September 17, 2025
- College Heights
- Sep 17
- 4 min read
Dear Beloved Community,
If you are anything like me—someone who pays attention to the news, maybe a little too much—this has been one of the hardest times to watch. The constant stream of divisiveness, especially from right-wing commentators and even from the President and Vice President, is overwhelming. It wears on the spirit and leaves me asking how we can stay grounded in love and justice.
I’ve been struck again by how our nation publicly mourns certain leaders, even when those same leaders caused deep harm to the most vulnerable among us.
The lowering of flags can sometimes feel like an empty ritual of “decorum,” especially when it honors voices that denied the dignity of others, particularly those from marginalized communities.
Let me be clear: violence is never the answer. I do not rejoice in death. Yet healing also requires truth-telling. If we are to build a world rooted in compassion, we must have the courage to name harm and to imagine a different way forward. We long for a society where all people, especially those with power, choose to love the most vulnerable in our nation, before it is too late.
This is why I am so grateful and proud of who we are together as a church. We are warm-hearted, open-minded, who believe that every human being is sacred. No matter who they are, where they are from, or where they find themselves on life’s journey, they are welcomed and cherished here.
In the midst of all that is happening in our country, may we continue to be a people who embody grace with wisdom, who stand with the vulnerable, and who guard our vision of God’s kindom, where all may flourish.
And this Sunday, we will be blessed to hear from Kevin Doyle, who will share with us about the Inca Cross (Chakana), one of the most important symbols of Andean culture. Kevin, Pepe, and Deirdre traveled to South America this summer, and Kevin will reflect on the spiritual and cultural insights from that experience.
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
Church Council: Sunday, September 21, after worship
Thursday Discussion Group: Thursday, September 25, 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. Don't forget to send Polly ideas for the next book to read together. So many choices!
Church Pot Luck: Sunday, September 28, after worship
Worship & Arts: Sunday, September 28, after worship and lunch.
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
Upper Parking and Driveway New Asphalt Seal: Monday, Sept 22 and possibly Tuesday, Sept 23. (Striping will happen on Tuesday.) The new seal will extend from the entry on W. Hillsdale, up the driveway to the right, and cover the entire asphalt area in front of the townhouses, including CHC's handicap parking. If you need to come to the church building on those days, park on the street or down at the shopping center and walk in. If you have any questions, contact John Latham.
Quote of the week
We never know how our small activities will affect others through the invisible fabric of our connectedness. In this exquisitely connected world, it’s never a question of ‘critical mass.’ It’s always about critical connections. - Grace Lee Boggs
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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