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

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This Sunday, October 10 It's time to bring your well-behaved pet or his/her photo or other likeness to the Sunday, October 10 Pet Blessing on the patio during the 10:30 a.m. service.

A Message from our Pastor and Teacher Pet Blessing Sunday, October 10 ~ "Blessed by the Animals" In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul writes, “As it is there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you,’ nor can the head to the feet, ‘I have no need of you’” (1 Corinthians 12: 20-21).  Likewise, the human cannot say to the river, “I have not need of you,” nor can the human say to the creatures who inhabit the forest, “I have no need of you.” Each member of creation brings a gift that is indispensable to all of creation. This Sunday we celebrate the blessings of the animals and all creation as we impart a blessing upon them.  SPECIAL NOTE: Pastor Jill will be in Continuing Education next week, October 11 – 19, at Ghost Ranch in New Mexico. Jill is working on her Certificate of Spiritual Direction. If you have any pastoral care needs, please contact Erin Beardemphl at [email protected] or call 951-897-6270.

Sunday's Scripture. 1 Corinthians 12: 12 -22

Pet Blessing Sunday - October 3, 2021 Prelude:.The Lion Sleeps Tonight by The Tokens.................... Sophia Ohanian Welcome and Call to Worship:......................................................... Nan Root Opening Hymn  Trees of the Field ...........................................Led by Jim Tong Opening Prayer:................................................................................. Nan Root Covenant Moment .................................................................Michelle McNevin Community Joys and Concerns ....................... Rev. Dr. Jill A. Kirchner-Rose Special Music:  Thomas O’ Malley from the Aristocats by Terry Gilkyson ......................................................................................................Val McGlasson Scripture:   1 Corinthians 12: 12 -22................................................... Nan Root Scripture Hymn: #475 Gods Eye Is on the Sparrow (vs 1 and 2) led by Jim Tong Message: Blessed by the Animals ........................................ Dr. Kirchner-Rose Offertory: Everybody Wants to be a Cat arr. by Jon Sarta.............. Sophia Ohanian Doxology: ................................................................................ Prayer of Dedication:..........................................................................Nan Root Blessing of the Amimals: ................................................... Dr. Kirchner-Rose Closing Hymn:   #31 All Things Bright and Beautiful............... Led by Jim Tong Benediction: ..........................................................................Dr. Kirchner Rose Time of Reflection: The Bare Necessities by Terry Gilkyson........Sophia Ohanian

