March 13, 2025
Dear Beloved Community,
I will be reflecting on Luke 13:31-35 this upcoming Sunday. This text reminds me of how we are sheltered by a God who keeps us. While we might fear enemies who threaten the discontinuation of our cultures, heritages, and lives, Creator scoops us up into Her arms at our most vulnerable. Rather than being regarded as an embarrassment, the most targeted people of God will be exalted in divine glory. We can thus boast in God’s authority over evil forces who attempt to rule over our life and death. Our Source thwarts these attempts in Her acts of liberating resistance.
I hope to see many of you on Sunday, and continue to be the beloved community of liberating resistance we are called to be.
Peace and blessings!
-Jorge
March's Giving Sunday offering is for Community of Peace, VA (Stephan Waligur).
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
Lenten Choir Practice: Every Sunday during Lent at 8:45am. Everyone welcome.
Taize Service: Friday, March 14, 7:30pm. Our monthly contemplative service of chant, prayer and silence. Ariel Wang will be there with her viola, and we'll hear poetry by Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer. Also available on Zoom.
Church Work Day: Saturday, March 15, 9-12. Indoor and outdoor projects around the church. Bring your lunch and relax afterwards.
Council Meeting: Sunday, March 16, after worship.
Thursday Discussion Group: Thursday, Mar 20, 7pm on Zoom. Read Chapter 4 of Armstrong's "The Battle for God."
Congregational Meeting: Sunday, March 23 after worship
Book Group: Sunday, Mar 23, 7pm on Zoom. Reading Robin Wall Kimmerer's latest book, "The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World." Note new date.
Monthly Potluck: Sunday, March 30, after worship. Bring something to share.
Worship & Arts: Sunday, April 6, after worship. Everyone welcome to help plan for Holy Week, Easter and beyond.
Links and resources
Lenten Online Class with John Dominic Crossan: "Paul the Pharisee". Lectures you can listen to anytime, with a live-streamed Q&A starting Thursday, March 13 at 11am. More information here.
When imperial authority attempts to restrict your liberating movements through intimidation or violence, listen to “I Shall Not Be Moved” performed by the Arkansas First Jurisdiction Mass Choir
Masterworks Chorale's winter concert set is coming up March 29-30. It features the hauntingly beautiful "Requiem" by Maurice Durufle. Plus "Music of the Stars" by contemporary Scottish composer Cecilia McDowell (the middle movement of which has lyrics by Neil Degrasse Tyson, of all people!). Conveniently held at Congregational Church of San Mateo. Info here.
Quote of the week
“When you see people call themselves revolutionary always talking about destroying, destroying, destroying but never talking about building or creating, they’re not revolutionary. They do not understand the first thing about revolution. It’s creating.” - Kwame Ture
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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