Beloved Community,

For many of us, Hawai’i is a sacred place of connection. Some have family and deep roots, while others have found connection to the land and its people through time spent there. As we’ve watched the islands hit with yet another disaster, I know our hearts break. Reports are now indicating that this is the worst flooding to hit in two decades.

Right now, at least three of our sister UCC churches have been directly impacted by the flooding, while several others have transformed their buildings into emergency shelters. While we know God is there- in the pain, the loss, the resiliency of those impacted most, we can be there too, in prayer and in sharing our own resources.

Any gift, from $5 to $500, can help support the people and the land in one of their most difficult moments.

The United Church of Christ’s Global HOPE team is in regular communication with the Hawaii Conference staff and disaster recovery partners to connect response resources to those who need it most. We can help in these efforts by making a gift to UCC’s Hawaii Flooding 2026 Appeal. Our gifts will support the long-term recovery efforts of these communities, as they work to ensure an equitable approach to recovery.

This is a choice we can make to care for our neighbors and siblings at their most vulnerable. A small step for us, but a transformative one for them.

This is how we can embody the Good News today. Follow the link below to give what you can, and keep reading to learn about all of our Holy Week and Easter opportunities— and don’t forget, the Village Pub meetings tonight! Details are listed below.

With all that is swirling around us, let’s continue to stay rooted in what matters most: loving God, and loving our neighbors.

In hope,

Rev. JV

Donate Here

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

Music & Art Guild welcomed Z Quartet to their monthly event, after celebrating the life of Peter Pierson.

Pizza and poster making fun! An evening of community building and making our voices heard.

THIS WEEK

The Village Pub is Back Tonight 🍻

Thursday, March 26th, 7 - 8:30pm in the Fireplace Room

Join us for another casual and cozy evening at The Village Pub in the Fireplace Room on Thursday, March 26th 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!

Join our Action Network!

Put your faith into motion by joining Praying with Your Feet, our new affinity group. You’ll receive occasional emails with opportunities to show up in the world with compassion, justice, and solidarity.

Next opportunity: Saturday, March 28 in San Mateo

11:00 am — Hillsdale Mall (31st & El Camino)
12:00 pm — Church parking lot (meet Katherine Vega Stultz)
1:00 pm — Central Park

Walk alongside others and make a difference—one step at a time.

👉 Click here to join Praying with Your Feet

Last week for March for Hope Donations!

Ends 3/29

This Lenten season, join us on Jericho Road for the "March for Hope" supporting our neighbors using the Samaritan House meal service by donating sturdy footwear and socks.

Most Needed Items (Adult Sizes):

Footwear: New or gently used sneakers, walking shoes, and work boots.
Socks: New, durable athletic or work socks.

How to Give:

Physical Items: Drop-off bin in the Narthex.

Eucharist Celebration in Spanish ⛪️

Sundays at 4pm

This Sunday 3/29 at 4:00 pm, please consider coming back to church to experience Lenten worship in our sanctuary completely in Spanish (with English interpretation through the Interprify app). We will be joined again by the very talented Ria Carval as our musical guest. At the conclusion of worship you are invited to cafecito and conversation in the Fireplace Room.

HOLY WEEK BEGINS SUNDAY!

🌿 Palm Sunday, 3/29 · 10:30am (Front Lawn/Sanctuary) Processional of palms from the front lawn, JR the donkey returns, music by our choirs & special guests, and a Holy Week play led by our youth.

⛪️ Domingo de Ramos, 3/29 · 4 - 5pm (Sanctuary) Join us this Sunday, 3/29 at 4:00 pm in the sanctuary for a Spanish Lenten worship service! Enjoy special music by Ria Carval, English translation via the Interprify app, and a post-worship cafecito in the Fireplace Room.

🌺 Servicio de Adoración Bilingüe, 4/1 · 7:15 - 8:45pm (Kloss Hall & Buckham Room) Join us this Holy Week to make a traditional alfombra, followed by a community potluck meal.

🍞 Maundy Thursday, 4/2 · 7 - 8pm (Congregational Church of the Peninsula) Experience combined choirs, strings, communion, and a hand-washing ritual at our shared UCC Holy Week services.

🙏 Good Friday, 4/3 · 7 - 8:15pm (Sanctuary & Online) A Good Friday service for a war-torn world. Seven faith leaders from across our community reflect on the last words of Jesus — words of forgiveness, grace, and love. Combined choirs, strings, and candlelight. Coffee hour to follow; childcare provided.

🕯️ Easter Vigil, 4/4 · 7 - 8:15pm (College Heights UCC) Experience an imaginative recreation of the first Great Vigil with Mary Magdalene. We will hear her story, share in anointing and communion, and conclude with Taizé-style vigil—holding space at the tomb in the unknowing of Easter morning.

Easter at CCSM!

Sunday, April 5

🌅 Sunrise Worship · 6:30am (Memorial Garden) Gather at sunrise with Revs. Jessica and Álvaro, just as the women did on that first Easter. We'll share the resurrection story, communion, and music led by Ondine Young and C.J. Briggs. Coffee and tea provided for the chilly morning.

⛪️ Traditional Easter Sunday Worship · 10:30am (Sanctuary) The good news is alive, and it is wild in the world. Join us to celebrate the resurrection — greater than any tyrant, stronger than any death. Featuring music from the Albany Consort and a closing Hallelujah Chorus led by the CCSM choir.

🎨 Youth Easter Festival · 10:45am (Buckham Room) Children and youth can celebrate the resurrection story through hands-on creativity! Kids will enjoy rotating through engaging stations including cookie decorating.

🥚 Easter Egg Hunt · 11:35 am (Front Lawn) Children and Youth are invited to join the CYF ministry for our traditional Easter Egg Hunt immediately following worship.

⛪️ Celebración de Pascua de Resurrección · 4:00pm (Sanctuary) Join us for a joyful celebration of the Good News of Easter in Spanish, followed by a delicious shared meal. Christ is alive: working, healing and loving in the world today.

Lenten Programming

LEARN, CONNECT & TAKE ACTION

The Spirituality of Working with Our Hands

Gary White shared this article to pass along to the congregation! In the article Tying Myself in Knots, writer Ellen Goldberg reflects on how returning to traditional crafts like knitting can serve as a profound form of self-care and community building during stressful times. It's a heartwarming reminder that simple, creative acts can help us find peace, joy, and a sense of purpose when the world feels overwhelming.

Full Article

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