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Beloved Community,
Greetings from Menlo Park! This week, I'm spending a couple of days at the West Coast UCC Senior Minister Retreat at the Vallombrosa Center, just down the Peninsula. Pulling into the parking lot yesterday, I had a moment of déjà vu—I was last here about ten years ago for a young clergy retreat. Never would I have imagined then that I'd be serving a church just up the highway!
Even in these first few hours, our conversations have been rich and challenging. I’m grateful for this opportunity to gather with clergy to share stories and ask question about how we do “church” today. As I fell asleep last night, my mind was full of questions: What does "church" look like today? How do we stand against policies and voices that "other" and oppress, while also making room for all at the table? How do we stay informed and active while also pacing ourselves for the journey ahead? And how do we remain a prophetic witness of God's expansive love and Jesus' teachings of compassion, mercy, and justice, even as so many churches committed to that work are closing their doors?
I've said it before, and I was reminded of it again last night—our stories matter. We must keep listening and learning from each other, because what we do as a faith community changes lives and has the power to change systems, and it isn’t done in isolation. I was reminded of this last week when Kerianne Steele forwarded me a powerful reflection by her nephew, Hunter Stoval, who was raised in this church and is still an active member.
I encourage you to take a moment to read Hunter's story: Hunter Stoval: I Won't Be Erased. His courage in sharing something so deeply personal inspires me, and beautifully illustrates why this community—how we gather, what we teach, and how we put our faith in action—matters.
As we continue to walk this path together—creating space where everyone is truly seen, valued, and celebrated—I'm filled with both gratitude and hope. Your presence, your stories, your commitment to compassion and justice ripple outward in ways we may never fully know. Together, we are living witnesses that love is indeed stronger than hate, and that transformation is always possible.
With joy,
JV
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As people of faith, we believe in a just world for all—one where economic systems reflect fairness, dignity, and care for the most vulnerable. On February 28, we invite you to join the Economic Blackout, a collective act of resistance, refraining from corporate spending for a day to witness to a different way of being in the world. | |
DISTRIBUTE "KNOW YOUR RIGHTS" CARDS | | |
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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. | |
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LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER!
Immigration Justice Trip
Registration Deadline: Saturday, March 1
Want to put your faith into action this summer? Join our journey to the border! CCSM is teaming up with Be the Neighbor for an intergenerational service-learning adventure focused on immigration justice.
This transformative experience (open to 6th grade through adults) will take us beyond headlines to real human stories, deepening our understanding of hospitality, advocacy, and caring for our neighbors.
Don't let finances hold you back! Full and partial scholarships are readily available—we want EVERYONE who feels called to participate.
Registration closes Saturday, March 1! CLICK HERE for an informational flyer or reach out to Rev. Jessica for more details.
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The "Midwest to West Coast" Pick-A-Party drew a large crowd! | |  |
Rev. Jessica and her sister, Leslie, entertained the crowd with stories of adventure—and misadventure—at the "Midwest to West Coast" Pick-A-Party. | | |
At Second Hour on Sunday, members of the Environmental Justice Ministry shared helpful information about installing solar in your home. | | |
Volunteers, including Sue Hill and Julie Hitchcock, stepped up on Sunday to help make sandwiches for Open Cathedral. | | |
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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)
Thursday, February 27
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
4:30 - 6:30 PM — "Know Your Rights" Seminar, Facebook Live
Friday, February 28
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM — Economic Blackout
1:30 - 3:00 PM — Bella Voce Rehearsal, Fireplace Room
4:00 - 6:00 PM — Samaritan House Meal Service, Kloss Hall
Saturday, March 1
Deadline to register for Intergenerational Service-Learning Trip
Sunday, March 2
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 — Happy Chocolate Hour, Kloss Hall
3:00 - 4:00 PM — English Together Plus, Fireplace Room
4:30 - 6:30 PM — Family Night Out, Bel Mateo Bowl
Monday, March 3
4:00 - 6:00 PM — Samaritan House Meal Service, Kloss Hall
7:00 - 8:00 PM — English Together, Kloss Hall
7:15 - 8:30 PM — Spiritual Conversations, Zoom
Tuesday, March 4
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, March 5
4:00 - 6:00 PM — Samaritan House Meal Service, Kloss Hall
7:00 - 8:30 PM — Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Sanctuary
7:00 - 8:15 PM — Bilingual Ash Wednesday Service, Sanctuary, with potluck dinner to follow in Kloss Hall
View our full calendar on our website
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This Sunday, we celebrate Transfiguration Sunday, marking the close of the Epiphany season. Rev. Jessica Vacketta will preach on the mystery and wonder of Christ’s transformation in Luke 9:28-36, where Jesus is transfigured before the disciples, revealing his divine glory. Together, we’ll reflect on how we, too, are called to be transformed and bring light to the world.
This Sunday, we’ll also celebrate communion, where all are welcome to share and receive these tangible reminders of the gifts of God’s love. Our Chancel Choir will offer special music, including Mozart’s Ave Verum Corpus and selections by Angela Kraft Cross.
After worship, the Gran'Its invite everyone to a special Happy Chocolate Hour in Kloss Hall—a sweet way to gather in community as we prepare to enter the Lenten season.
