Beloved Community,

Thank you for the many prayers, messages, and the deep patience you’ve shown as I’ve been out sick and am still slowly recovering and reconnecting. I know many in our congregation are also battling everything from colds to the flu to pneumonia right now. Please know I’m holding you in prayer, too.

This “cold and flu” season of shorter days and longer nights is inviting all of us to listen closely to our bodies. Resting when we need to, accepting support, and caring for each other in small but meaningful ways such as checking in, dropping off soup or tea, masking up, or staying home when we’re not feeling our best are simple acts that help keep our community well. These simple acts of love truly make a difference.

I also want to share how deeply grateful I am for Rev. Arlene’s willingness to step in and preach this Sunday. What a gift her presence and leadership are to our community, especially in a week like this. I hope you’ll join me in thanking her for her flexibility and generosity.

We have some really special things beginning this week, and I want all of us to be well enough to enjoy them together. I’m so appreciative of the tremendous planning happening behind the scenes to prepare us for this upcoming season. There are countless ways in the weeks ahead to connect, serve, and ground ourselves in the Divine.

You’ll see many of those opportunities highlighted in this issue: our Family Campfire, the Thanksgiving Potluck, and the warm clothing and food collections happening THIS weekend, along with special services and meaningful ways to be present with one another. Your presence and gifts make this season come alive, bringing hope and healing to so many. (Speaking of gifts, have you made your 2026 pledge yet? It’s not too late! It will take all of us to reach our goal of $560,000. Pledge HERE, pick up a pledge card on Sunday, or email Cheryle Matteo.)

As we move toward Thanksgiving and Christmas, amidst the holiday bustle and cheer, let’s be sure to take gentle care of ourselves and each other, trusting that healing often arrives in slow steps, shared prayers, and simple acts of kindness.

With love and gratitude,

Jessica

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHT

On Monday, November 17, our church's housing justice champions gathered at City Hall with other advocates and allies from the coalition, Our Home San Mateo, to make a special presentation to the City Council. We asked them to reconsider the five proposals we presented in April 2025 to extend tenant protections in our city.

Unfortunately, the council chose to follow only the staff's recommendations and did not accept our proposals once again. Nevertheless, our community is growing, determined, and ready to continue fighting for the housing stability that all San Mateo residents deserve.

THIS WEEK

🍺 The Village Pub this Thursday!

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

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.

COMING UP

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

🥫Blessing Box Donations🤝 THIS SUNDAY - Join the Ministry of Service & Justice for coffee and community as we collect donations for the Blessing Box. Please bring single-serve, ready-to-eat items (pop-tops preferred; no glass) such as canned soup or tuna/chicken, fruit cups, peanut butter packs, trail mix, or granola bars. Questions, contact: Katherine Vega Stultz.

🧥Winter Clothing Drive (Jericho Road)🧣 THRU 11/30 - Help us keep our neighbors warm by donating essential winter items for those who receive meals at CCSM including coats/jackets, hats, gloves, scarves, sweaters/hoodie, new socks (thick, thermal, or wool only). Questions, contact: Siew Kang.

☕️Coffee Hour Co-Hosting🍪 (11/30, 12/28 and 2026) - Help sweeten our fellowship! We invite you to co-host Coffee Happy Hour by bringing sweet and/or savory treats to share during our post-worship connection time. To sign up for the remaining 2025 or 2026 dates, email Melodie Lew.

🎄Wish Lists🎁 (11/30, 12/7 & 12/14) - This holiday season, CCSM is partnering with LifeMoves to provide essential necessities for local homeless families (First Step for Families) and homeless adults (the Vendome). You can participate by selecting an ornament from the WISH LIST Christmas tree on the loggia after the service. Please ensure your purchased gifts—which will be basic necessities selected by Life Moves staff—are returned to CCSM by Sunday, December 14. Questions, contact: Melodie Lew.

🤝Poinsettia Volunteers🎄 (12/7) - Volunteer to distribute poinsettias on December 7th and help us spread Advent joy and connection throughout the congregation. Contact Diane Kalliam.

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 67 households/individuals who have pledged so far, totaling $318,520 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

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.

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