Connections: June 1, 2022
Dear beloved community,

It is somewhat surreal that this will be my last Connections. This Sunday is my farewell Sunday after 15 years. We’ve had such a great partnership. 

Though I am leaving church ministry, I will always hold you in my heart with love.

Hope many of you will be able to join in community for Sunday’s service in person or online as we close out one chapter of CCSM history, and begin a new chapter. We will be welcoming new members—a sign of a bright future!

Today I leave with you one of my favorite poems by Wendell Berry. The world has seemed so heavy lately— I hope you will find a way to get out in nature and rest in grace. 

When despair for the world grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,
I go and lie down where the wood drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.
I come into the peace of wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought
of grief. I come into the presence of still water.
And I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting with their light. For a time
I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.

This is not goodbye, but farewell— “fare thee well”—you’ll will continue to do wonderful things and you are a fabulous community who cares for each other and are held by a rich history, a talented staff and fantastic leaders. 

All my best to you, always,

Penny
Many folks have asked “So what is our relationship now that you will no longer be my pastor?”
 
I want to reassure you that my love and concern for you all will continue. And it’s also true, that when a minister leaves a congregation, the relationships developed with the church members change, out of necessity. The minister is rightly released from the spiritual care of the congregation, but the depths of feeling and connection does not end with the minister’s employment. 
 
Walking the line between our past and future relationship is, as you might imagine, not easily delineated. The interim minister, and eventually your settled pastor, will be building new relationships with you. In support of that work, I will need to make space for those new relationships to grow and mature.
 
I will continue to live in the San Mateo community and since I am involved in several civic activities, I will inevitably run into people or may end up seeing you at various local events. I will be happy to see you and greet you warmly. And I hope you will understand that I have made a commitment to the Board of Directors to be guided by certain professional and ethical boundaries. 
 
These boundaries include not engaging in conversations--in person or on social media-- about CCSM, unless I am asked to by the Board. I will visit CCSM by invitation from the Interim or Permanent Senior Pastor. I will forward any requests for spiritual care to the CCSM pastoral team. 
 
I will use discernment in continuing the friendships that existed before I became your pastor, as well as those relationships that transcend the CCSM community—such as our kids’ schools, sports, social justice work-- as they exist outside the church.  But I will maintain my professional boundaries of not engaging in conversation about CCSM.
 
It is my intention to do everything I can to support the successful transition of ministerial leadership now, and in the future. I will always encourage and desire the greatest success of CCSM.
 
With gratitude and love always,

Penny

Click on the video above for the most recent entire worship service, or click HERE to listen to Penny's sermon, THE PRESENCE IN ABSENCE.
Penny's Celebration Reminders

We are really looking forward to celebrating with those who can attend the celebration! Please remember to:

  • Bring your own beverage. We will provide cups.
  • Bring a letter for Penny on 8 ½ x 11 paper
  • Carpool! Parking is available in the medical center lot on Tilton and San Mateo Drive
  • Dress in layers—most of the seating is outside
  • Wear a mask in the sanctuary

Saturday, June 4
5:30 PM Celebrations begins
6:15 PM Buffet dinner
7:15 PM Evening program
Coming Back to Community Events
Sign Up Now!

Celebrate summer with your fellow CCSM members! Check your calendars for the upcoming events listed below and sign up with Sandy McNabb (Sandra.j.mcnabb@gmail.com, 650-678-5650) or Diane Kalliam (dkalliam@gmail.com, 415-279-1359).  

June 12, 1:00-3:30 Laurelwood Park hike with Rev. Sheryl Johnson. There are still a few spots left for a great outdoor experience.  

June 18, 7:00pm Ice Cream Social Singalong at CCSM. Melanie Dresbach and Siew Kang will lead singers of all ages in old favorites such as Blowin' in the Wind and She'll Be Coming Round the Mountain, kid-friendly odes like Bats Eat Bugs, and songs from other cultures/languages, so there will be something for everyone. All are welcome to attend—there are no age or vocal talent requirements—plus ice cream! 



Please join us for Penny's last Sunday, June 5th... she'll preach a sermon entitled Full Circle



IF YOU MISSED the update about our Senior Minister Search Committee, CLICK HERE to read more about how the committee will proceed.
Pray for Ukraine Every Tuesday at 7:30pm

CCSM held a powerful live Prayer Ritual for Ukraine on March 6th. We have decided to premier this ritual ONLINE every Tuesday until the war ends. We hope you will join us online weekly to continue our prayers and heal our hearts. These are challenging times and this offering is a way to bring our community together and magnify our prayers.

Please share this link with your friends and family so we can extend this offering to as many people as possible.

Link for Prayer Ritual on YouTube: tinyurl.com/CCSM-Ukraine-Prayer
225 Tilton Avenue • San Mateo, CA 94401
(650) 343-3694