April 09, 2025
- College Heights
- Apr 9
- 3 min read
Dear Beloved Community,
This Sunday I will preach on Psalm 118:19-29 and Luke 19:28-40, and talk about how our God of Liberation calls us to even view the land differently, giving rocks a central role in the book of Psalms. Supposedly the most aloof of the earth’s inhabitants, the stones of earth are suffering rejection and rejoicing the anti-administration of the people’s emperor. You see, as we cry, the land weeps with us. As we rejoice, the land shouts praise. Our God who hears the land will see to our reconciliation down to the bedrock. Thanks be to the land for caring so deeply for us even when we have not cared for the land.
I look forward to seeing you this Sunday to wave our palms!
Peace and blessings!
-Jorge
April's Giving Sunday offering is for the UCC's One Great Hour of Sharing, supporting especially disaster and refugee ministries at home and abroad.
The Church Council recently clarified what monies in the collection plate go to our Giving Sunday recipient each month. 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
Lenten Choir Practice: Every Sunday during Lent at 8:45am. Everyone welcome. There will be no choir practice on Palm Sunday, April 13.
Lenten Taize Service: Friday, April 11, 7:30 pm. Also available on Zoom.
Holy Week Services
Apr 13, Palm Sunday: CHC, 10am
Apr 17, Maundy Thursday: joint service at CCP (Belmont church), 7 pm
Apr 18, Good Friday: joint service at CCSM (downtown church), 7 pm
Apr 19, Holy Saturday: joint service at CHC, 7 pm. Vigil with Mary Magdalene.
Apr 20, Easter Sunday: CHC, 10am
Thursday Discussion Group: Thursday, Apr 24, 7pm on Zoom. Read Chapter 6 of Armstrong's "The Battle for God."
Worship & Arts: Sunday, May 4, after worship. Everyone welcome to help plan for future services.
Book Group: Sunday, May 4, 7pm on Zoom. Reading "Open Socrates: The Case for a Philosophical Life" by Agnes Callard. Suggest beginning with the Introduction, then the last chapter (on Death) and then chapters 1 and 2, for the discussion on May 4. We will spend several months on this book.
Monthly Potluck: Sunday, May 25, after worship. Bring something to share.
Links and resources
Lenten Online Class with John Dominic Crossan: "Paul the Pharisee". Lectures you can listen to anytime, with a live-streamed Q&A starting Thursday, March 13 at 11am. The last one is this week. More information here.
Quote of the week
It is not the punishment but the cause that makes the martyr. -- Saint Augustine
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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