December 10, 2025
- College Heights
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Dear Beloved Community,
This upcoming Sunday we will light the pink candle of joy. In the story, it is not the powerful or the well-connected who first hear the news of Jesus’ birth, but ordinary people. Working people on the edges of society. God’s joy shows up in the fields, in the dark, with those who are usually overlooked. That’s the kind of God I follow: one who shows up in unexpected places, with good news for those who are used to being ignored.
I invite us this week that we may remember that joy is not the same as pretending everything is fine. Joy is what rises up in spite of fear, injustice, and uncertainty. It is the deep knowing that God is with us and for us, especially in hard times. As we move through Advent, may we stay awake to the quiet, subversive joy of God’s presence. In small acts of kindness, in communities that resist despair, and in the good news that liberation is already breaking in.
One of the joys of Christmas is all the music that only shows up at this time of year. The season isn't long enough to sing it all! This Sunday we will explore some of the carols that we don't often get to sing, especially carols with stories behind their origins. Polly, the Garrisons and Stephen will introduce the songs.
See you this Sunday!
Peace and blessings!
-Jorge
P. S. December's Giving Sunday collection is for the UCC's Christmas Fund. The Christmas Fund has been caring for active and retired clergy and lay employees of the United Church of Christ for over 100 years, providing emergency grants, supplementation of small annuities and health premiums, and Christmas “Thank You” gift checks each December to our lower-income retirees. Thanks for always being so generous with your gifts.
The Church Council 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
Thursday Discussion Group: Thursday, October 9, 7pm on Zoom. The new book choice is "Zero Limits" by Dr. Joe Vitale. It's about the Hawaiian system of affirmations called Ho-oponopono. Join us on the 9th and find out about it.
Taize Service: Friday, December 12, 7:30pm. Our Advent service of chant and prayer. Also available on Zoom.
Caroling the Neighborhood: Tuesday, December 16, 6pm. Come carol with us as we entertain our neighbors. Afterwards we'll come back to the church for hot cider and cookies. Bring your friends and visitors -- all ages are welcome.
Thursday Discussion Group: Thursday, December 18, 7pm on Zoom. The new book choice is "Guided" by Laura Lynne Jackson. We've read "The Light Between Us" and "Signs" both by Laura Lynne; this is her latest book.
Church Pot Luck: Sunday, December 28, after worship. Our monthly meal together.
Worship & Arts: Sunday, January 4, after worship.
Book Group: Sunday, Jan 25, 7pm on Zoom. Reading "Buddha, Socrates and Us" by Stephen Batchelor. Read Parts III and IV for the 25th.
Links and resources
Abundant Grace Holiday Party for HMB homeless and field workers -- looking for help with the gift list. See Eva Fulvio if you have questions.
Masterworks Chorale's Christmas concerts are coming up on Dec 13 & 14, held at the Congregational Church of San Mateo at 4pm. Saturday's program is aimed at children, with a story (this year it's "Olive, the Other Reindeer") and skits; Sunday's program is more for the adults, with a variety of Christmas pieces. Cookie receptions afterwards on both days. Polly, Caje, Kevin and David H. invite you to come hear us!
Quote of the week
“Our country may forget this history but I cannot. I will not and other survivors do not and our descendants do not. When my family was forced to leave Tulsa, I lost my chance of an education. I never finished school past the fourth grade. I have never made much money.” - Mother Viola Fletcher, may she rest in abundance
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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