Dear Saints,

I am honoured to "connect" with you through "Connections," this cherished virtual space for our community. This week, I am sharing important news regarding our beloved Senior Minister, Rev. Jessica. She is currently travelling to Illinois for a deeply personal reason, as her grandmother, Linda Vacketta, passed away on February 12th. During this tender time, Rev. Jessica is offering support to her father and family and will preside over a memorial service honouring her grandmother's beautiful life. We eagerly await her return this Sunday.

In the spirit of compassion and community, I invite you to create sacred space for Rev. Jessica to grieve and find peace in God's love. Let us take a moment to pause and pray for her and her family. As we gather, let us express our gratitude for Linda Vacketta's life and all our dearly departed loved ones as we abide in the endless and beautiful cycle of life, death, rebirth, and transformation.

The blessed Francis of Assisi said, "Death is our sister." In the imminence of death, we are reminded of the fragility and preciousness of life. Blessed are those who stand on the edges of existence, ready to transcend toward infinite love and everlasting life. Through faith in Christ Jesus, we have touched eternity and await the ultimate adventure, the experience of wholeness in the presence of our loving God!

As a community of seekers, we continually explore the mysteries of life and faith. Today, I encourage you to reflect on how death, life, and Resurrection intertwine in our stories and how the power of love and faith comforts us in times of loss and empowers us to challenge the confines that restrict our lives. On Sunday, we will continue with our Epiphany sermon series, based on the wisdom in the Letter to the Community of Corinth, to uncover the wondrous mystery of the Resurrection. This power—rooted in the paschal experience—transforms our lives and all creation, beckoning us to embrace hope and transformation.

I look forward to sharing the message with you next Sunday, whether in person or virtually. Let us hold Rev. Jessica and her family in our hearts. May we find strength in our faith and comfort in one another's presence as we navigate life's journey together.

https://obituaries.sunsetfuneralhome.com/linda-vacketta

In faith and community,

Rev. Álvaro.

DID YOU MISS WORSHIP?

CLICK HERE for last Sunday's entire service.

CLICK HERE for Rev. Jessica's sermon,

"Defiant Hope"

SCAM ALERT!

Heads up! Scammers are sending fake emails pretending to be from Rev. Jessica. If you get an unexpected message from "her," please double-check by contacting her directly at her regular email. Stay cautious when in doubt — your safety and security are important to us.

TAKE ACTION

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 LIBRE program and Faith in Action Bay Area. They will be streaming live to the County's Facebook page, and folks can RSVP directly on Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/CCSM-Know-Your-Rights

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.

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.

CHURCH LIFE SNAPSHOTS

It’s all smiles at English Together-Plus, a new program that started this year on Sunday afternoons. While our English Together program is focused on conversations, this is focused on basic English Lessons.

Our youth joined other youth from across Northern California and Nevada for the UCC’s IMMERSION 2025 gathering in San Francisco this weekend. Josh learned how to use a commercial dishwasher at one of their service projects!

THIS WEEK AT CCSM

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)

Thursday, February 20

9:00 AM — Casual Bike Riders, CCSM Parking Lot; contact John Ebneter, jebneter@aol.com

10:00 AM - 1:30 PM — Peninsula Solidarity Cohort Meeting, Buckham Room

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

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

Friday, February 21

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

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

7:00 - 8:30 PM — Sound Bath with Chuck Rosenthal, Kloss Hall

Sunday, February 23

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

11:45 AM - 12:30 PM — Open Cathedral Sandwich Making - Need Volunteers, Come Join Us! - Kloss Hall Kitchen

12:00 - 1:15 PM — Second Hour: Going Solar at Home, Buckham Room

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

5:00 - 6:30 PM — "Midwest to West Coast" Pick-A-Party, Kloss Hall

Monday, February 24

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM — Monday Women’s Group, Fireplace Room (contact Siew Kang, internationalchoir@gmail.com)

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

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

7:00 - 8:30 PM — Council of Ministries Meeting, Buckham Room

Tuesday, February 25

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

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

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

Wednesday, February 26

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 conclude our journey through 1 Corinthians as we look at 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50, diving into Paul's powerful metaphor of seeds and transformation. Like a seed must be planted, nourished, and eventually change to bring forth new life, Paul invites us to imagine resurrection not as mere revival, but as profound transformation. What needs to fall away in our lives and community for new growth to emerge? How is God calling us to die to old ways so that new life can flourish?

Join us in person or online at 10:30am as Rev. Álvaro Durán leads us in exploring these important questions as he offers his own reflections on the life changing power of resurrection.

PLATE OFFERING for

SUNDAY, February 23:

CCSM General Budget

Every year the congregation approves a budget for the coming year. While the Board and Finance Committee propose a fiscally responsible budget, there is always unexpected loss of revenue and increase in expenses (for example a plumbing problem!). In order to plan ahead, we collect six plate offerings throughout the year. The generosity of the congregation in the past has allowed CCSM to meet these financial changes. Working together, we can be the hands, feet, and face of God and still honor our financial obligations to our staff and maintain our building.

Make a Gift

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.

Jessica’s sermon on resurrection Sunday deeply resonated with me. Lately, I’ve felt weighed down by the chaos of our government, struggling with depression, lethargy, and working hard to manage a wide range of emotions. On Thursday, I had a sound bath at JCCSF. I woke up not wanting to go—the rain matched my mood—but canceling wasn’t an option. I knew I’d feel better afterward. And I did. That night, I felt resurrected. The heaviness was gone. No depression, no anxiety—just a deep sense of presence, an empty mind, and full relaxation. That feeling has stayed with me, and I can’t wait to return on Friday to experience the healing effects again. If you’re feeling off balance for any reason, come try this out. I’d love to share this powerful, somatic experience with you. ~Chuck Rosenthal

SECOND HOUR: GOING SOLAR AT HOME (PART 2)

Sunday, February 23, 12 PM • Buckham Room

Second Hour will once again focus on going solar at home. Members of the Environmental Justice Ministry will present timely information on why CCSM members should consider installing solar on their home and how to select a solar vendor and installer to do the job. Come to learn and get motivated on investing in the most consequential step you can take to reduce your carbon footprint.

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.

ARE YOU A CAT PERSON OR A DOG PERSON?

Either way, please help the Gran’Its collect ping pong balls, cork wine stoppers, and toilet paper rolls to make toys for the animals needing adoption. Soon, the children and youth will be studying the Lost Sheep, and the “lost" animals at Peninsula Humane Society need some love until they are "found.” (If you have fleece material in your fabric stash, send it along also.). Bring your donations to the church office. Thank you!

COMING UP

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!

ASH WEDNESDAY

March 5, 7:15 PM

Join us for this special service that marks the beginning of the Lenten season—a time of reflection and turning back to God and who God is calling us to be. Rev. Álvaro Durán will offer a reflection and we’ll share in communion and the imposition of ashes as we embark on this sacred journey. Following worship, we hope you’ll stay for our weekly Wednesday potluck dinner.

CCSM SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS

DUE MARCH 15!

Scholarship applications for high school seniors, college students, and graduate students are due by March 15th. For more information, go to https://tinyurl.com/CCSM-2025-26-Scholarships or contact Warren Long at longlake15@sbcglobal.net.

GREEN TIPS

Purchase or lease solar panels for your home to generate clean, renewable electricity.

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.