BI-MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
JANUARY/
FEBRUARY 2026
FOCUS • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026
Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church
Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church
Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church
By Peter Whitelock – Head of Staff
Pastoral Staff
Peter Whitelock - Head of Staff
Lauren Gully - Mission & Outreach
Jaime Polson - Care & Executive Leadership
Chris Baldwin - Community & Formation
Jane Doty MacKenzie - Pastor
Ministry Directors
Emily Austin - Children’s Ministry
Bryan Dunnewald - Music
Coleen Moulton - Seedlings Preschool
Cynthia Purvis - Youth
Susan Wentworth - Children’s Ministry
Finance
Suzanne Ferraro
Focus Newsletter
Pamela Moidel - Design
Lexi Morrissey - Editor
A Look Ahead ...................... 2
Youth...................................... 3
Children................................. 4
Foundation ........................... 5
Thursday Fellowship........... 6
Community............................ 7
Mission .................................. 9
Seedlings................................11
love does ..............................12
Jinglebell Jamboree ..........13
Finance/Session...................14
CONTENTS
January/February 2026
Submissions & Deadlines
Please send requests for submissions to:
communications@lopc.org
no later than February 1 for the March/April issue.
Staying Connected: Sign up for our
weekly email to stay up-to-date on all things
LOPC! Visit: lopc.org/email.
Need to reach us?
info@lopc.org • 925-283-8722
The Constancy
of Change
About 25 years ago now, in
this very column, I wrote
the following: “It has been
said that change is not an
optional endeavor for the
church, but a necessary
activity. Churches that do not
creatively and constructively
plan for change set the stage
for eventual stagnation and irrelevancy.” At the
time we were engaged in an extensive planning
process that in many ways laid the foundation for
the ministry at LOPC we enjoy today!
Since that time, strategic planning has been a
constant practice at LOPC, and we have done this
work diligently in the belief that God is always at
work helping us navigate emerging challenges
and opportunities to better serve our community
and world. God is, as the prophet Isaiah reminds
us, always doing a new thing.
In our current strategic planning process, begun
last January, we’re mapping a way forward
with three task forces focused on addressing
loneliness and mental health, building strong
relational groups, and developing new programs
to serve families of all types. In a congregational
survey conducted as part of this process, these
were top concerns identified by our church family.
In coming months, keep an eye out for new
programs, ministries and events we will be
developing in response to the work of these task
forces, and hold them in prayer as we continue
to seek to serve the larger community in dynamic
and creative new ways!
Grace and peace,
Peter Whitelock
FOCUS • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026
A welcoming and loving community of faith that learns, grows, and serves together
A welcoming and loving community of faith that learns, grows, and serves together.
A welcoming and loving community of faith that learns, grows, and serves together.
Journey through Lent together. This season, we will
gather as a church family for a meaningful study
designed to prepare our hearts and minds for Easter.
Our Lenten Small Groups offer a beautiful opportunity
to deepen your faith, connect with others, and walk
through Lent with intention and purpose.
Book announcement and registration link coming soon!
For more information, contact Pastor
Chris Baldwin at chris@lopc.org.
LOPC Annual Meeting
February 1 at 11:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary
Join us as we present a review of the past year
and vote on pastors’ salaries. All are welcome
but only members may vote.
The 2025 Annual Report will be available
January 18 at lopc.org/publications.
January 4 – February 8
Passages from the Bible that give
us hope, encouragement amid
life’s struggles, and run counter
to a purely secular perspective.
January 11: We Are Not Alone
January 18: Are We There, Yet?
February 1: Day By Day
February 8: Great Expectations
Palm Sunday Egg Hunt
Sunday, March 29, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
All are welcome to join in the annual LOPC Palm Sunday
Egg Hunt! Invite your family, friends, and neighbors to share
in this free community event. Bring your own Easter baskets
for three age-appropriate egg hunts (ages infant through
4th grade). Enjoy breakfast bites, games, arts & crafts, face
painting, and more—there’s something for all ages to enjoy!
Registration coming soon. For more
information, contact gina@lopc.org.
2026
Lenten Small
Study Groups
February 18 – April 2
Watch what
fun we had
last year!
FOCUS • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026
Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church
Youth Alive!
Youth Alive, our Sunday morning youth Bible
study for 5th – 8th graders, at 10:30 a.m. in CLC
Room 201.
