Please read ALL of the ANNOUNCEMENTS!
Ash Wednesday Taizé Service
5 p.m. Wednesday, February 14
Join us in the LMUMC sanctuary for an early evening Ash Wednesday Taizé service to begin the season of Lent. The imposition of ashes is a reminder of God’s grace as we come into the presence of the One who is always forgiving, always merciful, always compassionate, always loving.
Super Bowl Sacking Cold Challenge
Warm Clothing Drive
While we all huddle in our homes as we are hit by storm after storm, let’s help our neighbors stay warm as part of our Lake Lunches. This Sunday, February 11th, please bring in warm clothing, sox, hats and mittens, and hand warmers to church. We will have a shelf set up to receive all donations. You may also bring in items to the documentary screening of “A Rising Tide” on Thursday, February 15th.
Film Screening of Local Documentary on Homelessness
6 p.m. Thursday, February 15
Thursday, February 15, all are welcome to LMUMC for a free screening of the documentary film “A Rising Tide: A Look at Homelessness in Alameda County.” We will have a free soup and salad meal at 6 pm followed at 6:30 pm by a screening of the 90-minute film. At 8 pm join a discussion on how we can respond in new ways as a church and community. Invite your friends and register at this
link.
Virginia Turner’s 100th birthday celebration
February 18th after worship
You are cordially invited to Virginia Turner’s 100th birthday celebration! Join the church community and Virginia’s friends and family after worship on February 18 in the Stark Fellowship Hall.
Circling Up for Peace
We are individuals who desire to connect with others in our church family to listen, share, and offer support in the face of the ongoing violence Palestine and Israel. We were grateful to share some of the ongoing conversation and support we’ve been offering one another during this time of crisis with the broader church family during fellowship hour on Sunday, January 21. Thank you to Rev. Ken Schoon, our guest preacher, for his reflections on how these events abroad connect to us here in Oakland.
This circle of conversation and action is open to all who are seeking space to expand understanding, to grieve, to connect and share personal experiences, and to those who may want to act in solidarity in a variety of ways individually or as a collective. We acknowledge the multiple perspectives and commit to listening to one another as an act of love. If you would like to connect, please complete this form or reach out to any of us: Sherri Elinson, Linda Weingarten, Becky Dean, Raja and Jane Sliheet, Dan Strauss, and Rev. Dale Tremper.
Liberation Theology in Palestine & Beyond
A 5-week Lenten study
How do we read the Bible against the current reality in the Holy Land? What is the covenantal relationship between God, people, and the land? Who are God’s chosen people? What do Palestinian Christians—who belong to the oldest Christian community in the world—have to say about all of this?
Join this 5-week Lenten study of Christian liberation theology featuring readings by Palestinian pastors and theologians, including Rev. Dr. Mitri Raheb and Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac. This study is sponsored by Friends of Wadi Foquin and led by Rev. Ken Schoon with readings selected from his recent course taught at the Graduate Theological Union.
Sundays, 1:30-3pm at Lake Merritt UMC
February 25; March 3, 10, 17, and 24
Register
here to sign up and receive the readings.
Interfaith Gospel Choir Concert
7 p.m. Sunday, February 11th
The Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir returns to the legendary Freight & Salvage in Berkeley for its 9th Annual Black History Month Celebration this Sunday, February 11 at 7 pm.
A history lesson through song, OIGC presents a variety of music, from traditional to contemporary gospel, and performs Negro spirituals with an authenticity not often found outside of the South. Experience the music and energy up close and personal in an intimate space. See a familiar face (Dan Strauss) on stage! Tickets for this fan-favorite concert are going fast – get yours today!
https://secure.thefreight.org/13497/oakland-interfaith-gospel-choir
Please read ALL of the ANNOUNCEMENTS!
Ash Wednesday Taizé Service
5 p.m. Wednesday, February 14
Join us for an early evening Ash Wednesday Taizé service to begin the season of Lent. The imposition of ashes is a reminder of God’s grace as we come into the presence of the One who is always forgiving, always merciful, always compassionate, always loving.
