Congregational Church of San Mateo, United Church of Christ

Thanks to other Unilocalers for pointing me here. Experience was totally welcoming, friendly and accessible, from both the officiants and the congregation, all smiles. Helpful handout program/​newsletter. Very kid friendly. Sermon was excellent, got real value out of it. Will be back.

I thought I would update this review, since it’s been a while. CCSM continues to nourish my spirit and challenge my thinking. This church continues to grow in membership and diversity, which is a beautiful thing to see!
I think you will find at CCSM:
*A diverse congregation (in many ways)
*A variety of beliefs that are held together through our values of doing good in the world
*Friendly folks who will make you feel welcome without being pushy
*Ministers who are inspirational, justice-​filled people
*Powerful sermons
*Yummy snacks and coffee after church
*A thriving youth program
*Opportunities for education and volunteer work
*Beautiful music with stylistic variety
*Networks of support for life changes, grief, and spiritual guidance
*A beautiful sanctuary
*Acceptance. No matter how you present or identify, CCSM invites folks to be their authentic selves. We are an Open and Affirming congregation, which means that people of all ethnic backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, physical capabilities, mental abilities, ages, classes, and personalities are welcomed and celebrated.
*A variety of dress– from jeans to suits and ties.
*A deeply spiritual, inclusive community that will likely challenge your ideas of what church is and can be.
You may also wish to read my older review, since it’s been helpful to other folks.

Deeply spiritual and highly-​spirited this faith community continues to inspire me to be a better person. The worship is invigorating and the people are so warm and friendly. I felt welcome here the first time I came (and still do!)
They are involved in so many works of justice and social change it is hard to keep up! I think there is something here for everyone who seeks a community where they can grow spiritually and be challenged to be of service to others.

Great church service. Today was «Pick a Party». It was so much fun deciding which party top choose from. There was such a great turn out. I look forward to sermons each week and continuing to get know all the members of the congregation.

I am a journeyer of churches, I like to visit different churches to get a wider view of Christianity, it helps me to see how God/​Jesus are celebrated in a variety of ways.
I’d been to this church years ago and remembered being especially touched by «Children’s Moment» were the children in the family came to the front and talked.
It made church so much more inclusive; it was different than what I’m used to.
I also like the after church snacks where people get to meet each other, cookies, bagels, and juice!
I like this church, but I will always be a Catholic/​Christian Scientist on my endless quest for truth, love, the mystery of God/​Jesus’ greatness!

If I could give one thousand stars for this church I would. I grew up in a community that was deeply divided into warring faiths. If I tried to explore their churches to see if it was a place I felt I belonged, they pursued me relentlessly, calling on me too often for my comfort level. At these same churches I felt that their goal was more of recruiting more troops for their army, where CCSM’s goal is clearly to share God’s love through openness and acceptance, forgiveness, and charity. We were given a welcome packet with information and contacts, but were never bothered by anyone, yet we still feel so welcome and accepted every week.
My husband and I attended this church for the first time to just «check it out.» We attended every Sunday we could until we moved to Boise, ID. My only regret is leaving this church and it’s wonderful and open community. (Courtney)

I love my church. Three year ago, we walked in to a sermon on the «The Misfits» and the gospel. I was touched and inspired. Progressive Christianity is preached here. There is also a wonderful, large children’s program here as well.

I have been going to CCSM for about a month now and am so excited to have found such a great church community so close by. I moved to the area about a year ago and was hoping to find a church where I could meet new people and contribute more to my local community. I feel so lucky to have found this church! The sermons have very solid messages that connect to the modern day world. There is always something I can take away each week. Also, there are so many different age groups and kinds of people that I never have felt like a newcomer. The pianists are wonderful as well as the bell choir. All in all, there is nothing bad I can really say about this church (and I am very critical…).

I am a relative newcomer to the CCSM church. I am what they call an Associate Member, as I am also part of the Episcopal Church of St. Matthew around the corner. Why am I at CCSM? One word – community. The group of people I have met here care so very much about the world around them, and reach out on a daily basis to the needy. This can mean sheltering the homeless in the big hall that is part of the church; it has also meant sending both youth and adult groups to New Orleans’ lower 9^th ward to work in rebuilding. This is a place that puts love in action, not just words.