“It’s not about supplication, it’s about power. It’s not about asking, it’s about demanding. It’s not about convincing those who are currently in power, it’s about changing the very face of power itself.” — Kimberle Williams Crenshaw

“One of the greatest problems of history is that the concepts of love and power are usually contrasted as polar opposites. Love is identified with a resignation of power and power with a denial of love. What is needed is a realization that power without love is reckless and abusive and that love without power is sentimental and anemic. Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice. Justice at its best is love correcting everything that stands against love.” ― Martin Luther King Jr

In Matthew 4:23, Jesus brings God’s life near through teaching, healing, and public witness. His ministry unfolds in the midst of real suffering, social conflict, and political violence. After hearing this call, many of us are asking honest questions: What can we do? How do we respond when cruelty feels overwhelming? How do we remain faithful when even our own families are divided?

Following Jesus today means refusing both despair and passivity. Faithful discipleship calls us to understand how power operates in our society—and how it can be transformed for the sake of life. This includes learning how to use our democratic tools, organising with others, contacting elected officials, and joining movements that seek policies rooted in dignity rather than fear. Change does not come from isolated gestures, but from sustained, collective action grounded in moral clarity.

At the same time, our action must be shaped by love. Many families are carrying deep pain because political divisions run through relationships they hold dear. Faithful resistance also means cultivating spaces for courageous and compassionate conversation—listening deeply, naming harm truthfully, and refusing to dehumanise one another, even when disagreement remains.

As a church, we commit to being a community where teaching, healing, prayer, and public witness belong together. God’s life is near—and together, we can learn how to respond with courage and hope.

Let us pray:

God of life,

you are near, even now.

Turn our fear into courage,

our anger and faith into action,

and our love into witness. Amen.

Rev. Álvaro

TAKE ACTION

Contact Your Elected Representatives

Faithful citizenship is not about partisanship; it is about protecting life, dignity, and justice. Every call, every letter, every voice matters more than we think ... if you need more details or want to get into concrete actions, email Rev. Álvaro directly at alvaro@ccsm-ucc.org

How to Contact Your Elected Representatives

A simple guide for faithful civic action

Find your representatives. Visit https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials. Enter your address or ZIP code to find your U.S. Senators and your Member of Congress.
Choose how to contact them. You can call, email, or use the contact form on their official website. Phone calls are often the most effective; emails are helpful for sharing personal stories.
Name the issue clearly. Be specific. For example: “I am calling to urge you to oppose policies that criminalize migrants and to support humane immigration reform.”
Speak from your values. You don’t need to be an expert. Speak as a person of faith, a community member, or a neighbor who cares about human dignity.
Follow up and stay connected. Ask for a written response. Consider calling again, attending a town hall, or inviting others to contact their representatives too.
Do it together. Change grows stronger when we act collectively. Invite a friend, family member, or church group to take action with you.

Action & Solidarity Resources

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

Girl Scout Troop Mom reunion! - Michele Cinq Mars, Holly Allen, Jeanne Back, Leina Zimmerman, Rebecca Judd, Jennifer Jacoby-Yeh, Heather Nayak, Betty Tran

On Friday, the Latino Ministry Leadership Team gathered with community leaders ideating and organizing for 2026.

Mike Harris and six of our youth recently joined the Mid-Winter Camp hosted by the Danville Congregational Church for a weekend of mountain hikes, spiritual reflection, and soulful community building.

Share Your Snapshots! Help us tell the story of our church. If you have photos from recent events or services, please send them to Kim Rey to be included in our Weekly Connections newsletter.

PASTORAL NOTES

Rev. Jessica is Out of Office

Jan 23 - 31

Rev. Jessica is 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.

An open letter to Speaker Mike Johnson

by Rev. Penny Nixon, Minister Emerita

"I write to you as someone who understands the evangelical world you come from because I grew up in it too. I know the Bible stories, the altar calls, the sincere prayers and the genuine belief that we are called to follow Jesus. That shared background is precisely why I feel compelled to write to you."

Read Rev. Penny's entire letter here.

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

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.

Learn More

Creation Care Program

w/ Award-Winning UCC Theologian Rev. Jim Antal

Saturday, February 28, 1 - 4pm

Join us in Redwood City on Saturday, February 28, from 1–4 PM for a special in-person event featuring the esteemed Rev. Jim Antal, Special Advisor on Climate for the UCC and author of Climate Church, Climate World.

Returning to the Bay Area as a favorite creation care advocate, Rev. Antal will discuss why faith communities must face the moral challenge of the climate crisis and how to do it. The afternoon includes his keynote, an interview, and facilitated breakout groups covering topics such as youth activism, lobbying, and home solutions. This free program is at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Redwood City and is co-sponsored by several local congregations.

CYF Family Bowling Night 🎳

Sunday, March 1st, 4:30 - 6:30pm

Our Family Night Out at Bel Mateo Bowl is back! Families with children and youth of all ages are invited for an evening of bowling, pizza, and arcade games ($15/bowler)!

Whether you love bowling or are just in it for the pizza and games, we would love to see you and your family there. As we kickoff 2026, we are looking forward to catching up and creating new memories with our CCSM family.

View Our Full Calendar

GET INVOLVED

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.

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

Nourish 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.