Connections: Week of July 3, 2023 | |
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Dear Beloved Community at CCSM,
Greetings from the General Synod of the United Church of Christ—a national gathering that happens every two years. This year it is being held in Indianapolis—full of humidity, thunderstorms (I've missed those!), and a wonderful chance to be in community with colleagues and friends whose situations and questions resonate so deeply—I wish you all could be here too!
If you'd like to learn more about General Synod or watch some of the amazing speakers, powerful worship, and much more—check this out. For me, it has been so comforting to be reminded that we're in this work of progressive Christianity with many siblings across the country and around the world. We can learn so much from one another, be bolstered by the joys we share, and know we are not alone in the challenges.
I am so grateful to Rev. Kibbie, Austin, and so many others who have been working hard to support our worship and community life at CCSM during my time away. I have been holding you in prayer and I look forward to getting caught up with you all when I return. I hope that this season, as we turn into "deeper summer," has brought you some time of Sabbath and rejuvenation—and if not yet, that there might be some space for that very soon.
This coming Sunday I am so delighted to be back with you in worship. I am delighted to share that we will have a baptism, moving music, and a sermon where I will share about one of the people in my "great cloud of witnesses" whose faith and witness for justice inspires me greatly. I will share a little about her and reflect on what it might mean to dive into what is right with reckless generosity.
Wishing you abundant peace and many blessings,
Sheryl
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CLICK HERE TO WATCH
Rev. Kibbie Ruth's inspiring message:
Holding On While Letting Go
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Dear Colleagues,
Today we face yet another ugly attempt to roll back hard-won advances for diversity, equity and inclusion with the SCOTUS decision on affirmative action. Rev. Jim Mitulski drafted a clear statement on behalf of the Cohort renouncing this decision and calling for action to continue moving forward together toward justice for BIPOC communities and a society in which all can thrive. You will find the statement below, and at this link. (Thank you, Jim!)
We have sent this statement to local newspapers and ask you to share it via social media and with your religious communities. Our voices are needed, our dissent is needed, our collective action on behalf of our shared values is needed. Together, with our communities, we can make a difference!
With deep concern and fierce commitment,
Rev. Dr. Tovis Page, PSC Program Coordinator, with
Rev. Dr. Penny Nixon and Rev. Dr. Marlyn Bussey, PSC Co-Directors
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The Peninsula Solidarity Cohort denounces the Supreme Court's decision today in two important rulings that seek to dismantle Affirmative Action. As clergy and faith leaders in San Mateo County we see and recognize the ongoing reality of racial segregation in every aspect of our common life, the ongoing effects of white supremacy. We see it in higher education, the specific focus of today's rulings, and we also see it even in our own peninsula communities, particularly in housing and access to medical care.
We appreciate the prophetic witness of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson's dissent, "Deeming race irrelevant in law does not make it so in life." And we stand with the NAACP in its statement today: "Race plays an undeniable role in shaping the identities of and quality of life for Black Americans. In a society still scarred by the wounds of racial disparities, the Supreme Court has displayed a willful ignorance of our reality." https://naacp.org/articles/naacp-condemns-scotus-ruling-affirmative-action
As faith leaders and organizers, we pledge to address the injustice of this ruling in our congregations, to educate ourselves and our communities about the ongoing effects of racism and the need for affirmative action as well as for reparations and reconciliation. We believe that change is possible in ourselves, in each other, and in institutions and systems of oppression. We pledge to the Black Communities in particular, to all BIPOC communities and all those affected by this step backward to do all that we can to move forward together. We all benefit from a racially integrated society, and we recognize the need for interventions like affirmative action to move us forward. To quote a South African freedom song from the anti-apartheid movement, “We shall not give up the fight, we have only started." This ruling is our call to action.
