March 25, 2026
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Dear Beloved Community,
Palm Sunday was, in many ways, a no-kings protest. More than two thousand years ago in Jerusalem, there were two parades that day: one for Pontius Pilate and the power of empire, and the other for Jesus, with palms waving for love, justice, and the kin-dom of God. That contrast still speaks to us now, especially as many of you prepare to attend this Saturday’s No Kings protest. I am sorry that I will not be able to join many of you at the protest this Saturday; I am deeply grateful and thankful to all of you for showing up. Protesting is good for the soul because it reminds us that we are not powerless, that we belong to one another, and that faith calls us to stand publicly on the side of love and justice.
Now this Sunday I will reflect on Mary Oliver’s “The Poet Thinks about the Donkey” and Mark 11:1–11. Together, they invite us to see Palm Sunday not only as a public procession, but also as a deeply human and humble moment. Oliver helps us notice the donkey’s quiet burden and dignity, while Mark’s gospel shows us that Jesus enters the city not with power and spectacle, but with gentleness, courage, and peace. Both the poem and the scripture remind us that God so often comes to us through the lowly, the overlooked, and the ordinary.
I hope to see many of you on Sunday!
Peace and blessings!
-Jorge
P. S. March's Giving Sunday collection is for "Our Turn", CHC's pastor-discretionary fund. We used to just pass the basket when someone needed help, but these days the need sometimes can't wait until the next Sunday. So the Council decided to pre-fund "Our Turn" so that Jorge has immediate funds available.
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, March 26, 7pm on Zoom. Dream exploration. Read chapters 7 and 8 of "The Wisdom of Your Dreams" by Jeremy Taylor.
Instant Choir: Sunday, Mar 29, 9am. Rehearse at 9, sing for the service.
Church Pot Luck: Sunday, March 29, after worship. Our monthly meal together.
Worship & Arts: Sunday, April 12, after worship. All are welcome to come help us plan worship.
Church Council: Sunday, April 19, after worship.
Church Work Day: Saturday, April 25, 9-3. Mark your calendars and come help as you can. Indoor and outdoor cleanup and repair tasks. Always more fun together!
Book Group: Sunday, May 3, 7pm on Zoom. It's time for some fiction, so we're reading "Theo of Golden" by Allen Levi. All are welcome; this book has wide appeal.
Links and resources
Masterworks Chorale Concerts, Sat Mar 21 and Sun Mar 22. Mozart's Great Mass in C minor and "Dixit Dominus" by Marianna Martines. Info and tickets here.
Quote of the week
“Earth is so thick with divine possibility that it is a wonder we can walk anywhere without cracking our shins on altars.” – Barbara Brown Taylor
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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