November 04, 2026
Dear Beloved Community,
What a blessing it was to gather for All Saints Day this past Sunday and hear, during our worship service, the stories of loved ones who have passed away. Thank you to everyone who shared and trusted us with these precious memories. It was an honor to remember together the lives that have meant so much to us and whose love continues to shape our own.
This Sunday, join us as we reflect on 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11 and its invitation to encourage one another, stay attentive, and hold on to hope. I’ll share how this passage speaks to me personally and how I see its message already taking shape at College Heights, a community where people feel loved, seen, and supported. Together, we’ll celebrate the everyday acts of care that sustain us and help us face the world with faith, love, and courage.
Peace and blessings,
-jorge
P. S. November's Giving Sunday collection is for Samaritan House a local organization working to fight poverty in San Mateo County. Samaritan House provides food, medical care, shelter, and other essential support to neighbors experiencing hardship.
The Church Council 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
Thursday Discussion Group: Thursday, November 12, 7pm on Zoom. Continuing dream exploration. We are also starting a new book -- "The Good Heart: A Buddhist Perspective on the Teachings of Jesus" by the Dalai Lama; we are continuing the discussion of chapter 3 for next week's gathering. All are welcome to the discussions.
Taize Service: Friday, November 13, 7:30pm. Our regular monthly service of chant and prayer. Elizabeth Ingber will be joining us with her flute.
Instant Choir: Sunday, Nov 15, rehearsal at 9am. Sing for the service. All are invited. Schedule for the whole season available here.
2027 Pledges Due: Sunday, November 15. If you haven't had a chance to mail in your pledge, you can always just bring it with you to church!
Council Meeting: Sunday, November 15, after worship. All are welcome. Sabrina will be zooming in, so we need to start promptly at 11:30.
Monthly Potluck: Sunday November 29, after worship
Christmas Party: Friday, December 4, 6:00pm. Join us for our annual Christmas Party. Potluck dinner. It's a chance to put on your holiday party clothes!
Worship & Arts: Sunday, December 6, after worship. All are invited to come help plan Advent.
Book Group: Sunday, December 6, 7pm on Zoom. Our next book is "Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness" by Sy Montgomery. This book was published ten years ago, so it may already be on your bookshelf. All are invited to join the discussion.
Links and resources
Quote of the week
“We are each other’s harvest; we are each other’s business; we are each other’s magnitude and bond.” — Gwendolyn Brooks
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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