Join us in person or online at 10:30 AM for this special Sunday as we stand at the threshold between Epiphany’s light and our Lenten journey ahead.
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PLATE OFFERING for
SUNDAY, March 2:
Faith in Action Bay Area
Faith in Action Bay Area is a regional network of community and faith-based organizations working to create innovative solutions to problems facing communities in San Mateo and San Francisco Counties. They have successfully worked to increase access to health care, improve public schools, make neighborhoods safer, build affordable housing, redevelop communities, and revitalize democracy. At a time in which political and economic forces are hurting Bay Area families like never before, their work is more critical than ever. Faith in Action is part of PICO, a national network of faith-based organizing groups.
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HAPPY CHOCOLATE HOUR
Sunday, March 2 at 11:30 AM
Hosted by the Gran'Its
Hear ye, hear ye!
Let it be known throughout the CCSM lands that on the 02 March 2025, the famed Gran’It’s group, led by renowned Kibbie Ruth, coached by chef Donna Lindsay, and abetted by Teresa Gebler, will prepare for the CCSM community a Happy Chocolate Hour post worship service in Kloss Hall at 1130 hour.
All are cordially invited to attend and partake.
Savory offerings will also be provided for those unable to consume the aforementioned chocolate preparations.
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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.
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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!
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JOIN US FOR SECOND SUNDAY SERVICE!
Lent 101: Discovering the Season Together
Sunday, March 9, 5 - 6:30 PM
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Looking for a more relaxed and interactive worship experience? Join us for our Second Sunday Service on March 9th, where we'll gather around tables for food, fellowship, and faith exploration.
Schedule:
· 5:00-5:30 pm: Simple Supper
· 5:30-6:30 pm: Worship
This month, we'll be exploring "Lent 101" — unpacking the meaning behind this important season, discovering why we observe it, and sharing practical ways to incorporate meaningful Lenten practices into our daily lives.
Our Second Sunday Service creates space for all ages to connect and engage in conversation-style worship. As a bilingual service, we welcome and embrace our diverse community, ensuring everyone can participate fully. Come experience the warmth of community in this intergenerational gathering where everyone's voice matters!
No RSVP needed — just come as you are!
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SECOND HOUR: HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Sunday, March 16, 12 - 1 PM
During Second Hour, we will hear from Betty Ann Hagenau, Founder & Executive Director of Freedom Insight, formerly the Bay Area Anti-Trafficking Coalition, who speaks boldly on the reality of human trafficking and what we can do about it. Betty Ann will update us on the many faces of human trafficking in the Bay Area and beyond, equipping us not only with knowledge but also with the steps to effectively and safely report what we see.
Please take ten minutes to watch Betty Ann's moving story of interviewing former traffickers in San Quentin prison: “Activate” film.
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SARATOGA SYMPHONY CONCERT
Sunday, March 16, 3 - 5 PM
Enjoy a free classical music orchestra concert in the Sanctuary, featuring our own Angela Kraft Cross as soloist for an Organ Concerto. All pieces in the program were composed during the Romantic Period, showcasing its passionate character. Conductor Dr. Jason Klein will discuss each composition before performance, enhancing the audience experience. Visit the Saratoga Symphony website for more details: https://saratogasymphony.org/concerts/. No reservations required.
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OPEN CATHEDRAL LUNCH-MAKING OPPORTUNITIES
for Groups and Individuals
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CCSM is one of the many churches that provide 100 bag lunches for the SF Night Ministry Open Cathedral program. Our commitment is the 4th Sunday of every month. As we look to the calendar for the year, this is a good time for interested church groups to sign up for a specific month, and to add individuals/families to our list of volunteers interested in helping out on months where we don't have groups committed. Lunch-making starts after church and is finished by 12:30 pm. CYF is already scheduled for lunch-making in March, and the Gran'Its helped out in January. If you are interested in helping out or have questions about this volunteer opportunity, please email Becky Duffy at duffy239@yahoo.com. Thank you!
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CCSM SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS
DUE MARCH 15!
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Plant your garden without using any pesticides or herbicides.
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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.
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We are seeking an experienced and collaborative choir director to provide interim leadership for our 12-18 member choir through the Lent, Easter, and Pentecost seasons. If you are interested in joining our progressive and inclusive UCC congregation to lead meaningful worship music during this transitional period, we invite you to learn more about this opportunity.
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Kay Harris, Council of Ministries Lead
Kim Rey, Troy Grabow, Children, Youth and Families
Melodie Lew, Congregational Care
Gary H. White, Environmental Justice
Alison Schwandt, Engagement/Communications
Lauren Mathews, Alicia Santamaria,
Kerianne Steele, and Katherine Vega-Stultz, Latino/a Ministry
Pam Ridlehuber, Liturgical Arts
Katie Bylander, Music
Genel Morgan, Sharon Tobin, Service and Justice
Dave Olsen, Siew Kang, Spiritual Life/Adult Ed.
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Email Kay Harris to get connected to a Ministry Lead anytime! | |
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Submit an Announcement
If you would like to submit an announcement, please send it to:
jprince@ccsm-ucc.org
The weekly deadline is 10 AM on Tuesdays.
All submissions are subject to editing.
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Regular Office Hours:
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday - Thursday
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