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Connections: January 31, 2024
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Hello CCSM community, greetings from your newly elected Moderator. It is my honor to serve you in this position. During our recent congregational meeting, I had the opportunity to share a brief introduction about myself and provide a glimpse into my vision for our time together. Now, I would like to delve a bit deeper into my thoughts.
Over the past 18 months, I believe we may have experienced a sense of exile as a congregation, navigating through the uncertainties that have crossed our path. In Jeremiah 29:11-12, we find a guiding message: “For I know what I have planned for you, says the Lord. I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled with hope. When you call out to me and come to me in prayer, I will hear your prayers.” It is in this passage that we witness God offering to watch over and guide us, ensuring that our journey is filled with hope and prosperity.
When I reflect on this passage, I see it speaking to our spiritual prosperity. As a congregation, we practice extravagant welcome, drawing people into our community. We build upon this foundation through our worship experiences and fellowship opportunities, with Jessica and our pastoral staff leading the way, and I firmly believe that they will provide us with valuable chances to deepen our faith, which is an essential part of prosperity. However, the true essence lies in the future filled with hope.
As I meditated on this scripture leading up to Epiphany, I became convinced that this promise should serve as the focal point for our year—and then the star word I drew was HOPE. Hope, in all its forms, holds immense significance in our lives. It is hope that keeps us moving forward, even when faced with darkness. It is hope that illuminates our path through the most challenging of times. It is hope that enables us to envision a deeper connection with God and look forward to a new day teeming with joy and the triumphant overcoming of our struggles.
We must recognize that we each have a role to play in realizing this hope. In verse 12, it states, “When you call out to me and come to me in prayer, I will hear your prayers.” I am asking each of you to lift each other and your leadership team up in prayer and to seek a deepened connection with our Creator. Together, through our collective prayers and unwavering hope, we can move forward as a congregation, embracing the prosperity and future filled with hope that God has promised us.
With you in Christ,
Don Ruthroff (he/him), Moderator
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IF YOU MISSED THE WORSHIP SERVICE,
CLICK HERE FOR LAST SUNDAY'S ENTIRE SERVICE
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CLICK HERE for Rev. Álvaro's sermon,
“Demon Check"
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Please join us for Bilingual Wednesday Worship TONIGHT, Wednesday, January 31, at 7:15 pm, as we celebrate and thank Melanie Dresbach for her 5 years of musical ministry. Please help us send her off with gratitude!
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The Latino Ministry is stepping into 2024 with lots of good news, leadership stability, and much work ahead. We couldn’t do it without the support of the wider church body. For those who have a particular interest in getting an update and being part of our community circle (“Nuestro Círculo”) please join us for a Zoom update on Feb. 8 from 7 – 8 pm.
To join the email list and receive the Zoom link for the call (or if you have any questions), please email westcoastalicia@gmail.com. Thank you!
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INVITATION TO EVERYONE INTERESTED IN CCSM MUSIC MINISTRY
Care about music at CCSM? On February 4 at noon in the Buckham Room, Kibbie will lead a conversation about the 2024 direction for the Music Ministry. Not only is your presence welcome, but also, your input is crucial. Beforehand, you might try to write a vision statement (one sentence only) for what you believe is, or should be, the overall aspiration for the Music Ministry at CCSM. What words would you use? What dream do you have? Keep in mind our Guiding Principles.
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ASH WEDNESDAY,
February 14, 7:15pm, Sanctuary
Join us for this special service that marks the beginning of the Lenten season; a time of reflection and turning back to God, and who God is calling us to be. Rev. Álvaro Durán will offer a reflection and we’ll share in communion and the imposition of ashes as we embark on this sacred journey. Following worship, we’ll hope you’ll stay for our weekly Wednesday potluck dinner.
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New Coffee Hour Coordinator Needed
Beginning March 1st, Lin Fenn plans to leave her coffee hour coordinator position (and try a new CCSM service). This role helps everybody rest and relax! Please see Lin Fenn for details or text her at 650-346-7763.
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PLEASE NOTE:
The delivery ramp leading into the Kloss Hallway is closed for construction until further notice. We are working hard to get it back in service just as soon as possible. Anyone who accesses the church using the keyless entry system needs to make different arrangements, and can contact Chase to do so. We apologize for any inconvenience.
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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.
REGISTER HERE
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.
