Beloved Community,

Sunday was a beautiful day of celebration in the life of our community, and I want to take a moment to thank everyone who made Holy Week and Easter so meaningful, especial our Chancel Choir, Special Musicians, Ushers, Communion preparation team, Coffee Hour Volunteers, Building and Grounds team, Front Desk volunteers, Engagement Ministry, CYF committee, teachers, & Easter Helpers, Latino Ministry, and of course our incredible CCSM staff.

Whether you participated in person or online, your presence and dedication made the season, week, and day special.

We are Easter people, and we can't live out that call without each of you!

However, remember, Easter isn't over, it's just beginning. In this season, we’re invited to live like resurrection is real, not just as a story from long ago, but as our calling here and now. To be people of hope. People of healing. People who tend to the world with love.

As we turn our attention toward Earth Stewardship Sunday and celebrate the baptism of beloved child this Sunday, I'm grateful for the final Easter message offered by Pope Francis. You may have seen it:

“The light of Easter impels us to break down the barriers that create division... It impels us to care for one another, to increase our mutual solidarity, and to work for the integral development of each human person.”

These words feel like a final blessing and charge from this leader among leaders who was known for his ministry to the poor and those in need, while inviting those around him to embrace a Christianity that drew the circle of love wider.

May we keep his legacy and the Easter story alive with each act of love, compassion, and care. We are Easter people.

In hope,

Jessica

DID YOU MISS WORSHIP?

CLICK HERE for Last Sunday's Entire Service

CLICK HERE for Rev. Jessica's Easter sermon,

"Grief & Hope"

EASTER SNAPSHOTS

YOUR INPUT NEEDED!

We’re embarking on an exciting new journey at CCSM called the Innovation Lab, and we need your input! As we prepare to commission our Innovation Team on Sunday, May 4, we invite you to complete the Innovation Culture Index by April 30. Your responses will help us understand how our current church culture supports innovation.

Take the questionnaire here: https://mqxazakjof6.typeform.com/CCSanMateo

Access Code: 9indicators

Together, we’re imagining bold new ways to be church. Thank you for being part of this unfolding vision!

COMING UP

The life of Mike Armacost will be celebrated at CCSM on Saturday, April 26 at 11:00 AM in the church sanctuary, followed by a reception.

Link to Service Livestream

Service Learning Trip Fundraiser!

Sunday, April 27 - 11:45am • Kloss Hall

Join us for a delicious Spaghetti Lunch Fundraiser! This luncheon will support our Intergenerational Service-Learning Trip to Tuscon. Enjoy pasta, salad and dessert (vegetarian and gluten free options), connect with friends, and help make this transformative experience possible for those participating in the trip.

This is a pay-what-you-can event-- whether it's 25 cents or $25, every penny helps! Suggested donation $10/person or $25/family-- but all are welcome!

Healthy Homes:

Replacing Fossil Fuel Gases

Saturday, May 10, 10am-1pm

A free event at CCSM!

(Sponsored by Peninsula Interfaith Climate Action & CCSM Environmental Justice Ministry)

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Did you know that the air circulating in your kitchen and throughout your home is some of the most polluted air you breathe due to burning & the leakage of fossil fuel gas?

Come hear from environmental scientist Professor Rob Jackson, Ph.D of Stanford University, Doerr School of Sustainability discuss his work on measuring & reducing GHG emissions as outlined in his new book, Into the Clear Blue Sky.

Learn about resources from Peninsula Clean Energy to help you in your effort to make your home both greener and healthier.

Hear from a panel of local homeowners who will share their journeys to fully electrify their homes.

*To reserve a seat for this free in-person event, please click HERE to register.

RSVP for

PARENTS' NIGHT OUT!

May 10, 6-8pm

(Childcare from 5:30-8:30pm)

Join other CCSM parents for a casual evening of connection (with dinner!) at the Grabow home.

RSVP to Troy at grabowt@gmail.com.

Learn About Church Friends

You may have read in a recent issue of Pine Tree about an important community-building initiative at CCSM called “Church Friends”. The initiative is an effort to facilitate the building of new friendships at CCSM and the strengthening of existing ties. Both longer-standing members as well as new members of CCSM are being matched for a set timeframe to help provide them with mutual support, companionship, and friendship.

To learn more about the program and to hear from current church friends on their experiences, please join us for a Zoom event on Monday, May 12 from 7-8pm. We hope that as more CCSM folks become familiar with Church Friends, they will also participate. You can also read more about Church Friends on page 5 of the latest Pine Tree newsletter.

To attend this Zoom event, simply click on the following link at 7pm on Mon May 12: (https://us02eb.zoom.us/j/84452134017). Hosted by Gary H. White and Carol Henton.

CCSM & YOU: NEW MEMBER LUNCH

Sunday, May 18, 12:00–2:00 pm

Whether you're new to CCSM or have been around a while, this lunch is a chance to learn more about our church, explore ways to get involved, and connect with others finding their place in our community. Contact Rev. Jessica at jessica@ccsm-ucc.org to learn more or RSVP—we’d love to welcome you more fully into the life of our church!

THIS WEEK AT CCSM

Thursday, April 24

9:00 AM — Casual Bike Riders, CCSM Parking Lot (Contact John Ebneter, jebneter@aol.com)

10:15 - 11:30 AM — Women's Coffee Group, Food Court at Hillsdale Mall (Contact: Linda Skromme)

4:00 - 6:00 PM — Samaritan House Meal Service, Kloss Hall

Friday, April 25

1:30 - 3:00 PM — Bella Voce Rehearsal, Fireplace Room

4:00 - 6:00 PM — Samaritan House Meal Service, Kloss Hall

Saturday, April 26

8:30 - 10:30 AM — CC Riders Weekly Bike Ride (Contact Peter Held, paheld1417@gmail.com)

11:00 AM — Mike Armacost Memorial, Sanctuary

Sunday, April 27 - Earth Day Sunday

9:45 - 10:15 AM — Joyful Noise Kids' Choir/Music Program, Fireplace Room

10:45 AM — Children / Youth Program

10:30 - 11:30 AM — Worship Service, in person and online

11:30 AM — Service Learning Trip Spaghetti Lunch Fundraiser, Kloss Hall

11:30 AM — Open Cathedral Sandwich Making, Buckham Room

Monday, April 28

4:00 - 6:00 PM — Samaritan House Meal Service, Kloss Hall

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM — Women at the Well Women's Group, Fireplace Room

Tuesday, April 29

10:00 - 11:30 AM — Men’s Coffee Group, Food Court, Hillsdale Mall (Contact Peter Held, paheld1417@gmail.com)

4:00 - 6:00 PM — Samaritan House Meal Service, Kloss Hall

Wednesday, April 30

4:00 - 6:00 PM — Samaritan House Meal Service, Kloss Hall

7:00 - 8:30 PM — Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary

7:15 - 8:45 PM — Bilingual Worship Service, Kloss Hall

View our full calendar on our website

Pick A Parties continue with Chinatown Tour!

Several CCSM members enjoyed Robert Leung's (and Robert's brother's) knowledge of Chinatown for a tour and dim sum feast. If you were on the wait list for this party, there may be another party later this season. Watch for an announcement.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Job Position: Children, Youth, and Families (CYF) Director

We're seeking a creative and passionate leader to guide our children and youth in their faith journeys. Our CYF Director will cultivate an inclusive, engaging environment where young people and their families explore spirituality, build community, and engage in social justice. If you're called to nurture the next generation's faith development through innovative programming and meaningful relationships, we invite you to learn more about this opportunity.