Beloved Community,

“You shall not wrong or oppress an immigrant.” Exodus 22:21

“The Immigrant who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you.” Leviticus 19:33-34

“Cursed be anyone who deprives the immigrant of justice.” Deuteronomy 27:19

“Do no wrong or violence to the immigrant.” Jeremiah 22:3-5

“When you welcome the stranger, you welcome me.” Jesus in Matthew 25

As people of faith, these are our teachings. This is our story. This is our call. Scripture reminds us again and again to love our neighbors, welcome the stranger, and protect the vulnerable.

I know your hearts are breaking. I know you are angry. I know you are asking “What can I do?” These raids are meant to intimidate, to tear families apart, and to make people afraid to go to work, school, and even church. They are succeeding because fear is contagious, and real, and is being used as a psychological weapon against many in our community.

But fear is not the final word. We know love is more powerful.

We do not stand with immigrants because of what they contribute. We stand with immigrants because they are human. Because they are our neighbors. Because they are our siblings in Christ. Because they are us. That is enough. Full stop.

So what do we do?

We show up - carried not by fear, but by the power of the Holy Spirit.

We speak up- like our CCSM Board did this week, writing to the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors to advocate for increased legal defense funding for nearly 3,000 people seeking help.

We take action- marching, calling, accompanying, donating (CCSM’s Emergency Assistance Fund could use your support), praying, and paying attention.

We check in- show your support to Latina/e/o/x friends, neighbors, colleagues and other immigrants. Worship at one of our Wednesday night bilingual services this summer. Be extra kind to strangers.

And we care for ourselves too—pressing pause when the news becomes too heavy, breathing deeply, trusting that God is with us and with all who are suffering.

Next week, a group from CCSM will travel to Tucson for our Immigrant Welcome Service Learning Experience, and we covet your prayers as we prepare for both the physical and emotional climate. Monday’s high is projected at 111, and while our site coordinator reports that the current groups are having a good week, we know the terrain—spiritually and politically—is intense. We go not just to learn, but to witness, to be present, and to return with stories that help shape our shared work for justice.

So this next week I invite you to ask yourself:

What is one thing I can do to stand with my immigrant neighbors?

Then do it. With love, courage, and the Spirit’s fire.

This is who we are as the Congregational Church of San Mateo. Let’s not stop now.

In hope,

Jessica

DID YOU MISS WORSHIP?

CLICK HERE for Last Sunday's Entire Service

CLICK HERE for "The Story of Pentecost" shared by Rev. Jessica Vacketta

CHURCH SNAPSHOTS

New members joined last Sunday, June 8! We extend a warm welcome to Julie Hitchcock, Kayoko Hori Grech, and Ricardo Saucedo.

Revs. Jessica and Álvaro baptizing baby ___ at last Sunday's baptism! Four were baptized: Luna Arleth Rosa Guevara and Dalary Imelda Rosa Guevara, children of Nathaly Rebeca Guevara Rosa and Francisco Balmore Rosa (Oscar's brother); Julián Sánchez Delgado, son of Obdulia Delgado Martínez, Godson of Óscar Acuña and/y Elvia Delgado; and Brandon Menjivar, son of Imelda Rosa and our own Óscar Rosa, and godson of Rocío Pérez

THIS WEEK

Won't You Be My Neighbor? This Sunday at 10:30am

This summer, we’re stepping into the Neighborhood—a sacred space inspired by the timeless wisdom of Rev. Fred Rogers, the beloved, sweater-wearing host of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood and an ordained Presbyterian minister. Through this four-week worship series, drawn from Deep Well Worship, we’ll explore how Mr. Rogers’ gentle, radical theology speaks directly to our lives today. Grounded in scripture and shaped by love, his legacy invites us to wrestle with themes like inclusion, self-worth, and what it means to be a good neighbor in a complex world.

