Beloved Community,

As we’ve been working our way through 1 Corinthians these past few weeks, Paul’s words on how to live in community as followers of Christ feel especially relevant. This past week I’ve had several conversations with many of you, and friends across the county on how recent policy changes are directly impacting lives and families. As your pastor, I believe it's vital that we create sacred space to hear one another's stories—whether it's the pain of separated families, the uncertainty facing government employees, or the challenges to humanitarian work around the globe.

This week, I’d like to share a reflection from our own Phil Lind and Betsy Woodward about how the USAID budget freeze is affecting humanitarian work worldwide. Their story gives us a window into the work of their son Andrew, whose dedication to serving others was nurtured in this very community. You can read their full reflection HERE.

Our stories matter. When we take time to listen to one another, without placing judgment, we participate in God's work of bearing witness— seeing the world as it truly is while holding fast to our hope for justice and healing for all of God's children. As we learned Sunday, resurrection isn't just about what happens after we die—it's about what happens when we truly live, when we show up for each other, and when we trust that transformation is possible even in the desert places and most difficult seasons.

In hope,

Jessica

DID YOU MISS WORSHIP?

CLICK HERE for last Sunday's entire service.

CLICK HERE for Rev. Jessica's sermon,

"Living as a Resurrected People"

CHURCH LIFE SNAPSHOTS

Lily’s class learned how God is love, and then worked on early Valentines to share that love!

The Environmental Justice Ministry arranged a field trip to the Precious Plastics Project warehouse in San Carlos. CCSM congregants learned about the process of repurposing plastics, sorted and shredded plastics, and participated in the molding of new products!

Eager for the game to start!

The games outside were more exciting than the game inside at our Souper Bowl party on Sunday!

TAKE ACTION

Walk in Love, Grow and Serve:

INTERGENERATIONAL SERVICE-LEARNING TRIP

June 15-20, Tucson, Arizona

Right now, immigration policies are shifting, and many families are facing uncertainty, displacement, and hardship. As people of faith, we are called to learn, serve, and stand in solidarity with our immigrant neighbors. This summer, CCSM is partnering with Be the Neighbor for an intergenerational service-learning trip focused on immigration justice.

Open to grades 6 and up, this experience will deepen our understanding of hospitality, advocacy, and faith in action. To learn more, pick up a flyer from the Welcome Table in the Narthex or email Rev. Jessica.

ATTEND A VIGIL IN SAN FRANCISCO

Wednesday, February 19, 11:00AM-1:30PM

Join the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity next Wednesday for a press conference, procession, and day of remembrance vigil. We gather to reaffirm sanctuary, a sacred tradition across many faiths of welcoming immigrants and standing against actions that would tear families and communities apart.

WHERE: Meet at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 1111 O’Farrell St., San Francisco
RSVP Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScEXD-5i3LYSBa-EE_cL1ZIBLetg9xMwzub51eViMD8bvDvhQ/viewform

Interested in carpooling from CCSM? Email Rev. Jessica by Tuesday, February 18 at noon.

PARTICIPATE IN A "KNOW YOUR RIGHTS" SEMINAR

February 27, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. in English and 5 p.m. in Spanish via Facebook Live

This event is in partnership with the Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County's LIB RE program, along with Faith in Action Bay Area. They will be streaming live to the County's Facebook page, and folks can RSVP directly on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/s/know-your-rights-conozca-sus-d/1777765546407922/?mibextid=RQdjqZ.

DISTRIBUTE "KNOW YOUR RIGHTS" CARDS

Know Your Rights Red Cards are available in the front office, outside the office, and on the Welcome Table in the Narthex. These cards, from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, outline the rights and protections guaranteed to all people in the United States, regardless of immigration status. They can be especially helpful during interactions with immigration enforcement. Please take what you need for yourself, your family, or others in our wider community who might benefit from this resource.

THIS WEEK AT CCSM

Wednesday, February 12

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

7:00 - 8:30 PM — Chancel Choir Rehearsal and Meeting with Rev. Jessica, Sanctuary

7:15 - 8:45 PM — Bilingual Worship Service, Kloss Hall and Zoom (Contact Álvaro for Zoom link)

Thursday, February 13

No Samaritan House Meal Service Today

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

Friday, February 14

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

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

Saturday, February 15

10:00 AM - 3:30 PM — Youth Service Project Weekend, Offsite

4:00 - 7:00 PM — Organ Concert Pick-A-Party, Sanctuary/Buckham Room

Sunday, February 16

9:45 - 10:15 AM — Joyful Noise Kids' Choir/Music Program, Fireplace Room

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

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

11:30 AM — Coffee Hour, Kloss Hall

3:00 - 4:00 PM — English Together Plus, Fireplace Room

Monday, February 17

Church Closed for Presidents Day

No Samaritan House Meal Service Today

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

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

Tuesday, February 18

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

6:30 - 8:00 PM — Board of Directors Meeting, Zoom

7:00 - 8:30 PM — Our Home San Mateo Meeting, Third Floor Conference Room

Wednesday, February 19

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 Worship Service, Kloss Hall and Zoom (Contact Álvaro for Zoom link)

View our full calendar on our website

THIS SUNDAY IN WORSHIP

This Sunday, we continue our journey through 1 Corinthians 15, exploring resurrection as defiant hope (1 Corinthians 15:12-20). What does it mean to hold onto hope even in the face of uncertainty? How does resurrection challenge us to live differently? Read the scripture here. We are also excited to welcome back to worship Angela's student, Rosie Fan Lee, an incredibly talented 11-year-old guest musician, who will share her gifts with us in worship.

