BI-MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
MARCH/APRIL 2026
By Jane Doty MacKenzie – Pastor
FOCUS • MARCH/APRIL 2026
Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church
Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church
Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church
Pastoral Staff
Peter Whitelock - Head of Staff
Lauren Gully - Mission & Outreach
Jaime Polson - Care & Executive Leadership
Chris Baldwin - Community & Formation
Jane Doty MacKenzie - Interfaith & Care
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
Worship ................................. 2
Care........................................ 3
Thursday Fellowship........... 4
Community ........................... 5
Finance.................................. 6
Children................................. 7
Youth ..................................... 8
FFF/Session...........................9
Seedlings...............................10
Mission ...................................11
New Members ......................11
10:10/Interfaith......................14
CONTENTS
March/April 2026
Submissions & Deadlines
Please send requests for submissions to:
lexi@lopc.org
no later than April 1 for the May/June 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
Road Trip!
We often use the phrase “to
journey through Lent.” But what
does that actually mean? To go
on a journey means that we will
certainly end up in a different
place – whether physically.
psychologically, or spiritually.
We see this clearly in “road
trip” movies where the characters
undergo some kind of change or transformation
in their lives, such as The Lord of the Rings, Little
Miss Sunshine, Finding Nemo, or The Wizard of
Oz. These are all stories in which fellow travelers
make discoveries about themselves and about
each other along the way. The actual road they
travel together is secondary.
This year, during Lent, our sermon series focuses
on conversations Jesus had with others on his
journey as he turns towards Jerusalem and the
events that would unfold there. Would any of us
willingly begin a journey if we knew in advance
that it would involve rejection, betrayal, suffering,
and death? Jesus did. He took his disciples along
as fellow companions. Ultimately, Jesus’ journey
led him to the cross, the tomb, and resurrection.
This was the ultimate surprise transformation for
those who accompanied him.
On Ash Wednesday, we acknowledged our
mortality with the sign of the cross on our
foreheads. On Easter, we will join with others
in celebrating Jesus’ triumph over death.
In between, we are invited to journey with
Jesus. The resurrection holds the promise of
transformation at the hour of our own death. Yet
it also holds the promise that our lives can be
transformed each step of the way, and each day.
Where might you see signs of God’s transforming
power and grace as you journey through Lent
this year? How might this “road trip” lead you to a
new or different place? Keep your eyes and your
heart open!
FOCUS • MARCH/APRIL 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.
Lenten Sermon Series:
Conversations on the
Way to the Cross
Through April 5
In the gospels we read that the
transfiguration of Jesus on the mountaintop
marked his intentional turn towards
Jerusalem even though the outcome would
bring his suffering and death on the cross.
The author of the Gospel of Mark, from
whose account we will retrace this journey of
Jesus, very much shares this view. As Jesus
undertakes this last trip with his disciples,
which will culminate on Calvary, what was on
his heart to share with the disciples and any
who were willing to listen?
very Easter, LOPC continues its
tradition of supporting mission
partners. This year’s Easter Special
Offering focuses on finding safety amidst
trauma, helping ministries that bring
protection, healing, and hope. Your
gift will support survivors of domestic
violence through Stand! and provide
education and hope to children in Gaza
through Atfaluna.
Despite conflict in Gaza, Atfaluna
provides inclusive, trauma-informed
education to over 4,000 children across
15 learning spaces, combining sign-
language instruction, psychosocial
support, and community-based care.
Stand! supports local survivors of
domestic violence and child abuse,
helping families move from danger
toward long-term safety and healing.
To contribute, simply write “Easter
Special Offering” on your envelope or
check memo line. To give online or learn
more, visit lopc.org/specialoffering.
Thank you for your generosity!
Easter Special Offering:
Finding Safety Amidst Trauma
FOCUS • MARCH/APRIL 2026
Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church
Navigating Aging
with Confidence
March 21
8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
“Navigating Aging with
Confidence,” is a special
series of workshops
where we will learn
from experts how to
put practical strategies
and tools into action to support well-being as we age. The
day will be for those who desire to age well and for adult
children or caregivers of aging people who want to be
supportive. This event will feature Dr. Matthew Wynn, PhD,
Clinical Neuropsychologist, Integrity Geropsychology. The
day will also highlight topics on Hospice and End of Life
Care, Loneliness and Ways to Alleviate those Feelings,
Getting Healthcare Affairs in Order, Nutrition, Exercise &
Food as Medicine, Legal Tools, Mild Cognitive Impairment,
and more, with leading experts in their fields.
Hosted by LOPC in partnership with Lamorinda Village.
