Saints,

What a beautiful and diverse celebration of Pentecost we shared on Sunday: joyful, full of life, and deeply life giving. We gathered for Holy Communion with music, colour, many languages, the universal language of laughter and prayer, and the palpable presence of the Holy Spirit among us.

Pentecost reminds us that the Holy Spirit does not erase our differences, but draws people together across languages, cultures, and experiences into a communion of love. As the Book of Acts tells us: “each one heard them speaking in his own language” (Acts 2:6).

As I give thanks for Sunday’s celebration, my thoughts naturally turn to next weekend’s Community Resource Fair and Summer Fiesta. In many ways, this gathering is also a Pentecost moment for our neighbourhood. Organisations, ministries, volunteers, families, and local leaders will come together to share resources, care, hope, and hospitality with our wider community.

Theologian Howard Thurman wrote: “A community cannot sustain itself for long; it can only flourish with the arrival of others from outside.” That spirit of openness and shared care lies at the heart of both Pentecost and this gathering. At a time when many people feel isolated or uncertain about the future, we are reminded that the Spirit continues to move wherever people choose solidarity over fear, and neighbourliness over division.

I warmly invite you not only to join us for Sunday worship, but also to stay afterwards for the Resource Fair and Summer Fiesta, not merely as guests, but as cohosts, neighbours, and companions in this shared life that God has entrusted to us.

I am deeply grateful that, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are helping to create spaces where dignity, joy, welcome, and belonging can take root. May we continue to be a church that not only celebrates the Spirit, but also makes room for the Spirit to move among us, within our life together, and throughout our neighbourhood.

Álvaro

CYF HIGHLIGHTS

David Long, Maliha Moran & Aleksa Bamaca Diaz: three of our scholarship recipients

Zoe Neil & Kinsley Grabow: our other two recipients; congratulations all!

CYF Summer Kickoff BBQ!

Theo & Addie striking a pose

We are so grateful for a fun green space to play!

Reunion of Zoe, Max & Camille

THIS WEEK

Meet Héctor Camacho TONIGHT!

Wednesday, May 27, 6:00pm in the Buckham Room

Join us for a special Second Hour to meet Héctor Camacho, a dedicated educator, counselor, and candidate for San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools. With over 25 years of experience working directly with students and families across San Mateo County, Héctor is running on a platform of closing opportunity gaps, expanding student mental health support, and creating pathways for every student to thrive. Come hear his vision for an equitable and excellent county school system and bring your questions for an engaging community conversation.

Please note: CCSM does not endorse either candidate. We simply want to offer our community the opportunity to learn more about these local candidates, who will hold a position of great responsibility in caring for the children and youth of San Mateo County.

Community Resource Fair & Summer Fiesta

Sunday, May 31st from 1 - 4pm at CCSM

This Sunday, May 31, from 1:00–4:00 pm, CCSM and Our Home San Mateo will host a Community Resource Fair & Summer Fiesta on our campus for neighbors and families across North Central San Mateo.

This joyful community event will connect people with local organizations and resources related to housing support, legal and immigration assistance, health and wellness, food access, education, youth and family services, and more while also creating a welcoming space for music, food, celebration, and community connection.

We hope you can join us!

Zumba Class 💦

Tuesdays & Thursdays in Kloss Hall from 7 - 8pm

The Latina women of our congregation have recently begun a new Zumba group as part of the Círculo de Mujeres (Women’s Circle for Justice). Gathering every Tuesday and Thursday from 7:00–8:00 p.m. in Kloss Hall, this joyful space offers an opportunity for movement, relaxation, community-building, and fitness in a welcoming and supportive environment.

No previous experience is needed, all women are warmly invited to join us as we care for our physical, emotional, and communal wellbeing together through music, dance, and shared joy.

For more information, please contact Rocío Pérez, Women’s Leader.

OUR ANNUAL REPORT IS READY!

Reflect on a year of faith and fellowship by viewing our 2025 Annual Report. Follow the link to see how your support fueled our ministries, shaped our community, and strengthened the life of our church this past year.

Thank you Zoe Mullery for designing the report!

Annual Report

UPCOMING EVENTS

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

LEARN, CONNECT & TAKE ACTION

Help Us Celebrate PRIDE

Pride Month is almost here, and CCSM is getting 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 reach out to Rev. Jessica!

Co-Host Happy Coffee Hour ☕️

We love our post-worship connection time, but to keep Coffee Happy Hour available, we need your help! We are looking for congregants to sign up and co-host by bringing sweet and/or savory treats to share. We have openings throughout June and July. Hosting is a wonderful, simple way to sweeten our fellowship and welcome newcomers. To claim your date, please email Melodie Lew.

Calling All Graduates 🎓

Help us celebrate the grads! If someone in your life is graduating this spring, please let us know so we can include them in our bulletin's Joys section. Email their name and school/degree to Kim. We can't wait to celebrate this exciting milestone with your family!

Samaritan House Backpack Drive 🎒

Samaritan House's 2026–2027 Backpack Drive is here! You can help their mission to equip thousands of students across San Mateo County by purchasing a pre-filled backpack through their online Roonga Drive. Join us in supporting our neighbors by visiting the link to donate directly to their efforts.

Purchase a Backpack

Help Us Stay Connected!

Join Our Digital Church Directory 📖

Let’s get connected!

We’re building a digital directory in the Church Center App so our church family can support one another.

Why join? It’s secure, private, and 100% customizable. You decide what stays private and what gets shared—only verified members have access. Sign up today!

Download our App