Upcoming events
Amazing Race Fundraiser - Registrations are OPEN!
ALL Proceeds to Support Groundlings Day Camp!
Join the first-ever, super fun “Being the Church” Amazing Race!
– Teams of four will solve clues requiring brain and braun which will lead them to various iconic spots across Long Beach.
– The final clue will lead teams to a special location where more fun and fellowship will ensue!
– First team to arrive earns a special prize!
Quality childcare provided at no cost by Being the Church youth and young adults.

Relay for Life
Relay for Life LB
Saturday, June 7, 9am-9pm
POA Park - 7390 Carson, Long Beach 90808 (Behind the LB Towne Center)
Help us fight cancer by supporting the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Together, we will raise funds and awareness and participate in a 24 hour relay. Every dollar and every step counts. Join our team today!
Email Team Captain Lori Monnier for more information: lorimonnier@hotmail.com
Click HERE to join the Being the Church Team

Alabama Trip - Civil Rights + Faith Learning
Civil Rights + Faith Learning
Nine youth and two adults from our “Being the Church” congregations are heading to Alabama this June to explore their faith through a social justice lens. Participants are preparing by studying key figures and events; reading scripture; and meeting together for reflections and prayer. In June, participants will visit historic and modern sites on the civil rights trail in Birmingham, Montgomery and Selma, Alabama.
Trip participants will be visiting all of our worshipping congregations this spring to share some reflections, and show their appreciation to our churches.
Significant fundraising efforts are making this trip possible: thank you! More are underway. Donations to support a youth can be made directly via the QR Code or please contact Pastor Melinda about details re. personal check donations. (e: Melinda@BeingtheChurchLB.org)
$1,000 sponsors a youth.
All donations are deeply appreciated.

YIP! YIP!
Yoga in the Park!
4th Sundays @ 9am in Whaley Park (note earlier time!)
Upcoming - June 22
Join us for some relaxed stretching, deep breathing, and some yoga poses, too. We will gather together out in nature, under a beautiful morning sky. Free parking is available. We meet on the north side of the park (E Los Santos Drive side).
Suggested donation $10 supports all “Being the Church” ministries.
Learn more online via media @BeingtheChurchLB and websitew.BeingtheChurchLB.org

Groundlings Summer 2025 - Week 1
Week 1: June 23 - 27
Week 2: June 30 - July 3
Week 3: July 7 - 11
Week 4: July 14 - 18
Week 5: July 28 - August 1 Week 6: August 4-8
"We live grounded in God's love and 'filled with Joy and the Holy Spirit.' " ~ Acts 13:52
Groundlings Day Camp is a multi-generational ministry of Being the Church, Long Beach. We strive to offer every Groundlings camper a sense of deep belonging in a supportive community of peers through a whole lot of recreation and play, creativity, and fun. Paired in “family groups” throughout the day, Groundlings campers learn about themselves and one another, and our collective faith story.
Camp runs Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm.
Campers must be entering Kindergarten - 8th grade

Mobile Houseless Ministry
Mobile Houseless Ministry
Thank you for your continued support. As Pope Leo says, “we are helping the marginalized people.” With the warmer weather, we need men’s and women’s shorts along with sheets, blankets and towels. Please drop off items at any of our churches. Our team keeps busy handing out clothes and support items (hygiene kits, flashlights,, fast food gift cards, shoes, socks, etc.) on our service days. We hand out flyers a day or two ahead of time announcing our visit time; then our friends communicate with each other to advertise our visit.
As usual on our last service day, the meal truck was operated by Jamie Armstead of Jumpstart Industries and Rev Dan Lewis of Grace UMC offered communion while folks were awaiting the hot lunch
Questions or want to help: please contact Michael N. at 714 328 1503

Groundlings Summer 2025 - Week 2
Week 1: June 23 - 27
Week 2: June 30 - July 3
Week 3: July 7 - 11
Week 4: July 14 - 18
Week 5: July 28 - August 1 Week 6: August 4-8
"We live grounded in God's love and 'filled with Joy and the Holy Spirit.' " ~ Acts 13:52
Groundlings Day Camp is a multi-generational ministry of Being the Church, Long Beach. We strive to offer every Groundlings camper a sense of deep belonging in a supportive community of peers through a whole lot of recreation and play, creativity, and fun. Paired in “family groups” throughout the day, Groundlings campers learn about themselves and one another, and our collective faith story.
Camp runs Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm.
Campers must be entering Kindergarten - 8th grade

