CONNECTIONS: June 26, 2024

Our middle school youth are having a blast at the UCC Western Youth Regional Event this week in Long Beach. Please keep them, and their adult leader, Kibbie Ruth, in your prayers.

Greetings, Church!

Beyond spending hours outside soaking up the extended sunshine, for me, summer has always been a season filled with music. From festivals to evening concerts and singing around the campfire, music and summer just seem to go hand-in-hand. As I mentioned in church on Sunday, one way we will be celebrating summer is through song! Click Here to submit a favorite hymn or song and tell us why you love it. We'll sing as many as we can in July and August.

Music, in all its beauty and diversity, tells a story and speaks to our souls in ways words can't. Sharing our favorite songs is like sharing a piece of ourselves, and being open to different music is like embracing each other's stories and experiences.

I hope you can join us this Sunday (wherever your journey finds you) as we:

Welcome back our middle school youth (and Kibbie) from the UCC Western Youth Regional Event (a gathering of middle and high school youth from across 13 states!). They'll lend their voices to help lead us in worship.
In worship we'll take a look at two healing stories from the Gospel of Mark that invite conversation around women's health and the ministry of presence.
Following worship I hope you'll join us for a Second Hour on "Why Pronouns Matter" presented by Adolescence Counseling Services.
Don't forget- we'll wrap up our Pride Month celebrations with a special screening of the documentary, 1946: The Mistranslation that Shifted Culture.

Keep reading for more details on all that's happening this week, and more!

With hope, gratitude, and love,

Jessica

Did you miss worship?

CLICK HERE FOR LAST SUNDAY'S ENTIRE SERVICE

CLICK HERE for Rev. Álvaro's sermon, "Wonderfully Created, Purposefully Living"

THIS WEEK AT CCSM

Wednesday, June 26

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

Thursday, June 27

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

Friday, June 28

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

Saturday, June 29

8:30 - 10:30 AM — CC Riders Weekly Bike Ride (contact Peter Held, paheld1417@gmail.com)
10:30 AM — Coffee with CC Riders, Village Hub in Woodside (3154 Woodside Road)

Sunday, June 30

6:30 - 8:30 AM — Golf with CCSM, Poplar Creek (contact Peter Held, paheld1417@gmail.com)
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: Why Pronouns Matter (PRIDE), Buckham Room
2:00 PM — Documentary screening: 1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture, Kloss Hall

Monday, July 1

7:00 - 8:30 PM — Governance Committee Meeting

Tuesday, July 2

10:00 - 11:30 AM — Men’s Coffee Group, Food Court, Hillsdale Mall (contact Peter Held, paheld1417@gmail.com)

Wednesday, July 3

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

PLATE OFFERING for SUNDAY, JUNE 30:

SAN MATEO COUNTY PRIDE CENTER

Make a Gift

The San Mateo County Pride Center, the first ever LGBTQ+ community center in San Mateo County, was born of the struggles and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ community and stands for equity, inclusion, dignity, self-determination, and justice. Whether seeking behavioral health services or gathering in solidarity with others, LGBTQ+ individuals and communities throughout the Peninsula have a space to call their own.

The mission of the Pride Center is to create a welcoming, safe, inclusive, and affirming community climate fostering personal growth, health, and opportunities to thrive for individuals of all ages, sexual orientations, and gender identities through education, counseling, advocacy, and support.

SECOND HOUR, JUNE 30

WHY PRONOUNS MATTER

Presented by Adolescent Counseling Services

12-1pm in the Buckham Room

Do you ever wonder which pronouns to use when addressing someone? Join us this Sunday for Second Hour to explore the importance of pronouns in creating a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone!

This presentation will:

Discuss the different types of pronouns and their proper usage.
Explore the impact of misgendering someone and the importance of respecting chosen pronouns.
Provide practical tips for incorporating pronoun usage into everyday conversations and introductions.

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.

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

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

Hosted by Rev. Alvaro & Latino Ministries

Join us for a party on the lawn on Sunday, July 7th, at 5:30pm! Rev. Alvaro will be firing up the grill and the music of Rosa Los Santos will keep the party going. This is an event where we hope many of our neighbors can join us, and it is a great opportunity to invite a friend to meet our CCSM family. If you can help greet, bring a side dish, or clean-up, email Rev. Jessica or sign-up at church in Kloss Hall on Sunday or Wednesday.

Remembering Jo Buckham

One of CCSM's longest-standing members, Jo Buckham, passed away this week. She joined the church 68 years ago, in 1956. Here is a photo of her receiving a Posy Posse bouquet on her hundredth birthday last summer. Details about a memorial service coming. Please remember Jo's family in your prayers during this time.

Bring your #2, #4, and #5 plastics to CCSM for recycling! (see details below)

New Ministry Partnership with Peninsula Precious Plastics

My name is Zach Floresca and I am a member of the Youth Group and the Environmental Justice Ministry at CCSM. We’re excited to announce a new and innovative recycling program at CCSM, called the Precious Plastics Project or P3. The program will enable the church and its members to turn hard-to-recycle plastics into new, usable products. The local P3 group in San Carlos has agreed to partner with CCSM and its members to collect the plastics and create new products.

So, if you’re interested in contributing to this program, here's what to do:

Sort and collect your plastic products, looking for the number inside the triangular recycling logo. P3 will only be able to use #2, #4, and #5 plastics:
#2's include milk jugs, cleaning product and detergent containers, shampoo bottles
#4's include plastic shopping bags, bread bags, snack bags, squeezable bottles and tubes
#5's include yogurt cups and tubs, margarine tubs, syrup bottles, plastic bottle caps, food containers and straws, plastic furniture
Remove any labels, wash and dry them.
Bring them to CCSM and place them in the P3 collection boxes in Kloss Hall, the hallway outside Kloss, or the Narthex.

Thank you for participating in P3!

CENTRAL PARK MUSIC THURSDAYS, 6-8pm!

Join CCSMers for a relaxed evening of music, food and fun each Thursday night from 6:00-8:00 pm in San Mateo's Central Park (note special time for July 4). This is a drop-in event, so look for fellow members once you arrive. Bring your own food and drink, or buy something from the vendors. A blanket or beach towel is a must, low camp chairs are a good idea. Bands performing are listed below.

June 27 - New Moon on Monday (Duran Duran Tribute)
July 4 - noon - 2 pm Our special 4th of July in the Park celebration returns this year from 11 am – 2 pm, with live music running from Club 90 (Party) from 12-2 p.m.!
July 11 - Pop Fiction (Party Mix)
July 18 - Julio Bravo y su Orquesta Salsabor (Latin)
July 25 - Electric Rodeo (Country)
August 1 - Land of Confusion/TAKE 2 (Phil Collins Tribute & Genesis/Party Mix)
August 8 - Bud E. Luv Orchestra (Swing/Big Band/Party Mix)

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.