If you haven’t yet had a chance to check out
Youth Alive, come join us. 5th – 8th graders are
welcome to participate in this hour-long program
each Sunday during the 10:30 a.m. worship
service throughout the school year.
Young Adult Community Group
January 12, 26, February 9, 23
Meet together with other young adults for dinner and discussion. We
meet bi-monthly on Monday nights in the Fireside Room. We also
like to go to sporting events, nature hikes, and host game nights.
For more information contact Cynthia at
cynthia@lopc.org or Libby at libby@lopc.org.
Confirmation Winter Session: 8th - 12th grades
6 Sundays: January 11, 25 | February 1, 8 | March 1, 8
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Lunch included.
Confirmation is a faith milestone for 8th–12th grade students as
they explore faith, ask questions in a safe environment, and seek to
actively explore their own faith journey.
Each time we meet, we’ll engage in activities, discussion, and a
lesson that helps to illuminate important topics of faith:
What is the church? What is God like? Does it matter that Jesus rose
from the dead? How was the Bible written and why should I even
trust it?
Register at lopc.org/registrations.
Contact Cynthia Purvis
at cynthia@lopc.org.
@lopc_youth
BTW By the Way
Sundays from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Optional pizza dinner at 5:45 p.m. in the Davies Room is $5.
Youth in 9th–12th grade connect with each other through games,
worship, Bible-based devotions, and small group discussions.
Together, we discuss a wide range of age-appropriate topics including
God’s vision for justice in the world, how to grow in your personal
faith journey, what it looks like to live as a follower of Christ. Youth
meet with a consistent small group including peers and adult advisors
throughout the year to build relationships, authenticity, & trust. BTW
meets in the Upper Youth Room (CLC 201) on Sundays through May.
YOW
Youth on Wednesday
Wednesdays from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Optional pizza dinner at 5:30 p.m. is $5.
Youth in 5th–8th grades gather on Wednesdays
from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. in CLC 201 for fun
games, worship music, a Bible-based devotional
lesson, and small group discussions. There is
an optional pizza & salad dinner for $5 (cash or
check) at 5:30 p.m. Together, we discuss how
God is at work in the world, how to grow in faith,
friendship, school, family and more!
Youth meet with a consistent small group
including peers, teen, and adult advisors
throughout the year to build authenticity and
trust. YOW also regularly includes service-
learning activities. The program runs through
May. No registration is required.
Watch the fun we had during the holidays
at Friendsgiving, Mediocre Talent Night,
and our Alumni Dinner!
FOCUS • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026
A welcoming and loving community of faith that learns, grows, and serves together
Vacation Bible Camp 2026
June 8 – 12, 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Get ready for Vacation Bible Camp 2026; Rainforest
Falls! LOPC invites kids ages 4 through completed
4th grade PLUS middle-, high school, and adult
volunteers on a five-day adventure through the nature
of God. Step through the mist into Rainforest Falls,
overflowing with wild waterfalls, towering trees, and
colorful creatures. Beneath a canopy of chattering
birds and howling monkeys, we’ll explore what it
means to be rooted in relationship with God; a safe
place in life’s storms. Campers and crews will explore
exciting stations like Sing & Play Tune Lagoon, Rooted
Bible Adventures, Imagination Station, Wild Games,
Treetop Treats, Mission & Mindfulness, and Canopy
Closing each day. These activities are fun, and our
multi-disciplinary, interactive lessons, will apply daily
Bible points in creative and meaningful ways.
To register or to volunteer,
please visit www.lopc.org/vbcamp.
Parables at PLAY
Wednesdays, January 14 – March 18, 3:15 – 5:15pm
PLAY on Wednesday returns this January and we welcome new
and returning students to join. Our program will dive into the
Parables of Jesus, transforming these timeless stories into original
performance pieces that connect with modern life. Through
creative exploration and using tools like stop motion animation,
puppetry, and more, students will discover how themes like
compassion, forgiveness, and community still speak powerfully
today. Participants will work together to reinterpret the parables,
imagining how its message might unfold in contemporary
settings—from classrooms and neighborhoods to online spaces
and everyday challenges. By the end of the session, each
participant will have contributed to a meaningful and imaginative
retelling of scripture—one that deepens their understanding while
building confidence, creativity, and teamwork. We share our work
in a culminating showcase on March 18 from 4:15 – 5:15 p.m. in the
Oak Room and all are welcome to join as audience.
