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 (376) 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.
Christ Church Lakeside
Christ Church Lakeside, a mission of the Diocese of the West in the Anglican Church of Mexico, will observe the first Sunday of Advent, December 2, with the Holy Eucharist at 11 a.m. in La Huerta Events Center. Rev. Jim Powers will preside and give a message “What? Me Worry?” based on Luke 21:25-36. All are welcome.
Coffee and refreshments are available before and after the service.
The Christ Church Lunch Bunch will meet in Tony’s Restaurant, Carretera 149 in San Antonio, 1 p.m.
The Bible Study meets Thursday, December 6, 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.
Lake Chapala Baptist
The apostle Paul was writing a letter to the believers in Colossae and wanted to assure them of their security in Christ. He said, “your life is hidden with Christ in God” (3:3). They were hidden. Hidden from what? Hidden from eternal death. Hidden from anything God didn’t want them to experience. Did they really believe that? If you’re a believer, do you believe that? It’s true. Anything that enters your life has entered with the permission of God. At the point of salvation your life was hidden in Christ and He controls what is allowed to accost you. You’re a child of God and the Father protects, disciplines, teaches and cares for you as His child. And because you are His child, you’ll be in glory with Him the moment you die. God, who cannot lie, has guaranteed it. If you believe what God has said, then you can rest in the security of a life that is hidden with Christ in God.
Lake Chapala Baptist Church is at Santa Margarita 147, Riberas del Pilar. Sunday worship is at 11 a.m.
San Andrés Mass
“Our life is a long vigil, waiting for the Lord to be revealed in all His glory. We wait with longing and with ‘joyful hope,’ for his Spirit is with us, and we know that God is faithful to God’s promises.”
Fr. Basil G. Royston, D. Min., will offer the homily, “Waiting for the Lord,” at San Andrés Catholic Church’s service in English, Sunday, December 2, 9 a.m.
The San Andrés English congregation holds its First Sunday of the Month Food Drive to help support the children at Villa Infantil orphanage in Jocotepec and the sisters who care for them. Consider bringing a non-perishable food item, toilet tissue, cleaning products and the like to Sunday’s liturgy.
San Andrés is at the corner of Ramon Corona and Parroquia, one block from the Ajijic main plaza.
Jewish Congregation
The Lake Chapala Jewish Congregation celebrates Hanukkah, Sunday, December 9, 5:30 p.m. at Gosha’s Restaurant, Carretera Ote 24 in Ajijic. Cost is 300 pesos. See lakechapalajewishcongregation.com for more information.
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.
St. Andrew’s Anglican
Sunday, December 2, 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.
Lakeside Presbyterian
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.
Abundant Life Church
Being with Jesus brings joy. The shepherds, the wise men, and, in fact, everyone who has ever been with Jesus has found joy as a byproduct of his presence. If you lack the Christmas spirit this year, try the one thing that always works. Even if you are sad for a very good reason, being with Jesus will change you. Sunday, December 2, discover how to meet with Jesus and have your sadness turned to joy. Joy to the world!
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.
Unitarian Universalists
Karyn Carpenter will speak on “The Deepest Bond: Exploring Our Connection to the Animals that Watch Over Us” at the next meeting of the Lake Chapala Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Sunday, December 2.
We look at the bond between humans and animals and pay special tribute to those that offer independence and life-saving assistance. You are encouraged to bring your favorite pet to this service. Kathy Koches is service leader.
The Unitarians meet Sundays, 10:30 a.m., at Hidalgo 261, on the Carretera in Riberas del Pilar, opposite the Catholic Church.
Little Chapel by the Lake
Says Pastor Jim: “Are you a worrier? Do you experience that sickening, adrenaline pumping-through-the-veins feeling that’s called dread? I sure do. When I think of the wasted time and energy I’ve spent on needless worry it may be one of the greatest regrets in my life. An old hymnist sang ruefully, ‘Oh, what peace we often forfeit, oh what needless pain we bear …’ Among other things, Jesus is a mental health therapist. He cares deeply about our emotional state as well as our eternal souls. Come this Sunday to the Little Chapel by the Lake and let me share with you His prescription for peace of mind in a troubled world. Please stay after our worship service for a friendly comida and get to know others in the community.”
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
Humans often blurt out expressions that are inaccurately used. We might be shopping and exclaim, “That’s highway robbery!” Not really what we could say, like, “Way overpriced.” One frequent error employs the word “hate.” The most damaging use is in targeting humans. Rather than hate, we might say, “I dislike the way he treats his employees” or “She’s wrong for firing my co-worker.”
The poison of negative energy displayed while hating persons brings harm both to the victim and the perpetrator. Jesus had plenty of enemies. Yet, He hit the nail on the head when He said that the mouth reveals what the heart is full of. Ouch! A lot of this has been witnessed during high political seasons. In Matthew’s 5th chapter Jesus says, “You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst.” Deep stuff!
Pastors Paul and Susana Allen say to consider the witness. 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..
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.
Information: 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..
Meditation & Chanting
Chanting followed by silent meditation will regularly include live Kirtan Music at least once a month. Everyone is welcome and no experience is necessary. The experience is every Sunday, 5 to 6 p.m. with refreshments to follow.
The first gathering and live music event begins Sunday, December 16, in a beautiful home overlooking the lake at Calle Manzanillo 4 (light yellow house), Chula Vista Norte. Doors open 4:30 p.m. with refreshments and a social gathering; chanting and meditation, 5-6 p.m. and refreshments and a social goodbye afterward. Chairs, pillows, and refreshments are provided. There is no charge for this event.
Directions, inquiry, ride-shares contact: Doug Reid, 331-354-1558, doug4yoga@gmail, or Rocky Lipkowitz, 333-461-6017, 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..
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.