Beloved Community,

It’s hard to believe another year has passed, and as summer draws to an end, we’re once again gathering for our beloved Homecoming celebration.

In worship this week, we’ll wrap up our series “Deep Roots, Wide Branches” with a bilingual celebration. We’re excited to welcome our Wednesday night musician, Rosa Los Santos, to worship! She and Don Harper will lead us in both new and familiar tunes (keep reading for a video of our opening song that you can listen to and learn in advance!). We’ll share in communion, prayer, and our plate offering for the Emergency Assistance Fund, which continues to support our members and neighbors every month through your generosity. Your gifts are changing lives.

After worship, the celebration continues in Kloss Hall and on the Front Lawn with food, music, games, and YES, there will even be dancing and balloon hats! CCSM will provide the main dishes (meat and veggie options) and drinks — we invite you to bring a dish that says “home” to you!

As Sunday approaches, I want to really encourage you to not only join us, but to think about who you can invite to this celebration.

Who haven’t you seen in a while? Who would you love to introduce to our community? Who could use a day of joy and connection? Send them a text. Pick up the phone and invite them to join us. Offer them a ride to church!

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

So, before you keep reading this email (which I hope you do because it’s filled with important reminders, updates, and opportunities) pause and ask yourself: Is there someone you can reach out to right now?

I can’t wait to break bread with all of you on Sunday!

In peace and love,

Jessica

P.S. Thank you for your prayers for Natalia last week! The judge ended up not ruling on her case, but will instead issue written decision in the next 8 weeks. Your prayers were certainly felt in the courtroom last Saturday, and we were very grateful there was no ICE presence as we entered and left the building. I ask that you continue to hold Natalia in prayer as she awaits this decision- she is so grateful for the support of her faith community in this time of trial and season of waiting.

Want to help make the day a success? We still need a few volunteers!

We're looking for folks to help with set-up and clean-up on Sunday. Click the button below to sign up today!

Homecoming Help

Learn our Opening Worship Song!

Click Here for the Lyrics

This Sunday, during our Homecoming service, we will embrace the lively spirit of “Vamos todos al banquete” (“Let’s All Go to the Banquet”), a beloved song from the Salvadoran Popular Mass by Guillermo Cuéllar. Born from a deep faith and rich cultural Criollo roots, this melody invites us to envision a grand table where everyone—regardless of their origin—has a place and a purpose. Cuéllar’s song reflects his lifelong spiritual journey, inspired by the sermons of Fr. Rutilio Grande and Monseñor Óscar Romero, as well as the hope of the oppressed Salvadoran people for a community united in justice, humility, and love. It echoes the universal call to share, to lift each other, and to remember that at God's banquet, no one is left out or empty-handed.

TONIGHT!

"Pop-Up Bar- Building the Village"

Thursday, September 4, 7:30pm

The Fireplace Room

Dave Olson, Spiritual Life Co-Chair, invites you to gather in the Fireplace Room for an evening of conversation around rebuilding real connections in our increasingly isolated world. We'll discuss Derek Thompson's Atlantic article "The Anti-Social Century," (LINKED HERE) over snacks and drinks, exploring why we spend more time alone or online and less time building community together.

How can we strengthen the bonds that make us neighbors, not just strangers sharing the same space? Copies of the article will also be available at the Gratitude Table during coffee hour.

Let's see if we can help prevent this from being known as "the anti-social century."

THIS WEEK

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! It features a church directory, calendar, options to give, connect with volunteer opportunities, small groups, and more. This will replace our current Church Life app.

This Sunday is our official launch! If you plan to come to the Church Center demonstration, let Veril know in advance- it will speed up your access to the online directory on Sunday.

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 107 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

Sunday Evenings Together: Kids, Youth, & Community

Begins Sunday, September 14

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!

View our full calendar on our website

CHURCH SNAPSHOTS

It was a gift to welcome Joseph Augusto, a organizing member of the California Gig Workers Union, to worship! Special thanks to Kerianne Steele for helping us bring "Labor to the Pulpit."

Members of our choir and music ministry met this week to explore ways of welcoming guest musicians and recruiting new music staff during this season of transition.

Our Pebbles Sunday School class (pre-K through 1st grade) uses art to understand and share God's love.

Our Circulo de Mujeres for Latina women gathered at Seal Point for a walk and picnic, sharing stories of faith, family, and community in a spirit of empowerment and connection.

DID YOU MISS WORSHIP?

CLICK HERE for Last Sunday's Entire Service

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

"The Work We Share"

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

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.