Sign up to Volunteer with Our Food Pantry 

Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24

The LMUMC Food Program thanks all the congregation members who volunteered with our food pantry last month.

We invite members of the congregation and the public to volunteer. 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 Saturdays, volunteers will facilitate food distribution (8 AM – 10 AM).

If you are interested in serving through our ministries, click HERE.

Not free this month? Mark your calendar for later this year! See our future set-up and distribution dates below:

November 20 and 21 | December 18 and 19

Ballot Walk Through Party

Sunday, October 25 | After Worship

Lake Merritt UMC

Does your ballot feel long or confusing? You’re not alone! Join us at Lake Merritt UMC after worship for an informal Ballot Walk Through Party—a welcoming space to read, reflect, and prepare to vote together.

Bring your mail ballot, or use a blank sample ballot to make notes as we walk through the proposition information. Sharing this time in community can make voting feel more manageable—and even joyful.

This gathering is nonpartisan. No one will be told how to vote. Each person will make their own choices and complete their ballot privately, or mark a sample ballot to take home.

Come as you are, bring your questions, and get ready to make your voices heard through your vote.

Daylight Saving Time Change

Sunday, November 1 at 2 AM

On Sunday, November 1, clocks will “fall back” by one hour at 2 AM. If you have any clocks, watches, or devices that do not fall back automatically, be sure to adjust them on Sunday morning.

A Musical Feast

Saturday, November 7th at 7pm

Lake Merritt United Methodist Church

Saturday, November 7th at 7pm in the LMUMC Sanctuary, come hear Vox Alta, a collaborative ensemble of nine vocalists including our own Anne Hege, sing music about food – food for the soul, food for the body, and people who really, really love their food. Admission is free and attendees are invited to make a donation to the Lake Merritt UMC Food Programs. The program will last about an hour.

Joint Circuit Annual Church Charge Conference

November 15 at 2 PM

New Bridges UMC

Join the Alameda-Oakland Circuit for our Annual Joint Church Charge Conference! Together, we will celebrate the ministries of this past year, affirm the work of our churches, and seek God’s blessing for the year ahead.

Come give thanks, encourage one another, and renew our commitment to serving our communities with faith and love. All are welcome!

Thanksgiving Meal Volunteer Sign-up

Our 41st annual Community Thanksgiving meal will soon arrive!  Please sign up to volunteer with preparations beforehand or on Thanksgiving Day. We also need 40 pies! Sign up to bring one as well. Sign up by clicking THIS LINK or find it on the church website homepage.  Let’s make our 41st Thanksgiving meal extra special! For questions, contact Liz Hendrickson or Tom Huetteman.

Special Film Screening

Bloom Where You Are Planted

Sunday, October 25

Chinese Community UMC:

321 8th Street, Oakland 

The California‑Nevada UMC Philippine Solidarity Task Force invites church communities to a screening of Bloom Where You Are Planted, directed by Noni Abao.

The event will be held on Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 4:00–6:00 PM at Chinese Community UMC in Oakland, with a discussion panel following the film.

Admission is free, and RSVPs are encouraged. To RSVP, CLICK HERE.

Street meters are enforced on Sundays, and the Pacific Renaissance Plaza Garage offers a $2 rate after 2:00 PM (see parking garage information HERE).

This gathering aims to strengthen relationships and deepen shared commitments to justice and solidarity

Voci Women’s Vocal Ensemble Concerts

“Launch into the Light”

November 14th and 15th

Voci’s Fall 2026 program, “Launch into the Light,” will feature songs of light chosen to accompany various J.M.W. Turner paintings. The paintings, evocative of his beautiful work, will be projected during the concert.

Join Voci on November 14th in Piedmont and on November 15th in Orinda. Tickets and details are at VociSings.org

Please Use Parking Garage During Weekdays

Our Food Ministries and other programs are thankful to have a growing number of volunteers serving and enjoying time at the Church during the week.

Unfortunately, the First Ave. parking lot can occasionally be too small for all attendees.

If you have a garage remote, we ask that you park in the garage if you drive to the Church during the day, Monday through Friday.

Sign up to Volunteer with Our Food Pantry 

Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24

The LMUMC Food Program thanks all the congregation members who volunteered with our food pantry last month.

We invite members of the congregation and the public to volunteer. 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 Saturdays, volunteers will facilitate food distribution (8 AM – 10 AM).

If you are interested in serving through our ministries, click HERE.

