September 30, 2026
Dear Beloved Community,
This Sunday, we will honor St. Francis of Assisi, whose life reminds us of the sacredness of creation and our connection with all living things. In that spirit, we will celebrate a Blessing of the Animals during worship! Bring your furry creatures, dogs, cats, and other beloved animal companions, so they can receive a special blessing.
It will also be a wonderfully full Sunday, because October 4 is Communion Sunday as well. With so much happening in worship, I will offer a very short reflection on the life and witness of St. Francis as we gather around the Communion Table and give thanks for the animals who bring so much joy, companionship, and love into our lives.
So bring your furry friends, come ready for Communion, and perhaps prepare for a few extra barks, meows, and other joyful noises in the sanctuary!
See you Sunday!
Peace and blessings,
-jorge
P. S. October's Giving Sunday collection is for Br. Stefan Waligur's Community of Peace in Louisa, Virginia. Br. Stefan's vision has always been to create a Taize-like community here in the United States, and it is happening (check out their website for details). We use Br. Stefan's music on Sunday mornings and for our Taize services, so the Giving Sunday collection is by way of thank-you for all he has contributed to us.
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, October 1, 7pm on Zoom. Continuing dream exploration. We are also starting a new book -- "The Good Heart: A Buddhist Perspective on the Teachings of Jesus" by the Dalai Lama; we are reading the Introduction for this week's gathering. All are welcome to the discussions.
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.
Council Meeting: Sunday, October 18, after worship. All are welcome.
Monthly Potluck: Sunday October 25, after worship
Book Group: Sunday, October 25, 7pm on Zoom. Our next book is Ann Patchett's latest novel, "Whistler." All are invited to the discussion.
Links and resources
Puente de la Costa Sur is holding their annual fundraising dinner on Friday, Oct 2 at TomKat Ranch. For more information, check out the poster at church.
Annual Gathering of the Northern California Nevada Conference of the UCC, Oct 22-24, City of Refuge UCC, Oakland. Information here.
Quote of the week
“Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love.”
-St. Francis of Assisi
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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