San Andrés Mass
“We celebrate that Holy Family of Nazareth which is the model for all who fear the Lord and walk in God’s ways.”
Fr. Basil G. Royston, D. Min., will offer the homily, “The Holy Family,” at San Andrés Catholic Church’s service in English, Sunday, December 30, 9 a.m.
San Andrés is at the corner of Ramon Corona and Parroquia, one block from the Ajijic main plaza.
Little Chapel by the Lake
The day Jesus was born, the world was in a state of extraordinary moral degeneration.
The Roman Empire held sway over most of the known world. We speak of the glory that was Rome. How glorious was it that throughout the empire there were over six million slaves being used as human machinery to keep the whole system alive? (“But, gee, didn’t they build some beautiful buildings?”)
But, Light came into the world that day. Not a rampaging, vengeful Judge. Illumination. Insight. He provided the ability to see spiritually and morally. Sunday, December 30, Pastor Jim Andrew encourages us to live in that Light – the light conquers darkness just by showing up.
Wednesday, January 2, 4 p.m. join the Lakeside Singers for singalong at Mi Casita assisted living care center in San Antonio Tlayacapan (next to Lety’s Restaurant), from 4-5. Car pooling at 3:30 p.m. from Little Chapel.
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.
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 after Christmas Day, December 30, with a service at 11 a.m. in La Huerta Events Center. Rev. Jim Powers will preside and give a message “The Word and the Light,” based on John 1:1-18
All are welcome to come and worship. Coffee and refreshments are available before and after the service, provided by Rev. Chris Wysock.
The Christ Church Lunch Bunch will meet 1 p.m. in La Cocinart Restaurant, 16 de Septiembre 4D, Ajijic, 331-395-3810.
The Bible Study meets Thursday, January 3, 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.
Unitarian Universalists
Rev. Matt Alspaugh will speak on “Times of Transition” at the next meeting of the Lake Chapala Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Sunday, December 30.
Transition – any change from one condition or situation to another – can be terrifying, confusing, exhilarating, perhaps all at the same time. As we enter into a new year, we’ll consider the nature of transition, and how we can best navigate the changes as they come. This is the first of a four part sermon series spread over several months; the second part is on January 6. The service will include a ritual of transition as we say goodbye to the old year and welcome the new. Kaya Reed 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.
Lakeside Presbyterian
Pastor Wayne Cook will preach Sunday, December 30. “There are days in all our lives that define us,” he says. “When we graduate, when we get our first job, when we marry, when we have children – all of these are milestones that shape and define us.
“Peter likewise had defining days – both good and bad. Many of those days are recorded in the Bible. I would like for us to look at four days in the Life of Peter.”
As the end of the year nears, LPC reflects on projects in 2018, and what beckons us onward.
LPC’s volunteers have distributed weekly food packages and warm blankets to the needy at Lakeside.
A community center has been constructed in La Zapotera, where nearly 100 children are fed a healthy breakfast, five days a week. The school principal is impressed with the positive impact the feeding project has on the children. Also, the clean water project in La Zapotera has been completed. Previously, the drinking water was contaminated with heavy metals.
LPC has provided shoes and warm clothing to isolated groups of migrants from Central America who have given up trying to reach the United States, and are homeless, living on the streets of Guadalajara.
A Literacy Program will be launched in January 2019 for children who cannot read or write. LPC will provide all the required materials.
Chalpicote, a town near La Zapotera, wishes to investigate the possibility of developing a community center and feeding program for their children.
Much has been accomplished, more remains to be done. Time to put shoulders to the wheel in 2019. There is no joy greater than helping our neighbors!
Volunteer? Call LPC’s office: (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, December 30, Bishop Ricardo Joel Gomez Osnaya 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.
After the service, Deacon Don Snell will be honored by a potluck luncheon in the church garden. Don is retiring after eight years of service as deacon of the parish.
The 2019 Episcopal Calendar is here. If you placed your order, please drop by the office to pick up your copy. A few extra copies are available at 100 pesos.
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 needs volunteers to serve as sales clerks. Shifts are 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and 12:30 to 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Contact Patti Gonzales at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information and to volunteer.
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.
Abundant Life Church
Abundant Life Church’s worship service in English is held Sundays, 10 a.m., and Bible Study, Wednesdays, 3 p.m. Spanish-language services are Sundays, noon. Spanish Bible studies are 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.
Lake Chapala Baptist
Lake Chapala Baptist Church is at Santa Margarita 147, Riberas del Pilar. Sunday worship is at 11 a.m.
Home Church Int’l
As a kid, I managed to buy a few fireworks to shoot on New Years’ Eve, says Pastor Paul Allen. To me, New Years didn’t mean much, except the fun. The change in the calendar causes adults to examine the year past, and remember to change the year when writing out checks. LOL Then, many only use the occasion for an excuse for inebriation.
There was an occasion in Jesus’ life when He reflected on being called a “glutton and drunkard.” In those days in the Middle East, wine was a very common beverage for mealtime. Even today, the massive production of all kinds of intoxicants has promoted the necessity for social exaggeration. New Year’s is no different. Is New Year’s no more than an excuse for intoxication? Only each one of us can answer that for ourselves.
Pastors Paul and Susana Allen urge us to see that since this occasion is momentous as a happy one, think of the Christ-person who wants this “new beginning” to glorify God and seek His wisdom and guidance.
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..
Riberas Meditation
Mindfulness Meditation: Tuesday meditation will take a break for the holidays and return January 8.
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.
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 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 to 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..