CCSM CONNECTIONS: October 23, 2024

Greetings, Church!

Several years ago, after a particularly challenging season in a different congregation, someone asked me, "What are your hopes for this community? What are your dreams?" That question took me by surprise, and I didn't have an answer. We had been in such a season of reacting, running from one "fire" to the next, that we hadn't had a chance to imagine what our future might look like together.

We have been through a similar season here at CCSM. Many had doubts moving into 2024, and with so many surprises during a time of transition, we had to focus on the immediate needs before us, taking each day one step at a time. Yet through it all, we have seen God at work. We have been blessed with a thriving multicultural congregation, dedicated volunteers, and many new beginnings.

Now, as we launch our 2025 Stewardship Campaign "Imagine Together," we find ourselves in a moment of possibility. Your gifts, along with other revenue sources, not only sustain our church but help fund the vital community work of CCSM. As we look toward 2025, we need to grow our pledges by $60,000 to continue building on this foundation - that's about 70 households increasing their giving by $18 per week.

Because of your generosity and dedication, and with God's help, we are flourishing, healing, and building up the beloved community of CCSM. As we look towards 2025, we hope you’ll join us as we “Imagine Together” what God can do through us and with us in the year ahead.

With gratitude and hope,

Rev. Jessica Vacketta, Senior Minister

Don Ruthroff, CCSM Board Moderator

Learn More

2025 Pledge

DID YOU MISS WORSHIP?

CLICK HERE for last Sunday's entire service.

CLICK HERE for Rev. Jessica's Stewardship kick-off sermon,

"Imagine Together: A Sense of Wonder"

COMMUNITY UPDATE

LOVE OFFERING FOR TRINI ROMERO

A couple weeks ago Rev. Álvaro shared an update about his visit with our beloved former staff member, Trini Romero, who suffered a stroke last year. Trini continues his recovery journey with the devoted care of his wife Daisy, and while his spirit remains strong and his cognition is perfect, he has had to discontinue essential medical services due to costs and transportation challenges.

Now is our chance to support this remarkable man who served our church family with dedication. Your gift can help Trini access the medical care and therapy he needs to regain independence.

To contribute to this love offering for Trini, you can:

Click the link below
Text CCSM Trini [with the amount] to 73256 to give
Drop off a check at the church with "Trini" in the memo

Your contribution is not just a donation, it's a lifeline that can significantly improve the lives of this remarkable man and his family. Together, we can make a real difference.

Make a Gift

STURGE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

100TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

On behalf of CCSM, Kay Harris presented a floral gift to Rev. Drew Yamamoto, Senior Minister, during Sturge Presbyterian Church's 100th Anniversary Celebration on October 20th. Our delegation included Kay Harris (CCSM Board member), Rev. Álvaro Durán, and members Mike Harris, Phil Lind, and Betsy Woodward. CCSM was invited to this centennial celebration because of our historic role in the church's founding. Pastor Drew Yamamoto shared that CCSM hosted Sturge's first worship services, providing a welcoming space before they had their own facilities. During World War II, CCSM also safeguarded the belongings of Sturge members who were forced into internment camps, preserving their properties until they could return home. This century-old bond between our congregations stands as a testament to the power of faith communities supporting one another in both times of celebration and hardship.

THIS WEEK AT CCSM

Wednesday, October 23

4:00 - 6:00 PM — Samaritan House Meal Service, Kloss Hall

7:00 - 8:30 PM — Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary

7:15 - 8:45 PM — Bilingual (Spanish/English) Worship and Potluck, Kloss Hall

Thursday, October 24

10:15 - 11:30 AM — Women's Coffee Group, Hillsdale Mall Food Court (contact Linda Skromme)

4:00 - 6:00 PM — Samaritan House Meal Service, Kloss Hall

7:00 - 8:30 PM — Bell Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary

Friday, October 25

1:30 - 3:00 PM — Bella Voce Rehearsal, Choir Room

4:00 - 6:00 PM — Samaritan House Meal Service, Kloss Hall

8:00 - 9:00 PM — Annual Halloween Organ Concert, Sanctuary

Saturday, October 26

8:30 - 10:30 AM — CC Riders Weekly Bike Ride (contact Peter Held)

10:30 AM — Coffee with CC Riders, Village Hub in Woodside (3154 Woodside Road)

Sunday, October 27

9:45 - 10:15 AM — Joyful Noise, CE building Community Room

10:30 - 11:30 AM — Worship Service in person and online

10:30 - 11:30 AM — 60 Minutes, High Schoolers, Fireplace Room

10:45 - 11:30 AM — Children's Programs, CE Building

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM — Coffee Hour, Kloss Hall

11:45 AM - 12:30 PM — Open Cathedral Sandwich Making, Youth Groups, Kloss Hall Kitchen

