May 06, 2026
- 12 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Dear Beloved Community,
What does a “happy family” really look like?
For many of us, that phrase brings up a familiar image, one shaped by culture, expectation, and tradition. But what happens when our lives don’t quite fit that picture? Where do we find belonging then?
This Sunday, we’ll explore Jesus’ powerful promise in John 14:18 -- “I will not leave you orphaned.” Spoken to anxious disciples facing uncertainty, these words offer more than comfort. They invite us to reimagine what it means to belong.
Together, we’ll reflect on how Jesus challenges rigid ideas of family and reveals something deeper: a vision of connection rooted not in hierarchy or roles, but in love. As he says, “I am in the Father, and you are in me, and I in you.” This is not a distant or exclusive relationship. It is one that draws us in, holds us close, and calls us into community with one another.
We’ll consider what it means to be part of a family shaped by love. One that makes space for those who feel outside the norm, one that affirms that no one is forgotten, and no one is alone.
Whether you come with a strong sense of belonging or with questions about where you fit, this message is an invitation: to draw near, to be seen, and to discover the nearness of God through the love we share.
As always I look forward to gathering, reflecting, and growing together.
See you Sunday!
Peace and blessings,
Jorge
P. S. May's Giving Sunday collection is for the California Clubhouse. Aspire House, formerly California Clubhouse, is a social and vocational rehabilitation program in San Mateo County that builds supportive community, dignity, and pathways to recovery for people living with mental illness.
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
Instant Choir: Sunday, May 10, 9am. Rehearse at 9, sing for the service.
Thursday Discussion Group: Thursday, May 14, 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, May 15, 7:30pm. Our regular monthly service of chant and prayer. (Note the date, one week later than usual.)
Church Council: Sunday, May 17, after worship.
Church Pot Luck: Sunday, May 31 , after worship. Our monthly meal together.
Book Group: Sunday, May 31, 7pm on Zoom. Continued discussion of "Theo of Golden" by Allen Levi. All are welcome; this book has wide appeal.
Annual Picnic: Sunday, June 7, 11am. Gather on the front lawn for an outdoor service under the pear trees, followed by a brief congregational meeting, and a fabulous community lunch (see description above).
Congregational Meeting: Sunday, June 7, after worship. Our annual meeting to elect officers for the coming year.
Worship & Arts: Sunday, June 14, after worship. All are welcome to come help us plan worship.
Links and resources
Masterworks Chorale's spring concert is set for May 30 (7pm) and May 31 (4pm) at Cunningham Chapel on the Notre Dame de Namur campus in Belmont. We are singing Karl Jenkins" "The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace", along with Samuel Barber's "Agnus Dei" and Lars Jansson's "To the Mothers of Brazil: Salve Regina". Tickets are on sale here. Just to whet your appetite, here is VOCES8 singing the Barber.
Quote of the week
“and here you are living
despite it all”
- Rupi Kaur
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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