Connections: April 17, 2024 | |
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Greetings, Church!
I'm looking forward to this weekend, when we will celebrate and observe Earth Sunday with other faith communities around the world. As people of faith, we are called to be caretakers of God's great creation. This weekend we will celebrate the beauty of that gift while also engaging in conversations around climate justice and earth stewardship practices. Earth Sunday and Earth Day aren't just a day, but a movement, and we hope to provide you and your family with resources to be part of the change needed to heal our planet.
The 2024 Earth Day them is "Planet vs. Plastics," and we will kick-off our weekend with the UCC Earth Day Summit featuring a keynote delivered by Bill McKibben, along with a "panel of award-winning grassroots activists in a David-versus-Goliath struggle against one of the world's largest producers of plastics." Our Environmental Justice Ministry is hosting a viewing party and lunch this Saturday from 10am-2pm, where they will also discuss climate actions church communities can and are already taking to address creation care. It's not too late to REGISTER HERE.
On Sunday, I am excited to welcome Rev. Ben Meyers and the Z-Quartet back to CCSM! Ben's sermon, "Reviving Eden" will take us back to practices of the early church and how they can guide us to care for creation, and each other. The Z-Quartet will lead us in special music, including congregational favorite, Blue Boat Home, and members of our Environmental Justice Ministry will share their voices in Moments for Creation.
Our children are also in for a special treat! Local organization, Peninsula Precious Plastics, will lead special eco-justice activities for kids during the service time. They turn used plastics into usable items and educate people of all ages about the climate crisis.
Following Worship, our Environmental Justice Ministry will host an Intergenerational Second Hour from 12-1pm in the Buckham Room on ways you and your family can fight climate change.
And don't forget, at 2pm we will host a baby shower for Rev. Sheryl and her wife Kelly in Kloss Hall. All are welcome! (More details further down in this email.)
I hope you can join us for one, or all, of these events!
As we approach Earth Day, I leave you with this prayer:
May we join with the Earth and with each other to bring new life to this land, to restore the waters, refresh the air, care for the plants and protect all creatures.
May we join with the Earth and with each other to create community, to promote justice and peace, to remember our children and future generations.
May we join together as many and diverse expressions of one loving mystery:
for the healing of the Earth and the renewal of all life.
With gratitude and hope,
Jessica
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A Word from our Moderator | |
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Dearest Church Family,
Your Board of Directors is committed to doing some bold things. We believe in the depth of spirit that this church family has for doing incredible work together to change the lives of those around us. Every new idea comes with its own set of concerns and sometimes concerns can become blockades to doing anything, when we start from a place of we can’t. Last night I challenged the Board of Directors to flip that on its head… and now I am asking you, my church siblings to do the same.
What if we start from a place of possibility? The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the
Philippians, the fourth chapter and the 13th verse says this: “I can do all things in the
One who strengthens me.” I am asking you to trust that CCSM can do all things in the
One who strengthens us. What if we start projects by asking the question this way…
how can we or how might we?
So often the problems seem so big that we can’t see the way around them. By asking
the question how can we, or how might we, we are released to solve the problems
rather than letting them overwhelm us. This is not in an effort to quell concern, but rather to ask us to approach concerns from a positive perspective and address the concerns so that we can do important work in our community. I hope that together we can find solace in God’s promise that we can do all things in Them. How can we?
With you in Christ’s Service,
Don Ruthroff, Moderator
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Thank you to Julien Phillips for summarizing this past week's session!
Last Sunday afternoon 55 congregants participated in the second session of the Nuevos Caminos discernment process, Crossing Divides. A powerful video was shared, that you can click below to view, and participants were invited to reflect on the video, along with the following questions:
What do you think are the things that separate us in our congregational life?
In our wider community? In our country? In the world?
Conversation centered on language, race, economic level, and social class. Some tables discussed stereotypes, "isms", and misogyny, while others cited separation of neighborhoods as well as fear, ‘biases we’ve been taught,’ desire not to say the wrong thing, and assumptions about whose needs and wants should get the most consideration.
When asked about why they find it difficult to relate to people they avoid, many participants of said anxiety. Fear, distrust and embarrassment were other reasons given.
The session was not structured to ask how CCSM should try to overcome divides, but
discussions at the some tables expressed a number of thoughts - e.g.,
- Create more opportunities to come together.
- Bring children together.
- Replace individualism with ‘we’re in this together.’
- Learn how to be curious [in culturally sensitive ways].
- Be patient. It took a long process for CCSM to fully embrace Open and Affirming.
This Sunday is our "bye week," with our next session held on Sunday, April 28.
Next week's session: Practicing Forgiveness
Jesus teaches over and over again about forgiveness in the Gospels. This suggests two things: firstly, that it is a crucial part of achieving the fullness of life and, secondly, that forgiveness is quite challenging to understand and even more difficult to live every day.
