Celebrating June Birthdays
Sunday, June 7th
This Sunday, June 7th, we will be honoring everyone who will be celebrating their birthdays in June. There will be a birthday cake for all to share during fellowship time immediately following Worship.
Pastor Sunae and Mike on a Renewal Leave
June 1 – August 31, 2026
Beginning June 1 through August 31, 2026, Pastor Sunae Cho will be on Renewal Leave for a season of rest, renewal, travel, reflection, and reconnection with family and creation. She will return to ministry on September 1, 2026.
During this time, Pastor Sunae will be fully disconnecting from all ministry responsibilities and communications in order to embrace this sacred season of renewal fully.
We invite the congregation to hold Pastor Sunae and Mike in prayer during this time away. May this season bring deep rest, joy, healing, and spiritual refreshment as she prepares for continued ministry among us.
We give thanks for Pastor Sunae’s leadership and look forward to welcoming her back in September.
Berkeley United Methodist Church Annual Bazaar
Sunday, June 7, 12 PM – 4 PM
1710 Carleton St, Berkeley, CA 94703
BMUC Annual Bazaar 2026 is set for June 7th, 12 PM -4 PM. The tradition continues, once again offering food, fun, and fellowship to the community.
If you wish to preorder, you can do so HERE until May 29. Walk-ins will also be available.
Trinity Sunday
Crossing
Today, we conclude our Come, Follow Me discipleship worship series with the final chapter in Peter’s journey: Crossing.
Over these past weeks, we have followed Peter through his calling, courage, failures, restoration, service, and proclamation of the risen Christ. We look at Acts 10:34-48, in which Peter is challenged to step outside his comfort zone and tell the good news to people who are not Jewish. Now, Peter is led across another threshold to gentiles — crossing cultural, religious, and social boundaries to discover that God’s love is wider than he imagined.
We will hear about KUMI school in Uganda and also how our church is crossing to share God’s expansive love for all. We have a celebration of baptism and receiving of new members. Join us.
Sunday worship begins at 10:15AM.
Join us in person in our sanctuary or watch online via Zoom, Facebook or YouTube Live.
May 31, 2026
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.
Celebration of Baptism and Receiving New Members
Sunday, May 31
This Sunday, we joyfully celebrate the sacrament of Baptism and welcome new members into the life of the Church. Together, we give thanks for God’s grace, new life, and the growing community of faith at Lake Merritt United Methodist Church. Please join us as we welcome and celebrate these beloved siblings in Christ.
Pastor Sunae and Mike on a Renewal Leave
June 1 – August 31, 2026
Beginning June 1 through August 31, 2026, Pastor Sunae Cho will be on Renewal Leave for a season of rest, renewal, travel, reflection, and reconnection with family and creation. She will return to ministry on September 1, 2026.
During this time, Pastor Sunae will be fully disconnecting from all ministry responsibilities and communications in order to embrace this sacred season of renewal fully.
We invite the congregation to hold Pastor Sunae and Mike in prayer during this time away. May this season bring deep rest, joy, healing, and spiritual refreshment as she prepares for continued ministry among us.
We give thanks for Pastor Sunae’s leadership and look forward to welcoming her back in September.
James Aoki Memorial Service
Saturday, May 30, 2026, 2:00 PM
Chapel of the Chimes
4499 Piedmont Ave., Oakland, CA
Jim and his surviving wife Anne were longtime members of Lake Park UMC. Though recently living in New Hampshire most of the time he joined Lake Merritt when the churches merged.
Berkeley United Methodist Church Annual Bazaar
Sunday, June 7, 12 PM – 4 PM
1710 Carleton St, Berkeley, CA 94703
BMUC Annual Bazaar 2026 is set for June 7th, 12 PM -4 PM. The tradition continues, once again offering food, fun, and fellowship to the community.
If you wish to preorder, you can do so HERE until May 29. Walk-ins will also be available.
Be part of the magic: Homestay & Volunteer for the Golden Gate Festival 2026!
