Holiday Office Hours

December 22 – 23, 10 am – 12 pm

December 24 – January 02, Office Closed

Due to the need to travel and spend time with family and loved ones, the office hours will be reduced to 10am – 12pm on Monday, December 22 to Tuesday, December 23. The office will then be closed from Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day.

December 27 – January 04, Pastor Sunae on vacation

During Pastor Sunae’s time away, please direct any congregational care needs to Sue Dickey, Chair of Congregational Care. For urgent pastoral care emergencies, Rev. Myrna Bernadel-Huey will be available, with Sue Dickey coordinating care as needed.

Celebration of Life for Judi Ann Fabrizio

Saturday, January 17 at 11 AM

With grateful hearts for a life filled with love, generosity, and faith, we invite you to a Celebration of Life for Judi Ann Fabrizio on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Lake Merritt United Methodist Church.
.
Together, we will honor Judi’s beautiful spirit, give thanks for her life among us, and commend her into God’s everlasting embrace. A reception will follow the service, and all are welcome to stay, share stories, and support the family.
.
For those unable to attend in person, a Zoom option is available. Zoom link and details will be shared closer to the date.
.
Please hold Judi’s family, Wayne and Julie, and loved ones in your prayers during this tender season of remembrance and grief. We hold our Judi’s loving spirit in our hearts and prayers.
.
The Palestinian Reality Post Gaza Ceasefire:

A Time for Faithful Solidarity & Action

Saturday, January 24, 10 AM

New Bridges United Methodist Church 
1411 Oak Street
Alameda, CA 94501

The Bay District and Friends of Wadi Foquin invite you to save the date for this important gathering.

Since the United Nations approval of President Trump’s controversial 20 point peace plan for Gaza, Palestinians have continued to be killed there – and the West Bank experiences a slow, silent takeover of land.

Although the administration has publicly criticized Israel for plans to annex Palestinian land in the West Bank – de facto annexation takes place on a daily basis.. This event will provide an opportunity to hear about Palestinian reality on the ground and ways we can engage in faithful actions for an equitable peace in the Middle East.

For any questions contact Michael Yoshii at michaelyoshii1@gmail.com

 If you would like to submit an announcement for our weekly e-blast, please adhere to the guidelines found here. All submissions are due Tuesday by noon.

Annual Children’s Christmas Pageant

Sunday, December 21

Advent is here! That means we are counting down the days until the annual Christmas Pageant on Sunday, December 21. This is a no-rehearsal pageant titled “The Gifts of the Journey”. We will “journey” around the sanctuary looking for a special baby. All children are invited to participate, even visitors. So come to church in time to choose a simple costume representing a shepherd, a wise one, or an angel. The pageant will be during the children’s moment. Following the pageant, pre-schoolers will go to their regular class. The Godly Play group will stay in the service. Hope to see you all on the 21st.

Christmas Offering: Supporting UMCOR

Sunday, December 21

This Christmas, we invite you to share the love of Christ through our Christmas Offering on December 21, which will support UMCOR – the United Methodist Committee on Relief.

UMCOR provides emergency aid, disaster relief, refugee support, and long-term recovery for communities around the world. Your generosity helps bring hope where it is needed most. Thank you for shining Christ’s light through your giving.

Christmas Eve Service

Wednesday, December 24, 5:30 PM

Pre-Service Fellowship at 4:30 PM

Join together with other members of our Circuit Churches for a special Christmas Eve service at 5:30pm on Wednesday, December 24th, at New Bridges UMC in Alameda. (formally Twin Towers UMC).

New Bridges UMC is located at 1411 Oak Street, with on street parking on Central Ave. and garage parking across the street at 1416 Oak St.

 

Cookie Donations Needed for Pre-Service at 4:30 PM
If you are interested in donating cookies to the pre-service fellowship, please contact Ivana Heang at Ivana.ccumc@gmail.com or bring the cookies to New Bridges by 4 pm on December 24th. For more information, see this flyer.

Holiday Office Hours

December 22 – 23, 10 am – 12 pm

December 24 – January 02, Office Closed

Due to the need to travel and spend time with family and loved ones, the office hours will be reduced to 10am – 12pm on Monday, December 22 to Tuesday, December 23. The office will then be closed from Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day.

