October 08, 2025
- College Heights
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Dear Beloved Community,
This Sunday, we’ll reflect together on one of Jesus’ most surprising stories, the healing of ten people, and the one who came back.
In Luke 17:11–19, Jesus heals ten individuals suffering from a painful skin disease, restoring not only their health but their place in the community. Yet only one returns to give thanks, and that one is a Samaritan, a foreigner.
We’ll explore what that means for us today. Why does the “outsider” become the one who sees and responds with gratitude? What does that say about how God works among us, through people and places we might overlook?
As we continue our journey of faith together, we’ll talk about how this story calls us to notice grace in unexpected places, to remember what it means to feel like an outsider, and to live with deeper gratitude and welcome.
Come ready to wonder, to listen, and to give thanks, because I believe Jesus’ words still have a way of surprising us, and calling us into something new.
Peace and blessings!
-Jorge
P. S. October's Giving Sunday collection is for College Heights Church! It was intended for whichever of our capital projects came first, and it looks like that will be the retaining wall replacement. Hopefully we can get it done before the winter rains begin.
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
Thursday Discussion Group: Thursday, October 9, 7pm on Zoom. The new book choice is "Zero Limits" by Dr. Joe Vitale. It's about the Hawaiian system of affirmations called Ho-oponopono. Join us on the 9th and find out about it.
Taize Service: Friday, Oct 10, 7:30pm. Our monthly service of chant and prayer. Danny Cao and his trumpet will be back, and we'll hear poetry by Fady Joudah. Also available on Zoom.
Congregational Meeting: Sunday, October 12, after worship. Purpose is to vote on releasing funds to replace the failing retaining wall by the lower parking lot. If you're going to be gone that day, please turn in an absentee ballot.
Church Work Day: Saturday, October 18, 1-5. Inside and outside jobs need doing, and it's always more fun together. Happy Hour to follow as we relax together and congratulate ourselves on all that we got done! Note change in time.
Church Council: Sunday, October 19, after worship
Instant Choir: Sunday, October 26, 9am rehearsal. Sing for the service.
Church Pot Luck: Sunday, October 26, after worship
Worship & Arts: Sunday, November 2, after worship
Book Group: Sunday, Nov 2, 7pm on Zoom. Reading "Buddha, Socrates and Us" by Stephen Batchelor. Note the date -- a week later than usual.
Links and resources
We were all saddened to hear that Mercy Center in Burlingame will be closing at the end of October, after 44 years of serving as a spiritual resource center on the Peninsula. There are a few more retreats and workshops happening in October, as well as a Day of Remembrance on Nov 2. The list is here.
Quote of the week
“I don’t believe that a God who made the world teeming with diversity would delight in a church tamed by uniformity.” -Dr. Michel Svigel, Theology 101
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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