Beloved Community,

On Sunday we named the difference between hearing Jesus’ words and doing them- building on the foundation that holds when the rain comes and the wind blows. It’s on that same ground of God’s steady love that I share this news:

This week I received Angela Kraft Cross’s resignation as Senior Organist/Artist-in-Residence at CCSM. Her familiar face will no longer be greeting us from the organ as we enter the Sanctuary on Sunday. Angela has shared her gifts with us for 32 years as part of the staff, and even more as a member of this community. Her music has helped us pray, grieve, and rejoice. We are so very grateful for who she is and all she has shared with us over these years.

At Angela’s request, we will not hold a public celebration to mark the end of this chapter. If you’d like to say thank you, share your appreciation or wish her well in her next chapter, we invite you to leave a note/card/gift, etc. in the church office, or in the basket in the Narthex on Sunday (we will collect these through September 14). We’ll also be collecting a Love Offering to share with Angela as a token of our appreciation for her years of dedicated and loving service. You can make a gift online HERE and select “Love Offering for Angela” or write a check to the church with “Angela Love Offering” in the memo line.

I also ask for your prayers for Natalia as her final asylum hearing approaches this Friday. We are praying for a just resolution, that asylum is granted, and for safety and peace in the process. A small group from CCSM will be present to support her on Friday, and I ask that you join us in that support by holding space, praying, sending good thoughts, or whatever your practice may be, from 12:30-3:30pm this Friday, August 29.

Let’s keep standing on the solid ground of God’s unwavering love- sharing our gratitude with Angela, supporting Natalia, and caring for one another.

In hope,

Jessica

DID YOU MISS WORSHIP?

CLICK HERE for Last Sunday's Entire Service

Click the video below Rev. Jessica's sermon,

"The Ground We Stand On"

CHURCH SNAPSHOTS

A good time was had by all at the San Jose Giants game last Friday night!

Rev. Jessica and Rosa Los Santos joined other faith leaders from across the Bay for a prayer vigil outside the ICE offices in San Francisco. Rosa led the group in powerful and prayerful song.

TAKE ACTION!

Event Details:

Date: Monday, September 1, from 10AM– 1PM

Interfaith Prayer Service at 10:30AM

Location: Twin Pines Park, Belmont

The Buckeye Area

Together We will:

Unite in an interfaith prayer service

Prayer for peace through community art and music.

Share friendship while breaking bread together.

What to Bring: We are invited to bring food from our tradition to share. Please label dishes that contain pork or other types of meat.

This gathering is Sponsored by the Peninsula Multifaith Coalition, of which CCSM is a member congregation.

COMING UP

Who will you invite?

Homecoming is the perfect Sunday to invite someone to church — a neighbor, a friend, a co-worker — someone who might need a reminder that they are loved and welcomed just as they are.

Whether you’ve been away this summer or haven’t missed a Sunday, Homecoming is our joyful tradition of coming back together as a community — and inviting others to come “home” too. It’s a time to reconnect, welcome new faces, and celebrate the spirit of CCSM with food, music, games, and meaningful connection.

After worship, we’ll share a festive potluck meal in Kloss Hall and the Front Lawn. CCSM will provide the main dishes (meat and veggie options) and drinks — we invite you to bring a dish that says “home” to you!

Want to help make the day a success? We need volunteers!

We're looking for folks to help lend a hand with food prep the Saturday before, set-up and clean-up the day of, and to help grill hot dogs and veggies. Click the button below to sign up today!

Homecoming Help

TIME TO CONNECT

"Building the Village"

Thursday, September 4, 7:30pm

The Fireplace Room

Dave Olson, Spiritual Life Co-Chair, invites you to gather in the Fireplace Room for an evening of conversation around rebuilding real connections in our increasingly isolated world. We'll discuss Derek Thompson's Atlantic article "The Anti-Social Century," (LINKED HERE) over snacks and drinks, exploring why we spend more time alone or online and less time building community together.

How can we strengthen the bonds that make us neighbors, not just strangers sharing the same space? Copies of the article will also be available at the Gratitude Table during coffee hour.

Let's see if we can help prevent this from being known as "the anti-social century."

View our full calendar on our website

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Job Position: Communications & Administrative Coordinator

Where creativity meets coordination.

CCSM is seeking a highly organized and creative individual to support our communications and administrative systems. This role is ideal for someone with strong visual design and digital media skills who thrives in a collaborative, justice-driven environment. Responsibilities include producing our weekly newsletter, managing the website and social media channels, designing materials for worship and events, maintaining databases, and providing essential administrative support to keep our operations running smoothly. Learn more about this opportunity.

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.

Job Position: Director of Music

Where sacred tradition meets creative spirit.

CCSM is seeking a collaborative and creative Director of Music (15–20 hours/week) to lead our choirs, plan worship music, and oversee a dynamic and inclusive music ministry. This part-time position pays $40/hour and includes benefits. We're looking for someone who can honor our rich musical tradition while thoughtfully introducing fresh, meaningful selections and styles that inspire worship and connection. Learn more about this opportunity.