April 16, 2025
- College Heights
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Dear Beloved Community,
God is the Spirit of restoration working to bring healing and wholeness to all the earth. Each time that evil strikes, God hears the cries of the suffering and oppressed and sets justice in motion. In taking on flesh in the person of Jesus, the good news was proclaimed, the hungry were fed, the oppressed were set free. Though forces of destruction sought to bring an end to the life of God once and for all, Jesus rose from the dead and lives on in all who follow the Way. Until that day when “the wolf and the lamb shall feed together,” God is our strength and our hope.
This upcoming Easter morning, may we all make our way out of the empty tomb and into the fullness of life. Let’s claim the power of resurrection to guide us through the death-grip of Empire. Let us feel the terror of the unexpected, the joy of encountering the Christ, and the liberating power of universal love.
As always I do hope to see many of you this Easter Sunday.
Peace and blessings!
-Jorge
April's Giving Sunday offering is for the UCC's One Great Hour of Sharing, supporting especially disaster and refugee ministries at home and abroad.
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
Easter Choir Practice: Come on Sunday at 8:45am. Everyone welcome.
Holy Week Services
Apr 17, Maundy Thursday: joint service at CCP (Belmont church), 7 pm
Apr 18, Good Friday: joint service at CCSM (downtown church), 7 pm
Apr 19, Holy Saturday: joint service at CHC, 7 pm. Vigil with Mary Magdalene. Also available on Zoom.
Apr 20, Easter Sunday: CHC, 10am.
Thursday Discussion Group: Thursday, Apr 24, 7pm on Zoom. Read Chapter 6 of Armstrong's "The Battle for God."
Monthly Potluck: Sunday, April 27 after worship. Bring something to share.
Worship & Arts: Sunday, May 4, after worship. Everyone welcome to help plan for future services.
Book Group: Sunday, May 4, 7pm on Zoom. Reading "Open Socrates: The Case for a Philosophical Life" by Agnes Callard. Suggest beginning with the Introduction, then the last chapter (on Death) and then chapters 1 and 2, for the discussion on May 4. We will spend several months on this book.
Links and resources
Listen to “Love Throw a Line” by Patty Griffin
Quote of the week
“Resenting that label, I had joined the majority of black women in America in denouncing feminism… . The feminists were right. The value of my life had been obliterated as much by being female as by being black and poor. Racism and sexism in America were equal partners in my oppression.” - Elaine Brown
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.