Register at lopc.org/registrations. For questions, contact
Shelli Brudzinski at shelli@lopc.org.
care
Widow/Widower’s
Grief Support
Wednesdays, March 25 – May 27
3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Have you or someone you know
experienced the death of a
spouse recently or within the last
few years? Sharing our experiences during this 10-week
class is extremely helpful to our healing. Find hope,
support and successful ways to process this significant
life event. Course is open to all widows and widowers.
Pre-registration required. The workbook is $20.
To register or for more information, contact
Bev Fellows at beverlyfellows@comcast.net.
Deacon Support
The Deacon Ministry consists of
LOPC members who have been
elected by the congregation
to serve as beacons of care.
Deacons offer support in the
following ways:
HOME VISITS
Deacons arrange and participate in visits to members
who are homebound, hospitalized, or in various types of
care facilities.
HOME COMMUNION
Upon request, home communion kits are available to
members not able to attend worship services in person.
MEAL DELIVERY
Deacons order and deliver food to persons
recuperating from illness, those recently discharged
from the hospital, new moms, grieving families, or
anyone who might need a meal in a time of crisis.
To request any of these services, please leave a
message on the Deacon Line at (925) 283-8722, ext.
274. Messages are responded to in a timely manner
daily.
DEACON
SUPPORT
Dementia Caregivers Support Group
March 4 and 18, April 1 and 15
Join this one-hour support group for those caring for
someone with dementia. The group meets on the first and
third Wednesdays of the month at 10:30 a.m. on Zoom.
To register, please contact Linda Fodrini-Johnson at
lindafj620@outlook.com.
Positive
Coaching,
Powerful Youth
March 12
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
This seminar
will focus on the
growing pressures
young athletes
face today and how the
impact of positive
coaching among
our youth can be of
enormous benefit.
Coaches, parents and educators are invited to attend and
learn techniques and strategies for a better understanding
of the role we as adults have in shaping a child’s athletic
environment in a positive way for today and their future.
LOPC welcomes Khali Blackman-Newton, Director of
Coalitions and Community Impact, from Positive Coaching
Alliance, to guide us in these discussions.
Register at lopc.org/registrations. For questions, contact
Shelli Brudzinski at shelli@lopc.org.
Visit positivecoach.org to learn more about the
Positive Coaching Alliance.
FOCUS • MARCH/APRIL 2026
A welcoming and loving community of faith that learns, grows, and serves together
To check out the weekly happenings
for each Thursday:
•
Read the Connections Bulletin
on Sunday
•
Read the Staying Connected
email on Mondays
•
Visit the LOPC website at
lopc.org/thursday-fellowship
Over the past few months we have
been reminded of the value and
importance of Thursday Fellowship
to our guests and volunteers. The
program offers all of us the opportunity
to be a part of a caring, interesting, and
engaging group of people who share a
meal, and enjoy creative and enriching
programs and activities together.
Meaningful friendships are developed
and nurtured which enrich our lives
and bring us joy. We are so grateful to
have Thursday Fellowship in our lives.
We invite you to come as a guest or
a volunteer and bring a friend. If you
are interested in volunteering, contact
Julie Peterson. We hope to see you in
2026.
Our typical daily schedule 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: Bring a sandwich
and we will provide
salad, beverage,
and dessert.
Questions? Contact
Julie Peterson at
julie@lopc.org for
more information.
fter our Christmas and New Year’s
break, we resumed Thursday
Fellowship on January 8. We started
the month with a special Unique
Antique Roadshow. Guests and
volunteers shared a wide variety of
storied treasures. In the following
weeks, we enjoyed the entertainment
of Jean-Paul Buongiorno on classical
guitar playing his original pieces, and
Mike and John Kistner played our
favorites for our usual sing along.
We celebrated Mardi Gras, Valentine’s
Day, and Chinese New Year in February
with special arts projects and programs
and decor to complement each event.
We supported Love Does by preparing
kits for MCC Senior Moments program.
We enjoyed engaging entertainment
with CAL student musicians on
violin and piano, singer Keith Barros
whose rich voice was reminiscent of
Frank Sinatra, and had a command
performance by Cris Hussey, who we
love to hear. It was a special birthday
month and we were especially excited
to honor Alice Schofield who turned
101 and Tom Heathorn who turned 90.
They are faithful guests of Thursday
Fellowship and we were so grateful to
have a part in celebrating them.
March and April are going to be equally
entertaining. In April, we kick off
with the Scottish tenor Doug Bryson
followed by Mike and John Kistner.
Plans for celebrating Easter, Earth Day,
and Kentucky Derby day are in the
works.