Revs. Jim Mitulski, Marlyn Bussey and Penny Nixon
Peninsula Solidarity Cohort
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SHHH! SURPRISE FOR OSCAR
After several decades away, Oscar Rosa, our beloved custodian and friend, will be traveling this month to his home in El Salvador with his son, Moises. Oscar adores this church. Every day, in some way, he goes above and beyond his duties as our custodian to show how much he cares for us. Oscar always begins with a "yes" to whatever he is asked to do. He brings wisdom, humor, and generosity to all he does. And in addition, it is nearly impossible to find something that Oscar does not know how to do. His valuable skills help us avoid hiring outside vendors to do repairs (and with such old buildings, repairs are all too necessary!). It's hard to imagine how CCSM would manage without Oscar and his talents. The life of the church would certainly be less rich without him. SO—this Sunday, the plate offering will actually be a love gift to Oscar for his upcoming and expensive trip home. To show your appreciation of Oscar, you may give towards his “purse” on Sunday or through the CCSM website (please indicate that your tax-deductible donation is for his purse).
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San Jose Giants Game!
July 21st
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With fireworks! Last year's San Jose Giants game was a big success, attended by more than 25 CCSM members and friends. The San Jose Giants are a single-A farm team for the "big" Giants. Their San Jose stadium and the game itself are very family-friendly, with seats close to the field and lots of fan participation.
The price of admission includes a pre-game dinner at Turkey Mike's BBQ on site and fireworks after the game. Game time is 6:30; it's best to get there early—5:30 to 6 or so. But if you can't make it by then, let us know and we'll see if we can have your barbecue dinner ready to take out.
$40 per person with one beer or wine, $35 without alcohol, $23 for kids. We need to make a deposit to hold the seats, so please sign up ASAP. Contact Sandy McNabb (sandra.j.mcnabb@gmail.com 650 678 5650) or Mike Harris (mypirocks@me.com 650 572 8378).
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Brownie Bake Off!
Sunday, July 23rd
CCSM's first-ever brownie bake off will be held during Coffee Hour on July 23rd. Bake up a batch of brownies, cut them into small sample-size pieces, and bring them to Kloss Hall before service starts.
During Coffee Hour, everyone will taste brownies and vote on their favorites in several categories, including Best in Show. Use a time-honored recipe or try something entirely new—the point is to have fun in the baking and indulge everyone's chocolate cravings in the tasting. We're coming up with categories—frosted, with nuts, flavored (mocha, spicy, other?), caramel, blondies.... Let us know if you have a category you'd like to propose. We'll narrow them down in next week's Bulletin/Connections.
Everyone is encouraged to bake an entry; no prior experience necessary. And everyone can taste, whether or not you brought an entry. Questions? Contact Sandy McNabb (sandra.j.mcnabb@gmail.com 650 678 5650) or Mike Harris (mypirocks@me.com 650 572 8378).
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DID YOU MISS OUT?
New members will be joining on Homecoming Sunday, September 10. If you are curious about officially becoming one of our flock, please email kibbie@kyros.org for more information.
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Please join us for the
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
Wednesday, July 10
6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Fireplace Room
or via Zoom
The Zoom link is: https://tinyurl.com/ZoomCCSMFinance
Or go to Zoom and enter: Meeting ID: 879 2458 5671 with Passcode: 582479
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The 2024 CCSM Budget Process is Beginning!
Come Join In!
Have your voice heard!
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CCSM is beginning to plan the budget for 2024. We seek your involvement during this process, which began Sunday, June 18. The process, which is outlined below, involves the Finance Committee, the Congregation, and the Board in three separate phases.
Phase 1 is the development of Budget Principles -- values-based and faith-rooted principles for CCSM -- that will guide us throughout budget development. At the June 18 Second Hour, Sheryl will lead off with ideas based on her book, Serving Money, Serving God. Together, she and the Treasurer will lead an exercise and discussion aimed to come away with a list of principles for the Board to discuss at its meeting on July 9.
Phase 2 is the development of one or more fiscal plan(s). The notion is to set out two or maybe three goals for general fund donations and also total revenue, together with a description of what we think would be funded at each revenue level. This phase is currently scheduled to involve the Congregation after worship on August 6 and would end with Board adoption at its meeting on Aug 13. This will be in time for the Stewardship Ministry to use the plan(s) when they kick off the campaign for pledges (which are estimates of giving) in early September.
