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Beloved Community,
As we journey into Lent, I find myself reflecting on how Christmas and Advent truly are my favorite liturgical seasons of the Christian year. There's something about that time that fills me with hope, wonder, awe, and the promise of what's possible. I still smile thinking about God's love breaking into our world in such an unexpected way!
Lent, I'll admit, presents a different kind of journey for me—one of deep self-reflection, intention, discipline, AND vulnerability. I know this season is necessary for us to grow, change, and be transformed, but the challenge of facing our true selves and the reality of the world around us isn't comfortable or easy. This past week I read an article by Eric Smith, a new testament professor at Iliff School of Theology, that articulated my struggle between the dichotomy of these two seasons better than I can.
He writes,
"In my middle age, I have made a kind of theological peace with Lent. I have come to see it as a season of realism. If Advent is about imagining the world as it could be and anticipating a world to come in which justice and peace and love prevail, then Lent is about seeing the world as it really is. Lent, for me, is a season that's about noticing and naming the brokenness of the world. Lent asks us to make connections between the machinery of death that caught Jesus in its teeth, and the powerful death-dealing ways of our own world. We can spend Lent, if we choose to, noticing the world as it really is, and working for the world as it could be."
Smith's words highlight the tension between what is and what could be—a tension we all live in.This might be why I'm so drawn to our Lenten theme this year, "Everything In Between," which invites us to explore exactly these spaces of tension and possibility. Rather than seeing our world in stark opposites, this theme encourages us to recognize the sacred space where God meets us in these seeming contradictions.
"Everything In Between" invites us to navigate the polarities in our lives with curiosity, trust, intention, and openness to transformation. Each week, we'll explore supposed binaries—faith and works, rest and growth, grief and hope—discovering that what we often consider opposing forces are actually points on a spectrum where God meets us in the complexity.
This theme speaks to anyone feeling caught in life's undefined spaces, anyone witnessing division in our world, and anyone seeking a spiritual practice that embraces complexity rather than avoiding it. As Rev. Lisle Gwynn Garrity writes, "This Lent, we're trusting that God shows up in shades of gray, rainbow hues, and everywhere in between."
I invite you to join us as we begin this sacred season together at our Ash Wednesday service tonight at 7pm in the sanctuary. The service will also be live streamed for those unable to attend in person.
Tonight we can gather "in-between" all that is going on in our lives and world to be reminded once again that God holds us together as we are and where we are. Ashes to ashes, stardust to stardust, we are all made of the sacred dust of the Divine. In both our fragility and our strength, God meets us—right here, in everything in between.
With hope for the journey ahead,
Jessica
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CLICK HERE for Rev. Jessica's sermon,
"Listen to Him: From Revelation to Transformation"
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Join us for this special service that marks the beginning of the Lenten season—a time of reflection and turning back to God and who God is calling us to be. Rev. Álvaro Durán will offer a reflection and we’ll share in communion and the imposition of ashes as we embark on this sacred journey. Following worship, we hope you’ll stay for our weekly Wednesday potluck dinner.
Join our interactive
Facebook Stream
OR
View our YouTube stream at
CCSM Ash Wednesday Service
OR
View the YouTube stream on our CCSM website at
CCSM Online Worship`
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JOIN US FOR SECOND SUNDAY SERVICE!
Lent 101: Discovering the Season Together
Sunday, March 9, 5 - 6:30 PM
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Looking for a more relaxed and interactive worship experience? Join us for our Second Sunday Service on March 9th, where we'll gather around tables for food, fellowship, and faith exploration.
Schedule:
- 5:00-5:30 pm: Simple Supper
- 5:30-6:30 pm: Worship
This month, we'll be exploring "Lent 101" — unpacking the meaning behind this important season, discovering why we observe it, and sharing practical ways to incorporate meaningful Lenten practices into our daily lives.
Our Second Sunday Service creates space for all ages to connect and engage in conversation-style worship. As a bilingual service, we welcome and embrace our diverse community, ensuring everyone can participate fully. Come experience the warmth of community in this intergenerational gathering where everyone's voice matters!
No RSVP needed — just come as you are!
