Beloved Community,

Thank you for your prayers and check-ins leading up to Natalia’s final asylum hearing this past Monday. Your prayers were certainly felt in the courtroom, and I know they gave Natalia strength as she had to once again relive a traumatic chapter in her life.

Unfortunately, a ruling was not made. The hearing ran over the judge’s allotted two hours due to a last minute filing from Homeland Security that had not yet been received, and so a continuance was issued. The next hearing, and final decision, is now scheduled for the end of August.

This has been a seven-year journey with five different attorneys, and taking an emotional toll beyond what many of us can fully imagine. I asked for your continued prayers for Natalia and her legal team as they prepare for what we hope will be the final step. I especially ask for prayers of strength for Natalia herself, whom Alvaro described best as a “titan” as she testified with courage and grace.

As we hold Natalia in our prayers, we know that she is just one of thousands of individuals who are courageously seeking asylum. I invite you to take a moment and lift up those navigating this difficult and long journey, and also hold space for their families, friends, and legal teams who walk alongside them and do all they can to support them.

Monday was another reminder of why walking together as a community rooted in justice and love is so important- it makes space for the Spirit to move among us and among those whose names we don't even know.

Keep reading for how you can share in all that's unfolding at CCSM, including details of our Pentecost celebration this Sunday!

In gratitude and hope,

Jessica

DID YOU MISS WORSHIP?

CLICK HERE for Last Sunday's Entire Service

CLICK HERE for Rev. Álvaro's sermon, "A Story and an Invitation for Pride Month"

THIS WEEK

Celebrate Pentecost with Us! This Sunday at 10:30am

Pentecost is a celebration of divine disruption and holy empowerment. It marks the moment when the Spirit moved among Jesus' followers like wind and fire (Acts 2), breaking barriers of language, culture, and fear. In that moment, the Church wasn’t founded as an institution—it was ignited as a movement.

Join us for a joyful, Spirit-filled worship celebration at CCSM this Sunday!

Wear red, orange, or yellow to embody the fire of the Spirit!
We'll celebrate communion, welcome new members, and baptize children and youth
This bilingual service features music from Joyful Noise, Rosa Los Santos, Chase Olson, and the Chancel Choir
A special piece of liturgical art created by our elementary students will be hung in the sanctuary.

With so many engaging elements throughout the service (including our children and youth helping bless the baptismal waters), this Sunday faith formation classes will only be offered for 1st grade and younger. We will have coloring pages, worship bingo, and fidget toys at the Kids Table in the Narthex to support our younger friends during worship.

Come and be part of this powerful celebration of Spirit, community, and transformation!

Be a Sunday Greeter!

We’re looking for a few friendly faces to help welcome people to church—either by the name tag board before worship or at the Welcome Table for about 15 minutes after the service. It’s a simple way to offer hospitality and help newcomers feel welcome. Just 15 minutes can make a big difference!

View our full calendar on our website

JUST ANNOUNCED

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.

Want to help make it amazing? Contact Alicia Santamaria to volunteer or learn more!

COMING UP

PRIDE PARADE! June 14

Come walk with us in the San Mateo Pride Parade and Festival on Saturday, June 14. It’s a joyful and visible way to share our message of love and inclusion with the wider community.
The parade kicks off at 10:30am on Saturday, June 14, and we’ll gather to line up on B Street at 10:00am. The Pride Festival runs from 11:00am to 4:30pm, and we’ll be hosting a CCSM table throughout the day. We have a variety of hosting shifts available—come walk in the parade, help staff our booth, or just stop by and say hi!

Want to help? We’re looking for volunteers to:

Walk with CCSM in the parade
Staff our UCC booth at the festival.

If you can help with any of these, please reach out to Rev. Jessica!

🌈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.

FINDING JOY TOGETHER

~ A SUMMER BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP

The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World

by The Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu

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.

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.