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Connections: January 24, 2024
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Greetings, Church!
First, I would like to say WELCOME to our newest members: Siew, Boon, Chris, Andrew, and Katherine! What a gift it was to celebrate their covenant of membership and to promise our friendship, prayers, and support as we share in life and ministry. I give thanks for the many gifts they have already shared with us, and I know you will continue to help them get connected within our faith community. As we shared together in our congregational response on Sunday, “May we grow together in God’s transforming love as we seek to be people of peace and justice, following Jesus’s way of life and unwavering welcome to all.”
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New members (l to r): Chris Meyer, Katherine Vega Stultz, Andrew Minjiras, Boon and Siew Kang
For more about our new members, go to the Jan. 21 worship bulletin by clicking HERE.
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We also commissioned Rev. Álvaro Durán into ministry as the Transitional Minister for Latino Ministries. After so many months of serving in a volunteer capacity, we are thrilled he is now officially a member of the staff. To learn more about Álvaro’s role over the next 12 months, CLICK HERE to view the latest issue of the Pine Tree. Tonight, at our Wednesday worship, will have a special celebration for Rev. Álvaro’s commissioning and we hope you can join us! Álvaro will also be preaching this Sunday on Mark 1:21-28, where Jesus deals with an unclean spirit in the synagogue. Trust me, you don’t want to miss his message “Demon Check.”
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This past Sunday we also held our annual meeting over lunch, and it was a story of fishes and loaves. What an incredible turnout! We kept pulling out more chairs, people made room at their tables, and Oscar, Chase, Lin Fenn and Valerie Leung worked hard to make sure everyone had something to eat and drink. Thank YOU for showing up, listening, sharing your thoughts, and participating in this important meeting in the life of our congregation. Thank you to our Finance Committee, Governance Committee and Board for their time in preparing and thoroughly presenting the budget, leadership nominations, and By-Laws and Governance Manual changes. An annual report with all the information from Sunday’s meeting, including a 2023 budget report and ministry updates, will be published mid-March.
On Sunday I also shared that Melanie Dresbach is stepping down from her role as Liturgical Musician for our Wednesday gathering. At next week’s Wednesday Worship, January 31, we will celebrate and thank Melanie for her 5 years of musical ministry. Her contributions have been a foundational part of the Wednesday gatherings, and her son Richie has also blessed us with his musical gifts. Please help us send her off with gratitude!
Next week I will be out of town at a yoga and wellness retreat I signed up for even before I began interviewing at CCSM. I haven’t practiced yoga since last spring, so while I’m a little anxious about the 6:30am sunrise class, I am VERY grateful for the gift of being able to step away for this time of rest and renewal. Chase, Álvaro, and Sheryl will be available for support while I’m away, and I will be back in worship with you on February 4.
Until then, remember that you are born in love, by love and for love. Go and live your life in a way that invites others to hear God’s voice calling them beloved too.
With gratitude and love,
Jessica
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IF YOU MISSED THE WORSHIP SERVICE,
CLICK HERE FOR LAST SUNDAY'S ENTIRE SERVICE
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Please join us for Bilingual Wednesday Worship TONIGHT, Wednesday, January 24, at 7:15 pm, as we celebrate Rev. Álvaro’s commissioning as our Transitional Minister for Ministerio Latino.
At next week’s Wednesday Worship, January 31 at 7:15 pm, we will 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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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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Youth and Family News
Sunday, January 28 - Joyful Noise Kids' Music Program at 9:45am. Please join Julie Berk in the CE building's 2nd floor community room for a fun time of singing, instruments, and percussion; we will learn a song to share in worship in February. All ages welcome (parents/caregivers with our Pre-K friends, please). Youth are invited to come as helpers.
Sunday, January 28 - CCSM Youth Planning lunch. Stay after church to help plan activities for our Mardi Gras/Carnaval/Pancake Tuesday celebration on Feb 11 and talk about fun social or service events for this spring!
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 might 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, following worship
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Peanut butter got you all gooeyed up?
Turns out that you are not required to clean every last tidbit out of the containers that you toss into recycle. Get it reasonably clean, dump out any liquid, and put the lids in the trash unless they are metal lids. Now my dishwasher can be full of dishes instead of recycle items!
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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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