Beloved Community,

If you’ve driven past the church this week you’ll see that our PRIDE banner is up, and we are ready to kick-off our Pride Celebration with JOY! Join us this Sunday, June 1, for a special worship service with Rev. Alvaro Duran preaching, communion, and music from the San Francisco Boys Chorus. CCSM has a long legacy of LGBTQ+ affirmation and inclusion.

In May of 2002 (yes, for those of you who were here then- you ready that correctly!), we officially became an Open & Affirming Congregation of the United Church of Christ. We declared then, and still believe today:

“By this declaration we welcome all people without regard to sexual orientation, race; nationality; ethnicity; age; marital status; gender; economic status; immigration status; or mental, emotional, or physical challenges. We invite all who seek God’s guidance to join our open and affirming faith community and to share fully in our church’s life and opportunities for ministry. This declaration is a covenant we make with one another in response to Jesus’ call to love God with all of our hearts, souls and minds and to love our neighbors as ourselves.”

So what does this mean?

We intend to grow in faith, hope and love as we journey together;
We appreciate and affirm all people as loved children of God:
We recognize the diversity of human nature and families founded on mutual love and commitment;
We affirm relationships, unions and families founded on mutual love and commitment;
We commit to work for human rights, justice and equality in our church and community.

Pride Sunday is when we recommit ourselves to this covenant, and listen for the ways God is calling us to live boldly into it today. I hope you can join us this weekend! Bring your rainbow gear and your open heart- we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

In peace and hope,

Jessica

DID YOU MISS WORSHIP?

CLICK HERE for Last Sunday's Entire Service

CLICK HERE for Rev. Jessica Vacketta's sermon

CHURCH SNAPSHOTS

Congrats to our scholarship recipients (L to R): Zoe Neil, Emelin Perez, Quinn Shirley, Aleksa Diaz. (not pictured: Ana Diaz)

Scholarship recipient Zoe Neil with Scholarship Committee Members Boon Kang and Rev. Jessica

THIS WEEK AT CCSM

Thinking about Becoming a Member?

On Pentecost Sunday, June 8, we will welcome new members into the life of our congregation. If you’ve been journeying with us and are feeling the nudge to go “all in,” this is your opportunity!

At CCSM, becoming a member isn’t about meeting a checklist, it’s about making a covenant. In this sacred act, you make holy promises to live in relationship with God and this community, and we promise to walk beside you through all the seasons of life. Together, we practice what it means to follow Jesus’ example as a way of life and a way of love- not with all the answers, but with hearts open to service, justice, and transformation.

Membership means joining a journey already in motion. It means showing up for the thousand small tasks of being community, helping shape our shared vision, and participating in the big decisions- like calling a pastor, setting priorities, and stewarding our collective resources. It’s a decision not just to attend, but to say: this is my spiritual home.

Some choose not to formalize that commitment, and that is totally ok! But if your heart is leaning toward saying yes, we would be honored to celebrate that step with you. Reach out to Rev. Jessica to learn more or to join us in covenant on June 8.

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

TAKE ACTION

Join the Justice and Witness Committee of the NCNC

From Rev. Rhina Ramos, Associate Conference Minister for Justice & Witness:

Join the Justice & Witness Committee of the Northern California Nevada Conference!

Let's together make "good trouble" and carry out our denomination vision for Justice for All.

To apply fill out this Justice & Witness Committee Application. We will notify you promptly about next steps.

COMING UP

PRIDE SUNDAY! June 1

Join us for a special Pride Sunday worship on June 1 and 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:

Help set up mini Pride Flags at church
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!

Pentecost Readers

On Sunday, June 8th, we will celebrate Pentecost and are looking for readers to help with our call to worship. If you can read in a language other than English and would like to participate, please email Rev. Jessica.

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.