September 10, 2025
- College Heights
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Dear Beloved Community,
This Sunday we’ll be exploring one of Jesus’ most puzzling parables in Luke 16:1-13 -- the story of the so-called “dishonest steward.” I believe this parable unsettles us and invites us to ask deeper questions about power, wealth, and justice. What happens when a steward chooses solidarity with the poor instead of loyalty to the rich? In that surprising moment, debts are reduced, the poor receive relief, and even the master is drawn into greater justice. Perhaps the good news is found not in the power of the wealthy, but in the shared space where God’s kingdom of liberation breaks in for all.
I do hope all of you are having a great week so far, and I look forward to seeing you on Sunday!
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
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
Worship & Arts: Sunday, September 28, 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
Check out this video about shared value businesses while considering potential advantages and limitations of blending profit and “true riches”
Last July 11-15, the UCC denomination held its every-other-year all-church General Synod. If you're curious about what happened, this site has videos of the plenary talks, sermons, resolutions voted on and so forth.
Quote of the week
“The measure of a society is how it treats its most vulnerable members.” – often attributed to Mahatma Gandhi (also echoed in various traditions)
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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