For information or to register, visit www.lopc.org/playon.
Email Emily Austin: emily@lopc.org or
Susan Wentworth: susan@lopc.org.
Watch our POW Fashion Show
from the Fall session!
FOCUS • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026
Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church
foundation
LOPC Foundation Finances
Annual Report by Jennifer Crocker, Foundation Trustee, Treasurer
LOPC Foundation closed its September 30, 2025 fiscal year
with $15,264,000 of invested net assets (equity), after deducting
$23,800 of remaining commitments to LOPC in 2025.
Legacy estate and other gifts of $496,000 were received in the
fiscal year 2025.
The Foundation investments, made up of 14 diversified mutual
funds and exchange-traded funds, had a 12.3% time weighted
average rate of return for the fiscal year.
Foundation Trustees appropriated $441,000 for LOPC ministries
and $367,000 for facilities reserve-study projects and facilities
capital expenditures. Operating expenses of the Foundation
were 0.5% of the net assets.
Net asset values of the Foundation’s 11 funds and Facilities
Reserve Account at September 30, 2025:
Thank You Outgoing Trustees!
By Linda Rosenthal, LOPC Foundation Outreach Team
The LOPC Foundation would like to thank the
following outgoing Trustees for their service. These
members of the congregation have invested many
years of dedication, and we are grateful for their
time and expertise in working toward the long term
financial health of the church.
Jim Beckemeyer served multiple
terms and has led us as President
from COVID to the present. Jim’s
command of both the big picture
and the details is a real gift, and
he has kept us on track through
many changes and initiatives.
His character and Christian faith
were with us at all times and kept us
upbeat and moving forward. We wish Jim and his wife,
Carson, lots of new adventures as they enjoy Jim’s
recent retirement.
Andy Gill served as a Trustee for 2
years before moving to Atlanta to
be near both his and Margie’s
parents in their later years. His
valuable skill set as a senior
investment professional kept us
sharp during meetings with our
advisors. We could always count on
Andy for ongoing contributions to both
finance and outreach teams, and were lucky to learn
from his experience with other foundations. He kindly
promises to be available for the occasional consult
going forward.
Linda Fodrini-Johnson served a full
term of four years. She kept us
focused on the ultimate reason
the Foundation exists – to provide
future financial resources to make
sure LOPC is a vibrant ministry
spreading Christ’s love to others.
We are grateful for her teaching
gifts, especially around caregiving and
dementia. She was responsible for many programs
sponsored by Senior Ministry and the Foundation to
help individuals and caregivers cope. She will continue
these efforts along with some new areas of service
around financial literacy.
We send warmest thanks and best wishes to Jim,
Andy, and Linda as they move into their next
chapters.
Unrestricted
General Ministry Fund
$5,323,000
Restricted Funds:*
Deacons Endowments Fund
$314,000
Thursday Fellowship Fund
$323,000
Youth Fund
$473,000
Christian Leadership Fund
$318,000
Women’s Endowment Fund
$7,000
Mission Endowment Fund
$469,000
Music Fund
$148,000
Landscape Maintenance Endowment Fund
$162,000
Facilities Endowment Fund
$6,705,000
Facilities Reserve Account**
$1,017,000
*Restricted funds are available for grants for limited uses designated by
donors or Foundation Trustees.
**The Facilities Reserve Account provides funds for planned as well as
unexpected facilities expenditures and future planned capital projects. In
2025, $166,000 was set aside for this purpose.
Learn more about donor opportunities for legacy estate gifts
and other gifts to stabilize Foundation support of church
ministries in the future at the LOPC website and from the
2026 Foundation Trustees: Lois Boyd, Mark Cratsenburg,
Jen Crocker, Esther Kim, Gwenn Lennox, Cam Olufson, Linda
Rosenthal, Mike Ross, Mark Weaver.
FOCUS • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026
A welcoming and loving community of faith that learns, grows, and serves together
throughout the room. The
day was not only fun but also
filled with the joy and hope of
Christmas.
We will resume our Thursday
Fellowship program on January
8 and look forward to welcoming
you to join in a variety of
activities and entertainment.
