Unitarian Universalists
Cate Howell will speak on “Desiderata – The Power of Words to Heal” at the next meeting of the Lake Chapala Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (LCUUF) Sunday, January 13.
Words of inspiration can get us through life’s low moments, regardless of our age or family background, level of education or spiritual strength. Howell will talk about how one poem saw her through some low moments in her early adulthood. Susan Miller is the service leader.
The LCUUF annual general meeting will be held Sunday, February 3, following the service, at the Fellowship. The purpose is to elect members to the board of directors and to vote on the annual budget.
The Unitarians meet Sundays, 10:30 a.m., at Hidalgo 261, on the Carretera in Riberas del Pilar, opposite the Catholic Church.
Lake Chapala Baptists
Every time the calendar turns the page on another year most of us marvel at the new number or at the fact that we’re still here on Earth. New Year’s resolutions don’t seem to be as big a deal as they once were but maybe the crowd we run with has gotten to the point of saying, “What’s the use, I don’t keep them anyway.”
A wise man once said, “Consistency, thou art a jewel.” That’s a true statement and one we all would benefit from seeking to model. A life of faith and uprightness lived in a consistent manner will influence more people than you can imagine. Most of us are oblivious to the fact that others take note of how we live our lives. Younger folks pick up habits from those who are older and those habits shape their lives. It’s not a New Year’s resolution, it’s a daily practice, living a life of consistent goodness that benefits you and influences others. Happy New Year!
Lake Chapala Baptist Church is at Santa Margarita 147, Riberas del Pilar. 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 the Epiphany, January 13, with a service at 11 a.m. in La Huerta Events Center. Rev. Jim Powers will preside and give a message “The Holy Spirit and the Fire” based on Luke 3:15-17, 21-22.
All are welcome to come and worship. Coffee and refreshments are available before and after the service, provided by the Chlebovecs.
The Christ Church Lunch Bunch will not meet this week, but rather enjoy the house blessing and finger food potluck in the home of Jerry and Wendy Stiles.
Christ Church currently supports five outreach programs: the Cursillo movement, in which it contributes the cost of meals for participants; the Despensa program, a local feeding program to aid the poor every other Tuesday; Christ Church leads services in Spanish at the Anglican Mission in Mazamitla, which has no priest; Sing-alongs by the Lakeside Singers, in which the group performs once a month at assisted living homes at Lakeside; and financial assistance for two Universidad de Guadalajara students who are acolytes at the church.
The Bible Study meets Thursday, January 17, 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.
Little Chapel by the Lake
Boy meets girl. Boy loses girl. Boy gets the girl. It’s a formula that not just Hallmark Channel employs (and everyone from Dickens to Tolstoy) but it happens to be the “universal story.” God meets mankind. God loses mankind. God finds/restores mankind. And it even seems the recipe often holds true for each of us personally. Life starts with a great deal of promise. Things go wrong. God works in us to create a redemptive outcome. Little Chapel by the Lake Pastor Jim Andrew shares his thoughts about “The Joseph Moment” at the worship service Sunday, January 13, 11 a.m.
Join us immediately after the service for a family “comida” (dinner) all are invited to share..
Fun with Music sings at Casa Nostra assisted living care center Wednesday, January 16, 4-5 p.m.; carpooling from the Chapel at 3:30 p.m.
Little Chapel will show the movie “War Room” Wednesday, January 16, 5:30. p.m.
The next Bible study based on Romans 12 is Thursday, January 17, 11 a.m.
The Little Chapel by the Lake is at Chapala-Ajijic Highway 10 in Chula Vista, opposite Mirasol. Information: Belva, (376) 766-2538.
San Andrés Mass
“The Father anointed God’s beloved son, Jesus, with the Holy Spirit and with power, to bring healing and peace to all the nations. As Jesus brings justice and salvation to the nations, we his baptized followers, seek the kingdom of God through justice and peace.”