December 27 – January 04, Pastor Sunae on vacation

During Pastor Sunae’s time away, please direct any congregational care needs to Sue Dickey, Chair of Congregational Care. For urgent pastoral care emergencies, Rev. Myrna Bernadel-Huey will be available, with Sue Dickey coordinating care as needed.

Donations Needed During Advent

Through the end of the year, there will be baskets under the Christmas Tree ready to be filled with items that will be shared with our friends and neighbors in need. Connectional Ministries is grateful to be able to distribute your donations of new and gently used warm socks, hats/beanies, gloves/mittens, non-bulky blankets, and sleeping bags. New Hot Hands brand hand warmers, rain ponchos, and individually wrapped chocolates are also welcome.

Sunday Fellowship Hour Volunteers and Meals Needed for December

We all enjoy Fellowship after our Church Service on Sunday morning. Currently, we are low on people to help in the kitchen and to provide food. If you would like to volunteer in the kitchen, please contact Sue Dickey at sed5455@gmail.com. If you would like to prepare and bring a main dish, salad, or dessert during the month of December, please sign up on the clipboard in the Fellowship Hall after worship on Sunday.

Volunteers Needed: City of Oakland 2026 Point-in-Time Count

Thursday, January 22, 5 am – 12 pm

The City of Oakland is urgently seeking 500 volunteers for the vital 2026 Point-in-Time Count on Thursday, January 22, 2026. The Point-in-Time (PIT) Count is a bi-annual estimated census of people experiencing homelessness in a 24-hour period. It helps to track changes over time, measure the scale of homelessness, and secure critical funding and resources to combat homelessness in our city. This count, conducted in partnership with Alameda County, is more than just a survey. The more accurate our count, the better we can serve our community.

SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER: Here
Remember to select “OAKLAND” as your service location.
For more information visit their website at Oaklandca.gov/PITCount or contact them at pitcount@oaklandca.gov

Upcoming LMUMC Holiday Events

What’s happening at LMUMC this holiday season? How are we living into our core values of Christ, Community, and Cause? Find out 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 Tuesday by noon.

Annual Children’s Christmas Pageant

Sunday, December 21

Advent is here! That means we are counting down the days until the annual Christmas Pageant on Sunday, December 21. This is a no-rehearsal pageant titled “The Gifts of the Journey”. We will “journey” around the sanctuary looking for a special baby. All children are invited to participate, even visitors. So come to church in time to choose a simple costume representing a shepherd, a wise one, or an angel. The pageant will be during the children’s moment. Following the pageant, pre-schoolers will go to their regular class. The Godly Play group will stay in the service. Hope to see you all on the 21st.

Christmas Offering: Supporting UMCOR

Sunday, December 21

This Christmas, we invite you to share the love of Christ through our Christmas Offering on December 21, which will support UMCOR – the United Methodist Committee on Relief.

UMCOR provides emergency aid, disaster relief, refugee support, and long-term recovery for communities around the world. Your generosity helps bring hope where it is needed most. Thank you for shining Christ’s light through your giving.

Holiday Office Hours

December 22 – 23, 10 am – 12 pm

December 24 – January 02, Office Closed

December 27 – January 04, Pastor Sunae on vacation

Due to the need to travel and spend time with family and loved ones, the office hours will be reduced to 10am – 12pm on Monday, December 22 to Tuesday, December 23. The office will then be closed from Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day.

In addition, Pastor Sunae and the Church Administrator will both be out of office at times during this period. If you plan to hold an event or have other matters that would require the consideration of the office, please plan accordingly.

Donations Needed During Advent

Through the end of the year, there will be baskets under the Christmas Tree ready to be filled with items that will be shared with our friends and neighbors in need. Connectional Ministries is grateful to be able to distribute your donations of new and gently used warm socks, hats/beanies, gloves/mittens, non-bulky blankets, and sleeping bags. New Hot Hands brand hand warmers, rain ponchos, and individually wrapped chocolates are also welcome.

Sunday Fellowship Hour Volunteers and Meals Needed for December

We all enjoy Fellowship after our Church Service on Sunday morning. Currently, we are low on people to help in the kitchen and to provide food. If you would like to volunteer in the kitchen, please contact Sue Dickey at sed5455@gmail.com. If you would like to prepare and bring a main dish, salad, or dessert during the month of December, please sign up on the clipboard in the Fellowship Hall after worship on Sunday.

