San Andrés Mass
“The Church rejoices in her Bridegroom who will cherish her, lavish upon her the many gifts of his Spirit, and transform her into a new creation as he transformed water into wine.”
Fr. Basil G. Royston, D. Min., will offer the homily, “The Church’s Bridegroom,” at San Andrés Catholic Church’s service in English, Sunday, January 20, 9 a.m.
San Andrés is at the corner of Ramon Corona and Parroquia, one block from the Ajijic main plaza.
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.
St. Andrew’s Anglican
Sunday, January 20, 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.
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.
Lakeside Presbyterian
Sunday, January 20, Pastor Bill Nichols will draw his sermon from Psalm 23, exploring how King David understood who God was through his writing of this psalm.
Lakeside Presbyterian continues the outreach initiatives launched in 2018, distributing despensas (packages of food basics), warm clothing and blankets, free English, computer and sewing classes (for Spanish speakers) resume Saturday, January 19, 10 a.m., at the church.
Breakfasts for nearly 100 hungry students in La Zapotera are turning around their scholastic performance. The school principal praises this program. A similar program is planned for a nearby village.
Groups of homeless migrants in Guadalajara are fed and clothed, all according to Christ’s instruction in Matthew 25: 35-40.
A new Literacy program is being launched in Riberas del Pilar and San Antonio, for children who have had no opportunity to attend school.
Health Service reminders: the LPC nurse will be at the church Mondays, 1-3 p.m. and Tuesday mornings. Free blood glucose checks after worship Sunday, January 20, at the name tags desk.
Seniors’ Social Drop-In is Tuesdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A light lunch is served and games and fun are on the schedule. Come meet new friends. Thursday, January 31 is movie night. Free admission and popcorn.
More and more Lakesiders are stepping up to volunteer,. Want to get involved? Call (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.
Little Chapel by the Lake
April Foiles said, “Life is like getting dropped off in the middle of the woods, and then year by year, gradually walking home.” The quest for Home is wired into our DNA by the One that said “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself.”
At the Little Chapel Sunday, January 20, 11 a.m., Jim Andrew shares with us about God’s deepest desire to have us find our way back Home. Join us for a friendly meal (comida) right after the service.
Fun with Music sings at La Valentina assisted living care center Wednesday, January 23, 4-5 p.m.; carpooling from the Chapel at 3:30 p.m.
Little Chapel will show the movie ”Miracles from Heaven” Wednesday, January 23, 5:30. p.m.
The next Bible study based on Romans 12 is Thursday, January 24, 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.
Christ Church Lakeside
Christ Church Lakeside (CCL), a mission of the Diocese of the West in the Anglican Church of Mexico, will observe the Second Sunday after the Epiphany, January 20, with a service at 11 a.m. in La Huerta Events Center. Rev. Danny Borkowski will preside and give a message “Do Whatever He Tells You” based on John 2:1-11.
All are welcome to come and worship. Coffee and refreshments are available before and after the service.
CCL will stay in the La Huerta Events Center after the service for a potluck, followed by the annual general meeting at 1 p.m.
A GAM Food Distribution will be held at the last soccer field on Calle Revolucion (the street where Ajijic’s Wednesday market is held) Tuesday, January 22, about 1:15 p.m. Help is always needed to fill the buckets with food.
The Lakeside Singers’ sing-along will be held in Casa Anastasia, Wednesday, January 23, 4:30 p.m.
Bible Study meets Thursday, January 24, 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.
The Diocese of the West in the Anglican Church of Mexico participates in the worldwide Cursillo movement. Besides sending participants and staff, CCL usually contributes the cost of one meal for all the participants and staff when a Cursillo is held. CCL has also held a Saturday gathering, an Ultreya, for people who have participated in a Cursillo.
Lake Chapala Baptist
Many of us struggle with our personal identity, wondering if we have value. We often ask ourselves, “Does my life have meaning?” We each have a unique story with an array of experiences that have shaped us into who we are and always enjoy hearing someone recount their life’s journey. The church is a collection of individuals, each with their own story of faith and the Bible describes them as the body of Christ. At Lake Chapala Baptist Church we have recently been enjoying hearing the story of Alan and Becca Pohl, a couple from Canada who have been involved in Christian ministry in the lakeside area for the last nine years. Alan is a candidate to become the pastor of our church and will be speaking each Sunday during January. Join us this Sunday, January 20, 11 a.m. when Alan speaks about our value and meaning as people of faith and our participation in the body of Christ.
Lake Chapala Baptist Church is at Santa Margarita 147, Riberas del Pilar. Sunday worship is at 11 a.m.
Unitarian Universalists
Life is an Improvisation – Improvisation is the ability to do something without preparation, using whatever is readily at hand. It’s a practice that shows up in art, music and theater, certainly, but how does it show up in life in general?
Bob Koches will talk to us about lessons he has learned from the study of acting and improvisations in life at the next meeting of the Lake Chapala Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (LCUUF) Sunday, January 20. Rev. Matt Alspaugh will explore his experience with Interplay, a practice of movement and improvisation.
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.
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.
Home Church Int’l
A familiar term for collective efforts is called causes. A few seem to be legitimate, and others are questionable. The dictionary identifies “cause” as “a person or thing that gives rise to an action such as a movement.” Creating or following a cause is one of the easiest things a person can do. Too often, causes can be substitutes for seeking a personal connection with God. ‘Do-gooding’ is mainly an expression of self.
We recall when Jesus was questioned by Pontius Pilate about His kingship. Jesus said, “You say that I am a king. To this end I was born, and for this cause I came into the world …” Using this word “cause” was not mere human expression. It was uttered with God’s supernatural emphasis. It was eternal in its very nature. It was not limited to mere good works. Most of us have heard many saying something about the “cause of Christ.” Attention! Christ is not a cause! He is a Person, Son of the Most High God! Pastors Paul and Susana Allen urge you to commit yourself to Jesus Christ, not to a cause.
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..
Kirtan Gathering
A Kirtan Gathering will be held Sunday, 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 the 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 try 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.
Presbyterian pastor passes
Ross Arnold, pastor of the Lakeside Presbyterian Church died Monday, January 14. He had been pastor of the local church since 2010. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 26 at Lakeside Presbyterian Church 1 p.m.