CCSM Connections - January 29, 2025

Beloved Community,

When Jessica asked me to write this reflection in her stead this week, I welcomed the opportunity, since there is so much happening, so much to reflect on. But after several versions and several situations arose, I began to feel as though I had less and less to say. What is happening around us and across this nation feels paradigm shifting, and frankly, ever since the pandemic, I am over having my paradigm shifted. Do you feel weary in this way? Yesterday, ICE agents came to our neighborhood and left with three of our neighbors on Ellsworth. And people are posting on social media the Anne Frank quote that “awful things are happening outside.”

The Peninsula Solidarity Cohort, led, as you know, by Rev. Penny Nixon and Rev. Marlyn Bussey, asked Faith in Action Bay Area to give a presentation to faith leaders yesterday regarding how to respond to ICE actions. I am sure you will be hearing more about what was discussed at this meeting from others who attended — Rev. Álvaro, Don Ruthroff, Kerrianne Steele, and others. But what I want to share is the gratitude I felt during the meeting that these two faith leaders responded to a prophetic call to bring other faith leaders together years ago to prepare them to respond to times such as these. This type of organizing prepares the foundation so that urgent meetings like this can come together quickly. The meeting highlighted to me the power we all have when we invest in our faith journeys together.

One of my favorite writers and theologians is Frederick Buechner. This morning during my prayer time, I happened upon this quote from his book “Now and Then,” and it speaks to how I am feeling this morning — weary, anxious, sad; and what I do when I feel this way — return to what I know to be true. He says, “…. Humanly speaking in fact, who can say for sure about anything? And yet there are some things I would be willing to bet my life on. That life is grace, for instance — the givenness of it. The fathomlessness of it, the endless possibilities of its becoming transparent to something extraordinary beyond itself…. Whether you call on God or don’t call on God, God will be present with you. That if we really had our eyes open, we would see that all moments are key moments.”

This is a very timely question — who can say for sure about anything? But equally true, well really more so, is that life is given to us as grace, and life is filled with endless possibilities, and God is present with us now in this key moment. And God will be present with us always. I would be willing to bet my life on it. And that is a paradigm that does not shift.

Blessings,

Chase

Photo: A letter from Sulmi to her school best friend sent in case she gets deported

A Prayer from Rev. Álvaro:

Gracious and Loving God,

We come to you with heavy hearts for children and youth facing fear and uncertainty amid unjust and violent deportation. Surround them with your protection and grant them the courage to stand firm in adversity. Heal those uprooted from their homes, filling their spirits with hope and strength to rebuild their lives. Let them know they are not alone, that they are worthy of love and belonging, and that their presence enriches our community.

Guide us to be allies and advocates, opening our eyes to their struggles and our hearts to offer refuge and support. Please help us create a welcoming faith community where everyone, regardless of origin or immigration status, feels safe and valued. May we work tirelessly for justice and speak against oppression, instilling a passion for peace that ensures no one flees their home in fear.

Amen.

NBC News: Public Schools try to protect undocumented students from Trump immigration raids

LOVE OFFERING

FOR LYNNELLE BILSEY

As we prepare to bid farewell to Lynnelle Bilsey, we invite you to contribute to a love offering expressing our gratitude for her more than three decades of service to our congregation. Give via text (CCSM Lynnelle to 73256) or through our website by clicking the button below (select "Give Now" then "Love offering for Lynnelle"). You can also bring a card and drop one off at the church office or bring it to the Reception of Appreciation for Lynnelle on Sunday, February 2, during coffee hour.

LOVE OFFERING

DID YOU MISS WORSHIP?

CLICK HERE for last Sunday's entire service.

CLICK HERE for Rev. Álvaro's sermon,

"Political Grief Recovery"

THIS WEEK AT CCSM

Wednesday, January 29

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 and Zoom (Contact Álvaro for Zoom link)

Thursday, January 30

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

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

Friday, January 31

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

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

Saturday, February 1

8:45 - 10:30 AM — Zumba Pick-A-Party, Kloss Hall

Sunday, February 2

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

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 — Reception for Lynnelle and Coffee Hour, Kloss Hall

Monday, February 3

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

7:00 - 8:00 PM — English Together, Kloss Hall

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

Tuesday, February 4

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

7:00 - 8:30 PM — Our Home San Mateo Meeting, Third Floor Conference Room

7:00 - 8:30 PM — Sound Bath with Chuck Rosenthal, Kloss Hall

Wednesday, February 5

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

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

7:15 - 8:45 PM — Bilingual Worship Service, Kloss Hall and Zoom (Contact Álvaro for Zoom link)

View our full calendar on our website

THIS SUNDAY IN WORSHIP

Join us this Sunday as we welcome back Rev. Ben Meyers to the worship! Ben will explore the timeless wisdom of 1 Corinthians 13, Paul's profound meditation on the nature of love, and will certainly inspire us all with his sermon, "Re-Storying Our Lives." We will discuss love as the cornerstone of our lives and community, emphasizing its importance over even the greatest gifts and abilities.

Our reflection will illuminate the vital connection between faith, hope, and love, inspiring us to take meaningful action in a world yearning for compassion and connection. The CCSM Choir will lift our spirits with Go Ye Into All The World and the beautiful Heavenly Light during our communion celebration. We will also express heartfelt gratitude for Lynnelle Bilsey's music ministry and legacy in the life of our congregation.

Whether you attend in person or online at 10:30 a.m., we invite you to participate in this celebration of our commitment to love and justice. All are truly welcome at Christ's table as we share in communion.

PLATE OFFERING for

SUNDAY, February 2:

World Central Kitchen

In 2010 Chef Jose Andres founded World Central Kitchen following the devastating earthquake in Haiti. Their goal is to be on the ground providing meals within hours of a need. Working with local restaurants, food producers, and food trucks, thousands of meals are provided to residents and first responders alike. Food is comfort and World Central Kitchen aims to provide some comfort during and after devastating events. They have been on the ground in LA since the wildfires began.

Make a Gift

ZUMBA CLASS this Saturday! Looking for an escape from the news cycle? Come join us this Saturday at 8:45 a.m. in Kloss Hall to lift yourself up with fun, music, and friendship. Whether you're a Zumba queen or king, or have never tried it, a professional instructor and your friends will help you along. You need this! Contact Alicia Santamaria for more information.

CCSM SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS

Available Now - Due March 15

Thanks to the generosity of CCSM members, the Youth Ministry is offering scholarships for the 2025-26 school year to active CCSM members who are high school seniors, college students, or graduate students, with applications due March 15, 2025. For more information and scholarship application packets, go to https://tinyurl.com/CCSM-2025-26-Scholarships or contact Warren Long at longlake15@sbcglobal.net. There are also packets on the Welcome Table in the Narthex.

COMING UP

SECOND SUNDAY AT THE TABLE:

A Monthly Intergenerational Gathering

Beginning February 9th

Beginning February 9, join us on the second Sunday of each month at 5:00 pm in Kloss Hall for Second Sunday at the Table, a bilingual, intergenerational worship experience. We begin with a light dinner at 5:00 pm, followed by worship at 5:30 pm. This relaxed, interactive service brings together people of all ages around shared tables — just as families have gathered to share stories for countless generations. Through conversation, prayer, spiritual practices, communion, and song, we’ll reflect on themes that connect us. This month, we’ll explore 1 Corinthians 13 and practices that ground us in love.

In Advent, families loved this time together in a casual setting where all voices and ages could engage. Now we’re excited to offer it monthly, creating space for connection, reflection, and spiritual growth. Email Rev. Jessica if you would like to help with the service or light supper.

GREEN TIPS