Please read ALL of the ANNOUNCEMENTS!

Tenebrae and Taizé Service

Good Friday, April 18th, 7 pm

Through the reading of scripture and the successive extinguishing of light in the Sanctuary, you are invited to enter into the dramatic narrative of Jesus’ betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion. Join us for a service of music, scriptures, shadows, darkness, and silence, reflecting the solemn mood of this day. The Zoom link can be found here.

Easter Celebration

Sunday, April 20th, 10:15 am

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Join us for an Easter service filled with guest musicians, choir voices, sharing of our refreshed vision, songs, baptism, receiving of new members and prayers. Our Easter offerings will help support our siblings in Wadi Foquin and at the Safie Koroma Preparatory School in Sierra Leone. Please bring fresh-cut flowers for the children to decorate the Easter Cross. During worship, we will have an Easter egg hunt and activities for the children.Join us for a time of fellowship following the service. Light refreshments will be served, and all are warmly welcome.

Children’s and Youth Ministry Gatherings

Upcoming Gatherings:

🧋4/27 – Youth Sunday School: We’ll continue our Bible & Boba series! Parents, please send your youth’s boba order to Lulu.

🎶 5/4 – Children’s Choir: The Children’s Choir will perform during the Children’s Moment. The 20-minute choir class will follow the Children’s Moment in worship, just before Godly Play/childcare.

🙌 5/4 – Youth Group: Join us at LMUMC from 12 PM – 2 PM for faith, food, and fellowship! RSVP to Lulu at office@lakemerritumc.org.

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.

Please read ALL of the ANNOUNCEMENTS!

10th LIFT Concert: We All Belong

Saturday, April 12th, 3pm

In these troubled times, the Lift Concert is sure to bring collective healing and joy. This is our chance to bring our loved ones and friends together welcome all to LMUMC. In that spirit, our theme is We All Belong and we ask you to actively invite at least 10 people to attend the concert celebration. A reception will follow to extend. Register and donate today here. We need volunteers the day before the concert for set up and various tasks the day of the concert. Sign up here!

Tenebrae and Taizé Service

Good Friday, April 18th, 7 pm

Through the reading of scripture and the successive extinguishing of light in the Sanctuary, you are invited to enter into the dramatic narrative of Jesus’ betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion. Join us for a service of music, scriptures, shadows, darkness, and silence, reflecting the solemn mood of this day. The Zoom link can be found here.

Easter Celebration

Sunday, April 20th, 10:15 am

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Join us for an Easter service filled with guest musicians, choir voices, spoken words, songs, baptism, receiving of new members and prayers. This Easter, we are excited to share our church’s refreshed vision and branding of Lake Merritt United Methodist Church – a new expression of who we are and where we are headed as an inclusive Christian community. Please bring fresh-cut flowers for the children to decorate the Easter Cross, and plan to stay for fellowship after Worship. Your Easter offerings will help support our siblings in Wadi Foquin and at the Safie Koroma Preparatory School in Sierra Leone. During worship, we will have an Easter egg hunt and activities for the children.

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.

Please read ALL of the ANNOUNCEMENTS!

Celebrating April Birthdays 

Sunday, April 6th

This Sunday, April 6th, we will be honoring everyone who will be celebrating their birthdays in April.
There will be birthday cake for all to share during Fellowship time immediately following Worship.

Pastor Sunae on Vacation

March 31st to April 6th

Mike and Pastor Sunae will be on vacation next week. For any care and support needs during Pastor Sunae’s absence, please reach out to Sue Dickey, our Congregational Nurturing Chair. In case of an emergency requiring pastoral care, Rev. Meina Ko is available. To connect with Rev. Meina Ko, please contact Sue Dickey or our Church Administrator during office hours. Rev. Jeff Kunkel will be preaching on 4/6.

Art Sale Fundraiser

Sunday, April 6th

Fran Cooper will offer notecards, matted pictures, and a few framed pictures for sale on Sunday, April 6th after the service during our fellowship time. 100% of the proceeds will be contributed to LMUMC and an educational organization. I hope you will enjoy this mini-exhibition and sale. Contact: Fran Cooper cooper.fran405@gmail.com.

Youth Group

Sunday, April 6th

On April 6th, join us for youth group at Montclair Presbyterian Church from 12 PM – 2 PM for faith, food, and fellowship! RSVP to Lulu at office@lakemerritumc.org.

10th LIFT Concert: We All Belong

Saturday, April 12th, 3pm

In these troubled times, the Lift Concert is sure to bring collective healing and joy. This is our chance to bring our loved ones and friends together welcome all to LMUMC. In that spirit, our theme is We All Belong and we ask you to actively invite at least 10 people to attend the concert celebration. A reception will follow to extend. Register and donate today here. We need volunteers the day before the concert for set up and various tasks the day of the concert. Sign up here!

All Church Farm Outing and Children’s Easter Egg Hunt

Sunday, April 13th

The church is invited to a farm outing at Heirloom East Bay on Sunday, April 13th! The farm tour will start at 2pm followed by a children’s Easter egg hunt. The Easter egg hunt will be in lieu of having an Easter egg hunt on Easter Sunday. Please fill out the registration form here by Wednesday, April 9th. Contact: Lulu Sapigao, office@lakemerrittumc.org

Hands Off Our Democracy!

Rallies Near You on April 5th at 1pm

This Saturday April 5th, 1pm, at a place near you there will be a Hands Off Our Democracy rally in protest of the Trump administration, Elon Musk & DOGE. This will be the first time since Trump’s inauguration that thousands of different organizations and communities will be joining together in organized rallies across the country; the participation is expected to be large, far & wide. You can find a location near you here. Contact church member Juliet Hannafin at juliethannafin@gmail.com for more info or if you would like to join her at the Oakland rally. More info can also be found at Handsoff2025.com

Thriving in Community: A Daily Journey Through Lent 2025

Members of the California-Nevada Core team and leaders across our conference have come together to develop daily Lenten devotions that explore the second tenet of our Vision Statement: Thriving in Community. The devotional can be found 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.

Please read ALL of the ANNOUNCEMENTS!

Celebration of Life for Manolito Lopez

Saturday, March 29th, 10:30am

Please join the Lopez family in honoring and celebrating the life of Manolito Lopez on March 29, 2025 at 10:30am.

Floor Cleaning

Monday, March 31st, 7am-1pm

The church is having the floors cleaned on Monday, March 31st, from 7am-1pm. This will take place in the basement hallway, Edwards Room, Stark Room, and sanctuary. Please do not enter these areas of the church until after 1pm. If you are coming to the office before 1pm, please park in the First Ave lot.

Pastor Sunae on Vacation

March 31st to April 6th

Mike and Pastor Sunae will be on vacation next week. For any care and support needs during Pastor Sunae’s absence, please reach out to Sue Dickey, our Congregational Nurturing Chair. In case of an emergency requiring pastoral care, Rev. Meina Ko is available. To connect with Rev. Meina Ko, please contact Sue Dickey or our Church Administrator during office hours. Rev. Jeff Kunkel will be preaching on 4/6.

Cooking Up Solidarity: Dessert

Saturday, April 5th, 3:30-6:30pm

Please consider joining in for the final session of our community-building cooking series on Saturday, Apr. 5th, 3:30 – 6:30 pm. We will be making two special sweets: Layali Lubnan (a semolina pudding) and Qatayaf (a classic Ramadan treat). Our final session will be held at Buena Vista UMC in Alameda.

Cost: $115. Click here to register. All funds beyond the cost of materials are tax deductible and will benefit current Friends of Wadi Foquin programs. Thank you to LMUMC and the Peace in Palestine/FoWF small group for hosting our popular first two sessions.

Art Sale Fundraiser

Sunday, April 6th

Fran Cooper will offer notecards, matted pictures, and a few framed pictures for sale on Sunday, April 6th after the service during our fellowship time. 100% of the proceeds will be contributed to LMUMC and an educational organization. I hope you will enjoy this mini-exhibition and sale. Contact: Fran Cooper cooper.fran405@gmail.com.

Youth Group

Sunday, April 6th

On April 6th, join us for youth group at Montclair Presbyterian Church from 12 PM – 2 PM for faith, food, and fellowship! RSVP to Lulu at office@lakemerritumc.org.

10th LIFT Concert: We All Belong

Saturday, April 12th, 3pm

In these troubled times, the Lift Concert is sure to bring collective healing and joy. This is our chance to bring our loved ones and friends together welcome all to LMUMC. In that spirit, our theme is We All Belong and we ask you to actively invite at least 10 people to attend the concert celebration. A reception will follow to extend. Register and donate today here.

All Church Farm Outing and Children’s Easter Egg Hunt

Sunday, April 13th

The church is invited to a farm outing at Heirloom East Bay on Sunday, April 13th! The farm tour will start at 2pm followed by a children’s Easter egg hunt. The Easter egg hunt will be in lieu of having an Easter egg hunt on Easter Sunday. Please fill out the registration form here by Wednesday, April 9th. Contact: Lulu Sapigao, office@lakemerrittumc.org

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.

Thriving in Community: A Daily Journey Through Lent 2025

Members of the California-Nevada Core team and leaders across our conference have come together to develop daily Lenten devotions that explore the second tenet of our Vision Statement: Thriving in Community. The devotional can be found 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.

Please read ALL of the ANNOUNCEMENTS!

Join Us for Lenten Membership Classes at Lake Merritt United Methodist Church!

Sunday March 23rd, 12pm-1:30pm

As we journey through this sacred season of Lent, we invite you to deepen your faith and connection by joining two sessions of Membership Class. Whether you’re new to Lake Merritt UMC or have been worshiping with us for a while, these classes offer a wonderful opportunity to explore your faith, learn more about our United Methodist Church and our church community, and consider what it means to become a member. Meet with Pastor Sunae after Sunday service on March 16th and March 23, 12pm – 1:30pm. Please fill out the Membership Class Registration form. Ask our Ushers for the form. Should you have any questions, please email Pastor Sunae at pastorsunae@gmail.com.

Oakland Marathon Road Closure

This Sunday, March 23rd

Church access during the Oakland Marathon will be available from the intersection of International Blvd and 1st Ave. Between the hours of 6:00 AM to 9:30 AM, vehicles should access International Blvd by crossing the route at 5th Ave. Vehicles will be directed to cross the route on 1st Ave when gaps in runners allow.  Vehicles arriving between before 7:30 AM will need to cross the course at the following intersections to access International Blvd. Vehicles MUST wait for participants and will be directed to cross when gaps in runners allow.

  • 5th Ave & Foothill Blvd
  • International Blvd & 12th Ave
  • Foothill Blvd

In order to reduce wait times, it is highly suggested that parishioners arrive within the following times during the road closures.

  • Before 6:45 AM
  • 7:30 AM to 8:20 AM
  • After 9:30 AM

Celebration of Life for Manolito Lopez

March 29th, 10:30am

Please join the Lopez family in honoring and celebrating the life of Manolito Lopez on March 29, 2025 at 10:30am.

Art Sale Fundraiser

Sunday, April 6th

Fran Cooper will offer notecards, matted pictures, and a few framed pictures for sale on Sunday, April 6th after the service during our fellowship time. 100% of the proceeds will be contributed to LMUMC and an educational organization. I hope you will enjoy this mini-exhibition and sale. Contact: Fran Cooper cooper.fran405@gmail.com

10th LIFT Concert: We All Belong

Saturday, April 12th, 3pm

In these troubled times, the Lift Concert is sure to bring collective healing and joy. This is our chance to bring our loved ones and friends together welcome all to LMUMC. In that spirit, our theme is We All Belong and we ask you to actively invite at least 10 people to attend the concert celebration. A reception will follow to extend. Register and donate today here.

All Church Farm Outing and Children’s Easter Egg Hunt

Sunday, April 13th

The church is invited to a farm outing at Heirloom East Bay on Sunday, April 13th! The farm tour will start at 2pm followed by a children’s Easter egg hunt. The Easter egg hunt will be in lieu of having an Easter egg hunt on Easter Sunday. Please fill out the registration form here by Wednesday, April 9th. Contact: Lulu Sapigao, office@lakemerrittumc.org

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.

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.

Thriving in Community: A Daily Journey Through Lent 2025

Members of the California-Nevada Core team and leaders across our conference have come together to develop daily Lenten devotions that explore the second tenet of our Vision Statement: Thriving in Community. The devotional can be found 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.

Please read ALL of the ANNOUNCEMENTS!

Join Us for Lenten Membership Classes at Lake Merritt United Methodist Church!

Sundays, March 16th & 23rd, 12pm-1:30pm

As we journey through this sacred season of Lent, we invite you to deepen your faith and connection by joining two sessions of Membership Class. Whether you’re new to Lake Merritt UMC or have been worshiping with us for a while, these classes offer a wonderful opportunity to explore your faith, learn more about our United Methodist Church and our church community, and consider what it means to become a member. Meet with Pastor Sunae after Sunday service on March 16th and March 23, 12pm – 1:30pm. Please fill out the Membership Class Registration form. Ask our Ushers for the form. Should you have any questions, please email Pastor Sunae at pastorsunae@gmail.com.

10th LIFT Concert: We All Belong

Saturday, April 12th, 3pm

In these troubled times, the Lift Concert is sure to bring collective healing and joy. This is our chance to bring our loved ones and friends together welcome all to LMUMC. In that spirit, our theme is We All Belong and we ask you to actively invite at least 10 people to attend the concert celebration. A reception will follow to extend. Register and donate today here.

Oakland Marathon Road Closure

Sunday, March 23rd

Church access during the Oakland Marathon will be available from the intersection of International Blvd and 1st Ave. Between the hours of 6:00 AM to 9:30 AM, vehicles should access International Blvd by crossing the route at 5th Ave. Vehicles will be directed to cross the route on 1st Ave when gaps in runners allow.  Vehicles arriving between before 7:30 AM will need to cross the course at the following intersections to access International Blvd. Vehicles MUST wait for participants and will be directed to cross when gaps in runners allow.

  • 5th Ave & Foothill Blvd
  • International Blvd & 12th Ave
  • Foothill Blvd

In order to reduce wait times, it is highly suggested that parishioners arrive within the following times during the road closures.

  • Before 6:45 AM
  • 7:30 AM to 8:20 AM
  • After 9:30 AM

Art Sale Fundraiser

Sunday, April 6th

Fran Cooper will offer notecards, matted pictures, and a few framed pictures for sale on Sunday, April 6th after the service during our fellowship time. 100% of the proceeds will be contributed to LMUMC and an educational organization. I hope you will enjoy this mini-exhibition and sale. Contact: Fran Cooper,

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.

Thriving in Community: A Daily Journey Through Lent 2025

Members of the California-Nevada Core team and leaders across our conference have come together to develop daily Lenten devotions that explore the second tenet of our Vision Statement: Thriving in Community. The devotional can be found 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.