As complicated as it is (or perhaps because of it), forgiveness is a liberating, heart-opening and life-changing opportunity as we try to be the ones who seek reconciliation. Forgiveness does not excuse wrongdoing. On the contrary, it is powerful because we acknowledge that a wrong has been done. It requires courage, hope and grace and cannot be rushed.
We hope you can join us next Sunday, April 28, in Kloss Hall!
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Upcoming Dates
April 28 and May 5
Kloss Hall
12pm-1:30pm, Lunch Provided
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Childcare will be available.
Please RSVP at the link below to help us properly staff each session.
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CLICK HERE for Rev. Jessica's sermon,
“Divine Potluck"
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THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE: CCSM Calendar | |
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Wednesday, April 17
- 7:15 PM — Bilingual Wednesday Worship & Potluck
- 7:00 - 8:30 PM — Chancel Choir Rehearsal, sanctuary
Thursday, April 18
- 10:15AM - 11:30 AM — Women’s Coffee Group, Food Court,
Hillsdale Mall (contact linda.skromme@gmail.com)
- 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM — Carillon Bells Rehearsal, Choir Room
Friday, April 19
- 12:00 PM — Music and Art Annual Luncheon Meeting,
Buckham Room
Saturday, April 20
- 8:30 - 10:30 AM — CC Riders Weekly Bike Ride (contact Peter Held for more info)
- 10:30 AM — Coffee with CC Riders, Village Hub in Woodside (3154 Woodside Road)
- 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM — Earth Summit: Celebrating Creation Care, Buckham Room
Sunday, April 21 - EARTH DAY
- 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM — Joyful Noise Kids' Choir/Music Program,
Community Room/CE Bldg.
- 10:30 - 11:30 AM — Earth Stewardship Worship Service in person and online
- 10:30 AM — CCSM Kid's Earth Sunday!
- 11:40 AM — Coffee Hour in Kloss Hall
- 12- 1:00 PM — Earth Day Intergenerational Second Hour, Buckham Room- How Your Family Can Fight Climate Change
- 2:00 PM — Baby Shower for Sheryl and Kelly, Kloss Hall
Monday, April 22
- 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM — Posy Posse kick off luncheon, Memorial Garden
- 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM — Council of Ministries Meeting, Buckham Room
Tuesday, April 23
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10:00 - 11:30 AM — Men’s Coffee Group, Food Court, Hillsdale Mall (contact Peter Held, paheld1417@gmail.com)
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Please be alert to possible bogus text messages: If you receive a text from Rev. Jessica in which she is asking for money, gift cards, "help" or personal information, please do not reply and instead, contact the Church Office to report the text. When in doubt, confirm it's her.
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PLATE OFFERING for EARTH SUNDAY: SAVE THE BAY | | |
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San Francisco Bay—a vital source of life, recreation, and inspiration—is facing unprecedented threats. Sea level rise, flooding and other climate impacts are growing each year, threatening people, and wildlife.
Save the Bay is working to fight all the negative impacts on the bay and surrounding communities. Climate change is not a reason for despair but a reason to join the movement that can help change the course of environmental history.
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CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES | |
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CYF now has its own Google calendar... click HERE!
Sunday, April 21- 10:30am- Earth Sunday!
Local organization Peninsula Precious Plastics will lead some special eco-justice activities for kids.
Sunday, April 28 - 10:30am - 60 Minutes
11:45am - CCSM Youth and Girl Scouts make sandwiches after church for Open Cathedral in San Francisco in the CCSM kitchen. Afterwards, youth are invited to join Rev. Sheryl for lunch and to work on leadership for Youth Sunday (May 5)!
Sunday, May 5 - CCSM Youth Sunday/Scholarship Presentation Sunday - youth will have the opportunity to preach, lead prayers, serve communion, lead music, and much more in worship!
Sunday, May 5 - FAMILY PLAYDATE POSTPONED due to Discernment
Sunday, May 19 - 10:30am - 60 Minutes conversation for youth
Thursday, May 23: registration deadline for UCC (WYRE) Western Regional Youth Event, June 23-27 This event happens every 4 years and brings together hundreds of UCC middle and high school students to be part of something bigger than their local faith community. This year’s theme is “Love is Greater than Fear.” Youth will spend five days at California State University, Long Beach for worship, workshops, a service project, and an adventure day at Disneyland. Visit wryeucc.org to learn more and contact Rev. Sheryl ASAP if you are interested in attending.
Sunday, May 26 - Memorial hike for Kyle Neil, a former youth participant in 60 Minutes and many other church activities. He loved hiking and was active in Scouting so this hike is an important way to honor his memory.