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
FOCUS • MARCH/APRIL 2026
Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church
community
Book Groups
Join the fellowship of one of LOPC’s book groups!
Book Group with Dr. Joby Joy
April 20 and May 11 at 4:00 p.m.
Our congregation’s International Scholar, Rev. Dr.
Joby Joy, has agreed to host a short-term LOPC
book group. All are invited to join for discussions of
The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy, an award-
winning novel set in Kerala, India, published in 1997.
Participants may attend at Berkeley Presbyterian
Mission Homes or on Zoom.
Fourth Monday Book Group
March 23 – The Art of Hearing Heartbeats by
Jan-Philip Sendker
April 27 – My Friends by Fredrik Backman
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
March 27 – The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
For April and May, the Fourth Friday Book Group
will join the Dr. Joby Joy group.
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
Families with children from infant
through 4th grade are invited
to join us for a fun and relaxed
morning of play, laughter, and
community. It’s a wonderful
opportunity to connect with other
families, make new friends, and
build meaningful relationships.
Group meets monthly. No
registration is required.
For more information,
contact Tom Whitelock at
WhitelockTom@gmail.com.
2026 Community Events —
Fun For All Ages
Save the Dates!
Join us for upcoming LOPC gatherings—free,
fun for all ages, bringing together our wider
community to celebrate each season with food,
fun, and fellowship.
More details coming soon—
we can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Young Adult Community Group
March 9, 23 and April 6, 20
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.
New Member
Class
March 8 and July 19
11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Oak Room
Interested in learning
more about LOPC and
membership? Join
Pastors Peter Whitelock
and Chris Baldwin to
explore LOPC’s vision,
connect through our Next Steps program, and
meet others who are new to the community.
Whether you’ve been attending for a while or are
just starting your journey, this is a great way to
take the next step.
Sign up at lopc.org/registrations. For more
information contact Pastor Chris Baldwin,
chris@lopc.org
Click on each event to see the fun we
had last year. Mark your calendars!
FOCUS • MARCH/APRIL 2026
A welcoming and loving community of faith that learns, grows, and serves together
Men’s Groups
Mondays, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. & Fridays, 7:30 – 9:00 a.m.
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.
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!
finance
Financial Report
By Charles Cowden
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
– Matthew 6:21
LOPC benefited greatly from the strong support of the
congregation in 2025, with members contributing their time and
incredible talents in addition to financial resources. The church
finished the year in a robust financial position, recording a net
surplus of receipts over disbursements.
The congregation’s steadfast support has positioned LOPC for
continued strength and growth. As we look forward to 2026, we do
so with optimism, confident in the church’s ongoing ministry and
mission outreach to a world in need.
2025 Ministry Spending
21.7%
Mission & Outreach
18.9% Worship
30.1%
Office & Facilities
7.9%
Congregational
Care
8.1%
Congregational Life
13.4%
Children, Youth,
Families, Seniors
LOPC 2025 and 2024 Year End Operating Results
2024 LOPC CPA Reviewed Financial Statements are available on request. Please
contact Jaime Polson or Suzanne Ferraro if you are interested in viewing them.
FOCUS • MARCH/APRIL 2026
Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church
Swing into summer at
LOPC: Rainforest Falls
Vacation Bible Camp
June 8 – 12, 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Calling all campers! Get ready
for Vacation Bible Camp
2026; Rainforest Falls! LOPC invites
kids ages 4 through completed 4th
grade on a five-day adventure amidst
the nature of God. Step through the
mist into Rainforest Falls, overflowing
with wild waterfalls, towering trees, and colorful creatures. Campers
rotate to a number of fun activities where they can explore
imagination station, wild games, mission and mindfulness, Bible
adventures and more. Come join the fun for Summer 2026!
Volunteers needed:
Rainforest Falls Vacation Bible Camp
We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help make our camp an
unforgettable experience for our kids!
Whether you’re a middle schooler, high schooler, or adult, there’s a
place for you on our VBC team. You don’t need special experience—
just a willing heart, a positive attitude, and a love for kids.
Ways You Can Serve:
•
Crew Leaders or Assistant – walk with a small group of kids,
build relationships, and help them feel seen and loved
•
Rotation Leaders or Assistant – lead or help with games, crafts,
Bible stories, music, or activities
•
Decor Committee – help transform our space into a rainforest
adventure – projects are ready now for willing hands.
If you’re excited to serve, ready to help, or just curious about how
you might fit in, we’d love to have you join the Rainforest Falls
team! Please reach out to Susan Wentworth with any questions at
susan@lopc.org.
For information, to register a camper, or to volunteer,
please visit www.lopc.org/vbcamp.
