Our Mission: "We are an inclusive Open and Affirming faith community reaching out with love, compassion, and justice.
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Thursday, December 17, 2020
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A Virtual Christmas Pageant |
Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 20, - "Be Not Afraid: A Virtual Christmas Pageant"
This year join the RUCC Youth Group and Friends on a warm and often humorous journey through the Christmas Story. We have a large, delightful cast. Also: piano accompaniment by Sophia Ohanian! It’s called “Do Not Be Afraid: A Virtual Christmas Pageant."
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New and Improved Access to Virtual Sunday Services and Special Events! |
At 10:30 a.m on Sundays the worship video will premiere on our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/RedlandsUCC. Everyone can chat right on YouTube as the video premieres (if you are signed in to YouTube). This is simplest and easiest for everyone.
Tired of watching services on your tablet, smart phone or other smaller device? You may also watch on your television! Here's how:
- Your TV is a “smart” TV, and it has a YouTube app built into it. Open the app and search for “RedlandsUCC” to find our channel.
- You have a smart device connected to your TV that has a YouTube app built into it. Could be an AppleTV, Roku, Amazon Firestick, or even a DVD player. Find the app and search for “RedlandsUCC.”
- Your TV isn’t so smart, but it has an extra input for an HDMI cable. Connect a cable from there to your laptop (or your phone or tablet with the right adapter), and your TV will become the world’s biggest second monitor. Then just go to YouTube on your laptop and show it on the TV.
Both Feastings and the Christmas Eve service may also be viewed on your TV. You really will have the best seat in the house!
Following Sunday worship we have an hour of fellowship time on Zoom, hosted by Jill. More private concerns can be shared there. The Zoom meeting link is https://zoom.us/j/717827959.
Click here for updated Zoom instructions for other meetings and events
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Worship for Sunday, December 20 - Fourth Sunday of Advent |
Prelude: Linus & Lucy by Vince Guaraldi _________________________ Sophia Ohanian
Welcome and Call to Worship: _______________ _____________Andrea Morics
Opening Hymn: # 125 Angels We Have Heard on High __________ Led by Sylvia Mitchell
Opening Prayer __ ____ ____________________________ ______Steve Morics
Lighting of the Advent Candle:-----------------------------------------Jessica and Serena Morgan
Hymn: One Candle is Lit
Community Joys and Concerns:_________________________Rev. Dr. Jill Kirchner-Rose
Presentation of Bibles to the Children of RUCC ___________________ Andrea Morics
Special Music: Breath of Heaven by Amy Grant & Chris Eaton
Connie Roener, Woody Andrews, Zoe Petersen, Sophia Ohanian
Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25 ________________________________________Steve Morics
Christmas Pageant: "Do Not Be Afraid"__________ ________ RUCC Youth and friends
Offertory: Grown-Up Christmas List By David Foster & Linda Thompson-Jenner
Connie Roener, Woody Andrews, Zoe Petersen, Sophia Ohanian
Prayer of Dedication:---------------_______-------------------------------------------- Andrea Morics
Closing Hymn: # 132 Joy to the World ________________________ _ Led by Paul Welch
Time of Reflection: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Connie Roener, Woody Andrews, Zoe Petersen, Sophia Ohanian
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Concerns:
- Prayers for Vera, aunt of Jennie Haney and sister of Mary Lou Haney, diagnosed with COVID
- Prayers for Charlie Seek challenged by diabetes related foot issues.
- Prayers for Greg Farrell, brother of Karen Walsh, who is undergoing radiation treatment for cancer.
- Nan Root requests prayers for her brother Richard who has COVID.
- Judith Turian requests prayers for 6 of her patients who have contracted COVID
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Prayers for the family of Tim Best, son of Sally Cummings, who passed from life to Life on Dec. 12th. Sally requests prayers for the Best and Cummings families.
- Prayers for Mary Lou who is recovering from surgery.
- Prayers for Susi Jacobsen who is recovering from surgery. Susi would appreciate cards and phone calls.
- Prayers for Gloria Ebert who is facing heart challenges
- Carla Becerril requests prayers for her cousin Sally who is hospitalized with COVID.
- Carla Becerril requests prayers for Tim Brown who is hospitalized with COVID.
- Elizabeth Welsh requests prayers for her kitty, Salem, who is recoverying from surgery.
- MaCall Potter requests prayers for her kitty, Lucy, who is facing health challenges
- Lisa Dewey requests prayers for her father who sustained a head injury.
- Prayers for Danny and family, cousin of Jennie Haney, who has been diagnosed with COVID.
- Barbie Fiske-Phillips requests prayers for Sonja, who was diagnosed with COVID
- Judith Turian requests prayers for Jill Bressler as she undergoes treatment for lung cancer and for Judith's close friend Terri, who is unable to travel to be with Jill because of COVID.
- Kenneth Lee requests prayers for his father and sister who contracted COVID-19.
- Prayers for Armando, family member of Carla Becerril, who is diagnosed with COVID.
- Prayers for Drew Morgan who underwent knee surgery on Nov. 23rd.
