Beloved Community,

First, I would just like to share a heartfelt “Thank You,” from Rev. Jorge for all of your love, prayers, and concern following last week’s incident outside Coast Guard Island. I spoke with him yesterday, and while he’s still experiencing pain and headaches, he is feeling better than expected given the severity of what happened. Thanks be to God. Jorge shared how grateful he is for CCSM’s steadfast support. Please continue to hold him in your prayers as he recovers.

Like many of you, I’m relieved Jorge is okay, but my concern for our neighbors is growing, especially with the looming loss of SNAP benefits for 40 million Americans, many of them children, elders, caregivers, and people with disabilities.

That said, I continue to find hope in stories of care and neighborly love in cities across our country. This morning I watched a story about a coffee shop in Portland called “Heretic Coffee” (don’t you love the name?). They began offering free “SNAP breakfasts” to those losing benefits. Their owner is committed to feeding people even if it means they “go broke trying.” A friend suggested that they put up a donation link, thinking they could raise a few hundred dollars. In a matter of days they have raised over $87,000! In tears, the owner of the coffee shop shared that one of the donations was for $1.17, one-dollar and seventeen cents. The owner was so moved that this $1.17 was clearly all this person could spare to share, and they did. Every gift matters. No dream too big, no gift too small.

If you feel called to share a gift this week, here are a few ways you can help right now through CCSM and our local partners:

Call Primrose: We’re $800 short of our Thanksgiving cooking oil fund goal. You can make a gift via our website or app and select Call Primrose.
Blessing Box: Place non-perishable food items in our Blessing Box at ANY time, or bring items to church on Sunday for our dedicated team of volunteers to fill the box throughout the week.
Samaritan House: Traffic is picking up at their daily meal service. Could you volunteer one afternoon a month? Contact Jim Granucci.
Halloween Snack Drive: Drop off kid-friendly snacks (cheese sticks, mandarins, apples, packs of ramen, apple sauce pouches, cereal cups, jerky/meat sticks, fruit cups, mac-n-cheese cups, etc.) for distribution at the church this Friday.
Second Harvest: Make a gift to our local food bank that supports San Mateo County.

I know this is already a long email, but it’s full of important updates! Please keep reading for a special invitation to Dia de los Muertos, All Saints Sunday, our New Member Lunch, and a special event to kick-off Advent on November 30.

Thank you, for being the hands, feet, and face of God, and for every act of kindness, generosity, and love you share. I’m so honored to join you in this sacred work.

With gratitude,

Jessica

Click the video for a special invitation from Rev. Álvaro to Dia de los Muertos tonight!

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

Parents' Night Out success! Huge thanks to our hosts, John Ebneter and Teresa Gebler.

Another fun evening at Youth Faith Formation, this week included wrapping Mike Harris up as a mummy.

Gary White, Lead of our Environmental Justice Ministry, received the award for Power and Light at the California Inter-faith Power & Light awards dinner at Green's in San Francisco.

Ellie, one of our youngest CCSMers, felt called to walk up and join Reverend Jessica in her opening remarks this past Sunday.

THIS WEEK

Dia de los Muertos (tonight!) & All Saints Day

Wednesday, October 29 at 6pm and Sunday, November 2 at 10:30am

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

Our Latino Ministry will host a special Dia de los Muertos tonight, Wednesday, October 29 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 will reveal our embroidered memorial tablecloth. We can't wait to see you there!

6:00PM: Children's Activities - Children and youth will learn more about this holiday and other Latin American traditions that honor the dead. They'll decorate sugar skulls, make flowers, and share special snacks!
7:15PM: Memorial Service (Tamales will be served immediately after!)

Join us this Sunday for All Saints Day as we gather to honor the sacred connections that bind us across time and space. In our All Saints service, we'll light candles to remember those whose light continues to shine in our hearts, and share in the fellowship of communion.

Golden Gate Association Fall Gathering

Saturday, November 1 from 8:30am - 1:30pm

All are invited to join congregations from across our region for the Golden Gate Association Fall Gathering on Saturday, November 1, at the Congregational Church of the Peninsula in Belmont.

This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with friends and colleagues from sister UCC churches in the Bay Area, celebrate the ministries we share, and discern together how God is still speaking in our communities. Our own Rev. Jessica will help lead worship, with Rev. Jorge Bautista preaching and Rosa Los Santos sharing her music.

Whether you’re new to CCSM or have been part of our church family for years, you’ll be inspired by the worship, conversation, and spirit of unity that make our UCC connection so special.

COMING UP

CCSM & You: New Member Lunch

Sunday, November 9 from 12 - 2pm

Whether you're new to CCSM or have been around a while, come learn more about our church, discover ways to get involved, and explore why membership might be the right step for you. No pressure, just connection and conversation! Contact Alison Schwandt to learn more or RSVP. We'd love to welcome you more fully into the life of the church.

Our Home Same Mateo Rally

Tuesday, November 11 at 6pm

The fight for renter protections is now more critical than ever. Since the San Mateo City Council rejected renter proposals in April, worsening federal actions have drastically impacted low-income and Latino communities.

As the City Council revisits the discussion on evictions and forced displacement, please plan to rally with us to demonstrate our determination to protect our neighbors. Our collective presence will urge them to counter federal trends by enacting measures designed to keep renters in their homes. Members of the press are expected—let’s show our strength!

Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity Benefit Concert

Thursday, November 13th, 6pm doors open

This annual concert brings together musicians, poets, and storytellers who use their gifts to inspire hope and solidarity across differences. It’s a beautiful reminder that in times of fear and division, love and community are our strongest response.

CCSM supports IM4HI’s ongoing work for justice and dignity for immigrants and those impacted by incarceration. Attend, bring friends, and be renewed by an evening of powerful music and storytelling.

Learn more or purchase tickets at bit.ly/2025LoveOverFear.

Thanksgiving Potluck Service

Wednesday, November 26 at 7pm

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

View our full calendar

TAKE ACTION

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.

We have 48 households/individuals who have pledged so far, totaling $224,120.

Support Our Shared Dream

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

Share CCSM Job Openings with Your Network

We are currently seeking a skilled and collaborative Organist/Pianist to support our worship and music ministries. This part-time role includes accompanying Sunday worship, choir rehearsals, and special services throughout the year.

We are also looking for an Interim Choir Director to lead our 12–18 member volunteer choir in rehearsals, Sunday worship, and occasional special services during this season of transition.

We’re seeking a thoughtful and energetic leader to guide and shape our ministry with children, youth, and families (CYF) in a diverse, intergenerational, and multicultural congregation. The CYF Director will develop and lead engaging, age-appropriate programs on Sundays and Wednesdays, support youth group and family events, and foster deep connections across generations. Share with your Linkedin network.

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