Dear Beloved Community at CCSM,
I hope the hot days of summer are bringing warmth and softening to your heart as well. And if you’re in a place that is too hot, I hope there are some bits of shade and respite finding you too!
If you missed last Sunday’s service, there’s still time to go back and watch! Rev. Jorge’s sermon was so moving for me as he shared some of his powerful story of transformation from his life. Here it is on YouTube and on Facebook (the service starts 15 minutes in)
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This week, the UCC is gathering for its General Synod - the largest national event - which takes place every two years. Except, as you may have guessed, we are gathering online this year. I think back to the last one in Milwaukee in 2019 and think - “could I have imagined how the world was about to change?” But, one silver lining to the Synod being online is that it is very easy for anyone to participate and go to as much or as little as you’d like (you can even multitask while you do)! I’d particularly recommend checking out some of the keynote speakers and worship services taking place all this week.
It is incredible to see progressive Christianity alive in this setting with some of the most cutting-edge expressions of church brought right to our screens. I’d highly recommend visiting https://www.generalsynod.org/ to browse the schedule. Give it a try - it’s a very low-stakes way to check things out from the convenience of home. While you need to register to view most of it, the worship services are available for free on the UCC Facebook page. And, please also hold the whole church in your prayers this week as we together discern important decisions and future directions.
And, of course, we as CCSM will gather again for worship this coming Sunday, July 18, at 10:30am online. Our Director of Operations, Chase Montara, will be sharing some of her own story with us and her deep wisdom that arises from it.
Blessings to you on your week—may the Spirit be present to you and through you!
Peace,
Sheryl
