Lakeside Presbyterian
The Nicene Creed, one of the oldest statements of the Christian faith, is a symbol of belief for Christians in all regions and most denominations.
It was first adopted in 325 A.D., when the Roman Empire’s first Christian ruler, Emperor Constantine, called more than 300 bishops from the world over to meet in Niceae (present-day Turkey), to settle the matter of the nature of Jesus as the Son of God, and how Jesus was in relationship with God the Father. The present form was completed in 381 A.D. in Constantinople. The Creed not only explains the Church’s teachings about the Trinity, but also affirms the historical realities of Jesus’ life, being based upon biblical concepts and truths.
In his current series of sermons, Pastor Ross Arnold of Lakeside Presbyterian Church is using the Nicene Creed to help the congregation understand the basic beliefs of the Christian faith. This week, he will explain the background of what the Creed says about Jesus, as the central theme both of the Creed and of Christianity.
Lakeside Presbyterian Church meets Sundays in their newly-dedicated church building in Riberas. Turn lakeside at Mom’s Restaurant, the church is two blocks down on the right. The English-language service is at 10 a.m. and the Spanish-language service at noon.
Following worship and refreshments, “The Pastor’s Forum” convenes in the church library, when attendees are free to ask questions about the sermon, the faith, or any other topic of interest.
New Hope Christian
The non-denominational congregation of New Hope Christian Fellowship will continue with its regular schedule in its new meeting place in the Presbyterian Church. A 10:45 a.m. refreshment period will be followed by the worship service at 11 a.m. Pastor Gene Raymer’s message this week will center on the joy of serving Christ. “Many see serving Christ as a confining experience or even a burden. But the scriptures teach that we should be joyful even in times of suffering.”
Many in the congregation will continue the spirit of fellowship over lunch at a local restaurant.
New Hope Christian Fellowship seeks to model itself after the first century Christian church. There were no denominations separating Christians. All were joined in celebrating their salvation. And while there were instances of divisions caused by outside influences, the main focus was on Jesus; crucified and resurrected. For more information about this group, call the pastor at 376-766-3435 or 333-724-6179.
Christ Church Episcopal
Christ Church Episcopal will observe the Second Sunday in Lent by celebrating the Holy Eucharist, Rite II, at 9:30 a.m. on February 21 in the Little Chapel by the Lake, Carretera 10 in Chula Vista. Fr. Danny Borkowski will preside, and Warden Jim Powers will give a message with the theme “Perseverance and Forsaken Love,” based on Luke 13:31-35.
The congregations of Christ Church and the Little Chapel share a coffee fellowship between their two services from about 10:35 until 11:10 a.m.
The Tuesday Bible Study sponsored by Christ Church continues the study John’s Gospel.
Folks from Christ Church will join others Wednesday, February 24, 4:30 p.m. at Casa Nostra Retirement Home as the Lakeside Singers lead a sing-a-long with the people who live there. All are welcome to join them.
Lake Chapala Baptist
Brother Bob Hendrick opines: “This knot on my forehead is not because I did not see the sliding glass door that I had closed to keep some warmth in my office. The knot on my head is because I was not looking at the closed door as I rushed back to my desk for something ‘important’ while selecting the key to lock the front door. I was ‘distracted walking’ Had I been looking, the door would have been evident (even more so now with that greasy print of my forehead and nose). In the Letter to the Hebrews, the author says, ‘But we see Jesus …’ (v.2:9 KJV). He doesn’t say we will see or that we need to search for Him. He is evident to those who walk by faith and undistracted.”
Attend the service at the Lake Chapala Baptist Church on Sunday, February 21, 11 a.m. The church is at Santa Margarita 179 in Riberas del Pilar.
Unitarians
This Sunday’s theme at the Lake Chapala Unitarian Universalists is “Celebrating International Love Your Pet Day.” Members of the writer’s group will share short stories about pets that have touched their lives. Sue Kelley is the service leader.
The Lake Chapala Unitarian Universalists are an English-speaking, lay-led fellowship that meets every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. The February 21 and February 28 meetings will take place, as usual, in Plaza de la Ribera, Rio Bravo 10A on the west side of Ajijic.
On March 6, however, the service will be held in the new location at Hidalgo 261, in Riberas del Pilar on the north side of the Carretera.
St. Andrews Anglican
Harder than speaking or acting for God, harder even than believing in God, is waiting for God. But in spite of frustration and impatience, waiting is so often what people of faith are called to do. Fr. Winston Welty’s sermon at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church – “Hurry Up and Wait…and See” – reflects on the discipline of faithful waiting that ends in a closer understanding of faithful action. Worship begins at 10 a.m., the children’s bilingual Sunday School is at 9:45 a.m., and “Coffee Hour” in the Garden follows the worship service.
Every Sunday, the feeding program supported by St. Andrew’s welcomes donations of non-perishable food items, which can be left in baskets by the church doors.
All men of the parish are welcome for lunch Wednesday, February 24, noon, at Adelita’s in San Antonio.
Every Wednesday in Lent from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., this year’s Bible Study is “Muted Voices: Old Testament Women,” stories that bring men and women to a clearer understanding of how to live as persons of faith in a faithless world. This week: Sarah.
St. Andrew’s is at Calle San Lucas 19, a block south of the Carretera in Riberas del Pilar.
San Andres English
Fr. Basil G. Royston, D. Min. will give a homily on “The Lord in whom we put our Faith” at the Sunday, February 21, 9 a.m. English-language Mass held at San Andres Catholic Church in Ajijic.
Says Fr. Royston: “Like Abraham, our father in faith, we are called by God to a new homeland. We are not to rest in the material comfort of this world, but to move onwards towards the land of promise, where the Lord in whom we put our faith will transfigure our mortal bodies into the likeness of his glorified body.”
San Andres is located at the corner of Ramon Corona and Parroquia, one block from the Ajijic main plaza.
Little Chapel by the Lake
The Little Chapel by the Lake will hear a sermon on “Prayer, is it worthwhile and effective?” led by Frances Clemmons, at its Sunday, February 21, 11:15 a.m. service. Fellowship time with coffee and refreshments begins at 10:30 a.m.
The Little Chapel is in Chula Vista, on the Carretera, east of the golf course entrance.
St. Mark’s Anglican, Guadalajara
St. Mark’s Anglican/Episcopal church in Guadalajara is, of course, in Lent, a period of self-reflection and renewal of faith. Dr. Jim Priddy, on the second Sunday of Lent, February 21, will preach on “Believing the Unbelievable,” based on the account of Abraham, old and with a wife beyond the age of bearing children, who is told he will have descendants numbering as the stars in the sky. Abraham believes God, and we are told this was “reckoned to him as righteousness.” So what is righteousness? And is this what we are called to do? Believe the unbelievable?
St. Mark’s holds services in English Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Chichimecas 836, corner of Aztecas, a two-minute drive north of Plaza Mexico, in Colonia Monraz.