February 18, 2026
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
Dear Beloved Community,
This Sunday we’ll reflect on Mark 1:9–15 alongside Mary Oliver’s poem “Wild Geese.” In Mark’s gospel, Jesus begins not with a list of achievements, but with baptism, and a voice of belonging: “You are my beloved.” Before Jesus preaches or proves anything, God names him as loved. And then, surprisingly, the Spirit drives him into the wilderness, reminding us that hard seasons are not signs of failure, but places where truth is faced and grace still shows up.
Mary Oliver echoes that same invitation: “You do not have to be good… Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine. Meanwhile the world goes on.” Together, the poem and the gospel reframe repentance not as shame or self-punishment, but as turning back toward life, toward love, justice, and the good news that God’s kingdom is near. Like wild geese calling across the sky, God’s Spirit keeps announcing, over and over: you belong.
I look forward to seeing you on Sunday, and I do hope you are having a great start to the week.
Peace and blessings!
-Jorge
P. S. February's Giving Sunday collection is for Puente de la Costa Sur, the amazing community resource center for the whole South Coast. What began years ago as a ministry of Pescadero's Community Church to fix bicycles for the area's farm workers has morphed into an organization that advocates for equitable access to education, health and economic security for all.
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, February 19, 7pm on Zoom. Dream exploration.. Read chapter 4 of "The Wisdom of Your Dreams" by Jeremy Taylor for the 19th.
Church Pot Luck: Sunday, February 22, after worship. Our monthly meal together.
Instant Choir: Sunday, Mar 1, 9am. Rehearse at 9, sing for the service.
Book Group: Sunday, Mar 1, 7pm on Zoom. Reading "Buddha, Socrates and Us" by Stephen Batchelor. Read Parts V and VI for Mar 1. Note date change.
Worship & Arts: Sunday, March 8, after worship. All are welcome to come help us plan worship.
Taize Service: Friday, March 13, 7:30pm. Our monthly contemplative service of prayer and chant. Also on Zoom.
Church Council: Sunday, March 15, 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!
Links and resources
Abundant Grace is having a 5K walk/run on March 7 to raise money for a new roof. Information and registration here.
Resistance songs from Minneapolis. We should learn "Hold On" in case we need it.
Quote of the week
"There is a labyrinth within the soul." — John O'Donohue
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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