CCSM CONNECTIONS: December 4, 2024

Image from Stonewall Columbus

Beloved Community,

As we journey through this first week of Advent, our church calendar (and this edition of Connections) are overflowing with opportunities for you to be a blessing and share the gift of Hope found through connection and service. So, I'm going to keep this opening brief and strongly encourage you to keep reading and join us for one or more of these sacred opportunities in this special season.

Remember in this season of waiting and preparation — You are a blessing. You are God's beloved. May you have the wisdom to lean on one another. May you have the courage to hold onto hope and the compassion to do the good that is yours to do. Advent invites us to begin again. So start today. Start now. Start with love.

With gratitude and love,

Jessica

DID YOU MISS WORSHIP?

CLICK HERE for last Sunday's entire service.

CLICK HERE for Rev. Jessica's sermon,

"YOU ARE A BLESSING"

Stewardship 2025

Please pledge by Dec. 8 if you are able.

Thank you for being part of "Imagining Together" as we envision God's liberating love working through our community in 2025. Your generous support fuels our shared dreams.

To date we have received:

114 pledges totaling $469,940.

THANK YOU! We need approximately $90,060 more to reach our 2025 goal.

Time is of essence - pledges submitted by December 8th directly inform our Finance Committee's budget proposal to the Board. While we welcome pledges year-round, early commitments help us plan effectively.

Can you join us?

Together, we're creating:

A digital sanctuary welcoming seekers near and far
Sacred gatherings where wisdom flows across generations
A beloved community celebrating diverse voices and stories
A force for good, extending care beyond our walls

Your gift - whether first-time or renewed - empowers this vision. As you prayerfully consider your pledge, know that you're not just supporting a budget - you're nurturing seeds of transformation in our community.

Ready to join in? Questions about the budget? Reach out to any member of the Finance Committee.

2025 Pledge

Learn More

THIS WEEK AT CCSM

Thursday, December 5

2:00 - 3:00 PM — Connect and Celebrate Ministry Meeting, Fireplace Room

4:00 - 6:00 PM — Samaritan House Meal Service, Buckham Room

6:45 - 8:45 PM — Bell Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary

Friday, December 6

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

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

5:30 - 7:30 PM — Gingerbread House Pick-A-Party, Buckham Room

Saturday, December 7

8:30 - 10:30 AM — CC Riders Weekly Bike Ride (contact Peter Held)

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM — Coffee with CC Riders, Village Hub in Woodside (3154 Woodside Road)

Sunday, December 8

9:45 - 10:15 AM — Joyful Noise, CE Bldg., Community Room

10:15 AM - 12:00 PM — Christmas Wish-List Tree, Loggia

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

10:45 - 11:30 AM — Children's and Youth Programs, CE Building

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM — Coffee Hour, Kloss Hall

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM — Poinsettia Sunday, Loggia

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM — 2025 Happy Coffee Hour Sign-Ups, Loggia

11:45 - 3:30 PM — CYF: Christmas Caroling, CE Bldg., Community Room

12:00 - 1:00 PM — Second Hour: Justice and Healing in the Philippines, Kloss Hall

4:45 - 6:00 PM — Advent at the Table Worship Service, Kloss Hall

Monday, December 9

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

1:00 - 3:00 PM — Burlingame Music Club, Kloss Hall

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

7:15 - 8:30 PM — Spiritual Conversations, Zoom

Tuesday, December 10

10:00 - 11:30 AM — Men’s Coffee Group, Hillsdale Mall Food Court

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

6:30 - 7:30 PM — Personnel Committee Meeting, Fireplace Room

7:15 - 8:45 PM — MSJ Monthly Meeting, Zoom

Wednesday, December 11

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 and Potluck, Kloss Hall

View our full calendar on our website

THIS SUNDAY IN WORSHIP

One of life's most essential lessons is that we are never meant to go alone. And yet, modern culture pushes us more and more into lonely slices. On this second Sunday of Advent, we'll gather to light the candles for Hope and Peace, while exploring two powerful scriptures about connection: Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, "A three-fold cord is not easily broken," and the beloved story of Ruth and Naomi. Their unlikely bond reminds us that if God can bring unexpected people together, God can form us into covenant community too.

