CCSM CONNECTIONS: September 25, 2024

CCSM kids and youth at the Coyote Point Coastal Cleanup on Sat., Sept 21 for International Coastal Cleanup Day!

Greetings, Church!

As part of our celebration and observance of National Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month, I've invited Rev. Álvaro to offer a reflection each week in Connections. However, before sharing Álvaro's reflection, I want to make you aware of a letter we mailed on your behalf this past week:

Last Friday, we sent a letter to Central Christian Church in Springfield, Ohio to offer words of encouragement, support, and solidarity for their congregation, and the Haitian residents in Springfield. You can read a copy of the letter HERE.

As people of faith, called to love our neighbors as ourselves, we join United Church of Christ congregations across the country in "denouncing all xenophobic, racist, and violent rhetoric and actions against immigrants in the United States, and we stand with the Haitian community in Springfield, Ohio, at this critical time."

Thus says the Lord of hosts: Render true judgments, show kindness and mercy to one another; do not oppress the widow, the orphan, the foreigner, or the poor; and do not devise evil in your hearts against one another. - Zechariah 7:9-10

May we continue to practice our faith by extending an Extravagant Welcome to ALL our neighbors, and may we stand in solidarity with those who are persecuted for who they are and where they come from.

With gratitude and love,

Jessica

A Word from Rev. Álvaro

Latino culture and spiritual traditions have profoundly impacted American Christianity, enriching its practices and broadening its scope. According to Dr. Luis L. Rodriguez in "Latino Spirituality: A Love Affair with God," Latino Christians emphasize community, family, and a deep connection to their faith that brings new vibrancy to worship practices. This emphasis on communal spirituality often manifests in rich rituals such as the Día de los Muertos, which, while rooted in Indigenous traditions, celebrates Christian ideals of life transcendence and holiness.

Here at CCSM, Latinos have brought their cultural heritage into worship with food, flavours, music, and rhythms from across the continent deeply rooted in Latino spirituality and social struggles for liberation and justice. Have you been part of our Wednesday bilingual worship service? What have you enjoyed and connected with most?

As noted by Dr. Samuel Rodriguez in "Courageous Faith: How to Rise and Stand for Your Beliefs," the vibrant expressions of faith and spirituality found within Latino communities often challenge traditional norms, inspiring inclusivity and diversity within American Christianity.

As Latino populations grow in the U.S., their cultural and spiritual contributions enrich their communities' faith and inspire broader movements within American Christianity, inviting all to engage in a fuller, more diverse expression of faith.

DID YOU MISS WORSHIP?

CLICK HERE for last Sunday's entire service.

CLICK HERE for Rev. Jessica's sermon,

"We Are a Spiritual Community"

THIS WEEK AT CCSM

Wednesday, September 25

4:00 - 6:00 PM — Samaritan House Meal Service, Kloss Hall

7:00 - 8:30 PM — Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary

7:15 - 8:45 PM — Bilingual (Spanish/English) Worship and Potluck, Kloss Hall

12:00 Midnight — Pine Tree Submission Deadline, to Zoe

Thursday, September 26

10:15 - 11:30 AM — Women's Coffee Group, Hillsdale Mall Food Court (contact Linda Skromme)

3:00 - 4:00 PM — Latino Ministry Meeting, Library Upstairs

4:00 - 6:00 PM — Samaritan House Meal Service, Kloss Hall

6:30 - 8:30 PM — Finance Committee Meeting, Buckham Room

7:00 - 8:30 PM — Sound Bath, Kloss Hall

Friday, September 27

4:00 - 6:00 PM — Samaritan House Meal Service, Kloss Hall

Saturday, September 28

8:30 - 10:30 AM — CC Riders Weekly Bike Ride (contact Peter Held)

10:30 AM — Coffee with CC Riders, Village Hub in Woodside (3154 Woodside Road)

Sunday, September 29

9:45 - 10:15 AM — Joyful Noise, CE building Community Room

10:30 - 11:30 AM — Worship Service in person and online

10:45 - 11:30 AM — Youth and Children's Programs, CE Building

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM — Coffee Hour, Kloss Hall

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM — Music Ministry Meeting, Fireplace Room

11:45 AM - 1:00 PM — Gran'Its 5th-8th Grade Lunch with Sheryl, front lawn wishing well

Monday, September 30

4:00 - 6:00 PM — Samaritan House Meal Service, Kloss Hall

7:00 - 8:00 PM — English Together Language Sharing Session, Buckham Room

7:15 - 8:45 PM — Spiritual Conversations, Zoom, contact Chris Wuthmann

Tuesday, October 1

10:00 - 11:30 AM — Men’s Coffee Group, Hillsdale Mall Food Court

12:00 - 2:30 PM — Posy Posse Luncheon, Memorial Garden

4:00 - 6:00 PM — Samaritan House Meal Service, Kloss Hall

Wednesday, October 2

4:00 - 6:00 PM — Samaritan House Meal Service, Kloss Hall

7:00 - 8:30 PM — Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary

7:15 - 8:45 PM — Bilingual (Spanish/English) Worship and Potluck, Kloss Hall

40 Days, 40 Prayers

As we prepare to go to the polls

As the election approaches, we encourage you to take a moment to pause, reflect, and center yourself from all of that is swirling in our heads and on the news. Launched by the Potomac Association, this 40-day prayer resource is adapted from Rev. Karen Winkel. It includes prompts for every day of the week. We encourage you to engage with this beautiful praxis as we approach an important time in our history. Click the button below for all 40 days of prayers, grab a copy of the prayers outside the sanctuary, or follow our Facebook stories for a daily post.

