Celebrating September Birthdays
Sunday, September 6th
This Sunday, September 6th, we will honor everyone who will be celebrating their birthdays in September. There will be birthday cake for all to share during fellowship time immediately following Worship.
Sierra Leone School Project Jollof Rice Dinner
Saturday, September 26 at 5 PM
Lake Merritt United Methodist Church
Thank you to all of those who participated in and supported the 1st Annual SLSP Walkathon last Sunday, August 30. The event was a great success.
Please mark your calendars and invite friends and family to the Jollof Rice Dinner in a few weeks. Details are below:
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time: 5:00 pm
Location: Lake Merritt UMC, 1255 First Ave @ International, Oakland, CA 94606
Menu: Sierra Leone signature Jollof Rice and other Sierra Leonean cuisine will be served.
To RSVP
When Our Theology Harms:
Uprooting Christian Zionism Together
Four Consecutive Wednesdays
September 30, October 07, October 14, and October 21
Noon – 1:15 PM on Zoom
The Palestine Task Force and Friends of Wadi Foquin will host a 4-part Zoom study.
Study launches on Wednesday, Sept. 30th.
We will meet for 4 consecutive Wednesdays (9/30, 10/7, 10/14, 10/21) Via Zoom
Noon – 1:15PM
For more information & to register CLICK HERE
(NOTE: Link will be sent out 1 week prior to Sept. 30th)
Call for Interviewees for Film on Christian Nationalism
Late August to Early September
In partnership with OCT
Oakland Churches Together announces a call for people to be interviewed about their Christian faith for a film project by students from California College of Art. This is in response to Christian Nationalism, Project 2025, and other worrisome current developments in the United States. Interviewees will be asked about their faith and values in order to document a different faith perspective than that of Christian Nationalists. The hope is to share these alternative voices widely, especially on social media.
The organizers are seeking individuals willing to be interviewed and included in this process. Interviews will likely take place later in August and in early September. More details will be forthcoming.
If you are interested in being interviewed, please contact Dan Strauss at danjeffstrauss@gmail.com, or Stephanie Oana of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church at stephanie@osha-oana.com.
Earth Connect Retreat
Saturday, September 12, 9 AM – 3 PM
Willow Glen United Methodist Church, San Jose
This retreat is open to all!
This Earth Connect spring retreat at Willow Glen UMC in San Jose is organized by Climate Justice Ministries, a California-Nevada Conference task force.
In this time when there are assaults on all sides, we need to make space to connect with the Divine — to be spiritually grounded — as a daily first step toward works of love and justice. Participants will gather in facilitated small groups for meditation and conversation. Be prepared for some time outdoors, weather permitting.
Participants will receive an orientation to the Sacred Ground project and a list of possible “field trips” for the journey home!
Vegetarian lunch provided. $20 suggested donation.
REGISTER HERE
Faith & Reparations Toolkit Training
Saturday, September 19 from 9 AM – 12 PM
Training held on Zoom
Join for an interactive training and discussion offered by the CNUMC Reparations Task Force on how to deploy the Faith & Reparations Toolkit. Help your congregation engage in spiritual reflection that understands reparations as our faithful response to racial injustice and systemic oppression, laying the groundwork for reparative action.
Learn more about the training HERE.
To RSVP, click HERE.
Meal Train and Ride Support for Phyllis
August 02 – August 31
Would you support Phyllis with a ride to Sunday worship or a gift of food? All food is greatly appreciated, homemade, semi-homemade, store/restaurant prepared. Above all, continue to pray and share your healing energies and comfort to our dear sister Phyllis.
If you wish to support her through this meal train or ride support, please sign up HERE.
For questions, contact Sue Dickey.
Sierra Leone School Project First Annual Walkathon
Sunday, August 30 at 12 PM after Fellowship
Lake Merritt UMC | Lakeside Pattio
Lake Merritt UMC members are welcome to participate in the 3.2 miles walkathon around Lake Merritt in Oakland, CA on Sunday, August 30, 2026 in support of the Sierra Leone School Project. The event will start at 12 pm after fellowship time and also end on the church premises. Our primary goal is to publicize the SLSP. Please ask your family and friends to support your participation in the walkathon by making donations in support of SLSP to Lake Merritt UMC.
To make a donation, CLICK HERE
In support of this event, Sierra Leone SLSP T-shirts will be available to purchase at reasonable cost during fellowship time on Sundays. Thanks for your prayers and support.
Friends of Wadi Foquin Book Club: A Chronicle of Our Land
Thursday, August 27 and Thursday, September 3rd at 7 PM
Session are online on Zoom
A Chronicle of Our Land and its author have been spotlighted at over a dozen events up and down California including first here at LMUMC.
