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Thursday, January 25, 2024

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Annual Meeting - Sunday, January 28

The RUCC Annual Meeting will be held Sunday, January 28. The agenda will include adoption of the 2024 budget, election of 2024 Board Members, and receipt of the Book of Area Reports for 2023. The Book of Reports for 2023 is now available online. CLICK HERE to download and read prior to the meeting on January 28.


We must have a quorum to adopt the budget and elect Officers and Area Leaders. If you are unable to attend, you may get an absentee ballot here: www.uccredlands.org/ballot


The Annual Meeting includes a potluck!

Please join us for a potluck meal after worship on Sunday, January 28! We invite you to grab a plate of food and join the annual congregational meeting in Covenant Hall.


Please sign up to let us know what you will be bringing to share, using the following link: www.PerfectPotluck.com/DOAN4788. If you have trouble signing up or have any questions, please email minori@redlandsucc.org.

A message from our Pastor and Teacher

Sunday, January 28~ Fourth Sunday after Epiphany ~ "What Do You Want with Us?"

Have you ever felt out of control? I don't know too many who enjoy the feeling.Sometimes we feel like outside forces have us locked in a cage without the key. What does the Divine want with us, anyway?

Sunday's Scripture:


Mark 1:21-28

Joys

  • Thanks for all your love and prayers. Pam and Kerry report that Lynne continues to get better and stronger. She still is being given IV antibiotics five times a day and can now see objects. She can’t easily read words yet, but we are hoping that will improve soon. We also hope she can come home from the hospital while I’m still here. Please keep the prayers coming. (1/25)


Concerns / Prayers:

  • Fred Freeman needs prayers for healing and good recovery after his back surgery on January 31. (1/25)
  • Carla Becerill passed from life to Life on January 13. (1/18) Memorial service will be Sunday, February 18, 1:30 p.m. at RUCC.(1/25)
  • Beth Welsh's brother, Coyne ("Butch"), has has returned to the ICU. (1/18)
  • Debra Van Engelen had unexpected retinal surgery on her right eye and will have limited vision for a while. (1/18)
  • Nicole Mallory, daughter of Susan Matthews, is facing several health challenges including surgery for a broken ankle.
  • Beth Welsh continues healing from a fall and seizure. (1/4)
  •  Charlie Seek looking at upcoming surgery(12/29)
  •  Kenneth Perkins is still hospitalized. (1/4)
  • Kevin Simmons injured his knee and is awaiting an MRI, diagnosis and treatment plan. (1/14)
  • Karlene Cabrera, daughter of Jolene Barrow, has kidney and other health issues right now. Also, Jolene's brother Andrew Barrow was recently diagnosed with kidney cancer. (12/21)
  • Steve Arth continues in his recovery from a broken hip. (11/16)
  •  We continue to hold in our prayers the people of Ukraine and the Middle East.


Ongoing Concerns:

Karen & Daniella

Jerry Andrews

Scott Ault

Dave, brother of Johanna Ballard

Bill Buchanan

Cousin of Rick Cruz

Janet Edwards

Norma Erickson

Karen Walsh

Mark Janz's mother, Martini

Samantha Sanchez-French's father

Katia Hage

Mary Lou Haney

Beki Hill

Harriet Holt, Beki Hill's mother

Jenny, Sister of Jules Rattray

Amber McGuigan

Cynthia McGuigan

Pastor Elaine's nephew Michael and brother Dan

Family of Betty Jacobs

Floyd Orr

Ryan and Evan Paul

Dick Ault's brother-in-law, Charles Proctor

Rev. Dr. Rebecca Voelkel, Maggie George and Maggie's siblings

Spencer, friend of Stacey Greene

Robert Silver

Arika Torres

Rosemary Tuohy

Nancy Ternasky

Racial Justice reflection of the week

Over 70 percent of Black Americans say they have experienced incidents of discrimination or police mistreatment in their lifetime, including nearly half who felt their lives were in danger.

 

Source: https://www.aclu.org/issues/racial-justice


From the Environmental Justice Team

In April of 2023, California changed incentives for the installation of rooftop solar, ostensibly with the goal of reducing the inequities of a system in which utilities made up for payments to those who could afford to install solar power by raising rates for everyone, including those who couldn’t afford solar. But as a result, solar installations in California have dropped dramatically, slowing our transition away from fossil fuels. In an L.A. Times op-ed, David Lappen proposes the use of a state tax credit to restore solar incentives to their former levels. His reasoning: “In California, our state income tax is progressive: Those who earn more pay a higher percentage of their income for the public benefit. Electric utility bills, by contrast, are regressive: Those who can’t afford rooftop solar pay a larger share of their income for their basic necessities. We need to restore financial support for rooftop solar — but let’s do so equitably, through our progressive tax code, and redistribute the costs of clean energy away from California’s most vulnerable residents.”

