Connections: May 1, 2024

Our youth making sandwiches this past Sunday for the San Francisco Night Ministry.

Many of these youth will also lead us in worship

THIS SUNDAY, Youth Sunday!

Let us show our support of their leadership and courage to share how God is speaking to them by gathering for worship at 10:30am in-person or online.

Happy May Day, Church!

Did you know that in the mid-nineteenth century the international movement for workers' rights, including the eight-hour work day, initially declared May 1st as Labor Day? President Grover Cleveland officially moved Labor Day in the U.S. to September following the Pullman Strike in 1894 in an effort to disassociate it from today's historic connections to workers' rights. However, May 1st is still a day of rallies and protests in many parts of the world, including demonstrations in the US focused on the rights of immigrant workers. While we might feel removed from some of these international protests, many of the workers advocating for better working conditions and a livable wage produce most of the items we wear and use every day. It's another reminder just how connected we are within this web of humanity, and how and where we spend our money can change, help, or hurt our global family and shared home.

“A new commandment I am giving you: that you should love one another just as I love you, so that you also should love another. In this everyone will know that you are my disciples: if you have love for one another." (John 13:34-35)

This past week I've been thinking about this commandment quite a bit, along with our scripture reading from this past Sunday "God is Love", as I've closely followed the protests happening across our country on college campuses. As you know, many of these protests are focused on a call for universities to divest their endowments from Israeli companies and weapons manufacturers that profit from the war in Gaza, and these protests aren't new to campuses: the Vietnam War, Anti-Apartheid South Africa, and Civil Rights movement in the US. I believe these movements have all been rooted in love for one another. We teach our children to "love God, and love their neighbor" and when they see neighbors being hurt, starved, oppressed, and killed, they step up and speak out. Over 34,000 people have been killed and tens of thousands of more injured since October 7. Since October 7, family members of those taken hostage by Hamas having been wearing "nametags" changing them each morning to the number of days since their loved one was kidnapped. Today is day 207.

Can we call for aid to make it into Gaza and for this violence to stop while also surrounding these families in prayer and calling for a release of all hostages? YES. Violence will only beget more violence. Can we call for our own government to stop enabling this war through support of the Israeli government while also speaking out against the antisemitic behavior that is on the rise? YES. Hate will only beget more hate.

As the late Dr. Martin Luther King said,

"The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral, begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy. Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it. Through violence you murder the hater, but you do not murder hate. … Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.

Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

So, how can we practice love where we are? Maybe it's listening to someone who thinks differently than you. Maybe it's writing your congressional representative. Maybe it's looking into where your own investments are going. Maybe it's making a financial gift to a organization like World Central Kitchen. Maybe it's checking in on your Jewish and Palestinian friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Maybe it's holding space for those who are fleeing for safety everywhere around the globe. Maybe it's praying or walking or sitting for peace. In all that we do, I join other faith leaders in encouraging us to "keep our our focus on the most vulnerable- the people of Gaza, including it's women and men, its children and its students."

May God have mercy on all who suffer so grievously from violence and injustice, and may we be instruments of God's peace, a just peace that affirms the dignity of all people.

With hope and love,

Jessica

Weekly Update

Thank you, Julien Phillips, for summarizing each session!

About 55 people have participated (although not the same people every week), in each of the three sessions in our Nuevos Caminos spiritual journey of discernment. Each session has covered a lot of ground, but each has left us with at least one important perspective:

Session 1: CCSM has a long history of multicultural involvement. But there is a consistent theme: Even if most people support a new group’s presence, there is a persistent pattern of separation, of ‘us’ and ‘them.’

Session 2: In seeking to build relationships between Latino/Latina/Latinx/Latine and non-Latino/a/x/e (this summer we'll offer a workshop on the differences between each of these identifiers),important factors tend to divide us: language, race, socio-economic difference, and separated neighborhoods. And also biases we have grown up with. What underlies the difficulty of trying to cross these divides? Anxiety, fear, distrust, embarrassment. And not knowing exactly how to relate.

Session 3: Some Latino/a/x/es at CCSM have experienced very hurtful incidents of disrespect and exclusion. On hearing testimonies about these incidents, participants expressed surprise, heartbreak, sadness, shock, anger, a sense of guilt. Some asked whether we are all complicit, even if not directly involved in these incidents. Even if only a few people are responsible for the incidents described, participants also commented that many of us could have said or done disrespectful things as a result of unconscious bias.

In small groups, participants addressed the question: What can we do to address the brokenness of our relationships?

Several emphasized that the discernment process itself - talking openly about these offenses - is a very big step forward. It has produced awareness of disrespect and exclusion done to our Latino/a/x/e siblings. It has increased readiness to bring about change. One person said, "if people were not coming to these sessions, I would be heartbroken to know what happened in these walls - the hurtful incidents that we have heard about. But I feel very hopeful because many people from the church have given Sunday after Sunday to be here."

People proposed several concrete steps such as learning more about how to relate across cultures, participating in cross-cultural activities together, and clarifying process around and invitation to membership, ensuring that all are invited to become CCSM members, while also ensuring that membership is not used to discriminate between ‘us’ and ‘them.’ Many endorsed the statement that we must move beyond ‘inclusion’ to ‘belonging.’

