Our Mission: "We are an inclusive Open and Affirming faith community reaching out with love, compassion, and justice."
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Thursday, January 6, 2022
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A Message from Our Pastor and Teacher |
First Sunday after Epiphany - January 9, 2022 - "Affirmed by Love"
In the story of Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan, a voice from heaven proclaims, “You are my Son, the Beloved…” A man is watermarked, the Spirit descends in an ancient symbol of the dove, and a clear identification of not only divine lineage…but blessing of divine love is given. So it is with our own watermarks. We will reaffirm our own baptism and remember that the watermark of God is life-giving and life-long.
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Sunday's Scripture
Luke 3: 15 – 16, 21 -22
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Prelude: Morning Mood by Edvard Grieg ............................... Sophia Ohanian
Welcome and Announcements...........................Rev. Dr. Jill A. Kirchner-Rose
Responsive Call to Worship............................................................Ken Hurley
Opening Hymn..Wade in the Water
Opening Prayer................................................................................Ken Hurley
Childrens' Circle:....................................................................... Susi Jacobsen
Joys and Concerns:............................................................. Dr. Kirchner-Rose
Silent and Pastoral Prayer:...................................................Dr. Kirchner-Rose
Special Music: Down To the River to Pray Alison Krauss.........Covenant Choir
Scripture: Luke 3: 15 – 16, 21 -22
Message: “Affirmed by Love”..................................................Dr. Kirchner Rose
Offertory: At River’s Edge by Herman Beeftink........................Sophia Ohanian
Doxology:...........................................................................,..... Sophia Ohanian
Prayer of Dedication:...................................................................... Ken Hurley
Closing Hymn: Down by the Riverside
Benediction: ..........................................................................Dr. Kirchner-Rose
Time of Reflection: The Water is Wide arr. by Michael Logozar
....................................................................................................Sophia Ohanian
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Joys:
- Maria Rattray's adoption is finalized. Congratuations to proud parents Jules and Leisa Rattray!
Concerns:
- Jolene Barrow requests prayers for her mother, Karen Barrow, who has been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and is in significant pain.
- Rosemary Tuohy requests prayers for her friend Holly, who is recovering from surgery.
- Prayers for those affected by wildfires.
- Prayers for the family of Gerald, brother of Diana Sommer, who passed from life to Life.
- Prayers for Beth Welsh as she recovers from a back injury.
- Carla Becerril requests prayers for her aunt Margaret, uncle Raul, and cousin Kathy who have been diagnosed with COVID.
- Prayers for Margaret Barnett who passed from life to Life on December 18. A service for Margaret Barnett is scheduled for January 11 at 8:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary.
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Prayers for Eleanor Kemp who broke her hip and is recuperating at Mission Commons.
- Cid Breyer requests prayers for her sister in law, Karen, who is going through chemo and radiation for blood / bone cancer and has just been diagnosed with COVID.
- Beth Welsh requests prayers for her niece Heather who is pregnant and has been diagnosed with COVID
- Prayers for Carole Beswick who is recovering from partial knee replacement surgery.
- Prayers for Marcia Taack who is recovering from knee replacement surgery and has been diagnosed with cellulitis.
- Prayers for Glenda Bates, friend of Gretchen Andrews, who has been diagnosed with operable pancreatic cancer
- Prayers for Carole Wesson who is currently in the Health Facility at Plymouth Village.
- Nan Root requests prayers for her brother Gary who has dementia and has placed on hospice.
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Ryan Zappia requests prayers for his father who is hospitalized with severe pneumonia.
- Prayers for John, cousin of Virginia Cruz, who is hospitalized with COVID
- Carla Becerril requests prayers for her friend, Edward, who works for a small business in which 7 of the 10 workers have been diagnosed with COVID
- Prayers for Helen Hurley, mother of Ken Hurley, who fell and fractured her vertebrae.
- Prayers for Cynthia McGuigan undergoing chemotherapy treatment for Stage 4 Lung Cancer.
- Prayers for 7 members of Janet Wilson’s family, including 3 year old niece, who tested positive for COVID.
- Continued prayers for Kathy Blanchard who is recovering at home.
- Prayers for Richard Ault who broke his hip and is now home recovering.
- Prayers for Bob Sheets who is recovering from eye surgery.
- Prayers Angie, sister-in-law of Sue Hammond, who has been diagnosed with COVID.
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Prayers for Eber, brother of Lara Urrutia, who is undergoing tests for a mass in his neck.
- Prayers for Lisa, friend of Beth Welsh, who is recovering from emergency surgery.
- Johanna Ballard requests healing prayers for her dear friend, Lana.
- Sue Hammond requests prayers for her sister-in-law, Linda, who is receiving treatment for multiple myeloma.
