November 06, 2024
Dear Beloved Community,
This upcoming Sunday I will be reflecting on Hebrews 9:24-28. I will share how biblical figures were failed by systems that should have sustained them. But for those who are failed by humans, God intervenes, offering them back the pleasure of life they always deserved and judging harshly those who had a part in their deprivation. The Divine is made manifest in full stomachs, security, and broken chains!
I have included some links in this newsletter under the “Links and Resources” section, to help you better understand the direction I am going with Hebrew 9:24-28. I hope they are useful to all of you.
Lastly, I write this as millions across our state and country are returning to the polls to vote, joining the millions who have already voted early. I want you to know that no matter the outcome, I am holding hope, anxiety, fear, and excitement all at the same time as we either wait for the outcome or have an outcome that is not what you had hoped for.
However, regardless of ANY outcome, know that I, and others across California, are ready to organize. Along with our communities, I am ready to fight any attacks hurled at any group of people who experience hate of any kind. I am, and always have been, ready to stand up for democracy. And I know that College Heights Church is ready to hope and realize a California and nation where we can all thrive! Therefore, no matter the outcome of elections, I will remain unwavering in my commitment to social change and advocacy. We have prepared, we have voted, and now we trust in the work we all do together to keep being the beloved community that welcomes all people. No matter who you are, where you are from, and where you are on your spiritual journey.
So remember-WE GOT US, TODAY, TOMORROW, AND THE NEXT!
May God continue to sustain us in whatever we may be going through in life.
I look forward to seeing all of you on Sunday.
Peace and blessings!
-Jorge
November's Giving Sunday offering is for Samaritan House. Thanks for always being so generous with your gifts. Learn more about what this fund supports here.
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
Council Meeting: October 20th, after church service.
Borg Discussion Group: Thursday, Nov 7, 7pm on Zoom. Read Chapter 6 of “Reading the Bible Again for the First Time” by Marcus Borg.
Taize Service: Friday, Nov 8, 7:30 pm. Our monthly contemplative service of chant and prayer. Poetry by Naomi Shihab Nye. Ariel Wang will be back with her viola. No Zoom this month, sorry.
Pastor-Parish Relations Committee (PPRC): Tuesday, Nov 12, 7:30 on Zoom. This is the liaison committee between the pastor and the congregation, so if there are any issues you would like the committee to discuss, please talk to (or email or text or...) one of the committee members before the 12th. The members are Sabrina George, Marilyn Courter, Polly Moore, David Wartman and Janice Remedios.
Council Meeting: November 17th, after church service.
Thanksgiving Food for Samaritan House: Sunday, Nov 24. Remember to bring non- perishable items to add to the altar. This year they will get delivered to Samaritan House.
Monthly Church Potluck: Sunday, Nov. 24, right after the church service.
Book Group: Sunday, Nov 24, 7pm, on Zoom. You get another chance to read "Parable of the Sower" by Octavia Butler. This is an acclaimed post-apocalyptic novel published in 1993 but set in the years 2024-2027. In California of all places. Those of us who have read the book highly recommend it. Note the new date.
Deck the Halls (Decorating for Advent): Friday, Nov 29, 5pm. Potluck soup supper and decorating the sanctuary for the Christmas season. The tree, garlands, wreaths, the creche, the Advent banners and so on. It's quite a transformation!
Christmas Party: Saturday, Dec 7, 6pm. Put on your party clothes and come to a Christmas potluck dinner, with decorated tables, music of the season (even carol singing!), and a few surprises still being figured out.
Links and resources
Living in the Shadow of the Cross book and accompanying resources from Paul Kivel
Countering Antisemitism resources from Showing Up for Racial Justice-Faith
Understanding Antisemitism resource from Jews for Racial and Economic Justice
Quote of the week
“Love doesn’t just sit there, like a stone, it has to be made, like bread; remade all the time, made new.” - Ursula K. Le Guin, The Lathe of Heaven
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.
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