Kids Helping Kids
Wednesday March 11 from 3:15 – 5:15 p.m.
Children’s Ministry has partnered with LOPC’s
mission team to create a new mid-week program
for elementary aged students.
On March 11, students from kindergarten through
5th grade will gather to be of service to our local
community in need. We will be building - family
night in - meal and activity kits for STAND! while
sharing some delicious after-school snacks.
Registration is required in advance at lopc.org/
registrations and participation is free.
After you have registered, please be on the
lookout for a list of suggested donations that
your family might share from your home to a new
home.
If you are an adult and would like to volunteer
alongside the students, then please reach out to
Susan Wentworth at susan@lopc.org.
Parents Night Out
Friday April 17, 5:45 – 8:15 p.m.
Kids (K–5th grade) enjoy a fun evening of crafts, a
service project, games, movies, dinner and more
while LOPC parents have a chance to gather for a
meal and fellowship at a local establishment.
Details to come soon! Advance registration is
required and space is limited. Contact Susan
Wentworth at susan@lopc.org if you have any
questions.
Email Emily Austin:
emily@lopc.org or
Susan Wentworth:
susan@lopc.org.
FOCUS • MARCH/APRIL 2026
A welcoming and loving community of faith that learns, grows, and serves together
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.
Kids Fest Service-Learning Program
Saturday March 7, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Join us for Kids Fest, a youth service program in support
of Hope Solutions! Throughout the year, middle and high
school students will have the opportunity to connect with
local youth at the Hope Solutions community center in
Concord. Activities include fun games, arts and crafts, and lunch.
Advance registration is requested at lopc.org/registrations.
Contact Michelle Browning at michelle@lopc.org for more information.
Car Rally Scavenger Hunt @ BTW
March 22, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Teams compete to decode and find the most clues before the timer runs
out. Register at lopc.org/registrations for this special event and bring your
friends to join in on the fun.
Dine & Dodge @ YOW
March 25, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Form a team of six, sign up, and get ready
to compete for the ultimate glory as the top
team. Teams need to sign up at youth group
by March 18. Bring your friends to this fun
event. Dress up as your favorite superheroes
or favorite historical figures. Be creative and
get into the spirit of the event.
Save the dates:
Service Squad Retreat: June 5–7
Registration opens March 1.
Service-Learning Experience for HS: June 8 – 12
Students will serve at local mission partners in the morning before returning
to LOPC to serve at VB Camp in the afternoon. Registration opens March 1.
YOW Preview Day for 4th grade: March 11
BTW Preview Day for 8th grade: March 15
Contact Cynthia Purvis at cynthia@lopc.org.
@lopc_youth
BTW By the Way
Sundays from 6:00 – 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 – 7:30 p.m.
Optional pizza dinner at 5:30 p.m. is $5.
Youth in 5th–8th grades gather in CLC
201 for fun games, worship music, a Bible-
based devotional lesson, and small group
discussions. There is an optional pizza 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.
Register Here!
Register Here!
Register Here!
FOCUS • MARCH/APRIL 2026
Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church
March 6: Monica Gandhi
Addresses Pandemic Lessons and Future Preparedness
From lockdowns and mask mandates to vaccine
rollouts and shifting public health policies, we
all experienced unprecedented disruptions to
our lives. Now, we face important questions:
How do we live with COVID-19 as an endemic
disease? What lessons should we carry forward?
How can we better prepare for the next pandemic?
Dr. Monica Gandhi will address these critical questions in
her talk “Navigating a Post-Pandemic World.”. She will share
insights from her extensive experience as one of the country’s
most prominent public health voices during the pandemic. Dr.
Gandhi will discuss the science and politics of our pandemic
journey, highlighting both successes and challenges. She
will present her practical 10-point plan for managing endemic
respiratory diseases. Her approach emphasizes reason,
science, and compassion while acknowledging that though
eradicating these viruses may be challenging, controlling
them without disrupting society is entirely possible.
Gandhi is a Professor of Medicine and Associate Chief in the
Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine
at UCSF. She is the author of Endemic: A Post-Pandemic
Playbook, which offers a roadmap for coexisting with new
respiratory diseases using existing tools and evidence-based
strategies. Gandhi a long-standing researcher whose work
focuses on HIV treatment and prevention and brings her
trademark straight talk and honesty to discussions of public
health policy.
The First Friday Forum speaker series provides lectures of importance and interest to the entire community
about his ever-changing world. Attend the programs that interest you with no registration or fee.
Programs are offered at 1:30 p.m. On the first Friday of the month, January through June, and are available
simultaneously in the Sanctuary and online. Arrive at 1:00 p.m. for a coffee reception in the Oak Room.
