The Messenger

CALIFORNIA HEIGHTS UMC

Thursday, November 5, 2026

GREEN BEANS vs. CRANBERRY SAUCE

Once again we are going to be teaming up with our sibling churches of Being the Church, Long Beach to collect 400 cans of green beans and cranberry sauce.

The first day to bring in cans will be Sunday, November 1, and the last day will be Sunday, November 15.

Please bring your cans to the table to the left of the sanctuary double doors (non-perishable food items for the Broken Loaf Food Pantry can be placed on the table to the right of the sanctuary double doors).

LECTIONARY STUDY

The Lectionary Bible Study meets on Mondays at 10:15 AM. Our last day to meet is Monday, November 16. The Advent Study will begin on Monday, November 30.

Each week the study will read and discuss the prescribed scripture for the upcoming Sunday and can be found in the bulletin each week. 

NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS

Help celebrate all our November birthdays during Coffee Fellowship on Sunday, November 15.

Our November birthdays include:

Jake Gregg - November 2

Bryan Doukenick - November 3

Daniel Bors - November 6

Susie Gregg - November 8

Bob Dougherty - November 11

David Herstad - November 18

Scott Andrews - November 25

Linnett Ukpong - November 25

Millie Mendez-Andrews - November 26

Ned Geohegan - November 27

Anna DeMichele - November 29

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

HYGIENE PRODUCTS SUNDAY

We encourage everyone to bring hygiene products for the Long Beach Rescue Mission to the church on or before Sunday, November 15.

Items needed include:

·       Shampoo

·       Conditioner

·       Toothpaste

·       Toothbrushes

·       Hand and body lotion

·       Feminine Products

·       Q-tips

ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS MARKET

Our annual Alternative Christmas Market will be on hiatus this Fall. Due to several contributing factors this decision was reached.

Los Altos UMC will be hosting an Alternative Christmas Market on Sunday, November 15 starting at 9:30 AM. Everyone is encouraged to attend their event.

HANGING OF THE GREENS

This MUCH anticipated annual event is just around the corner! Our Hanging of the Greens event will be held on Sunday, November 22 following worship. A lot of hard work goes into this event so we will have a luncheon for all of those who participate!

Don’t miss this great event! If you would like to be a part of the set-up crew, just show up. Please wear clothes that you don't mind getting dirty to the worship service that day.

ADVENT STUDY 2026

Our Advent Study will begin meeting on Monday, November 30 at 10:15 AM. We will meet in the church parlor.

The book we are reading and studying is On the Way to Bethlehem: An Advent Study by Rev. Rob Fuquay.

The journey to Christmas begins in Rome.

On the Way to Bethlehem follows the long journey to Christmas. The story begins in Rome with a decree issued from the seat of worldly power for a census, setting into motion events leading to the birth of the Savior of the world in a town that represents the very opposite of worldly power, Bethlehem.

Author Rob Fuquay provides insight into the geographical and historical significance of Rome, Jerusalem, Nazareth, and Bethlehem, along with the important characters through whom the Christmas drama unfolds. You will be drawn into those places in a way that helps you experience the spiritual truths each location holds. The reflection we give in these places prepares the heart and soul to experience wonder, awe, mystery, and joy.

Chapters include:

Rome – A Place of Longing

Jerusalem – A Place of Waiting

Nazareth – A Place of Simplicity

Bethlehem – A Place of Humility

Books can be picked up in the Narthex beginning Sunday, November 15. The cost is FREE!

ALL-CHURCH CONFERENCE

Each year every church in the United Methodist Church is required to have an annual meeting. This meeting is either called a "Charge Conference" or an "All-Church Conference. Both meet with and are presided over by the District Superintendent of the West District. The difference between the two is important. A "Charge Conference" is made up of the members of the Church Council. Others may attend, but the members of the Church Council are only people who vote on agenda items. An "All-Church Conference" is made up of ALL members of the congregation with each being allowed to vote.

This year, as we have in the past three years, I have asked our District Superintendent that we have an All-Church Conference. We will have our gathering on Sunday, November 29 following worship. We will meet in Hughes Hall.

Immediately following the All-Church Conference, we will have an appreciation luncheon for all the volunteers of Cal Heights UMC (see article below).

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION LUNCHEON

We will once again gather in Hughes Hall to break bread to celebrate and acknowledge all of the volunteers at Cal Heights UMC. This year's luncheon is scheduled for Sunday, November 29 immediately after our All-Church Conference.

Invitations will be sent to our volunteers. This luncheon is open to everyone and is completely free. Domenico's Italian Restaurant will be catering this event.

This luncheon will take place in lieu of our usual 5th Sunday potluck.

WHERE IS HUMPHREY?

We continue the tradition of “Where is Humphrey?” again this year. Humphrey the camel (from our sanctuary Nativity set) is on the loose! Each week Rev Scott hides Humphrey somewhere in the Sanctuary or the Narthex.

This is a fun game for all ages. Each person is challenged to “find” Humphrey but then not tell anyone until the “big reveal” each week during the Children’s Message.

Humphrey will begin hiding on Sunday, November 29.

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 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

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.