September 24, 2025
- College Heights
- Sep 27
- 3 min read
Dear Beloved Community,
This Sunday, our gospel reading comes from Luke 17:5–10, where the apostles cry out to Jesus, “Increase our faith!” Jesus replies that even faith the size of a mustard seed can move trees and reshape the world.
In the past I have thought If only I had more faith… then my doubts would fade, my prayers would be stronger, life would be different. I imagine that faith works like a spiritual bank account, and if I only had a little more deposited, everything would change.
But I have learned that Jesus points me in another direction. I have learned that faith is not about quantity. It is not something to “supersize.” Faith is not measured out in bigger or smaller portions, nor does it guarantee easier circumstances. Instead, I have come to believe faith is a relationship of trust and love. For me, it is the daily decision to open myself to the teachings of Jesus, and to allow his teachings to take root in me.
That kind of faith may look ordinary and small, forgiving someone when it’s hard, showing up with compassion, speaking for justice, waiting in prayer when we don’t know what comes next. Yet in those small mustard-seed moments, I believe Christ is at work, and that is enough.
This Sunday, I’ll be preaching about this, that we do not need more faith. We need only to live fully into the faith we already have. The mustard seed is already planted within us. Christ has given us all that we need.
I look forward to exploring this with you in worship as we reflect together on what it means to live by faith, not in quantity, but in relationship.
See you Sunday!
Peace and blessings!
-Jorge
P. S. September's Giving Sunday offering is for the Madruga-Remedios Scholarship Fund that Janice and Caje have started with Sister Patsy at the Visitacion Valley Mercy Housing facility. The scholarship helps with expenses for college-bound students.
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 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.
Congregational Meeting: Sunday, October 12, after worship. Purpose is to vote on releasing funds to replace the failing retaining wall by the lower parking lot. If you're going to be gone that day, please turn in an absentee ballot.
Church Work Day: Saturday, October 18, 1-5. Inside and outside jobs need doing, and it's always more fun together. Happy Hour to follow as we relax together and congratulate ourselves on all that we got done! Note change in time.
Church Council: Sunday, October 19, after worship
Links and resources
We were all saddened to hear that Mercy Center in Burlingame will be closing at the end of October, after 44 years of serving as a spiritual resource center on the Peninsula. There are a few more retreats and workshops happening in October, as well as a Day of Remembrance on Nov 2. The list is here.
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.