 

Source: “Opinion: Here is one way California can end its rooftop solar wars,” Lappen, D., Los Angeles Times, 1/11/24: https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2024-01-11/california-energy-solar-rooftop-utilities

 

Volunteers Needed for Rummage Sale

We are still in need of many volunteers to help set up the week before (February 5-9) and help during the sale on February 10. We also need folks with trucks to take any leftovers (we are hoping there are not many!) to various donation centers the afternoon of February 10. 

 

If you are interested in Volunteering, there are four ways to sign up: 

 

Google Form at:  https://forms.gle/SiazCymz2HfoR4b76 


Fill out the sign-up sheet that will be going around this Sunday Jan. 28.

 

Call: Wendy Birchard at: 951-966-7030

 

Email: birchardw@gmail.com *If emailing please indicate what days, times and what areas you would like to help with.

 

Donations will start: Feb 4 after 1:00 pm!

 

Please plan to bring your treasures (NO FURNITURE, UNDERWEAR, BRAS, BATHING SUITS, or BROKEN ITEMS) beginning on Feb 4 after fellowship and throughout the week before the sale. Mon-Fri times will be posted on Facebook and in the next issue of the View. 


Message from Ginny Cruz about the Rummage Sale: 

 Please donate your gently worn clothing and shoes to the Clothing Boutique! We are greatly in need of men’s clothing. Can you believe it, there is never enough to go around!

 

We also could use more pant/skirt hangers. 

 

Can we also please find a few volunteers for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. (Feb. 7 - Feb 9)

 It is always fun to “hang” out with you all, so please let Wendy know if you are up to “hanging” with us!

RUCC craft corner starting February 4 in covenant hall during fellowship using donated laundered shirts in valentine colors and fabric scissors

New group forming at RUCC

The first meeting of the RUCC Craft Corner will be Sunday, February 4 in Covenant Hall during fellowship time.


The purpose of the Craft Corner is to promote responsible, mindful, and community-oriented entrepreneurship through recycling and upcycling techniques.



It's easy to help supply meals to the women's cold weather shelter

"Take them a meal" is an easy way to sign up to provide dinner for the Redlands Cold Weather Women's Shelter! If you have questions about quantities or other logistics, contact Jean Pagdilao 909-206-4156. Use the link below to pick a date, and to see all delivery instructions. Easy, peasy!

Take them a meal

CARING FOR KIN

Sundays February 4th and 11th

Caring for Kin will be celebrating the SOUPER BOWL!

Please “vote” for your favorite NFL team as you help feed our kin.

 

The Caring for Kin cart will be divided in half.

 

If you prefer the American Football Conference (Chiefs or Ravens), please place soup products on this side of the cart.  You can bring any kind of boxed or canned soups that will help feed a hungry body.

 

If you prefer the National Football Conference (Lions or 49ers), please place Rice-a-Roni or any boxed or bagged rice products on this side of the cart.  Again, please pick any rice items that will be enjoyed by our hungry kin.

 

This contest will conclude on Sunday, February 11th, the day of the NFL Super Bowl.  It will be fun to see which team wins the RUCC Souper Bowl, as you, again, so generously serve your neighbors.

 

(For ease of transport, please avoid bringing any items in glass jars.)


stack_of_books.jpg

Book Group news

The current book selection for the RUCC Book Group is Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan.


   “Alternatingly heart-pounding and heartbreaking. This collaboration between two best-selling authors seamlessly weaves together Olivia and Lily’s journeys, creating a provocative exploration of the strength that love and acceptance require.”—The Washington Post


The book discussion will be after church at noon on Sunday, February 4., in the Founders Room, and the discussion leader will be Claudia Tolar. Everyone is welcome to join.


Upcoming selections:

February 4, 2024- Selection: Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan  

Presenter: Claudia Tolar


March 3, 2024- Selection: Exit Prohibited by Ellen Estilai

Presenters: Judith Turian and Ellen Estilai/ This will be a special opportunity as the author will help present her book. See the article below for more information.

       

April 7, 2024- Selection: Crossing the Line by Kareem Rosser.  Presenter: Deborah Rada


May 5, 2024 - Selection: The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride

Presenters: Susan Matthews and Karen Walsh

Special Book Club event on March 3

On March 3rd at noon, all are invited to join the RUCC Book Group as we welcome Inlandia author Ellen Estilai as she leads a discussion about her memoir, Exit Prohibited.


So you can read it in advance, Judith Turian will be selling copies for $15.00, below Inlandia’s cost.