Super Bowl Sacking Cold Challenge
Warm Clothing Drive
While we all huddle in our homes as we are hit by storm after storm, let’s help our neighbors stay warm as part of our Lake Lunches. For the next two Sundays, February 4th & 11th, please bring in warm clothing, sox, hats and mittens, and hand warmers to church. We will have a shelf set up to receive all donations. You may also bring in items to the documentary screening of “A Rising Tide” on Thursday, February 15th.
Film Screening of Local Documentary on Homelessness
6 p.m. Thursday, February 15
Thursday, February 15, all are welcome to LMUMC for a free screening of the documentary film “A Rising Tide: A Look at Homelessness in Alameda County.” We will have a free soup and salad meal at 6 pm followed at 6:30 pm by a screening of the 90-minute film. At 8 pm join a discussion on how we can respond in new ways as a church and community. Invite your friends and register at this
link.
Virginia Turner’s 100th birthday celebration
February 18th after worship
You are cordially invited to Virginia Turner’s 100th birthday celebration! Join us after worship on February 18 in the Stark Fellowship Hall.
Please read ALL of the ANNOUNCEMENTS!
Confirmation Class 2024
2nd & 4th Sundays, January 28 – May 12
Buena Vista UMC & Lake Merritt UMC present Methodist Confirmation Class for High School aged students! Meetings will be held on 2nd & 4th Sundays, 10:45 am – 12:45 pm at Buena Vista UMC in Alameda, beginning January 28th. Lunch will be provided. See the flyer below for more information.
Film Screening of Local Documentary on Homelessness
6 p.m. Thursday, February 15
Thursday, February 15, all are welcome to LMUMC for a free screening of the documentary film “A Rising Tide, A look at homelessness in Alameda County.” We will have a free soup and salad meal at 6pm followed at 6:30 pm by a screening of the 90 minute film. At 8pm join a discussion on how we can respond in new ways as a church and community. Invite your friends and register at this
link.
Please read ALL of the ANNOUNCEMENTS!
Confirmation Class 2024
2nd & 4th Sundays, January 28 – May 12
Buena Vista UMC & Lake Merritt UMC present Methodist Confirmation Class for High School aged students! Meetings will be held on 2nd & 4th Sundays, 10:45 am – 12:45 pm at Buena Vista UMC in Alameda, beginning January 28th. Lunch will be provided. See the flyer below for more information.
Bake Sale Fundraiser
Hello! My name is Sofia Bell and I am a junior at Berkeley High School. I was recently accepted to take part in a service trip to Turrialba, Costa Rica this summer through the program Global Glimpse. The purpose of this program is to bridge gaps between people all over the world and to provide helping hands to communities that lack proper food, shelter, water, education, and health services. In the past, Global Glimpse has helped build aqueducts, sheds, furniture for community spaces, and more. Furthermore, Global Glimpse helps develop students’ leadership and teamwork skills through numerous workshops and projects both during and outside of the trip. I am looking forward to traveling, helping others, meeting people from all over the world, and being immersed in a new culture.
This is all to say that I will be running a bake sale in Fellowship Hour after the service on January 21, 2024, to help fund my trip. If you are interested in buying some baked goods, I will be prepared to accept cash and Venmo. If you are interested in donating digitally, the link here: https://globalglimpse.org/portal/donatestudent.php can be used along with my ID # 30850. I appreciate you reading this message and hope to see you there!
Pastor Sunae, Pastor Dale, and Deacon Ken will be attending the Gathering of the Orders in Livermore 1/23-1/25
Please read ALL of the ANNOUNCEMENTS!
Sound Bath
6:45 p.m., Friday, January 12th
Take time out to breathe at our monthly Sound Bath Experience on Friday, Jan. 12th. Relax in a chair or on the floor with your own mat, blanket, and/or pillow as you are surrounded by meditative vibrations and melodies.
Admittance for the church community is donation-based. No RSVP needed. Doors open at 6:30 pm; please arrive by 6:45. Program begins at 7:00.
Youth Luncheon
Sunday, January 14th
On Sunday, January 14th, right after worship, Lake Merritt UMC will host a family luncheon about our new youth program and upcoming joint confirmation class with Buena Vista UMC. Lunch will be provided. This is your chance to offer suggestions and/or get involved!