Volunteers Needed: City of Oakland 2026 Point-in-Time Count

Thursday, January 22, 5 am – 12 pm

The City of Oakland is urgently seeking 500 volunteers for the vital 2026 Point-in-Time Count on Thursday, January 22, 2026. The Point-in-Time (PIT) Count is a bi-annual estimated census of people experiencing homelessness in a 24-hour period. It helps to track changes over time, measure the scale of homelessness, and secure critical funding and resources to combat homelessness in our city. This count, conducted in partnership with Alameda County, is more than just a survey. The more accurate our count, the better we can serve our community.

SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER: Here
Remember to select “OAKLAND” as your service location.
For more information visit their website at Oaklandca.gov/PITCount or contact them at pitcount@oaklandca.gov

Upcoming LMUMC Holiday Events

What’s happening at LMUMC this holiday season? How are we living into our core values of Christ, Community, and Cause? Find out 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 Tuesday by noon.

Sunday Fellowship Hour Volunteers and Meals Needed for December

We all enjoy Fellowship after our Church Service on Sunday morning. Currently, we are low on people to help in the kitchen and to provide food. If you would like to volunteer in the kitchen, please contact Sue Dickey at sed5455@gmail.com. If you would like to prepare and bring a main dish, salad, or dessert during the month of December, please sign up on the clipboard in the Fellowship Hall after worship on Sunday.

Donations Needed During Advent

Through the end of the year, there will be baskets under the Christmas Tree ready to be filled with items that will be shared with our friends and neighbors in need. Connectional Ministries is grateful to be able to distribute your donations of new and gently used warm socks, hats/beanies, gloves/mittens, non-bulky blankets, and sleeping bags. New Hot Hands brand hand warmers, rain ponchos, and individually wrapped chocolates are also welcome.

Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir Holiday Concert

Saturday, December 6 at 7 PM

Folks who attend Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir’s annual holiday concert find it to be one of their most joy-filled evenings of the year! Hope in Harmony is this year’s theme, which is something we can all use a dose of in these troubling times. It is also their 40th anniversary concert! Come see if you can spot LMUMC members Dan Strauss and Juliet Hannafin on the stage. Get your tickets soon. There’s no guarantee how long the discount will apply.

For additional event details, check out the flyer HERE. To purchase tickets, click HERE.

Celebrating December Birthdays

Sunday, December 7

This Sunday, December 7th, we will be honoring everyone who will be celebrating their birthdays in December. There will be birthday cake for all to share during Fellowship time immediately following Worship.

Steadfast Resistance: Community Market

Sunday, December 7, 3 PM – 6 PM

Did you miss the Holiday Market last week supporting the village of Wadi Foquin in Palestine’s West Bank? Here is another holiday solidarity shopping opportunity being held right in our church, organized by Interfaith for Palestine network. Steadfast Resistance will be held on Sunday, Dec 7, from 3-6 pm in the Stark Room. The event will include a Community Market and program, including a play and testimonies from a recent visit to the West Bank by Rev. Allison Tanner of Lakeshore Baptist Church. The event will wrap up with an outdoor communal ritual reminding us to be steadfast in our hope for Palestinian liberation.
To volunteer to support the event, email Rose Lynn at roselynn20@gmail.com.
Annual Children’s Christmas Pageant

Sunday, December 21

Advent is here! That means we are counting down the days until the annual Christmas Pageant on Sunday, December 21. This is a no-rehearsal pageant titled “The Gifts of the Journey”. We will “journey” around the sanctuary looking for a special baby. All children are invited to participate, even visitors. So come to church in time to choose a simple costume representing a shepherd, a wise one, or an angel. The pageant will be during the children’s moment. Following the pageant, pre-schoolers will go to their regular class. The Godly Play group will stay in the service and hear the Christmas story and special music. Hope to see you all on the 21st.

