Beloved Community,

Today and tomorrow, I’m at a West Coast UCC Senior Minister Gathering in Los Altos. This is my second time attending, and I’m deeply grateful for the chance to connect with colleagues from across the region. We are sharing ideas, learning what’s working, naming what’s hard, and supporting one another as we do ministry in a time that is both full of possibility and real challenge. These kinds of connections remind me that we’re not doing this work alone.

On Friday, I’ll be traveling to Costa Rica for an annual wellness retreat I’ve been attending since 2019. This retreat is like a big glass of water for my body, mind, and soul, and I’m very thankful for this time away and the opportunity to rest, reflect, and tend to my own well-being, and for the assurance that our staff, lay leaders, and weekly volunteers keep things running smoothly while I’m gone. It’s a gift to serve a community where leadership is shared and support is so present.

As we begin the year, I also want to share a few updates from our life together as a church.

We recently had a candidate accept the Children, Youth, and Families Director position who then had to rescind his acceptance due to a family situation requiring a move to Southern California. While disappointing, we’re grateful for the clarity and are moving forward. The position has been reposted, and we are also working with our partners at the Ministry Leadership Center on recruitment. They have reassured us that the length of this search is not unusual, especially in the post-COVID landscape of children and youth ministry.

Regarding our other open positions, we are continuing interviews with organist and pianist candidates and hope to make a selection soon. Our Personnel Committee is also thoughtfully guiding next steps in our music ministry leadership and additional facilities support.

Before I head out, I want to share a meditation I have found myself returning to often this past week. At my installation, I received a gift of poetry titled Still by Rev. Laura Martin, a collection filled with moments of reflection that seem to meet this particular season with centering wisdom.

This piece is called “Instructions for Anxious Days.” My hope is that the Spirit speaks to you through these words, offering whatever comfort or grounding you need this week.

Remember what has carried you here,

through other times when the earth shook.

Chop vegetables, create with your hands,

stay close to something that reminds you of laughter.

Hold a book, release a prayer,

pick up a strand you had lost with someone.

Go into a place without any agenda but your presence.

Believe that even now,

the earth is moving toward spring,

and something that has been closed will open again,

and the blossom will be extravagant.

In hope,

Jessica

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

Camille and Holly removing ivy at San Bruno Mountain as part of the MLK Jr. Multi-Faith Day of Service.

Children of all ages enjoyed an evening of pizza, ice cream and games reconnecting after the holiday break.

Lois Fried, Arts Commissioner for District 2, treated the CCSM audience to beautiful poetry as part of the January Music & Art Guild programming.

THIS WEEK

Open Cathedral Sandwich Making 🥪

Sunday, January 25th, after worship in the kitchen

On the fourth Sunday of the month, our dedicated volunteers (all ages welcome!) assemble 100 paper-bagged lunches—each packed with a PB&J, chips, juice, and an orange—to be distributed to the homeless in San Francisco by Open Cathedral. Join the rewarding and fun assembly line!

New Beginnings Housing Project 🏠

Sunday, January 25th, 12pm - 1pm in the Buckham Room

Join Rev. Dr. Marlyn Bussey to hear the latest on the New Beginnings Housing Project—a project creating a small affordable multi-housing residential “village” in North Central for young adults transitioning out of the foster care system.

Slow-Read Book Club 📚

Monday, January 26th, 11am - 12:30pm in the Upstairs Library

You are invited to a new Slow-Read Book Club focused on books by Christian women authors. Designed for reflection, we meet monthly but spend three months on each book. Each meeting will focus on a third of the book, which will allow ample time for reading and reflection. Our first selection is Barbara Brown Taylor's Leaving Church: A Memoir of Faith.

Our first meeting will be January 26 (every third Monday or fourth if the third is a public holiday, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM) in the Upstairs Library. Contact Siew Kang or join via Church Center (Affinity Groups).

Rev. Jessica is Out of Office

Jan 21 - 31

Rev. Jessica is attending the West Coast UCC Senior Minister Gathering (Jan 21 & 22) and then will be out of the country from Jan 23 - 31.

For pastoral care and worship needs, contact Rev. Álvaro Durán. For office or facility questions, contact Chase Montara. For Connections/Bulletin submissions, contact Kim Rey. For Giving Support, contact Cheryle Matteo.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Super Bowl Potluck Party 🏈

Sunday, February 8th, 3 - 7pm in Kloss Hall & Buckham Room

You’re Invited: Super Bowl Potluck Party!

We are excited to bring back: the Intergenerational Super Bowl Party! Whether you’re there for the touchdowns, the commercials, or just the conversation, there is a spot for you. We are providing pizza and entertainment; simply bring a side dish or snack. Let’s make some memories together!

🍻 The Village Pub is Back - New Night

Tuesday, February 10th, 7 - 8:30pm in Fireplace Room

Join us for another casual and cozy evening at The Village Pub in the Fireplace Room on a new night (Tuesday, February 10th) from 7pm - 8:30pm.

