Lake Chapala Baptist
Proverbs 15:22 states, “Without consultation, plans are frustrated. But, with many counselors, they succeed.”
Back in the 1990s, President Bill Clinton and British Prime Minister Tony Blair were often considered “soul mates.” As the first Baby Boomer leaders of their nations, they also had similar political philosophies. People marveled at how well these two charismatic leaders got along. But it’s also interesting to note that when George Bush succeeded President Clinton, Tony Blair reached out to him, as well. The two also seemed to get along splendidly and worked together quite well. Blair proved that he was not just a friend of the president, but really, a friend of the United States.
There was a similar relationship between Solomon and Hiram, the king of the Phoenicians. Solomon recognized that he needed others to help him fulfill his mission. He needed people with insight and resources he did not have. The Phoenicians were great shipbuilders and a great seafaring people. Hiram had been a friend of King David and when he heard that Solomon was the new king, he reached out to him and offered his assistance. Solomon had enough humility as a leader to recognize that he not only needed people within his own nation but people of other nations – people outside his place of responsibility.
Good leaders reach out to others, collecting wisdom and support from every source available. Remember, God’s Word tells us to seek wise counsel. It worked for Solomon and it will work for you.
Sunday, July 7, Brother John Whitener will preach.
Lake Chapala Baptist Church is at Santa Margarita 147, Riberas del Pilar. English-language Sunday school is at 9:45 a.m.; English-language worship service is at 11 a.m. and Spanish-language worship service is 12:30 p.m.
Unitarian Universalists
Sunday, July 7, Rev. Matt Alspaugh speaks on “A Question of Value” at the Lake Chapala Unitarian Universalists Fellowship. A purpose-driven life, a sense of mission; these are important aspects of a good life. But more deeply foundational is a sense of value or inherent worth? What is our inherent value? What might be lost if we were not here? These questions apply to us as individual beings, and also to our gatherings and organizations, like the fellowship itself.
On Sunday we’ll reflect on our value, both as individuals and as collectives. In particular, we will explore our Open Question on Our Value: What value does the LCUUF bring to you? What do you think attracts potential new congregants to the Fellowship? What value do you bring to the Fellowship for others?
There will be a discussion following the service. Additionally, Rev. Matt will have just returned from the Unitarian Universalist Association’s annual General Assembly in Spokane, Washington and will offer comments on his experience.
The Unitarians meet Sundays, 10:30 a.m., at Hidalgo 261, on the Carretera in Riberas del Pilar, opposite the Catholic Church. More information: (376) 766-2299.
Little Chapel by the Lake
Sunday, July 7, Pastor Lahry will be focusing on the “Armor of God,” asking why does the Bible even mention armor in regards to the Christian life? He will continue his sermon series on what it means to put on the full armor.
Non-denominational worship service is at 11 a.m. A family “comida” is held after the service. All are welcome.
Monday, July 8, Fun with Music heads to Ohana assisted living care center for a sing-along. Meet at the Chapel to carpool at 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 9, Bible studies of Acts and Romans, 10 a.m.
Wednesday, July 10, Fun with Music heads to Casa Anastasia assisted living care center for a sing-along. Meet at the Chapel to carpool at 3:30 p.m.
Also, Wednesday, “Expelled, No Intelligence Allowed” by Ben Stein will be shown, 5:30 p.m. at the Chapel.
Information: Belva, (376) 766-2538.
St. Andrew’s Anglican
Sunday, July 7, the Rev. Liza Spangler 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.
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, please don’t forget St. Andrew’s own resale shop, Todo Bueno. Donations or consignments benefit St. Andrew’s Outreach Ministry. Everything from clothing, kitchenware, electronics, books, furniture, appliances, collectibles to sports equipment is welcomed.
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.
Volunteers are needed to serve as sales clerks at Todo Bueno. Shifts are 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 12:30 to 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Contact Patti Gonzales, 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..
St. Andrew’s is at Calle San Lucas 19, a block south of the Carretera in Riberas del Pilar.
Lakeside Presbyterian
This Sunday, Dr. Wayne Cook muses: “A few years ago I bought a bread maker. It made wonderful bread, pizza, and cinnamon rolls. But occasionally, I would start to make bread only to discover that I was out of flour. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have an endless supply like the widow who was gracious to Elijah? Despite the drought in the land, her jars of oil and flour never ran out. God gave her everything she needed. Today God blesses us with everything we need.”
Note: Communion is offered immediately after services on non-communion Sundays (2nd and 4th).
Saturday morning classes for Spanish speakers continue – computer, sewing, and English as a Second Language (ESL), 10 a.m.
Weekly despensas for needy Lakeside families now include cartons of milk, donated by the LPC congregation. Shelf-stable milk can be dropped by LPC any Sunday, receptacles in the foyer. Fruit and veggies also joyfully received, adding nutrition and variety to families’ menus.
Social Drop-In and Sixties Singalongs are Tuesdays, 1 to 4 p.m. Light snacks are served, 2 p.m. All are welcome.
Volunteers wanted for buying children’s clothing in the Chapala tianguis. Call Gary and Marcee Smith, 766-5590. So many of our little folks really lack adequate clothing.
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; Bible Study, Fridays, 9:45 a.m. in the library.
Christ Church Lakeside
Christ Church Lakeside (CCL), a parish of the Diocese of the West in the Anglican Church of Mexico, will observe the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, July 7, by celebrating the Holy Eucharist Rite Two at 11 a.m. in La Huerta Events Center. Rev. Danny Borkowski will celebrate and give the message “The New Creation.”