Groundlings Summer 2025 - Week 3
Week 1: June 23 - 27
Week 2: June 30 - July 3
Week 3: July 7 - 11
Week 4: July 14 - 18
Week 5: July 28 - August 1 Week 6: August 4-8
"We live grounded in God's love and 'filled with Joy and the Holy Spirit.' " ~ Acts 13:52
Groundlings Day Camp is a multi-generational ministry of Being the Church, Long Beach. We strive to offer every Groundlings camper a sense of deep belonging in a supportive community of peers through a whole lot of recreation and play, creativity, and fun. Paired in “family groups” throughout the day, Groundlings campers learn about themselves and one another, and our collective faith story.
Camp runs Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm.
Campers must be entering Kindergarten - 8th grade

Everyone's Inn - Summer Season
Everyone’s Inn: Summer Season
5:45pm - 7:30pm $7 pp // $25 max per family On Belmont Heights UMC Campus RSVP in the Church Center App OR online: Everyone’s Inn Registration
We will share a yummy meal together as well as great fellowship, music and prayer at this all ages gathering of the church.
Be sure to sign up today!


Groundlings Summer 2025 - Week 4
Week 1: June 23 - 27
Week 2: June 30 - July 3
Week 3: July 7 - 11
Week 4: July 14 - 18
Week 5: July 28 - August 1 Week 6: August 4-8
"We live grounded in God's love and 'filled with Joy and the Holy Spirit.' " ~ Acts 13:52
Groundlings Day Camp is a multi-generational ministry of Being the Church, Long Beach. We strive to offer every Groundlings camper a sense of deep belonging in a supportive community of peers through a whole lot of recreation and play, creativity, and fun. Paired in “family groups” throughout the day, Groundlings campers learn about themselves and one another, and our collective faith story.
Camp runs Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm.
Campers must be entering Kindergarten - 8th grade

Everyone's Inn - Summer Season
Everyone’s Inn: Summer Season
5:45pm - 7:30pm $7 pp // $25 max per family On Belmont Heights UMC Campus RSVP in the Church Center App OR online: Everyone’s Inn Registration
We will share a yummy meal together as well as great fellowship, music and prayer at this all ages gathering of the church.
Be sure to sign up today!

Everyone's Inn - Summer Season
Everyone’s Inn: Summer Season
5:45pm - 7:30pm $7 pp // $25 max per family On Belmont Heights UMC Campus RSVP in the Church Center App OR online: Everyone’s Inn Registration
We will share a yummy meal together as well as great fellowship, music and prayer at this all ages gathering of the church.
Be sure to sign up today!

Groundlings Summer 2025 - Week 5
Week 1: June 23 - 27
Week 2: June 30 - July 3
Week 3: July 7 - 11
Week 4: July 14 - 18
Week 5: July 28 - August 1 Week 6: August 4-8
"We live grounded in God's love and 'filled with Joy and the Holy Spirit.' " ~ Acts 13:52
Groundlings Day Camp is a multi-generational ministry of Being the Church, Long Beach. We strive to offer every Groundlings camper a sense of deep belonging in a supportive community of peers through a whole lot of recreation and play, creativity, and fun. Paired in “family groups” throughout the day, Groundlings campers learn about themselves and one another, and our collective faith story.
Camp runs Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm.
Campers must be entering Kindergarten - 8th grade

Everyone's Inn - Summer Season
Everyone’s Inn: Summer Season
5:45pm - 7:30pm $7 pp // $25 max per family On Belmont Heights UMC Campus RSVP in the Church Center App OR online: Everyone’s Inn Registration
We will share a yummy meal together as well as great fellowship, music and prayer at this all ages gathering of the church.
Be sure to sign up today!