Confirmation Class 2024
2nd & 4th Sundays, January 28 – May 12
Buena Vista UMC & Lake Merritt UMC present Methodist Confirmation Class for High School aged students! Meetings will be held on 2nd & 4th Sundays, 10:45 am – 12:45 pm at Buena Vista UMC in Alameda, beginning January 28th. Lunch will be provided. See the flyer below for more information.
Church Leadership Virtual Training
Saturday, Jan 20th, 9am – 12:30pm
The California-Nevada Conference is offering a virtual Church Leaders’ Training on Saturday, January 20, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM. The event on Zoom will provide critical information and updates to help your church function well during these times.
There will be specific trainings for Pastors, Lay Leaders, Administrative Board Council Chairs, SPRC/PPRC, Treasurers, Finance Committee Members, Trustees, and Nominations Committee Members. We strongly encourage not only your attendance but also the participation of both new and returning church officers, committee members, emerging leaders, and others who may be thinking of serving in your church. This training is an excellent opportunity for everyone to stay informed and equipped.
To register, click here. If you cannot attend the meeting due to a scheduling conflict, please still register so we can send you the recordings when they are available. The deadline to register is January 15th.
Rabbi David J. Cooper in conversation at Twin Towers UMC
6 p.m., Wednesday, Jan 17 in-person and on Zoom
David Cooper is Rabbi Emeritus and co-founder of Kehilla Community Synagogue in the Oakland Piedmont area. The synagogue is dedicated to a progressive vision of social activism inspired by the writings of the Hebrew prophets. Rabbi Cooper has supported equal rights and dignity for all Israelis and Palestinians and has been active against the occupation of the West Bank and Gaza.
This event is brought to you by Twin Towers UMC and Alameda Friends & Family for Ceasefire. To participate on Zoom, register here.
Rev. Dr. Dale Tremper is on vacation through Jan 14, 2024.
The church office will be closed on Monday, Jan 16th in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Please read ALL of the ANNOUNCEMENTS!
Confirmation Class 2024
2nd & 4th Sundays, January 28 – May 12
Buena Vista UMC & Lake Merritt UMC present Methodist Confirmation Class for High School aged students! Meetings will be held on 2nd & 4th Sundays, 10:45 am – 12:45 pm at Buena Vista UMC in Alameda, beginning January 28th. Lunch will be provided. See the flyer below for more information.
Youth Luncheon
Sunday, January 14th
On Sunday, January 14th, right after worship, Lake Merritt UMC will host a family luncheon about our new youth program and upcoming joint confirmation class with Buena Vista UMC. Lunch will be provided. This is your chance to offer suggestions and/or get involved!
Food 4 Thought Change
Food 4 Thought will not be meeting on January 7th, our next gathering will be on the first Sunday of February.
Church Leadership Virtual Training
Saturday, Jan 20th, 9am – 12:30pm
The California-Nevada Conference is offering a virtual Church Leaders’ Training on Saturday, January 20, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM. The event on Zoom will provide critical information and updates to help your church function well during these times.
There will be specific trainings for Pastors, Lay Leaders, Administrative Board Council Chairs, SPRC/PPRC, Treasurers, Finance Committee Members, Trustees, and Nominations Committee Members. We strongly encourage not only your attendance but also the participation of both new and returning church officers, committee members, emerging leaders, and others who may be thinking of serving in your church. This training is an excellent opportunity for everyone to stay informed and equipped.
To register, click here. If you cannot attend the meeting due to a scheduling conflict, please still register so we can send you the recordings when they are available. The deadline to register is January 15th.
Friends of Wadi Foquin Palestine 101 Teach-In
Friday, Jan 5th, 6-8pm at Castro Valley UMC
At this teach-in sponsored by Friends of Wadi Foquin, we will review a brief history and background to Palestine & Israel, hear from a young adult who grew up under Israeli occupation in the West Bank, and identify actions everyone can take for ceasefire and a just peace. Register here and click on the flyer below for more information.
Rev. Dr. Dale Tremper is on vacation from Jan 7 – Jan 14, 2024.
