Beloved Community,

It’s been a week of transition here at CCSM. Last week, office volunteers and staff gathered to thank Jennifer Prince for her incredible work covering for Zoe Mullery during her leave of absence, and on Tuesday, we welcomed Zoe back to the office—greeted with love, laughter, and lots to catch up on as we prepare for Holy Week! I know I speak for the entire staff when I say it is a privilege to work alongside both of these remarkable women who provide steady support behind the scenes for our many ministries.

With Zoe’s return comes some big news she’d like to share with you:

Dear, patient, and supportive CCSM,

Tuesday was my first day back in the office after six months away, and I was so warmly greeted. It underscored just how loved and affirmed I have been at this job for the past 34 years. Yes, 34 years! I started in 1991 when the then-Administrator, Lynn Takacs, took maternity leave for a child who is now 34 years old!

I have taken significant time away recently, and even when wonderful people cover for me, I know that it comes at a cost. There has been a lot of rumbling in my soul, and a lot going on in my family, and I have needed time to attend to those things. CCSM's unwavering support of me during my times away has been a gift.

Discerning my spiritual call in this coming chapter of my life has been my focus. Yesterday, April 9, I turned 65 years old — "retirement" age. I have found myself increasingly drawn to invest more deeply in the work I do at San Quentin. Having taught creative writing there now for 26 years, I have deep roots and long connections there, and am doing more and more satisfying work helping my students complete their memoirs, story collections, and other writing projects—which I LOVE doing. My heart is nudging me to figure out a way to make more time to pursue that work.

After much discernment, dialogue, and prayer, I have come to the difficult decision that it is time for me to retire from CCSM and find a way to support the expansion of my prison work, as well as continue to have the space in my schedule to spend time with my parents in this season. It is hard for me to let go of my work here. I have felt so gratified by being able to contribute to this beautiful community in my small way. Watching my parents be so well-loved, at this time in their lives, by CCSM friends they've cherished for decades gives a simple and profound picture of what CCSM nurtures.

I have told Jessica that I want to make sure to leave well, passing along my substantial institutional knowledge as best I can. I've set my farthest departure date as the end of summer, but I hope someone can be hired sooner so I can help onboard them and support a good transition.

I want to thank everyone in this church for all the ways you have blessed me for so many years.

With gratitude,

Zoe

Zoe has dedicated most of her life to serving our church. She is a walking historian, database, and encyclopedia of all things CCSM, but most importantly she is the glue that keeps us together and the steady and encouraging presence that keeps us calm. While we will greatly miss having her on staff, we are grateful she will always be part of our wider CCSM family. This summer we will do our best to celebrate her 34 years of service to our community, and wish her well in this next chapter. If you'd like to help plan that celebration, please let me know.

As a church, we’ve experienced a lot of transition the past couple of years. Each goodbye, each shift, carries both grief and gratitude. This Lent, we’ve been reminded that God is with us in every season, and especially in the change of the in-between. I’m grateful for the spirit of love and resilience that continues to guide our path forward.

And as we continue that journey, keep reading to learn what that will look like during Holy Week and Easter- starting with our Palm Sunday processional! This Sunday we’ll gather on the front lawn, and yes, JR the Donkey will be there if you’d like to say hello (or get a picture) before worship begins. We would love to see you this Sunday.

In hope,

Jessica

Thank you, Jennifer!

Welcome Back, Zoe!

DID YOU MISS WORSHIP?

CLICK HERE for Last Sunday's Entire Service

CLICK HERE for Rev. Jessica's sermon,

"Righteousness and Mercy"

HOLY WEEK WITH CCSM

PALM SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE

Sunday, April 13, 10:30am, Sanctuary

As Holy Week begins, join us for Palm Sunday! We'll meet on the front lawn and process in, waving palms and shouting Hosanas. Our Joyful Noise and Chancel Choirs will lead music, and our children and youth will help tell the story of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem.

AGAPE MEAL: FOOD, FELLOWSHIP, REFLECTION

Sunday, April 13, 5:30-6:30pm, Kloss Hall

Begin Holy Week with intention at our Agape Meal on Palm Sunday, April 13, from 5:30–6:30pm. This simple, sacred second service invites all ages to gather around the table for shared food, meaningful connection, as we revisit and reflect on the themes of our "Everything In Between" series.

SERVICIO DE ADORACIÓN BILINGÜE

Wednesday, April 16, 7:15-8:45pm, Kloss Hall and Buckham Room

Experience a special Holy Week bilingual service featuring the music of Karen Hutchinson and help make a special Holy Week alfombra. Stay afterward to share in community during our potluck meal.

MAUNDY THURSDAY

Thursday, April 17, 7:00-8:00pm, Congregational Church of the Peninsula

The first of three shared Holy Week services of the San Mateo Cluster of UCC congregations. This service features music from Godspell led by a combined choir, and Holy Communion.

