CCSM CONNECTIONS: October 2, 2024 | |
Greetings, Church,
I know this past weekend was a time of anxiety and worry for many of you as you awaited news from loved ones affected by Hurricane Helene. I joined you in breathing a sigh of relief when I received those "We're okay" texts from friends in Asheville on Sunday morning. With limited access to news (beyond their local radio stations, the only source of information for 36 hours), they are just now getting stable internet access and watching videos of the storms impact for the first time. One friend said that while news has been limited, it has also helped to "dampen the brutal reality of this moment." Another friend said, "as bad as you think it is, it's so much worse." And yet, even in this moment of heartbreak, they shared there have been moments of grace and beauty: connecting with neighbors, thousands of trucks and people helping to clear roads, search for the missing, restore power and offer assistance, rainbows, local shops sharing free ice cream and salvaged food, and the love and support sent their way from friends and strangers across the country.
It might seem like there is nothing we can do from afar, but that's not true. How can we be God's hands, feet, and face on the other side of the country?
1) Our prayers matter, and can be felt.
2) Check in on friends/family who have loved ones in the impacted areas.
3) Volunteer to staff the Crisis Clean Up help line. CLICK HERE to serve.
- Crisis Cleanup is a collaborative platform which allows people to remotely assist with connecting crisis need to relief services. You can serve from anywhere in the country if you have access to a phone and internet.
4) Make a gift. This Sunday we will collect a plate offering to help with the UCC's disaster response and recovery efforts (more on this later in the email), but there are several organizations where your gifts support these efforts. I invite you to choose one or two that speak to your heart, and give what you can. Every dollar helps.
From the coast to the hills, we pray for all those impacted by this storm. May generosity and compassion continue to show up in unexpected ways, and may our gifts be a source of strength, comfort, and hope.
With gratitude and love,
Jessica
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DID YOU MISS WORSHIP?
CLICK HERE for last Sunday's entire service.
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CLICK HERE for Rev. Jessica's sermon,
"We Are Inclusive"
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Wednesday, October 2
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 (Spanish/English) Worship and Potluck, Kloss Hall
Thursday, October 3
10:15 - 11:30 AM — Women's Coffee Group, Hillsdale Mall Food Court (contact Linda Skromme)
2:00 - 3:00 PM — Connect and Celebrate Ministry Meeting, Fireplace Room
4:00 - 6:00 PM — Samaritan House Meal Service, Kloss Hall
6:45 - 8:45 PM — Bell Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary
Friday, October 4
4:00 - 6:00 PM — Samaritan House Meal Service, Kloss Hall
Saturday, October 5
8:30 - 10:30 AM — CC Riders Weekly Bike Ride (contact Peter Held)
10:30 AM — Coffee with CC Riders, Village Hub in Woodside (3154 Woodside Road)
6:00 - 8:00 PM — Parents Night Out, Kim and Javi Rey's home (childcare at CCSM)
Sunday, October 6
9:45 - 10:15 AM — Joyful Noise, CE building Community Room
10:30 - 11:30 AM — Worship Service in person and online - World Communion Sunday
10:45 - 11:30 AM — Youth and Children's Programs, CE Building
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM — Coffee Hour, Kloss Hall
12:30 PM — Family Playdate, Pacifica
5:00 - 6:00 PM — Pet Blessing, Front Lawn
Monday, October 7
4:00 - 6:00 PM — Samaritan House Meal Service, Kloss Hall
7:00 - 8:00 PM — English Together Language Sharing Session, Kloss Hall
7:00 - 8:30 PM — Governance Meeting, ZOOM (click HERE for link)
Tuesday, October 8
10:00 - 11:30 AM — Men’s Coffee Group, Hillsdale Mall Food Court
4:00 - 6:00 PM — Samaritan House Meal Service, Kloss Hall
6:30 - 7:30 PM — Personnel Committee Meeting, Fireplace Room
7:15 - 8:45 PM — MSJ Monthly Meeting on Zoom, contact Genel Morgan (glmrn12@gmail.com)
Wednesday, October 9
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 (Spanish/English) Worship and Potluck, Kloss Hall
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40 Days, 40 Prayers
As we prepare to go to the polls
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As the election approaches, we encourage you to take a moment to pause, reflect, and center yourself from all of that is swirling in our heads and on the news. Launched by the Potomac Association, this 40-day prayer resource is adapted from Rev. Karen Winkel. It includes prompts for every day of the week. We encourage you to engage with this beautiful praxis as we approach an important time in our history. Click the button below for all 40 days of prayers, grab a copy of the prayers outside the sanctuary, or follow our Facebook stories for a daily post.
