October 21, 2026
Dear Beloved Community,
I’m sorry I won’t be able to be with you this Sunday. I’ll be at Montclair Presbyterian Church in Oakland, where I’ve been invited both to preach and to serve as the guest speaker for their educational hour. During that time, I’ll be sharing about what it takes to be an equitable denomination, how we move from expressing our commitment to justice and inclusion to putting those values into practice in our shared life, leadership, and decisions. I’m grateful for this opportunity to connect with another congregation and reflect together on this work.
You’ll be in wonderful hands, as always, with Rev. Polly, whose message is titled “A Visit with Carl Jung.” Drawing on Psalm 39:4–7, she’ll offer a reflection on Jung’s understanding of the stages of life, particularly the contrast between life’s “morning” and “afternoon.” Each season brings different purposes, tasks, and ways of approaching the world. Her reflection will invite us to consider the season we find ourselves in and what it may be asking of us.
And don’t forget, it’s also Potluck Sunday! Following worship, gather around the table to enjoy good food, conversation, and the gift of being in community. Bring something to share if you’re able, but please don’t let coming empty-handed keep you away. There’s always plenty to go around, and your presence is an important part of what makes our table welcoming!
I hope you’re all having a good week and finding moments of rest, joy, and connection along the way. I’ll miss being with you this Sunday, and I look forward to seeing you the following Sunday!
Peace and blessings,
-jorge
P. S. October's Giving Sunday collection is for Br. Stefan Waligur's Community of Peace in Louisa, Virginia. Br. Stefan's vision has always been to create a Taize-like community here in the United States, and it is happening (check out their website for details). We use Br. Stefan's music on Sunday mornings and for our Taize services, so the Giving Sunday collection is by way of thank-you for all he has contributed to us.
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
Monthly Potluck: Sunday October 25, after worship
Book Group: Sunday, October 25, 7pm on Zoom. Our next book is Ann Patchett's latest novel, "Whistler." All are invited to the discussion.
Thursday Discussion Group: Thursday, October 29, 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 reading chapter 3 for next week's gathering. All are welcome to the discussions.
Dia de los Muertos, Sunday, Nov 1. Bring a picture for the altar and a story to share about someone you want to remember this year. Also set your clocks back!
Worship & Arts: Sunday, November 1, after worship. All are invited to come help plan Advent.
Taize Service: Friday, November 13, 7:30pm. Our regular monthly service of chant and prayer.
Instant Choir: Sunday, Nov 15, rehearsal at 9am. Sing for the service. All are invited. Schedule for the whole season available here.
Council Meeting: Sunday, November 15, after worship. All are welcome.
Book Group: Sunday, October 25, 7pm on Zoom. Our next book is Ann Patchett's latest novel, "Whistler." All are invited to the discussion.
Links and resources
Masterworks Chorale's fall concerts will be on Oct 31 (2pm) and November 1 (4 pm) at Carlmont High School in Belmont. We're singing the Brahms' Requiem with full orchestra. It's a magnificent piece! Here is the fourth movement by the London Philharmonic. Caje, Kevin, David H and Polly hope you will come hear us. Ticket info available here.
If you want to follow up on our visit with Rev. Jim Burklo, his website is jimburklo.com. It has links to his blog ("Musings") that comes out every week, plus all his books and his event schedule.
Annual Gathering of the Northern California Nevada Conference of the UCC, Oct 22-24, City of Refuge UCC, Oakland. Information here.
Quote of the week
“Vocatus atque non vocatus, Deus aderit."
(Invoked or not invoked, God is present.) - Carl Jung
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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