are inviting all in the California-Nevada Conference to get involved! Throughout the year, we will highlight stories of congregations and ministries living out the focus in powerful ways. From innovative small group ministries to creative community outreach efforts, these snapshots will inspire and challenge us to think differently about what it means to thrive. If you have a Snapshot of Thriving to share, please submit it here! Conference Communications will turn these ideas and leads into fully fledged stories.
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.
A Promise to Rejoice In
This third Sunday of Advent, the prophet Zephaniah reminds us of the profound joy that comes from God’s promises of restoration and presence among his people. Apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:4-7, 4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. This is a timely reminder in this season of Advent. Rev. Jeff Kunkel is preaching this Sunday. 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
December 15th, 2024
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
*
December 15th, 2024
A Promise to Rejoice In
Zephaniah 3:14-20 + Philippians 4:4-7
*
December 22nd, 2024
A Promise of Love – Christmas Program
Scripture: Luke 1:39-55
*
December 24th, 2024
Joint Alameda and Oakland Circuit Christmas Eve Service
5:30 PM at Twin Towers UMC/Embrace Church
*
December 29th, 2024
Our Church Members Witness to God’s Grace this Year
Psalm 66:16-20 and Hebrews 11:1
