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"In a world that can so easily steal our joy, the love we share in community becomes the strength that carries us forward." ~ Emily Miller, activist

Beloved Community,

Yesterday, I walked out of a meeting to the news of two more tragic shootings on campuses in our country and my first thought was simply, Kyrie...Lord, in your mercy.

Just two weeks ago we grieved the shooting at Annunciation. Three months ago, we grieved the murder of Minnesota leader Melissa Hortman and her husband. I am sad, angry, scared, and mad all at once, and as your pastor, I struggle with what to say today.

My heart breaks for the families of Matthew Silverstone, Desmond Holly, and the unnamed injured victim in Evergreen, Colorado; for Charlie Kirk's family; and for all those who wounds from Sandy Hook, Columbine, Virginia Tech, Pulse, Sutherland Springs, and so many other places will never fully heal. I can only imagine what days like yesterday bring up for people like Gabby Giffords and Steve Scalise.

I'm saddened that HBCUs across the country went into lockdown after threats of violent retaliation followed the Utah shooting. I think of parents dropping kids off at school in the morning and how most of these students have already had some type of violent threat in their academic career. I think of educators who courageously continue to show up, knowing their own lives are at risk every time they step on campus. I join the millions across our country who worry what violence might still come in the wake of yesterday's events. I'm disappointed, actually, I'm mad that we collectively seem less outraged by school shootings than by other acts of violence.

And as we grieve the anniversary of 9/11 and hold space for all families and communities suffering from pain and loss today, the weight feels even heavier- not just from these acts, but from our collective response to them.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, when Peter drew his weapon to defend Jesus, Jesus told him to put it away, warning that all who "take up the sword will perish by the sword."

As a country, we must put our swords away, and two of those swords are guns and hate speech. I will keep praying for the day when our swords become plowshares as I recommit myself to doing what I can to help peace prevail on earth. And when anger threatens to consume me, as it has today, I will turn to the Divine and ask for help in remembering that even my enemies, even those who persecute us, are also children of God.

Being a peacemaker is hard work. Today is hard. And still, we pray: Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers. May peace prevail.

In hope,

Jessica

HOMECOMING AT GLANCE

Homecoming Sunday was a true community effort and we are so thankful for everyone coming together to make this past Sunday so special. Thank you to all of our volunteers: Rocio Perez, Imelda Rosa, Heather Nayak, Becky Duffy, Susan Stoddard-Phillips, Holly Allen, Ricardo Saucedo, Rosa Fonseca, Betty Till, Robert Leung, Greg Graves, Doug Henton, Carol Henton, Michelle Oberes-Padre, Donna Lindsay, Jim Lindsay, and many more who stepped in the day of to help! Thank you to our musicians, Don Harper and Rosa Los Santos, for fostering peace and joy, and thank you to our staff- especially Chase Montara, Oscar Rosa, and Alvaro Duran, for their extra efforts leading up to Homecoming, and on that day. And THANK YOU for bringing delicious side dishes and deserts, and most importantly yourselves, to make this a day to remember.

Join us for a new rhythm of learning, connection, and fun! These Sunday evening gatherings are designed especially for families who may find mornings tricky—or for anyone who wants to grow in faith and friendship during the week.



• Faith Formation (4–5pm): Separate groups for elementary and middle/high school with age-appropriate lessons, activities, and discussion.
• Light Supper (5–5:30pm): Share a simple meal and connect across ages.
• Youth Group (5:30–6:30pm): For middle & high school students—games, service, laughter, and real conversations.
• Kids Club* (5:30–6:30pm): A fellowship space for elementary-age children during Youth Group, with games and activities. *Kids Club will launch on September 21.



This evening program is in addition to our Sunday morning offerings—come for one or both!

Church Center Training and Tech Help

Sunday at 11:45am in the Fireplace Room

Church Center is our new user-friendly mobile app and web platform that helps you stay connected to CCSM wherever you are!

Anyone can download the app right away, but you'll need to request to join the directory and then accept the email invitation before you can see member contact info. We already have 115 people in the directory, and we'd love to add you too!

For Full Details and more information CLICK HERE.

Questions? Ask here or contact Veril Phillips at veril.phillips@gmail.com or at 650.393.9561.

It's not too late to share a gift with Angela in appreciation of her decades of service at CCSM. We invite you to contribute to a special Love Offering as a tangible expression of our gratitude.

Click HERE and select "Love Offering for Angela." You may also leave cards at the church office, or in the basket in the Narthex on Sunday.

COMING UP

In celebration of the upcoming “Sun Day” on Sep 21, Gary H. White and the Environmental Justice ministry will present a special Second Hour program exploring the current state of the renewable energy revolution. The fall equinox on Sep 21 has been selected as a national day of celebration of the advances of renewable energy. Climate action non-profits, faith communities, and other groups have joined forces to call attention to the tremendous advances already made and that continue to be made in the transition to a renewable energy economy. Our own UCC and affiliated churches are actively involved in planning and participating in this special event.

Come join this special Second Hour to learn more about the origin of Sun Day and the many activities that will be occurring around the country on Sep 21. Typically not adequately covered by the mainstream news, the exciting news of the explosive expansion of renewables will be shared. The role of faith communities to help move the needle on renewable energy adoption will also be explored. Lastly, we are hoping for a vibrant discussion on the topic among attendees. No reservation is necessary. Just show up in person at noon in the Buckham Room (this event will not be broadcast on Zoom).

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.

DID YOU MISS WORSHIP?

Click the video below for Rev. Jessica's sermon,

"A New Way of Belonging"

Job Position: Children, Youth, and Families (CYF) Director

We're seeking a creative and passionate leader to guide our children and youth in their faith journeys. Our CYF Director will cultivate an inclusive, engaging environment where young people and their families explore spirituality, build community, and engage in social justice. If you're called to nurture the next generation's faith development through innovative programming and meaningful relationships, we invite you to learn more about this opportunity.

Job Position: Director of Music

Where sacred tradition meets creative spirit. 

CCSM is seeking a collaborative and creative Director of Music (15–20 hours/week) to lead our choirs, plan worship music, and oversee a dynamic and inclusive music ministry. This part-time position pays $40/hour and includes benefits. We're looking for someone who can honor our rich musical tradition while thoughtfully introducing fresh, meaningful selections and styles that inspire worship and connection. Learn more about this opportunity.

CCSM Council of Ministries

Email COM@CCSM-UCC.org to connect to any ministry!

Kay Harris, Council of Ministries Lead

Kim Rey, Troy Grabow, Children, Youth and Families

Melodie Lew, Congregational Care                

Gary H. White, Environmental Justice

Alison Schwandt, Engagement 

Lauren Mathews, Alicia Santamaria,

Kerianne Steele, and Katherine Vega-Stultz, Latina/e/o Ministry       

Pam Ridlehuber, Liturgical Arts

Katie Bylander, Music        

Genel Morgan, Sharon Tobin, Service and Justice

Dave Olson, Siew Kang, Spiritual Life

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:

jessica@ccsm-ucc.org

The weekly deadline is 12PM on Mondays.

All submissions are subject to editing.

Regular Office Hours:

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Monday - Thursday