Beloved Community,

I hope you can join us this Sunday as we celebrate Zoe Mullery’s 34 years of service to CCSM and send her into retirement with our deep gratitude and prayers. We will share a special Farewell Litany at the end of worship before we head to Kloss Hall for a celebratory luncheon where all are welcome! At the luncheon you will have an opportunity to share your own words of appreciation with Zoe, or a story that captures what she has meant to you.

As we close out the month, we’ll be celebrating “Christmas in July” in worship this Sunday! Christmas isn’t just about a baby born in Bethlehem—it’s about the radical reminder that God’s love breaks into our world again and again, through us, around us, and often in the most surprising ways. That’s good news we need not just on December 25, but every day. It’s the hope we all need right now—a reminder that love still shows up.

Whether you are able to join us in person or online, we hope you can join us in making this day special!

In hope and peace,

Jessica

P.S. We’re heading to the ballpark! Keep reading to learn more and purchase tickets for our CCSM night at the San Jose Giants game on August 22.

DID YOU MISS WORSHIP?

CLICK HERE for Last Sunday's Entire Service

CLICK HERE for Rev. Rhina Ramos' sermon, "Hope that Cannot Be Put to Shame"

CHURCH SNAPSHOTS

Last Thursday the staff and office volunteers gathered for a Happy Hour to send Zoe off with well wishes and special gifts.

Gary White, Environmental Justice Chair, was a workshop speaker (from afar) at the UCC General Synod last week in KC.

Our Tucson Trip participants gathered for dinner on Sunday night to catch up and work on worship plans for August 10.

Congratulations to Madeline Lee and Kevin Bai, who were married in Woodside on July 20. Madeline is the daughter of Clayton and Lucy Lee.

STYROFOAM RECYCLING SUCCESS!

CCSM’s Environmental Justice Ministry just held its first semi-annual styrofoam collection drive this past Saturday, July 19. The styrofoam collected from church members (see photos below) and delivered to Republic Services’ Newby Recycling Center was a good start for this new aspect of our overall recycling program. I’d like to congratulate Dr. Mel Thrash, the CCSM member who made the largest donation. He wins the admiration of the EJ group for his exceptional effort! We hope this styrofoam collection event will be only the first of many efforts by our church to increasingly grow our styrofoam haul and donation of this hard-to-recycle plastic for recycling.

Gary White

Lead, Environmental Justice Ministry

THIS SATURDAY

SOUND JOURNEY

FOR THE CCSM LATINO WOMEN’S COMMUNITY

Saturday, July 26, 4pm, Kloss Hall

The Logos Method invites all women to a bilingual circle devoted to our CCSM Latina sisters, many of whom carry fresh wounds from today’s harsh political climate. Through prayer, sound, and shared presence, we’ll pour love, resilience, and hope into their lives—and into our own. Come stand in solidarity, remind them they are not alone, and receive the gift of community yourself. Free for Latina participants; supporter tickets available at the link below. Women only, please.

COMING UP

RSVP

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME!

Friday, August 22, 7pm

Join your CCSM friends for a fun night at the San Jose Giants Game on Friday, August 22! Tickets are just $17 per person. Food is on your own this year—so arrive early and grab your favorite baseball treat with before the first pitch! Come cheer on the Giants, connect with familiar faces, and make some new friends too. Register and pay for your ticket(s) by clicking the link below.

Click Here for Tickets!

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.