For more information, visit lopc.org/first-friday-forum.
April 10: Daniel Sargent
Connects Faith and the International Order
Daniel Sargent’s topic, One World Under
God? Faith and International Order”,
is unusual for an academic in the
United States given our tradition of the
separation of church and state and the
current tendentious blend of politics
and Christianity in America. However, his
focus is much broader than current national affairs
and examines the potential impact of all theistic faith
traditions on international affairs. His talk is an extension
of a recent essay he has written, “Slouching Towards
Bethlehem: Faith and World Order” whose title is based
on a poem by William Butler Yeats and makes two
claims. First, the world order, to be creative, must rest on
metaphysical ground. Second, our estrangement from
theology hinders our capacity to lay such a foundation.
Sargent is the Alexander F and May T Morrison
Professor of History and Citizenship at UCB with
connections to the Institute of International Studies and
the Goldman School of Public Policy at the university.
He received his B.A. at Cambridge University and his
M.A. and Ph.D. at Harvard and has been an active
scholar and teacher publishing two books, over twenty
essays and articles, innumerable presentations, and
has supervised over twenty-six doctoral students
while at UCB. He is a member of the Lafayette-Orinda
Presbyterian Church.
First Friday Forum Programs
for March and April
session
n important annual responsibility of session is to review and approve 18 session policies that provide guidelines on
church operations, clergy benefits such as sabbatical and study leave, worship activities, childcare programs, and more.
Session also approved the Personnel Team’s proposal for called and installed clergy compensation and benefits that was
presented to the congregation for approval at the February 1 Annual Meeting. Elders also voted to approve a motion related
to the 2026 annual budget ($4,244,645) and a motion to receive a $65,000 designated gift to be used for future needs that
will arise from the three task forces that concluded their work in January. The three task forces focused on Mental Health
and Loneliness, Relational Groups, and Support for Families.
Report on January & February Session Meetings
Click here to see videos of
previous FFF presentations!
FOCUS • MARCH/APRIL 2026
10
A welcoming and loving community of faith that learns, grows, and serves together
If you’ve enjoyed coffee and cookies
after Sunday service at LOPC, you’ve
likely been greeted by Mari Gerry’s warm
smile. What you may not know is that
this same dedicated presence has been
nurturing Seedlings students since 2005.
That’s over 20 years of shaping young lives!
Ms. Mari’s connection to LOPC began through her father,
Gus Lopez, who leads maintenance for the church. In 2005,
Gus invited her to help make pancakes for a Seedlings
summer school pajama day. “This is so cute. This is where I
want to be,” Ms. Mari remembers thinking. When a teaching
position opened up, she applied, and what she thought
would be a temporary job while her son attended preschool
became her calling.
“I love the community here,” Ms. Mari shares. “It’s not just
the staff, but all the families and the connections I’ve made.
I still keep in touch with families from years ago.” Just
recently, parents updated her about former students who
are now 16 and driving—a testament to the lasting bonds
she creates.
Her students would describe her as “silly” and “lovable.”
“You have to think like a 2-year-old,” she laughs. “You have
to be ready to get down on the floor.” The love is clearly
mutual, as she receives countless hugs and “I love yous”
throughout each day.
seedlings
Seedlings Registration is Open!
We’re thrilled to share that registration for our 2026/2027
school year is now open! The response so far has been
wonderful. We’re seeing strong interest from both our
current Seedlings families and new families joining our
community, and we’re expecting to fill all our spots for the
coming year.
And there’s more good news: Summer at Seedlings is
happening! We’re already looking forward to sunny days
filled with exploration, creativity, and play. It’s going to be a
great summer ahead.
Wonder Time is Back!
We’re so excited to share that Wonder Time has returned to
Seedlings on Tuesdays! LOPC’s Children’s Ministry leaders
are joining our Seedlings teachers right in the classroom for
this special time designed for our young learners.
Wonder Time is all about building connections and helping
children get to know the friendly faces they’ll see at LOPC’s
family programs and services. It’s a joyful way to bring our
Seedlings and church communities together, and the kids
are loving it!
One particularly sweet moment stands out: a student named
Jordy insisted on opening his end-of-year card to her
immediately, then “read” it aloud to her – reflecting that he had
clearly told his parents what he wanted the card to say. “I’m
going to miss you, Ms. Mari. I love you. You are my friend,” he
told her. She still treasures that card.
Teaching comes naturally to Ms. Mari—she’s one of 12 siblings
and grew up playing teacher with her younger brothers and
sisters. “I would make them sit and I’d play teacher,” she recalls
with a smile. “There were times I would tell them they had to go
to the principal, which was my mom!”