40 Days, 40 Prayers

SOUND JOURNEY, SEPTEMBER 26

A sound journey is an immersive somatic experience. Our nervous systems need to be recalibrated on a regular basis. Each experience builds on the next and supports us to be more connected to the liminal space, sharpen our intuition, and experience deep peace. Join Chuck to experience this yourself on Thursday, September 26 at 7:00 PM. Register at thelogosmethod.com

This Sunday in Worship

"We celebrate Jesus’ teachings of radical equality and the differences among us including, but not limited to: race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, immigration status, age, and mental and physical disabilities. No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here."

Join us this Sunday as we continue exploring our Guiding Principles and how they shape our community. This week we'll reflect on "We are Inclusive." How have we embraced this principle? How can we better practice this core value? How do we move beyond inclusion? We hope to see you Sunday in person, or online, at 10:30am!

PLATE OFFERING for SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29:

Peninsula Family Service

Peninsula Family Service (PFS) provides essential services across San Mateo County, including childcare, senior care, financial aid, transportation, and mental health support. Your donation helps us continue these vital programs and support thousands of individuals and families.

Make a Gift

GRAN'ITS LUNCH this Sunday!

September 29th at 11:45am

Gran'its (5th-8th grade Youth) are invited to meet Sheryl on the lawn by the "wishing well" to go eat tacos/burritos at Los Primos restaurant (off Ellsworth) to hang out and talk about plans for the fall. Bring your ideas for service projects, discussion topics, and social events. If possible, please bring $10-15 in cash to cover lunch (no problem if you can't, we will cover you!).

PARKING REMINDER:

Please don't park in the Medical Office parking lot

We don't currently have permission to park in the lot. We are working on gaining access to additional parking. Please keep good relations with our neighbors by respecting our agreements—which right now means please don't park in the lot kitty-corner from the front of the church on Tilton and San Mateo Drive.

SPIRITUAL CONVERSATIONS STARTS UP SEPT. 30

First meeting: Monday, Sept. 30, 7:15 - 8:45 PM on Zoom.

If you care deeply about wise ways to negotiate tough group, community, and societal challenges, please consider coming to the first meeting of the discussion group Spiritual Conversations. We will begin our fall series with the book Power and Love: A Theory and Practice of Social Change by Adam Kahane.

As a negotiator, Kahane shows how the drives of power and love can be integrated by telling stories from his work in South Africa, India, and Israel. He also shares his personal learning process with honest self-reflection.

We meet every other Monday on Zoom. If you are interested, please contact Chris Wuthmann for the reading and Zoom link at cewuthmann@gmail.com. All are welcome.

Power without love is reckless and abusive, and love without power is sentimental and anemic.

—Martin Luther King

ÁLVARO AWAY SEPTEMBER 25-October 1

Please note that Rev. Álvaro has had to extend his time away, and he will return to CCSM on Wednesday, October 2.

COMING UP

PARENTS NIGHT OUT!

Saturday, October 5, 6-8pm • Kim and Javi Rey's home

Need a night off? Looking to connect with other parents, grandparents, and guardians at CCSM? We've got you covered! Join us for a much-needed kids-free dinner. Let's take a break from the hustle and bustle and enjoy some quality time together.

Childcare WILL be available at the church from 5:30pm-8:30pm, but reservations need to be made in advance. RSVP for dinner and/or childcare to sjohnson@ccsm-ucc.org by October 1.

First Sunday of the month family playdate!

Sunday, October 6 - 11:45am

We're looking for ideas on how to spend this time together!

What would you like to do? Go to the beach in Pacifica? (We had great weather last year on this date!), Play games at church and eat pizza? Take a hike together? Our CYF Ministry would LOVE to hear your suggestions!

Please let Sheryl know what sounds good for your family!

Join us for a special Pet Blessing Service Sunday, October 6 at 5pm on the grassy lawn. Bring your furry (and non-furry) friends for a blessing and a chance to connect with other pet-loving members of our community.

All pets are welcome, but we do ask that you please keep your pets on a leash or in your arms during the service.

Let's celebrate the joy and companionship that our pets bring to our lives.

See you there!

Z QUARTET

Saturday, October 12, 5:00 PM • Kloss Hall

Musical Tapas with the Z Quartet

Don’t you love when the Z Quartet plays for worship? What about an evening with them? Come sample the Z Quartet’s delightful mix of diverse sounds by composers including Giddens, Gershwin, and Bacewicz.

Invite your friends to Kloss Hall, Saturday, October 12, for wine and cheese at 5:00PM. RSVP by clicking HERE. Childcare provided.