- Prayers for Burt, family member of Johanna Ballard, who is facing severe health challenges.
- Eliza Ames requests prayers for her brother Coyne who is hospitalized and is very ill.
- Beth Welsh requests prayers for her brother, Michael, who is recovering from surgery following a work accident.
Ongoing Concerns:
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Joe Adcock, family member of Mary Mortensen
Anden, nephew of Michelle McNevin
Jerry Andrews
Jeff Bonadiman
Les Budai
Burt, family member of Johanna Ballard
Diane Campbell
Diane, Sister-in-Law of Heather King
Dave, brother of Johanna Ballard
Carol Chaney
Caroline, mother of Karen Blad
Claudine, grandmother of Paul & Dantae Welsh
Precia Gwenhwyfer Courtney-Hveen
Cousin of Rick Cruz
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Norma Erickson
Michael Flores
Betty Gayle
Emma Grimauld
Katia Hage
Beki Hill
Jody Hoelle
Harriet Holt, Beki Hill's mother
Mark Alan Johnson, friend of Nancy Hotaling
Susi Jacobsen
Kim Johnson, friend of Gretchen Andrews
Jenny, Sister of Jules Rattray
Emily Jones
Hank Kirchner
Amber McGuigan
Sara Montez
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Bill McIntyre
Maria Montana
Carmen & Jim Neafsey
Ryan and Evan Paul
Rick Peetz, Sr.
Kristin Farmer Preslica
Nancy Rojas
Adolph Romero
Joan Roth
Spencer, friend of Stacey Greene
Miguel Sewer
Doris Stockton, Kathi Roth's Grandmother
Heather Tee
Arika Torres
Rosemary Tuohy
Vasquez Family
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Special note regarding the Prayer List: Please review the list for any prayer requests you made that are outdated or that may be removed. Please notify both [email protected] and [email protected] of any changes that are needed. Thank you. |
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Reflection of the Week from the Racial Justice Team |
Race does not biologically exist, yet how we identify with race is so powerful, it influences our experiences and shapes our lives. In a society that privileges white people and whiteness, racist ideas are considered normal throughout our media, culture, social systems, and institutions. Historically, racist views justified the unfair treatment and oppression of people of color (including enslavement, segregation, internment, etc.). We can be led to believe that racism is only about individual mindsets and actions, yet racist policies also contribute to our polarization. While individual choices are damaging, racist ideas in policy have a wide-spread impact by threatening the equity of our systems and the fairness of our institutions. To create an equal society, we must commit to making unbiased choices and being antiracist in all aspects of our lives.
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Focus on Creation Justice
from the Envionmental Justice Team
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“This current regards environmental consciousness and social justice as intimately intertwined. As part of this prophetic current, the language of “creation justice” has emerged. The word “creation” inherently evokes meanings that transcend artificial divides between the “human” and “nature.” “Creation” signals the truth of our interconnected reality. Moreover, it evokes the sacred story of origin that not only speaks to our common connection to each other but to our common connection to God. As Genesis 9:15 reminds us, God’s covenant is not only with humans but with “every living creature.”
Within this covenantal understanding of the web of life, the emphasis on justice arises as a central guiding impulse. If the word “creation” signals the totality of relationships with God, then creation justice signals the movement toward right relationships among all of God’s creation. Building on the concept of eco-justice, creation justice entails an integrated, holistic ecology. It entails an understanding of the world which includes the built environment, culture, economic and political activity, and all of humanity as part of God’s creation.”
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Book Club on Zoom, Sunday January 9 at 12:00 p.m. |
The book group will meet on zoom this Sunday at noon. This is always a fun meeting when we get a chance to share books we have read, or heard about, or want to read, with the group. Please be ready to share 1 or 2 books with a quick summary. We will then make a group monthly book list for group reading and discussion. Everyone is always welcome.
Here is the link:
Topic: Book club
Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 833 8686 8035
One tap mobile
+16699009128
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We’ve all lost someone in this global nightmare. We’ve lost family, friends, and loved ones, and we’re grieving. We are in a shared trauma, and we’re seeking affirmation. We need emotional support and encouragement to keep going.
We desperately want someone, anyone, to tell us, “It’s going to be alright.” I can’t tell you that, but I can listen to you. You can listen to me. This is how we can be “in it together.” I’ll start, “Hey, you know what? All of this hurts. I know you’re grieving right now, and you miss (Say their name. Really. Say it out loud). I know you feel alone in your grief and pain. And I can’t imagine how that feels. I can’t change it or take it away. But I’m listening. Tell me about the person or persons you lost. Tell me their name. Tell me what their favorite food was. What their favorite movie was. You can even tell me what it was about them that irritated you. Let’s remember who they were. We’ll remember them together. You’re not alone.