July 13–18, 2026
Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choirs is announcing a call for homestay hosts and volunteers for the 13th Golden Gate International Choral Festival, taking place July 13–18, 2026. They will welcome thirteen choirs and approximately 200 visiting youth singers from around the world and are seeking families to provide homestays (typically in pairs) and community volunteers to assist with rehearsals, concerts, transportation, and hospitality. Hosts provide housing, meals, and transportation while volunteers support logistics and help create a warm festival atmosphere that fosters cultural exchange and lasting friendships.
No special facilities are required—any welcoming home or a few hours of volunteer time make a meaningful difference.
For more information, CLICK HERE.
Pentecost Sunday
Filled and Sent
Today, we gather on this Pentecost Sunday to celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 2, the Spirit comes like wind and fire, filling the disciples with courage, hope, and new life.
Our worship theme, Filled and Sent, reminds us that God not only fills us with the Spirit, but also sends us into the world to share Christ’s love, justice, and compassion. May we open our hearts again to the Spirit’s movement among us and be renewed for the journey ahead. Join us.
Sunday worship begins at 10:15AM.
Join us in person in our sanctuary or watch online via Zoom, Facebook or YouTube Live.
May 24, 2026
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
May 31, 2026
Crossing
Acts 10:34-38 (NIV)
June 7, 2026
Called on the Spot
Matthew 9:18-26 (NIV)
The Funeral Service of Clara Elizabeth Sims
Thursday, May 22 at 11:00 AM
At Lake Merritt United Methodist Church
A Light lunch reception will follow the service
With gratitude for her life and faith, family and friends are warmly invited to a Service of Death and Resurrection celebrating the life of Clara Elizabeth Sims.
Sign up to Volunteer with Our Food Pantry
Friday, May 22 and Saturday, May 23
Fourth Saturday of every month
Our Food Ministries invite members of the congregation and the public to volunteer with our monthly food pantry. You are welcome to volunteer in different ways: On Fridays, volunteers help receive and set up the food pantry (10 AM – 11 AM), and on Saturday, volunteers will facilitate food distribution (8 AM – 10 AM).
If you are interested in serving through our ministries, click HERE.
Church Office Closed for Memorial Day
Monday, May 25
The Church Office will be closed on Monday, May 25, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.
May Events with our OCT Partners
Interested in expanding your impact, your reach, and your fun? If so, check out the events being held in conjunction with our ecumenical church partners through OCT (Oakland Churches Together). They are meaningful opportunities to join with other like-minded people and churches to make a difference in our local community. All are welcome!
For more details, click HERE.
For any questions, please contact Marlene Yamashita (925-286-9682, maryamca@att.net) or Dan Strauss (510-504-4765, danjeffstrauss@gmail.com)
Friends of Wadi Foquin: Upcoming Event
The LMUMC Peace in Palestine–Friends of Wadi Foquin Circle warmly invites you to join this event:
Steadfast Friendship & Spiritual Solidarity — 10-Year Celebration of FWF
Saturday, May 23, 2:00–4:30 p.m., Livermore Asbury UMC
Celebrate a decade of faithful partnership at this special gathering featuring Bishop Sandra Olewine (Cal-Nev Annual Conference) and other special guests. Enjoy fragrant tea, homemade Palestinian treats, and community fellowship.
Reserve a spot at the LMUMC table by contacting Deacon Ken or another PiP–FoWF member, or RSVP individually/host a table HERE. Deadline: May 10.
Be part of the magic: Homestay & Volunteer for the Golden Gate Festival 2026!
July 13–18, 2026
Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choirs is announcing a call for homestay hosts and volunteers for the 13th Golden Gate International Choral Festival, taking place July 13–18, 2026. They will welcome thirteen choirs and approximately 200 visiting youth singers from around the world and are seeking families to provide homestays (typically in pairs) and community volunteers to assist with rehearsals, concerts, transportation, and hospitality. Hosts provide housing, meals, and transportation while volunteers support logistics and help create a warm festival atmosphere that fosters cultural exchange and lasting friendships.
No special facilities are required—any welcoming home or a few hours of volunteer time make a meaningful difference.
For more information, CLICK HERE.
