CONNECTIONS: June 19, 2024

Greetings, Church!

Did you know that Fort Worth, Texas is home to the "grandmother" of Juneteenth, Dr. Opal Lee? It was eight years ago that Ms. Opal made the trek from Fort Worth to Washington, DC, walking 1,400 miles in her commitment to see Juneteenth become a Federal holiday. She walked two and a half miles each day to symbolize the two and a half years that Black Texans waited between when the Emancipation Proclamation was signed abolishing slavery in Confederate states on Jan. 1, 1863, and the day that message arrived in Galveston, where Black people were still enslaved. For decades she campaigned for Juneteenth to become a national holiday, and while many doubted it would happen in her lifetime, she never lost hope.

Born in Marshall, Texas in 1926, Lee and her family moved to Fort Worth when she was 10. Two years later, she watched 500 white rioters burn down her home, angry that her family had moved into a predominantly white neighborhood. The fire took place on June 19, 1939, and the significance of the date isn't lost on Lee. “The fact that it happened on the 19th day of June has spurred me to make people understand that Juneteenth is not just a festival,” she said. For her it marks a day of unity and a commitment to true freedom because, "Nobody is free until we're all free."

One of the things I treasure most about my time in Fort Worth is meeting with Ms. Opal; listening to her stories, watching her inspire so many- I was blown away by her persistence and dedication. With a youthful sparkle in her eye and big smile on her face, even in her late 90's she is still working towards reconciliation, healing, and unity. Recent efforts include Transform 1012, transforming a former KKK gathering hall into a Community Arts Center, and breaking ground on the National Juneteenth Museum.

On this day of liberation, may we not only celebrate and remember when emancipation and freedom finally reached the enslaved people of Texas, but let us also be inspired by Ms. Opal Lee, and countless civil rights icons, in the continued work of justice for all people and reconciliation that leads to true peace and healing.

With hope, gratitude, and love,

Jessica

Rev. Jessica and Ms. Opal Lee in November 2022

Did you miss worship?

CLICK HERE FOR LAST SUNDAY'S ENTIRE SERVICE

CLICK HERE for Rev. Jessica's sermon, "The Power of a Seed"

THIS WEEK AT CCSM

Wednesday, June 19 -- OFFICE CLOSED for Juneteenth

7:15 - 8:45 PM — Bilingual Worship and Potluck, Kloss Hall

Thursday, June 20

10:15 - 11:30 AM — Women’s Coffee Group, Food Court, Hillsdale Mall (contact linda.skromme@gmail.com)
6:30 - 8:00 PM — Finance Committee Meeting, Fireplace Room
7:00 - 8:30 PM — Carillon Bells Rehearsal, Choir Room

Friday, June 21

12:00 - 2:30 PM — Music and Arts, Buckham Room

Saturday, June 22

8:30 - 10:30 AM — CC Riders Weekly Bike Ride (contact Peter Held for more info)
10:30 AM — Coffee with CC Riders, Village Hub in Woodside (3154 Woodside Road)

Sunday, June 23

10:30 - 11:30 AM — Worship Service in person and online
10:30 - 11:30 AM — Youth and Children's Programs, Memorial Garden
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM — Coffee Hour, Kloss Hall
11:45 AM - 1:15 PM — Second Hour: Stopping Human Trafficking, Buckham Room
12:00 PM — Open Cathedral Sandwich Making, Kitchen

Monday, June 24

Western Regional Youth Event begins in Southern California
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM — Women's Group, Fireplace Room
7:15 - 8:45 PM — Spiritual Conversations, on Zoom

Tuesday, June 25

10:00 - 11:30 AM — Men’s Coffee Group, Food Court, Hillsdale Mall (contact Peter Held, paheld1417@gmail.com)
6:30 - 8:30 PM — Dialogo Comunitario con la Ciudad de San Mateo

Wednesday, June 26

7:15 - 8:45 PM — Bilingual Worship and Potluck, Kloss Hall

PLATE OFFERING for SUNDAY, JUNE 23:

THE LANDING SPOT

Make a Gift

Since 2016, Loomis Basin Congregational United Church of Christ has operated The Landing Spot, a non-religious support group for LGBTQ+ youth and their parents in Placer County. Their mission is to support, affirm, and create safe spaces, advocating for education, and providing peer-support.

As the only resource like this in Placer County serving LGBTQ+ youth and their caregivers, they strive to:

Ensure every LGBTQ+ student in Placer County schools has a safe space for learning.
Hold monthly peer support group meetings to provide access to mental & emotional health and wellness.
Host LGBTQ+ you camp each summer, "Camp Fruit Loop"
Provide social gathering opportunities for youth and their adult care givers.

Because of this work, they have been targeted by hate groups in Placer County- which has strengthened their commitment in providing safe spaces and resources for LGBTQ+ Youth and their families.