11:45 AM - 1:15 PM — Second Hour: Going Solar at Home, Buckham Room

Monday, October 28

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM — Women's Group, Fireplace Room

4:00 - 6:00 PM — Samaritan House Meal Service, Kloss Hall

7:00 - 8:00 PM — English Together Language Sharing Session, Kloss Hall

7:00 - 9:00 PM — Council of Ministries Meeting, Buckham Room

7:15 - 8:30 PM — Spiritual Conversations, Zoom

Tuesday, October 29

10:00 - 11:30 AM — Men’s Coffee Group, Hillsdale Mall Food Court

4:00 - 6:00 PM — Samaritan House Meal Service, Kloss Hall

Wednesday, October 30

4:00 - 6:00 PM — Samaritan House Meal Service, Kloss Hall

5:30 - 8:45 PM — Bilingual (Spanish/English) Dia de los Muertos Service and Kids' Activities, Sanctuary

7:00 - 8:30 PM — Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room

View our full calendar on our website

PLATE OFFERING for SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27:

CALL Primrose

Your donations help CALL provide more than 90,000 bags of groceries each year to those in need in our community. Monetary donations help support the purchase of fresh produce and dairy, as well as other grocery items as needed, and make it possible for us to keep our doors open and to remain a reliable resource to those who need us.

Make a Gift

ANNUAL HALLOWEEN ORGAN CONCERT

Friday, October 25, 8:00 PM in the Sanctuary

CCSM's Music Ministry Committee welcomes you to this fun, family-friendly event! Young organ students and CCSM's own Phantom of the Casavant, Angela Kraft Cross, will perform a cavalcade of musical treats.

This is concert is one of our annual fundraisers for our music ministry. If you are able, and would like to make a gift, we suggest a contribution of $20 for adults and $10 for children, students, and seniors. Little ones under 10 attend for free!

To add to the fun, we encourage all our guests to come dressed in costume. Don't miss out on this fantastic musical experience!

SECOND HOUR: Going Solar at Home

Sunday, October 27, 11:45 AM • Buckham Room

Thinking of Going Solar at Home? The Environmental Justice ministry and the Solar Ambassador task force is hosting a Second Hour program after church on October 27. We will present how Going Solar can reduce your carbon footprint, discuss the advantages and process of installing photovoltaic cells on your home to produce electric energy sustainably, and answer questions.

40 Days, 40 Prayers

As we prepare to go to the polls

As the election approaches, we encourage you to take a moment to pause, reflect, and center yourself from all of that is swirling in our heads and on the news. This 40-day prayer resource is adapted from Rev. Karen Winkel. Click the button below for all 40 days of prayers or grab a copy of the prayers outside the sanctuary.

40 Days, 40 Prayers

COMING UP

All Saints Day & Día de los Muertos

This sacred time of remembering will be celebrated in two services:

Our Latino Ministry will host a special Día de los Muertos worship service on Wednesday, October 30, where we will come together to create our communal remembrance altar, a symbol of our shared respect and love for our departed loved ones. Please bring photographs, favorite foods, objects that remind you of loved ones, candles, prayers, and names written on cards.

Our children and youth will gather at 5:30 that evening to learn more about this holiday and other Latin American traditions that honor the dead. They’ll decorate sugar skulls, make flowers, and share special snacks! Please email Sheryl Johnson if you can help with this special event.

All Saints Day will be observed in worship on Sunday, November 3. We invite you to send in names of your loved ones to be remembered at our All Saints service. Please send those names to Jennifer by Wednesday, October 30.

SAMARITAN HOUSE TOUR

Thursday, November 7

9 - 10 AM

This fall, we've been fortunate to partner with Samaritan House to serve meals five days a week at our church. On Thursday, November 7, we’re invited to tour Samaritan House in San Mateo and learn more about their vital work in our community! Please RSVP to jessica@ccsm-ucc.org to secure your spot.

CCSM & YOU: NEW MEMBER SEMINARS

Online: Saturday, Nov. 9, 12 PM

In Person: Sunday, Nov. 10, 12-2:30 PM

Maybe you’re brand-new to CCSM, or maybe you’ve been part of this community for years and are looking to take the next step. Either way, CCSM & You is a seminar designed to answer your questions about membership: what it is, why it matters, and whether CCSM is a good fit for you. You’ll learn about the United Church of Christ (our denomination), CCSM’s history, Guiding Principles, and ways to connect and serve. This is also a great opportunity to meet other new (or newish) folks, as well as long-time members.

Join us on ZOOM on Saturday, November 9 or in person on November 10 (lunch included). These are two stand-alone gatherings where the same material will be presented. Reach out to Rev. Jessica, jessica@ccsm-ucc.org, to learn more and RSVP.

We’re excited to walk with you as you explore this next step on your faith journey and would love CCSM to be your church home!