Celebration of Life for Judi Ann Fabrizio

Saturday, January 17 at 11 AM

With grateful hearts for a life filled with love, generosity, and faith, we invite you to a Celebration of Life for Judi Ann Fabrizio on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Lake Merritt United Methodist Church.
Together, we will honor Judi’s beautiful spirit, give thanks for her life among us, and commend her into God’s everlasting embrace. A reception will follow the service, and all are welcome to stay, share stories, and support the family.
For those unable to attend in person, a Zoom option is available. Zoom link and details will be shared closer to the date.
Please hold Judi’s family, Wayne and Julie, and loved ones in your prayers during this tender season of remembrance and grief. We hold our Judi’s loving spirit in our hearts and prayers.

Church Administrator Out-of-Office

December 15th to 31st

The Church Administrator will be out of the office from December 15 – 31. If you have any business that needs attending to from the Church Office, such as event announcements, reservation requests, etc., please try to submit that material by next Thursday, December 11.

Upcoming LMUMC Holiday Events

What’s happening at LMUMC this holiday season? How are we living into our core values of Christ, Community, and Cause? Find out here!

Sign-Up for Church & Society “Faith in Action” Newsletter

The UMC General Board of Church and Society invites you to subscribe to their Faith in Action newsletter, which includes insights into social justice issues, inspiring stories, and actionable steps to make a difference in our churches, communities, country and the world. It’s a meaningful way to stay informed and connected to efforts for justice and peace that are driven by our United Methodist Social Principles.

If you’d like to join this community, you can sign up HERE.

New Parking Permits for 1st Ave. Parking Lot

Friends, in order to ensure that the 1st Ave. church parking lot remains available for church staff, volunteers, and regular users of our church, we are instituting a Parking Permit system.

 

These permits only apply to long-term renters and LMUMC Staff. Members and periodic volunteers do not need a Permit; therefore, please do not be concerned if you see other cars with the bright, red Parking Permit while you do not have one.

 

I you often leave your car parked in our lot for extended periods of time, then please come by the Church Office to see if you should have a Parking Permit. We will begin distributing permits later this week.

Community Alert: Preparing Together for ICE mobilizations

May we stand in solidarity and peace amid uncertainty after 100 federal agents were dispatched to Coast Guard Base Alameda last month. Stay informed, stay united: Know Your Rights and Support our community.  See important information HERE.

 Many Ways to Help Our Food Ministry  

Our food ministry program needs more help from the congregation. Please review and complete this survey (here), which includes a list of all the ways you can volunteer. There are many options, and some can be done from home. You don’t need to make a long-term commitment, just check out the experience and decide from there if and how you want to help.  Contact Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell or Tom Huetteman if you have questions

 If you would like to submit an announcement for our weekly e-blast, please adhere to the guidelines found here. All submissions are due Tuesday by noon.

Church Office Closed in Observance of Thanksgiving

Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28

The Church Office will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27, and Friday, November 28 in observance of the holiday. Regular office hours will resume on Monday.  We wish you and your loved ones a blessed and restful Thanksgiving!

Sunday Fellowship Hour Volunteers and Meals Needed for December

We all enjoy Fellowship after our Church Service on Sunday morning. Currently, we are low on people to help in the kitchen and to provide food. If you would like to volunteer in the kitchen, please contact Sue Dickey at sed5455@gmail.com. If you would like to prepare and bring a main dish, salad, or dessert during the month of December, please sign up on the clipboard in the Fellowship Hall after worship on Sunday.

Donations Needed During Advent

Through the end of the year, there will be baskets under the Christmas Tree ready to be filled with items that will be shared with our friends and neighbors in need. Connectional Ministries is grateful to be able to distribute your donations of new and gently used warm socks, hats/beanies, gloves/mittens, non-bulky blankets, and sleeping bags. New Hot Hands brand hand warmers, rain ponchos, and individually wrapped chocolates are also welcome.

Celebration of Life for Edward Morse Hazzard

Sunday, November 30 at 3 PM

You are invited to a Celebration of Life for Edward Morse Hazzard on Sunday, November 30, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at Lake Merritt United Methodist Church.
We will gather to give thanks for Ed’s life, remember his love and kindness, and commend him into God’s eternal care. A reception will follow the service in the fellowship hall. Please keep Ed’s family, Norm and Naomi in your prayers in this tender time.
See below for the Zoom link for those who are unable to attend in person.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87993979913
Meeting ID: 879 9397 9913
Passcode: 326043