Groundlings Summer 2025 - Week 6
Week 1: June 23 - 27
Week 2: June 30 - July 3
Week 3: July 7 - 11
Week 4: July 14 - 18
Week 5: July 28 - August 1 Week 6: August 4-8
"We live grounded in God's love and 'filled with Joy and the Holy Spirit.' " ~ Acts 13:52
Groundlings Day Camp is a multi-generational ministry of Being the Church, Long Beach. We strive to offer every Groundlings camper a sense of deep belonging in a supportive community of peers through a whole lot of recreation and play, creativity, and fun. Paired in “family groups” throughout the day, Groundlings campers learn about themselves and one another, and our collective faith story.
Camp runs Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm.
Campers must be entering Kindergarten - 8th grade

Amazing Race Fundraiser for Being the Church
Amazing Race Fundraiser for Being the Church
Saturday, May 31, starting @ 6:30pm
Tickets: $100 per couple (team) or $50 per participant
Join the first-ever, super fun “Being the Church” Amazing Race! Teams of two will participate in active challenges of brain and braun, across Long Beach. Then, the final clue will lead teams to a special location where more fun and fellowship will ensue. Being the Church youth and young adults will provide childcare at no additional cost. All tickets purchased will support Groundlings Camp a vital ministry of Being the Church, Long Beach.

Mobile Houseless Ministry
Mobile Houseless Ministry
Thank you for your continued support. As Pope Leo says, “we are helping the marginalized people.” With the warmer weather, we need men’s and women’s shorts along with sheets, blankets and towels. Please drop off items at any of our churches. Our team keeps busy handing out clothes and support items (hygiene kits, flashlights,, fast food gift cards, shoes, socks, etc.) on our service days. We hand out flyers a day or two ahead of time announcing our visit time; then our friends communicate with each other to advertise our visit.
As usual on our last service day on April 26, the meal truck was operated by Jamie Armstead of Jumpstart Industries and Rev Dan Lewis of Grace UMC offered communion while folks were awaiting the hot lunch
Questions or want to help: please contact Michael N. at 714 328 1503

6th-12th Grade Murder Mystery Dinner
RSVP by Friday May 9th to the email address listed!

4th-7th Grade Sleepover
JUST FOR FUN!
Church sleepover (4th-7th gr.)
May 25-26. Cost $7
This is SUCH a special night for our older children and younger youth! Our younger Middle Schoolers will get to be in leadership, and our older children get to experience a fun church sleepover. We will play some games, enjoy a pizza dinner, and watch a Disney movie together. Then, after a short devotional time, we will hit the hay (or church floor as it were). The next morning is a sleepy donut breakfast, and off to home! Please email admin@beingthechurchlb.org for the registration link.
(E: Melinda@BeingtheChurchLB.org) Parent support is needed. 🙂

YIP! YIP!
Yoga in the Park!
4th Sundays @ 9am in Whaley Park (note earlier time!)
Upcoming - May 25
Join us for some relaxed stretching, deep breathing, and some yoga poses, too. We will gather together out in nature, under a beautiful morning sky. Free parking is available. We meet on the north side of the park (E Los Santos Drive side).
Suggested donation $10 supports all “Being the Church” ministries.
Learn more online via media @BeingtheChurchLB and websitew.BeingtheChurchLB.org


Everyone's Inn - Winter/Spring Season
Everyone’s Inn: Winter/Spring Season
5:45pm - 7:30pm $7 pp // $25 max per family On Los Altos UMC Campus RSVP in the Church Center App OR online: Everyone’s Inn Registration
We will share a yummy meal together as well as great fellowship, music and prayer at this all ages gathering of the church. After our meal, we will head to small groups for all persons.
Even if you cannot attend every week, please sign up so we know we can plan well and keep you updated. Plus, you only need to sign up once for the whole season! Thank you for taking the time to do that; it really helps.
Be sure to sign up today!

Everyone's Inn - Winter/Spring Season
Everyone’s Inn: Winter/Spring Season
5:45pm - 7:30pm $7 pp // $25 max per family On Los Altos UMC Campus RSVP in the Church Center App OR online: Everyone’s Inn Registration
We will share a yummy meal together as well as great fellowship, music and prayer at this all ages gathering of the church. After our meal, we will head to small groups for all persons.
Even if you cannot attend every week, please sign up so we know we can plan well and keep you updated. Plus, you only need to sign up once for the whole season! Thank you for taking the time to do that; it really helps.
Be sure to sign up today!

