August 13, 2025
- College Heights
- Aug 13
- 3 min read
Dear Beloved Community,
While I was away, I heard from Rev. Polly about the wonderful and spirit-filled service our community shared last Sunday. Caje told heartfelt stories about his father. The congregation also gathered to offer a send-off blessing for Deirdre as she heads into her junior year of college.
This Sunday also marked an exciting milestone in our worship life: the addition of Spanish elements to our service. During announcements, Rev. Polly explained the vision for this new practice, and Stephen served as the first designated Spanish reader. He read the scripture and led the Lord’s Prayer line by line in Spanish, with the congregation responding beautifully. While it may take a few weeks—or even months—for the prayer to come naturally, this rhythm promises to deepen our worship and reflect the beautiful diversity of our community.
It has been incredible the amount of Spanish speakers in our congregation! Even at Instant Choir, Rev. Polly shared with me that Reina and Estela joined in, and that Peter led in both languages—such a talented and adaptable group!
We look forward to continuing this bilingual journey together, and we will need a Spanish Reader for this Sunday. If you feel called to read, please let us know.
I’m looking forward to seeing you all this Sunday as we hear from our guest preacher, Marilyn Courter.
Peace and blessings!
-Jorge
P. S. August's Giving Sunday offering is for Neighbors in Need. This annual UCC collection supports ministries of justice and compassion. One-third is given to the Council for American Indian Ministries and the remaining two-thirds to UCC justice ministries.
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
Church Council: Sunday, August 17, after worship.
Women's Retreat: Aug 22-24 (weekend before Labor Day) at Pacific Grove. Talk to Polly for more information.
Thursday Discussion Group: Thursday, August 28, 7pm on Zoom. We've segued from signs to past lives, starting with the now-classic Brian Weiss book, "Many Lives, Many Masters." All are welcome to join the discussion, whether you've read the book or not.
Book Group: Sunday, Aug 31, 7pm on Zoom. Reading "A Tale for the Time Being" by Ruth Ozeki. We will spend two sessions on this novel.
Worship & Arts: Sunday, Sept 7, after worship. All are invited to come plan the fall worship schedule.
Instant Choir: Sunday,September 14, 9am rehearsal. All are welcome.
Links and resources
Quote of the week
If our vaunted rule of the people does not breed nobler men and women than monarchies have done, it must and will inevitably give place to something better. - Anna Julia Cooper
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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