March 21, 2025
- College Heights
- Mar 21
- 4 min read
Dear Beloved Community,
This Sunday our very own Roy Gesley will be reflecting on the parable of the Good Samaritan from Luke 10:29-37.
After our church service we will be having a Congregational Meeting to reaffirm our commitment to be a sanctuary church. I hope many of us can show up because it is important as a collective community to make decisions together, especially in the context of reaffirming the commitment to being a Sanctuary Church. Here are several reasons why:
Unity and Shared Purpose: When the congregation comes together, it strengthens the sense of unity and shared purpose. Collective decision-making ensures that all voices are heard and that the community aligns with a common vision and mission. This helps foster a sense of belonging and shared responsibility in important matters, like reaffirming a commitment to sanctuary.
Inclusivity and Representation: A decision made collectively ensures that it reflects the diverse perspectives, experiences, and concerns within the congregation. It's vital that everyone has a chance to express their views, whether by attending the meeting or by sharing feedback via email or through the church leaders. This inclusivity ensures the decision represents the entire community.
Strengthening Community Bonds: Coming together as a congregation helps build relationships and reinforces a sense of solidarity. It creates an environment where members can learn from each other and strengthen their connections, making the church not just a place of worship, but also a place of mutual support and understanding.
Transparency and Accountability: By engaging in a collective decision-making process, the church fosters transparency. Roy's FAQ document and the opportunity to address concerns before the meeting demonstrate a commitment to openness and accountability. It shows that the church leaders are invested in hearing every voice and addressing concerns before final decisions are made.
Empowerment: When people actively participate in decisions, it empowers the community and strengthens our commitment to the cause. Knowing that your input matters and will influence the direction of the church's mission can inspire a deeper sense of ownership and dedication.
By attending this important meeting and being part of the collective decision-making, the congregation reaffirms not only its commitment to being a Sanctuary Church but also to its values of community, inclusion, and support for each other. So I hope many of you are able to show up and be part of this moment in the life of the church.
I do hope all of you are having a great week so far, and see you Sunday!
Peace and blessings!
-Jorge
March's Giving Sunday offering is for Community of Peace, VA (Stephan Waligur).
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
Lenten Choir Practice: Every Sunday during Lent at 8:45am. Everyone welcome.
Thursday Discussion Group: Thursday, Mar 20, 7pm on Zoom. Read Chapter 4 of Armstrong's "The Battle for God."
Congregational Meeting: Sunday, March 23 after worship
Book Group: Sunday, Mar 23, 7pm on Zoom. Reading Robin Wall Kimmerer's latest book, "The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World." Note new date.
Monthly Potluck: Sunday, March 30, after worship. Bring something to share.
Worship & Arts: Sunday, April 6, after worship. Everyone welcome to help plan for Holy Week, Easter and beyond.
Links and resources
Lenten Online Class with John Dominic Crossan: "Paul the Pharisee". Lectures you can listen to anytime, with a live-streamed Q&A starting Thursday, March 13 at 11am. More information here.
Masterworks Chorale's winter concert set is coming up March 29-30. It features the hauntingly beautiful "Requiem" by Maurice Durufle. Plus "Music of the Stars" by contemporary Scottish composer Cecilia McDowell (the middle movement of which has lyrics by Neil Degrasse Tyson, of all people!). Conveniently held at Congregational Church of San Mateo, 7pm on Sat, 4pm on Sun. Info here. Come hear Caje, David H. and Polly!
Quote of the week
“We are all responsible to all for all… and in very truth, so soon as men understand that, the Kingdom of Heaven will be for them not a dream, but a living reality.”
~ Father Zosima, in Fyodor Dostoyevsky, The Brothers Karamazov
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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