As we enter the season of Lent, we are invited to embark on a sacred journey of reflection, renewal, and transformation in preparation for the joy and hope of Easter. This forty-day period is an opportunity to deepen our relationship with God, reflect on our lives, and draw closer to the heart of Christ.
Lent is not just about personal spiritual growth; it is also a time for us to extend God’s love to those around us. One of the ways we are reaching out to our community this season is through our Ashes to Go outreach on Ash Wednesday. This simple yet powerful tradition allows us to offer the mark of ashes to those who may not be able to attend a traditional church service but are still seeking a meaningful connection with God. Whether on their way to work or in the midst of a busy day, people can receive the reminder of their mortality and the invitation to turn their hearts toward God in repentance and renewal. It’s a way for us to meet people where they are, offering a tangible sign of God’s presence and grace in their lives.
In addition to our traditional Lenten practices, we are excited to introduce new programs for the month of March that will help us grow together in faith and community. Parents & Tots is a new initiative aimed at families with young children. This program will provide a safe and nurturing environment for parents and their little ones to gather for fellowship and fun. It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to connect with others in the church and build new friendships.
As we move through the season of Lent, let us remember that this time is not just about our own spiritual growth but about building a stronger, more connected community. Whether you participate in Ashes to Go, join a new program, or simply take time for personal reflection and prayer, we are all called to walk together on this journey of faith. Let us continue to reach out with love and compassion to those around us and look forward to the new life that Easter promises.
Blessings to you as we journey through this holy season together.
The Rev. Dr. Pamela Anderson
“I thank my God every time think of you.” -Philippians 1:3
Lakeside is... Open and Affirming Progressive Theology Timeless Worship
The Rev. Dr. Pamela Anderson
Interim Pastor/Head of Staff
Don Scott Carpenter Organist/Direct of Music and Engagement
Jinlu Lei Bookkeeper
Michelle Adelsheim Executive Director, The Lakeside Children’s Center
Cindy Young Director, Jubilate Choir
SESSION
Karl Morthole, president
Beth Phipps, secretary
Margaret Elam, treasurer
Session
Class of 2025
Steve Aurilio
Joel Bruxvoort
Margaret Colfer
Margaret Elam
Karl Morthole
Judith J. Murio
Cindy Young
Class of 2026
Dan Anderson
Gail Hemenway
LENT, HOLY WEEK, AND EASTER AT LAKESIDE
ASH WEDNESDAY
Ashes-to-Go | 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Corner of 19th Ave & Eucalyptus Dr.
Simple Soup Supper | 6:00 pm Fireside Room
Service with Intinction of Ashes and Communion | 7:00 pm Chapel
SUNDAYS IN LENT
Each Sunday morning at 11 am Church
PALM SUNDAY
Palm Procession 11 am
MAUNDY THURSDAY
Palm Procession 11 am
GOOD FRIDAY
Palm Procession 11 am
EASTER
Palm Procession 11 am
ANNUAL MEETING
Sunday, March 23, 2025 after Worship
Lunch will be provided by the Celebration and Congregational Care Committee.
201 Eucalyptus Drive, San Francisco, CA 94132 • 415-564-8833
The deadline for articles for the APRIL Lantern is MARCH 15. Content may be sent to dscarpenter@LakesidePCSF.org.
Worship & Arts
In times of challenge, we find strength in our shared purpose. At Lakeside Worship & Arts, we remain steadfast in our mission to create meaningful, inspiring worship experiences, even as we navigate difficulties. Change and uncertainty may test us, but they also refine us—deepening our faith, sharpening our creativity, and strengthening our community. We move forward with resilience, trusting that every obstacle is an opportunity for growth. Through collaboration, prayer, and unwavering dedication, we will continue to uplift and inspire, knowing that God’s grace sustains us. Together, we press on, embracing the future with hope and determination.
-Don Scott Carpenter
Jubilate Children’s Choir continues to meet and rehearse on Thursdays from 4-5 pm in the Fireside Room. We have 7 delightful girls enrolled. If you know of a child who would enjoy learning about music, likes to sing (no experience needed), and wants to learn about God and our faith, please contact Cindy Young, the Jubilate director. The group is open to all boys and girls in elementary school. The choir will be singing for worship several times in the coming months, so please welcome them when you see them!
-Cindy Young
BENJAMIN BRITTEN ABRAHAM & ISAAC
Don Scott Carpenter Organ/Piano
Kyle Tingzon Countertenor
Kevin Gino Tenor
Lakeside and Pride
EASTER FLOWERS
Lakeside has a long history of donating flowers for our Easter celebration. If you would like to donate in honor or in memory of someone, or just make a donation, please complete the information below. This year we are offering both a small and a large choice to better suit your needs. The flowers will be in worship on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025.
Visit www.lakesidepcsf.org/easter-flowers or complete the form below and deliver to the church office.