These vacancies at RUCC need to be filled

These may be only part-time positions, but they are important to our church's mission. The Youth Director plays a key role in helping our young people understand why RUCC's values and theology are important to them as they prepare to go out in the world.


The Nursery Care Worker provides a warm and loving environment for small children too young to participate in an hour-long church service. Parents feel free to concentrate on the service and do not have to worry that their small children are appropriately cared for.


.......................~~ The RUCC Personnel Committee



YOU ARE INVITED!

January's LGBTQIAFG+ gathering will be Friday, January 26 in Covenant Hall beginning at 6 p.m.


The event will feature showing an episode of "We Are Here."


Shacks will be provided.

Pilgrim Pines Winter Camp

Join us on the mountain for WINTER WONDER CAMP 2024! 

This will be a fun event with some of the Pines' favorite camp traditions and activities. Enjoy outdoor crafts, games, conversations, workshops, hikes, and other fun and meaningful activities with your camp friends!

This retreat is for middle school and high school campers. 

 

Winter Wonder Camp Theme

Resilient


February 17-19

Everyone loves a good "comeback" story! Let's make it yours! At Winter Camp we will be looking at what it means to keep going even in the face of challenges. Life gets so hard, sometimes it can feel like you are being knocked down on all sides. Micah 7:8 says "Though I get knocked down, I get up again". Let's explore some tools to help us do just that and become more Resilient!

RUCC kids receive at least 50% off their tuition for all Pilgrim Pines programs—in many cases more than that! Also, grandkids of RUCC members receive 25% off—even though the grandkids themselves don’t attend RUCC.


For more information about these scholarship opportunities, please contact admorics@mac.com before you log on to the Pilgrim Pines website to make your reservation.

Earthquake brace and bolt
  • Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) helps homeowners lessen the potential for damage during an earthquake
  • Registration is open January 10 – February 21, 2024
  • EBB is available in 815 ZIP Codes
  • EBB is an incentive program providing a grant up to $3,000 to seismically retrofit qualifying houses
  • Houses that typically qualify:
  • Are owner occupied;
  • Built before 1980;
  • Have a raised continuous perimeter concrete foundation;
  • Sit on level ground or a low-slope; and
  • May have wood-framed walls in the crawl space under the first floor.
  • Go to EarthquakeBraceBolt.Com to register
  • Supplemental grants are available to income-eligible homeowners with an annual household income of $87,360 or less, and may cover up to 100% of the cost of a retrofit for qualified households.


Thank you to Esther Martinez, Emergency Operations Specialist, Redlands Fire Department for this timely information!

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER

  • January 26 - LGBTQUITG Movie night
  • January 28 - Annual Congregational Meeting following the 10:30 Worship Service. Includes potluck lunch in Covenant Hall
  • January 31 -1:30 p.m. Mah Jongg
  • February 3 - Sacred Saturday
  • February 3 - Board Retreat
  • February 4 - Book Group
  • February 10 - RUCC Rummage Sale & Electronics Recycling
  • February 18 - Memorial service for Carla Becerill - 1:30 p.m. at RUCC


The church calendar is found at redlandsucc.org

Click on "calendar" in the red banner near the top of the page

This Week at Redlands United Church of Christ

Sunday, January 28

  • 9:15 a.m. Seekers
  • 9:30 a.m. - Kids' Zone
  • 10:30 a.m. - Worship service
  • 11:30 a.m.- Potluck and Annual Meeting in Covenant Hall


Monday, January 29, 2024

Tuesday, January 30


Wednesday, January 31

  • 1:30 p.m. - Mah Jongg, Micah Room


Thursday, February 1


Friday, February 2

  • 7:00 p.m. Closed women's AA meeting


Saturday, February 3

  • Sacred Saturday
  • Board Retreat



Sunday, February 4

  • 9:15 a.m. Seekers
  • 9:30 a.m. - Kids' Zone
  • 10:30 a.m. - Worship service
  • 11:30 a.m.- Fellowship, Covenant Hall
  • Noon - Book Group

RUCC Staff

Interim Pastor: Rev. Elaine Schoepf

Honorary Minister of Arts and Worship:  Rev. Erin Beardemphl

Music Director: David Wells

Associate Music Director: Sophia Ohanian

Children's Education Director: Susi Jacobsen

Director of Youth Ministries: Vacant

Office and Property Manager: Veronica Bermudez

Child Care: Joette Orman

 

Website:  www.redlandsucc.org

Phone: 909-793-3520

 

Staff and Other Emails

pastorelaine@redlandsucc.org

musicdirector@redlandsucc.org

childrenseducation@redlandsucc.org

youth@redlandsucc.org



office@redlandsucc.org

weddings@redlandsucc.org

theview@redlandsucc.org