Not free this month? Mark your calendar for later this year! See our future set-up and distribution dates below:

November 20 and 21 | December 18 and 19

Ballot Walk Through Party

Sunday, October 25 | After Worship

Lake Merritt UMC

Does your ballot feel long or confusing? You’re not alone! Join us at Lake Merritt UMC after worship for an informal Ballot Walk Through Party—a welcoming space to read, reflect, and prepare to vote together.

Bring your mail ballot, or use a blank sample ballot to make notes as we walk through the proposition information. Sharing this time in community can make voting feel more manageable—and even joyful.

This gathering is nonpartisan. No one will be told how to vote. Each person will make their own choices and complete their ballot privately, or mark a sample ballot to take home.

Come as you are, bring your questions, and get ready to make your voices heard through your vote.

Joint Circuit Annual Church Charge Conference

November 15 at 2 PM

New Bridges UMC

Join the Alameda-Oakland Circuit for our Annual Joint Church Charge Conference! Together, we will celebrate the ministries of this past year, affirm the work of our churches, and seek God’s blessing for the year ahead.

Come give thanks, encourage one another, and renew our commitment to serving our communities with faith and love. All are welcome!

Thanksgiving Meal Volunteer Sign-up

Our 41st annual Community Thanksgiving meal will soon arrive!  Please sign up to volunteer with preparations beforehand or on Thanksgiving Day. We also need 40 pies! Sign up to bring one as well. Sign up by clicking THIS LINK or find it on the church website homepage.  Let’s make our 41st Thanksgiving meal extra special! For questions, contact Liz Hendrickson or Tom Huetteman.

Countering Christian Nationalism

Protect Our Democracy & Reclaim Christianity

Thursday, October 15, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

St. John’s Episcopal Church, Oakland

Join us for a screening of the newly updated documentary – “Bad Faith 2026” + food + learning, conversations, and action around this very important topic.

St. John’s Episcopal is one of our OCT (Oakland Churches Together) partners.

Free meal and child care provided. To register, click HERE

Additional details in flyer HERE

Bring family, friends, neighbors. It’s important for people to be aware of the intent and actions that are really going on behind the Christian Nationalism rhetoric.

Questions? Contact: Marlene Yamashita or Dan Strauss

Come & See

Introducing Intentional Inclusive Communities 

Friday, October 16, 1:00 – 3:00 PM

Online Via Zoom

What does it take to build communities where people can truly belong, participate, connect, and flourish?

Join the Center for Intentional Inclusive Community (C4IIC) for an interative introduction to Intentional Inclusive Community. 

To learn more and register for this event, CLICK HERE or scan the QR code in the flyer.

When Our Theology Harms:

Uprooting Christian Zionism Together

Four Consecutive Wednesdays

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)

Children’s Sabbath

Sunday, October 11

Join us for Children’s Sabbath as LMUMC’s children and youth help lead worship. Tiffany Wycoff, founder of Generation Remix, and youths from her organization will speak about social media’s influence on young people and digital well-being.

After worship, stay for fellowship and a Q&A with the Generation Remix youth in the courtyard. Come celebrate our children, hear from young people, and join this important conversation. Families are invited to sit near the front so children and youth can easily join the opening and closing songs.

Book Reading and Signing with Mary Elyn Bahlert

Sunday, October 11 at 4 PM

Lake Merritt UMC, Edwards Room

Join Mary Elyn Bahlert for a reading/signing event on the occasion of her first published book of poetry, Moments.  The event will be held on Sunday, October 11 at 4 pm in the Edwards Room. Her book is also available on Amazon HERE.

If you would like to volunteer to help set up or clean up for the event, please contact Sean in the Office by email or phone.

Please Use Parking Garage During Weekdays

Our Food Ministries and other programs are thankful to have a growing number of volunteers serving and enjoying time at the Church during the week.

Unfortunately, the First Ave. parking lot can occasionally be too small for all attendees.

If you have a garage remote, we ask that you park in the garage if you drive to the Church during the day, Monday through Friday.

Music Director Jim Meredith to be on Vacation

September 23 – October 17

Pianist Ellen St. Thomas will be substituting for him for the 3 services during his absence. There will also be no choir practice during this period.

Sign up to Volunteer with Our Food Pantry 

Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24

The LMUMC Food Program thanks all the congregation members who volunteered with our food pantry last month.

We invite members of the congregation and the public to volunteer. 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 Saturdays, volunteers will facilitate food distribution (8 AM – 10 AM).

If you are interested in serving through our ministries, click HERE.