Join the author and Emily, FWF Co-Chair, to open up the book, ask questions, and reflect together. The Book Club will be meeting for just two sessions at 7 pm on Zoom:
Aug. 27th – First 6 chapters (pg. 1-57)
Sept. 3rd – Last 5 chapters (pg. 58-119)
Reading the sections is encouraged but not required.
Join us for the community and conversation.
Register HERE to receive Zoom link!
For those in the Bay Area who would like to purchase copies of the book, please send us a note! For those beyond the Bay, please purchase copies through the book’s publisher, Communities of Memory here.
Mark the 38th anniversary of the Civil Liberties Act with Buena Vista
Sunday, August 30 at 11:45 AM
Buena Vista UMC
Following worship, we’ll gather for a special lunch and program featuring community members sharing personal reflections on the Civil Liberties Act, what it has meant to them, and what we can learn from this history today. Together, we’ll connect the work of redress in the past with our ongoing commitment to reparations for African Americans.
Please RSVP HERE
Call for Interviewees for Film on Christian Nationalism
Late August to Early September
In partnership with OCT
Oakland Churches Together announces a call for people to be interviewed about their Christian faith for a film project by students from California College of Art. This is in response to Christian Nationalism, Project 2025, and other worrisome current developments in the United States. Interviewees will be asked about their faith and values in order to document a different faith perspective than that of Christian Nationalists. The hope is to share these alternative voices widely, especially on social media.
The organizers are seeking individuals willing to be interviewed and included in this process. Interviews will likely take place later in August and in early September. More details will be forthcoming.
If you are interested in being interviewed, please contact Dan Strauss at danjeffstrauss@gmail.com, or Stephanie Oana of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church at stephanie@osha-oana.com.
Earth Connect Retreat
Saturday, September 12, 9 AM – 3 PM
Willow Glen United Methodist Church, San Jose
This retreat is open to all!
This Earth Connect spring retreat at Willow Glen UMC in San Jose is organized by Climate Justice Ministries, a California-Nevada Conference task force.
In this time when there are assaults on all sides, we need to make space to connect with the Divine — to be spiritually grounded — as a daily first step toward works of love and justice. Participants will gather in facilitated small groups for meditation and conversation. Be prepared for some time outdoors, weather permitting.
Participants will receive an orientation to the Sacred Ground project and a list of possible “field trips” for the journey home!
Vegetarian lunch provided. $20 suggested donation.
REGISTER HERE
Faith & Reparations Toolkit Training
Saturday, September 19 from 9 AM – 12 PM
Training held on Zoom
Join for an interactive training and discussion offered by the CNUMC Reparations Task Force on how to deploy the Faith & Reparations Toolkit. Help your congregation engage in spiritual reflection that understands reparations as our faithful response to racial injustice and systemic oppression, laying the groundwork for reparative action.
Learn more about the training HERE.
To RSVP, click HERE.
Free Compost Pails and More!
Sunday, Aug 23 from 9 am – 1 pm
Lake Merritt UMC
Recycling Education staff from Waste Management will be setting up a booth this Sunday in the Stark Room with free goodies including free home compost pails for all Oakland residents. Gather information and play Spin the Wheel while learning about how to sort waste and live more sustainably at church and at home. Share this opportunity with your community!
Many thanks to long time Food Programs Volunteer Edie Louie for securing this resource opportunity for our church which included a $1000 Changemaker Grant.
Meal Train and Ride Support for Phyllis
August 02 – August 31
Would you support Phyllis with a ride to Sunday worship or a gift of food? All food is greatly appreciated, homemade, semi-homemade, store/restaurant prepared. Above all, continue to pray and share your healing energies and comfort to our dear sister Phyllis.
If you wish to support her through this meal train or ride support, please sign up HERE.
For questions, contact Sue Dickey.
Sierra Leone School Project First Annual Walkathon
Sunday, August 30 at 12 PM after Fellowship
Lake Merritt UMC | Lakeside Pattio
Lake Merritt UMC members are welcome to participate in the 3.2 miles walkathon around Lake Merritt in Oakland, CA on Sunday, August 30, 2026 in support of the Sierra Leone School Project. The event will start at 12 pm after fellowship time and also end on the church premises. Our primary goal is to publicize the SLSP. Please ask your family and friends to support your participation in the walkathon by making donations in support of SLSP to Lake Merritt UMC.
To make a donation, CLICK HERE
In support of this event, Sierra Leone SLSP T-shirts will be available to purchase at reasonable cost during fellowship time on Sundays. Thanks for your prayers and support.
Mark the 38th anniversary of the Civil Liberties Act with Buena Vista
Sunday, August 30 at 11:45 AM
Buena Vista UMC
Following worship, we’ll gather for a special lunch and program featuring community members sharing personal reflections on the Civil Liberties Act, what it has meant to them, and what we can learn from this history today. Together, we’ll connect the work of redress in the past with our ongoing commitment to reparations for African Americans.