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DAILY DEVOTIONAL CARD DECKS
Your Lenten Companion
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Now Available in the Narthex at the Welcome Table
Looking for a meaningful way to journey through Lent? Pick up our special collection of 52 daily devotional cards designed to guide you from Ash Wednesday through Easter. Each beautifully crafted card offers a thoughtful question for reflection and a short prayer to center your spirit.
How to Use Them:
- Follow the numbered sequence for a progressive spiritual journey
- Keep by your bedside for morning reflection or evening contemplation
- Use as journaling prompts for deeper personal reflection
- Share in small groups or around the dinner table for group discussion
These simple devotionals offer a perfect way to create meaningful moments of reflection during this Lenten season. Stop by the Welcome Table in the Narthex to pick up your deck today!
Credit Info: Prayers by Rev. Sarah A. Speed | A Sanctified Art LLC |sanctifiedart.org.
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LENTEN ZOOM BIBLE STUDY:
FINDING GOD IN THE IN-BETWEEN
Beginning Thursday, March 13, 7 - 8 PM
This Lent, we invite you to look beyond black-and-white binaries and easy answers and imagine where God might be meeting us in-between the categories we create. Join us for a Lenten Zoom Bible Study as we journey through this sacred season and explore these themes together! Each Thursday from 7-8 PM (March 13 – April 3), we’ll gather online to reflect on the scripture for the upcoming Sunday, reflecting how it speaks to our lives today. This is a great opportunity for conversation, connection, and deepening our faith during Lent. We'll conclude our Lenten journey with an in-person gathering over dinner at Wursthall on April 10, celebrating the connections we've made and the insights we've discovered together. Contact Rev. Jessica with questions.
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Over 50 people joined our CYF Ministry at Family Night Out! | |  |
The leaders of Latino Ministry hosted an “empowerment” gathering for Latina/o/e members of our church. | | |
Gran'Its and their support team prep for "Happy Cocoa Hour." | | |
Great snacks and game play at Kim and Javi Rey's Euchre pick-a-party. | | |
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Wednesday, March 5
4:00 - 6:00 PM — Samaritan House Meal Service, Kloss Hall
7:00 - 8:30 PM — Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary
7:00 - 8:15 PM — Bilingual Ash Wednesday Service, Sanctuary (in person and online), with potluck dinner to follow in Kloss Hall
Thursday, March 6
9:00 AM — Casual Bike Riders, CCSM Parking Lot; contact John Ebneter, jebneter@aol.com
10:15 - 11:30 AM — Women's Coffee Group, Food Court at Hillsdale Mall (Contact: Linda Skromme)
4:00 - 6:00 PM — Samaritan House Meal Service, Kloss Hall
Friday, March 7
1:30 - 3:00 PM — Bella Voce Rehearsal, Fireplace Room
4:00 - 6:00 PM — Samaritan House Meal Service, Kloss Hall
Sunday, March 9
9:45 - 10:15 AM — Joyful Noise Kids' Choir/Music Program, Fireplace Room
10:30 - 11:30 AM — 60 Minutes - High Schoolers, Fireplace Room
10:30 - 11:30 AM — Worship Service, in person and online
10:45 - 11:30 AM — Children's and Youth Programs, CE Building
11:30 AM — Coffee Hour, Kloss Hall
11:45 AM - 1:15 PM — Tuscon Service-Learning Trip Meeting, Buckham Room
3:00 - 4:00 PM — English Together Plus, Fireplace Room
3:30 - 5:00 PM — Youth Group, Buckham Room
5:00 - 6:30 PM — Second Sunday Family Worship, Kloss Hall
6:45 - 8:00 PM — Our Home San Mateo Virtual Kickoff 2.0, Zoom
Monday, March 10
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM — Women at the Well Women's Group, Fireplace Room (contact Siew Kang, internationalchoir@gmail.com or Melodie Lew, boygie.m2000@yahoo.com)
1:00 - 3:00 PM — Burlingame Music Club, Kloss Hall
4:00 - 6:00 PM — Samaritan House Meal Service, Kloss Hall
7:00 - 8:00 PM — English Together, Kloss Hall
Tuesday, March 11
10:00 - 11:30 AM — Men’s Coffee Group, Food Court, Hillsdale Mall; contact Peter Held, paheld1417@gmail.com
4:00 - 6:00 PM — Samaritan House Meal Service, Kloss Hall
6:30 - 7:30 PM — Personnel Committee Meeting, Fireplace Room
7:00 - 8:30 PM — Our Home San Mateo Meeting, Third Floor Conference Room
7:15 - 8:45 PM — MSJ Monthly Meeting, Zoom
Wednesday, March 12
4:00 - 6:00 PM — Samaritan House Meal Service, Kloss Hall
7:00 - 8:30 PM — Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary
7:15 - 8:45 PM — Bilingual Worship Service, Kloss Hall and Zoom (Contact Álvaro for Zoom link)
View our full calendar on our website
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Join us this Sunday as we begin our Lenten journey with our new worship series, Everything In-Between. Our first theme, Stranger & Neighbor, invites us to explore the powerful Parable of the Good Samaritan from Luke 10:25-37.
