Beloved Community,

This past Sunday, we welcomed Meghan Hatcher to the pulpit to help launch a new ministry project, the Transformation Lab. If you missed her message, you can watch it by clicking the link below (or watch it again- it’s shorter than what Alvaro and I usually preach!). Meghan reminded us that transformation begins with deep listening for the Spirit’s movement, and a willingness to trust the process.

Following worship, our Transformation Lab team gathered for our first meeting and orientation. Over the next 18 months, this team will listen deeply to where the Spirit is calling us as we think about our ministry with children, youth, and families. The team includes myself, Julien Phillips, Kim Rey, Kibbie Ruth, Rev. Alvaro Duran, Joshua Moore, Rocío Pérez, Matthew Bunn, and Frank Garritano.

One of the first things we explored together was the meaning of innovation. It’s still a working definition, but one phrase from our conversation has stuck with me: "If people’s lives are changed, the church thrives because people are the church." Meghan didn’t define innovation with that line, but she did point to it as the fruit of transformation rooted in innovation.

As I reflect on this season of discernment, I’m reminded of something I heard at a conference this fall: God is the Great Innovator, and we are invited to join in the process of transformation. That’s what this journey is about, trusting the Spirit, paying attention to the needs of our community and neighborhood, and imagining what’s possible.

Thank you to everyone who completed the recent questionnaire! Your insights are helping shape our path forward. As we begin this journey together, I invited you to join the team in the prayer below:

Prayer for Innovators

God of Creation, through your prophet Isaiah, you said to your people:

"I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth; do you not perceive it?

I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

We ask you indeed make a way. Help our Transformation Team to trust you and the good work you are beginning in us this season. Show us all you have for us to learn. Help us to move faithfully through this process, giving it the time and attention you desire.

Reassure us when the path forward is unclear and feels like the wilderness. Grant us your wisdom and wise fellow sojourners for this journey. With your help, I will trust the process of innovation.

Work through me to bring about transformation in my community by your powerful love and grace.

In Christ's name, Amen.

Let’s keep listening. Let’s stay open. Let’s imagine what’s possible.

In hope,

Jessica

DID YOU MISS WORSHIP?

CLICK HERE for Last Sunday's Entire Service

CLICK HERE for our guest preacher Meghan Hatcher's sermon

THIS WEEK AT CCSM

A celebration of life for Judith Holcomb, dear friend of Angela Kraft Cross, will take place this Saturday, May 10 at 2:00pm in the Sanctuary.

The service will also be available via livestream (FaceBook or YouTube).

Safer and Healthier Homes:

Go All Electric!

Saturday, May 10, 10am-1pm

A free event at CCSM!

(Sponsored by Peninsula Interfaith Climate Action & CCSM Environmental Justice Ministry)

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Did you know that the air circulating in your kitchen and throughout your home is some of the most polluted air you breathe due to burning & the leakage of fossil fuel gas?

Come hear from environmental scientist Professor Rob Jackson, Ph.D of Stanford University, Doerr School of Sustainability discuss his work on measuring & reducing GHG emissions as outlined in his new book, Into the Clear Blue Sky.

Learn about resources from Peninsula Clean Energy to help you in your effort to make your home both greener and healthier.

Hear from a panel of local homeowners who will share their journeys to fully electrify their homes.

*To reserve a seat for this free in-person event, please click HERE to register.

PARENTS' NIGHT OUT!

May 10, 6-8pm

(Childcare from 5:30-8:30pm at CCSM)

Join other CCSM parents for a casual evening of connection (with food and drinks!) at the Grabow home.

RSVP to Troy at grabowt@gmail.com.

Second Sunday Service

Sunday at 5pm, Kloss Hall

A relaxed, intergenerational, and bilingual worship service gathered around the table. This month we’ll be focusing on the “Divine Feminine” in honor of Mother’s Day. All ages welcome! Fellowship and light supper at 5, worship service at 5:30.

Learn About Church Friends

You may have read in a recent issue of Pine Tree about an important community-building initiative at CCSM called “Church Friends”. The initiative is an effort to facilitate the building of new friendships at CCSM and the strengthening of existing ties. Both longer-standing members as well as new members of CCSM are being matched for a set timeframe to help provide them with mutual support, companionship, and friendship.

To learn more about the program and to hear from current church friends on their experiences, please join us for a Zoom event on Monday, May 12 from 7-8pm. We hope that as more CCSM folks become familiar with Church Friends, they will also participate. You can also read more about Church Friends on page 5 of the latest Pine Tree newsletter.

To attend this Zoom event, simply click on the following link at 7pm on Mon May 12: (https://us02eb.zoom.us/j/84452134017). Hosted by Gary H. White and Carol Henton.

View our full calendar on our website

Thursday, May 8

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

6:30 - 8:00 PM — Finance Committee Meeting (ZOOM)

Friday, May 9

1:30 - 3:00 PM — Bella Voce Rehearsal, Fireplace Room

4:00 - 6:00 PM — Samaritan House Meal Service, Kloss Hall

Saturday, May 10

8:30 - 10:30 AM — CC Riders Weekly Bike Ride (Contact Peter Held, paheld1417@gmail.com)

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM — Safer and Healthier Homes: Go All Electric event, Kloss Hall

2:00 - 8:00 PM — Judith Holcomb memorial, Sanctuary and Kloss Hall

6:00 - 6:00 PM — Parents' Night Out at the Grabow Home (childcare at CCSM)

Sunday, May 11

9:45 - 10:15 AM — Joyful Noise Kids' Choir/Music Program, Fireplace Room

10:45 AM — Children / Youth Program

10:30 - 11:30 AM — Worship Service, in person and online

11:30 AM — Coffee Hour, Kloss Hall

5:00 PM — Second Sunday Service and Meal, Kloss Hall (dinner at 5pm; service at 5:30)

Monday, May 12

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 — Church Friends informational meeting on Zoom (click HERE for link)

Tuesday, May 13

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 PM - 8:30 PM — Our Home San Mateo, 3rd floor conference room

7:15 PM - 8:45 PM — MSJ Monthly Meeting, ZOOM

7:15 PM - 8:30 PM — Spiritual Conversations, ZOOM (contact Chris Wuthmann for link, cewuthmann@gmail.com)

Wednesday, May 14

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

COMING UP

CCSM & YOU: NEW MEMBER LUNCH

Sunday, May 18, 12:00–2:00 pm

Whether you're new to CCSM or have been around a while, this lunch is a chance to learn more about our church, explore ways to get involved, and connect with others finding their place in our community. Contact Rev. Jessica at jessica@ccsm-ucc.org to learn more or RSVP—we’d love to welcome you more fully into the life of our church!

Order your CCSM Hat!

Would you like a CCSM hat to help block the sun and show CCSM pride wherever you go? Reach out to Tony Gallo to place your order today! (Prices will vary based on hat size and total order)

Celebration of Life

A memorial service for our beloved Cari Parker will take place at CCSM

on May 17, 2025 at 11:00 am.

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.