Groundlings Kickball Game
Groundlings Kickball Game!
All parents, campers, staff, volunteers, alumni and supporters welcome!
Sunday, May 4th 1-3:00pm. Kickoff at 1pm 5620 E Atherton St, Long Beach, CA 90815 Whaley Park, Long Beach
You asked; we answered. Join us for a simple and fun afternoon! We will play an awesome game of kickball and just be together. Please sign up so we know that we can expect you and plan well for a GREAT game! If you have a Groundlings or Being the Church t-shirt, wear it!
Please sign up in the Church Center App or RSVP HERE

Servant Saturday - The Giving Farm
We’re Going to the Farm! The GIVING Farm!
Saturday, May 3. 9a-11am Westminster High School 14325 Goldenwest St Westminster, CA
Join us for a meaningful morning of service. We will be working to harvest produce, weed or plant. Following our volunteering, we will have a short time of prayer and communion together.
Dress for success in the following:
Comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty
Closed toe-shoes (work boots or hiking boots preferred).
Thick long pants and long-sleeved shirts preferred.
Things to bring:
Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
Water bottle
Personal garden gloves (optional, we will have gloves available)
Note: Do NOT park or check-in at the school entrance, the high school is closed. Parking will be onsite at the farm (behind the school). Please sign up via Signups on the Church Center App, or online HERE

Everyone's Inn - Winter/Spring Season
Everyone’s Inn: Winter/Spring Season
5:45pm - 7:30pm $7 pp // $25 max per family On Los Altos UMC Campus RSVP in the Church Center App OR online: Everyone’s Inn Registration
We will share a yummy meal together as well as great fellowship, music and prayer at this all ages gathering of the church. After our meal, we will head to small groups for all persons.
Even if you cannot attend every week, please sign up so we know we can plan well and keep you updated. Plus, you only need to sign up once for the whole season! Thank you for taking the time to do that; it really helps.
Be sure to sign up today!


Yoga in the Park!
Yoga in the Park!
4th Sundays @ 9am in Whaley Park (note earlier time!) Upcoming - April 27
Join us for some relaxed stretching, deep breathing, and some yoga poses, too. We will gather together out in nature, under a beautiful morning sky. Free parking is available. We meet on the north side of the park (E Los Santos Drive side). Suggested donation $10 supports all “being the church” ministries. Learn more online via media @BeingtheChurchLB and websitew.BeingtheChurchLB.org

Mobile Houseless Ministry
Mobile Houseless Ministry
Part of Being the Church, Long Beach, the mobile houseless ministry is now in its fourth year.
Questions or want to help: please contact Michael N. at 714 328 1503

Everyone's Inn - Winter/Spring Season
Everyone’s Inn: Winter/Spring Season
Everyone’s Inn - Crazy Hat Night
April 23, 5:45pm - 7:30pm
$7 pp/$25 max per family
Los Altos UMC - 5950 E. Willow St
Our weekly dinner church reopens after spring break with Crazy Hat Night! We can’t wait to see what hat YOU will be showing off in style! Things start with a cup of coffee, craft and a few games and then we enjoy a simple dinner together. We will host small groups for all ages after dinner (preK-adult). We hope to see you at Everyone's Inn this week - where all are invited and there’s always room for more!
Please sign up in advance www.beingthechurchLB.org

Easter Sunrise BEACH Service
Easter Sunrise BEACH Service
Sunday, April 20, 6:30AM
5400 E. Ocean Blvd.
Start your Easter morning at the beach with our sunrise service. Pastor Melinda and worship leader, Carlos Cueva, will lead us in a time of music, prayer and reflections in the most spectacular setting of all - God’s creation.
www.BeingtheChurchLB.org

Everyone's Inn - Winter/Spring Season
Everyone’s Inn: Winter/Spring Season
5:45pm - 7:30pm $7 pp // $25 max per family On Los Altos UMC Campus RSVP in the Church Center App OR online: Everyone’s Inn Registration
We will share a yummy meal together as well as great fellowship, music and prayer at this all ages gathering of the church. After our meal, we will head to small groups for all persons.
Even if you cannot attend every week, please sign up so we know we can plan well and keep you updated. Plus, you only need to sign up once for the whole season! Thank you for taking the time to do that; it really helps.
Be sure to sign up today!

