Connections - Week of November 27, 2023

Connections: Week of November 27, 2023

Hello, Church!

This past Sunday afternoon I joined our Liturgical Arts Ministry (LAM), and their “Advent Elves,” in decorating and preparing our sanctuary for the Advent season. What a creative and dedicated team! I can’t help but smile when I think of us gathering together in the weeks ahead, preparing to welcome God’s love breaking into this world once again.

Advent is probably my favorite season of the year. The awe, wonder, and anticipation of something new is contagious. People are kinder, more generous. The “Kin-dom” of God is a little more tangible. Our waiting for Christmas is filled with beloved music, parties, special treats, and serving our neighbors. The Good News of Christ’s birth and all the hope it holds is within reach.

And yet, this season is often an emotionally charged time when we feel many things deeply, and sometimes all at once. How do we embrace the joy of the season when we’re exhausted? When we’re grieving? When we know our neighbors are without a home, food, or safe shelter? This weekend I read that the city of Bethlehem has suspended many of their Christmas events as they began removing their holiday decorations. Bethlehem’s outgoing mayor, Hanna Hanania, said “Bethlehem, as any other Palestinian city, is mourning and sad…We cannot celebrate while we are in this situation.”

There is a collective weariness of our global community, and even here at CCSM. Our hearts break for our neighbors across the world, across the street, and across the pew. Many of us are grieving our own losses while also navigating health complications, relationships, and employment situations that are difficult. And yet, we know Jesus was born into a weary world- bringing good news, of great joy, for all people.

So, “How does a weary world rejoice?” We’ll be exploring this question throughout Advent as we follow the birth stories of Jesus and John the Baptist in the Gospel of Luke.

I hope you will not only join us for worship on Sunday or Wednesday, but that you’ll further explore this question by participating in one of our Advent small groups where we’ll collectively reflect on questions in our Advent devotional. Another spiritual practice this season is following the daily prompts on our Advent Calendar to practice joy in a weary world. Printed calendars are available at the church, and we’ll also be posting the daily prompts to Facebook.

Together, we will hold space for our weariness and our joy as we journey towards Christ’s birth.

With gratitude and Love,

Jessica

Advent Resources

Advent Weekly Devotional Booklet

We invite you to go a little deeper this season and join us in reading our Advent devotional How does a weary world rejoice? Beginning with the first Sunday in Advent, Dec. 3, this daily devotional follows the Christmas story in Luke 1–2. It includes weekly readings along with art, poetry, and reflective questions to follow at your own pace.

Printed Advent Devotionals will be available at the church. You can also view an e-reader version at tinyurl.com/Advent-Devo-23

Reflection Groups

This December, we are offering multiple opportunities for you to find space to reflect on the season in community. Using our Advent Devotional as a guide, we’ll share in song, prayer and conversation as we practice joy together in this weary world. This is a great opportunity for you to invite a friend to check out our faith community in a relaxed setting. All groups will meet in the Fireplace Room.

Sundays, December 3, 10, & 17

9:30-10:15am, bagels & coffee

5:00-6:00pm (bilingual), cider & snacks

Wednesdays, December 6, 13, & 20

12:00-1:00pm Bring your own lunch; dessert & coffee provided

Zoom Group

Tuesdays 12:00-12:45pm on Zoom: Link is tinyurl.com/Advent-Reflection-2023

Advent Calendars

CCSM offers two different Advent Calendars this year: one for children and another for youth/adults. Each calendar includes a daily prompt for you and/or your family to “practice joy in a weary world.”

Printed Advent Calendars are available at the church for pick-up, or you can download a digital copy here: tinyurl.com/Advent-Kids-Cal for the children's calendar and tinyurl.com/Advent-2023-Cal for adult/youth.

Advent Resources provided by SanctifiedArt.org

IF YOU MISSED THE WORSHIP SERVICE,

CLICK HERE FOR LAST SUNDAY'S ENTIRE SERVICE

CLICK HERE for Rev. Jessica's sermon, “Feed My Sheep"

Didn’t get your Advent Pine Tree #6 yet? Click HERE to read all 22 pages chock full of CCSM news and photos!

Angela Kraft Cross: Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence and Innovation at CCSM

CCSM has been blessed to have an organist extraordinaire sharing her musical gifts with us over the past 30 years. Angela Kraft Cross is recognized as an international organ soloist, published composer and master teacher of her beloved instrument the pipe organ.

CCSM will celebrate Everything Angela THIS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3 both at the 10:30 am service and at a reception following. Please join us in showering Angela with the church’s deep appreciation and love we all share for this remarkable woman who has dedicated her musical and spiritual journey with our blessed community at CCSM. A box will be available in Kloss Hall if you would like to share a personal note of thanks to Angela for her dedication to CCSM and our beloved community.