SECOND HOUR JUNE 23

Unveiling the Hidden: Understanding and Combating Human Trafficking

Presented by Pamela Estes, San Mateo County

This Sunday, June 23, our Ministry of Service and Justice is excited to welcome Pamela Estes, the Human Trafficking Advocacy Coordinator of San Mateo County. Pamela is an attorney, and the founder of Before Our Very Eyes, a human trafficking awareness display that has appeared at the County Government Center and the San Mateo County Fair.

Since 2018, Pamela is responsible for Program design and implementation, along with a variety of efforts to enhance services to victims of trafficking, increase investigation and prosecution of human trafficking incidents, raise awareness of human trafficking within the community, and foster greater collaborative efforts among all who fight modern-day slavery.

Join us at 12pm in the Buckham Room to learn more about this important work.

SONGS IN WORSHIP

Help us craft the Soundtrack of Summer: share your favorite hymn!

We're excited to celebrate summer by singing some of our community's favorite hymns. To help us create a joyful and meaningful experience, we'd love to hear from you! Submit your favorite song below, and take a moment to tell us why you love it.

SUBMIT A SONG

CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILIES

June 23: 60 Minutes. Join us for a special 60 minutes where our youth will create a new ministry video for our partners at Peninsula Precious Plastics!

June 23: Sandwich Making in Kloss Hall Kitchen for Open Cathedral

June 23-27: UCC Western Youth Regional Event, Long Beach

We have a small but mighty group of middle school youth headed to this event. Please keep this small, but mighty, group of students and adults in your prayers as they prepare.

HAVE YOU REGISTERED FOR CAMP?!?!

It's not too late to sign up for the BEST week ever with amazing people in God's beautiful creation!

July 2024 - UCC Camp Tamarack Sessions

Senior High: July 14-20

Junior High: July 21-27

Junior (4th-6th grade): July 28-August 3

Camp Tamarack is in the high Sierras, east of Fresno. When the snow melts at over 7,000 feet, Camp Tam is revealed. Tent cabins, a lodge, fire bowl, worship area, grassy meadow, lakes close by, and propane lighting make for an amazing, rustic experience! Our Camp Cook, Kymberly, is always guaranteed to cook up delicious meals for all to enjoy! To learn more, contact Rev. Jessica

July 26-28, 2024 - Cabin Weekend for High School Youth at Mike and Lee Mullery's cabin on the South Yuba River in Penn Valley. We’ll have opportunities for swimming in the river, hiking, stargazing, playing cornhole, and relaxing in the cabin. Breathe in the fresh mountain air and soak up breathtaking views as we connect with God and each other. Email Michele Cinq Mars for more information.

Donations Needed for Children's Ministry Project

This summer our elementary age children are learning about caring for creation, peace practices, and connecting with the Divine in nature.

Elaine is working on a special project with our youth and needs 12, 2-liter plastic bottles and clear and colorful plastic bags.

Donations can be dropped off in the church office in the labeled collection box. Thank you!

COMING UP

Pride Celebration in Worship - June 19 and 23

We will be holding our special Pride worship services tonight (bilingual service), and Sunday, June 23. Rev. Álvaro will be preaching at both services, with Rosa Los Santos leading music on Wednesday evening and Roma Olvera sharing special music on Sunday.

MUSIC & ART, JUNE 21

Music and Art will meet informally in June and July. There will be no hostesses or programs, just getting together for fellowship. Be watching for notices of the summer social gatherings.

Upon notification please RSVP to Pat Pepper at pjpepper31@gmail.com or by phone: 650-343-4286 so we can let the church know many tables and chairs to set up.

Photo from May's gathering with special guest, Emily Beach.

Documentary Screening, June 30, 2pm

Kloss Hall

As PRIDE month comes to an end, we are offering a free screening of the award winning documentary 1946: The Mistranslation that Shifted Culture. The film chronicles how the misuse of a single word, “homosexual,” changed the course of modern history. Visit 1946themovie.com for more information.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED to help host (greet guests, prepare popcorn, put out drinks, etc.) Contact Rev. Jessica if you can help.

Giffords Law Center Annual Celebration

Thursday, June 20

On Thursday, June 20, 2024, The Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence is holding their Annual Celebration at the Masonic Theater, 111 California St., in San Francisco. Both Gabby Giffords and Jarlene Choy, have extended a personal invitation for CCSM to attend this free event. The reception starts at 6pm and program at 7. Members of the Ministry of Service & Justice will be in attendance. Please join them and show our continued support for Gun Safety & Awareness. All attendees must register in advance

Summer Solstice Sound Bath

Thursday, June 20 from 7-9pm

Join Chuck for a special sound bath on the summer solstice at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Burlingame. As the sun reaches its zenith and begins its descent, we’re invited to release old patterns, limiting beliefs, really anything that holds us back from unfolding toward our highest potential.

Reduce food waste and create a compost bin to generate new soil.

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.