- Prayers for Lois, sister of Mary Lou Haney, who has COVID.
- Prayers for Ruth Jordan who is facing health challenges.
- Prayers for Millie Mahoney, friend of Chris Nicoloff, hospitalized with COVID.
- Prayers for Gene, a friend of Bonnie Pierce, who is a Nurse Practitioner and contracted COVID.
- Prayers for Sue Wallace who is recovering from surgery for the replacement of an aortic heart valve.
- Prayers for Leslie, sister of Barbie Fiske-Phillips, who is living through degenerative disks and vertebrae pain.
- Ongoing prayers for parents, teachers, students navigating online school.
- Prayers for Dick Ault, who is awaiting knee replacement surgery.
Ongoing Concerns:
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Barb, friend of Carla Becerril
Gretchen and Aaron Andrews
Carla Becerril
Les Budai
Diane Campbell
Diane, Sister-in-Law of Heather King
Carol Chaney
Precia Gwenhwyfer Courtney-Hveen
Cousin of Rick Cruz
Gloria Ebert
Norma Erickson
Betty Gayle
Ronan Godfrey
Jerry Greenfield
Emma Grimauld
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Katia Hage
Beki Hill
Jody Hoelle
Harriet Holt, Beki Hill's mother
Mark Alan Johnson, friend of Nancy Hotaling
Kim Johnson, friend of Gretchen Andrews
Jenny, Sister of Jules Rattray
Emily Jones
Hank Kirchner
Leslie, sister of Barbie Fisk-Phillips
Amber McGuigan
Bill McIntyre
Amy McQulillian, friend of Gretchen Andrews
Larry Minor
Missy, friend of Rosemary Tuohy
Sarah Montez
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Mary Mortensen
Maria Montana
Carmen & Jim Neafsey
Kristin Farmer Preslica
Steve, Brother of Julie Phillip
Nancy Rojas
Adolph Romero
Joan Roth
Spencer, friend of Stacey Greene
Doris Stockton, Kathi Roth's Grandmother
Heather Tee
Arika Torres
Rosemary Tuohy
Vasquez Family
Helga Vroom
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Reflection of the week from the RUCC Racial Justice Yeam |
“Few media outlets have apologized for [sensationalizing the term] “superpredators.” The Los Angeles Times conceded in September that “an insidious problem ... has marred the work of the Los Angeles Times for much of its history … a blind spot, at worst an outright hostility, for the city’s nonwhite population.” Indeed, [the Marshall Project’s] analysis shows that the L.A. Times used “superpredator” more than any other major newspaper. But it was hardly alone in branding a generation of young men of color as animals and paving the way for harsher juvenile justice.
“If we don’t acknowledge the impact of what past stories did," said law professor Taylor-Thompson, "I’m not sure the media’s behavior will change.””
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Decorating Gingerbread houses before COVID |
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You Just Can't Keep a Good Tradition Down! |
This year's Gingerbread house decorating was different from last year's, but was an enjoyable success for all who participated! (see photo at left) To see this year's fun, click here for a photo collage.
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Virtual Feastings at 7 p.m. Friday, December 18 on YouTube
A little pandemic cannot prevent us from enjoying our annual choir offering of a feast of music and entertainment! This year, there is no need to scurry to buy tickets or scramble to get a table with a good view. All the seats are in your own home and there is no charge for this year's virtual event. Join the choir and our guests via YouTube Premiere on Friday at 7 p.m. on our RUCC YouTube Channel. Some of our choir members’ favorite recipes are attached, which you may use to create your own feast on Friday evening. Or feel free to order a take-out meal from one of our wonderful local restaurants. To add to the fun, we will host a cooking party via Zoom at 5 the same day. This will be an opportunity to socialize while we all knock around in our kitchens cooking whatever we have chosen to cook. No cooking lessons are provided, but we can lend support if you are nervous making a new recipe!
With these small modifications, this year's Feastings is bound to be as fun and filled with Christmas Spirit as all those in the past. Still have questions about how this will work? Send email to Heather Abushanab at [email protected] and she will answer your questions.
See article above for directions for viewing this event on your television set.
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Christmas Eve Service Goes Virtual at 7:00 p.m., but Don't Worry, the Tamales Will Be Real from 5 to 6 p.m.!
We are excited and happy to carry on the tradition of the Tamale dinner on Christmas Eve. Since we as a church are not gathering in person to enjoy this meal in Covenant Hall, the tamales will be distributed using the Churches drive through on Thursday 12/24/2020, from 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.. This is a grab and go event, masks required during this pickup.
We ask that church members drive through to pick up individual dinners for their immediate family (on a first come, first serve basis). Each dinner will consist of either a chili cheese, chicken or pork tamale, and a serving of rice and beans. The food will be packaged in a clam shell to go container for your safety and convenience.
The tamales will be wrapped in dry wax paper and must be warmed in the microwave or steamed prior to consumption. Also, the beans and rice must also be heated.
No reservations are required.
See article above for directions for viewing this event on your television set.