CHRISTMAS WISH LIST 2023

(formerly “Adopt-a-Family”)

CCSM is again working with LifeMoves’ First Step for Families, which provides temporary shelter and services for families experiencing homelessness in San Mateo County. You are invited to purchase gifts. Please look for the WISH LIST Christmas tree on the loggia on two Sundays, December 3rd and 10th, after the service. Stop by and pick up an ornament or two with suggested gift items to purchase and return to CCSM by Friday, December 15th at the latest (earlier is better).

For those unable to pick up ornaments, here are suggestions as to how you can participate: SEND A CHECK (with a notation Christmas Wish List gift) to CCSM, attention Cheryle Matteo and we will help you purchase the gift; or GO TO YOUR FAVORITE ONLINE STORE, purchase a gift from the online list, and have it sent to CCSM (225 Tilton Ave., San Mateo, CA 94401), ATTENTION: Christmas Wish List.

Here are the gift requests:

CHILDREN (all ages and sizes): Socks • Shoes/slippers • Pajamas/Robes • Balls of all kinds • Board games (ages 4-18) • Educational Games • Lego Sets • Journals and Pens.

ADULTS (sizes M-XXL men and women): Sweatshirts and/or sweatpants • Pajamas and/or robes • Towel Sets with bath towel • Battery Packs for phone and chargers • Book Lights

Please contact Melodie Lew at boygie.m2000@yahoo.com or call 650.573.9765 if you have any questions. Thanking you in advance.

CHRISTMAS CAROLING, DECEMBER 3

The Children, Youth and Families and the Connect & Celebrate Ministries invite you to go caroling after the service on December 3. The goal is to carol at the homes of those who might not be able to attend services during Advent. No singing experience required, just a willing spirit. Questions? Contact Kim Rey, kim.bianco.rey@gmail.com, 650-224-3505. If you would like to participate, please RSVP by noon on Wed Nov 29 to Sheryl (sjohnson@ccsm-ucc.org).

Take a Break: Seniors Christmas Tea

Join friends in the Buckham Room for Christmas cookies, tea and hot chocolate on Monday, December 4, 2:00-4:00pm.

This return of tradition includes a crazy white elephant swap. Bring a “re-gift” from your distant relative, some treasure on your shelf that is ready for a new home, or anything to trade for a surprise that someone else brings. It’s the ultimate recycling party!

Please RSVP to kibbie@kyros.org.

COOKIE EXCHANGE/KIDS ACTIVITIES COMING ON DECEMBER 10!

Last year's cookie exchange was a great success, so it's now officially an annual tradition. The rules are simple: you bring a dozen (or so) cookies, place them on the table in Kloss Hall, and after service you can pick out a dozen (or so) cookies from the plates others have brought. The idea is that you will have an assortment of cookies to take home, deliver to homebound CCSM members, or share during coffee hour. SOME THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND: please bring your cookies on a plate (marked clearly with your name if it’s not paper); consider writing up a recipe card with your name, so folks can snap a picture; you don't have to be a celebrity baker, because it's the spirit of sharing that's important. Questions? Contact Sandy McNabb, sandra.j.mcnabb@gmail.com, 650-678-5650.

While the adults are exchanging cookies, the kids will be fully engaged with creating a nativity scene to take home, making/decorating their own cookies, and breaking a piñata! Questions? Contact Kim Rey, kim.bianco.rey@gmail.com, 650-224-3505. December 10 is a coffee hour you won't want to miss!

POINSETTIA DELIVERY

As part of the holiday season we deliver poinsettias to those in our congregation who are older, can’t attend services, or may have suffered a loss this past year. Get ready to pick up a plant (or plants) and deliver them. More details to follow but the dates for pick up will be December 10 and 17.

PRAY FOR PEACE

Weekly on Wednesdays • 9:30-10:00am on Zoom

In light of the recent events in Gaza, Israel, and the occupied Palestinian territories, we are invited to join Churches for Middle East Peace, an ecumenical partner of the United Church of Christ's Global Ministries, to join others across the world in praying weekly for peace. Registration is free, but required to receive the Zoom Link.

Make a Gift

You can also make a financial gift to help with humanitarian aid for people in Gaza, Palestine, and Israel through the United Church of Christ’s Wider Church Ministries HERE.

Call for a Ceasefire

Send a pre-written message to your elected officials through UCC’s “Just Peace Church” program HERE calling for a ceasefire and encouraging Congress to take immediate action for de-escalation in Israel and Gaza, and support steps towards a lasting peace.