Celebration of Life for Judi Ann Fabrizio

Saturday, January 17 at 11 AM

With grateful hearts for a life filled with love, generosity, and faith, we invite you to a Celebration of Life for Judi Ann Fabrizio on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Lake Merritt United Methodist Church.
Together, we will honor Judi’s beautiful spirit, give thanks for her life among us, and commend her into God’s everlasting embrace. A reception will follow the service, and all are welcome to stay, share stories, and support the family.
For those unable to attend in person, a Zoom option is available. Zoom link and details will be shared closer to the date.
Please hold Judi’s family, Wayne and Julie, and loved ones in your prayers during this tender season of remembrance and grief. We hold our Judi’s loving spirit in our hearts and prayers.
Friends of Wadi Foquin Holiday Bazaar

Sunday, November 30, Fellowship Hour

Join our Peace in Palestine small group for a Holiday Bazaar during Fellowship Hour on Nov 30th to raise funds for Friends of Wadi Foquin. Browse beautiful local and handmade products from Palestine—perfect for meaningful Christmas gifts. All proceeds will go directly to support partner programs in the village, including: Green Valley Soccer Academy (serving more than 100 children), the Emergency Fund for families experiencing food insecurity, and the purchase of new farm equipment to strengthen local livelihoods.

For more information, see the flyer HERE

Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir Holiday Concert

Saturday, December 6 at 7 PM

Folks who attend Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir’s annual holiday concert find it to be one of their most joy-filled evenings of the year! Hope in Harmony is this year’s theme, which is something we can all use a dose of in these troubling times. It is also their 40th anniversary concert! Come see if you can spot LMUMC members Dan Strauss and Juliet Hannafin on the stage. Get your tickets soon. There’s no guarantee how long the discount will apply.

For additional event details, check out the flyer HERE. To purchase tickets, click HERE.

To receive a 30% discount on your ticket purchase, go to General Tickets, click the UNLOCK button and enter code OIGC40 (all sections except VIP). Then, select your seats and check out! (If you select seats before entering the code, the discount won’t be applied.)

Annual Children’s Christmas Pageant

Sunday, December 21

Advent is here! That means we are counting down the days until the annual Christmas Pageant on Sunday, December 21. This is a no rehearsal pageant titled “The Gifts of the Journey”. We will “journey” around the sanctuary looking for a special baby. All children are invited to participate, even visitors. So come to church in time to choose a simple costume representing a shepherd, a wise one, or an angel. The pageant will be during the children’s moment. Following the pageant, pre-schoolers will go to their regular class. The Godly Play group will stay in the service and hear the Christmas story and special music. Hope to see you all on the 21st.

Upcoming LMUMC Holiday Events

What’s happening at LMUMC this holiday season? How are we living into our core values of Christ, Community, and Cause? Find out here!

Sign-Up for Church & Society “Faith in Action” Newsletter

The UMC General Board of Church and Society invites you to subscribe to their Faith in Action newsletter, which includes insights into social justice issues, inspiring stories, and actionable steps to make a difference in our churches, communities, country and the world. It’s a meaningful way to stay informed and connected to efforts for justice and peace that are driven by our United Methodist Social Principles.

If you’d like to join this community, you can sign up HERE.

New Parking Permits for 1st Ave. Parking Lot

Friends, in order to ensure that the 1st Ave. church parking lot remains available for church staff, volunteers, and regular users of our church, we are instituting a Parking Permit system.

 

These permits only apply to long-term renters and LMUMC Staff. Members and periodic volunteers do not need a Permit; therefore, please do not be concerned if you see other cars with the bright, red Parking Permit while you do not have one.

 

I you often leave your car parked in our lot for extended periods of time, then please come by the Church Office to see if you should have a Parking Permit. We will begin distributing permits later this week.

Community Alert: Preparing Together for ICE mobilizations

May we stand in solidarity and peace amid uncertainty after 100 federal agents were dispatched to Coast Guard Base Alameda last month. Stay informed, stay united: Know Your Rights and Support our community.  See important information HERE.

 Many Ways to Help Our Food Ministry  

Our food ministry program needs more help from the congregation. Please review and complete this survey (here), which includes a list of all the ways you can volunteer. There are many options, and some can be done from home. You don’t need to make a long-term commitment, just check out the experience and decide from there if and how you want to help.  Contact Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell or Tom Huetteman if you have questions

 If you would like to submit an announcement for our weekly e-blast, please adhere to the guidelines found here. All submissions are due Tuesday by noon.