And don't forget, through Sunday, October 13th we will have a table where you can get a packet of postcards, addresses, and voter information stickers to send to encourage people in voter suppression states to vote. For more information, contact Krista Hanson (650-773-7276) or Susan Lake (650-576-4092). Join us in supporting our democracy!
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PARENTS NIGHT OUT!
Saturday, October 5, 6-8pm • Kim and Javi Rey's home
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Need a night off? Looking to connect with other parents, grandparents, and guardians at CCSM? We've got you covered! Join us for a much-needed kids-free dinner. Let's take a break from the hustle and bustle and enjoy some quality time together.
Childcare WILL be available at the church from 5:30pm-8:30pm, but reservations need to be made in advance. RSVP for dinner and/or childcare to sjohnson@ccsm-ucc.org by tomorrow, October 3.
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"We recognize the inherent worth of each of us, and we listen to different points of view in order to learn and grow. We strive to practice empathy and compassion, and we seek to understand one another."
Join us this Sunday as we continue exploring our Guiding Principles and how they shape our community. This week we'll reflect on "We are Open-Minded," while also joining churches around the globe in celebration of World Communion Sunday. We're also excited for Emily Beach to share her musical gifts in worship! We hope to see you Sunday in person, or online, at 10:30am.
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PLATE OFFERING for SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6:
UCC Appeal for Hurricane Helene Relief
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Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida on September 26, bringing a devastating 20-foot storm surge and 140 mph winds. Over 130 people have been confirmed dead, with this number rising, and over 2 million are without power. An estimated $160 billion in damage has been caused; the full extent of the damage is still being realized. Three UCC church buildings on Florida’s Gulf Coast suffered significant damage. The UCC has a long history of supporting communities as they recover from disaster and their plight fades from the headlines. Your support will ensure that communities are accompanied for years as they rebuild.
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FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH FAMILY PLAYDATE
Sunday, October 6 - Following Worship
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Meet at the San Pedro Beach in Pacifica near Taco Bell Cantina (we will gather on the beach just north of the restaurant). Pick up Taco Bell food to eat or bring your own lunch. Please bring your own picnic blanket, beach toys, chairs etc. and RSVP to Sheryl if you can make it.
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Join us for a special Pet Blessing Service Sunday, October 6 at 5pm on the grassy lawn. Bring your furry (and non-furry) friends for a blessing and a chance to connect with other pet-loving members of our community.
All pets are welcome, but we do ask that you please keep your pets on a leash or in your arms during the service.
Let's celebrate the joy and companionship that our pets bring to our lives.
See you there!
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There are so many issues on the ballot in November, it can be quite overwhelming. We have been invited to join other faith communities to learn more about Prop 36, which proposes extending “three strikes”-style sentencing to low-level nonviolent drug and theft offenses. The presenter, Kalimah Salahuddin, will provided insight on how this will impact vulnerable, young people, in our community-one wrong decision made by a young person could set their life on a trajectory that could otherwise be avoided. Kalimah Salahuddin currently serves as the President of the Jefferson Union High School District Board of Education and is in her 12th and last year. She is a Past President of the San Mateo County School Boards Association (SMCSBA), where she served for two years and continues to serve as an area representative. | |
PARKING REMINDER:
Please don't park in the Medical Office parking lot
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We don't currently have permission to park in the lot. We are working on gaining access to additional parking. Please keep good relations with our neighbors by respecting our agreements—which right now means please don't park in the lot kitty-corner from the front of the church on Tilton and San Mateo Drive. | |
Z QUARTET
Saturday, October 12, 5:00 PM • Kloss Hall
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Musical Tapas with the Z Quartet
Don’t you love when the Z Quartet plays for worship? What about an evening with them? Come sample the Z Quartet’s delightful mix of diverse sounds by composers including Giddens, Gershwin, and Bacewicz.
