The Messenger

CALIFORNIA HEIGHTS UMC

Thursday, April 2, 2026

MAUNDY THURSDAY

Our Maundy Thursday service will be in Hughes Hall on Thursday, April 2 at 7:00 PM. 

We will have a service which includes feet washing, scripture, music, a message, and Communion.

GOOD FRIDAY

Our Good Friday service is Friday, April 3 at 7:00 PM. 

Scripture readings, music, darkness, and reflection will be part of this evening’s service. 

We will gather on the Chancel of the Sanctuary (as space allows).

EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE

AT THE BEACH

Sunday, April 5, 6am

5400 Ocean Blvd., Long Beach

Join Pastor Melinda and other early risers for a meaningful beginning to your Easter morning. We will watch the sunrise together with music and hope for our new year in Christ. Dress warmly and bring a chair.  

EASTER FLOWER CROSS

One of our long standing traditions at Cal Heights UMC is our "flower cross." On Easter morning (Sunday, April 5), our flower cross will be on the front steps of the church. Everyone is invited to bring flowers to place in the cross.

Helpers will be available to assist you placing your flowers in the cross.

TRADITIONAL SERVICE

Our traditional Easter service will be on Sunday, April 5 at 10:00 AM complete with familiar hymns, scripture, brass and percussion ensemble, and a message.

An Easter egg hunt for children attending church will happen immediately following the worship service.

HAWAII FLOODING 
& STORM UPDATE

The Cal-Pac disaster response team has been working to support churches, members, and their communities as recent severe storms and flooding in Hawaii over the past couple of weeks. Five churches have reported damage, and three families in our conference community have been significantly affected with damage to homes and businesses. In addition, Camp Mokulēʻia, one of our partnership sites for district retreats, sustained severe damage from flooding. 

Karl Ports reports that the disaster response team is actively working with UMCOR on disaster relief coordination. Two UMCOR Solidarity Grants are being requested: one for Maui and one for Oahu. These grants provide up to $10,000 each and are designed to address immediate needs such as medication, fuel, housing, clothing, and food, distributed via gift cards. We are working with the Hawaii District disaster response coordinator, Rev. Kim Houff, to determine eligibility and how to configure these grants. 

The following churches and members of their congregations have reported damage:



• Honolua UMC (Maui)
• Parker UMC (Oahu)
• Kahaluu UMC (Oahu) 
• Christ UMC (Oahu) 
• Kam Nam UMC (Oahu) 
• Olive UMC member (Oahu)
• Ala Lani UMC Member (Maui)
• Lahaina UMC Member (Maui)

We will continue to monitor the situation, coordinate with UMCOR, and update the community as more information becomes available. Please keep our Hawaii churches and their members in your prayers. 

APRIL BIRTHDAYS

Help celebrate all our April birthdays during Coffee Fellowship on Sunday, April 26.

Our April birthdays include:

Linda Dilts - April 1

Anita Morgan - April 2

Madeline Stewart - April 13

Susan Bolton - April 14

Dianne Swanson - April 20

Heather Vega - April 21

John Wissler - April 21

Ford Monell - April 26

James Petri - April 29

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, April 5. 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!

LECTIONARY BIBLE STUDY

Our Lectionary Bible Study will resume on Wednesday, April 15 at 10:15 AM. The study will be led by our student intern Sela Taupaki.

The study will meet in the church parlor. Each week we will look at the scriptures prescribed for the next Sunday. Scriptures can be found in the Study section of the GPS found on the back of the bulletin.

Click here to find the bulletin.

HYGIENE PRODUCTS

We encourage everyone to bring hygiene products for the Long Beach Rescue Mission to the church on or before Sunday, April 19.

Items needed include:

·       Shampoo

·       Conditioner

·       Toothpaste

·       Toothbrushes

·       Hand and body lotion

·       Feminine Products

·       Q-tips

SAVE THE DATE! 

THE RUMMAGE SALE IS COMING!

Start saving your items to donate.

Key dates:

04/27 - 06/08   Jewelry can be dropped off

06/01 - 06/08   Donations can be dropped off

06/11 - 06/13   Rummage Sale!

BE OF HELP

On Sunday, March 22, Rev Scott mentioned that our custodian, Saira Machuca of City Wide Custodial Services, was hit by a car in front of the church. She was pinned between her car and the car that hit her and then was dragged. She is facing many, many injuries and may lose her leg.

A Go Fund Me page has been set up to help Saira and her family.

Click on the link below to help out:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-sairas-kids-while-she-fights-to-save-her-leg

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

Easter Sunrise Service at the Beach

Sunday, April 5, 6am

5400 Ocean Blvd., Long Beach

Join Pastor Melinda and other early risers for a meaningful beginning to your Easter morning. We will watch the sunrise together with music and hope for our new year in Christ. Dress warmly and bring a chair. 

Spaghetti Luncheon Groundlings Fundraiser! 

April 19 @ 11am - 12:30pm 

Free will offering for the meal - all contributions received to support Groundlings Camp

Cal Heights UMC

3759 Orange Avenue

LB 90807

RSVP to attend please! Church Center App Or online: www.BeingtheChurchLB.org

All are invited to a wonderful Italian feast hosted by Being the Church youth and families. We are excited to share our love of Groundlings Daycamp, and how it has contributed to the faith development of many young persons in our churches and communities. Please mark your calendars, invite friends and come join us for a wonderful afternoon.

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.