Beloved Community,

Throughout our Annual Giving Campaign we have been sharing stories of beauty, hearing why people give to support our mission and ministry, and we have celebrated the good work that came before us, is happening now, and what will continue through our gifts with God’s help.

When we talk of being good stewards of all the resources God has entrusted to us, we often talk of time, treasures, and talents. Today I want to invite you to think about how you can share your time and talents for the collective work God is calling us to in 2027 and beyond.

As part of the United Church of Christ, we affirm and practice the belief of the “priesthood of all believers,” meaning that every member is called to ministry, not just ordained clergy. Lay leaders, volunteers, and clergy share the work of the church in this collective responsibility. We are partners not only with those we serve alongside, but those who came before us and those who will come after us.

In order for us to best live out our mission we need not only volunteers, but lay leaders who will organize, share the work, and act on behalf of all of us. As Paul reminds us in the letter to the Corinthians, there are many parts, but one body. Each of us brings different gifts, and the church needs every one of them.

At our Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 10, we will vote on the people we trust to lead us in this work. I hope you’ll prayerfully consider who might be called to serve, including yourself.

Open roles include:

Board of Directors (2 year term):
Treasurer
Member at Large
Ministry Leads (1 year term):
Congregational Care
Community Life
Committee Members for:
Building & Grounds
Endowment
Finance
Leadership & Governance
Pastoral Relations
Personnel

Brief descriptions for each role are listed on the Leadership Nomination Form. Nominations are due Tuesday, October 27 at 5pm. You can submit them online HERE or by emailing Holly Allen, chair of our Leadership & Governance Committee. If you have questions about any of these roles, Holly is happy to help.

Thanks be to God for those who have said “YES” to the task of leadership in our church, and for those who are prayerfully considering answering this call.

With hope and gratitude,

Rev. JV

Make Your Intention Today

JOIN US ON NOVEMBER 16!

Buy Tickets & Invite a Friend to Hear Gregory M. Walton 🎤

Monday, November 16 from 7 - 8:30pm in the Sanctuary

Buy Tickets

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

At the October Music and Art Guild meeting, Rev. Álvaro explored how humans honor death through art, music, poetry, architecture, and dance. Afterwards, members contemplated their own mortality by creating art that visualized their priorities and legacies.

A look back at this week with CYF! From Children’s & Youth Worship to Sunday youth group, the energy and joy our young people bring each week continues to be such a blessing.

THIS WEEK

Nominate a Leader 🖐

Due Tuesday, October 27

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: Treasurer and Member at Large (2 open positions)
Ministry Leads (Congregational Care, Community Life)
Committees (Building & Grounds, Endowment, Finance, Leadership & Governance, Pastoral Relations, Personnel)

Nominations may be submitted online by clicking the link below or by emailing Holly Allen.

Nominate a Leader

Second Hour: Protecting What Matters -

Fraud, Scams & Staying Safe

Sunday, October 25 from 12 - 1pm in the Buckham Room

Join us for a vital Second Hour presentation by Matt Simi, Protecting What Matters: Fraud, Scams, and Staying Safe, on Sunday, October 25, from 12:00 to 1:00 PM in the Buckham Room. In today’s digital world, scheme tactics are constantly evolving, making it more important than ever to stay informed and vigilant. This practical session will equip you with clear tools to recognize red flags, safeguard your personal and financial information, and respond confidently if something seems suspicious. Whether you want to protect yourself or help look out for friends and family, you’ll leave with actionable strategies and peace of mind.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Dia de los Muertos & All Saints Day

Wednesday, October 28 and Sunday, November 1

This sacred time of remembering will be celebrated in two services.

Our Latino Ministry will host a special Dia de los Muertos on Wednesday, October 28 where we will come together to create our communal remembrance altar, a symbol of our shared respect and love for our departed loved ones. We invite you to bring photographs, commemorative objects and offerings of bread and fruit. We can't wait to see you there!

6:00PM: Children's Activities - Children and youth will learn about Latin American traditions honoring the dead with sugar skull decorating, marigold flower crafting, coloring, storytelling, and special snacks! (We may even feature a screening of Coco!)
7:15PM: Memorial Service - Join us in the sanctuary for worship, followed by a special coffee hour immediately after the service.

All Saints Day will be observed in worship on Sunday, November 1st. We invite you to send in names of your loved ones to be remembered at our All Saints service. Please send to Kim by Tuesday, October 27.

Concerts in America

Friday, October 30 from 7:30 - 8:45pm

Come and see Ernest Aines: Slow Roll at CCSM. It will be an evening built on a single hinge: the move between the acoustic and the electric. Use the discount code CONGREGATION to get 20% off your ticket(s).

Buy Tickets

LEARN & TAKE ACTION

A big thank you to everyone who has hosted our Happy Coffee Hour! We are now looking for volunteer hosts for the remaining dates.

11/8 - 2 hosts
11/15 - 1 host
11/22 - 1 host
11/29 - 2 hosts

12/6 - 1 host
12/20 - 2 hosts
12/27 - 2 hosts

Hosting is simple, fun, and a wonderful way to support our CCSM community. Never hosted before? We’ll gladly pair you with an experienced host so you can see just how easy it is! You can also team up and sign up with a friend.

Thank you for helping keep this cherished community time available to all. Please email Melodie to get the sign-up link or to ask questions!

Help us be a Resiliency Hub - Emergency Response Training

Monday, October 26 from 7 - 9pm in the Kloss Hall

How can CCSM support our neighbors during an emergency? By becoming a Resiliency Hub.

Led by the Environmental Justice Committee, this initiative would allow CCSM to provide backup power, charging stations, clean water, climate control, and food during crisis situations.

To make this vision a reality, the San Mateo Fire Department is hosting a free training session on Monday, October 26, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM in Kloss Hall. We need 12–15 volunteers to participate. Even if you choose not to volunteer during an active emergency, you will gain invaluable safety and preparedness skills.

Want to help? Please let us know if you can attend. For questions, contact Gary White or Ret. Chief Jim Granucci.

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