Entertainment schedule:
January:
1/8: Back due to popular
demand: Thursday Fellowship’s
“Unique-Antique Road Show”
1/15: Michael Kistner, singer and
guitarist, and longtime friend
of Thursday Fellowship will
perform our favorites
1/22: Flamenco guitarist, Jean
Paul Buongiorno
1/29: LOPC favorite, Chris
Ahlman
February:
2/5: Rossmoor Square Dancers
2/12: Valentine Celebration with vocalist
Keith Barros
2/19: Michael Kistner returns
2/26: Chinese New Celebration
Our schedule daily is as follows:
• 11:00 a.m. “Meet and Greet” with snacks
and beverages.
• 11:15 a.m. Creative arts and crafts,
activity, or light exercise program.
• 12:00 p.m. Lunch.
• 12:45 p.m. Entertainment.
• 1:30 p.m. Program ends.
We look forward to seeing
you in the new year!
Come and bring a friend.
Questions? Contact Julie
Peterson at julie@lopc.org
for more information.
Veterans honored at Thursday Fellowship in November
Happy New Year from Thursday Fellowship!
appy New Year from Thursday
Fellowship! After a very rewarding
and successful fall, we look forward to
welcoming new guests and volunteers,
and to making new friends and
memories in 2026.
Our November and December
gatherings were filled with holiday spirit
and fun. We had wonderful morning
activities and afternoon entertainment
that ranged from a fabulous Marionette
show, to a wonderful performance by
Joe and Gillian Roebuck celebrating
Broadway music from the past, to the
Rossmoor Choral Octet “Moonglow,”
and the sublime performance by pianist
Patti Klein. We ended our December
gatherings with Mike Kistner and a
visit from Santa and the Seedlings
preschoolers. What a day! Morning
activities included decorating Christmas
cookies which were edible works of
art. Many thanks to Ciara Bird for all the
baking! The laughter of children and the
sound of Christmas carols emanated
from Fellowship Hall as we welcomed
the Seedlings Preschool children to join
us. What a gift it was to hear their voices
and witness their joy and wonderment
as they encountered Santa and sang
Christmas carols with Michael Kistner.
Our catered lunch of quiche, croissants,
and salad, with special desserts
served on festively decorated tables,
was divine. A cozy feeling radiated
By Julie Peterson, Coordinator
thursdayFellowship
c a r i n g • s h a r i n g • l o v i n g
Every Thursday
11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Fellowship Hall
A program for Senior Care Ministries
FOCUS • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026
Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church
community
Book Groups
Join the fellowship of one of LOPC’s book groups!
Fourth Monday Book Group
January 26 – Call of the Camino by Suzanne Redfearn
February 23 – The Great River by Boyce Upholt
This group meets on Zoom at 2:00 p.m.
To join the Monday book group, please contact
Leslie Finertie at leslie-finertie@comcast.net.
Fourth Friday Book Group
January 23 – This is Happiness by Niall Williams
February 27 – The Wandering Gene and the Indian
Princess: Race, Religion, and DNA by Jeff Wheelwright
This group meets on Zoom at 4:00 p.m.
To join the Friday book group, please contact
Catherine Coleman at awaitingword@gmail.com.
Young Families Connect
Second Sunday of the month
following Worship
Families with children from infant through
4th grade are invited to join us on the
back playground for a fun and relaxed
morning of play, laughter, and community.
Gatherings are held on the second
Sunday of each month. All are welcome.
For more information, contact Tom
Whitelock at WhitelockTom@gmail.com.
Guys Groups — Join Us!
All guys are welcome on Monday nights or Friday mornings for
study, social hangouts, and service opportunities. Come get
connected with other guys and grow in your faith.
For more information, contact Pastor Chris Baldwin at chris@
lopc.org about Mondays and Jeff Eyet at jeff.eyet@gmail.com
about Fridays.
he First Friday Forum speaker series provides lectures
of importance and interest to the entire community
about this ever-changing world sponsored by Lafayette-
Orinda Presbyterian Church. Attend the programs that
interest you with no registration, subscription or entry fee.
January 9: Donato Cabrera, Artistic and
Music Director of the California Symphony,
on “The Role of the Symphony Conductor
and Highlights of Former Maestros.”
Cabrera will talk about the role and styles
of the orchestra conductor through video
clips about conductors such as Leonard
Bernstein. He also has fascinating stories about conduc
tors and major symphonies of the last century.
