July 30, 2025
- College Heights
- Aug 4
- 3 min read
Dear Beloved Community,
I’ve been deeply moved by this summer series, Encounters with the Sacred. What a gift it has been to hear how others experience the sacred in their lives.
This past Sunday, Sabrina shared a powerful reflection about her time at Ring Lake Ranch. Her story reminded me that sacred places don’t always bring peace and ease. Instead of a restful retreat, she found herself overwhelmed and isolated. Yet through that struggle, a deeper sense of sacred renewal began to emerge.
Revisiting the ranch’s daily prayer,
“Holy One, go with us, wherever you may lead us. Guide us through the wilderness and protect us from the storms. Lead us home rejoicing at the wonders you have shown us; lead us home rejoicing once again unto our doors.”
Sabrina realized the wilderness isn’t always around us; sometimes it’s within. And the storms may be internal, not just literal. What that means for me is that sacred renewal, then, is not about escaping hardship, it’s about meeting it with honesty, and allowing space for truth and transformation.
Even when the journey is rough, the sacred is still present, guiding us home in ways we may not expect.
Some of you asked about Ring Lake Ranch; you can find more information at the link below. Unfortunately, we were unable to record Sabrina’s full message on Sunday, so it will not be available on YouTube. However, she has generously provided a written version of her reflection, also linked below.
Ring Lake Ranch – Dubois, WY
This Sunday, we continue the series with another Encounter with the Sacred from Stephen Hulse, who will share stories from two sacred places: Eastern Oregon and East L.A.
I look forward to seeing you Sunday, and hope each of you is having a wonderful week.
Peace and blessings!
-Jorge
P. S. August's Giving Sunday offering is for Neighbors in Need. This annual UCC collection supports ministries of justice and compassion. One-third is given to the Council for American Indian Ministries and the remaining two-thirds to UCC justice ministries.
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
Worship & Arts: Sunday, August 3 after worship. Everyone is welcome.
Taize Service: Friday, August 8, 7:30 pm. Our monthly service of chant, prayer and quiet. Hear poetry from Lynn Ungar. Also available via zoom.
UCC Churches Picnic: Sunday, August 3rd 1-5pm. Five Peninsula UCC churches are gathering for a church picnic at Huddart Park. All are welcome.
Thursday Discussion Group: Thursday, August 7, 7pm on Zoom. We've segued from signs to past lives, starting with the now-classic Brian Weiss book, "Many Lives, Many Masters." All are welcome to join the discussion, whether you've read the book or not.
Women's Retreat: Aug 22-24 (weekend before Labor Day) at Pacific Grove. Talk to Polly for more information.
Links and resources
More Perfect Union Foundation won an Emmy for producing media for the working class. This short video is worth watching. Resist the temptation to argue with it, and just listen.
Quote of the week
Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less. -- Marie Curie
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.
