Christ Church
Christ Church Lakeside, a parish of the Diocese of the West in the Anglican Church of Mexico, will observe the First Sunday after Christmas Day on December 29, 11 a.m. in La Huerta Events Center. Rev. Jim Powers will celebrate and give a message with the theme, “The Light of the World,” based on John 1:1-18.
Sunday School (in Spanish) convenes during the service at the Gospel Reading. Young people are welcome to share this time of lessons and discovery.
Coffee and refreshments are available before and after the service.
The congregation and friends will meet at Pranzo Bistro (on the Carretera in La Floresta, 376-766-1668) at 1 p.m. after the service.
The Bible Study meets on Thursday, January 2, 3 p.m. at Elizabeth Carroll’s home, Galeana 35 in Ajijic. All are welcome to learn about the inspired contents of the Bible and share their insights with each other.
Unitarian Universalists
Rev. Matt Alspaugh will speak on “Change Agent” Sunday, December 29 at the Lake Chapala Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (LCUUF).
As we approach the new year, change is on our minds – end of year reviews, New Year’s resolutions. Change is part of life. We know that to grow, we have to change, and that change can be invigorating, challenging, as well as worrisome, even terrifying, something we might like to avoid. We think of changes we’ve faced over the last year, and changes to come. We’ll comment on changes the Fellowship faces, and also changes in our own lives and in the world. We explore how we might become “change agents,” embracing, guiding – rather than resisting – the change around us.
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.
Lake Chapala Baptist
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28.)
At the New Year, we sing “Auld Lang Syne” but most don’t know what it means. When we sing this song, we are saying, “We’ll drink a cup of kindness yet for the times gone by.” How awesome it is to finally reach a place in life when we can honestly be thankful for everything. Until we truly believe God really does work out everything in conformity with the purpose of His own will, we will never be ready for the next round in our growth process. He reaches out to us and gathers all our life experiences and bends them to His will for us. The fullness of joy is to behold God in everything. Let us all take the hand of our Savior this year and work with Him to accomplish His purpose in our lives.
Pastor John Linton will be bringing the message Sunday, December 29.
Lake Chapala Baptist Church is at Santa Margarita 147, Riberas del Pilar. English-language Sunday school, 9:45 a.m.; English-language worship service, 11 a.m., and Spanish-language worship service, 12:30 p.m.
Lakeside Presbyterian
Dr. Wayne Cook occupies the pulpit Sunday, December 29.
Jesus spent a great deal of time in prayer. When the disciples asked him to teach them how to pray, he gave them a model prayer, probably in Aramaic, a sister language to Hebrew. It reflects his intimate contact with God.
The prayer is actually a form of Hebrew poetry. Instead of rhyming, the second part of each line amplifies or explains the first line.
This is a Communion Sunday.
The holiday season is full of joy and celebration – for many of us. Unfortunately, hunger takes no holidays. This is “Milk Sunday,” but apart from boxed milk, many other foodstuffs are more than welcome to those who subsist on little: tomato puree, chicken broth cubes, eggs, nuts (small packets, any kind), fresh foods (potatoes, onions, fruit, carrots, zucchini), no limit on quantities, whatever you can contribute will help so much! There is no joy equal to that of giving. Information: contact Gary and Marcee Smith at 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 LPC nurse is onsite Mondays 1-3 p.m.
Tuesday Social Drop-In 60’s Singalong suspended this week, come join us Tuesday, January 7, 1 p.m.
Computer, sewing and ESL (English as a Second Language) classes for any Spanish speakers are suspended and will resume Saturday, January 4, 10 a.m.
Call Yoli Reyna, 331-604-1006 to arrange free transportation to and from church.
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.
St. Andrew’s Anglican
Sunday, December 29, the Reverend Dr. Jim Priddy will preside and preach at St. Andrew’s service of Holy Eucharist, 10 a.m. Coffee hour, a time of fellowship and welcome, follows the service.
The 2020 Episcopal calendar is now available at the parish office for 100 pesos each.
2020 offering envelopes are now available for use beginning Sunday, January 5.
Operation Feed welcomes donations of non-perishable food items every Sunday. 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? If so, don’t forget Todo Bueno. Donations or consignments benefit St. Andrew’s Outreach Ministry. Everything from clothing, kitchenware, electronics, books, furniture, appliances, collectibles to sports equipment are welcomed.
Todo Bueno is 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 include 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.