Congregational Care
Faith and begorrah
It’s the Luck of the Irish.
Celebrate with us on Sunday, March 23, 2025.
Come decked out in green and join us in the social hall after the service for a spectacular Irish celebration. We will celebrate with a baked potato bar with all the trimmings. No need to bring anything, it’s all provided. Just go to LakesidePCSF.org or call the church office (415) 564-8833 and let us know your name and how many will be attending.
COME JOIN US FOR EASTER APRIL 20, 2025
THE CELEBRATION CONTINUES AFTER THE SERVICE WITH OUR ANNUAL BUNDT CAKE EXTRAVEGANZA FOR YOU TO ENJOY
Do you have a favorite bundt cake that you would like to share? If so, go to LakesidePCSF.org or call the church office (415) 564-8833 and let us know your name and the flavor you will be providing. Don’t like to bake? Just come and savor all the samplings and decide which is your favorite.
Congregational Care invites you to sponsor a community hour/coffee hour one Sunday this Spring. Please talk to Cindy Young if you can volunteer. There is help available to provide and make the coffee and to set-up on Sunday morning. You can choose what you would like to serve, and it can be homemade or purchased. You might even want to do a “themed” coffee hour. It’s up to you.We are a small congregation, and we need you!
Lately several Lakesiders have enjoyed do-it-yourself cafe mochas at the coffee cart before church. If you want to try one, stop by the cart between 9:30-10:45. One teaspoon of coffee or decaf and one teaspoon of cocoa is all it takes. Add some cream for richness if you like!
If you like to bake but are afraid that if you make treats at home, you will eat all of them by yourself, please help us with our cookie stash in the upstairs freezer. Make an extra dozen (or several) for us to freeze for coffee hour on those weeks when we don’t have a host or have more worshippers than anticipated. We would all enjoy tasting your favorite cookie recipe!
Thank you to everyone who helped with Congregational Care duties while I was recovering from my accident. We would not have had coffee hour and other festivities without all of you who stepped-up to make coffee, furnish treats, set-up and clean-up, welcome visitors, host the Bible Study, and so many other tasks that kept things running and kept our fellowship alive through the holidays and beyond. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
-Cindy
Young `
We are looking for people to provide refreshments for the Sunday Coffee Hour. You may provide anything you like, keeping it simple. If you don’t have time to bake, store bought is fine. Please feel free to bring your items to church Sunday morning and we will make sure they are plated, if necessary, and placed in the Fireside Room. If you are interested please let Cindy Young or Penny Blumenthal know so we can schedule you on the calendar.
Lakeside Center for Children
March is a month full of exciting celebrations and learning opportunities at the Children’s Center! We kick off the month with Community Helpers Week, March 3rd-7th, where parents and community members will share their expertise and inspire the children with their stories. Guest speakers include Ms. Katie’s partner, KC Kozak, a firefighter; Kim Lauer, a librarian; parent Barrett Hahn, a musician; parent Katie Ratcliffe, who works for SFMTA; and parents Jessica Liu and Valerie Lo, who work in rescuing pets in the Bay Area. These presentations will give the children a firsthand look at the important roles that help our community thrive.
As the season changes, we’ll welcome spring with a vibrant Holi celebration on Friday, March 14th! Known as the Festival of Colors, Holi is an Indian holiday that honors goodness, love, friendships, and the arrival of spring. Traditionally, it’s celebrated by throwing colorful powder, singing, and dancing. Continuing our Lakeside tradition, each class will take turns playing with colored powder and dancing outside in the play yard—a joyful way to embrace the season!
March is also Women’s History Month, and we’ll incorporate the stories and achievements of remarkable women into the curriculum. Past highlights have included Vice President Kamala Harris, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Frida Kahlo, Jane Goodall, and Mae Jemison.
We’ll celebrate Irish Heritage Month and St. Patrick’s Day with a special performance. Ms. Katie’s daughter, Harper, and her friends will treat us to Irish dancing, making this festive month even more memorable!
In April, the Children’s Center will be preparing for Easter. The children learn about Jesus’ death and resurrection in age-appropriate books and activities, such as the Resurrection Eggs
Lakeside Presbyterian Church
201 Eucalyptus Drive
San Francisco, CA 94132
LakesidePCSF.org
LinkTr.ee/LakesidePCSF 415-564-8833
Address Service Requested
The Rev. Dr. Pamela Anderson, Interim Pastor Don Scott Carpenter, Director of Music and Engagement
Lakeside Presbyterian Church is a missional church rooted in loving God, loving our neighbors, and living our lives in a manner befitting the Lord. We celebrate our faith through worship, education, mission, and outreach. We are committed to bringing all the warmth, beauty and God’s presence at 19th and Eucalyptus directly to you! We invite you to interact with us in new ways, and we hope you find a measure of comfort and God’s grace in our time together. Everyone is welcomed here.