As a single mother to sons Marcus (21) and Victor (19), Ms. Mari
relishes in her boys’ successes – especially on the football field.
Both boys recently played football together at a local community
college, giving her the joy of watching them play together.
Her service to LOPC extends beyond Seedlings. For 18 years—
since her youngest was just six months old—she’s been making
coffee and serving cookies on Sunday mornings, initially
helping her father and now continuing the tradition. “I love
the connections I’m making,” she says. “LOPC members are
so sweet and appreciative. They even ask about my boys by
name.”
Whether in the Seedlings classroom or serving coffee on
Sundays, Ms. Mari brings the same gift: a generous heart that
makes everyone feel seen, loved, and remembered.
Getting to Know Ms. Mari: A Seedlings Treasure and LOPC Familiar Face
FOCUS • MARCH/APRIL 2026
11
Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church
mission
ove Does Day is one of LOPC’s most
enduring expressions of who we
are: a community committed to putting
love into action through service. This
long-standing LOPC tradition has
united over 5,000 volunteers in nearly
two decades of service. Together,
we’ve contributed more than 14,000
hours on these congregational days of
service to support our most vulnerable
neighbors. More than numbers, the
real impact lies in the relationships
formed, dignity affirmed, and lives
touched through consistent, faithful
service.
For Love Does Day 2026, we deeply
appreciate how our congregation
stepped up again. You gave your
time, energy, and willingness to serve,
continuing to reflect the heart of our
church and our shared commitment to
loving our neighbors.
Love Does Day 2026:
Serving Our Neighbors
Love Does Day 2026 offered more
than a dozen service projects, giving
people of all ages opportunities to
participate on campus and throughout
the Bay Area. Here’s a recap of what
Love Does Day: A Legacy of Love in Action
•
Cleaned and prepared raised
garden beds at Hope Solutions,
supporting families transitioning out of
homelessness.
•
Supported construction at Habitat
for Humanity’s Sequoia Grove
development, building affordable
housing for local families.
•
Prepared meals and sorted food with
Loaves and Fishes and Monument
Crisis Center, serving neighbors in
need.
Love Does Special Offering:
Supporting Hope Solutions
Thank you for faithfully supporting Hope
Solutions during our special offering.
As federal HUD funding for permanent
supportive housing is increasingly
unstable, your generosity is more important
than ever in keeping our neighbors
housed, cared for, and supported.
we accomplished together at this year’s
event:
•
Made 60+ fleece blankets for
CALICO, supporting children
experiencing abuse.
•
Assembled 60 shopping carts for
Monument Crisis Center, serving
low-income families and seniors.
•
Prepared family night baskets and
encouragement cards for STAND!,
supporting survivors of domestic
violence.
•
Donated, sorted, and packaged
thousands of diapers for Sweet
Beginnings Diaper Bank, helping
local families with young children.
•
Assembled 200 meal kits for Trinity
Center, serving unhoused neighbors.
•
Packed 200+ care kits to support
local immigrant families.
•
Donated and sorted a full trailer of
clothing and household goods for
Youth Homes, serving foster youth
and young adults.
•
Sorted thousands of pounds of food
at the Food Bank of Contra Costa
& Solano, helping neighbors facing
food insecurity.
FOCUS • MARCH/APRIL 2026
12
A welcoming and loving community of faith that learns, grows, and serves together
he Extended Family Program (EFP)
extends heartfelt thanks to LOPC
members and friends who generously
donate throughout the year.
Contributions of kitchen essentials,
bedding (full or twin), towel sets, lamps,
microwaves and toasters, bicycles, and
more are all in very good condition and
are used to fully furnish apartments
for families who were previously
unhoused. EFP currently provides
essential household items for families
referred by Shelter Inc., Winter Nights,
and Veterans, helping ensure a smooth
transition into stable housing.
Donations are accepted every
Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to noon
at Walnut Creek United Methodist
Church, 543 Sunnyvale Avenue. Please
park in the lower parking lot and
proceed down six steps to the Social
Hall, where volunteers are preparing
items for upcoming moves.
Furniture donations, including tables,
chairs, sofas, and small dressers (no
beds, please), are also appreciated.
To inquire about furniture donations,
contact Randi Long at
hrlong13@sbcglobal.net with photos
and dimensions. Approved items
within Contra Costa County will be
picked up by volunteers.
e’re excited to share our newly
designed Love Does logo,
created by Emelyn Mejía, a member
of the Fotokids family in Guatemala.
Through years of support, mentorship,
and opportunity at Fotokids, Emelyn
has grown as a designer and
photographer. We’re so grateful for
the creativity and heart she brought to
reimagining the Love Does logo.