Our Nuevos Caminos discernment conversations continue with our final session of this series on SUNDAY at 12pm in Kloss Hall. This Sunday we will have "breakfast" for lunch and are looking for additional help providing food. If you can provide a breakfast casserole, fruit, bagels, pastry, juice, etc. please email Rev. Jessica.

This week's session: Embracing Hope

Becoming the Kingdom of God is a transformative experience, bringing something new that is often counter-cultural. It is a message of real hope for the world that turns dominant values and established systems of power on their head, but this is only sometimes comfortable and often meets resistance.

As we enter a new season as a congregation, we can once again accept Christ's invitation to a new hope. Together in love and unity, we can discern a shared vision and mission with humility, openness and willingness. Building on what we have learned and shared over the prior sessions, participants will discuss both our hopes for the future and some of the specific steps we would like to take to begin co-creating that future.

We hope you can join us next Sunday, May 5, in Kloss Hall!

Due to the format of this week's discussion, we will not be having a Zoom option.

RESOURCES from SESSION 3

Discernment Covenant

The Three Habits

Upcoming Dates

May 5

Kloss Hall

12pm-1:30pm, Lunch Provided

Childcare will be available.

Please RSVP at the link below to help us properly staff each session.

CHILDCARE RSVP

DID YOU MISS WORSHIP?

CLICK HERE FOR LAST SUNDAY'S ENTIRE SERVICE

CLICK HERE for Rev. Jessica's sermon,

“God is Love"

THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE: CCSM Calendar

Wednesday, May 1

7:15 - 8:45 PM — Bilingual Worship & Potluck, Kloss Hall
7:00 - 8:30 PM — Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary

Thursday, May 2

10:15 - 11:30 AM — Women’s Coffee Group, Food Court, Hillsdale Mall (contact linda.skromme@gmail.com)
2:00 - 3:00 PM — Connect and Celebrate, Fireplace Room
7:00 - 8:30 PM — Carillon Bells Rehearsal, Choir Room

Friday, May 3

2:00 PM Celebration of Life for David Meissner, Sanctuary
4:00 PM Youth Trip to Hindu Temple (contact Rev. Sheryl, sjohnson@ccsm-ucc.org)

Saturday, May 4

8:30 - 10:30 AM — CC Riders Weekly Bike Ride (contact Peter Held for more info)
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM — Gun Buyback (1050 Mission Rd., SSF)
10:30 AM — Coffee with CC Riders, Village Hub in Woodside (3154 Woodside Road)

Sunday, May 5

9:30 AM — Joyful Noise Kids' Choir, Community Room
10:30 - 11:30 AM — Worship Service in person and online
10:30 - 11:30 AM — Youth and Children's Programs
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM — Coffee Hour in Buckham Room
12:00 - 1:30 PM — Nuevos Caminos / Latino Ministry Discernment, Kloss Hall
7:00-8:00 PM — Governance Meeting on Zoom

Tuesday, May 7

10:05 - 11:30 AM — Men’s Coffee Group, Food Court, Hillsdale Mall (contact Peter Held, paheld1417@gmail.com)

PLATE OFFERING for SUNDAY, MAY 5

The mission of Adolescent Counseling Services (ACS) is to empower youth in our community to find their way through social-emotional support and by building safe, accepting communities. The vision of ACS is that all youth are emotionally healthy, empowered with the tools and knowledge to face life’s challenges.

Services provided include: a community counseling program, adolescent substance addiction treatment program, support for LGBTQ+ youth and families and on campus counseling program for students attending local middle and high schools.

SENDING SUSAN STOEHR OFF WITH BLESSINGS

Our Posey Posse made a delivery to Susan Stoehr this week following the death of her longtime partner Bob who passed away on Friday, April 19.

Susan will soon relocate to Oregon to be closer to family there. CCSM sends her off with our love and prayers and best wishes for her next chapter.

WAYS TO SERVE

Month of Sundays

Do you enjoying sending cards or notes to let someone know your thinking of them? Our Month of Sundays ministry might be just the place for you to share your time and talents. Month of Sunday part of our Congregational Care ministry. They write cards to members listed in the Joys and Concerns in the Sunday bulletin. Each person signs up to write cards for one month, about a 2-3 hour time for the month you volunteer to send cards- less than an hour a week. Those who received cards always experience how much they appreciate knowing the CCSM family is thinking of them and holding them in prayer.

Do you have time to help? Two more volunteers are needed for this year.

Contact Genel Morgan or Sharon Tobin for more information.

WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS MONTH?

The Ministry of Service and Justice supports organizations that work to prevent gun violence and promote responsible gun ownership. To that end, MSJ would like to make the congregation aware of the upcoming gun buyback event on May 4th in So. San Francisco.

The event offers residents on the Peninsula another opportunity to turn over unwanted firearms anonymously, with no questions asked, in exchange for cash.

To learn more, CLICK HERE. Let us turn our "swords into plowshares."

CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES

CYF now has its own Google calendar... click HERE!

