What is it like to have online communion? In some ways, it will feel different. In some ways, it will be very much the same. And hopefully it will also be much more similar to how the disciples first experienced communion with Jesus. As Christians, we believe that Christ is always present with us, especially when we gather together, but there is something sacred and special about communion. "For where two or three gather in my name, there I am with them." Matthew 18:20 Beginning May 17th and for as long as we are sheltering in place, we will host a short but meaningful communion service right after worship every 3rd Sunday. We'll give everyone five minutes to grab a bite to eat (snack / full meal / dessert - whatever your fancy) and something to drink (no alcohol please, … [Read more...]
Help BMUC Support UMCOR
BMUC supports UMCOR in the fight against COVID-19. Just an update: Thank you to everyone who gave to our UMCOR efforts! Because of you we raised more than $2000 for COVID-19 relief. May we continue to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world! The United Methodist Committee on Relief has established a fund to support efforts to combat COVID-19 and Berkeley Methodist United Church is asking for your help. We are asking you to help us raise at least $1000 toward this fund. If everyone who came to worship gave $20 over the next month - not $20 a week, just $20 - we could achieve this goal! If you are not able to help us at this time, there will be other opportunities for you to help both now and in the future. But for those who are able, we would appreciate your help in … [Read more...]
K.I.T. Ministry – Keep In Touch!
Join our team! We need you to help us keep in touch with our folks - especially those who are not connected to social media. But for everyone who needs a bit of comfort, love, and attention. We are starting a ministry to help us stay connected better and to care for each other through letters, notes, and phone calls. If you can keep in touch with five people once a month using any of these ways, you are a great fit for our team. We just want to make sure we are touching base with everyone on a regular basis. We want to make sure no one is falling through the cracks. If you're already in touch with folks on a regular basis, we would love to know that, too. Just tell us who you are in touch with so we can include you in our network. That way we can pass information on … [Read more...]
Two Easters?
Easter is about resurrection. It's about renewal. It's about new life. We often celebrate baptisms and confirmations on Easter because of what the day represents. We dye Easter eggs because the egg is a symbol of new life and rebirth. So it will be for us. Right now we are going through a time of darkness. There is anxiety, fear, and worry - and rightfully so. The Coronavirus is wrecking havoc around the world and forcing us to change our daily lives. But we will have our Easter! In all likelihood we won’t be celebrating together in person. With the CDC guidelines in place and with the continued risk of gathering together, we will have to meet online, but we will still find a way to celebrate our Lord! We will worship. We will sing. We will … [Read more...]
Wednesday Night Social Hour
What are you doing Wednesday at 7pm? Hopefully, it's joining us online for Wednesday Night Social Hour! In this time of of "social distancing," we want to make sure we are not distancing ourselves away from each other. Come and join us for some time together. Catch up with everyone and see what they are up to. All you have to do is click here on our ZOOM link every Wednesday at 7pm. Each week we will have a theme just to start off discussion. But don't feel like that will limit us! We can talk about anything you all want. And we'll end our time together with a group prayer for each other and those we care about. Look at all the yummy food! Do you have a favorite? Our discussion this week: What is your favorite hymn or Christian song? Cassie came up with this … [Read more...]
How YOU Can Help Fight Hunger!
Even in these times, we need YOU! Fighting hunger and poverty is one of the causes we are passionate about at BMUC. From our annual food drive to volunteering to serve dinner at local shelters, we believe no one should go hungry. Unfortunately, we have had to cancel our most recent volunteer effort to provide a meal at the local Men's and Women's shelter here in Berkeley due to the coronavirus, BUT that doesn't mean we are going to stop helping! There are two ways you can help fight hunger with BMUC. CROP Hunger Walk is a worthwhile event that raises funds to combat hunger and poverty worldwideTaiko drummers coming to support the CROP Hunger Walk First, volunteer to "walk" with us at the virtual CROP Walk on March 29th. Due to the current crisis, this event won't take … [Read more...]
Coronavirus: What it means for BMUC
Please stay safe. That is our number one concern now and always. We care about the safety and well-being of all of our members, friends, family, and community. And while this crisis forces us to make some life changes for the time being, we can still be the family of God for one another. Our multi-generational dance line on Mother's Day 2019 Social distancing is tough. We are a people who thrive on community. But I hope you will think of social distancing as a way for all of us to help care for God's children. This is simply finding new ways to love each other. Different, but still an action done out of love. On our church blog (which you are reading right now) we will post the latest updates to the crisis and how they affect our congregation. Hopefully, we won't have … [Read more...]
The Doors Are Closed But The Church Is Open!
Come worship with us every Sunday online @10:30am! The church building might temporarily be closed but the church is open! Now more than ever, we need one another. Now more than ever, we need to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world. Join us on this journey. Our ukulele players performing in worship August 2018 We care about every person who comes to our building - whether they are part of our congregation or not. For that reason, we are complying with the guidelines from the CDC and keeping the doors closed for the safety and welfare of our community. We hope you understand and we can't wait to welcome you inside once again. But that doesn't mean we aren't still busy and doing things for God and caring for one another. Easter Fun Time with the kids Easter … [Read more...]