Joys Congratulations to Rick and Kayla Peetz on the birth of McKenna Peetz. Congratulations to Thomas and Tiffany Dersam-Hewes on the birth of Oliver Thomas Ellsworth Dersam-Hewes. Concerns: Natalie, co-worker of Judith Turian, requests prayers for the restoration of hearing. Sue Hammond requests prayers for her sister-in-law, Linda, who is receiving treatment for multiple myeloma. Prayers for Dan Wacks who is recovering from hernia surgery. Prayers for Marilyn Bradley, who is who is now on Hospice. Cindy McGuigan requests prayers for her mother, Mary Ann, who had a fall. Gretchen requests prayers for Jerry, father of their children, who is facing health challenges. Prayers for Penni Pierce, friend of Inez Diggs, who has been approved for a lung transplant Prayers for the family of Ronan Godfrey who passed from life to Life. A Celebration of Life service will be held on October 30th in the RUCC garden. Prayers for Mary and Larry Mortenson whose nephew passed from life to Life. Carla Becceril requests prayers for her cousin, Jenna, and family. Jenna's husband passed from life to Life from COVID. Continued prayers for Chris Nicoloff who is now home recovering.  Prayers for the family and friends of Peter, son of Diane Boyko and Fran Grace. Expressions of sympathy can be sent to: Diane Boyko and Fran Grace, PO Box 1435, Redlands, CA 92373. Prayers for the family and friends of Sheila, sister of Ken Hurley, who passed from life to Life. Prayers for Sarah Sanchez and Samantha French. Sarah’s grandmother and grandfather passed from life to Life from COVID. Samantha’s grandmother passed from life to Life from dementia related complications. Carla Becerril requests prayers for her family. Carla’s Uncle passed from life to Life from a heart attack. Cindy McGuigan requests prayers for her mother who is facing health challenges. Margaret Paul requests prayers for her sons, Ryan and Evan, who are facing personal challenges. Prayers for Anden, nephew of Michelle McNevin, who is facing health challenges. Rosemary Tuohy requests prayers for Michael who is hospitalized with mental health challenges Prayers for Burt, family member of Johanna Ballard, who is facing severe health challenges. Prayers for Bob Sheets, husband of Nancy Sheets, who is recovering from surgery to repair a torn retina. Prayers for Sara Montez who begins more chemotherapy Prayers for Peter Tupou, Joette Orman, and baby Sage as Joette travels to Ireland for work. Joette will be in Ireland in August and September. Prayers for Rick Peetz, Sr, father of Rick Peetz, who is battling COVID. Prayers for Michael Flores who is facing health challenges and is looking for affordable housing. Johanna Ballard requests prayers for her brother Dave, diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate cancer Rosemary Tuohy requests prayers for an endangered father and his family trying to get out of Kabul. Carla Becerril requests prayers for family members, Stephanie and Brent, whose house burned down. Prayers for Connie Roener who is recovering from surgery for the removal of breast cancrer Prayers for Manny, friend of Carla Becerril, who has been diagnosed with cancer. Mary Lou Haney requests prayers for Carol, a family friend, who is hospitalized with an illness. Prayers for Cindy McGuigan who is awaiting biopsy results.  Prayers for Kathy, a daughter of a friend of Mary Melcher, who will have brain surgery this week for the removal of brain cancer. Prayers for Susi Jacobsen for health concerns she is facing. Eliza Ames requests prayers for her brother Coyne who is hospitalized and is very ill. Prayers for Ted, Grandfather of Janet Wilson's neices and nephew, whose cancer has spread to both lungs. Prayers for Jeff Bonadiman, friend of Carole Beswick, who has been diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. Susan Kirkhart requests prayers for her sister, Cyndi Kuran, who is recovering from hip replacement surgery. Norma Erickson is facing multiple health challenges. Beth Welsh requests prayers for her brother, Michael, who is recovering from surgery following a work accident. Rosemary requests prayers for her friend Jill K, who is recovering from COVID. Melinda Sewer Muganzo, Music Director at Mentone UCC, requests prayers for her brother, Miguel Sewer who just went through a second liver transplant. Mary Mortensen requests prayers for Joe Adcock, father of Mary’s children, who has been diagnosed with advanced bladder cancer. Payers for Caroline, mother of Karin Blad, who has been diagnosed with colon cancer. Prayers for Keith, cousin of Maegan Hill, who is blinded by a blood clot. Prayers for Claudine, grandmother of Paul and Dante Welsh. Ongoing Concerns:

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 Larry Minor 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

ART, FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE! OCTOBER 15-17, 2021   HELP NEEDED! Have you signed up to help? Art For Heaven's Sake is only a week away! It's not too late to volunteer.  Help is needed for the following: Set up on Friday, October 15 during the day. Help with security and encouraging everyone to follow Covid Protocols for the show by monitoring the entrance and exit, walking the show, and monitoring the food area (outside the show by Mosaic Hall) Providing brief breaks for artists during the show Cleaning up early Saturday and Sunday mornings (sweeping, trash pick-up etc.) Take-down when the show is over at 5 p.m. Sunday. Please be thinking about how you can assist with these jobs. Sondra Hodson and/or Pam Dunn will have job sign-up sheets in the Narthex before and after church beginning Sunday, October 12. Or you can contact Sondra Hodson at [email protected]  Be sure to mark your calendar for this event.  You don’t want to miss it! Art Show Hours Friday, Oct. 15, 7 – 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, 10 – 7 pm. Sunday, Oct. 17, 11:30 – 5 pm.