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MUSIC AND ART, Friday, April 19, Noon, Buckham Room | |
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We’ll gather for our annual luncheon meeting. This tasty event is a potluck, so please bring a salad, main dish, sandwiches, or a dessert. Beverages will be provided. There will be a very brief business meeting and then lots of fun conversations. We need to know how many tables to set up, so please RSVP promptly to donaldgharper@yahoo.com or 650-553-1800. Please indicate what dish you will bring. Looking forward to seeing you!
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EARTH SUMMIT: CELEBRATING CREATION CARE | |
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Saturday, April 20, 10am - 2pm at CCSM
CCSM’S Environmental Justice Ministry is hosting an Interfaith Earth Weekend event both in person and on Zoom. The Zoom call will be hosted by UCC National Environmental Ministry and will feature climate activist, Bill McKibben giving the Jim Antal lecture, followed by Q&A and a panel discussion with the co-founders of the International Monitor Formosa Alliance, a non-profit organization based in the U.S. whose mission is to seek financial compensation for victims of toxic spills.
A vegetarian lunch will be served at CCSM, followed by small group discussions on the climate actions church communities can and are already taking to address creation care.
There is no cost to participate, but we do ask everyone to register so we have enough lunches for all participants.
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BABY SHOWER FOR SHERYL AND KELLY | |
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SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2pm - 4:30pm
Join us in Kloss Hall for a baby shower for Rev. Sheryl and her wife Kelly as they prepare to become parents in May!
Many of their baby items have already been filled, so we will collect gifts for Baby Girl's college fund. If you would like to make a gift you can bring cash or a check (made out to Sheryl Johnson) to the shower on Sunday. You may also contribute by Paypal via sherylhejohnson@gmail.com or by Venmo at sheryl-johnson-87.
We are looking for additional hands to help set up for the event and provide treats for the afternoon.
Contact Sue Bullis, if you can help.
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Practice reducing / reusing / recycling and rotting (also known as composting).
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CCSM Council of Ministries
Email COM@CCSM-UCC.org to connect to any ministry!
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Kay Harris, Council of Ministries Lead
Jim Schwandt, Building and Grounds
Kim Rey, Troy Grabow, Children, Youth and Families
Melodie Lew, Congregational Care
Sandy McNabb, Connect and Celebrate
Gary H. White, Environmental Justice
Alison Schwandt, Engagement/Communications
Julien Phillips, Latino/a Ministry
Pam Ridlehuber, Liturgical Arts
Sue Bell, Katie Bylander, Music
Genel Morgan. Sharon Tobin, Service and Justice
Dave Olsen, Spiritual Life/Adult Ed.
Ivan Raikov, Stewardship
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Email Kay Harris to get connected to a Ministry Lead anytime! | |
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CCSM Committee Chairs
Chris Yeh, Endowment
Martha Bronitsky, Finance
Frank Garritano, Leadership and Governance
Chris Wuthmann, Pastoral Relations
Dave Goulden, Personnel
Phil Lind, Historian
Click HERE for CCSM's Governance Manual, and HERE for CCSM's Bylaws
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PRAY FOR PEACE
Weekly on Wednesdays • 9:30-10:00am on Zoom
In light of the recent events in Gaza, Israel, and the occupied Palestinian territories, we are invited to join Churches for Middle East Peace, an ecumenical partner of the United Church of Christ's Global Ministries, to join others across the world in praying weekly for peace. Registration is free, but required to receive the Zoom Link.
REGISTER HERE
Make a Gift
You can also make a financial gift to help with humanitarian aid for people in Gaza, Palestine, and Israel through the United Church of Christ’s Wider Church Ministries HERE.
Call for a Ceasefire
Send a pre-written message to your elected officials through UCC’s “Just Peace Church” program HERE calling for a ceasefire and encouraging Congress to take immediate action for de-escalation in Israel and Gaza, and support steps towards a lasting peace.
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BRING YOUR BLESSING BOX CONTRIBUTIONS
ANY SUNDAY OF THE MONTH!
The "Blessing Box" outside of the entrance of CCSM is a project of the Ministry of Service and Justice, responding to the need for families in our neighborhood to access food and an expression of our call to be the "hands, feet, and face of God" in our community.
- The container will be in the narthex to collect the following food items:
- canned, dried and boxed
- no fresh food please
- donations must be full UNOPENED containers
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no fruits, vegetables, or bread
- We also collect individually wrapped plasticware!
Thank you for your continuing generosity!
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Regular CCSM Office Hours:
9:00am - 4:00pm
Monday - Thursday
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Scan this QR code or go to ccsm-ucc.org/give
to make a donation or pledge to CCSM.
Don't forget to ask your employer if they have a charitable donation matching program to make your pledge go farther.
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225 Tilton Ave. • San Mateo, CA • 94401
650-343-3694
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