April 02, 2026
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Dear Beloved Community,
This Sunday is Easter Sunday, and what good news it is that love, life, and hope rise again! We will reflect on Mark 16:1–8 alongside Mary Oliver’s “Morning Poem,” as both invite us into the wonder of a new morning and the promise of new life. In Mark’s Gospel, the women arrive at the tomb expecting death, only to discover that the stone has been rolled away and resurrection is already unfolding. Mary Oliver reminds us that each morning the world is created again, and Easter proclaims that this is true for us as well. Even after sorrow, fear, and long nights of grief, God is still bringing life where we least expect it. Come celebrate the joy, surprise, and hope of Easter morning with us!
Please also join us for our Holy Saturday Vigil with Mary Magdalene on Saturday, April 4 at 7:00 p.m., led by Rev. Polly. This tender and meaningful service invites us to linger together in prayer, reflection, and holy anticipation as we wait at the threshold of Easter. Before the joy of Sunday morning, come gather with us in this sacred space of hope, remembrance, and quiet expectation.
See you on Sunday!
Peace and blessings!
-Jorge
P. S. March's Giving Sunday collection is for "Our Turn", CHC's pastor-discretionary fund. We used to just pass the basket when someone needed help, but these days the need sometimes can't wait until the next Sunday. So the Council decided to pre-fund "Our Turn" so that Jorge has immediate funds available.
On the first Sunday of the month (the "Giving Sunday"), the whole plate goes to the designated nonprofit. Any other time during the month you can contribute by way of a check with the name of the nonprofit in the memo line.
Recent sermons
Check out our YouTube page to see recent sermons. Go to our archive of slides to see bulletins and slides used during recent services.
Recordings of our Taize services are also on the YouTube page.
Upcoming services and events
Instant Choir: Sunday, April 5, 9am. Rehearse at 9, sing for the service.
Worship & Arts: Sunday, April 12, after worship. All are welcome to come help us plan worship.
Thursday Discussion Group: Thursday, April 16, 7pm on Zoom. Dream exploration. Finish reading "The Wisdom of Your Dreams" by Jeremy Taylor.
Church Council: Sunday, April 19, after worship.
Church Work Day: Saturday, April 25, 9-3. Mark your calendars and come help as you can. Indoor and outdoor cleanup and repair tasks. Always more fun together!
Church Pot Luck: Sunday, April 26, after worship. Our monthly meal together.
Book Group: Sunday, May 3, 7pm on Zoom. It's time for some fiction, so we're reading "Theo of Golden" by Allen Levi. All are welcome; this book has wide appeal.
Links and resources
The Community of Peace in Louisa, Virginia, Br Stefan Waligur's vision of an "American Taize," is reaching a milestone on Easter Sunday. At Evening Prayer they will hear the Solemn Profession of Monastic Vows of their first two monks, Tim Bickel and Barbara Miller. The community has many visitors, but Tim and Barbara are the first to make a lifetime commitment. The Community of Peace is one of our regular Giving Sunday recipients, and we use Br Stefan's music in our own services often.
Quote of the week
"Always stay rooted to somewhere." - Naomi Shihab Nye
Weekly events
• Meditation group: Wednesdays at 7:30 am.
In person at the church building
• Sunday worship: 10 am
In person at the church building
• Church Office Hours: Thursdays 2:30pm-5:30pm, in person at the church building.
To schedule an appointment please call or text 510-754-6796 or email xicanominister@gmail.com.
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