Our Carillon Ringers will share their musical gifts throughout the service, including one of my favorites — Carol of the Bells.

In these short December days, when darkness comes early and the world's burdens feel heavy, there is profound comfort in gathering together. Whether this season brings you joy or challenge — or both — your presence matters. Together, we create a space where hope takes root and peace becomes possible. Join us in person or online at 10:30am as we remember that we belong to each other and to God.

Advent at the Table:

A New Way to Worship Together

From December 1 - December 22, join us on Sundays at 5:00 pm in Kloss Hall for a unique bilingual worship service that brings together all generations around shared tables — just as families have gathered to share stories for countless generations. In this relaxed, interactive setting, we'll explore the treasured narratives of Advent through conversation, prayer, spiritual practices, communion, and song. Rather than a traditional sermon, each week features a brief message followed by guided table discussions that allow everyone — from our youngest to our wisest — to share in the wonder of the season. Arrive early at 4:45 pm for snacks, friendship bracelet making, and holiday cheer before our service begins.

Join us as we journey through Advent together, creating new traditions while honoring the timeless practice of gathering to share our stories of faith and sacred rituals.

PLATE OFFERING for

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8:

Staff Love Offering

With love and dedication, often working behind the scenes, CCSM's staff helps support the ministers and congregation to fulfill our mission to be the hands, feet, and face of God to each other and to our community. Through this offering, we want to show our appreciation for all they do.

Make a Gift

ADVENT DEVOTIONALS AND CALENDARS

This devotional from Sanctified Art is shaped around several reminders we all need from time to time: you are a blessing; we can’t go alone; do the good that is yours to do; hope is worth the risk; love knows your name; don’t forget to laugh; the road isn’t straight. These reminders root us in the fundamental truths of our faith. Many of them are life lessons we teach to children — lessons that adults continue to learn and relearn.

Devotionals are located in the Narthex on the Welcome Table, or as a digital version here: online.flippingbook.com/view/811735764/

(Per our purchase agreement, please refrain from posting this link on social media.)

Each day in December, children can color in a new shape on the calendar containing a daily word to learn and use. Our adult (and youth-friendly) calendar is a photo-a-day challenge to share on social media. The daily words are the same for both calendars so all ages can engage in this daily practice. Be sure to tag us in your posts! Pick up your calendars in the Narthex.

SECOND HOUR:

Justice and Healing in the Philippines

Sunday, December 8 at Noon

Kloss Hall

Hosted By: Ago Pedalizo

Join us after coffee hour in Kloss Hall to learn about human rights issues in the Philippines. In 2018, under the leadership of then Reverend Penny Nixon, the Filipino American Human Rights Alliance (FAHRA) and other progressive advocates in the San Francisco Bay Area wrote a letter of appeal to the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to act immediately to investigate the extra-judicial killings under former President Duterte. Presented by Ago Pedalizo, this important Second Hour will include an update on this work and our congregation's role in advocating for justice, AND a delicious lunch. (And you can deliver your poinsettias after Second Hour!)

CHRISTMAS WISH-LIST TREE

December 8 & 15 on the Loggia

Before and After Church

Please look for the lighted Christmas tree with paper ornaments either before or after the service, and select an ornament to provide a gift for someone who may otherwise find little under the tree. If you cannot attend the service and would like an ornament selected for you, please contact Melodie Lew at boygie.m2000@gmail.com.

POINSETTIA SUNDAYS

December 8 & 15

11:30 AM on the Loggia

CCSM will need drivers and well-wishers to bring holiday cheer to church members during the Christmas season. Please look for the poinsettias and a list of recipients, take a name and poinsettia, and bring a warm Christmas greeting to someone.

2025 HAPPY COFFEE HOUR SIGN-UPS

December 8 & 15

11:30 AM on the Loggia

Please sign up to help host Happy Coffee Hour in 2025! You can sign up for more than one Sunday and space your volunteering over a few months.

CYF CHRISTMAS CAROLING!

December 8, 11:45 AM - 3:30 PM

Join us in the Community Room for pizza, and then we will split into groups to go caroling to CCSM members’ homes.