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You, Too May Be Part of the Christmas Eve Service |
Dear Church Family,
For the closing of the Christmas Eve video service we will recreate the passing of the candle light from person to person on the church patio during the singing of Silent Night. We are inviting you and everyone who is part of our church family to be part of it.
To participate please watch this short example of how to make your video. When you've made it you can get it to Dan Abushanab any of these ways:
Blessings,
Jill
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ART, FOR HEAVEN'S SAKE! IS NOT OVER YET! |
Some Art, for Heaven's Sake! artists have donated pieces to be auctioned for the benefit of the Art Show. Please join the Facebook Group Art, for Heaven's Sake! Silent Auction to see the pieces that are available for auction.
Please share this group with friends, and "like" it as well. There are some lovely things that could be just the thing for someone on your Christmas list.
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"Showers of Love" Forecast for Sunday, December 20 Beginning at 3:00 p.m. |
It's 100% certain that "Showers of Love" will descend on the Redlands area beginning at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 20. The "Showers" caravan will leave the RUCC Parking Lot at 3 p.m. and should be over by 5:00 p.m.
No need for umbrellas, as we'll drive by the residences of RUCC members who need a friendly, well-distanced visit from some of their church family.
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Awesome Results from the Angel Tree Campaign! |
Contributions to the Angel Tree campaign totaled $11,690 in physical gift cards and monetary donations. Wider Ministries used all money donated ($10,965) to purchase more gift cards through scrip as requested by each group.
Thanks to your incredible generosity, RUCC donated the following total amounts:
- Steps 4 Life - $6200
- Village Elementary - $2000
- Family - $1240
- RUSD - $2250
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It's Not Too Late for Gift Cards! |
eGift Cards Still Available
Schedule a special delivery: Send an eGift card right to a loved one’s email inbox. When you check out on Shop.ShopWithScrip.com, select the box next to “Make this a gift?” and you’ll be prompted to enter the recipient’s name and email address, and add a personalized note. They’ll get the email with a link to view and print their eGift card.
Get eGift cards instantly (for your own shopping): They’re immediately sent to your account and you can access them right on your phone with the RaiseRight™ mobile app.
Due to low turnout, we will not have the in-person order option available this Sunday. If you still want physical gift cards for the holidays, please contact Jennifer at [email protected] and we will see what arrangements we can make!
Thanks to everyone who has supported RUCC through the scrip/gift card program this year!
To learn more about the scrip/gift card program, which allows RUCC to benefit while you do your regular gifting and shopping, please read the
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The SCNC Outdoor Ministries and Youth and Young Adult Ministries Teams
would like to invite all ages to join our upcoming
Virtual Winter Camp!
Theme: The Mountain Top: "I've Seen The Promised Land"
Join us during MLK weekend as we take a look through the lens of Dr. King and envision what we want our world to look like. In his final speech, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke about the mountaintop and how God led him to see the promised land. During this weekend of virtual camp, we will be grounding ourselves in the ideology that before we can create a better world we first have to envision what it would look like and there is no better place to start than within our own communities.
This year we are opening Winter Wonder Camp to ALL.
This will be an intergenerational weekend retreat for all ages.
The retreat will include 3 days of virtual programming that includes some of your favorite camp activities. We will have workshops for all ages. We will also have family crafts and cooking activities. You will also receive a box for you and your family. The box will include programming material, a winter camp t-shirt, and more Pilgrim Pines swag!
Dates: January 16-18, 2021
Investment:
$110 for first participant
$25 each additional participant
Special note from Pastor Jill: The church will pay half of the registration cost.
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RUCC Book Group Will Meet on Zoom Sunday, January 3 at Noon |
The RUCC Book Group will meet on Zoom, at noon, on Sunday, January 3 at noon on Zoom. The group will decide on books to be read, will develop a schedule, and decide on discussion facilitators. |
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UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER |
- Continuing through December: Art, for Heaven's Sake
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December 17 - Prayer Polygon at 7:30 p.m.
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December 18 - Feastings Cooking demonstration at 5 - p.m. on Zoom.
________________ Program begins on YouTube at 7 :00 p.m.
- December 20 - Children's Christmas Play at the 10:30 a.m. service
__________________ "Drive By Showers of Love" beginning at 3 p.m.
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December 24 - "Grab and Go" Tamale Dinner 5-6 p.m. in parking lot, _____________followed by 7:00 p.m. virtual Christmas Eve Service _____________on YouTube.
- January 2 - Sacred Saturday
- January 3 - Epiphany Sunday with Angel Cards.
____________-_ _Book Club at 12:00 p.m. on Zoom
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THIS WEEK AT RUCC (or on your computer, tablet or smart phone....) |
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RUCC Staff
Senior Pastor: Rev. Dr. Jill Kirchner-Rose
Honorary Minister of Arts and Worship: Rev. Erin Beardemphl
Music Director: Jim Tong
Accompanist: Sophia Ohanian
Children's Education Director: Susi Jacobsen
Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries: Vacant
Office Manager: Nancy Sheets
Child Care: Vacant
Caretaker: Vacant
Phone: (909) 793-3520
Staff and Other Emails
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