May 28, 2025
- College Heights
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
Dear Beloved Community,
It was my first year experiencing the men's retreat this past weekend at Polly's beautiful home in Pacific Grove, and I had a wonderful time. I am grateful for everyone who keeps the men's retreat going every year.
What I valued the most at the men’s retreat was the many stories I got to hear from everyone, and plenty of time to just take a nap. The retreat was spiritual for those two main reasons. I have always believed that any time we can create space for rest and storytelling, we create space for two important spiritual practices.
I believe this because for one I see naps as a power tool for creativity, innovation, and healing, allowing individuals to connect with their inner selves and tap into their potential. Rest does this.
When we share our stories we begin to connect on a deeper level with ourselves, our spirituality, our loved ones, our communities, and our congregation, because sharing our stories isn’t just a recounting of events but, again, a spiritual practice. That is because I believe story sharing is a way of opening ourselves up to the truth within, allowing ourselves to be seen fully and completely, and honoring the sacred connection that can flow from sharing a piece of ourselves with others.
So, thanks to all the men who showed up at the men's retreat, and made themselves open to sharing their stories. I will treasure the time I had with each one of you.
Now this week I am looking forward to being with you at church and preaching on Acts 11:1-18. This text is a reminder to me about the sacred strength of community. This community includes all -- the mountains, wind, birds, bugs, every animal that is eaten or not. I believe humans’ highest praise and glory to our Holy Parent is achieved when we release our indoctrination and instead, worship together in all of our harmonic differences. God of Abundance, witnessing us all in ecstatic praise, cannot help but join us in completing the eternal song that everyone knows because we are all composers.
May each one of you have a wonderful rest of the week, and see you Sunday!
Peace and blessings!
-Jorge
P. S. June's Giving Sunday offering is for the UCC's Strengthen the Church fund. This offering helps build up the churches in our denomination.
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
Congregational Meeting: Sunday, June 1 after worship. Vote on new Executive Council.
Worship & Arts: Sunday, June 8 after worship. Everyone is welcome.
Thursday Discussion Group: Thursday, June 12, 7pm on Zoom. Everyone is welcome to join a discussion of Laura Lynne Jackson's "The Light Between Us." She's a psychic medium and the book is a collection of her experiences.
San Mateo County Pride Celebration: Saturday, June 14 Parade 10:30am-11:30am, Downtown San Mateo. Celebration 11:00am-5:00pm, San Mateo Central Park.
Council Meeting: Sunday, June 15, after worship.
Book Group: Sunday, June 29, 7pm on Zoom. Reading "Open Socrates: The Case for a Philosophical Life" by Agnes Callard. Read chapters 5-7, on paradoxes. We are spending several months on this book.
Women's Retreat: Aug 22-24 (weekend before Labor Day) at Pacific Grove. Talk to Polly for more information.
Links and resources
The final concerts of this season for Masterworks Chorale will be June 7 and 8 at St. Peter's in Redwood City. The program features music by women, from Hildegard of Bingen to Gwyneth Walker, Clara Schumann to Dolly Parton. Innovative, heartfelt, fun. More info here. Here's a sample from the program: Elaine Hagenberg's "You Do Not Walk Alone."
Quote of the week
“The American way of life is not sustainable. It doesn’t acknowledge that there is a world beyond America. ” - Arundhati Roy
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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