Fr. Basil G. Royston, D. Min., will offer the homily, “The Baptism of the Lord,” at San Andrés Catholic Church’s service in English, Sunday, January 13, 9 a.m.
After Mass, the San Andrés English congregation will have a “Second Sunday White Envelope Offering” for the Outreach Projects of their congregation.
San Andrés is at the corner of Ramon Corona and Parroquia, one block from the Ajijic main plaza.
Lakeside Presbyterian
Sunday, January 13, Pastor Wayne Cook will draw his sermon from Exodus 33:17-23 at Lakeside Presbyterian Church (LPC).
“No one is worthy to look at the face of God. Moses asked God to show him His glory. God replied that He would let His goodness pass before Moses, but that no one could see His face and live. So God covered Moses with his hand, and let Moses see his back.” We catch only glimpses of God. However, important understandings of God can be interpreted by looking at Him indirectly.
As a brand new year dawns, let us not forget to be thankful for our many blessings, and to reach out to those less fortunate. “Random acts of kindness,” great or small, do make the world a better place.
Health Service reminders: the LPC nurse will be at the church Mondays, 1-3 p.m. and Tuesday mornings. Free flu shots Saturday, January 12.
Seniors’ Social Drop-In is Tuesdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A light lunch is served and games and fun are on on the schedule. Come meet new friends.
Free English, computer and sewing classes (for Spanish speakers) resume Saturday, January 19, 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, January 13, Rev. Robbin Moore 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.
The 2019 Episcopal Calendar is here. If you placed your order, drop by the office to pick up your copy. A few extra copies are available at 100 pesos.
The parish book club resumes Monday, January 14, 10:30 a.m., to discuss “Seven Fallen Feathers” by Tanya Talaga.
The Ladies and Men’s luncheons are combined this month on Thursday, January 17, 1 p.m., at Yves in West Ajijic.
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.
Todo Bueno needs volunteers to serve as sales clerks. Shifts are 10 a.m.-12.30 p.m. and 12:30-3 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.
St. Andrew’s is at Calle San Lucas 19, a block south of the Carretera in Riberas del Pilar.
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.
Abundant Life Church
Standing for what is right and avoiding evil is a foundation of the Christian faith. In our current culture when there is increased persecution and intolerance against believers there could be the temptation to just not get into it or to “go with the crowd.” Going along with the crowd is very dangerous and we must be willing to stand for what is right even if everyone around us is giving in. Sunday, January 13, Pastor Gary brings us to the word so that there is no doubt when we have to speak and when we avoid the person or subject all together.
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.
Home Church Int’l
If we are observant, we will notice many people seeming to be just drifting through life. This includes retirees, who are no exception. This is fortified by self justification. “I live my life the way I want.” Though somewhat true, there is something basic missing. A retiree recalls the long life they have put in, anticipating the fruits of their labor. True, yet, is this the end of life’s story? When does a person examine the meaning and purpose of this one life?
This not only affects the present life, but what about the afterlife? This is illustrated by Jesus in the book of Matthew 25:21. “Well done thou good and faithful servant.” Does it seem sensible that we hear this if we simply drift through life? We had best ask, “What does God want with me?” This is because we are a spirit, we have a soul, and we live in a body, not the other way around. Thank the Lord that Jesus did not drift through life. Pastors Paul and Susana Allen urge all to be led of the Lord as a faithful child and servant.
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..
Namaste Lake Chapala
A Kirtan gathering will be held Sundays, January 13 and January 27, 2:30 to 4 p.m. at Namaste Lake Chapala, a non-dual community at Angel Flores 5, in Ajijic. Experience the joy and serenity of Live Kirtan music followed by a silent meditation. All are welcome and no experience is necessary. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. and Kirtan starts at 2:45 p.m. Just bring yourself and an item for sitting comfort. There is no charge for this event. Includes refreshments
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, 3:30 to 4:30 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 & 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 at Calle Manzanillo 4, 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, 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..
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.