Our Mission: "We are an inclusive Open and Affirming faith community reaching out with love, compassion, and justice."

Trouble viewing the newsletter? View as Webpage Thursday, April 29, 2021

Rev. Erin Beardemphl Preaches this Sunday Sunday, May 2 ~ Communion~  “Where to Abide?" The Gospel of John is a favorite among many, with it's poetic turn of phrase and mystic storytelling. In this popular passage, the listener is exhorted to abide in Jesus and bear good fruit. The idea of abiding in Jesus is such a popular and familiar one that it hardly merits a second thought, and yet, I do wonder: How does one do that? What does it mean? What is this fruit? And, most importantly: Are we sure which vine is the Jesus vine? These are all questions I hope you'll ponder with me this Sunday! Reminder: Sunday services are now livestreamed from the Sanctuary at ......................10:30 a.m on YouTube.

Sunday's Scripture..... John 15: 1-8.

Worship for Sunday, May 2 Prelude: May by Pyotr Tchaikovsky....................................................Sophia Ohanian Welcome and Call to Worship: ................./////................................To Be Announced Opening Hymn: #99 Abide with Me                                                  Led by Jim Tong Opening Prayer:...................................................................................... ...........TBA Children's Circle: ..................................................................................Ross Mitchell Community Joys and Concerns: ...........................................Rev. Erin Beardemphl Scripture: ..John 15, 1 - 8  ............................. __...- Special Music: .A Thousand Winds by Man Ari   Shing Lin, Vocalist Message: Where to Abide ​....................................................... Rev. Erin Beardemphl Offertory: There is a Fountain (Communion Meditation) by Sharon Wilson..... .............................................................................................................Sophia Ohanian Prayer of Dedication:.......................................................................................... TBA Closing Hymn: #517 I Need You Every Hour...................................Led by Jim Tong Time of Reflecton: Garun A (It’s Spring) by Komitas ...................... Sophia Ohanian On May 2, we will share together Holy Communion in our online interactive worship. Before the time of the service, you will want to prepare some bread - a slice, a small loaf, a tortilla, a rice cake - a wheat product is not necessary. Let it be something you alone, or your with others in your household, may break and share. Prepare a cup or cups of juice or your choice of wine-with or without alcohol.

Concerns: Prayers for Ronan Godfrey who is recovering from surgery for the insertion of a feeding tube. Prayers for the father of Ryan Zappia who is having knee replacement surgery on May 5th. Prayers for Serena Morgan who fell off her scooter and has a hairline fracture Melinda Sewer Muganzo, Music Director at Mentone UCC, requests prayers for her brother, Miguel Sewer who just went through a second liver transplant. Prayers for Jim Tong and Michael whose dog, Sparky, crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Ben Bohren will have surgery on April 29th for the removal of a kidney stone. Richard Ault will have knee surgery on April 30th. Mary Mortensen requests prayers for Joe Adcock, father of Mary’s children, who has been diagnosed with advanced bladder cancer Sue Hammond requests prayers for the family of Bonnie Ann who passed from life to Life Prayers for Ronan Godfrey, who has been diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis. Prayers for Leslie, sister of Barbie Fiske-Phillips, who had extensive back surgery and is having complications that intensify the pain. Prayers for those in the congregation who are struggling with mental health challenges. Prayers for Connie Roener who has been diagnosed with breast cancer and is currently going through chemotherapy. Prayers for Julie Philip whose brother, Stephen, passed from life to Life.  Prayers for Caroline, mother of Karin Blad, who has been diagnosed with colon cancer. Prayers for Patricia, sister of Michael Flores, who fell at a construction site and injured herself. Prayers for Evan, son of Margaret Paul, who is facing life challenges. Inez Diggs requests prayers for her friend, Penni Pierce, who suffers from Pulmonary Fibrosis, and needs a double lung transplant to help her breathing capacity. Prayers for Keith, cousin of Maegan Hill, who is blinded by a blood clot. Prayers for Lorna, mother of Erin Beardemphl, who shattered her kneecap. Prayers for Claudine, grandmother of Paul and Dante Welsh. 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. Prayers for Gloria Ebert who is facing heart challenges Ongoing prayers for parents, teachers, students navigating online school. Ongoing Concerns:

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 Norma Erickson Betty Gayle Jerry Greenfield Emma Grimauld 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 Amber McGuigan Bill McIntyre Amy McQulillian, friend of Gretchen Andrews Larry Minor Sarah Montez 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 Vasquez Family Helga Vroom

Reflection of the Week from the Racial Justice Team “White people cannot ever know the existential pain we force every black and brown body in America to live with.”   “Whites are living with their own untended and unrecognized existential wound, a spiritual emptiness known by the oppressor class that has exchanged the truth for a lie. Because it rewards us with the baubles we so ..............................................covet, it feels good – until it doesn’t.”   ........................................... - Rev. John C. Dorhauer, General Minister and President of the United ..................................................Church of Christ. Click here to isten to the podcast or read the transcript.

From the Environmental Justice Team Last Saturday, several of us were given guided tours of Caroline Park where guides introduced us to a wide variety of native plants, describing what they require, where to plant them and where we can buy them if we are interested. We are adding Caroline Park to our list of organizations you can donate to, along with the Redlands Conservancy, if you prefer to make a donation instead of planting a tree. And if you would like to support the development of other Redlands parks, we are providing information here for that as well.   Redlands Parks Endowment Fund Contributions can be made through the Redlands Community Foundation at redlandscf.org   Friends of Caroline Park, a 501c3  Contributions can be sent to the Friends of Caroline Park in care of Joanne Lessard, Treasurer at 31543 Highview Drive, Redlands, Ca 92373.   Both of our guides have landscaped their homes with native plants and have offered to show them to us. If you are interested, please contact Chris Nicoloff at 909-792-6082 or Dianne Landeros at 909-792-4839.

Scrip - Important Deadlines in the Next Few Days ThankScriping Days, April 29 and 30 – You can earn up to 20% for RUCC with bonuses on eGift cards and reloaded gift cards. It’s a great opportunity for your to maximize your earnings and make a bigger impact on RUCC. Bonuses are available on 100+ retailers, including Starbucks, Panera, Lowes, Home Depot, Best Buy and many more   Bonus Highlight: American Red Cross – Give the gift that helps hard-hit communities. You can purchase and eGift card for the American Red Cross Charity Choice. You can designate which services to support (disaster relief, lifesaving blood, supporting American’s military families, health & safety, international services, or whatever is needed most). And 20% goes back to RUCC when purchased on ThankScriping Day (April 29 or 30). A 10% administrative fee also goes to the non-profit, Special Kids Fund, which supports disabled kids and includes a wheelchair van assistance program. It’s a win-win-win.    Physical Gift Card Order by May 2 – Get your orders in (either through the website at www.shopwithscrip.com or through the RaiseRight app) by midnight, May 2 and we will arrange to get the cards to you by Wed/Thurs of next week.    Please contact Jennifer at [email protected] if you need help placing an order or want to learn more about the program.

April 20, 2021 Board Meeting Update As your Member-at-Large I am excited to have this opportunity to keep the congregation updated on the happenings of the Board!  Moment of inspiration: Inspirational reading and opening prayer led by Mary F., Board President.  For the good of the church: Stewards led a discussion regarding the newly updated/drafted COVID Protocols based on the new state guidelines. Protocols reviewed included: Outdoor Group Gatherings  Building Use Agreement Supplement – i.e., Indonesian Church of Christ & Sunset Memorial RUCC General Building Use All protocols were approved for future use.   Stewards presented the idea of installing a UVC Light Filtration System through the heating/air unit to help eliminate mold, bacteria and viruses from the air. The installation was approved.   If you have any questions, concerns or inspirational thoughts you would like for me to share with the Board, please do not hesitate to email me: [email protected]   Sincerely, Jackie Patrick  Member-at-Large

