Connections: Week of August 28, 2023

Dear Beloved Community at CCSM, 

I am just emerging from my jet lag after a wonderful time in Sarajevo attending and presenting at a conference on the ethics of reconciliation. Certainly, Sarajevo is an important site to explore such a topic after the conflict and siege they experienced in the 1990s. It was incredible to reflect on the tolerant diversity and peace that exists today, considering there was no large formal reconciliation process. 

It was also striking to stay at a hotel that had been built for the Olympics in 1984 and then had been the home of many international journalists during the siege, employees risking their lives to go to work and the hotel at times lacking water and electricity. A reminder of how quickly life can change from celebration to desolation. Now, Sarajevo remains a city with many scars from the past but is rising in persistent hope toward the future, including the possibility of EU membership someday. A striking metaphor indeed. 

Thank you so much to Rev. Kibbie and so many others who led so capably in my absence. I was delighted to be able to watch Sunday's service and really invite you to do so as well if you missed it. My good friend, Rev. Dr. Laura Jean Torgerson, preached on the timeless tale of Mary and Martha. I think it is the perfect text to explore through the insights of a Professor of New Testament (which Laura Jean is!) because it is one that on the surface has such a different meaning than you find when you explore the original Greek text and understand more of the context of the day. 

Despite these differences between then and now, we can all relate to rivalries, insecurities, and the sense that others are doing it "wrong" while we are getting it "right." I will admit that I am very guilty of that at times! When thinking about reconciliation and community, it is so important to be able to step into the shoes of another and to be curious and willing to question ourselves. It is critical to think about larger systems and who might benefit (or suffer) from different choices. 

I am so grateful to Laura Jean and so many others for leading us in a powerful service this past Sunday. And I am delighted that we will welcome our very own Pablo Quintanilla to lead us in a powerful message about justice issues right here in San Mateo this coming Sunday. We will also celebrate communion and have wonderful music, amidst much more. Come celebrate Labor Day with your CCSM family in person — or connect from wherever you may be.

Peace and blessings,

Sheryl 

IF YOU MISSED THE WORSHIP SERVICE

CLICK HERE FOR LAST SUNDAY'S ENTIRE SERVICE

CLICK HERE TO WATCH

Rev. Dr. Laura Torgerson's inspiring sermon: "You're Doing It Wrong!"

LATINO MINISTRY INVITATION

Everyone is warmly welcome at our weekly Spanish-language service on Wednesdays at 7:15 pm in the Fireplace Room. Please join us for an inspiring bilingual sermon, music, communion, and a potluck meal. Childcare provided. Come prepared to experience the Holy Spirit in loving community!

Helpers Needed for CCSM's Homecoming Sunday!

Volunteers of all types are needed to make homecoming a success:

• CHILI COOKS – If you can wield a knife, spoon or frypan, we’ve got a place for you. 
• FRUIT/VEGGIE SOUS CHEFS – Cutting and arranging fruits and veggies, no prior experience necessary.
• SETTING UP FOOD in the Kloss kitchen and on the lawn tables—you can carry or arrange.
• HELPING SERVE our Homecoming lunch AND the always-popular cleanup. 

The Connect and Celebrate ministry will be working Saturday, 9/9 at 2 PM in the kitchen AND Sunday morning, 9/10, starting around 9 AM, through and after the lunch. We can use WHATEVER HELP you can offer—30 minutes or 3 hours!!

There will be a sign-up sheet in Kloss Hall this Sunday, 9/3, or please contact Sandy McNabb (sandra.j.mcnabb@gmail.com and 650-678-5650) or Nancy Nugent (jnugent@mac.com and 520-288-6539).

CCSM Bike Riders in the LifeMoves Ride to End Homelessness

CCSM bike riders participated in the LifeMoves Ride to End Homelessness this past Saturday, August 26. Everyone wore their CCRider shirts and were accompanied by friends from the Saturday morning bike group. 

Weather was perfect with overcast skies and mild temperatures for the climbs and miraculously turned to perfectly sunny and clear skies at the top of the last climb, as riders were rewarded with expansive views of the SF Bay and hills. 

The after-ride party was great with the company of good friends, great food, and music that was clearly targeting their generation! Fun!

