Beloved Community,

As we begin this month with a federal government shut down, I know this impacts all of us in different ways-- those of us who depend on essential programs, those of us who are showing up without pay, the weight of worry for friends, family, colleagues, neighbors, and our own uncertainties about services, medications, benefits, travel, and assistance. I want to share with you a prayer from Rev. Amber Henry Neuroth that I stumbled across this morning that speaks to this moment:

“Hold God, hold tightly to our battered federal workers who have been through so much already; protect our brave folks in uniform who have so many questions; ease the burdens of the essential workers who will work without pay; rescue those whose lives depend on government programs as they already suffer so greatly; and most of all, rend the hearts of those with the greatest wealth and power in this nation. May they remember your words,

‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me.’”

While we may not have all the answers, I do know this: we will keep showing up in love, as best we can, to be God's hands, feet, and face at work in our community. Our call to "love our neighbor," is as urgent as ever, and is an act of resistance to a culture that shrugs at suffering. In the face of leaders who put power, wealth, and party over people, may we keep choosing generosity, justice, and care for all of God's children. And may we remember, we are not alone in this holy work.

So, I invite you to pause and ask yourself: Who can you check in on today? How might you be a good neighbor in this moment?

With deep gratitude for all of you and the many ways you continue to show up with your gifts, talents, and care,

Jessica

P.S. If you haven't already, could you please take a moment to fill out our short, three question Worship Music survey by clicking on this link. This will help us in our search process for a new Music Director.

THIS SATURDAY

Blessing of the Animals

Saturday, October 4 at 4pm on the Front Lawn

Join us for a special Animal Blessing service on the Feast of St. Francis (the patron saint of animals because of his love and respect for all creation). Bring your furry (and non-furry) friends for a blessing and a chance to connect with other animal loving members of our community. We'll also have a table set-up for a service project for one of our local animal shelters- toy making!

All animals are welcome, but we do ask that you please keep pets on a leash or in your arms during the service.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS - Children Youth & Families

In response to the story of Noah, the Gran’Its made door hangers for their rooms, with the promise: “I am always with you.”

Teacher Lin’s class created new signs for the Gratitude Table! Stop by on Sunday to send your own note of appreciation.

Joyful Noise children's choir warming up around the gathering drum! Join them at 9:45am each Sunday.

Josh & Mike practice making toys for the Humane Society animals—an activity you can join on October 4 at the Blessings of the Animals.

TAKE ACTION

Leadership Nominations Due Next Monday, October 6th!

The Leadership & Governance Committee invites you to prayerfully consider who among us has the gifts and spirit to serve in leadership for the coming year.

Open roles include:

Board of Directors (2 open positions)
Ministry Leads (Liturgical Arts, Congregational Care, Music)
Committee Chairs (Stewardship, Building & Grounds)

Nominations may be submitted online by clicking the link below or by emailing Frank Garritano.

Submission Deadline: Monday, October 6 at 5pm

Leadership Nomination Form

Sign up to Co-host Happy Coffee Hour

Thank you to all of our our Happy Coffee Hour hosts! Your support strengthens the CCSM community and helps us maintain our bonds.

We are currently seeking 12 hosts for the 2025 Coffee Hour schedule:

Oct 19 (1), 26 (2)
Nov 16 (1), 23 (1), 30 (2)
Dec 7 (1), 21 (2), 28 (2)

To sign up, please email Melodie Lew.

World Communion - Our Blessing Box

Did you know CCSM has a Blessing Box?

This small outdoor pantry is stocked with non-perishable food items for our neighbors in need, and you can help keep it full! Bring non-perishable food to worship and place it in the Blessing Box itself, the collection bin in the Narthex, or drop it off in the front office during the week, or place it in the Blessing Box at any time.

As we gather around Christ’s table on World Communion Sunday, we invite you to also bring something to share at this "table" for all.

Annual Giving Commitment

When we give, we plant seeds. A single seed can seem small — but in God’s dream, it grows into something greater: shelter, nourishment, and life for all. Your pledge is a seed of stability and hope for CCSM’s future.

Support Our Shared Dream

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

Have You Downloaded the Church Center App?

We now have 150 CCSMers in 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

COMING UP

Village Pop-Up Bar & Conversation Center

Thursday, October 9 at 7pm in the Fireplace Room

The Village Pop-Up Bar and Conversation Center will be open for business again on Thursday, October 9th, from 7:00pm to 8:30pm. We'll gather in the Fireplace Room, hang out, share some refreshments, talk, think, and laugh. This month will feature conversation prompts and small group discussions. We encourage you to invite a friend to join us, too!

Questions? Contact Dave Olson

Second Hour with Dr. Musumbi Kanyoro

Sunday, October 12 from 12 - 1pm

Join us for a special Second Hour conversation with Dr. Musimbi Kanyoro, a global leader in philanthropy, women’s rights, and international development, and a good friend of Warren and Susan Long.

Dr. Kanyoro is the former President and CEO of the Global Fund for Women and has been recognized worldwide for her advocacy in health, education, and human rights.

Chocolate Fest hosted by the Congregational Church of the Peninsula

Saturday, October 18 from 1 - 4pm and 5 - 8pm

Order your tickets now for the 42nd edition of Chocolate Fest. An abundance of chocolate confections for tasting from 20 local chocolatiers - Live jazz - Champagne - Silent Auction - Prizes - A benefit for San Mateo County Health Foundation!

Select your 3-hr tasting session when you order your tickets. User QR code to order tickets.

$25 pre-paid; $30 at door
Seniors/children: $16 pre-paid; $25 at door

Parent's Night Out

Saturday, October 26, 6 - 8pm

Mark your calendar for the next Parent's Night Out! This is a great opportunity to relax, enjoy great food, and get to know other families - without having to keep an eye on your kiddos!

Hosts: John Ebneter & Teresa Gebler (providing the main dish)
Bring: A side dish or dessert to share
Childcare: Available at CCSM from 5:30 - 8:30pm

RSVP to jessica@ccsm-ucc.org with how many will attend, and let us know if you'll need childcare.