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.
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.
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.
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.
Voci Women’s Vocal Ensemble Concerts
April 12th and 19th
In these concerts, Voci will celebrate the beauty of fresh beginnings in the world around us as well as within us. Through music by Daniel Brinsmead, Veljo Tormis, Libby Larsen, Diane White-Clayton and more, Voci will present the growth, birth and bounty of Spring. As nature’s renewal comes alive through music, we hope you will be inspired with a sense of hope and love that Spring brings!
Join Voci on April 12th in Berkeley and on April 19th in Orinda. Tickets and details are at VociSings.org
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.
Holy Week & Easter Schedule
We invite you to join us for a meaningful and joy-filled Holy Week as we journey together from the cross to the resurrection.