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UNDERGRAD SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
Thanks to Julien Phillips of CCSM, we’ve recently learned that there are opportunities for aid from our national UCC denomination: scholarships of $1000 to 10,000 for rising sophomore, junior or senior undergraduate students. Applications are due March 1, and they require references (minister and academic adviser). Undergraduate students are encouraged to apply soon!
Requirements are membership in a UCC church, active participation and contribution to the church and answering questions in the application and a commitment to be active in a UCC church for at least five subsequent years. For info, see the link on the ucc.org site: app.smarterselect.com/programs/93776-United-Church-Of-Christ. Contact Sheryl Johnson, sjohnson@ccsm-ucc.org or Warren Long, longlake15@sbcglobal.net for help.
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Youth and Family News
Sunday, February 4 - 60 Minutes at 10:30am - Youth are invited to join Mike and Michele to talk about regional differences in the US - culture/politics/environment, etc. What differences have you noticed when you have traveled or within your networks of family and friends? Why do you think they exist?
Sunday, February 4 - CCSM Family Playdate! Please join us after church for lunch and a special service project making cards to show our care for people in our church family experiencing difficult times. We will also decorate pillowcases for people staying in LifeMoves' family shelters.
Sunday, February 11 - Mardi Gras/Carnaval/Pancake Tuesday! We will prepare for Lent by having a party - and learning about how various cultures around the world celebrate this special time leading up to Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent.
Wednesday, February 14 - Please join us at 7:15 for a special bilingual Ash Wednesday service. Special activities for kids to explore this season of reflection, prayer, simplicity, and spiritual growth.
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Middle and High Schoolers and Families: Interested in going with others from CCSM to the Western Regional UCC Youth Event this summer? We have two gatherings coming up to connect and start to make plans for our CCSM contingent! Please plan to attend one or both sessions as you are able!
Sunday, Feb 18, noon
Wednesday, Feb 21, after Wednesday Service
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Why use unnecessary chemicals when natural cleaners work just as well... if not better?
When cleaning your home, be sure to stay away from toxic cleansers that can harm your family. Instead, use natural substances such as vinegar, orange oil or green cleaning products such as Grove, Method or other products found in your supermarket.
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2024 brings a special PHOTO ISSUE of the Pine Tree!
Browse through to find photos of our Thanksgiving services, Advent, Christmas caroling, Christmas Tea, our celebration of Angela’s 30th anniversary, Kibbie recognition, a 49ers Pick-A-Party, Poinsettias being delivered, Latino Ministry services, Las Posadas, Christmas Eve, and a special reflection by Chris Wuthmann just in time for our Annual Meeting on Sunday.
Thanks to our many photographers, including Chris Yeh, Alicia Santamaria, Cole Matthews, Jessica Vacketta, Sheryl Johnson, and others. We had so many beautiful photos we couldn’t nearly include them all, but this should be enough to remind you what a warm and beautiful season we just passed through.
Click HERE or on the Pine Tree image to view a copy!
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Kay Harris, Council of Ministries Lead
Jim Schwandt, Building and Grounds
Kim Rey, Troy Grabow, Children, Youth and Families
Melodie Lew, Congregational Care
Sandy McNabb, Connect and Celebrate
Gary H. White, Environmental Justice
Alison Schwandt, Engagement/Communications
Julien Phillips, Latino/a Ministry
Pam Ridlehuber, Liturgical Arts
Sue Bell, Music
Genel Morgan, Service and Justice
Dave Olsen, Spiritual Life/Adult Ed.
Ivan Raikov, Stewardship
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You don't need to wait for the Ministry Fair to learn more, or join a ministry. Contact the Ministry Lead anytime! | |
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CCSM Committee Chairs
Chris Yeh, Endowment
Martha Bronitsky, Finance
Frank Garritano, Governance
Chris Wuthmann, Pastoral Relations
Dave Goulden, Personnel
Phil Lind, Historian
Click HERE for CCSM's Governance Manual, and HERE for CCSM's Bylaws
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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!
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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 451 subscribers. Let’s keep pumping it up! So, please go to youtube.com/@ccsmMediaChannel/featured and click the “Subscribe” button.
Cost: Nothing. Benefit: HUGE!
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Regular CCSM office hours:
9:00am - 4:00pm
Monday - Thursday
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ccsm-ucc.org
225 Tilton Ave. • San Mateo, CA • 94401
650-343-3694
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Scan this QR code or go to ccsm-ucc.org/give
to make a donation or pledge to CCSM.
Don't forget to ask your employer if they have a charitable donation matching program to make your pledge go farther.
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