Celebrating May Birthdays

Sunday, May 3rd

This Sunday, May 3rd, we will be honoring everyone who will be celebrating their birthdays in May. There will be a birthday cake for all to share during fellowship time immediately following Worship.

Food 4 Thought Begins New Study Series on May 3rd

First Sunday of Each Month at 6:00 PM

Edwards Room at LMUMC

The Food 4 Thought small group will gather on Sunday, May 3rd, for a potluck supper and to begin a new 12-month study series titled “Thinking About Religion and Violence”.

Everyone is welcome to attend!

Please CLICK HERE to learn more about the topics in the new series.

Membership & Baptism Class Invitation

Are you new to Lake Merritt United Methodist Church? Are you feeling called to take the next step in your faith journey? Whether you are exploring baptism, considering church membership, or simply wanting to learn more about Lake Merritt UMC, you are warmly invited to join our three-week Membership & Baptism Class.

Together, we will reflect on what it means to a United Methodist, explore the meaning of baptism, and learn how we live out our faith as an inclusive Christian community—feeding the spiritual and physical hunger of Oakland.

Class Schedule:

Wednesday, April 22 7pm (Zoom)
Wednesday, April 29 7pm (Zoom)
Sunday, May 3 11:45 am (In Person, after worship)

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)

Webinar Series: “Racial Justice: A Mandate to Our Discipleship”

Session 3: Racial Justice & Our Methodist Heritage

May 5, 2026 from 10 AM – 11:30 AM

Register Now for Session 3: Racial Justice & Our Methodist Heritage of our “Racial Justice: A Mandate to Our Discipleship” Webinar Series!

This webinar is FREE of charge.

Our General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Giovanni Arroyo, will facilitate a conversation with Dr. Ashley Boggan, General Secretary of the General Commission on Archives and History.

This session will trace the development of the racial justice mandate within the broader story of the United Methodist Church, uncovering its theological roots and historical context.

Together, we will examine how the Church’s constitutional commitment to racial justice emerged from a legacy marked by segregation and reunion, and explore the racial justice mandate as both a necessary corrective and a sacred covenant shaping our witness today.

REGISTER HERE

If you missed the first two sessions, you can watch the recordings below on YouTube:

Session 1: Actively Engaging Racial Justice in Local Congregations

Session 2: Racial Justice & Its Implications for Today

Friends of Wadi Foquin: Upcoming Events

First Sunday and Third Weekend of Each Month

The LMUMC Peace in Palestine–Friends of Wadi Foquin Circle warmly invites you to join several meaningful upcoming events:

Interfaith Pilgrimage: Divest from War, Invest in Life

Saturday, May 9, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Oakland

Walk with us as people of faith to sing, walk, and pray in this public witness calling for an end to military cargo shipments from Oakland to Israel, supporting the Oakland People’s Arms Embargo.

For more information and to RSVP, visit the event page here.

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.

Spring Festival Bazaar

Sunday, May 3 from 12 PM – 5 PM

Buena Vista United Methodist Church

2311 Buena Vista Avenue at Park Street

Join for a joyful community celebration filled with delicious food, vibrant cultural performances, and activities for all ages. You’ll have the chance to learn from inspiring local leaders, explore unique displays, and enjoy an afternoon of connection and fun. Bring your friends and family and be part of a lively gathering that celebrates heritage, community, and shared spirit.

? ACILEP Immigration Updates

Wednesday, May 6 at 5:30 PM

Join this free virtual workshop! Attorneys from ACILEP will share important information to help you:

✔️ Understand your risk of being arrested by ICE
✔️ Make a plan to follow in case of an arrest in your family or community
✔️ Understand the current situation regarding ICE activity in our county

?️ Date: Wednesday, May 6th
⏰ Time: 5:30 p.m.
? Location: Online

Register here: https://bit.ly/4mM2VeL

Feeding the Hungry as an Antiracist Practice

Saturday, May 16 (register by May 12)

Old First Presbyterian Church AND online

Join the West Region Antiracism Group to learn about the intersection of food insecurity and structural racism. The event is sponsored by West Region Antiracism Group and will feature speakers Shakirah Simley and Marchon Tatmon. It will also include breakout group discussions and opportunities to connect our work to broader antiracism efforts. 

This is a HYBRID event. To attend online or in-person, REGISTER HERE.

For thos attending in-person, validated parking is available at Old First Garage, 1725 Sacramento Street. Public transit is also available. Click here for a downloadable flyer to share.

Membership & Baptism Class Invitation

Are you new to Lake Merritt United Methodist Church? Are you feeling called to take the next step in your faith journey? Whether you are exploring baptism, considering church membership, or simply wanting to learn more about Lake Merritt UMC, you are warmly invited to join our three-week Membership & Baptism Class.

Together, we will reflect on what it means to a United Methodist, explore the meaning of baptism, and learn how we live out our faith as an inclusive Christian community—feeding the spiritual and physical hunger of Oakland.

