January 22, 2026
- College Heights
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
“Our goal is to create a beloved community, and this will require a qualitative change in our souls as well as a quantitative change in our lives.” — Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Dear Beloved Community,
While you’ll be receiving this newsletter on Wednesday, I’m writing this on MLK Day, and the quote above is one of my favorites.
Dr. King’s vision of a “beloved community” reminds us that justice means both changing hearts and changing systems, to build a world where every family can live with dignity, safety, and hope. This MLK Day, may we recommit to building a world where everyone belongs, not just in laws, but in spirit.
I’m sorry to miss being with you this Sunday. I have been invited to preach at the Presbyterian Church in Chinatown, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent our community and share in worship with our neighbors in San Francisco. I look forward to seeing you again next Sunday.
Peace and blessings!
-Jorge
P. S. January's Giving Sunday collection is for Abundant Grace Coastside Worker, helping the less fortunate on the coast. Their director and visionary, Eric DeBode, has been our guest preacher many times. Thanks for always being so generous with your gifts.
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, January 22, 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. Read parts 3 and 4 for Jan 22.
Church Pot Luck: Sunday, January 25, after worship. Our monthly meal together.
Book Group: Sunday, Jan 25, 7pm on Zoom. Reading "Buddha, Socrates and Us" by Stephen Batchelor. Read Parts III and IV for the 25th.
Worship & Arts: Sunday, February 1, after worship. All are welcome to come help us plan worship
Taize Service: Friday, February 13, 7:30pm. Also on Zoom.
Instant Choir: Sunday, Feb 15, 9am. Rehearse at 9, sing for the service.
Church Council: Sunday, February 15, after worship
Links and resources
Faith leaders are joining a MARCH on Minneapolis (MARCH = Multifaith Antiracism, Change & Healing) on Jan 22-23. Information and opportunities to support found here. Echoes of Selma in 1965, when MLK telegraphed clergy across the country and they answered.
Abundant Grace is having a 5K walk/run on March 7 to raise money for a new roof. Information and registration here.
Quote of the week
"Peace is not merely a distant goal we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal."
-Martin Luther King Jr.
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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