Beloved Community,

I’m excited to share that we have hired Dr. Ondine Young to serve as our Interim Choir Director!

Dr. Young brings more than 25 years of experience in choral conducting, music education, and sacred music leadership. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting from the University of Southern California and has conducted choirs, orchestras, and ensembles across California, including work with the San Francisco Girls Chorus, National Children’s Chorus, Marin Girls Chorus, and Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. She’s also served UCC, Methodist, Lutheran, Episcopal, and Unitarian congregations.

Alongside her work in church settings, Ondine is also a gifted violinist and violist, performing with ensembles such as Philharmonia Baroque and American Bach Soloists. She currently teaches and conducts with several Bay Area music organizations and brings a warm, collaborative spirit to every ensemble she leads.

If you’d like to learn more about her work, I encourage you to check out her website: ondineyoung.com.

Some of you met Ondine this past Sunday, but if you didn't get a chance to welcome her, I hope you’ll make time to say a quick hello this Sunday, or send her a note at ondine@ccsm-ucc.org.

Welcome, Dr. Young!

With the holidays just around the corner, we have several opportunities for you to connect, worship, and put your faith in action, including at Monday’s City Council Meeting, a night around the campfire for families, our Thanksgiving Potluck service on Wednesday, November 26, and at our Tree Lighting Festival on November 30th! Keep reading to learn more, put these dates on your calendar, and invite a friend!

And remember, God has no hands but our hands, no feet but our feet, no face but our face, so on this rainy day, let your light shine bright and pay attention to how you might share, and receive, Love today.

In hope,

Jessica

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

Mike Mullery cutting his Mickey Mouse cake during his 90th birthday celebration after church on Sunday.

Telemundo interviewing Rosa and Alvaro during the Our Home San Mateo Rally fighting to protector renters' rights on Tuesday night.

THIS WEEK

Burlingame Music Club November Gathering

Monday, November 17, 1-3pm in Kloss Hall

Join the Burlingame Music Club for "Nocturne," an Afternoon of Music featuring pianist Jon Lee and cellist Samsun van Loon performing night-inspired works by Fauré and Chopin. The event will also spotlight talented students preparing for the club's annual Young Musicians’ Competition. Refreshments will be served. All are warmly welcome.

Board of Directions Mtg via Zoom

Tuesday, November 18, 6:30 - 8pm

All are welcome to attend the next Board of Directors meeting on Zoom. Each month there will be a unique Zoom link for Board meetings. Email Don Ruthroff, our Board Moderator, for more information.

Meeting Agenda

Nov Zoom Link

COMING UP

🍺 The Village Pub is Back!

Thursday, November 20, 7 - 8:30pm in the Fireplace Room

Join us for another casual and cozy evening at The Village Pub in the Fireplace Room on Thursday, November 20th, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

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!

Questions? Contact Dave Olson.

Music & Art Guild

Friday, November 21 at noon in the Buckham Room

All are invited to bring their own lunch for a time of fellowship (dessert will be provided) and a performance by the vocal ensemble Bella Voce. The group, which was created in 2015 and is based at CCSM, stresses singing as a way for women to create community, collaboration and mentorship. Currently led by our own Julie Berk, the ensemble will be performing a variety of works, such as a 16th century madrigal, a Broadway hit, an African American spiritual and others.

Campfire for All Kids, Youth, & Families!

Sunday, November 23, 5 - 6:30pm on Front Lawn

Coffee Happy Hour | Donation Drive for the Blessing Box

Sunday, November 23

Join the Ministry of Service & Justice for Coffee Happy Hour on Nov 23rd. We will also be collecting donations to supplement our Blessing Box, specifically requesting single-serve, non-perishable, ready-to-eat items (pop-top cans preferred; no glass). Please consider bringing donations to Coffee Happy Hour: hearty canned soup, tuna or chicken cans, apple sauce, fruit cups, single-serve peanut butter packs, beef jerky, nut/trail mix packs, raisin boxes, or granola/cereal bars.

Second Hour: Innovation Lab Update

Sunday, November 23 at noon in the Buckham Room

✨ Innovation Lab Update: Supporting Working Parents ✨

After months of exploring how to reimagine ministry our Innovation Team has a focus! The feedback from our community points to the critical need to support working parents with children at home struggling with stress across work, family, and finances.

Learn what we've discovered and share your input. Join the Innovation Team during Second Hour on Sunday, November 23 as we discuss next steps to nurture connection, faith, and well-being for families.