This timeless parable begins and ends with the question, "Who is my neighbor?" The surprising answer: "the stranger." As we reflect on how the Samaritan—whose customs and place of worship differed from the questioning scribe—became both stranger and neighbor to the beaten man, we'll consider our own lives. In our world, physical neighbors often remain strangers, while those closest to us can feel like strangers amid divisive times. When we align our intentions with our actions, we may need to reconsider who we view as "strangers" and ask ourselves: Are we truly being good neighbors?
We're also delighted to welcome Ying Zi to our worship service. You may have heard this talented vocalist practicing at the church on Tuesdays around lunchtime—we're excited to have her share her gift of special music with our congregation.
Join us in person or online at 10:30am as we seek God in these meaningful in-between spaces of life.
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PLATE OFFERING for
SUNDAY, March 9:
English Together
English together is a nonprofit created from the vision of founder and director Guadalupe Valdes, a former Stanford professor. Her vision was to fulfill the need she recognized in support of our Spanish speaking community as they seek ways to build their lives in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. This practical program instills confidence in English learners through thoughtful engagement in conversation. English Together creates rich connections between ordinary English speakers and low-wage workers by preparing volunteers to serve as “practice partners” in workplace English.
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The Latino Ministry extends a special invitation to our CCSM family and friends! If you missed our Campaign kickoff in October or want to learn more, now is your chance! Join us for the Our Home San Mateo Campaign Virtual Kickoff 2.0 on Sunday, March 9, at 6:45 pm as we work together towards housing justice in San Mateo.
This important gathering will provide key updates on our efforts to strengthen renter protections and ensure our neighbours can stay in their homes. You’ll hear about our five policy proposals, watch impactful videos featuring community members affected by housing challenges, and learn how you can take meaningful action. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference—register using the QR code or visit https://tinyurl.com/4x2f9vc5!
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BURLINGAME MUSIC CLUB
Monday, March 10, 1 - 3 PM
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Join the Burlingame Music Club (BMC) for their March meeting this coming Monday in Kloss Hall. Five student contestants will perform as they prepare for the BMC Young Musicians' Competition this Spring. The afternoon will also feature a special performance by professional artists Beverly Radin (flute) and Jean Goyal (piano), presenting "Tutti Flutti" with works from Schumann, J.S. Bach, Barber, and Piazzolla. CCSM attendees, their friends, and members of the public are warmly invited to attend. Refreshments will be served, providing an opportunity to meet fellow music enthusiasts. Come support these talented young musicians and professional artists in an afternoon of musical celebration! | | |
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ARE YOU A CAT PERSON OR A DOG PERSON?
Either way, please help the Gran’Its collect ping pong balls, cork wine stoppers, and toilet paper rolls to make toys for the animals needing adoption. Soon, the children and youth will be studying the Lost Sheep, and the “lost" animals at Peninsula Humane Society need some love until they are "found.” (If you have fleece material in your fabric stash, send it along also.) Bring your donations to the church office. Thank you!
