Unitarian Universalists
Rev. Mat Alspaugh will speak on “Gratitude Games” at the next meeting of the Lake Chapala Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Sunday, November 25.
We’ve learned that gratitude is not merely a feeling that comes to you. It is a state that you can consciously create and amplify, even share with others. We will explore some practices, rituals, even games for creating greater gratitude in ourselves and our families. We will include a gratitude ritual, a UU Bread Communion, where we will share bread brought from home that is meaningful to us, perhaps part of our heritage or important in our current life. You are encouraged to bring a loaf of your meaningful bread, if possible; made or bought is okay. Liz Moulder is the service leader.
The Unitarians meet Sundays, 10:30 a.m., at Hidalgo 261, on the Carretera in Riberas del Pilar, opposite the Catholic Church.
Abundant Life Church
Believe it or not, your greatest mistake can become your greatest testimony. God has a way of not only giving you a way out when you are tempted, He can also change that moment into your victory and a victory for others as well. Sunday, November 25, we give God thanks for all He has done in our lives. Each one of our victories will actually become a victory for other believers if we allow it.
Abundant Life Church’s worship service in English is held Sundays, 10 a.m., and Bible Study, Wednesday, 3 p.m. Spanish-language services are Sundays at noon. Spanish Bible studies are on Wednesday, 6:45 p.m. A children’s ministry is held Saturday, noon, and bilingual youth meet Sunday, 6:30 p.m. Communion is celebrated the first Sunday of each month.
The church is at Carretera Chapala-Jocotepec 140, San Antonio Tlayacapan, a block from Super Lake. Information: 331-417-7038.
Lakeside Presbyterian
What or Who is the Church? Sunday, November 25, Pastor Bill Nichols takes as his scripture Matthew 16:13-20. In that passage, Peter declares to Jesus, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” In response, Jesus tells Peter, “On this rock I will build my church.”
Lakeside Presbyterian continues ministering to the the hungry, poor, needy and those needing assistance to better their lives. Following the Biblical instruction to clothe and feed the needy brings joy to all involved. Jai Cartwright and her amazing kitchen troops produce thousands of meals every month. Students who no longer go to school hungry are now excelling. The talent and desire are there, all that is needed is a helping hand!
Fresh produce is always more than welcome: if you have surplus from your garden or fruit trees, drop off whatever you can at the church, and we’ll look after the rest. God bless you for helping.
Thursday, November 29, is Movie Night; popcorn included with free admission.
Free English, computer and sewing classes (for Spanish speakers) are held Saturday, 10:30 a.m., at the church. We need more English instructors. Could you help? Contact LPC’s office at (376) 106-0853.
Lakeside Presbyterian Church, San Jorge 250, Riberas del Pilar. English services, Sunday, 10 a.m., Spanish services, 9 a.m. Sunday School for Adults, 8:30 a.m. in the Library, Pastor’s Forum, 11:15 a.m. following worship. Fridays, Bible Study at 9:45 a.m. in the Library.
St. Andrew’s Anglican
Sunday, November 25, Rev. Winston Welty will preside and preach.
St. Andrew’s service of Holy Eucharist begins Sunday, 10 a.m., and bilingual Sunday School starts at 9:45 a.m. Coffee hour and a time of fellowship and welcome follow the service.
St. Andrew’s annual Carol Sing at the church will be Friday, December 7. Social hour is 4:30 p.m. and a potluck dinner at 5:30 p.m. Guests are asked to bring either a main dish, side dish or salad. Dessert will be provided. The Carol Sing begins after dinner. A 50-peso donation is required.
Every Sunday, Operation Feed, the program supported by St. Andrew’s, welcomes donations of non-perishable food items. Boxed milk and empty cardboard egg cartons are especially welcome, in addition to rice, beans, pasta, lentils, garbanzos, oats, oil and salt. The parish distributes the donations to Lakeside’s neediest families.
Decluttering? Clearing out your closet? If you are, don’t forget St. Andrew’s resale shop, Todo Bueno. Every donation or consignment made benefits the Outreach Ministry of St. Andrew’s. Clothing, kitchenware, electronics, books, bric-a-brac, furniture, appliances, collectables, sports equipment, etc., brought to Todo Bueno enables the parish to financially support a number of charities around Lakeside.
Todo Bueno is located on the Carretera, just west of S&S Auto in Riberas del Pilar. Open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
St. Andrew’s is at Calle San Lucas 19, a block south of the Carretera in Riberas del Pilar.
Lake Chapala Baptist
The disciples of John the Baptist came to Jesus and said, “Are you the expected one?” “Or shall we look for someone else?” Are you the one and is this the time or is it somebody else at another time? That’s what John wanted to know because his disciples had reported to him what Jesus was doing. So, John wanted to know if this was the time and if this was the man. Are you the expected one? In response, Jesus said, tell him, “the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them.” Why should they tell him that? Because that was an Old Testament prophecy about the Messiah, and if they told him that he would understand. If this salvation was the preoccupying study of all the prophets and they were so concerned about it, then how precious should it be to us and how much more should we want to plumb its depths.
Lake Chapala Baptist Church is at Santa Margarita 147, Riberas del Pilar. Sunday worship is at 11 a.m.
