Beloved Community,

This week I have had the privilege of being reminded, on multiple occasions, of why this community matters.

We strive to follow Jesus’ example as a way of life and love. We say yes and seek out opportunities to work together as God’s hands, feet, and face. We do our best to live out the inclusive, extravagant welcome modeled by Jesus. We plant seeds, trusting that God (and God working through others), will nurture and nourish them to bear fruit.

But, we don’t always get to see those fruits. And I’ll confess, in a world full of competing priorities, overwhelm, and exhaustion, I sometimes wonder: Is what we are building worth people’s time? Is it truly transforming lives in the ways God intended?

I trust God is at work in ways we often can’t see. I also believe God brings healing and nourishment through a Sunday morning hike, a long brunch with friends, a slow walk along the beach. These are also sacred gifts and practices.

And yet, this week I received two unexpected notes that felt like a hug from the Spirit. One writer shared that our weekly worship had given them life and inspired them to go out and spread extravagant love in the world. Another expressed that the welcome and values they’ve encountered here have meant more to them than they could easily put into words.

I read both notes and felt tears pooling in my eyes and my heart beating faster as it filled with love. The seeds we plant do take root, even when we can’t see them growing. That is the Spirit living and moving and breathing among us. This is the Good News of Easter still alive today.

So, thank you. For showing up. For living the welcome. For helping to build beloved community.

In hope,

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

Women at the Well group shot!

Full table for youth group this past Sunday

Pebbles class enjoying a colorful lesson by Lin

THIS WEEK

Village Pub is Open TONIGHT 🍻

Thursday, May 7th from 7 - 8:30pm in the Fireplace Room

Join us for another evening at The Village Pub in the Fireplace Room on Thursday, May 7th 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!

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 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.

Pat Pepper Memorial & Obituary

Saturday, May 9th at 1pm at CCSM

Patricia Ann Todd Pepper, 1931–2026

Patricia Ann Todd Pepper, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and long-time resident of San Mateo, California, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2026, at the age of 94, surrounded by her family. Born on August 18, 1931, in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, to James Buford Todd Sr. and Sarah Wiley Dalton Todd, she lived a life of quiet grace, sharp wit, and devoted service to those she loved. She grew up with horses to ride, dogs to hunt quail, and even convinced her parents to buy her a pony. She was the youngest of three children and stayed close to home once her sister, Sarah Dalton, went off to college and her brother, James Buford Jr., enlisted in the Air Force in WWII. Click here to continue reading more about Pat's fascinating life in her obituary.

Burlingame Music Club May Tea Meeting

Monday, May 11th from 1 - 3pm

Join the Burlingame Music Club in the Sanctuary on Monday, May 11th, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM for an afternoon of beautiful music at their May Tea Meeting. This special event will feature performances by the talented winners of the BMC Young Musicians’ Competition. All are warmly invited to attend as guests of the club to cheer on these incredible student musicians!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Music and Art Guild Annual Potluck Lunch 🥗

Friday, May 15th at 12pm in the Buckham Room

All Music and Art lovers are invited to join us for our annual potluck lunch on Friday, May 15, at noon in the Buckham room.

Bring something to share and enjoy good food and friendship as we reflect on the year's highlights and plan for another season of great performances and presentations to come.

Please RSVP to Carole Melis, indicating what you would like to share at the potluck.

We hope to see you there!

Carole Melis, Genel Morgan and Susan Stoddard

2nd Hour: Meet Chelsea Bonini

Sunday, May 17th after worship in the Buckham Room

Join us for a special Second Hour to meet Chelsea Bonini, a dedicated educator, attorney, and candidate for San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools. With over 30 years of experience in public service, Chelsea is running on a platform of literacy for all, expanded mental health access, and fiscal transparency in our schools. Come hear her vision for ensuring every student in our county has the opportunity to thrive and bring your questions for an engaging community conversation.

Scholarship Sunday 🎓

Sunday, May 24th

60 Minutes Youth will join us in the Sanctuary on May 24 for Scholarship Sunday! Our scholarship recipients will receive their certificate and special recognition during the service.

Following the service, we invite our 60 Minutes Youth lunch to celebrate our recipients and the close of the school year. It’s the perfect time for our high school youth to relax, connect, and look toward the future.

Please RSVP to Michele by 5/17 if you are able to join!

2nd Hour: Horizon Treatment Center Q&A

Sunday, May 24th after worship in the Buckham Room

Following worship on May 24, you're invited to a Q&A with representatives from Horizons, who will share more about the Recovery Center planned for the corner of Tilton and El Camino. As a community that seeks to respond with both compassion and wisdom, this is a chance to listen, learn, and ask questions together.

Learn More at Weekly Office Hours

Horizons will be offering weekly Virtual Office Hours to give community members a transparent forum to learn about the proposed Horizon Recovery Center and engage directly with project representatives.

Sessions begin Wednesday, May 6, from 12-1pm and continue every Wednesday thereafter. All sessions will be recorded and posted to YouTube and Horizon's website for those unable to attend live.

Participants are welcome to join any session and stay engaged as the conversation evolves.

All Ages Welcome: CYF Summer Kickoff BBQ & Potluck 🍔

Sunday, May 24th at 5pm at CCSM

Gather the whole family and join us as we officially kick off the summer season! This is a true intergenerational celebration for the entire CCSM family.

Whether you are a family with young kids or a lifelong supporter and friend of CYF, you are wholeheartedly invited to share a meal and connect with friends old and new.

We’ll provide the main BBQ fare—please bring a side dish or dessert to share with the group! Let’s celebrate our community and start the summer season as one.

LEARN, CONNECT & TAKE ACTION

Your Generosity in Action 🙏

Thank you so much for your incredible generosity through our weekly plate offerings! If you feel called to continue supporting the impactful work of our community and partners, explore more ways to serve with or support these organizations by clicking the "Ways to Give" button below.

Ways to Give

Introducing the Family Connection Cafe ☕️

Introducing the Family Connection Cafe! Our Innovation Lab is thrilled to announce a vision for a new ministry: the Family Connection Cafe. We believe the Spirit is calling us to create a regular, supportive gathering where parents and caregivers can share a meal, de-stress, and navigate the challenges of raising kids together.

Here is what you need to know:

The Plan: Over the next few months, we will test four prototypes to figure out the specifics (like structure, hospitality, and children's activities), with the goal of an official launch in fall.
The Village: We want this to be a truly low-stress space for parents. Soon, we will be asking the wider CCSM community to volunteer with food and logistics so parents can simply show up and connect.
Next Steps: We invite you to hold this ministry in prayer as we continue to test and learn what works best. Additionally, if you are interested in helping with hospitality at one of our prototypes, please reply directly to this email.

Blessing Box Donations: Beyond Just Food! 🧴

Thank you for your generosity in keeping our outdoor Blessing Box stocked. While nonperishable food is always appreciated, our neighbors also have a great need for essential household and personal care items.

The Ministry of Service and Justice has set up a donation bin in the narthex. The next time you come to church, please consider dropping off some of these higher-cost, everyday staples:

Household & Cleaning: Dish soap, cleaning supplies
Baby & Personal Care: Diapers, baby formula, baby food, feminine hygiene products
Pantry Basics: Dry milk, sugar, flour

A good rule of thumb: if you use an essential item daily around your house, a neighbor likely needs it too. Thank you for your continued support and creativity!

— Ministry of Service and Justice

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