July 23, 2025

Image: Photo taken by Sabrina George

Dear Beloved Community,

This past Sunday, we were blessed by Rev. Polly’s deeply personal story, shared as part of our summer series on Encounters with the Sacred. Her journey, through inner unrest, spiritual awakening, and coming to terms with mortality, reminded us that stories hold deep power.

Stories connect us. They help us make meaning of our lives, offer healing, and remind us that we are not alone. Rev. Polly’s willingness to share her sacred experience opened space for all of us to listen more deeply, to her, to one another, and to our own inner truths.

Thank you, Rev. Polly, for your honesty, vulnerability, and wisdom. Your story matters, and so does each of ours.

This Sunday, we look forward to hearing from our very own member, Sabrina, as she shares her story of encountering the sacred. We hope you’ll join us and show your support. It’s a gift to walk this journey together.

Peace and blessings!

-Jorge

P. S. July's Giving Sunday offering is for Mission Hospice. This offering helps Mission Hospice & Home Care provide compassionate end-of-life care by supporting patients with serious illness through personalized medical, emotional, and spiritual services, whether at home or in their hospice house. They also offer grief counseling, volunteer support, and community education to help families navigate the challenges of illness and loss with dignity and understanding.

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, July 24, 7pm on Zoom. We're moving on to Laura Lynne Jackson's second book, called "Signs: The Secret Language of the Universe". Any one is invited to the discussion (book-reading is optional). We're continuing the discussion of signs and our stories about signs, and deciding what to read next.

  
  

• Monthly Potluck: Sunday, July 27, after worship.

  
  

• Book Group: Sunday, July 27, 7pm on Zoom. Reading "Open Socrates: The Case for a Philosophical Life" by Agnes Callard. Read chapters 8-11 (Part III). We are spending several months on this book.

  
  

• Worship & Arts: Sunday, August 3 after worship. Everyone is welcome.

  
  

• UCC Churches Picnic: Sunday, August 3rd 1-5pm. Five Peninsula UCC churches are gathering for a church picnic at Huddart Park. All are welcome.

  
  

• Women's Retreat: Aug 22-24 (weekend before Labor Day) at Pacific Grove. Talk to Polly for more information.

Links and resources

Sanctuary People Resource List

Author Dana A. Williams on what Toni Morrison can teach us about editing

Quote of the week

“There are three things that are important in human life. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. The third is to be kind.” - Henry James

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.