July 01, 2026
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Dear Beloved Community,
In recent days, our hearts have been heavy as we have learned of the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela. We grieve with all who have lost loved ones, homes, neighborhoods, schools, churches, and any sense of safety. We hold in prayer those who are still searching for family members, those waiting for rescue and medical care, and all who are now facing the long and painful work of rebuilding.
When tragedy strikes anywhere in the world, our faith reminds us that distance does not excuse us from compassion. We are part of one human family, bound together by the God who draws near to the suffering and calls us to do the same. The pain of Venezuela is not far away from us. It belongs to our prayers, our concern, and our shared responsibility to love our neighbors.
So this week, I invite us to pause and pray for the people of Venezuela: for the grieving, the injured, the displaced, the rescuers, the medical teams, the churches and community leaders, and all those offering care in the midst of heartbreak. May God strengthen every hand that is helping. May God comfort every heart that is broken. May God make a way where the road ahead feels impossible.
And may we also remember those in our own country who carry Venezuela in their hearts through family, friendship, memory, and homeland. Let us make room for grief, fear, and tenderness.
In moments like this, prayer is not the least we can do. It is where we begin. But may our prayers also open us to generosity, solidarity, and action as trusted ways to support relief efforts become available.
God of mercy, hold Venezuela close.
God of compassion, strengthen those who are suffering.
God of hope, help your people rise again.
I also look forward to being with you this Sunday, when I will be sharing part of my own spiritual journey, a story of conversion to the Christian faith and the ways God has been at work in my life. I hope to see many of you there as we reflect, and continue growing together as a community of faith.
With love and prayer,
-jorge
P. S. July's Giving Sunday collection is for Mission Hospice. Founded in 1979, Mission Hospice is an independent nonprofit organization providing exceptional end-of-life care, grief support, and education for patients and families in the San Francisco Peninsula and South Bay.
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, July 2, 7pm on Zoom. Dream exploration. We're continuing with the new book -- "The Spirituality of Dreaming" by Kelly Bulkeley. His thesis is that dreaming is/can be a spiritual practice.
Taize Service: Friday, July 10, 7:30pm. Our regular monthly service of chant and prayer.
Church Pot Luck: Sunday, July 26 , after worship. Our monthly meal together.
Book Group: Sunday, July 26, 7pm on Zoom. It's time for some fiction, so we chose Elizabeth Strout's latest: "The Things We Never Say." Everyone is welcome to zoom in to the discussion at the end of July.
Joint UCC Picnic: Sunday, Aug 2, 12:30-2:30. We are hosting all the local UCC churches this year. Come on out and greet the downtown church, the Belmont church, Island United and whoever else the organizers invited! Jorge's making tacos and quesadillas and we'll bring sides and salads. See details in the poster above.
Worship & Arts: Sunday, Aug 9, after worship. All are welcome to come help us plan worship.
Church Council: Sunday, August 16, after worship.
Women's Retreat: Aug 28-30, Pacific Grove. All CHC women are invited. Info and RSVP's to Polly.
Links and resources
The latest newsletter from Abundant Grace can be read here. Scroll down their homepage about half-way to find it.
Quote of the week
“Individually, every grain of sand brushing against my hands represents a story, an experience, and a block for me to build upon for the next generation.”
― Raquel Cepeda, Birds of Paradise: How I Became a Latina
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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