News for May 01, 2024
Dear Beloved Community,
On Sunday I will be preaching on Acts 8:26-40. I will share how in the sacrament of baptism we get a glimpse of the coming Reign of Love. But that reign is still COMING because it is not yet here. And share, until then, how to we pay attention to power dynamics in our own communities, and exercise Holy Spirit infused imagination to the inequities that leave some vulnerable to being overtaken and others vulnerable to overtaking and violating the other’s sovereignty.
I look forward to seeing many of you this Sunday, and I do hope each all of you are experience joy this week.
Peace and blessings!
-Jorge
The Giving Sunday offering for May is for California Clubhouse. California Clubhouse, in San Carlos, is a social and vocational rehabilitation program in San Mateo County for individuals living with a mental illness.
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: Sun, May 5 after worship. Come help us plan the summer worship calendar.
Book Group: Sun, May 5 (7 pm) on Zoom. Our next book will be Ann Patchett’s most recent novel, “Tom Lake.”.
Borg Discussion Group: Thurs, May 9 (7 pm) on Zoom. It’s not too late to join the conversation. We’re still on Ch. 2 of Marcus Borg’s “Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time.” Jorge will lead the discussion during Polly’s sabbatical.
Taize: Fri, May 10 (7:30 pm) Peter will lead our monthly Taize service.
San Mateo County Pride 2024!: Saturday, June 8th 11:00am-5:00pom. College Heights, along with the rest of the Peninsula UCC churches, have been confirmed to participate in the 2024 San Mateo County Pride Parade.
UCC Family Camp: July 19-21, Monte Toyon Retreat Center, Aptos. Save the date to join the Belmont UCC like last year. More info coming.
Links and resources
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the UCC Mental Health Network has sent worship resources as well as two videos to use during this time. May 19 is Mental Health Sunday this year, but any Sunday is a great day to focus on mental health!
And if you need a little humor in the Link and Resources section, here are “Penguins on Parade” at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
Quote of the week
“When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.” - Audre Lorde
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. Jorge Bautista