This is a perfect, low-key opportunity to connect with new people and discover something new about familiar faces. Come ready to chat, laugh, and simply enjoy hanging out with your community. Bring a friend—all are welcome!

Second Hour Memorial Planning

Sunday, February 15th, 12 - 1pm in Buckham Room

Join Rev. Jessica and Chase Montara for a second hour information session on memorial planning. Together, we'll explore the practical and spiritual elements that help create a service reflecting a life well lived. Learn about the decisions involved, ways to personalize a memorial, and how early planning can bring peace of mind to you and your loved ones. All are welcome -- come with your questions and leave with guidance, reassurance and ways you can support the creation of a meaningful memorial.

Z Quartet Musical Tapas Returns 🎻

Saturday, February 21st, 5:30 - 7:45pm in Kloss Hall

Z Quartet Returns with Musical Tapas II!

Back by popular demand, the Z Quartet invites you to Kloss Hall on Saturday, February 21, for an evening of "musical tapas." Sample sounds evoking Denmark and Asia and across the years from Felix Mendelssohn (1837) to Peter Meyers (2024) with a little William Bolcom and William Grant Still in between. The program will be accompanied by a welcome reception at 5:30 PM and post-concert cookies. This community event is free, but please RSVP to help us plan for snacks and seating.

More Event Info

Z Quartet

RSVP

Pick-A-Vent Sign Ups 🎉

Sunday, February 22 before church in Kloss Hall at 9:45am

We're still accepting parties/events! Submit your activity or party by clicking on "Submit Events" below. Thank you to those who have already offered to host an event! Our annual party-hosting fundraiser sign up date will be on February 22 before worship at 9:45am. Event listing will be available on February 8!

This popular fundraiser is all about connecting with fellow members and supporting CCSM's financial goals by hosting or attending fun, unique activities. Hosts cover the costs and set a fee for guests, and all proceeds go directly to the church.

If you have questions, reach out to Robert Leung or check out the "Learn More " info sheet.

Submit Events

Learn More

Join the Bell Choir 🔔

Weekly Sunday practice beginning February 22 after worship

Our Bell Choir will begin rehearsal during Lent on Sunday, February 22nd from 12 - 1pm. We invite you to make this a Lenten practice to play bells during Eastertide- no experience required! Talk to Ondine Young during Coffee Hour.

View Our Full Calendar

TAKE ACTION

Innovation Lab Update 💡

In the last weeks of 2025 the Innovation Team defined two major guides for its subsequent work

in developing a new ministry within Children, Youth, and Families:

A “purpose statement:” Families are experiencing overwhelming stress around work, family, and finances. That distracts attention from their highest priorities: their children, families, and personal well-being. Our new ministry will be designed to respond to this reality

in some way.

Our “theological rocks:” Love (including loving kindness, empathy), community (including inclusiveness), peace (including contentment, appreciating what one is and has rather than constantly craving more). Our new ministry ought to be rooted in these qualities.

The Innovation Team’s work in the next phase will first generate ideas for a new ministry, guided by the purpose statement and theological rocks. Then it will prototype what seem to be the most promising and practical ideas.

The Team invites everyone in our congregation, including you, to give some thought to what

kind of new ministry CCSM should develop. Whether you are in the thick of daily parenting or play a vital support role as a grandparent or guardian, aunt, uncle, or friend, your perspective is invaluable. Please help us shape this work by filling out our short questionnaire.

Our Innovation Team is comprised of Rev. Jessica and Julien Phillips, co-leaders, and Holly Allen, Matthew Bunn, Rev. Álvaro, Frank Garritano, Kim Rey, and Rocío Perez. If you have questions or ideas, please talk with one of us.

Questionnaire

Nourishing Our Youth:

Sunday Evenings Meal Sign Up 🍝

Our Sunday Evening Faith Formation has been a success, and sharing a meal together is a huge part of that connection. We are looking for volunteers from across the congregation to help provide dinner for our youth in 2026. This is a wonderful, low-pressure ministry of hospitality. Whether you are a master chef, a comfort-food expert, or just great at ordering pizza, you can support our youth!

How it works:

The Goal: A light supper for approximately 15 people (mostly kids and a few volunteers).
The Timing: Please drop off food in Kloss Hall by 5:00 PM on your chosen Sunday.
The Impact: A share meal turns a program into a community.

CCSM Scholarship Applications due April 1 🎓

As a congregation, we love to celebrate the growth of our youth and young adults. If you are a student or know a student active at CCSM—whether they are graduating high school or continuing their higher education—please let them know that scholarship applications are now open for the 2026-27 school year!

Help us invest in their future by sharing this opportunity. Deadline: April 1, 2026. Info & Application: Download Here Contact: Warren Long

Do You Have our new Church Center App?

Church Center is a user-friendly mobile app and web platform designed to help you stay connected with CCSM wherever you are. Download on Google Play or the App Store and search for the Congregational Church of San Mateo.