Thanksgiving Meal Volunteer Sign-up

Our 40th annual Community Thanksgiving meal will soon arrive!  We are excited to report that all volunteer slots are currently filled; however, there are still ways for you to help! LMUMC members are encouraged to attend and serve as hosts and greeters for the event.  Let’s make our 40th Thanksgiving meal extra special! For questions, contact Kathleen Bell or Tom Huetteman.

Sunday Fellowship Hour Volunteers and Meals Needed for December

We all enjoy Fellowship after our Church Service on Sunday morning. Currently, we are low on people to help in the kitchen and to provide food. If you would like to volunteer in the kitchen, please contact Sue Dickey at sed5455@gmail.com. If you would like to prepare and bring a main dish, salad, or dessert during the month of December, please sign up on the clipboard in the Fellowship Hall after worship on Sunday.

New Parking Permits for 1st Ave. Parking Lot

Friends, in order to ensure that the 1st Ave. church parking lot remains available for church staff, volunteers, and regular users of our church, we are instituting a Parking Permit system.

 

These permits only apply to long-term renters and LMUMC Staff. Members and periodic volunteers do not need a Permit; therefore, please do not be concerned if you see other cars with the bright, red Parking Permit while you do not have one.

 

I you often leave your car parked in our lot for extended periods of time, then please come by the Church Office to see if you should have a Parking Permit. We will begin distributing permits later this week.

Meal Train Support for Wayne

We keep the Fabrizio family in our hearts and prayers during this difficult time.  Judi was steadfast and faithful for many of us during the different seasons of our lives that brought comfort, joy, love and care.

Would you support Wayne and Julie with the 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.  If you wish to support them through their meal train, please sign up HERE.

Calling All Elves To Help Make Ornaments

Sunday, November 23

Please join us after Worship on Sunday, November 23rd to make Christmas ornaments. Everyone is invited to gather in the Stark Room for Fellowship and to craft simple ornaments for our Church Christmas tree.
No crafting experience is necessary, and we need many helping hands for this fun activity! Our children will decorate the tree on Sunday, November 30th, during Worship.
City of Oakland Community Day of Thanks

Tuesday, November 25

The City of Oakland invites our community’s unhoused residents, seniors, and low-income families throughout the city to enjoy a delicious FREE turkey lunch at the beautiful Oakland Marriott City Center from 11 AM to 1 PM.

Meals will also be distributed by various local organizations, including LMUMC, through our regular Lake Lunches program. If you or someone you know might benefit from a free meal, click the links below to find out more about the 12 meal distribution sites participating in this event.

City of Oakland Community Day of Thanks Flyer

ENGLISH | CHINESE

Celebration of Life for Edward Morse Hazzard

Sunday, November 30 at 3 PM

You are invited to a Celebration of Life for Edward Morse Hazzard on Sunday, November 30, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at Lake Merritt United Methodist Church.
We will gather to give thanks for Ed’s life, remember his love and kindness, and commend him into God’s eternal care. A reception will follow the service in the fellowship hall. Please keep Ed’s family, Norm and Naomi in your prayers in this tender time.
See below for the Zoom link for those who are unable to attend in person.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87993979913
Meeting ID: 879 9397 9913
Passcode: 326043

Celebration of Life for Judi Ann Fabrizio

Saturday, January 17 at 11 AM

With grateful hearts for a life filled with love, generosity, and faith, we invite you to a Celebration of Life for Judi Ann Fabrizio on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Lake Merritt United Methodist Church.
Together, we will honor Judi’s beautiful spirit, give thanks for her life among us, and commend her into God’s everlasting embrace. A reception will follow the service, and all are welcome to stay, share stories, and support the family.
For those unable to attend in person, a Zoom option is available. Zoom link and details will be shared closer to the date.
Please hold Judi’s family, Wayne and Julie, and loved ones in your prayers during this tender season of remembrance and grief. We hold our Judi’s loving spirit in our hearts and prayers.

