​We are a covenant community

As people who are justified by God's grace through faith alone, we know that our baptism is recognition of the way that God is already at work in our lives. In response to God's grace in our lives we covenant with one another in a way of life. 
One way to identify this way of life is in the words of our baptismal covenant. Another way to identify this way of life is in the word of our mission and vision. How we do this is continually reforming according to how the Spirit is moving in our community. Here are some examples of what we've done in the recent past. 

---

Music

We love music at CGS. There have been many kinds of choirs and bands. Right now we celebrate the gifts of CGS Choir,  Keynote Vocal Group, the CGS Band, and a multitude of individuals who share their faith through the harmony and dissonance of music. To learn more about current music ministry at CGS go here. 

Shelter Cooking

One Saturday each month we cook dinner and serve it at the Julian St. shelter. We split up into teams for this and each team cooks about 4 times a year. 

The Health Trust

Someone in our community has been a long time friend of the Health Trust and they help us to buy gifts for children who wouldn't otherwise have them every November and December. 

God's Work Our Hands

Every year, in the beginning of September we join with all the other congregations of the ELCA to do a day of service in our community. It's not the only day we serve, but it's a celebration of service in our life together and a chance to wear some truly garish yellow shirts. 

Retreats

At different times, in different groupings, and in different places, our community will go away together to rest in one another and grow in our faith.

Community Meals

Summer BBQs, Thanksgiving Dinner, International Lunch, Wednesday supper - these are just some of the reasons we find for eating together. We almost always eat pot-luck and people bring what they have and take what they need. 

Sunday School

We value having people of all ages in our community and we must admit that when it comes to growing in our faith together, our age difference sometimes makes it difficult for us. 
We still strive to learn. In addition to dedicated Nursery care we wonder about God and faith with our children in Godly Play. Click here to learn more. 

Book Club

We have gathered in many and various forms to study books and writings. We find a great deal of wisdom in the writings of others and look forward to being challenged by the discourse of community.  

Summer Day Camp

For the past couple years we've worked with Mt. Cross Camp to do a summer day camp for kids. Sometimes we partner with other churches so that more people can be involved and we can all share in the volunteering. Contact us to find out what we are doing this year.

Silicon Valley Pride

Every year we participate in the SVPride festival and (when they have it) parade. We build some pretty sweet floats and love celebrating our people. 

Advocacy & Activism

Our faith informs our citizenship - the way we live with others. We regularly invite others to educate us about the things that affect our community and our world so that we may act with and on behalf of the most vulnerable. 

Silicon Valley Safe Parking 

For two months of the year, CGS hosts the Silicon Valley Safe Parking community. In partnership with 10 other organizations and Amigos de Guadalupe we provide safe parking for neighbors who sleep in their vehicles. 

Library 

We were blessed with a large bequest for library resources in our community. Curated and cared for by an amazing Librarian, we are well equipped learners at CGS. Click here for more Library info. 

FISH

For 42 years we collected and distributed food in San Jose through a neighborhood effort. That program closed recently and we're exploring ways to continue with new local partners. 
We currently share our abundance with Second Harvest Food Bank, Julian Street Shelter, Martha's Kitchen, and Lutheran World Relief in an effort toward a just distribution of food.

Talent Show

From time to time, CGS hosts a talent show to share the beauty of our community. Sometimes we raise money for outside groups. Sometimes we barbeque great food. Every time we get goofy and have a lot of fun with one another. 

Bible Study

Every Wednesday we gather on Zoom to discuss the stories that we will read in worship on Sunday. We ask more questions than have answers and rely on our own experiences, tradition, and scripture to find God’s Word in our lives. Click here to join. 

Giving Tree

Every summer for the past couple years we've partnered with Family Giving Tree to load up backpacks for school children in San Jose. 
In Advent & Christmas we partnered again to gather gifts for children and their families. 

SV Pride

CGS has been at SV Pride for year proclaiming God’s love for LGBTQAIA+ people. Now, we partner with other faith communities in the valley to promote an interfaith welcome of the community at SV Pride. 

Thanksgiving Dinner

On Thanksgiving day we have lunch together from 12-2pm. It's an open invitation for anyone who doesn't have a lunch that day. The people of CGS do the cooking but the blessing we're after lies in being with others - and that comes from whoever shows up.