Following worship coffee hour, the Lunch Bunch will meet at 1 p.m. at Cocinart Restaurant, 16 de Septiembre 4D, Ajijic.
Tuesday, June 9 at 1 p.m. will be the Loaves and Fishes Food Program at the last soccer field on Revolucion (the street where Ajijic’s Wednesday Market is held; head toward the lake from the Carretera) to re-package food. Immediately following, a small group will deliver the food to our sponsored families.
The Bible Study meets Thursday, July 11, 3 p.m., in the home of Elizabeth Carroll, Galeana 35 in Ajijic. All are welcome to learn about the inspired contents of the Bible and share their insights with each other.
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. Information: lakechapalajewishcongregation.com.
HU: The Sound of Soul
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 us Saturday, July 6 10:30 a.m., at the Center for Spiritual Living located at Nicholas Bravo 17, Ajijic, for a short (30 minutes) group HU Chant followed by refreshments and fellowship time. For more information, contact 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.
Home Church Int’l
There are many ordinary issues in our daily lives involving divisions. For example, highways are divided. A cake is usually divided for the benefit of many. The dictionary definition is “separated into parts or pieces.” It also says “having conflicting interests or emotions; disunited.” This latter definition speaks of more crucial issues than just a separation of parts. This may be illustrated in politics, marriages, debates, etc. Divisions may be useful or destructive.
In the realm of Christendom, we might imagine divisions among “Jesus people” to be non-existent. Yet, if one has been familiar with church activities in general, they will know differently. Divisions can arise over doctrines, public issues, or social trends. The bottom line is hurt, not indicative of a unified Body of Christ. Sometimes it is just plain error, often egotism, and pride. Sadly, it’s playing Satan’s game of divide and conquer. Jesus said, “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.”
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..
Abundant Life Church
Are you looking for the church that fits you perfectly? Many people have their preferences but should we even question if the church fits us? The church was always designed to fit God and to make us (the church) into his image. If a church doesn’t fit you, then perhaps it doesn’t fit God and is not forming you into his image. The religious leaders in the days of Jesus had this problem; they liked who they were and saw no need to change.
Abundant Life Church is affiliated with the Assemblies of God of Mexico and welcomes everyone. Weekly Sunday worship services start at 10 a.m. Bible study, Wednesdays, 3 p.m. in English. Spanish language services, Sunday, noon. Bible studies, Friday, 6:45 p.m. Children’s ministry, Saturday, noon. Youth meet Saturday, 6 p.m.
Communion is celebrated the first Sunday of each month. Once a month, the women meet for a time of fellowship and the study of the Word of God (time and date announced each month).
The church is at Carretera Chapala-Jocotepec 140, San Antonio Tlayacapan, a block from Super Lake. Information: 331-417-7038.
Riberas Meditation
Spiritual liberation – self-realization and enlightenment – come from knowledge, not from any action or activity, not from mental know-how, but rather from deep internal knowledge. Self-realization is not transformation, but a revelation of who you are and always have been.
Ramana Maharshi was the leading Indian spiritual teacher of the 20th century. He taught the practice of self-inquiry as the most direct way to self-knowledge. This is looking within yourself to see what is true – and what is not true – about your own sense of identity, your ego.
Weekly spiritual gatherings (satsangs) are a time to come together and listen to contemporary teachers’ instruction on Ramana’s teachings and then meditate as a group. They are hosted Wednesdays, 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the house of Richard and Carol, San Luis 73, Riberas del Pilar. There is no cost for satsang, and books and meditation materials will be provided. Space is limited. Register at (376) 765-6976.
San Andrés Mass
Padre Everardo Sánchez will officiate for the foreign congregation at English-language Mass, Sunday, July 7, 9 a.m.
Sunday Masses in Spanish are scheduled at 7, 8 and 10 a.m., noon, 5, 7 and 8 p.m.
San Andrés Catholic Church is at the corner of Ramon Corona and Parroquia, one block from the Ajijic main plaza.
San Juan Bautista
Father Jose Louis Gonsalves will preside at English-language Mass held at San Juan Bautista Catholic Church in San Juan Cosala, Sunday, July 7, 9 a.m. The church is located at Del Cardinal, across from the plaza.
San Antonio de Padua
An English-language Mass is held at this Catholic parish each Sunday, 10 a.m. Address: Ramon Corona 123, San Antonio Tlayacapan.
Lakeside CommunityFellowship
Lakeside Community Fellowship is a new and vibrant evangelical Christian fellowship, meeting every Sunday, 10 a.m. at Hidalgo 441, in the new Bravo Theatre directly adjacent to the Carretera.
All are welcome to attend. Youth and children’s Sunday school classes are available during the service. Information: Alan Pohl, 333-399-1501; Dave Powell, 332-208-9263.
Chapala church bells revitalized
The bells of Chapala’s San Francisco parish are ready to chime a festive welcome to the Virgen de Zapopan on her arrival Sunday, July 14 for a three-day visit. The church’s north tower now houses four shiny brass camapanas, weighing between 50 and 200 kilograms each, that were installed last week with new wood yokes after being repaired and refurbished at a foundry in Pachuca, Hidalgo. A new fifth bell was also acquired under arrangements by parish priest José Octavio Moreno Olivares.