BLESSING TREE

STAY WARM, SHARE WARMTH

This Advent season, we have a special tree in Kloss Hall – instead of ornaments, it will be trimmed with warmth and care for our neighbors. Our new "Blessing Tree" extends the spirit of our beloved Blessing Box into the cold and rainy winter months. You're invited to hang new or gently used hats, scarves, gloves, and umbrellas on its branches. Just like our Blessing Box, the principle is simple: leave what you can, take what you need. As winter rains arrive in San Mateo, let's ensure everyone in our community has what they need to stay warm and dry. Together, we can make this season a little more comfortable for all.

Thank you for all your donations so far! They've already gone to good use, so we welcome more donations this week, which can be placed directly on the Blessing Tree.

REMINDER!

Don't Forget to

Pay for Your Pick-A-Parties

Don't forget to pay for those great parties! Did you forget your checkbook on Pick-A-Party Sunday, or add a party late? Please remember to write a check to CCSM with "Party" in the memo line, pay online at ccsm-ucc.org/give/, or text 73256 with "CCSM Party." If you can't remember whether/what you owe, please email david.loughhead@gmail.com for that info. Thank you!

COMING UP

MASTERWORKS CHORALE CHILDREN'S CONCERT

CAROLS, COOKIES & CHRISTMAS

Saturday, December 14 at 4 PM

CCSM Sanctuary

Full to the brim with fun and whimsy, this family holiday concert features songs, sing-alongs, and a holiday story that will delight our youngest music fans and their families! Children FREE, Adults Pay What You Will. For advance tickets, go to https://masterworksbayarea.org/.

MASTERWORKS CHORALE CONCERT

IN THE STILLNESS

Sunday, December 15 at 4 PM

CCSM Sanctuary

Experience the serene beauty of the season with music evoking moments of stillness and beauty, reflection and contemplation, and joyful togetherness and celebration. Featuring works by Eric Whitacre, Morten Lauridsen, Sally Beamish, and more. Embrace the warmth of the holiday season with this treasured Masterworks tradition. Tickets: $30/adult (advance), $35/adult (door), $15/student. For advance tickets, go to https://masterworksbayarea.org/.

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS COOKIE EXCHANGE

Sunday, December 15, Kloss Hall

Our third annual Christmas cookie exchange is happening on December 15. The rules are very simple — bring a dozen (or so) cookies, place them on the table in Kloss Hall before the service, and after the service pick out a dozen (or so) cookies from the plates others have brought. The idea is that you will have an assortment of cookies to take home, deliver to homebound CCSM members, or share during coffee hour. Some things to keep in mind — please bring your cookies on either a paper plate or one marked clearly with your name, and consider writing up a recipe card with your name, so folks can snap a picture. You don't have to be a celebrity baker, because it's the spirit of sharing that's important. Questions? Contact Mike Harris (650) 572-8378. December 15 is a coffee hour you won't want to miss!

ENGLISH TOGETHER

Training: January 6 or 7

Sessions: January 13 – March 10

After a successful launch of English Together this fall, we are excited to bring together the next group of Practice Partners & English Learners. As a reminder, CCSM partners with a nonprofit based in Palo Alto to bring a structured conversational approach to improve confidence, build connections, and enhance community. To learn more about the program, please sign up for an upcoming interest meeting on ZOOM here: https://englishtogether.org/interest/. When registering please note that you are part of CCSM. Those who haven’t been practice partners in the past are encouraged to join a Training Session January 6th or 7th @7pm via Zoom. Our sessions will run Monday evenings, January 13 – March 10, 7-8pm. There will be a few holiday breaks and hybrid options for live and online sessions. IMPORTANT: If you are interested, please reach out to Katherine at vegastultz@yahoo.com for additional information.

GREEN TIPS

From Nov. 10th Climate Reality discussion on barriers:

Climate action takes knowledge! Not as much as we think, and thinking ahead pays off. If we have appliances, cars, or even tools that are getting to the end of their lives, we can do research ahead of time, so we're not left in the dark when we have to replace them. We will meet our needs with better efficiency, possible rebates, and maybe even a sale!