Servant Saturday
Servant Saturday: Park Clean Up
April 5, 10-11:30am
MLK Park
1950 Lemon Ave, Long Beach, CA 90806
Through the City of Long Beach, we are hosting a park clean up event. Join us for a morning of volunteer work to beautify God's creation. RSVP in the app or through Sign up's!

Everyone's Inn - Winter/Spring Season
Everyone’s Inn: Winter/Spring Season
5:45pm - 7:30pm $7 pp // $25 max per family On Los Altos UMC Campus RSVP in the Church Center App OR online: Everyone’s Inn Registration
We will share a yummy meal together as well as great fellowship, music and prayer at this all ages gathering of the church. After our meal, we will head to small groups for all persons.
Even if you cannot attend every week, please sign up so we know we can plan well and keep you updated. Plus, you only need to sign up once for the whole season! Thank you for taking the time to do that; it really helps.
Be sure to sign up today!

Mobile Houseless Ministry
Mobile Houseless Ministry
Next volunteer date: Mar. 29
It is wintertime at the encampments on the LA River. Please donate any winter gear that you may have to support our next visit. Other big demand items always include jeans, tennis shoes, towels, and blankets. We have a strong donations’ sorting crew and serving volunteers. We continue to see turnover as the city helps place our friends in shelter or housing, but new faces appear. Our efforts complement the nice meal served by Jumpstart Industries with Grace on 3rd Pastor Dan Lewis providing communion. Part of Being the Church, Long Beach, the mobile houseless ministry is now in its fourth year. Questions or want to help: please contact Michael N. at 714 328 1503

Everyone's Inn - Winter/Spring Season
Everyone’s Inn: Winter/Spring Season
5:45pm - 7:30pm $7 pp // $25 max per family On Los Altos UMC Campus RSVP in the Church Center App OR online: Everyone’s Inn Registration
We will share a yummy meal together as well as great fellowship, music and prayer at this all ages gathering of the church. After our meal, we will head to small groups for all persons.
Even if you cannot attend every week, please sign up so we know we can plan well and keep you updated. Plus, you only need to sign up once for the whole season! Thank you for taking the time to do that; it really helps.
Be sure to sign up today!

YIP YIP Yoga
YIP YIP Yoga
4th Sundays @ 10am in Whaley Park
Upcoming - March 23
Join us for some relaxed stretching, deep breathing, and some yoga poses, too. We will gather together out in nature, under a beautiful morning sky. Free parking is available. We meet on the north side of the park (E Los Santos Drive side). Suggested donation $10 supports all “being the church” ministries.
Learn more online via media @BeingtheChurchLB

Everyone's Inn - Winter/Spring Season
Everyone’s Inn: Winter/Spring Season
5:45pm - 7:30pm $7 pp // $25 max per family On Los Altos UMC Campus RSVP in the Church Center App OR online: Everyone’s Inn Registration
We will share a yummy meal together as well as great fellowship, music and prayer at this all ages gathering of the church. After our meal, we will head to small groups for all persons.
Even if you cannot attend every week, please sign up so we know we can plan well and keep you updated. Plus, you only need to sign up once for the whole season! Thank you for taking the time to do that; it really helps.
Be sure to sign up today!

Everyone's Inn - Winter/Spring Season
Everyone’s Inn: Winter/Spring Season
5:45pm - 7:30pm $7 pp // $25 max per family On Los Altos UMC Campus RSVP in the Church Center App OR online: Everyone’s Inn Registration
We will share a yummy meal together as well as great fellowship, music and prayer at this all ages gathering of the church. After our meal, we will head to small groups for all persons.
Even if you cannot attend every week, please sign up so we know we can plan well and keep you updated. Plus, you only need to sign up once for the whole season! Thank you for taking the time to do that; it really helps.
Be sure to sign up today!

