August 20, 2025

College Heights
5 days ago
3 min read

Dear Beloved Community,

This past Sunday was truly a blessing as we heard from our very own Marilyn Courter. Like so many who have shared their encounters with the sacred, Marilyn’s story was profound and deeply moving. I remain grateful to each of you who have trusted us with your sacred stories. Your openness inspires me, and I am continually touched by the ways God’s presence is revealed through your lives.

This coming Sunday, I will be preaching from Luke 13:10–17. Together, we will reflect on how, even in the presence of a healer, deliverer, rescuer, and comforter, the faithful are not always shielded from harm. Even the most righteous among us find ourselves in need of refuge. Free will brings with it both possibility and risk, and though our Creator does not prevent every hardship, the Mother God of everlasting love offers solace in our turmoil. There is hope in our struggles because we do not face them alone, we share them with the Divine, who holds our best interests close to heart.

For those attending the Women’s Retreat in Pacific Grove this weekend, I pray that your time is filled with unity, renewal, and spiritual growth. For those remaining here at home, I look forward to worshiping with you on Sunday!

May the rest of your week be filled with peace, encouragement, and reminders of God’s abundant love.

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

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.
Taize Service: Friday, September 12, 7:30pm. Monthly service of chant, prayer and quiet. Also available via Zoom.
Instant Choir: Sunday, September 14, 9am rehearsal. All are welcome.
Church Council: Sunday, September 21, after worship
Church Work Day: Saturday, October 18, 9-12. Inside and outside jobs need doing, and it's always more fun together. Bring your lunch and relax afterwards