February 6: Joe Whitehouse, World Traveler
and Photographer, on “Iran: Today and
Yesterday.” Whitehouse’s travel presen
tations are beautifully done and very
popular at the First Friday Forum. He will
share photographs from his visit to Iran
and his impressions of its culture, history, and
situation.
March 6: Monica Gandhi, Professor of
Medicine and physician at UC San Fran
cisco on “Navigating a Post-Pandemic
World.” During the COVID-19 pandemic,
Gandhi became one of the most prominent
public health experts in the country. She will
discuss where we have been, where we find ourselves
now, and how to manage the virus in the coming years.
First Friday Forum Begins in January
Add these Dates to Your 2026 Calendar
April 10: Daniel Sargent, Professor of American
History and Public Policy at UC Berkeley on
“One World under God? Faith and Inter
national Order.” Sargent is a historian who
specializes in U.S. foreign policy and the
history of international relations. He will
discuss the claim that humanity will be unable to
sustain international cooperation grounded in shared values
without a belief in a higher order.
May 1: Martha Olney, Teaching Professor
Emerita at UC Berkeley, on “Inflation!” Olney
will provide an accessible overview of the
causes, varying impacts, and the limited
remedies that the Federal Reserve has to
address increases in the cost of living. She will
discuss the public policy choices around infla
tion, employment, and interest rates.
June 5: Charles Henry, Professor Emeritus of
African American Studies at UC Berkeley.
“King: His Life and Legacy.” Henry will talk
about three stages of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s
life: the young King; King the icon; and King
the radical. The conclusion will focus on King’s
relevance to non-violent protest today.
Programs are offered at 1:30 p.m. on the first Friday of the
month January through June and are available simultane
ously on the Lafayette campus and via streaming, except
for January 9, which will be recorded and available on our
webpage.
For more information, visit lopc.org/first-friday-forum.
FOCUS • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026
A welcoming and loving community of faith that learns, grows, and serves together
LOPC has a wide array of Community Groups
– find your perfect fit and connect with others.
There’s a place for you!
Visit lopc.org/groups.
For more information, email chris@lopc.org.
JOIN A
COMMUNITY GROUP
AT LOPC!
n 2025, our congregation came together
in amazing ways, offering not only help
but also hope, care, and friendship to
those who needed it most. Every project
and act of service, big or small, made a
real difference and showed what we can
achieve when we serve with love and
generosity.
Love Does Day. Our annual
Congregational Day of Service brought
together over 250 volunteers of all ages.
On campus, we sorted and bagged 10,000
diapers, assembled 60 shopping carts
for Monument Crisis Center, and created
80 fleece blankets for children through
Calico. Clothing and household donations
were sorted for Youth Homes’ Thrift Store,
helping them raise over $7,500. Volunteers
also assembled 290 breakfast bags, 269
toiletry kits for unhoused neighbors, and
107 full-size toiletry kits for Hope Solutions.
Off campus, teams cleaned and organized
kitchens at STAND! and Loaves & Fishes,
rescued and repackaged food at White
Pony Express, and partnered with Habitat
for Humanity on the Esperanza Place
development.
Serving All Year Long. Love Does is
more than just one day, it’s a year-round
commitment. Over 225 volunteers of all
ages served at MCC Rice and Beans days,
Food Bank WorkDays, Trinity Center Meal
Kits, Hope Solutions Backpacks of Hope,
and more, making a difference at every
step.
Standing with Our Neighbors. Immigration
advocacy volunteers distributed over
7,000 Know Your Rights cards, trained as
Welcome Navigators to accompany people
to court, and served as Court Watchers at
Contra Costa immigration hearings.
Youth Making a Difference. More than
45 youth served at KidsFest at Hope
Solutions, bringing crafts, celebration, and
encouragement to children and families.
Winter Nights. Over 240 volunteers
supported five unhoused families with
meals, bingo nights, a Halloween party,
homework help, movie nights, visits from
Canine Companions, handmade quilts,
and warm items from Chicks with Sticks.
Floral and custodial teams kept the space
welcoming and bright.
Global Mission Partner Support: LOPC
supported our international partners,
Fotokids, Atfaluna, Children of Faith,
Kapnek, and Congo, by giving financial
gifts from special offerings and donations,
offering prayers through monthly groups
and United in Prayer, and building youth
connections with Children of Faith through
exchange programs. The congregation also
welcomed international partners, such as
Anand Thandu from Children of Faith, during
worship and on the plaza. Together, these
efforts helped our partners care for and
uplift communities around the world.