Everyone's Inn - Winter/Spring Season
Everyone’s Inn: Winter/Spring Season
5:45pm - 7:30pm $7 pp // $25 max per family On Los Altos UMC Campus RSVP in the Church Center App OR online: Everyone’s Inn Registration
We will share a yummy meal together as well as great fellowship, music and prayer at this all ages gathering of the church. After our meal, we will head to small groups for all persons.
Even if you cannot attend every week, please sign up so we know we can plan well and keep you updated. Plus, you only need to sign up once for the whole season! Thank you for taking the time to do that; it really helps.
Be sure to sign up today!

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
March 4, 5-7pm
Cal Height UMC
3759 Orange Ave., LB 90807
We begin with Shrove Tuesday (even though Lent doesn’t begin until Ash Wednesday) with a pancake and bacon supper. Great food (pancakes and bacon) and great fellowship (beads, games for the kids, and Dixieland Jazz) are some of the highlights of Shrove Tuesday. A free will offering will be collected.

Make a Difference Day!
Make a Difference Day!
Sunday, March 2 11:30-2:30pm (approx)
Sign up and choose your project:
https://www.mybelmontheights.org/bhmadd
On this powerful day, all persons across faith traditions and our community are invited to "Make a Difference" in our community. First, we will meet at the Temple Israel (268 Loma Avenue; Long Beach CA 90803) for sign-in’s and pizza lunch, followed by a short interfaith send off! Then, we will spread out to volunteer across Long Beach. There are an array of different volunteer projects from which to choose:
Decorating cookies for firefighters
Making no-sew blankets
Gardening, cleaning or painting projects
Making sandwiches
and so much more.

Blessing of the Animals - Two Locations!!
Blessing of the Animals - Two Locations!!
Sunday, Feb 23 @ 11:30am
Belmont Heights UMC
317 Termino Ave, 90814
Sunday, Feb 23 @ 1:30pm
Grace on 3rd
2325 E. 3rd, 90814
All furry babies invited! (and their friends too). Bring all animals and creatures for a very special blessing. Pastors Bomi Kim and Dan Lewis will offer special prayers for all of God’s creatures. Join us for a lively time with all creatures, great and small.

Mobile Houseless Ministry
Mobile Houseless Ministry
Next volunteer date: Feb. 22
It is wintertime at the encampments on the LA River. Please donate any winter gear that you may have to support our next visit. Other big demand items always include jeans, tennis shoes, towels, and blankets. We have a strong donations’ sorting crew and serving volunteers. We continue to see turnover as the city helps place our friends in shelter or housing, but new faces appear. Our efforts complement the nice meal served by Jumpstart Industries with Grace on 3rd Pastor Dan Lewis providing communion. Part of Being the Church, Long Beach, the mobile houseless ministry is now in its fourth year. Questions or want to help: please contact Michael N. at 714 328 1503

Repro Shabbat
Repro Shabbat & Panel Discussion
“Interfaith Perspectives on Reproductive Freedom”
Feb. 21, 2025 Temple Israel. 268 Loma Avenue, Long Beach CA 90803
5:30pm Gathering with light refreshments 6pm Shabbat Service
Following the service: panel discussion & dessert reception
All persons are invited to attend Temple Israel’s upcoming “Repro Shabbat.” This service takes place annually when Jewish congregations read Parshat Mishpatim — the portion of the Torah containing verses used as the foundation of Judaism's approach to reproductive health, rights, and justice. Following the service, there will be a panel discussion titled “Interfaith Perspectives on Reproductive Freedom.” Participants will learn what different faith traditions teach about reproductive freedom and women’s bodily autonomy and dignity, and how this relates to reproductive health care. For more information on this event, please email advocacy@ncjwlongbeach.org or call (657) 235-2511.

Upcoming events
Our events are a great way to get involved in your community and connect with others who share your faith. Whether you're interested in participating in a service project, or simply attending a social gathering, there are many opportunities for you to get involved and grow in your faith.
Events for the Whole Family. We've got everything you need for a great day out with your loved ones - from games and activities to delicious food and drinks. Let us know you're coming by clicking on the event from the calendar and register.
SIGN UP ONLINE today for our upcoming events.
MONTHLY EVENT
Yoga in the park every 1st and 3rd Sunday at Whaley Park. Start at 9 am - Yoga in the Park, Whaley Park, Long Beach