Mr. Rogers believed that being a neighbor was more than geography, it was a sacred calling. At a time when racism, exclusion, and fear often shaped children’s realities, Mr. Rogers used his platform to embody love in action. His faith led him to create a world where everyone belonged. What does it mean for us to be that kind of neighbor today?

FINDING JOY TOGETHER

~ A SUMMER BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP

Begins this Monday, June 16 at 11am

It's not too late to join us for a journey of inspiration and connection as we read The Book of Joy together. Over three monthly sessions, we will cover the True Nature of Joy; the Obstacles to Joy; and the Eight Pillars of Joy. And we will learn practical ways to cultivate joy in our lives.

The sessions will be held on the third Monday in June, July and August (6/16; 7/21; 8/18), 11:00AM-12:30PM, in the Fireplace Room.

Please contact Siew Kang (internationalchoir@gmail.com) for more details or to sign up.

Happy Coffee Hour Signups

HEAR YE, HEAR YE – LET IT BE KNOWN THAT HAPPY COFFEE HOUR SIGN UPS ARE STARTING for the remainder of 2025. Melodie Lew will be in Kloss Hall after service THIS SUNDAY with sign-up sheets (or contact her at boygie.m2000@yahoo.com). You too can help bring goodies and a warm smile to our community at Happy Coffee Hour after service.

View our full calendar on our website

THIS SATURDAY!

PRIDE PARADE!

THIS SATURDAY

June 14

Meet at the corner of B and 2nd at 10:15am, look for the UCC signs/banners.
Yes, you can park in the church lot and then walk to meet us at the start of the parade.

PRIDE FESTIVAL!

Help Staff our UCC booth at the festival.

The Pride Festival runs from 11:00am to 4:30pm, and we’ll be co-hosting a UCC (United Church of Christ) table throughout the day.

Questions? Reach out to Rev. Jessica!

COMING UP

🌈San Mateo Pride Service with Rev. Brandan Robertson🌈

Saturday, June 21 at 5:00pm

Congregational Church of the Peninsula, Belmont

Join us for a powerful evening of pride, faith, and celebration, hosted by the Open and Affirming Cohort of UCC Churches in San Mateo County.

Rev. Brandan Robertson, UCC pastor, author, and activist, will preach a message of sacred belonging, followed by a 30-minute Q&A moderated by a local faith leader. He’ll also sign copies of his latest book, Queer and Christian: Reclaiming Our Bible, Our Faith, and Our Place at the Table—available for purchase at the event.

This event is free, but you're encouraged to reserve your ticket here. Come as you are—and bring a friend. There’s room for everyone at the table.

EYES AND EARS PROJECT FOR HOUSING JUSTICE

Sunday, June 22, 5:00 - 6:30 pm in Kloss Hall

Join Our Home San Mateo for this opportunity to share firsthand stories of evictions and landlord harassment directly with the decision-makers at City Hall.

Get ready for an afternoon of music, food, fun, and community as we open our campus for a Neighborhood Fiesta on Saturday, July 13! Mark your calendars and invite your friends and neighbors.

Please also consider signing up to help for the event and thanks for bringing a dish to share based on the following:

Last name A-I Dessert (inc fruit)

Last name J-Q Veggie side dish or green salad

Last name Q-Z Carb/meat side dish or snacks/chips

Contact Alicia Santamaria to volunteer or learn more!

Camp Tam Registration is open! Don't miss Early Bird prices!

Junior Camp at Tamarack

July 13-19 Grades 4 to 6

Early Bird Pricing for Junior Camp ends June 13

Junior High Camp at Tamarack

July 20-26 Grades 7 to 9

Early Bird Pricing for Jr. Highh ends June 20

Senior High Camp at Tamarack

July 27-August 2 Grades 10 to 12

Early Bird Price for Sr High ends June 27

CCSM's 2024 ANNUAL REPORT is available! CLICK HERE to view or download a copy.

A few printed copies have been made and are on the Welcome Table. Let Zoe know if you need a printed copy (zmullery@ccsm-ucc.org).

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

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.