Class Schedule:

Wednesday, April 22 7pm (Zoom)
Wednesday, April 29 7pm (Zoom)
Sunday, May 3 11:45 am (In Person, after worship)

COMPLETE THIS FORM TO REGISTER

To sign up, please complete the registration form, and the Zoom link will be provided upon registration. If you have any questions, please email Pastor Sunae at Pastor@lakemerrittumc.org. All are welcome—we look forward to journeying with you!

LMUMC Youth Group

First Sunday and Third Weekend of Each Month

We’re excited to share that our Youth Group meets twice a month and welcomes all youth ages 14–18 to join us.

Our gatherings will include:

Scripture Study: First Sunday of each month during service

Fun Activity: Third weekend of each month

If you know a teen who might be interested, we would love to have them join us!

For more information, please contact:
Aide Flores (510-876-1730)
Andrew Champion (510-435-5567)

Sign up to Volunteer with Our Food Pantry 

Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25

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.

Friends of Wadi Foquin: Upcoming Events

First Sunday and Third Weekend of Each Month

The LMUMC Peace in Palestine–Friends of Wadi Foquin Circle warmly invites you to join several meaningful upcoming events:

Book Launch: A Chronicle of Our Land

April 24, 2026, 7:00 p.m. at LMUMC

This powerful new book shares the story of WF through the voice of one villager. The evening will include a conversation with the author and publisher, followed by a book signing. Proceeds from book sales will support the ongoing work of Friends of Wadi Foquin.

RSVP HERE

Interfaith Pilgrimage: Divest from War, Invest in Life

Saturday, May 9, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Oakland

Walk with us as people of faith to sing, walk, and pray in this public witness calling for an end to military cargo shipments from Oakland to Israel, supporting the Oakland People’s Arms Embargo.

For more information and to RSVP, visit the event page here.

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.

Spring Festival Bazaar

Sunday, May 3 from 12 PM – 5 PM

Buena Vista United Methodist Church

2311 Buena Vista Avenue at Park Street

Join for a joyful community celebration filled with delicious food, vibrant cultural performances, and activities for all ages. You’ll have the chance to learn from inspiring local leaders, explore unique displays, and enjoy an afternoon of connection and fun. Bring your friends and family and be part of a lively gathering that celebrates heritage, community, and shared spirit.

Membership & Baptism Class Invitation

Are you new to Lake Merritt United Methodist Church? Are you feeling called to take the next step in your faith journey? Whether you are exploring baptism, considering church membership, or simply wanting to learn more about Lake Merritt UMC, you are warmly invited to join our three-week Membership & Baptism Class.

Together, we will reflect on what it means to a United Methodist, explore the meaning of baptism, and learn how we live out our faith as an inclusive Christian community—feeding the spiritual and physical hunger of Oakland.

Class Schedule:

Wednesday, April 22 7pm (Zoom)
Wednesday, April 29 7pm (Zoom)
Sunday, May 3 11:45 am (In Person, after worship)

COMPLETE THIS FORM TO REGISTER

To sign up, please complete the registration form, and the Zoom link will be provided upon registration. If you have any questions, please email Pastor Sunae at Pastor@lakemerrittumc.org. All are welcome—we look forward to journeying with you!

LMUMC Youth Group

First Sunday and Third Weekend of Each Month

We’re excited to share that our Youth Group meets twice a month and welcomes all youth ages 14–18 to join us.

Our gatherings will include:

Scripture Study: First Sunday of each month during service

Fun Activity: Third weekend of each month

If you know a teen who might be interested, we would love to have them join us!

For more information, please contact:
Aide Flores (510-876-1730)
Andrew Champion (510-435-5567)

Sign up to Volunteer with Our Food Pantry 

Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25

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.

Friends of Wadi Foquin: Upcoming Events

First Sunday and Third Weekend of Each Month

The LMUMC Peace in Palestine–Friends of Wadi Foquin Circle warmly invites you to join several meaningful upcoming events:

Book Launch: A Chronicle of Our Land

April 24, 2026, 7:00 p.m. at LMUMC

This powerful new book shares the story of WF through the voice of one villager. The evening will include a conversation with the author and publisher, followed by a book signing. Proceeds from book sales will support the ongoing work of Friends of Wadi Foquin.

RSVP HERE

Interfaith Pilgrimage: Divest from War, Invest in Life

Saturday, May 9, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Oakland

Walk with us as people of faith to sing, walk, and pray in this public witness calling for an end to military cargo shipments from Oakland to Israel, supporting the Oakland People’s Arms Embargo.

For more information and to RSVP, visit the event page here.

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.

Spring Festival Bazaar

Sunday, May 3 from 12 PM – 5 PM

Buena Vista United Methodist Church

2311 Buena Vista Avenue at Park Street

Join for a joyful community celebration filled with delicious food, vibrant cultural performances, and activities for all ages. You’ll have the chance to learn from inspiring local leaders, explore unique displays, and enjoy an afternoon of connection and fun. Bring your friends and family and be part of a lively gathering that celebrates heritage, community, and shared spirit.