September 03, 2025
- College Heights
- Sep 4
- 3 min read
Dear Beloved Community,
I never grow tired of saying how much I love when we share meals together. This past Sunday’s monthly Church Potluck was yet another beautiful reminder of that joy. As always, on a warm and sunny day, we gathered not only to share food, but to share ourselves. These meals are never just about full plates, they are about laughter, conversation, and the deep connections we form around the table.
Each time we sit down together, it feels as if another thread is being woven into the fabric of our church family. Our monthly potlucks give us the chance to listen deeply, tell our stories, and discover both the joys and struggles that shape our lives. Without fail, I always come away having learned something new from whomever I’ve spoken with.
These simple, sacred moments remind us that community is built not only in worship, but also in the everyday grace of shared meals, lightened burdens, and laughter carried across the room. May we always remember that these gatherings are more than events; they are glimpses of God’s kingdom among us: diverse, joyful, and rooted in love.
This Sunday will be especially meaningful as we gather around God’s Table for Communion. We are also blessed to welcome our very own Jim Garrison as our preacher. Jim will be sharing reflections from his time on the Isle of Iona in Scotland, a place rich with history, beauty, and deep spiritual tradition. His experiences promise to offer us insight and inspiration as he weaves together stories of sacred community, ancient rhythms of worship, and the ways God’s presence can be encountered in unexpected places and in God’s own time. We look forward to sharing in Communion together, learning from Jim’s journey, and being encouraged in our own walk of faith.
Peace and blessings!
-Jorge
P. S. August's Giving Sunday offering is for Neighbors in Need. This annual UCC collection supports ministries of justice and compassion. One-third is given to the Council for American Indian Ministries and the remaining two-thirds to UCC justice ministries.
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
Worship & Arts: Sunday, Sept 7, after worship. All are invited to come plan the fall worship schedule.
Thursday Discussion Group: Thursday, September 11, 7pm on Zoom. We've segued from signs to past lives, starting with the now-classic Brian Weiss book, "Many Lives, Many Masters." All are welcome to join the discussion, whether you've read the book or not.
Taize Service: Friday, September 12, 7:30pm. Monthly service of chant, prayer and quiet. Also available via Zoom.
Instant Choir: Sunday, September 14, 9am rehearsal. All are welcome.
Church Council: Sunday, September 21, after worship
Church Pot Luck: Sunday, September 28, after worship
Book Group: Sunday, Sept 28, 7pm on Zoom. Reading "A Tale for the Time Being" by Ruth Ozeki. We had to skip the August meeting, so there's still plenty of time for you to read this novel and join in the discussion.
Church Work Day: Saturday, October 18, 9-12. Inside and outside jobs need doing, and it's always more fun together. Bring your lunch and relax afterwards.
Links and resources
The Venice Four and The Abbot Kinney Lighthouse Choir May it feed your soul like it does to me.
Quote of the week
“I promised my Maker that if I ever learned to read and if freedom ever came, I would not read that part of the Bible” - Howard Thurman’s grandmother about scriptures endorsing slavery
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.