Little Chapel by the Lake
Sunday, December 29, Chaplain Ray Davis will speak on the great love of God at the 11 a.m. service.
Stay after the service for a family-style comida.
Bible studies are suspended for the holidays
Conversational Spanish classes open to the public are held Friday, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
The “Sweet Hour of Prayer,” normally held Saturdays at 4 p.m., is suspended for the holidays.
Information: 376-766-2538.
Abundant Life Church
Do feel that the year is ending or that the new one is just beginning? This question is a lot like the cup being half full or half empty but the answer could determine greatly the success of 2020. Are you ready to grow or are you looking back? The year 2020 could provide for very clear vision if we let it.
Sunday, December 29, Pastor Gary challenges us through the scriptures to prepare diligently for the coming year. The Word of God, this coming year, can be the source of great insight and wisdom. Start the year off right. Love and respect the Lord and ask Him to guide your steps.
Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Abundant Life Church is affiliated with the Assemblies of God of Mexico and has services for everyone. Weekly Sunday worship services, 10 a.m. and Bible study in English, Wednesdays, 3 p.m. Spanish language services, Sundays, noon, and Bible studies, Fridays, 6:45 p.m. Children’s ministry, Saturday, noon, and youth, Saturdays, 6 p.m.
The church is at Carretera Chapala-Jocotepec 140, San Antonio Tlayacapan, a block from Super Lake. Information: 331-417-7038.
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.
Information: lakechapalajewishcongregation.com or email 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..
San Andrés Mass
Padre Everardo Sánchez will officiate for the English-speaking congregation, each Sunday, 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, each Sunday, 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.
Home Church Int’l
Right around the corner is what we refer to as the New Year. Most of the time we humans get excited, in greater or lesser degrees, about change. Some politicians chanted a lot about change, but the changes we got were not admirable or beneficial. But something about the New Year seems to bring about big hooplas. Then, one of the prevalent challenges is to start changing the date on our checkbooks. Hopefully this event brings positive experiences the whole year.
What if we were to look at it the way the Lord Jesus does? He sees how giddy we get at this event. I wonder if He wonders when we might get really excited about Him and what He’s done for us, and what He can yet do. Jesus used the word “new” to accomplish great things! He said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Pastors Paul and Susana Allen are asking if all Christians are demonstrating this The results are something to get excited about. The pastors can be reached at homechurchintl.com, 332-242-8648 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..
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 in Saturday, January 4 at 10:30 a.m., at the Center for Spiritual Living located at 17 Nicholas Bravo, Ajijic, for a short (30-minute) 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. See eckankar.org.mx or eckankar.org.
Riberas Meditation
Closed for winter holiday. Reopen with Satsang January 8, 2020.
There is no cost for Satsang. Books and meditation materials are provided for free. Satsang is hosted at the house of Richard Clarke, San Luis 73, Riberas del Pilar. Wednesdays from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Space is limited. Call 376-765-6976 or email 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..
Lakeside Community
Fellowship
During the past week multitudes of people around the world celebrated Christmas. Some understood the true meaning of the day, but many didn’t. It would be interesting to listen to individuals from various countries and cultures being interviewed and describing their reasons for celebrating Christmas. That’s where the responsibility of dedicated Christians comes into play, communicating the fact that God left the glories of heaven and came to earth as the Son of God in order to redeem sinners. We acknowledge the birth of Jesus but the concept of His coming to earth to fulfil the plan and purpose of God is passed over. What did Christmas mean to you this year? Another year is almost gone. Some of us, including me, didn’t think we’d be around this long. Will we all be here next Christmas? Probably not. Some of us will have left this world and passed into eternity. It’s important to be thankful for life today, but it’s equally important to think about the life to come. If you have any questions or concerns about your spiritual well-being, we would love to help. Come and see us on Sunday, we’re here to serve you.
Lakeside Community Fellowship meets 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.
St. Mark’s Anglican-Episcopal,Guadalajara
All are welcome to English Mass at 10:30 a.m. Rev. Michael Schirmacher officiates, with Ana Silvia Guerrero on organ and Debbie Matthew directing the choir. Spanish Mass is at 12:30 p.m. with Rev. Manuel Sonora officiating.
A New Year’s Eve Mass will be held in Spanish, Tuesday, December 31, 6:30 p.m.
Chichimecas 836 at Aztecas, Col. Monraz, end of route Bus 33-A. www.stmarksanglican.org