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Adult Ministries:
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“Welcome to Downs Memorial United Methodist Church”
“Welcome to Downs Memorial United Methodist Church—a place where everyone belongs. We’re a vibrant, diverse community that believes in sharing God’s love through worship, service, and fellowship. Whether you’re a lifelong Methodist or exploring faith for the first time, we can’t wait to welcome you.”
Learn More About Downs Oakland
Downs Memorial United Methodist Church was first established as Golden Gate Methodist Episcopal Church in 1890. The church was located at 57th and Gaskill Streets in Oakland, CA. In 1916, the church moved to San Pablo and 56th Streets. The present site was purchased in 1924 and the church was completed in 1925. Fuller Hall was added in 1940. Golden Gate Methodist Episcopal Church closed in 1946, but reopened in 1948 to accommodate the large numbers of African-American men and women who returned to the East Bay after WWII.
In 1948, the church was renamed Downs Memorial Methodist Church in honor of Reverend Dr. Karl Downs. Downs, a promising, young Methodist Minister who made headlines for his advocacy regarding racial equality and community organizing, served as the president of Samuel Huston College (which later merged with Tillotson College to become Huston-Tillotson University) in Austin, Texas. In 1968, the church was renamed Downs Memorial United Methodist Church upon the organization of The United Methodist Church. True to the legacy of its namesake, Downs Memorial United Methodist Church remains in service and ministry to the Bay Area as a spiritual home for many – advocating for human rights and a more just society.
Scripture Readings
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Weekly Online Bible Study
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Weekly Articles
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Our Upcoming Events
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Worship With Us
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Service Name
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Weekly Bible Study
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WEEKLY PRAYER SERVICE
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WEEKLY ONLINE BIBLE STUDIE
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WEEKLY SCRIPTURE READING
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His Grace Has Brought Us This Far
Experience Faith in Action – Join Us Online
Wherever you are, you’re invited to connect, grow, and worship with us through our dynamic online ministries. From our spirit-filled Sunday services to chapter-by-chapter Bible study and powerful weekly prayer sessions, there’s a place for you to experience God’s presence and community—right from home. Come and be part of what God is doing through Downs Church, virtually.
You’re Invited to Worship with Us!
Join us this Sunday at Downs Memorial United Methodist Church in Oakland for a time of inspiring worship and community fellowship.
We welcome everyone—whether you’re exploring faith, seeking encouragement, or simply looking for a place to belong.
Sunday Worship | 9:30 AM
Sunday
Service
You’re Invited!
Join us for Brother to Brother Weekly Bible Study Every Tuesday from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Grow deeper in your faith and fellowship with a community of brothers in Christ. Each week, we walk through the Scriptures chapter by chapter, seeking God’s wisdom for our lives and building each other up in love and accountability.
Brother To Brother Weekly Bible Studies
🕊️ Join us online and let’s seek God’s face together.
Step into the power of prayer and community every Wednesday at Downs Memorial United Methodist Church.
From 12 PM to 2 PM and again from 6 PM to 8 PM, we gather online to lift up our hearts, our community, and the world in prayer.
Weekly Prayer Session
Recent Sunday Services
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Young Voices, Strong Faith – There’s a Place for You Here
At Downs Memorial, we believe that teens and young adults are not just the future of the church—they are a vital part of its present. Whether you're discovering your faith, searching for purpose, or looking for a community where you truly belong, you have a place here. Through youth worship, mentorship, service projects, and spiritual development, we create space for young people to lead, grow, and be heard. Your voice matters. Your journey matters. And your faith can flourish here.
WE ARE ALL CHILDREN OF GOD
WE ARE ALL CHILDREN OF GOD
Faith & Future Mentorship Circles
Designed for pre-teens and teens ,this monthly program connects youth with trusted adult mentors for conversations on identity, purpose, and faith.
Creative Hearts & Helping Hands
Empowering kids to serve and express their gifts
This hands-on, service-oriented program blends creativity with compassion.
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Faith & Future Mentorship Circles
Empowering kids to serve and express their giftsThis hands-on,
Creative Hearts & Helping Hands
Every Saturday morning, children ages 6–12 gather for Bible stories, worship songs, crafts, and games
Kingdom Kids Bible Club
"Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God."
Romans 15:7 (NIV)
Downs Stories of Service, Faith & Hope
Every act of kindness, every step of faith, and every testimony of transformation reflects the heart of Downs Memorial. In this space, we share real stories from our members—moments where service changed lives, faith overcame fear, and hope lit the way. These stories inspire us to keep moving forward, together, with God.
Scholarship Opportunity
“We encourage all eligible students to apply for the Downs Memorial Scholarship—a gift of support to help you pursue your academic dreams. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or continuing your education, this scholarship reflects our commitment to investing in your future, rooted in faith, excellence, and community care.”
Please Stop By for Your Weekly Grocery Pickup
We welcome you to join our weekly community grocery distribution—an open invitation to individuals and families in need of support. Stop by for a fresh supply of groceries, offered with love, dignity, and no strings attached. Let us be a blessing to you as God continues to bless us.”
Community Outreach & Volunteer Opportunity
Through our Community Outreach Program, we extend the love of Christ beyond our walls—offering meals, resources, and hope to those in need. Whether you’re seeking support or looking for a way to serve, this is a place where lives are uplifted, neighbors become family, and faith takes action in everyday ways.
Seniors Worship Ministry
Our Seniors Worship Ministry is a sacred space where seasoned faith meets joyful fellowship. We welcome all seniors to join us for uplifting worship, prayer, and spiritual encouragement designed to honor your journey, celebrate your wisdom, and nurture your continued walk with God. Come and be refreshed, valued, and inspired in community.
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Come Volunteer With Us
We invite you to join us in making a real difference—become a volunteer with our outreach team and help bring hope, healing, and practical support to those who need it most. Whether it’s serving meals, lending a hand, or simply showing up with love, your presence can be the answer to someone’s prayer. Together, we serve stronger.”
WORSHIP
POWER IN
Come Join Us In Worship
John 4:23 (NIV)
Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.”
Hebrews 10:25 (NLT)
“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”
Psalm 100:4 (NIV)
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.”
An uplifting invitation to enter into God’s presence with joy and gratitude.
Psalm 95:6 (NIV)
“Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.”
A direct and reverent call to gather in worship and humility before God.
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Weekly Scripture Reading
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Weekly Online Bible Studies
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Send A Prayer Request
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Featured Story and Testimonies
Step into the heart of our church through “Featured Story and Testimonies,” where real people share real experiences of God’s grace, healing, and transformation. These powerful stories reveal how faith comes alive in everyday life—from answered prayers to acts of service, and moments of deep spiritual growth. We invite you to read, reflect, and be inspired—and if you have a story of your own, we’d love to hear it. Your testimony could be the encouragement someone else needs.
Church Leadership
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Monthly Sermons
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Sketches
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Illustrations
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Renders
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3D Art
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YOU ARE WELCOME TO WORSHIP WITH US!
YOU ARE WELCOME TO
WORSHIP WITH US!
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SERVICES
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SERVICES
INDUSTRIAL
SERVICES
RESIDENTIAL
SERVICES
RESIDENTIAL
SERVICES
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SERVICES
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SERVICES
RESIDENTIAL