Thanks to LOPC for
Helping Make Housing
Possible for Families
Ministry Collaboration in Action
Love Does expanded this year
across ministry teams, involving
Children’s, Youth, Special
Needs, and Senior Adults. These
partnerships extended the spirit of
Love Does beyond one day, showing
how much more we can accomplish
together.
•
More than 200 snack bags were
assembled for Monument Crisis
Center’s afterschool program
by Special Needs, Children’s,
and Youth Ministries; and over
four barrels of cereal were also
collected and donated to MCC.
•
Friendship Circle youth
assembled 25 craft activity
kits for Hope Solutions’ youth
programs.
•
Thursday Fellowship put
together 50+ bingo prize bags
for Monument Crisis Center’s
Senior Moments program.
•
BTW Youth prepared and served
our delicious Love Does Day
lunch and helped with blanket
prep for CALICO.
Love Does: All Year Long
Love Does Day is more than a
single day. It embodies who we are
as a church: a community putting
love into action. Love Does Day
inspires us to serve our neighbors
year-round, giving us chances to
meet new people, have fun, share
laughter, and watch as small acts
ripple outward to make a difference.
Thank you again for making this
year’s Love Does Day truly special!
We are so grateful that you served,
loved, and made a difference in the
lives of our neighbors and in our
community.
Stay connected and involved.
Sign up for our monthly mission
newsletter to stay up to date on all
things mission, discover volunteer
opportunities, and continue putting
love into action throughout the
year at lopc.org/mission-newsletter.
New Logo by Emelyn Mejía
FOCUS • MARCH/APRIL 2026
13
Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church
Susanne Stiward
Susanne has lived in Contra Costa her whole life. She is single
and has one brown tabby cat, Turbo, who found her on 4/15/14
when she was approximately seven months old. She currently
works full time doing follow-up on medical billing. In her free
time, she enjoys going to the gym for regular group workouts.
She loves cats and, on the weekends, enjoys volunteering with
two cat rescue groups in Pleasant Hill and Martinez. Her other
hobbies include photography, music, reading, and traveling.
What attracted her to LOPC were the worship services filled
with positive messages and music. She has been attending
since 2015 and is glad to now be an official member.
Richard Thompson
Richard is originally from Kansas City,
Missouri, and met his wife, Caitlin, who
grew up coming to LOPC, in New York
City. They have two children, Russell
(1.5) and Evangeline “Evie” (3.5). Richard
works in banking supervision at the
Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco and
holds a JD/MBA from the University of Mich
igan (Go Blue!). He loves trail running, local culture,
and outdoor adventures with his family.
Jennifer and Taylor Wallis
Jennifer and Taylor moved to Lafayette last
year from Pleasant Hill and are excited to
officially join the LOPC community. Jenni
fer’s parents have been active at LOPC
for the past 20 years, and Jennifer has
loved volunteering in the nursery along
side her father, Tom Grimes, over the last
year. They have two children, Brooklyn (a
kindergartener at Burton Valley Elementary) and
Grant (who will start TK there next year), plus a very enthu
siastic seven-month-old golden retriever puppy who keeps
life lively. Taylor enjoys coaching Grant’s soccer and baseball
teams, while Jennifer is active in Brooklyn’s Girl Scout troop
as the cookie manager. They are grateful to be here and look
forward to becoming part of the LOPC community.
Margot Markman-Shiller
A native Oregonian, Margot now
resides in Walnut Creek with her
husband, Drew, and their two
children, Chip and Poppy. She
works in health tech, focused on
corporate mental health benefits
and programs. Margot has been
attending LOPC for over 1.5 years and
is looking forward to continuing to build community!
In her spare time, she enjoys baking, traveling, and
hiking (or “nature walks” with her children).
Don and Erika Odell
Don and Erika live in Orinda and are grateful to call
the Lamorinda community home. Erika is a Finan
cial Advisor with Morgan Stanley, where her practice
focuses on generational wealth transfer, helping fami
lies thoughtfully navigate retirement, legacy planning,
and the transition of wealth across generations. Don is
an attorney and a principal at Armstrong Odell & Asso
ciates, where his firm specializes in real estate and
construction defect law. They are the proud parents
of three adult daughters. Their eldest, Anne, works at
Amazon and lives in Dallas with her husband, Daniel.
Margot also works at Amazon and resides in Manhattan
with her husband, Bryan. Their youngest, Lena, works at
UCSF and lives in San Francisco. Family is at the center
of everything they do, and they love staying connected
across cities and careers.
