by Sandra Soto-Grondona A year and a half ago, starting a Spanish service at church was one of CCSM’s wild visions. With the help of Jorge, some of us decided to join this dream and became part of the Latino Ministry Team (LMT). Little by little, the Spanish services, known as the Wednesday Gatherings (WG), began to see a consistent … Read More

Dear sisters and brothers, As you know, it has been 18 months now since the Wednesday Gatherings (our Spanish service) officially started—with two people attending. Today the Wednesday Gatherings (WG) are now officially at 68 members! Of course, they don’t all show up at the same time, and half are children and youth. On any given Wednesday, we average between … Read More

October 7 • 11:45am in the Buckham Room MSJ will host a Second Hour about Immigrant Detention Centers in the US. The detention of immigrants in the US has become a multi-billion dollar industry. For-profit corporations run over 200 detention facilities across our nation, and these facilities hold over 150,000 bed spaces. The fact that these prisons get paid for … Read More

All meetings at 7:30pm • Fireplace Room October 2 • Bobby Kennedy: A Raging Spirit by Chris Matthews (of MNSNBC fame). November 6 • Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi You can find reviews and discussions of all these books on Goodreads.com. Questions? Get in touch with Susan Stoehr: s_stoehr@hotmail.com or Betsy Woodward: betsdce@comcast.net.

Sept. 30 •  Shoreview Park, San Mateo Come stand with the special needs kids and adults in our community (more info at snkids.net/snpride-event). Come stand for Dignity, Respect, Opportunity, and Community. If you would like to help, spread the word, or have questions, contact Steven Davis: steve@snkids.org or 650-278-7416.

Thursday, September 27, 7:30-9:00am • Hyatt Regency (SFO) CCSM is proud once again to be a member of the Host Committee of the LifeMoves annual Benefit Breakfast to increase awareness about homelessness in our community and raise critically-needed funds to support the high-impact housing programs and services provided by LifeMoves. Anne Lamott will be the keynote speaker. Reservation cost depends … Read More

Saturday, October 20 • 4:00-7:00pm The proceeds from this annual event go to fund a scholarship given to a young aspiring chef who cannot afford culinary school. This year’s auctioneer for the live auction is Congresswoman Jackie Speier. Over 180 different items from golfing to cake, cookies and candy will be auctioned. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Get your … Read More

Help us collect the highest pile of books possible—both new and used— during the month of September. Enjoying books is contagious, but only if there are plenty of books in a child’s home. Recognizing that fact, Samaritan House gives children donated new books for Christmas and used books during the year when families check in for social services. Thank you!

Nine Mondays, Sept. 10 – Nov. 5 7:00-8:30pm • CCSM Library The discussion group Spiritual Conversations will read Grounded: Finding God in the World, A Spiritual Revolution in its fall series. In her book Diana Butler Bass explores the questions who is God and where can God be experienced. Using Biblical messages, current events, and personal examples, Butler Bass answers … Read More

Do you believe CCSM is an important spiritual presence on the Peninsula? Do you get something out of coming here? Let’s get the word out about who we are. Anyone can do it— This fall we are stepping up our social media presence and YOU are CCSM’s best ambassadors. So, if you haven’t liked us on Facebook, please do. Sign … Read More

2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 10:30am-Noon • Buckham Room Cookies and coffee provided September 26: Gospel of John Crosswords. We will study the Gospel of John in conjunction with Biblical crossword puzzles. Homework before the meeting: to read the Gospel of John. October 10: Book Discussion—Labyrinths from the Outside In by Rev. Dr. Carole Ann Camp and Rev. Dr. Donna Schaper … Read More

Sunday, October 14 Party Offering Deadline: September 23 CCSM’s beloved fundraiser, Pick-A-Party, is celebrating its 20th year!  Pick-A-Party Sunday will be October 14.  The deadline to offer a party is soon—September 23. For more information, go to our Pick-A-Party webpage.

September 30, 11:45 a.m. • Kloss Hall Since Rodrigo Duterte took power in the Philippines, there have been over 24,000 extra-judicial killings, as well as on-going political persecution of women, journalists, human rights defenders, and church leaders.  There has been very little coverage of these massive human rights violations by the mainstream media in the U.S.  CCSM attendees Violeta Reyes … Read More

Congregational Vote: Revised Bylaws and New Leadership Slate Sunday, September 23, after worship in the Sanctuary Your presence is needed! We’ll hold a special meeting to 1) vote on the revised Bylaws, 2) elect our new leadership team members, and 3) extend the term of that team to approximately 15 months to bring our businesscalendar in line with our fiscal calendar. … Read More