Vocal Workshop with Dr. Bryan Baker, August 30th

You are invited to join a special vocal workshop with Dr. Bryan Baker, director of Masterworks Chorale. All singers at CCSM are welcome. Join us Wednesday, August 30 at 7 pm in the sanctuary. A graphic of Music Notes or Treble Clef would be great if you have one.

Contact Lynnelle at ltbmusings@gmail.com with any questions.

Come Back for Homecoming Sunday!

September 10th 

Please join us for the start of a new CCSM season on September 10th. We have a new senior minister, a revitalized Council of Ministries, new members to welcome, and there will be food, fun, and games for the kids. The Connect & Celebrate Ministry will be serving up chili (veggie style available) with all the fixings (including a "walking chili" option — come to find out what that is). This lunch will be served on the lawn, so there's plenty of space and fresh air.  It's time to turn off your screen and come back to your friends. (You might want to change out of those pajamas first.) Questions? Contact Sandy McNabb (sandra.j.mcnabb@gmail.com; 650 678 5650) or Nancy Nugent (jnugent@mac.com).

MUSIC AND ART IS BACK!

Friday, September 15th, 12:00 pm

The opening meeting of Music and Art will be on Friday, September 15, at noon in the Buckham Room. We will have a special program called QUILTS AS ART, presented by our own member, Susan Bell. She will introduce us to designing and making quilts and bring some of her own quilts from her collection of 150!!  Members may also bring their own “show and tell” quilts or quilted items (e.g. pillows) or pictures of them. The meeting will begin as usual with our BYOL (bring your own lunch) — beverages are provided as well as dessert by hostesses who have signed up. A brief business meeting will be included, and it will help our treasury if members could bring a check or cash for the $20.00 dues. Checks should be made out to CCSM, with Music & Art on the line. We’ll be off to a great start of the 2023–2024 season. Bring a friend to introduce to our wonderful group! RSVP to Don Harper at donaldgharper@yahoo.com or phone 650-553-1800.

MUSICAL CURIOSITIES 

Concert at CCSM

"Musical Curiosities" invites you for a walk through historical milestones; from Bach to Piazzolla, the duet will play Sunday, September 24th, at 3pm, in the wooden acoustic of the Congregational Church of San Mateo. Suggested donation is $20 (however, all are welcomed!). Claire Tremblay, oboe player, and Lyle Sheffler, classical guitarist, will share with you their "Musical Curiosities." If you need more information, please write to Claire at clairetre@gmail.com.



JOIN THE CLICK!

If we get at least 1,000 subscribers, the YouTube algorithm bumps our CCSM site higher on people’s search engine.  CCSM Media has 426 subscribers today. Let’s pump it up! 

So, please go to https://www.youtube.com/@ccsmMediaChannel/featured

 and click the “Subscribe” button.  Cost: Nothing.  Benefit: HUGE!

Youth and Family News

Recruiting 2023–24 CCSM Youth Peer Leaders! Rev. Sheryl is putting together a small team of youth to help plan youth social events, service projects, intergenerational programs, etc. Are you interested? This is a great thing to put on your college apps, resumes, etc. High school youth in 10th, 11th, and 12th grade are invited. Please let Sheryl know if you are interested. We will meet once/month on Sundays after 60 Minutes and/or on Wednesday evenings before the Wed night service (it’s ok if you can’t make 100% of the meetings).

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 Rev. Sheryl know if you're available! 



Saturday, September 16 – City of San Mateo Annual Bayfront Cleanup More info/register

here: https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/1857/Bayfront-Cleanup 



Friday, September 29–Sunday, October 1 – Join our local UCCs for a fun youth retreat weekend! More details to follow.

Upcoming

Board of Directors

Meetings

all meetings are Sunday at Noon

in the Buckham Room

(unless noted)

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

Upcoming

Council of Ministries

Meetings

all meetings are Sunday at Noon

in the Buckham Room

(dates in yellow are combined BoD + CoM)

September 24

October 22

November 12

December OFF

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 and Environmental Justice

Sandy McNabb - Connect and Celebrate

Julien Phillips - Latino/a Ministry

Linda Stoick - Liturgical Arts

Sue Bell - Music

Genel Morgan - Service and Justice

Chris Wuthmann - Spiritual Life/Adult Ed.

Martha Bronitsky - Stewardship

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!

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.

Link for Prayer Ritual on YouTube: tinyurl.com/CCSM-Ukraine-Prayer