Beloved Community,

As heartbreak and chaos unfold in places like Chicago and Portland, and as cruel policies continue to target our immigrant siblings and those who stand up to care for their neighbor, I find hope in remembering that Jesus never promised calm waters, but he did show us how to walk through the storm with compassion, courage, and love.

I admire my colleagues in my home state of Illinois who continue to show up in courage and compassion to hold space and pray with those wrongfully detained. I applaud the neighbors who peacefully surround those being detained and non-violently, with their voices and their cellphones, put the pressure on ICE to release and recede. I say, AMEN, when I watch the Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, pastor of our sister church, Trinity United Church of Christ, remind his flock of Chicagoans and churches across the city:

"We are joining faith communities in Illinois and faith communities across this nation declaring that our faith is stronger than fear. We lift our voices together so that the world knows fear will not divide us, silence us, or stop us from seeking justice. We resist the rise of white Christian nationalism, and we boldly declare that this will not be a country living under authoritarian rule. We stand in the tradition of our ancestors who chose faith over fear, justice over injustice, and courage over silence. Today we join our voices with theirs. We are the salt of the earth, we are the light of the world, and never forget, salt always melts ice, and light always drives out darkness."

Every every meal shared, every child welcomed, every voice raised for justice, and dollar shared to support our neighbors, is a practice of resistance against hate, fear, and despair. I see it right here at CCSM: families teaching kids to skateboard in the parking lot, friends pulling up lawn chairs on our front lawn to talk and catch up, Samaritan House guests laughing as they share dinner in our renovated Pine Tree space, neighbors stopping by with pets to be blessed. This, too, is resistance: a living, breathing sanctuary. An inn for respite in a hurting, weary world.

As I prepare to step away for vacation this Sunday after worship, I do so with deep gratitude for this community that keeps embodying God’s welcome right here, every day, and for the ways you continue to resist fear with love and compassion.

In hope,

Jessica

P.S. If you haven't already, 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.

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

Joyful Noise serenades the congregation with I'm Gonna Sit at the Welcome Table prior to communion.

We give thanks for our Posy Posse Ministry whose ministry wrapped for the season at the end of September. These are just three smiles representing all the hearts they touched this year.

Another successful animal blessing took place this past Saturday on the front lawn, complete with many four-legged friends.

Youth group making pizza in celebration of World Communion Sunday!

THIS WEEK

Village Pop-Up Bar & Conversation Center

Thursday, October 9 from 7 - 8:30pm in the Fireplace Room

The Village Pop-Up Bar and Conversation Center will be open for business again this 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

Celebration of Life Service for Dorothy Gorman

Saturday, October 11 from 10am - 12pm in the Buckham Room

Join us for a Celebration of Life Service in loving memory of Dorothy Gorman on Saturday, October 11 at 10am in the Buckham Room.

If you have questions, please contact Betsy Woodward.

Second Hour with Dr. Musimbi Kanyoro

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

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. She will speak to us about the impact of global uncertainty on communities that have originally benefited from Development Aid. Learn more about her work and background here.

Rev. Jessica will be Out of Office

October 13 - 22

Rev. Jessica will be on vacation from October 13-22.

For pastoral care and worship needs, contact Rev. Álvaro Durán. For office or facility questions, contact Chase Montara. For Connections/Bulletin submissions, contact Kim Rey.

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 33 households/individuals who have pledged so far, totaling $152,640.

Support Our Shared Dream

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

Join Us For Parents' Night Out

Saturday, October 25, 6 - 8pm

Mark your calendar for the next Parents' 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 kim@ccsm-ucc.org with how many will attend, and let us know if you'll need childcare.

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

To sign up, please email Melodie Lew.

Share Music 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. The full job description is here.

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. The full job description is here.

Have You Downloaded the Church Center App?

We now have 152 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

Music and Art Guild

Friday, October 17 at 12pm in the Buckham Room

Pat Pepper, long-time leader of CCSM's Music and Art Guild, was recognized for her years of service at the group's first meeting in September.

The Music and Art Guild will meet on Friday, October 17, at noon in the Buckham Room. Please bring your lunch. Dessert will be provided. After a brief meeting, we will enjoy a performance by Ying, a classically trained Chinese vocalist who regularly rehearses at our church, accompanied by Don Harper.

Migration: Shaping the Narrative

Saturday, October 18

Pacific School of Religion is hosting their annual Earl Lecture Series on the theme of Migration: Shaping the Narrative. The conference will bring together scholars, activists, and church members on Saturday, October 18. You can join in person or on-line. They are offering our congregation a 25% discount to join this important event by entering LASTCHANCE at checkout.

Learn More

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.

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

Mission Hospice 2nd Hour

Sunday, October 19 from 12 - 1pm

Mission Hospice will host this second hour talk on their offerings and specifically discuss grief support. Join us for this discussion and to begin preliminary talks about how we as a church community can better support our members through times of grief. This is part of a series of talks on end of life issues that we hope to offer throughout the year. Contact Betty Till for more information.