Phase 3 is the development of one or more detailed first budget drafts -- possibly a budget for each fiscal plan. The tentative date to discuss with the Congregation is October 29, but much could happen between now and then to change that date. The notion is that CCSM would be providing detailed information more than two months prior to adoption of a budget in January at the Annual Meeting.
Come join in the discussions for one or all three phases.
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SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPERIENCE CCSM
Don’t go on vacation—come to church! Want to know what goes on behind the scenes, like how decisions are made or the church budget is put together? If you want to observe, learn, or speak up, these opportunities are for you.
Gatherings, classes, and meetings will be before and after church in the
Buckham Room (both live and Zoom).
Everyone is invited to participate.
July 9 – Double Header
9:30 AM
Healthy Communications
Concerned about rumors and gossip?
Should there be a conduct code for behavior at church?
Kibbie Ruth will share a few techniques
from her book, Healthy Disclosure.
12:00 PM
Board of Directors
Participate as our top elected leaders make decisions affecting the church.
July 16, 12:00 PM
Q&A with Church Leaders
Sit down with our leaders and the ministers to ask your questions.
If we don’t know the answer, we will get back to you later.
August 6, 12:00 PM
CCSM Finance
Step into the realm of church budgets—balancing our 2023 shortfall
and planning for 2024. Voice your opinion about how to reign in our spending
and encourage giving at CCSM.
August 13, 12:00 PM
Board of Directors
Join in the policy discussions of the leaders you elected to serve the church.
August 20 – Double Header
9:30 AM
Toxic Theology
with Kibbie Ruth
Ever wonder if the Bible really said what you were told it did,
for example, “suffer in silence”?
12:00 PM
Council of Ministries
Learn how teams of volunteers help the church thrive.
Maybe you could volunteer too!
August 27, 9:30 AM
Living into the Guiding Principles
Analyze CCSM’s Guiding Principles.
Do we really mean what we say?
For more information, email kibbie@ccsm-ucc.org.
Because these classes might not be available for Zoom participants,
the classes will be be filmed and uploaded to the website.
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Youth and Family News
July/August 2023 - Summer camp sessions at Camp Tamarack! Please check the website to learn more and to see which week is open to your age group, registration should be open soon. Please let Sheryl know if you are interested for help with carpooling, assistance with fees, etc.
Saturday, August 26 - LifeMoves Bike Ride to End Homelessness. This is a fun ride for a great cause. There are routes for all ages - kids included! (See below for more information) Please consider signing up as a family. https://www.lifemoves.org/ride-to-end-homelessness/
Sunday, September 10 - Homecoming Sunday! Please plan to stay after church for facepainting, balloon animals, games, and more! Youth are encouraged to help out - and can earn volunteer hours. Please let Sheryl know if you're available!
Saturday, September 16 - City of San Mateo Annual Bayfront Cleanup
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CCSM MARKETPLACE
IS COMING!
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Can you help? CCSM Marketplace is an experiment to test a way to make mutually beneficial connections in our community. For example, some of us need house cleaners, gardeners or caregivers. Others - especially people in our Spanish-language group - offer such services. Some congregants offer music lessons, tutoring, web design and other services while others seek such services. Some members need household goods such as furniture and kitchen equipment, and others would like to donate such items or sell them cheaply.
To launch this experiment, we need listings. Can you help?
• Do you have a service for which you would like to find a new customer/client/student?
• Do you have household goods (or other items) you would like to donate or sell cheaply?
• Do you need something that someone else in our congregation might like to provide?
Please let Sofia Floresca know by:
• Filling out the form under "Contact" at sofiafloresca12.wixsite.com/ccsm-marketplace
• E-mailing Sofia at sofiafloresca12@gmail.com with the information requested in the simple form below.
• Filling out the form on the back and giving it to Sofia or mailing it to her at 713 Murphy Drive, San Mateo 94402.
