February 20, 2025
Dear Beloved Community,
I am looking forward to seeing you this Sunday. I will reflect on Luke 6:27-38, about loving our enemies. This Sunday’s gospel, for me, asks a few questions. First, does Luke 6:27-38 really represent not just our beliefs but our practices? Second, are you and I doing what Jesus says? Does this gospel passage describe what it is to be a follower of Jesus? If so, how’s that going for you? These are the questions I hope together we will try and understand. Because these questions I will ask of us come out of my own struggle with Luke 6:27-38. They are questions I am asking myself.
As always, I hope to see many of you this Sunday.
Peace and blessings!
-Jorge
February's Giving Sunday offering is for Puente de la Costa Sur. This coastside social services organization began years ago when the Pescadero Community Church (UCC) fixed up used bicycles for the area's farmworkers. The bicycle program grew and added services and eventually became so much bigger than the church that it spun off as its own 501(c)3.
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
Thursday Discussion Group: Thursday, Feb 20, 7pm on Zoom. Read Chapter 2 of Armstrong's "The Battle for God."
Monthly Potluck: Sunday, Feb 23, after worship. Bring something to share.
Worship & Arts: Sunday, Feb 23, after the potluck. All are invited to help plan our Lenten service schedule.
Book Group: Sunday, Feb 23, 7pm on Zoom. Reading Robin Wall Kimmerer's latest book, "The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World."
Council Meeting: Sunday, March 2, after worship.
Church Work Day: Saturday, March 15, 9-12. Indoor and outdoor projects around the church. Bring your lunch and relax afterwords.
Links and resources
The national office of the United Church of Christ publishes a number of e-newsletters, any of which you are welcome to subscribe to. Click here for the list and descriptions.
Listen or check out the lyrics to “We’re Blessed” by Fred Hammond and Radical for Christ. “Late in the midnight hour, God’s gonna turn it around! It’s gonna work in your favor!”ile!
Quote of the week
“When I look back now, I think Rosa Parks was the right person to represent that movement at that time. She was a good and strong person, accepted by more people than were ready to accept me. But I made a personal statement, too, one that she didn’t make and probably couldn’t have made. Mine was the first cry for justice, and a loud one. I made it so that our own adult leaders couldn’t just be nice anymore...” - Claudette Colvin
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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