Please RSVP HERE
Call for Interviewees for Film on Christian Nationalism
Late August to Early September
In partnership with OCT
Oakland Churches Together announces a call for people to be interviewed about their Christian faith for a film project by students from California College of Art. This is in response to Christian Nationalism, Project 2025, and other worrisome current developments in the United States. Interviewees will be asked about their faith and values in order to document a different faith perspective than that of Christian Nationalists. The hope is to share these alternative voices widely, especially on social media.
The organizers are seeking individuals willing to be interviewed and included in this process. Interviews will likely take place later in August and in early September. More details will be forthcoming.
If you are interested in being interviewed, please contact Dan Strauss at danjeffstrauss@gmail.com, or Stephanie Oana of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church at stephanie@osha-oana.com.
Earth Connect Retreat
Saturday, September 12, 9 AM – 3 PM
Willow Glen United Methodist Church, San Jose
This retreat is open to all!
This Earth Connect spring retreat at Willow Glen UMC in San Jose is organized by Climate Justice Ministries, a California-Nevada Conference task force.
In this time when there are assaults on all sides, we need to make space to connect with the Divine — to be spiritually grounded — as a daily first step toward works of love and justice. Participants will gather in facilitated small groups for meditation and conversation. Be prepared for some time outdoors, weather permitting.
Participants will receive an orientation to the Sacred Ground project and a list of possible “field trips” for the journey home!
Vegetarian lunch provided. $20 suggested donation.
REGISTER HERE
Sign up to Volunteer with Our Food Pantry
Friday, August 21 and Saturday, August 22
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.
Sierra Leone School Project First Annual Walkathon
Sunday, August 30 at 12 PM after Fellowship
Lake Merritt UMC | Lakeside Pattio
Lake Merritt UMC members are welcome to participate in the 3.2 miles walkathon around Lake Merritt in Oakland, CA on Sunday, August 30, 2026 in support of the Sierra Leone School Project. The event will start at 12 pm after fellowship time and also end on the church premises. Our primary goal is to publicize the SLSP. Please ask your family and friends to support your participation in the walkathon by making donations in support of SLSP to Lake Merritt UMC.
To make a donation, CLICK HERE
In support of this event, Sierra Leone SLSP T-shirts will be available to purchase at reasonable cost during fellowship time on Sundays. Thanks for your prayers and support.
Earth Connect Retreat
Saturday, September 12, 9 AM – 3 PM
Willow Glen United Methodist Church, San Jose
This retreat is open to all!
This Earth Connect spring retreat at Willow Glen UMC in San Jose is organized by Climate Justice Ministries, a California-Nevada Conference task force.
In this time when there are assaults on all sides, we need to make space to connect with the Divine — to be spiritually grounded — as a daily first step toward works of love and justice. Participants will gather in facilitated small groups for meditation and conversation. Be prepared for some time outdoors, weather permitting.
Participants will receive an orientation to the Sacred Ground project and a list of possible “field trips” for the journey home!
Vegetarian lunch provided. $20 suggested donation.
REGISTER HERE
Sierra Leone School Project First Annual Walkathon
Sunday, August 30 at 12 PM after Fellowship
Lake Merritt UMC | Lakeside Pattio
Lake Merritt UMC members are welcome to participate in the 3.2 miles walkathon around Lake Merritt in Oakland, CA on Sunday, August 30, 2026 in support of the Sierra Leone School Project. The event will start at 12 pm after fellowship time and also end on the church premises. Our primary goal is to publicize the SLSP. Please ask your family and friends to support your participation in the walkathon by making donations in support of SLSP to Lake Merritt UMC.
To make a donation, CLICK HERE
In support of this event, Sierra Leone SLSP T-shirts will be available to purchase at reasonable cost during fellowship time on Sundays. Thanks for your prayers and support.
Celebrating August Birthdays
Sunday, August 2nd
This Sunday, August 2nd, we will be honoring everyone who will be celebrating their birthdays in August.
There will be birthday cake for all to share during fellowship time immediately following Worship.
Temporary Change in Church Office Hours
Monday, August 3 – Thursday, August 6
During this period, the Church Operations Manager will be out of the office. Office hours will be as follows:
Monday: 10 AM – 12 PM
Tuesday: 10 AM – 12 PM
Wednesday: 10 AM – 11 AM
Thursday: 10 AM – 2 PM
Countering Christian Nationalism – Film Screening
Sunday, July 26, 11:30 am – 3:30 pm
St. Paul Lutheran Church, Oakland
Screening of the newly updated documentary – “Bad Faith 2026” + lunch + learning, conversations, and action around this very important topic.
St. Paul Lutheran is one of our OCT (Oakland Churches Together) partners.
Free lunch and child care provided. To RSVP, click HERE.
You are welcome to attend any portion of the program.
For questions, contact Marlene Yamashita or Dan Strauss. Additional info flyer is HERE.