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COFFEE HOUR VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
FOR MARCH 16 AND 23
Three people are needed to host Happy Coffee Hour on March 16 and 23—one person on the 16th and two on the 23rd. Please contact Melodie Lew (boygie.m2000@yahoo.com) or Robin Allen (roballen415@sbcglobal.net) if you are able to help. Instructions will be provided, and Robert Leung will be around on those days to help answer questions. The CCSM community thanks you in advance!
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SECOND HOUR: HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Sunday, March 16, 12 - 1 PM
During Second Hour, we will hear from Betty Ann Hagenau, Founder & Executive Director of Freedom Insight, formerly the Bay Area Anti-Trafficking Coalition, who speaks boldly on the reality of human trafficking and what we can do about it. Betty Ann will update us on the many faces of human trafficking in the Bay Area and beyond, equipping us not only with knowledge but also with the steps to effectively and safely report what we see.
Please take ten minutes to watch Betty Ann's moving story of interviewing former traffickers in San Quentin prison: “Activate” film.
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SARATOGA SYMPHONY CONCERT
Sunday, March 16, 3 - 5 PM
Enjoy a free classical music orchestra concert in the Sanctuary, featuring our own Angela Kraft Cross as soloist for an Organ Concerto. All pieces in the program were composed during the Romantic Period, showcasing its passionate character. Conductor Dr. Jason Klein will discuss each composition before performance, enhancing the audience experience. Visit the Saratoga Symphony website for more details: https://saratogasymphony.org/concerts/. No reservations required.
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SPIRITUAL CONVERSATIONS
Tuesday, March 18, 7:15 - 8:30 PM, Zoom
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Spiritual Conversations' next reading will be Richard Rohr's latest book, The Tears of Things. Rohr is a New York Times bestselling Franciscan spiritual writer, and his book discusses how the wisdom of the Hebrew prophets applies to the violence and despair of our times. The book explores the question, "What can we do with our private disappointments and the anger we feel in such an unjust world?" If you would like to join us for bi-weekly discussions Tuesday evenings via Zoom, starting March 18, please let Chris Wuthmann know at cewuthmann@gmail.com. If you have book recommendations or would like to suggest how Spiritual Conversations could be of greater interest to you, please let us know.
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OPEN CATHEDRAL LUNCH-MAKING OPPORTUNITIES
for Groups and Individuals
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CCSM is one of the many churches that provide 100 bag lunches for the SF Night Ministry Open Cathedral program. Our commitment is the 4th Sunday of every month. As we look to the calendar for the year, this is a good time for interested church groups to sign up for a specific month, and to add individuals/families to our list of volunteers interested in helping out on months where we don't have groups committed. Lunch-making starts after church and is finished by 12:30 pm. CYF is already scheduled for lunch-making in March, and the Gran'Its helped out in January. If you are interested in helping out or have questions about this volunteer opportunity, please email Becky Duffy at duffy239@yahoo.com. Thank you!
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CCSM SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS
DUE MARCH 15!
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Support your church and volunteer groups in going green.
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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.
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We are seeking an experienced and collaborative choir director to provide interim leadership for our 12-18 member choir through the Lent, Easter, and Pentecost seasons. If you are interested in joining our progressive and inclusive UCC congregation to lead meaningful worship music during this transitional period, we invite you to learn more about this opportunity.
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Kay Harris, Council of Ministries Lead
Kim Rey, Troy Grabow, Children, Youth and Families
Melodie Lew, Congregational Care
Gary H. White, Environmental Justice
Alison Schwandt, Engagement
Lauren Mathews, Alicia Santamaria,
Kerianne Steele, and Katherine Vega-Stultz, Latina/e/o Ministry
Pam Ridlehuber, Liturgical Arts
Katie Bylander, Music
Genel Morgan, Sharon Tobin, Service and Justice
Dave Olsen, Siew Kang, Spiritual Life
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Email Kay Harris to get connected to a Ministry Lead anytime! | |
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Submit an Announcement
If you would like to submit an announcement, please send it to:
jprince@ccsm-ucc.org
The weekly deadline is 10 AM on Tuesdays.
All submissions are subject to editing.
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Regular Office Hours:
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday - Thursday
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