Robert “Bob” Lueck
Bob is a “boomer,” born in San
Diego (1953). College took him
to Los Angeles, law school
took him to Sacramento, and
he settled in the East Bay for a
40-year career in civil litigation.
A construction case presented
the opportunity for him to meet his
wife, Karen Martin, a civil engineer. They have two
adult daughters (Ellen and Madeline) and a grandson,
Mason. Bob enjoys the outdoors and is a regular hiker
with their dog, Marta. He feels fortunate to have found
LOPC, which presents an engaging community of faith,
purpose, warmth, and support for his faith journey.
LOPC warmly welcomes its newest members:
Annie & Richard Carpenter; John, Madeline, & Shirley
Crooks; Robert “Bob” Lueck; Margot Markman-Shiller;
Don & Erika Odell; Paul Parkhurst; Jeff Rideout; Susanne
Stiward; Richard Thompson; Jennifer & Taylor Wallis
Jeff Rideout
Jeff has lived in the East Bay for over 30
years and recently moved to Lafayette
from Danville. He grew up Presbyterian
but was a member of San Ramon Valley
United Methodist Church in Alamo for
the past decade. He continues to work
full-time running a nonprofit in Oakland
and has served on several community
boards, including Loaves and Fishes, where he is
currently involved. He is a Stephen Minister. His wife, Susan,
who is Jewish, has been a member of Temple Isaiah in Lafay
ette for over 30 years, and together they have three grown
children—Josh, Nicole, and Adam. They were blessed with
their first grandchild, Hattie, just nine months ago.
WELCOME
n e w m e m b e r s
FOCUS • MARCH/APRIL 2026
14
A welcoming and loving community of faith that learns, grows, and serves together
This Easter, LOPC will continue its well-loved tradition of adorning the sanctuary with white
azaleas. You can sign up on the plaza after worship on March 15, 22, and 29 or you can mail
or drop this form to the Ministry Center office. All mailed requests must be received by March
30. A list of azalea dedications will be published in the Easter bulletins. Those who have
donated azaleas may take their plant (s) home with them after the 10:30 a.m. Easter service or
they can be picked up from the Sanctuary narthex April 6 – 8. Use one form per dedication.
Easter
AZALEAS
interfaith
OPC has a long history of Interfaith work based in
love, collaboration, and mutual respect. We encourage
members and friends to build friendships and discover
more about other faith traditions through our partnerships
with local houses of worship and through the Interfaith
Council of Contra Costa County. Our desire in our
Interfaith dialogue is to hold onto and understand our
own Christian identity more deeply while growing in
friendship and shared understanding of how people of
faith can benefit from each other and can benefit our
local community.
LOPC and Temple Isaiah have been jointly focusing on
issues of social justice, and are actively collaborating to
support our immigrant communities across Contra Costa
County. We are supporting several organizations focused
on food insecurity, being witnesses and allies at the
Concord Immigration Court and places where immigrants
seek employment and support, and by meeting with our
local and state political officials to advocate for immigrant
rights. It is highly gratifying for our two congregations to
work together in this critically important work, especially
in these challenging times for immigrant communities,
both locally and nationally.
For more information about LOPC’s Interfaith Ministry,
including Session’s recent resolution on Israel/
Palestine, visit lopc.org/interfaith.
10:10 Talk with Rev. Jorge Bautista
On March 1, LOPC is excited to welcome Rev. Jorge Bautista
speaking after the first service in the Oak Room at 10:10
a.m. Drawing from his own journey as a Chicano raised in
San Jose by parents from Mexico, Jorge will weave together
his personal story with moral clarity, and a faith-rooted call to
solidarity.
Rev. Bautista was born in French Camp, California, and raised
on the west side of San Jose, California. The son of parents
from Mexico, Jorge’s personal story is deeply connected to
the questions with which many migrant families struggle:
belonging, identity, and what it means to find, and/or fight for
a home.
His ministry and public witness reflect a long-standing
commitment to social justice, rooted in faith and shaped
by lived experience. In this presentation, Jorge brings both
pastoral depth and a clear-eyed analysis of how systems,
policies and climate realities impact peoples’ decisions to
move to where they hope they will have a better future
for themselves and their families. If you are interested in a
deeper understanding of why migration happens, and what
communities of faith can do to respond with compassion,
courage, and informed action, please come.
Click here to sponsor
your azalea online!
LAFAYETTE-ORINDA
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
49 Knox Drive
Lafayette, CA 94549
info@lopc.org
925-283-8722
Return Service Requested
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
LAFAYETTE, CA
PERMIT NO. 12
important
Dated Material
PLEASE DELIVER
BEFORE 3/1/26
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