She will follow up with you personally to discuss how to list your offering or need, arrange for contacting you, etc.
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MUSIC AND ART
SUMMER UPDATE
Music and Art will continue meeting during the summer months at our regular time, 3rd Friday of the month at noon in the Buckham Room.
The next meeting is on July 21st. Remember to bring your own lunch and drink (other than ice water). We’ll have cookies for dessert.
This month, Rev. Dr. Kibbie Ruth will speak to us about the recent changes at CCSM. She came to CCSM in the spring of 1977 and has had five different titles here. Currently, she is serving as a Transitional Minister until we have a new Senior Minister. During most of her ministry, she has coached denominational leaders and congregations through abuse-related crises as the Founder and Senior Consultant of Kyros Ministry.
In the last few months, CCSM has experienced a lot of change. If the pace has left you breathless, join Music and Arts at our next meeting to reflect on what has happened. Kibbie will give us a brief update and answer any questions.
Please RSVP to Pat Pepper: pjpepper31@gmail.com or phone, 650-343-4286.
Music and Art is an affinity group of the longest duration @ CCSM. It is open to all church members and friends of CCSM. Watch for announcements in the Pine Tree, Connections, and Sunday bulletins.
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Posy Posse Requesting Donations
Trying to clear out kitchen storage or the garage of extra vases or jars (5" or taller) you don’t need? Posy Posse can help you recycle those items into beautiful small floral arrangements. If you have items to donate, please bring them to the kitchen at CCSM. Please note: Vases that are very large, damaged (particularly chipped glass), or not completely waterproof are not accepted. Thank you for your help in keeping us in supplies for this active ministry. Contact Susan Lake or Laura Pierce McKenzie with questions.
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Upcoming
Board of Directors
Meetings
all meetings are Sunday at Noon
in the Buckham Room
(unless noted)
Next Meeting: July 9
August 13
September 17
October 8
November 12
December 10
To view June 14 Board Meeting Minutes,
click here or go to https://tinyurl.com/CCSMBoard-061423
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Upcoming
Council of Ministries
Meetings
all meetings are Sunday at Noon
in the Fireplace Room
(dates in yellow are combined BoD + CoM)
July OFF
August 20 (11:50 am)
September 24
October 22
November 12
December OFF
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CCSM Council of Ministries
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Kay Harris - Council of Ministries Lead
Jim Schwandt - Buildings and Grounds
Kim Rey and Troy Grabow - Children, Youth, and Families
Diane Kalliam - Congregational Care
Alison Schwandt - Engagement
Gary White - Energy + Environmental Justice
Sandy McNabb - Connect and Celebrate
Julien Phillips - Latino/a Ministry
Laura McKenzie - Liturgical Arts
Sue Bell - Music
Genel Morgan - Service and Justice
Chris Wuthmann - Spiritual Life/Adult Ed.
Martha Bronitsky - 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! | |
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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Pray for Ukraine Every Tuesday at 7:30pm
CCSM held a powerful live Prayer Ritual for Ukraine on March 6th, 2022, and will share this ritual ONLINE every Tuesday until the war ends. These are challenging times and this offering is a way to bring our community together and magnify our prayers.
Please share this link with your friends and family so we can extend this offering to as many people as possible.
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CCSM SUMMER
OFFICE HOURS
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9am - 1pm
Monday - Thursday
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Please welcome Jennifer Prince Londgren
to CCSM’s administrative staff
Jennifer has been a CCSM member since 2002. Jennifer will be filling in for Zoe Mullery and Austin Mader-Clark over the summer (July-August) to bring you Connections and the Sunday Bulletin and to help out in the office. You can contact Jennifer at jprince@ccsm-ucc.org with any content for Connections or the Bulletin. Zoe Mullery will continue to produce the Pine Tree and can be contacted at zmullery@ccsm-ucc.org.
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225 Tilton Ave. • San Mateo, CA • 94401
650-343-3694
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Scan the QR code above or go to
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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