Happy Pride, church!

If you've driven past our corner on Tilton, you've seen that our "Pride is Joy" banner is back up as we usher in the month of June.

At first glance, that might seem like a simple message, or as Álvaro calls it, “rainbow capitalism,” (ask him about it on Sunday). But claiming “Pride is Joy” is more than a simple catchphrase, because in a time when LGBTQIA+ people, especially transgender youth, continue to face discrimination, exclusion, and attacks on their dignity, personhood, and rights, joy is an act of resistance.

Pride matters at CCSM because we are called to be something different. And we are! Our community is a reflection of the beautiful tapestry of the Divine- an ever evolving rainbow of expression and identity. When we covenanted to be an Open and Affirming congregation in 2002, we made a promise to say clearly and visibly: we are made in the image of God, every single one of us belongs here, and we all have a place at God's table.

This is something we have been living out for nearly 25 years.

So as we approach our 25th Anniversary of being an Open and Affirming Congregation of the United Church of Christ, perhaps this year’s Pride can launch us into a season of exploration and discernment as we ask the question: What does it mean to be Open and Affirming today, and for the next 25 years?

This is what we will be exploring throughout June in our Pride Worship Series, “Celebrating Queer Voices.” This month we will be lifting up sermons, reflections, and music from voices within our own community, while also featuring the work of composer Mark Miller, and beloved songs like "We Are Family,” "Seasons of Love," and sounds from new LGBTQIA+ singer songwriters.

We’ll also join our neighbors at the San Mateo Pride Festival, gather with our UCC siblings for a regional Pride worship service, host our first-ever Spanish-language Pride celebration through our Latino Ministry, and close out the month with a Family Dance Party for all ages.

Pride is JOY. Pride is Resistance. Pride is who we are at CCSM.

Keep reading for details on all of this month’s events, along with more ways you can connect, grow and serve in the weeks ahead.

In hope,

Rev. JV

TAKE ACTION

Help Us Celebrate PRIDE

Pride Month is here, and CCSM is ready to celebrate!

On Saturday, June 13, come help us embody God's love in community at the San Mateo Pride Festival on Saturday, June 13, from 11:00am-5:00pm. It’s a joyful and visible way to share our message of love and inclusion with the wider community.

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

Help set up mini Pride Flags at church the first week of June.
Staff our UCC booth at the festival. (two hour shifts)
Welcome visitors and share information about CCSM at the festival.

If you can help with any of these, please sign up here.

Support CCSM Tech Team Member

Our thoughts and prayers are with one of our tech backups, Skot, who is recovering from a sudden and severe medical crisis. After enduring a life-threatening illness and a month-long hospital stay, Skot is now in a rehabilitation facility facing a long healing process.

To care for Skot while he is unable to work, a GoFundMe campaign has been created to help cover his rent, utilities, and medical expenses. If you would like to extend a helping hand to Skot, you can donate here.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

Family Connections Cafe prototype #1 was a a lot of fun!

Garnachas pick-a-vent!

Joyful Noise closed out the season with This Pretty Planet

Welcoming Simon Rudzki officially into our church family thru baptism

Community at its best! Such a successful and exciting

Resource Fair on Sunday

Send off gathering for Josh Moore who is moving to NY

THIS WEEK

Last Chance to RSVP to CCSM & You: New Member Lunch

Sunday, June 7 from 12 - 2pm

Come learn more about our church, explore ways to get involved, and discover what membership is all about. There is absolutely no pressure—just open connection and good conversation! Whether you've been here for two weeks or two years, we’d love to see you.

Want to join us? Contact Alison Schwandt to RSVP or ask questions

UPCOMING EVENTS

Summer CYF Update: New Midweek Youth Group

Wednesdays starting June 10 from 6 - 7:30pm

This summer, we are introducing a new midweek program for our Children, Youth, and Family (CYF) ministry. While Sunday morning programming will continue as usual, we are launching a trial Wednesday evening youth group to see how a midweek schedule best serves our families.

When: Wednesdays, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (Beginning June 10)
Who: Elementary through High School students
Led By: Corinn

Our Focus The primary goal of this summer pilot is community building. We aim to provide a relaxed, supportive environment where students can connect, build meaningful friendships, and establish the foundation for a lasting faith. Snacks will be provided.

Call for Volunteers To make this initiative a success, we need the support of our wider church community. We are currently seeking two adult volunteers each week to assist as sponsors. If you are interested in supporting our youth this summer, please email Corinn to learn more.

Second Hour: Mental Health 101

Sunday, June 14 after worship

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) San Mateo invites you to "Mental Health 101," an interactive learning experience built for our community. Bring yourself, a friend, or a family member as we dive into mental health awareness and share the vital resources available to you. We are not alone on this journey.

Celebrate Pride

Saturday, June 20 at 4pm at the Congregational Church of the Peninsula

Spanish Language Pride Celebration

Sunday, June 21 at 3pm

Join the CCSM Latino Ministry on Sunday, 21 June at 3:00 p.m. for our first-ever Spanish-language Pride Celebration.

Together, we will share food, community, and joy while launching Libres en Cristo 2026 (Set Free in Christ, 2026), a ten-session programme in Spanish of learning, reflection and spiritual renewal exploring faith, sexuality and inclusion from a Progressive Christian perspective for LGBTQ+ people and those who wish to walk alongside them.

Everyone is welcome. For more information, please contact Álvaro.

All Ages Welcome: Family Dance Party

Saturday, June 27 from 5 - 7pm in Kloss Hall

We’re looking for friendly volunteers to help plan and make the evening extra special! Email Corinn at corinn@ccsm-ucc.org if you'd like to help us make it a fun night for everyone.

Ring in the Summer with Handbells! 🔔

Looking for a fun, musical way to connect this summer? Handbells is back, and we are opening the doors to everyone! Whether you are a seasoned ringer, a singer, an instrumentalist, or just looking to try something completely new, we would love for you to join the fun. No prior experience is needed!

When: Sundays, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (July 9 - August 9)

Where: The Choir Room

Who: Upper elementary students, teens, and adults of all skill levels. Drop-ins and visitors are always welcome!

Come make a joyful noise with our wonderful co-leaders, CJ and Ondine.

Help Us Stay Connected!

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