Generosity That Makes a Difference
•
$98,980 donated to special offerings
•
Over 77 barrels of food (15,400 lbs.)
delivered to Monument Crisis Center (up
from 12,900 lbs. last year)
•
Over 225 MCC holiday food boxes
distributed (up from 120 in 2024)
•
Hope Solutions Spirit of Giving Program:
35 families and 100+ individuals
sponsored with gifts and grocery cards
•
Two Trinity Center clothing drives with
overwhelming community response,
providing enough clothing to meet
needs throughout the seasons
•
EFP bedding and linen drive resulting in
five carloads of donations for families in
need
Love Does participation more than doubled
in 2025, showing the incredible generosity
of our congregation. Every act of service
made a difference so thank you to all who
gave their time, energy, and love. Here’s to
an even more impactful 2026!
2025 Mission Year in Review
Get Connected to Mission!
Stay informed, get involved, and make a
difference. Join our Mission Email List to
receive our monthly newsletter and for
updates on mission partners, opportunities
to serve, including adult service trips, and
ways to advocate for justice. Together, we
can put our faith into action and make an
impact in our community and beyond.
Please email Michelle Browning at
michelle@lopc.org to be added to the list.
mission
FOCUS • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026
10
A welcoming and loving community of faith that learns, grows, and serves together
In recent years, LOPC has sought
to discern a Christ-like response to
the complex immigration concerns
facing our country. This has become
especially important as significant
immigration policy changes were
introduced in early 2025. Guided
by our mission—“A welcoming and
loving community of faith that learns,
grows, and serves together”—we aim
to act with compassion, mercy, justice,
and courage. Many have asked how
they can help; there are now several
meaningful ways to be involved.
This work began in 2022 after
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, when
many displaced Ukrainians arrived
in Northern California. At a May
10:10 session that year, Dr. Jane Pak,
Co-Executive Director of Refugee &
Immigrant Transitions (RIT), explained
the distinctions between immigrants,
asylum seekers, and refugees, and the
barriers each group faces. Following
her presentation, 45 LOPC members
formed an immigration task force
to explore how our congregation
could respond, and one LOPC family
immediately opened their home to a
Ukrainian family until they could get
established.
After months of research and
conversations with local organizations,
the task force chose to partner
with the Extended Family Program
(EFP), which helps furnish homes
for newly housed families. Led by
Randi Long, LOPC volunteers gather
and deliver everything from kitchen
supplies to linens, beds, and larger
furniture. Connections continues to
report which items are most needed.
As housing remains one of the greatest
hurdles for immigrants—many of
whom arrive with few possessions,
limited funds, and no credit history—
the task force also applied for a grant
from the San Francisco Presbytery in
partnership with Refugees in Transition.
This grant was recently approved and
will provide financial assistance to new
neighbors struggling to secure stable
housing.
In January 2025, new federal policies
shifted our focus toward immigrants
already established in our county.
As Dr. Pak explained in 2022, there
are important legal differences
between undocumented immigrants,
documented immigrants, and asylum
seekers who are legally permitted to
remain in the U.S. while their cases
are processed. However, in recent
months we have seen increasingly
aggressive enforcement actions that
do not always distinguish between
these categories. While LOPC does
not support protecting violent criminal
offenders, we firmly support the
millions of hardworking, tax-paying,
law-abiding immigrants who contribute
to our communities and deserve due
process.
To understand these developments
more fully, LOPC invited immigration
attorney Mindy Phillips to speak at a
June 2025 10:10 session (available
on LOPC’s YouTube channel). She
clarified the differences between
judicial warrants and ICE warrants
and outlined the basic legal rights
that all immigrants—documented
or undocumented—possess. She
also introduced “Know Your Rights”
(KYR) cards, widely used throughout
California, which provide essential
information for immigrants and for
anyone witnessing ICE activity. The
Session approved printing these cards
in English and Spanish for Contra
Costa County. LOPC volunteers have
now distributed more than 7,000 KYR
cards through food pantries and direct
community outreach. These cards are
legal to share and simply inform people
of rights that already exist under U.S.
law.