San Andrés Mass
“Today we celebrate Christ the universal King. He did not claim to be only the King of the Jews. His kingdom was not to be an exclusive one. He is King of all who are on the side of truth and listen to his voice.”
Fr. Basil G. Royston, D. Min., will offer the homily, “Christ the King,” at San Andrés Catholic Church’s service in English, Sunday, November 25, 9 a.m.
San Andrés is at the corner of Ramon Corona and Parroquia, one block from the Ajijic main plaza.
Christ Church Lakeside
Christ Church Lakeside, a mission of the Diocese of the West in the Anglican Church of Mexico, will observe the last Sunday after Pentecost, Christ the King, November 25, with the Holy Eucharist at 11 a.m. in La Huerta Events Center. Bishop Ricardo Gómez of the Diocese of the West in the Anglican Church of Mexico will preside and will confirm members of the Jones family: John, John Paul and Ana. He will also receive Paula, John’s wife, and Vladimir Chlebovic, into the Anglican Church of Mexico. All are welcome.
Coffee and refreshments are available before the service and a Mexican buffet following the refreshments and coffee after the service.
The Bible Study resumes Thursday, November 29, 3 p.m. in the home of Elizabeth Carroll, located at Galeana 35 in Ajijic. All are welcome to learn about the inspired contents of the Bible.
Jewish Congregation
Shabbat Torah services are held the first and third Saturday of the month, 10 a.m., and Shabbat evening services and potluck every second and fourth Friday, 6 p.m., at the Lake Chapala Jewish Congregation.
The synagogue is at Santa Margarita 113, Riberas del Pilar (mountain side of the carretera, diagonally across from Mom’s Restaurant). Contact (376) 766-2668 or lakechapalajewishcongregation.com.
The Lord’s Church
The Lord’s Church meets at Carretera Chapala-Jocotepec 131 in San Antonio Tlayacapan, Sundays, 10 a.m. Enjoy live praise music brought to you by Redeemed, followed at 11 a.m. by TLC’s Extraordinary Service, including worship, praise, communion and more.
The Lord’s Church is a non-denominational Christian congregation following a biblical model of church leadership.
Little Chapel by the Lake
The Little Chapel by the Lake is at Chapala-Ajijic Highway 10 in Chula Vista opposite Mirasol. Information: Belva, (376) 766-2538. Sunday worship is at 11 a.m.
Home Church Int’l
Offering this kind of message after the holiday has passed looks strange. But, maybe it brings up a point. Having a special day to highlight our country’s beginning brings up the issue of thanksgiving which should be almost anytime. We recently expressed our thanksgiving and appreciation to the veterans of our land. Though many may be modest in reacting to appreciation, it is nonetheless received with inner gratitude.
What’s involved is attitude, an inner response from recognition of blessing performed on our behalf. It’s easy and understandable to give thanks for something tangible or even a helpful service. Maybe we had best consider our response for things eternal, since we are eternal because of our eternal God. How about His forgiveness, redemption, mercy, answer to prayer, etc.? These are not an annual event. Theoretically they could be moment by moment. His love, mercy and grace should be topping the chart. Pastors Paul and Susana Allen urge us to be living thankful lives, blessing God and others in the process. Information: 332-242-8648, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
HU Chant
Chanting HU, an ancient name for the Divine while in a contemplative state, is a simple technique to open your heart to greater happiness, love, inner peace and understanding.
Join in Saturday, December 1, 10:30 a.m., at the Center for Spiritual Living located at 17 Nicholas Bravo, Ajijic, for a 30-minute group HU Chant followed by refreshments and fellowship.
For more information contact Hallie Shepherd at 766-1047 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Sponsored by Eckankar, Mexico.
Riberas Meditation
Mindfulness Meditation: Two periods of quiet meditation and a guided Mindfulness Meditation video are offered Tuesdays, 3 to 4:15 p.m. This is for anyone who wants to practice Mindfulness Meditation, beginner to advanced.
Ramana Maharshi Satsang: Listen to current-day teachers of non-duality, then a period to practice self-inquiry, Wednesdays, 3 to 4:30 p.m.
No cost. Free books provided for both groups.
Hosted by Richard Clarke and Carol Johnson. San Luis 73, Riberas del Pilar. Call (376) 765-6976.
Meditation Circle
The Chapala Meditation Circle of Self Realization Fellowship holds meditation services Thursdays, 7 to 9 p.m. Paramahansa Yogananda, author of the spiritual classic “Autobiography of a Yogi,” founded Self Realization Fellowship in 1920 to make available the universal teachings of Kriya Yoga, a sacred spiritual science originating millennia ago in India.
Information about the meditation service: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 333-598-7577. The website for Self Realization Fellowship is yogananda-srf.org.
Namaste Lake Chapala
This is an interfaith community focusing on the non-dual teachings found at the center of all spiritual paths. Sunday service is 11 a.m. and the goal is to enter into the direct experience of the peace that surpasses understanding. Drawing on the sacred writings of many religious traditions, including A Course on Miracles, Namaste seeks to fully embody the spiritual oneness and message at the heart of them all. Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m., join author James Twyman and other teachers as Namaste awakens through music, song, laughter and heart-centered sharing.
Namaste Lake Chapala is at Angel Flores 5, in Ajijic.