The Messenger

CALIFORNIA HEIGHTS UMC

Week of Sunday, February 15, 2026

SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY

603

THANK YOU!

WORSHIP WITH US!

EVERYONE IS WELCOME to California Heights United Methodist Church (3759 Orange Avenue, Long Beach, CA) on Sunday, February 15 at 10:00 AM for worship.

This week we are going to observe Transfiguration Sunday. Therefore, we ask everyone to please wear WHITE.

CLICK HERE to download a bulletin,

CLICK HERE to view our worship service.

Our lead pastor, Rev. Scott Andrews, will preach from Matthew 17:1-9 with a sermon titled “Transformed."

Our anthem will be shared Fire Within Us as they share “Complete Me.” Special music will be “O Lord of Darkness and of Light” shared by the Chancel Choir.

We hope to see you on Sunday.

HYGIENE ITEMS

Everyone is encouraged to bring hygiene products for the Long Beach Rescue Mission to the church on or before Sunday, February 15.

Items needed include:

·       Shampoo

·       Conditioner

·       Toothpaste

·       Toothbrushes

·       Hand and body lotion

·       Feminine Products

·       Q-tips

PRESIDENTS' DAY OBSERVANCE

In observance of Presidents' Day (Monday, February 16, 2026), the church offices will be closed.

SHROVE TUESDAY

Pancakes! Bacon! Beads! Jazz!

Come down to Hughes Hall as we celebrate Shrove Tuesday on Tuesday, February 17 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.

A free will offering will be collected.

LENT 2026

The season of Lent officially begins on Ash Wednesday (Wednesday, February 18) and culminates with Good Friday (Friday, April 3). At CHUMC, we are offering a variety of ways you can participate this year.

CLICK HERE to find out how.

ASH WEDNESDAY

Ash Wednesday will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 18 this year.

Come to the Narthex for the Imposition of Ashes:

6:00 to 6:30 AM or 11:50 AM until 12:10 PM.

Our Ash Wednesday Worship Service will begin in front of the church with the burning of last year’s palm branches at 6:30 PM (weather permitting). After the burning of the branches, we will process into the Narthex where those who have not received ashes yet can do so.

Our service will begin in the Sanctuary after all who wish to receive ashes have done so. Communion will be shared during this service.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL MEETING

It's hard to believe but the time has come to once again meet and plan for this year's Vacation Bible School.

A meeting has been scheduled for Sunday, February 22 immediately following worship to set a date and begin looking at options for VBS 2026.

Everyone interested in VBS please meet in the Church Parlor. If you have questions, please contact Millie Mendez-Andrews at 760-702-1282 or the Church Office at 562-595-1996.

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS

Help celebrate all our February birthdays during Coffee Fellowship on Sunday, February 22.

Our February birthdays include:

Abby Gregg - February 12

Dawn Swanson - February 18

Linda Benson - February 25

Sharon Collier - February 26

Julian Silva - February 27

If you don't see your name or another member's name on the list, please let the church office know.

NON-PERISHABLE FOOD

We will gather NON-PERISHABLE FOOD ITEMS for the Broken Loaf Food Pantry at Lakewood UMC on Sunday, March 1. All items for the Broken Loaf can be placed on the table to the right of the sanctuary center double doors.

Food pantries like the Broken Loaf are in great demand lately. They are filling the gap that many of our neighbors find themselves in right now. What ever you can give is appreciated!

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TO BEGIN

Daylight Savings begins on Sunday, March 8.

Don't forget to move your clocks ahead one hour.

GIVING ON LINE

While placing our offering in the plate each Sunday is the way many of us grew up giving to the church, it is no longer the only way to give. At Cal Heights UMC, we utilize Vanco for our online giving.

Scan the QR code to the rioghtt to use this service.

HARMONY BOUND CRAFTERS

The Harmony Bound Crafters are meeting on first and second Saturdays of each month from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. 

Please contact Donna Jenks (562-209-2833) to let her know if you will be joining them.

HAVE AN ANNOUNCEMENT?

Do you have an announcement for The Messenger? You are invited to send information to the church office for inclusion in The Messenger.

Email office@calheightsumc.org no later than Wednesday at noon.

BEING THE CHURCH UPDATES

Ash Wednesday @ E. Inn

Feb. 18, 5:45-7:30pm

Los Altos UMC, 5950 E. Willow St, 90815

$8 pp/$30 max per family

Following our weekly dinner and worship together, Pastor Melinda will lead a simple  imposition of the ashes.  Small groups will follow for adults, youth and children. :) 

Please sign up to attend via - 

Church Center App  Or BeingtheChurchLB.org  (under signups).  More info - e: Melinda@Beingthechurchlb.org

Youth Interfaith Fellowship with Temple Israel

Learning about Purim Together

Sunday, Feb. 22

Wesley Hall

Belmont Heights UMC

10:30am/11:45am-12:30pm

For the third consecutive year, we are gathering for a special interfaith morning.  All youth are invited to join us.  We will welcome Temple Israel youth to morning worship (10:30am) at Belmont Heights UMC, and then some fun learning and fellowship time together (11:45am).  We will be learning about the Jewish holiday of Purim as it is coming up soon!  Also, we will have super yummy bagels, fruit and juice, too.

Contact Pastor Melinda for info: pastor@belmontheightsumc.org

Clean Up our Great City!

Sat., Feb. 28, 9-11am

1827 Cedar Ave

We will be joining many others who are getting together to help clean up the Wrigley Neighborhood of Long Beach.  All supplies provided by the City of Long Beach Clean Up Team!  You just dress to get dirty, wear a hat and bring a water bottle.  After we volunteer, we gather for a short time of prayer, connections and announcements.  All ages welcome and encouraged to make a difference and “be the church!”

Invite a friend and sign up today!

Church Center App or online under “Signups” at www.beingthechurchlb.org

HAVE AN ANNOUNCEMENT?

Do you have an announcement for The Messenger? You are invited to send information to the church office for inclusion in The Messenger.

Email office@calheightsumc.org no later than Wednesday at noon.