LOPC members have also become
increasingly involved in hands-on
support roles. Some have trained
as Welcome Navigators, who
accompany immigrants at immigration
court—offering clarity, comfort,
and a calm presence during an
intimidating process. Others serve
as Court Watchers in the Contra
Costa immigration court in Concord.
Court Watchers receive training to
understand court procedures, observe
hearings, and help connect vulnerable
individuals with appropriate resources.
If you feel called to join this work
of learning, growing, and serving
together—and to support immigrants
in our community—please contact Phil
Hunter at Hunter.p@mac.com.
LOPC’s Response to Immigration Concerns
By Phil & Beth Hunter
Connecting Youth
Across Borders
YOW + Fotokids Guatemala
Beginning in January, YOW will begin
a new partnership with Fotokids, one
of our long-standing mission partners
in Guatemala. Each month at YOW,
our 5th-8th graders will explore a
shared theme, like friendship, hope,
or community, and respond creatively
in their own sketchbooks. Fotokids
students will be doing the same
activities. Together, the two groups will
exchange pages and artwork, creating
a simple, heartfelt way to learn about
each other’s lives.
We can’t wait to see the ideas, stories,
and friendships that will grow as our
youth and the Fotokids students take
part in this project.
If you would like to learn more about
Fotokids, please contact Michelle
Browning at michelle@lopc.org.
BTW + Children of Faith India
Show up at BTW in 2026 to join our
“pen pal” partnership with Children
of Faith. Through video messages,
students at BTW will have the chance
to send messages to youth at Children
of Faith in India. On a regular basis,
we’ll record short video clips and
receive video greetings from our
friends in India.
FOCUS • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026
11
Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church
The new year came and went in a
flurry of joy and learning! We loved
welcoming our Seedlings friends back
into the classroom after our holiday
break. Those first days back together
were so special—reuniting with friends,
sharing stories from winter break, and
settling back into our cozy routines
with fresh energy and excitement.
A Heartfelt Thank You
Before we dive into all the winter fun
we had, we want to take a moment
to celebrate our incredible Seedlings
families! Our December donation event
was a huge success, and we were
so thankful for all the families who
helped donate toys and gifts to bring
Christmas spirit to those less fortunate.
Your generosity and kindness made
a real difference in our community,
and we couldn’t have been prouder of
the example you set for our little ones
about giving and caring for others.
In the Classroom: January
Brrr! Winter is in full swing, and our
January classrooms will focus on all
things winter. We’ll explore snowflakes,
mittens, hot cocoa crafts, and have lots
of talks about snow and chilly weather!
Even though we don’t see snow here,
our Seedlings classes will learn what
makes winter special—from ice and
frost to cozy blankets and warm hugs.
We created cotton ball snowmen,
painted winter scenes, and read winter
books!
We will also talk about winter animals,
hibernation, and how we stay warm
and safe when it’s cold outside.
In the Classroom: February
February will be all about spreading
the love! Our classrooms will buzz
with Valentine’s celebrations—making
cards for friends and family, talking
about kindness, and exploring what it
means to show love and appreciation
for the people around us.
We will have special Valentine’s Day
activities in each classroom, and the
children will exchange cards and
celebrate friendship together. There
will be plenty of pink, red, and heart-
shaped everything!
Looking Ahead: Registration
For Next Year & Summer Fun
Big news! Seedling will begin the
registration process for Fall 2026
in February. If you have a little one
ready to join us—or know a family
who does—please reach out for more
information.
Look for details about Summer at
Seedlings! We’re excited about our
summer enrichment plans and can’t
wait to see everyone during those
sunny months ahead.
With Joy & Gratitude
We were so grateful to start this new
year with our Seedlings families.
Thank you for trusting us with your
little ones, for being active partners
in their growth, and for bringing so
much warmth and community to
Seedlings every single day.
