September 16, 2026
Dear Beloved Community,
This past Sunday, we had the joy of welcoming Cat McKenzie as the newest member of College Heights. It was a wonderful moment in the life of our congregation and a beautiful reminder of what a gift it is to welcome new people into our faith community. We are blessed for Cat’s presence among us and look forward to continuing our journey of faith together.
Now, this Sunday, we will reflect on Paul’s call in Romans to welcome one another, not simply to tolerate people or expect them to conform, but to bring them in as partners. Together, we will explore the difference between hospitality that merely offers someone a seat and radical hospitality that allows everyone to help reshape the table and the community around it. If we truly belong to the household of Jesus, what should our shared life look like?
See you Sunday!
Peace and blessings,
-jorge
P. S. September's Giving Sunday collection is for the Madruga-Remedios Scholarship Fund that Janice and Care have started with Sister Patsy at the Visitacion Valley Mercy Housing facility. The scholarship helps with expenses for college-bound students.
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
Thursday Discussion Group: Thursday, September 17, 7pm on Zoom. Continuing dream exploration. We will be starting soon on a new book -- "The Good Heart: A Buddhist Perspective on the Teachings of Jesus" by the Dalai Lama. All are welcome to the discussions.
Council Meeting: Sunday, September 20, after worship. All are welcome.
Book Group: Sunday, Sept 20, 7pm on Zoom. Pivoting back to nonfiction, we're reading Robert Wright's new book, "The God Test: Artificial Intelligence and Our Coming Cosmic Reckoning." This is an overview of the coming changes Wright expects from AI and the dramatic social transformations that they could bring about.
Work Day: Saturday, October 3, 9-3. Indoor and outdoor projects of all sizes. Any amount of time appreciated!
Instant Choir: Sunday, Oct 4, rehearsal at 9am. Sing for the service. All are invited. Schedule for the whole season available here.
Worship & Arts: Sunday, Oct 4, after worship. All are invited to come help plan Advent.
Taize Service: Friday, October 9, 7:30pm. Our regular monthly service of chant and prayer. Ami Nashimoto on cello.
Links and resources
Quote of the week
“Beloved community is formed not by the eradication of difference but by its affirmation.”
-bell hooks
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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