Special acknowledgements: Many thanks to Rick Sforza for agreeing to share his thoughts in The View. Thanks also to Loring Fiske-Phillips for spotting this, and realizing it was something we all needed to read.
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Sue Wallace has been our flower coordinator for services on Sunday for the past 9 years. She felt it was time to turn over that privilege to someone else. Dee Dee Seek has graciously agreed to be our new flower coordinator. If you want to dedicate flowers, sign up on the flower board in the narthex of the sanctuary and then contact Dee Dee at [email protected] or phone her at (951) 534-3438. You will need to give your name, the dedication you wish to make to anyone or anything, and any colors you prefer.
We use Above the Stem florists here in Redlands. Dee Dee will contact them for you, and they will deliver the flowers on Sunday morning. The cost of the flowers is $60.00. There are several ways to pay for the cost.
- You can drop the money or check in the collection plate on Sunday morning. Make the check to RUCC and put “flowers” in the memo line. If you pay with cash put it in an envelope and label it flowers.
- You can mail a check or cash to the church office. Make sure you designate it is for flowers.
- You can pay on-line through Realm. Choose “flowers” as the fund.
You may also provide your own flowers from your garden or from another vendor. Just make sure you send Dee Dee the dedication information and have the flowers there by 10:15 a.m. on the Sunday you choose. If you have questions do not hesitate to email or call Dee Dee.
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Bible 101 Beginning Tuesday, January 25th
at 5 p.m. on Zoom
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If you think that “Job” is a term of employment or that “Jericho” is the name of a rock band, then Bible 101 is for you. This 6 week class is an overview of the Bible in its entirety. The class meets on Tuesdays, January 25 through March 1 @ 5 p.m.
Redlands United Church of Christ is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Bible Study
Time: Tuesdays, January 25th – March 1 @ 5 p.m.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 831 8926 0341
One tap mobile
+16699009128
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Annual Congregational Meeting
Sunday, January 30, 2022
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The annual congregational meeting is an opportunity to hear about the work of the church from our Board members. We will also vote on the 2022 budget and elect members for our 2022 Board. Please join us! Absentee ballots will be provided if you are unable to attend. |
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When you purchase gift cards to pay for your day-to-day expenses or provide as gifts, RUCC receives a rebate that helps fund our missions. It’s an easy way to raise some money for RUCC.
Order Deadlines – Currently, physical cards are once per month. If the demand increase, we can add a second card order each month. Here is the ordering schedule for the next few months.
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January 10 – available for pickup on January 16
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February 14 – available for pickup on February 20
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March 14 – available for pickup on March 20
Scrip/Gift Card Table on Sundays – Come to the scrip/gift card table after worship to buy Stater Brothers gift cards in stock, place orders for gift cards from hundreds of brands/companies, and learn more about this fundraising program and how you can help.
eCards – Remember that you can buy eGift cards, available to you immediately, to use for online or in-person shopping or to send as a gift. Every time you buy, RUCC gets a small rebate.
Please contact Jennifer at [email protected] if you need help placing an order or want to learn more about the program.
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UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER |
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January 11 - Memorial service for Margaret Barnett - 8:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary.
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January 11 - Stewards at 7 p.m.
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January 18 - Board at 7 p.m.
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January 25 - Bible 101 begins - continues for 6 weeks - through March 1.
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January 30 - Annual meeting immediately following the 10:30 a.m. service.
Special Note: Seekers will remain on hiatus at least through January 16 due to COVID concerns. Watch The View and your emails for more information.
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This Week at RUCC
Calendar for January 9 - 16, 2022
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Sunday, January 9
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9:15 a.m. Kids' Zone
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10:30 a.m. Worship Service
- 11:30 a.m. "Grab and Go" fellowship treats
- 11:30 a.m. Youth Group
- 12:00 p.m. Book Group
SPECIAL NOTE: Seekers will remain on hiatus for at least the next two weeks due to COVID concerns. Watch The View and your email for updates.
Monday, January 10
Tuesday, January 11
- 8:30 a.m. Memorial Service for Margaret Barnett in the Sanctuary
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7:00 p.m. Stewards
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Wednesday, January 12
- 12 p.m. "The Pastor is In" on Zoom
Thursday, January 13
Friday, December 14 -
- 7 p.m. Closed women's AA meeting in the Founders' Room
Sunday, January 16 -
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9:15 a.m. Kids' Zone
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10:30 a.m. Worship Service
- 11:30 a.m. "Grab and Go" fellowship treats
- 11:30 a.m. Youth Group
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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: Joette Orman
Phone: (909) 793-3520
Staff and Other Emails
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