What a winter filled with wonder,
laughter, and lots of learning!
seedlings
January & February News from Seedlings
Elders and their Ministry
Sandy Barnett
Carolyn Bauer
Nancy Baum
Jody Black
Laurel Browman
Patrick Chen
Charlie Cowden
Steve Crocker
Sebastien DuBois
Cathy Eberhardt
Linus Eukel
Jeff Eyet
Nancy Grabow
Phil Hunter
Juanita Kizor
Heather Logan
Royce Nicolaisen
Jonathan Nolen
Brian O’Shea
Glenora Salacuse
Alistair Shearer
Alexis Thompson
Leslie Vallee
2026 LOPC Elders
and Deacons
Worship
CNC
Children
Volunteer
Membership
Membership
Finance
Operations
Spiritual Formation
Fellowship
Clerk/Generosity
Strategic Planning
Youth
Mission
Mission
Spiritual Formation
Personnel
Fellowship
Interfaith
Seniors
Worship
Family
Youth
Deacons
Jean Fiske
Paula Lair
Dominique Thomas
Lisa Toth
Carrie Wiseman
Marty Woehrle
Cyndy Jacobsmeyer
Alethea Sargent
Ann Lofton
Puja Sarna
Ginger Stambaugh
Eddie Reiter
Jeff Patton
Tom Whitelock
Norman Fitzsimmons
Xander Mitman
Sam Austin
Angie Carlson
Suzy Gerke
Marjorie Nicolaisen
Dorothy Moore
Connie Sayers
Johanna Sistek
Sarah Weaver (Youth)
FOCUS • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026
12
A welcoming and loving community of faith that learns, grows, and serves together
FOCUS • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026
13
Jingle Bell Jamboree—
OH WHAT FUN!
Our LOPC community gathered on Sunday, December 7 for
a morning filled with holiday joy! We sang our hearts out
during the Christmas Carol Sing-Along, led by musicians
(Pastor Chris Baldwin and Peter Krimmel) while sipping warm
cocoa and cider and enjoying delicious brunch bites. The
children enjoyed creating nearly 100 handmade Christmas
cards for seniors. decorating Christmas cookies, painting
ornaments, getting their faces painted and more.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us—and an
extra-big shoutout to our amazing volunteers. This special
day would not have been possible without you. Thank you to
Pastor Chris Baldwin and Gina Hageboeck for organizing our
celebration. What a wonderful way to ring in the Christmas
season and prepare to celebrate the coming of Jesus.
FOCUS • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026
14
A welcoming and loving community of faith that learns, grows, and serves together
Giving at LOPC
One of the most practical
ways you can help is through
your financial support so
LOPC can share God’s love
through our ministries.
To give, visit lopc.org/giving,
or scan the code on your
mobile device.
session
finance
What is Per Capita?
Per Capita is a Latin phrase that means “for each
head.” We use it to refer to an annual fee that our
congregation pays to higher levels of the Presbyterian
Church based upon the number of active members
at LOPC. For 2026, the Per Capita amount is $45.00
per family member, or $90.00 per couple. Our goal is
to double member participation in 2026 to 15%. We
want to encourage more members to make an extra
per capita contribution to help defray this church
expense in addition to their other giving. Please write
“Per Capita” on the memo line of a check or give
online through the website Giving link. LOPC budgeted
$66,760 in 2026 for our Per Capita obligation.
We are hopeful the congregation remembers to
donate to Per Capita, as we no longer use pledge
envelopes. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if a significant
portion of this could be covered by members’ extra
contributions, enabling us to add additional support to
LOPC ministries?
2026 Pledge Campaign
LOPC is blessed to have a congregation filled with so
many people giving generously of their time, talents,
and treasure. Your gifts make our ministry thrive, and
we really do make a difference in this world. We ask
that you take time to prayerfully consider your gifts for
the coming year.
Visit lopc.org/pledge to learn more about how to
pledge and why. For questions, please contact LOPC
treasurer, Suzanne Ferraro, at suzanne@lopc.org.
Session Report – November and December
Session met on November 18 and December 16.
Items discussed included:
•
An update on LOPC’s transition to two worship services.
•
A report on financial giving and the fall pledge campaign
provided by Peter Whitelock and elder for Generosity,
Linus Eukel.
•
A report on church membership provided by Chris
Baldwin.
•
A presentation by Peter Whitelock about LOPC’s advocacy
efforts and the work we are called to do.
•
A recap of the San Francisco Presbytery’s November 15
meeting in Alameda.
•
A vote for the two 2026 Session Planning Council at-large
members. Jody Black, elder for Volunteerism, and Nancy
Baum, elder for Children’s Ministry, will serve in these
roles.
•
A presentation by Finance about the fall budget planning
process and preparing the 2026 budget.
LAFAYETTE-ORINDA
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
49 Knox Drive
Lafayette, CA 94549
info@lopc.org
925-283-8722
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