Bay Area Religious Nationalism Tour: An Interfaith Conversation and Response

The Weaponization of Hinduism in Northern California and the Relationships to Global Religious Nationalisms

November 20-23

The Religious Nationalisms Project (TRNP) of the New York State Council of Churches, in partnership with representatives from the Indian American Muslim Council (IAMC) in California, is organizing a series of seminars in the Bay Area from November 19 to 24, 2025, on the theme of Religious Nationalisms, with a special focus on Hindutva as a central case study. These seminars will also explore Christian nationalism.

To RSVP for any of the dialogues listed below, click HERE

Seminar Schedule:

November 20, United Methodist Church of Roseville, Roseville, 6:00 to 8:30
November 21, First Church Berkeley, United Church of Christ, Berkeley, 6:30 to 9:00
November 22, Buena Vista United Methodist Church, Alameda, 12:00 to 3:00
November 22, Sikh Gurdwara Sahib in San Jose, 5:30 to 8:30
November 23, Christ UMC, Santa Rosa, 9:30 (worship) 11:00 to 1:30 (Program)

Oakland Churches Together (OCT) Gratitude Service and Simple Supper

Sunday, November 23 at 5 PM

Join together with people from the ecumenical group OCT (Oakland Churches Together) for a Gratitude Service and Simple Supper. This is a coming together by several local churches for a short service of prayer, Scripture, poetry, and music, followed by gratitudes, and a simple supper of soup, bread, and dessert.  Your Lake Merritt representatives to OCT (Dan S. & Marlene Y.) will be there. If you want to RSVP or have questions, please RSVP to Actionandjustice@stjohnsoakland.org or talk with Marlene Yamashita (925-286-9682, maryamca@att.net) or with Dan Strauss (510-504-4765, danjeffstrauss@gmail.com).  For more details, click HERE.
Friends of Wadi Foquin Holiday Bazaar

Sunday, November 30, Fellowship Hour

Join our Peace in Palestine small group for a Holiday Bazaar during Fellowship Hour on Nov 30th to raise funds for Friends of Wadi Foquin. Browse beautiful local and handmade products from Palestine—perfect for meaningful Christmas gifts. All proceeds will go directly to support partner programs in the village, including: Green Valley Soccer Academy (serving more than 100 children), the Emergency Fund for families experiencing food insecurity, and the purchase of new farm equipment to strengthen local livelihoods.

For more information, see the flyer HERE

Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir Holiday Concert

Saturday, December 6 at 7 PM

Folks who attend Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir’s annual holiday concert find it to be one of their most joy-filled evenings of the year! Hope in Harmony is this year’s theme, which is something we can all use a dose of in these troubling times. It is also their 40th anniversary concert! Come see if you can spot LMUMC members Dan Strauss and Juliet Hannafin on the stage. Get your tickets soon. There’s no guarantee how long the discount will apply.

For additional event details, check out the flyer HERE. To purchase tickets, click HERE.

To receive a 30% discount on your ticket purchase, go to General Tickets, click the UNLOCK button and enter code OIGC40 (all sections except VIP). Then, select your seats and check out! (If you select seats before entering the code, the discount won’t be applied.)

Upcoming LMUMC Holiday Events

What’s happening at LMUMC this holiday season? How are we living into our core values of Christ, Community, and Cause? Find out here!

Sign-Up for Church & Society “Faith in Action” Newsletter

The UMC General Board of Church and Society invites you to subscribe to their Faith in Action newsletter, which includes insights into social justice issues, inspiring stories, and actionable steps to make a difference in our churches, communities, country and the world. It’s a meaningful way to stay informed and connected to efforts for justice and peace that are driven by our United Methodist Social Principles.

If you’d like to join this community, you can sign up HERE.

Community Alert: Preparing Together for ICE mobilizations

May we stand in solidarity and peace amid uncertainty after 100 federal agents were dispatched to Coast Guard Base Alameda last month. Stay informed, stay united: Know Your Rights and Support our community.  See important information HERE.

 Many Ways to Help Our Food Ministry  

Our food ministry program needs more help from the congregation. Please review and complete this survey (here), which includes a list of all the ways you can volunteer. There are many options, and some can be done from home. You don’t need to make a long-term commitment, just check out the experience and decide from there if and how you want to help.  Contact Rose Lynn Abesamis-Bell or Tom Huetteman if you have questions

 If you would like to submit an announcement for our weekly e-blast, please adhere to the guidelines found here. All submissions are due Tuesday by noon.