Whether you join us in person or online at 10:30am, come be part of this celebration of our many gifts and how God calls us to use them to bring healing and hope to our world.

PLATE OFFERING for

SUNDAY, February 16:

Altadena Community Church

The Altadena Community Church (UCC) lost their church building in the Eaton Fire in LA, and many of their members lost their homes as well. In their own words, the Altadena Community Church is “church as it could be” in America. For over 80 years, the church has acted on two great core values: peace and acceptance. “These rise out of the conviction that at the center of the gospels is a message of love, while rejecting the legalisms that distance us from one another. As followers of Jesus, we are here to love God, to love each other, and to work to widen the circle so that all are truly welcome.” In 1986 they became the thirteenth congregation in the UCC denomination to declare itself Open and Affirming. Let us support them in their time of need.

Make a Gift

ORGAN CONCERT PICK-A-PARTY

Saturday, February 15, 4 PM

There's still room at the upcoming Organ Concert Pick-A-Party hosted by Angela and Diane on Saturday, Feb. 15 at 4 pm. Don't you love hearing Angela fill the Sanctuary with her Widor, Vierne, and Bach? Here's a chance to let your worries melt away as you get caught up in the magnificence of the music, the instrument, and the organist. Tickets are still available for this concert in the Sanctuary for the low price of $30, delicious treats included! Contact Diane Kalliam: dkalliam@gmail.com.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

Tuesday, February 18, 6:30 - 8 PM

Zoom Only

Zoom Link

Agenda

COMING UP

MUSIC AND ART

Friday, February 21, 12 PM

Please join Music and Art on Friday, February 21 at noon in the Buckham Room. After lunch and a short business meeting, we’ll move to the sanctuary for several piano duet pieces by Vija Norkvesta and our own Angela Kraft Cross. It is said that music soothes the soul—come spend time relaxing and enjoying this musical gift. Bring a friend—all are welcome. Bring your own lunch—coffee, tea, and dessert are provided. RSVP to Genel Morgan,

650-759-7318 or glmrn12@gmail.com, so we know how many tables to set up.

SECOND HOUR: GOING SOLAR AT HOME (PART 2)

Sunday, February 23, 12 PM • Buckham Room

MIDWEST TO WEST COAST:

ADVENTURES & MISADVENTURES WITH REV. JESSICA

AND HER SISTER, LESLIE

Sunday, February 23, 5-6:30 PM • Kloss Hall

PLACES STILL AVAILABLE FOR THIS PICK-A-PARTY — the more the merrier! Ride along with Jessica and Leslie as they tell tales — highlights and low lights, serious and cheeky — about growing up in the Vacketta family in rural Illinois, busting out in Texas, and then venturing on to our Golden State. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres as well as wine and soft drinks, along with laughter and lively spirits. Sign up at 41julien@gmail.com.

FAMILY NIGHT OUT AT

BEL MATEO BOWL!

Sunday, March 2nd, 4:30-6:30 PM

Families with youth of all ages are invited for an evening of bowling, pizza, and arcade games! While our regular Parent's Night Out program takes a brief pause until May, we're excited to offer this special family activity. You don't have to bowl to join the fun — we'd love to have everyone there!

Bowling Details:

$15 per bowler (space for up to 25 bowlers)
Additional donations welcomed to help cover food and drinks
Non-bowlers are welcome (and encouraged) to join for pizza and arcade games

Please RSVP to Troy Grabow to secure your spot —whether you're bowling or just coming to enjoy the fellowship!

This is a wonderful opportunity for families of all ages to come together for an evening of fun and fellowship. Don't miss out!

CCSM SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS

Available Now - Due March 15

Thanks to the generosity of CCSM members, the Youth Ministry is offering scholarships for the 2025-26 school year to active CCSM members who are high school seniors, college students, or graduate students, with applications due March 15, 2025. For more information and scholarship application packets, go to https://tinyurl.com/CCSM-2025-26-Scholarships or contact Warren Long at longlake15@sbcglobal.net. There are also packets on the Welcome Table in the Narthex.

GREEN TIPS

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.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Job Position: Children, Youth, and Families (CYF) Director

We're seeking a creative and passionate leader to guide our children and youth in their faith journeys. Our CYF Director will cultivate an inclusive, engaging environment where young people and their families explore spirituality, build community, and engage in social justice. If you're called to nurture the next generation's faith development through innovative programming and meaningful relationships, we invite you to learn more about this opportunity.