Invite your friends to Kloss Hall, Saturday, October 12, for wine and cheese at 5:00PM. RSVP by clicking HERE. Childcare provided.
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SECOND HOUR: HISPANIC LATINO HERITAGE MONTH
Sunday, October 13, 12:00 PM • Buckham Room
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As Hispanic Latino Heritage Month draws to an end, we invite you to join us for a special Second Hour unpacking the history of the month and why it's important for us to celebrate and observe as a congregation. Led by Rev.Álvaro Durán, this is sure to be educational and fun!
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LIFEMOVES 15TH ANNUAL BENEFIT CONCERT
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2024
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Next meeting: Monday, Oct. 14, 7:15 - 8:45 PM on Zoom.
If you care deeply about wise ways to negotiate tough group, community, and societal challenges, please consider coming to the first meeting of the discussion group Spiritual Conversations. We will begin our fall series with the book Power and Love: A Theory and Practice of Social Change by Adam Kahane.
As a negotiator, Kahane shows how the drives of power and love can be integrated by telling stories from his work in South Africa, India, and Israel. He also shares his personal learning process with honest self-reflection.
We meet every other Monday on Zoom. If you are interested, please contact Chris Wuthmann for the reading and Zoom link at cewuthmann@gmail.com. All are welcome.
Power without love is reckless and abusive, and love without power is sentimental and anemic.
—Martin Luther King
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RECOLOGY HOME RECYCLING WORKSHOP
Tuesday, October 22, 12:00 PM • Buckham Room - Lunch Provided
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The proper recycling of household items can be a confusing and frustrating experience. Does black plastic go in the outside blue recycling bin or in the black trash bin? Does a jar containing old use-by-date food go in the trash bin or the green composting bin? And what about paint or chemical fluids? Where do they go?
To help answer these and other questions you might have on municipal trash collection and recycling in San Mateo, Susan Lake and the Environmental Justice Ministry have arranged for a representative from Recology to come give a special workshop on home recycling and recycling at CCSM.
All are welcome and encouraged to attend. To help us plan for food, please email Susan at susan.a.lake15@gmail.com by October 18 to let us know how many will be attending. Thanks!
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DAY OF SERVICE FOR MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH
Sunday, October 13, 10:15 AM
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Please meet at Millbrae BART station fare collection area at 10:15 OR at Glide Memorial Church in San Francisco at 11:15am. We will serve lunch at Glide and then eat our own lunches before going over to attend Open Cathedral's worship service and then hand out blessing bags to those in attendance. Please RSVP by Oct 10 to Sheryl and bring a loaded Clipper card, bagged lunch, water bottle, and weather-appropriate clothes.
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Install tankless water heaters at faucets and showers throughout your home.
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CCSM Council of Ministries
Email COM@CCSM-UCC.org to connect to any ministry!
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Kay Harris, Council of Ministries Lead
Jim Schwandt, Building and Grounds
Kim Rey, Troy Grabow, Children, Youth and Families
Melodie Lew, Congregational Care
Sandy McNabb, Connect and Celebrate
Gary H. White, Environmental Justice
Alison Schwandt, Engagement/Communications
Julien Phillips, Latino/a Ministry
Pam Ridlehuber, Liturgical Arts
Katie Bylander, Music
Genel Morgan, Sharon Tobin, Service and Justice
Dave Olsen, Spiritual Life/Adult Ed.
Ivan Raikov, Stewardship
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Email Kay Harris to get connected to a Ministry Lead anytime! | |
Submit an Announcement
If you would like to submit an announcement, please send it to:
zmullery@ccsm-ucc.org
The weekly deadline is 10am on Tuesdays.
All submissions are subject to editing.
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Regular Office Hours:
9:00am - 4:00pm
Monday - Thursday
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