News for August 22, 2023
This Sunday, August 27: In-person service at 10am
Our guest preacher this Sunday is Rev. Penny Nixon. Recently retired from the long-time leadership of the Congregational Church of San Mateo ("the downtown church"), Penny is devoting her time to working with San Mateo city and county and faith communities on the issue of housing in San Mateo.
Her sermon is titled "Binoculars, Mites and Markets". Using the text Mark 12:38-44 ("the widow's mite"), she will reflect on poverty in America, putting the Biblical text in conversation with a newly-published book, "Poverty, by America" by Matthew Desmond. Penny's sermons are always powerful.
After the service, she will offer a presentation on her work with housing, bringing us up to date on the current situation in our city.
The Giving Sunday offering for August is for Our Church's Wider Mission (UCC), which provides basic support for churches, conferences and associations.
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.
Prayers in the Park
The Peninsula Multifaith Coalition will continue their tradition of offering prayers for peace on Labor Day, Monday, Sept 4 at 10 am in Twin Pines Park in Belmont. Prayers will be offered by representatives of diverse faith traditions unifying our collective plea for peace.
Potluck to follow. Please bring your own drinks and a dish to share.
Upcoming services and events
• Weds discussion group: Aug 23 (7 pm), Zoom
"Basic Bible Stories", continuing with the story of Moses. (If you missed hearing about Joseph, you can watch the movie instead.) Everyone is welcome to these discussions.
• Book Group: Sun, Aug 27 (7 pm), Zoom. Reading the book "Circe" by Madeline Miller. An imaginative reconstruction of the mythical character Circe.
• Women’s retreat: Sep 1-3, Pacific Grove
Contact Polly Moore for details.
• Smorgy lunch: Sun, Sept 10 after worship. Bring something to share.
• Worship & Arts. Sun, Sept 17 at 7pm on Zoom.
• Men’s retreat: Sep 22–24, Pacific Grove
Contact Roy Gesley for details.
Links and resources
• Fascinating article from The Christian Century about a listening experiment conducted between a UCC church in Albuquerque and a local conservative evangelical congregation.
• Information about a San Mateo Community Flood and Storm Protection Ballot Measure
• British musician Jacob Collier turns his audience into a choir.
Quote of the week
"If you want to hear the sound of birds, don't buy a cage -- plant a tree!" Anon
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.
Image: Rev. Penny Nixon