Thanksgiving Potluck Service

Wednesday, November 26 at 7pm in Kloss Hall

We’re excited to celebrate our special bilingual Thanksgiving Potluck Service on Wednesday, November 26, at 7:00 pm in Kloss Hall. This will be a beautiful opportunity for our church family to come together and express gratitude for another year of blessings.

This intimate service will be led by Revs. Jessica and Álvaro and will take place around tables where we’ll share bilingual prayers, break bread, and enjoy a festive dinner. The church will provide turkey, so please consider bringing your favorite side dish or dessert to share, or just bring yourself and your thankful heart!

Inaugural Family Tree Lighting Festival

Sunday, November 30 from 5 - 7pm

Let’s kick off the Advent season with warmth, light, and community!

Join us for our Inaugural Advent Tree Lighting Festival — a fun evening of chili, cocoa, cookies, carols, and crafts.

Create wreaths and holiday ornaments, and then join the countdown to our outdoor grounds and tree lighting grounds at 6:00 PM.

It’s the perfect way to welcome the season of hope and light — bring your family, invite your friends, and come celebrate!

Feel free to bring your favorite holiday dessert to share!

Slow-Read Book Club - Begin reading now!

Monday, January 26th 11am - 12:30pm in the Fireplace Room

You are invited to a new Slow-Read Book Club focused on books by Christian women authors. Designed for reflection, we meet monthly but spend three months on each book. Each meeting will focus on a third of the book, which will allow ample time for reading and reflection. Our first selection is Barbara Brown Taylor's Leaving Church: A Memoir of Faith.

Meetings begin January 2026 (every third Monday or fourth if the third is a public holiday, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM) in the Fireplace Room. Contact Siew Kang or join via Church Center (Affinity Groups).

View Our Full Calendar

TAKE ACTION

Annual Giving Commitment

Your annual pledge provides the essential resources that power CCSM's work—from our outreach programs to weekly worship. Your commitment isn't just a number; it is a powerful statement of confidence and hope for our future. Join us in sustaining and expanding the life and nourishment CCSM offers to all!

We have 62 households/individuals who have pledged so far, totaling $301,360 of our 2026 goal of $560,000.

Support Our Shared Dream

Make your Estimate of Giving pledge today and help invest in CCSM's ministry and mission.

🥳 Sign Up for Pick-A-Vent!

We're excited to announce a new name and date for our annual party-hosting fundraiser! Formerly known as Pick-A-Party, we're rebranding to Pick-A-Vent (to broaden the scope) and shifting the sign up from November to February 2026.

This popular fundraiser is all about connecting with fellow members and supporting CCSM's financial goals by hosting or attending fun, unique activities. Hosts cover the costs and set a fee for guests, and all proceeds go directly to the church.

Submit your activity or party by clicking on "Submit Events" below. If you have questions, reach out to Robert Le ung or check out the "Learn More Here" info sheet.

Learn More Here

Submit Events

Donate Winter Clothing to Samaritan House

Help us keep our neighbors warm! We are collecting essential winter items for those who receive meals at CCSM. Your generosity provides warmth and safety this season.

High-Demand Items (New or Gently Used & Clean):

Coats/Jackets (all adult sizes)
Hats, Gloves, and Scarves
Sweaters/Hoodies
New Socks (thick, thermal, or wool only)

When & Where to Give:

Dates: Now through Thanksgiving week
Location: Box in the Narthex

Questions, reach out to Siew Kang.

Help Spread Advent Joy: Poinsettia Volunteers!

Our annual poinsettia deliveries are almost here, and we need your help! This project is a wonderful way to bring Advent joy to church members, and the time commitment is short.

We need a couple of volunteers to help with various phases, such as identifying recipients, tagging the plants, and distribution. You're welcome to jump in for one phase or the whole process.

To learn more and to volunteer, please contact Diane Kalliam.

Co-Host Happy Coffee Hour - 2026 Slots Open

Making plans for 2026? Consider adding co-hosting Happy Coffee Hour to your calendar! Happy Coffee Hour is a time we are able to connect with a sweet treat and warm beverage after worship.

We are also currently seeking 5 hosts to close out 2025 Coffee Hour schedule.

Nov 30 (1)
Dec 21 (1), 28 (2)

To sign up, please email Melodie Lew.

Have You Downloaded the Church Center App?

Join our new Church Center Directory!

If you haven't already, download the app today and explore how easy it is to submit a prayer request, give, connect with other members, make your pledge, and see what's coming up in the life of the church.

Learn More