Youth and Family News

Sunday, December 3 - Youth-led Christmas program! During the 10:30 service, our youth will help teach the kids Christmas carols and help them to make Christmas cards for seniors.

Sunday, December 3 - CCSM Family Christmas Caroling! We will go after church to sing carols at the homes of church members who can't get out to church right now. Let Sheryl know if you can make it and she'll give you the addresses! Please bring a snack or lunch to eat before we leave the church (in our own cars).

Sunday, December 3 - After the caroling, Sheryl is hosting an afternoon Pick-A-Party for all ages - a bowling party! Please sign up with Second Chance Pick-A-Party.

Saturday, Dec 9-Sunday Dec 10 - Advent youth sleepover with youth from other UCCs at the Orinda UCC Church! Come learn about the season of Advent and have a fun weekend with other youth. We will begin around 3pm on the Saturday and finish on Sunday morning. Activities will include learning about Advent, cookie baking, mandala coloring (a relaxing meditation practice), Christmas movies, candlelight youth-led worship, and much more.

Sunday, December 10 - Cookie exchange after church! Please bring some favorite cookies and take home a variety of others. There will also be some special crafts and cookie-decorating activities for kids.

Sunday, December 17 - Youth Christmas lunch with Rev. Jessica (and Rev. Sheryl) after church! More details to follow.

Wednesday, December 20 - Las Posadas! Please join us at 7pm to get into costume. Youth assistance welcome!

Sunday, December 24 - Join us for the 5pm Family Service! There will be a fun low-key skit for all to participate in.

Stop Energy Vampires

Many household appliances draw power from electrical outlets even when off or idle. These “energy vampires” — which may include computers, hair dryers, cable boxes and coffee makers, among others — can add $100 to $200 a year to the average household energy bill. Unplug these devices when not in use. You can also plug them into a power strip or an outlet with a wall switch and switch the whole system on or off when you need to.

Upcoming

Board of Directors

Meetings

all meetings are Sunday at Noon

in the Buckham Room

(unless noted)

Saturday, December 9, 10am

To access the Google folder containing CCSM Board Meeting minutes, go to

tinyurl.com/CCSM-Minutes-BOD

Upcoming

Council of Ministries

Meetings

all meetings are Sunday at Noon

in the Buckham Room

(dates in yellow are combined BoD + CoM)

December OFF

FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING, December 4, 6:30 pm in the Buckham Room. All are welcome to attend.

PLEASE NOTE! Date Change: The next Board of Directors meeting will move from Sunday, December 10 to Saturday, December 9 at 10am in the Buckham Room (or on Zoom at tinyurl.com/CCSM-Boardmtg)

CCSM Council of Ministries

Contact COM: COM@CCSM-UCC.org

Kay Harris - Council of Ministries Lead

Jim Schwandt - Buildings and Grounds

Kim Rey and Troy Grabow - Children, Youth and Families

Diane Kalliam - Congregational Care

Alison Schwandt - Engagement

Gary H. White - Environmental Justice

Sandy McNabb - Connect and Celebrate

Julien Phillips - Latino/a Ministry

Linda Stoick - Liturgical Arts

Sue Bell - Music

Genel Morgan - Service and Justice

Chris Wuthmann - Spiritual Life/Adult Ed.

Martha Bronitsky - Stewardship

You don't need to wait for the Ministry Fair to learn more, or join a ministry. Contact the Ministry Lead anytime!

Click HERE for CCSM's Governance Manual, and HERE for CCSM's Bylaws

BRING YOUR BLESSING BOX CONTRIBUTIONS

ANY SUNDAY OF THE MONTH!

The "Blessing Box" outside of the entrance of CCSM is a project of the Ministry of Service and Justice, responding to the need for families in our neighborhood to access food and an expression of our call to be the "hands, feet, and face of God" in our community. The container will be in the narthex to collect food (canned, dried and boxed, no fresh food please! donations must be full UNOPENED containers, no fruits, vegetables, or bread) on any Sunday of the month. Thank you for your continuing generosity!

JOIN THE CLICK!

If we get at least 1,000 subscribers, the YouTube algorithm bumps our CCSM site higher on people’s search engine. CCSM Media now has 432 subscribers. Let’s keep pumping it up! So, please go to youtube.com/@ccsmMediaChannel/featured and click the “Subscribe” button.

Cost: Nothing. Benefit: HUGE!

Pray for Ukraine Every Tuesday at 7:30pm

CCSM held a powerful live Prayer Ritual for Ukraine on March 6th, 2022, and will share this ritual ONLINE every Tuesday until the war ends. 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