Most Sundays! 9:45am - Joyful Noise Kids’ Music Program led by Julie Berk. Come learn special songs, play instruments, and share periodically during the Sunday church service. Youth assistance is welcome!

Sunday, May 5 - CCSM Youth Sunday - Youth will preach, lead prayers, serve communion, lead music, and much more in worship!

Sunday, May 5 - FAMILY PLAYDATE POSTPONED due to Discernment

Sunday, May 12 - Mother's Day! Joyful Noise will be singing during the service to celebrate the special day.

Sunday, May 19 - Family playdate after church! Meet at Casanova Park at noon with a picnic lunch (please bring your own lunch!) and then join the Ebneter family for a kickball game. There are also several great play structures in this park! Feel free to bring other activities like scooters, balls, bubbles, chalk, etc. Stay as long as you'd like!

Thursday, May 23 - Registration deadline for UCC (WYRE) Western Regional Youth Event, June 23-27 This event happens every 4 years and brings together hundreds of UCC middle and high school students to be part of something bigger than their local faith community. This year’s theme is “Love is Greater than Fear.” Youth will spend five days at California State University, Long Beach for worship, workshops, a service project, and an adventure day at Disneyland. We hope to have a great contingent from both Sunday and Wednesday services. Middle and high school youth are both welcome! Visit wryeucc.org to learn more and contact Rev. Sheryl ASAP if you are interested in attending.

Sunday, May 26 - Memorial Hike for Kyle Neil, a former youth participant in 60 Minutes and many other church activities. He loved hiking and was active in Scouting, so this hike is an important way to honor his memory.

July 2024 - UCC Camp Tamarack Sessions. Please mark your calendar! Senior High: July 14-20, Junior High: July 21-27, Junior (4th-6th grade): July 28-August 3

60 Minutes youth discussion on Sunday, April 28

Email Sheryl to Learn More

MUSIC AND ART - FRIDAY, MAY 17 AT NOON

Our program will feature Emily Beach, guitarist / vocalist.

As usual, it’s BYOL (lunch) with beverages and dessert provided. Guests, friends, and new members welcome!

Be sure to RSVP to Don Harper, donaldgharper@yahoo.com or 650-553-1800.

PENTECOST PIE SOCIAL, MAY 19!

Join us after worship on May 19 for our Third Annual Pie Social. It's easy:

Make or buy a pie and bring it to Kloss Hall before service on May 19
Buy raffle tickets in Kloss Hall after service (3 for $5, 15 for $20) to win one of those delicious pies
Enjoy coffee/tea and pie while you socialize with guests and members
Take the pie you won home, or deliver it to someone who couldn't attend this event!

Don't do pie? Come anyway; there will be other coffee hour food and great company!

Questions? Contact:

Sandy McNabb, sandra.j.mcnabb@gmail.com 650.678.5650

Michele Merfeld Hale, kaymerf@yahoo.com 206.612.6182

or Diane Kalliam, dkalliam@gmail.com 415.279.1359

(And please consider volunteering that day to help organize and distribute winning pies.)

See the flyer HERE in both English and Spanish!

LOGOS SOUND JOURNEY

Monday May 20th, 7 - 8:30pm

This is a wonderful opportunity to experience deep peace, open channels to your intuition and tune up your nervous system. Participants report: Better night sleep, clarity of mind, profoundly peaceful and so much more.

Tickets are for sale at: tinyurl.com/Logos-Events

And if you are up for a visit to Golden Gate Park, Chuck, Jordan and Jason will be in the Redwood grove on May 4th. The Redwoods are an amazing sanctuary to hold this sacred event. More info at TheLogosMethod.com

COMING UP

PINE TREE #3, SPRING ISSUE

Click HERE or on the image to download your issue!

Here are the articles you'll find in this issue:

Message from Rev. Jessica

Children, Youth and Families

Western Regional Youth Event

Nuevos Caminos Discernment Process

Earth Summit: Celebrating Creation Care

31st Annual Spring Organ Concert, 4/28

Music and Art with Emily Beach

2023 Annual Report

Easter Alfombra

Music Notes

Joyful Noise

Church Friends

Congregational Care

Building and Grounds Ministry Update

Connect and Celebrate

Dave Olson's CCSM Service Work

From the Archives: Watson Memorial Entrance

Wednesdays at CCSM

Joys and Concerns

Clare Naegle

Flush toilets less frequently and reduce water tank volume with a brick.

CCSM Council of Ministries

Email COM@CCSM-UCC.org to connect to any ministry!

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, Katie Bylander, Music

Genel Morgan, Sharon Tobin, Service and Justice

Dave Olsen, Spiritual Life/Adult Ed.

Ivan Raikov, Stewardship

Email Kay Harris to get connected to a Ministry Lead anytime!

CCSM Committee Chairs

Chris Yeh, Endowment

Martha Bronitsky, Finance

Frank Garritano, Leadership and Governance

Chris Wuthmann, Pastoral Relations

Dave Goulden, Personnel

Phil Lind, Historian

Click HERE for CCSM's Governance Manual, and HERE for CCSM's Bylaws

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.

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.

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.