GOOD FRIDAY

Friday, April 18, 7:00-8:15pm, CCSM Sanctuary and Online

Experience the story of the cross through powerful music, scripture, and reflection, exploring the tension between resistance and surrender. Featuring a multi-church choir, worship band, organ, piano, and strings, with a candle-lighting for peace.

EASTER VIGIL

Saturday, April 19, 7:00-8:15pm, College Heights UCC

An imaginative recreation of the first Great Vigil, held by Mary Magdalene, alone at the tomb. We will prepare for the Vigil by hearing Mary’s story, sharing in an anointing, and celebrating communion. The conclusion will be a Taize-like experience of spending the night waiting at the tomb, not knowing what is going to happen on Easter morning but still feeling pulled to be there, to hold the energy.

SUNRISE WORSHIP

Sunday, April 20, 6:30-7:30am, Memorial Garden

Welcome Easter morning in our Memorial Garden with Revs. Jessica and Álvaro, gathering like the women did on that first Easter. We'll hear the resurrection story as the sun rises and share in communion and song. Music will be led by Susan Bell on guitar and harp. Coffee and tea will be offered.

TRADITIONAL EASTER SUNDAY WORSHIP

10:30am, Sanctuary

Join us as we proclaim that today we know hope! Experience the joy of Easter morning as we share communion and raise our voices in Alleluias, celebrating the profound truth that death does not have the last word and nothing can separate us from the love of God. Join us in person or online.

YOUTH EASTER FESTIVAL

10:30-11:30am, Buckham Room

Children and youth can celebrate the resurrection story through hands-on creativity! Kids will enjoy rotating through engaging stations including pom-pom bunnies, resurrection biscuits, Ukrainian egg decorating, and beautiful stained-glass crosses.

EASTER EGG HUNT

11:30am, Front Lawn

Children are invited to join the CYF ministry for our traditional Easter Egg Hunt immediately following worship.

EASTER SUNDAY BILINGUAL SERVICE

1:00-2:00pm, Sanctuary, Buckham Room, Kloss Hall

Rev. Álvaro Durán will lead this bilingual Easter celebration followed by a community potluck lunch in Kloss Hall. All are welcome!

THIS WEEK AT CCSM

Thursday, April 10

9:00 AM — Casual Bike Riders, CCSM Parking Lot (Contact John Ebneter, jebneter@aol.com)

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

6:30 - 8:00 PM — Finance Committee Meeting, Zoom

Friday, April 11

1:30 - 3:00 PM — Bella Voce Rehearsal, Fireplace Room

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

Saturday, April 12

8:30 - 10:30 AM — CC Riders Weekly Bike Ride (Contact Peter Held, paheld1417@gmail.com)

Sunday, April 13 - Palm Sunday

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

Monday, April 14

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM — Women at the Well Women's Group, Fireplace Room

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM — Burlingame Music Club, Kloss Hall

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

Tuesday, April 15

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

6:30 - 8:00 PM — Board of Directors Meeting, Zoom and Fireplace Room

Wednesday, April 16

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

View our full calendar on our website

THIS SUNDAY IN WORSHIP

This Sunday, we'll gather on the lawn to receive our palms and process into the Sanctuary singing and shouting Hosannas to celebrate Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem! We'll take a closer look at Luke 19:29-40, where Jesus doesn't instigate his own parade, but his quiet presence alone inspires the multitude to shout out and praise God. When the religious leaders try to silence the crowd, Jesus tells them that the noise level isn't the point- even the stones would cry out if they were silent. It takes wisdom to know when our voice is needed, and when it's just noise...

The plate offering this Sunday is for ALAS (Ayudando latinos a sonar)

ALAS is dedicated to working for social wellness through multicultural practices, mental health care, individualized and collective support related to education, immigration processes and work and advocating for the wellbeing of the whole community. The farmworker community is a fundamental piece of the San Mateo Coastline society. ALAS’ work consists of liaison and outreach, keeping close and continuous contact with the farms to know their needs.

COMING UP

SPIRITUAL CONVERSATIONS

Next conversation: Tuesday, April 22

7:15 - 8:30 PM, Zoom

(Meets the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month)

Service Learning Trip Fundraiser!

Sunday, April 27 - 11:45am • Kloss Hall

Join us for a delicious Spaghetti Lunch Fundraiser! This luncheon will support our Intergenerational Service-Learning Trip to Tuscon. Enjoy pasta, salad and dessert (includes vegetarian and gluten free options), connect with friends, and help make this transformative experience possible for those participating in the trip.

This is a pay-what-you-can event-- whether it's 25 cents or $25, every penny helps! Suggested donation $10/person or $25/family-- but all are welcome!

GREEN TIPS

Here is another recommendation that will help stop the release of microplastics into our water, air and land: Synthetic carpets release microplastics into our indoor environment showing up in an increase in the number of airborne plastic particles in homes with synthetic carpets. When choosing flooring for your home, or workplace, if you get to have input, opt for either non-synthetic carpeting or alternative flooring types especially when they are made with recycled products.

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.