Five-Week Book Discussion Series: Caste by Pulitzer-prize winning author Isabel Wilkerson Continues May 5 Please join us as we read and discuss this powerful book which examines the unspoken caste system in America: Our meeting schedule will be: Wednesday May 5, May 12, May 19 and May 26 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.. A small group of RUCC members will rotate as discussion leaders each week. The link for the meeting is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84996728781 Meeting ID: 849 9672 8781 One tap mobile +16699009128

"Walk in Their Shoes" - Virtual Fundraiser for YouthHope on May 13, 6:30 p.m. YouthHope's annual "Walk in Their Shoes" banquet is going virtual this year. This event is a very powerful awareness night that shares youth's perspective with the group's supporters. YouthHope is using a professional videography company, and the video will share real stories, thank yous from youth, and other important information. The event will be hosted through the YouthHope website on May 13 at 6:30 p.m. This format offers the potential to reach a wider audience, raise funds and raise awareness of local youth homelessness. This is a free event, but donations to YouHope are always appreciated.

Special Plans for Mothers' Day - May 9 Mother's Day - Sunday, May 9 - will feature our second in-person service on the patio at 9:00 a.m. No RSVPs are required this time, but please remember to observe social distancing and to wear a mask. There will also be a livestreamed service at 10:30 a.m. broadcast on YouTube. Either way, we've got Mothers' Day covered at RUCC!

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER May 5 through May 26 - Each Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. - .........................................Discussion of Caste .by Isabel Wilkerson .........................................(see article above for details.) May 13 - YouthHope virtual fundraiser "Walk in Their Shoes"- 6:30 p.m. May 2 - RUCC Book Club will discuss Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid. .............Discussion leader will be Charletta Campfield May 9 - Mothers' Day In-Person service on the Patio at 9 a.m. There .............will also be a livestreamed service at 10:30 on YouTube May 21 - Military Honors' Service for Jay Grayson, Noon at Riverside ...............National Cemetery. June 11 & 12 - Southern California Nevada Conference Annual ........................Gathering, which will be held virtually. Details to follow. July 11-18 - UCC's first Virtual General Synod. Details to follow August 20-22 - Silent Retreat at Serra Retreat Center. Contact Pastor ........................Jill if you are interested in attending.

This week at RUCC...Virtually on almost every device!

CLICK HERE FOR ZOOM AND YOUTUBE INSTRUCTIONS FOR SERVICES AND MEETINGS Group and activity leaders: Please make sure your zoom link is up to date. Send new links to [email protected]

Calendar for April 25 - May 2, 2021

Sunday, May 2 9:15 a.m. Seekers - on Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83979441635 Meeting ID: 839 7944 1635 Passcode: Seekers 9:30 a.m. Kids Zone - on Zoom 10:30 a.m. Worship Service and Communion livestreamed on YouTube 11:30 - Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom NOTE: Some Shepherd Groups will meet today. Contact your Shepherd Group Leader for more information. Monday, May 3 5:30 p.m. Staff Meeting Wednesday, May 5 5: p.m. Caste book study Thursday, May 6 6:15 p.m. Bell Choir rehearsal 7:30 p.m. Prayer Polygon  Friday ,May 7 4:00 p.m. Youth Group -Please contact [email protected] for online meeting access. Sunday, May 9 -- Mothers' Day 9:15 a.m. Seekers - on Zoom 9:30 a.m. Kids Zone - on zoom 9:00 a.m. Mothers' Day Worship Service on the Patio 10:30 a.m. Worship Service livestreamed on YouTube 11:30 a.m. Virtual Coffee Hour on Zoom Click here for login instructions Group and activity leaders: Please make sure your zoom link is up to date. Send new links to [email protected]

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   Website:  www.uccredlands.org Phone: (909) 793-3520   Staff and Other Emails [email protected]          [email protected]         [email protected]      [email protected]          [email protected]   [email protected] [email protected]