Not free this month? Mark your calendar for later this year! See our future set-up and distribution dates below:

November 20 and 21 | December 18 and 19

Joint Circuit Annual Church Charge Conference

November 15 at 2 PM

New Bridges UMC

Join the Alameda-Oakland Circuit for our Annual Joint Church Charge Conference! Together, we will celebrate the ministries of this past year, affirm the work of our churches, and seek God’s blessing for the year ahead.

Come give thanks, encourage one another, and renew our commitment to serving our communities with faith and love. All are welcome!

Countering Christian Nationalism

Protect Our Democracy & Reclaim Christianity

Thursday, October 15, 6:00 – 8:00 PM

St. John’s Episcopal Church, Oakland

Join us for a screening of the newly updated documentary – “Bad Faith 2026” + food + learning, conversations, and action around this very important topic.

St. John’s Episcopal is one of our OCT (Oakland Churches Together) partners.

Free meal and child care provided. To register, click HERE

Additional details in flyer HERE

Bring family, friends, neighbors. It’s important for people to be aware of the intent and actions that are really going on behind the Christian Nationalism rhetoric.

Questions? Contact: Marlene Yamashita or Dan Strauss

Come & See

Introducing Intentional Inclusive Communities 

Friday, October 16, 1:00 – 3:00 PM

Online Via Zoom

What does it take to build communities where people can truly belong, participate, connect, and flourish?

Join the Center for Intentional Inclusive Community (C4IIC) for an interative introduction to Intentional Inclusive Community. 

To learn more and register for this event, CLICK HERE or scan the QR code in the flyer.

When Our Theology Harms:

Uprooting Christian Zionism Together

Four Consecutive Wednesdays

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)

Pastor Sunae at Conference Leaders Training

October 2 to 3

San Ramon UMC

Pastor Sunae will attend the California-Nevada Conference-wide Leaders Training on October 2-3 at San Ramon UMC. Please keep her and the Conference leaders in prayer as they learn together and prepare to serve the Conference, congregations, and communities.

Celebrating October Birthdays

Sunday, October 4th

This Sunday, October 4th, we will honor everyone who will be celebrating their birthdays in October. There will be birthday cake for all to share during fellowship time immediately following Worship. 

Children’s Sabbath

Sunday, October 11

Join us for Children’s Sabbath as LMUMC’s children and youth help lead worship. Tiffany Wycoff, founder of Generation Remix, and youths from her organization will speak about social media’s influence on young people and digital well-being.

After worship, stay for fellowship and a Q&A with the Generation Remix youth in the courtyard. Come celebrate our children, hear from young people, and join this important conversation. Families are invited to sit near the front so children and youth can easily join the opening and closing songs.

Music Director Jim Meredith to be on Vacation

September 23 – October 17

Pianist Ellen St. Thomas will be substituting for him for the 3 services during his absence. There will also be no choir practice during this period.

Joint Circuit Annual Church Charge Conference

November 15 at 2 PM

New Bridges UMC

Join the Alameda-Oakland Circuit for our Annual Joint Church Charge Conference! Together, we will celebrate the ministries of this past year, affirm the work of our churches, and seek God’s blessing for the year ahead.

Come give thanks, encourage one another, and renew our commitment to serving our communities with faith and love. All are welcome!

When Our Theology Harms:

Uprooting Christian Zionism Together

Four Consecutive Wednesdays

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)

Book Reading and Signing with Mary Elyn Bahlert

Sunday, October 11 at 4 PM

Lake Merritt UMC, Edwards Room

Join Mary Elyn Bahlert for a reading/signing event on the occasion of her first published book of poetry, Moments.  The event will be held on Sunday, October 11 at 4 pm in the Edwards Room. Her book is also available on Amazon HERE.

If you would like to volunteer to help set up or clean up for the event, please contact Sean in the Office by email or phone.

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:

Want to help make this event possible?

To RSVP:

Sign up to Volunteer with Our Food Pantry 

Friday, September 25 and Saturday, September 26

The LMUMC Food Program thanks all the congregation members who volunteered with our food pantry last month.

We invite members of the congregation and the public to volunteer. 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 Saturdays, volunteers will facilitate food distribution (8 AM – 10 AM).

If you are interested in serving through our ministries, click HERE.

Not free this month? Mark your calendar for later this year! See our future set-up and distribution dates below:

October 23 and 24 | November 20 and 21 | December 18 and 19

Pastor Sunae at Conference Leaders Training

October 2 to 3

San Ramon UMC

Pastor Sunae will attend the California-Nevada Conference-wide Leaders Training on October 2-3 at San Ramon UMC. Please keep her and the Conference leaders in prayer as they learn together and prepare to serve the Conference, congregations, and communities.

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:

Want to help make this event possible?

To RSVP: