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Dearest Church Family and Friends, 

Each year that I have had the privilege to be the Board of Directors’ Moderator I have prayed about and selected a scripture that would be one of the centering points for our work as your chosen leadership team. This year’s scripture came from 1 Peter 3, 15 and 16. I share it here through verse 17:

“Sanctify Christ as lord in your hearts, always be ready to make your defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope. But do it with gentleness and respect and with a clear conscience, so that, while you are being slandered, those who are disparaging your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For if it is the will of God, it is better to suffer for doing right than for doing wrong.”

– The Revised New Jerusalem Bible 

When those verses came to mind, I had no idea what was ahead for this year of course. I was building on the scripture I was led to in 2024 which was Jeremiah 29:11 which speaks of God promising a future and a hope and my Star Word for 2025, Stability.

I am always ready to defend the reasons for my hope for CCSM. We have a beautiful congregation that is open and welcoming and is working to embrace the community that surrounds us, which for many of us, looks very different than ourselves and the community of our past. This makes me very proud. 

We entered our season of Annual Giving Discernment this past weekend. We asked you at Homecoming Sunday to think about what brought you to CCSM and this week we asked you to dream about what CCSM might become as a part of our campaign Dreaming God’s Dream. We want you to dream big, dream expansively, dream like a child might dream about their life ahead. 

Our past is a firm foundation that is solid enough to build a powerful home of ministry. We can touch so many lives if we work together towards the common goal of serving our God together. It is easy to focus on the scarcity that surrounds us and fall into a scarcity mindset. I believe it is time for us to rest in the abundance of God. Remember the story of the feeding of the 5000, God provides enough and more if we trust in them. 

Let’s Dream God’s Dream together and move CCSM towards the resource stability that makes our work together possible. 

With you in Christ’s Service, 

Don Ruthroff,

CCSM Board of Directors’ Moderator

DRuthroff@gmail.com

415.305.8610 

Welcome Kim Rey to the CCSM Staff!

We are thrilled to welcome Kim Rey to the CCSM staff as our Transitional Communications and Administrative Coordinator! Kim grew up at CCSM and currently serves as co-chair of our CYF Ministries. Kim recently concluded a 10-year career at Shutterfly, where she advanced to Senior Manager, CRM, leading a team focused on high-impact email, push, and SMS programs and customer engagement.

In this transitional role, Kim will support communications and administrative needs and help us evaluate and shape the long-term scope of the position. Starting next week, she'll be in the office Tuesdays-Thursdays, approximately 15 hours a week.

Say hello and welcome Kim at Kim@ccsm-ucc.org!

Call for Leadership Nominations

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 (Moderator, Vice-Moderator, Secretary, At-Large Members)
• Council of Ministries Lead (Also serves on the Board)
• Ministry Leads (Liturgical Arts, Congregational Care, Service & Justice)
• Committee Chairs (Stewardship, Building & Grounds). 

Nominations may be submitted online by clicking the link below or by emailing Frank Garritano.

Submission Deadline: Monday, October 6 at 5pm.

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 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.



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 Kloss Hall

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.

COMING UP

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 and

our Annual Giving Kick-Off by Martha Bronitsky, Finance Committee Chair

"Dreaming God's Dream: No Gift too Small, No Dream too Big"

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:

Kim@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