Reflections on Conversation Church Thank you to all who participated in the unique outdoor worship service on October 3rd. During “Conversation Church” members asked each other questions, such as: What place feels most like home? What do you love about it? How did you get connected to this faith community? What is one of your favorite memories here? We often talk about “mountain top” experiences in our faith – places where God feels close. Where is a place that you have felt close to God? What was holy about it? Is there a story behind your name or your surname? If you have a nickname or a chosen name, how is that name meaningful to you? Share a memory related to food – a family recipe, a baking ritual, or a time of breaking bread with loved ones. After being quarantined for 15 months, many found the experience meaningful and helpful. Participants shared their reflections on prayer cards:   “I felt connected speaking to people I have never spoken to, but have seen at church.” “I was surprised how easy others are to speak to, especially after COVID. We all needed this.” “RUCC feels like a family.” “We are amazing as a team.”   More reflections can be found on the bulletin board in Covenant Hall. Once again, thank you for participating in this unique worship service as we seek to create the beloved community.

Reflection of the Week from the Racial Justice Team "Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world."    - Harriet Tubman, American abolitionist and political activist.

From the Environmental Justice Team This is the moment for which we have been waiting. Last year, the UCC’s Council for Climate Justice issued a call to action for churches that spoke of this moment as a kairos moment, a God-charged moment of possibility that paradoxically occurs during times of crisis. In calling for an all-out mobilization to address the twin crises of climate and inequality, the Council framed this period as presenting a window of opportunity. Not since this call to action has the window been open as wide as it is now with Congress considering the Reconciliation Build Back Better Bill. In terms of legislation that is within reach of having sufficient votes to pass, this is the best legislation that our country has ever seen on climate. CLICK HERE for the rest of this important article.

Informational Meeting, Sunday, October 24 at 11:30 a.m. Are you interested in becoming a new member? Or are you interested in simply learning more about RUCC? If so, you are invited to attend a meeting with Pastor Jill on the patio following worship on October 24th.

Neighbors in Need helps make Unfailing Love possible. For this to occur, it needs your support Sunday, October 24 The Neighbors in Need offering, which we will receive Sunday, October 24, supports the UCC’s ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. Two-thirds of the offering is used by the UCC’s Justice and Witness Ministries to fund a wide array of local and national justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects. One-third of the offering supports the UCC’s Council for American Indian Ministries (CAIM). Historically, forebears of the UCC established churches and worked with Lakota, Dakota, Nakota, Mandan, Hidatsa, Arickara, and Hocak in North and South Dakota, Wisconsin, and northern Nebraska. Twenty churches and their pastors are supported by CAIM.

Trunk or Treat on Saturday, October 30 Don’t miss this fun event for all ages on Saturday, October 30 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. We’ll have music, games, and “Trunk” or Treating. Put on your best costume and join the fun! We also need volunteers to decorate their car trunks and provide treats. Follow this link for more information and to register for the event.

SCRIP MAKES FUNDRAISING EASY Scrip/Gift Card Program is still ongoing! – 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. Bonus Fest! – Every weekend in October will bring bonuses on different brands. Raise more money for RUCC on things you buy—without any extra effort. New offers are revealed every Friday. Bonuses apply to all types of cards (physical, eGift cards, and money added to reloadable gift cards). Go to shopwithscrip.org or use the RaiseRight app to order gift cards or come to the Scrip/Gift Card table on Sundays after worship.   Order Deadlines – For the remainder of 2021, here is the ordering schedule for physical gift cards. We will increase the order frequency as we get closer to the holidays. Be sure to get your orders in early enough for all of your holiday shopping or giving (groceries and gifts).                 October 11 – available for pickup on October 17                November 15 – available for pickup on November 21                November 29 – available for pickup on December 5                December 13 – available for pickup on December 19   Scrip/Gift Card Table on Sundays  – We will have a table set up outside after worship every Sunday – place new orders, buy gift cards in stock (Stater Brothers), and learn about the scrip/gift card program. The next order for physical cards will by October 11. So get your orders in now!     Please contact Jennifer at [email protected] if you need help placing an order or want to learn more about the program.

Become a Patron of Art, for Heaven’s Sake! Art, for Heaven’s Sake! annually donates a portion of its proceeds to benefit regional non-profits such as Angel’s Closet, Steps for Life and Music Changing Lives.   A $100 tax deductible donation enables you to be a Patron of the show. You will be recognized on the show’s website, in advertising and with your name or business logo in the full color show program. A $500 or above donation enables you to be a Benefactor and would include on-site recognition during the show, in addition to the above. If you would like to be a supporter of the arts by becoming a Patron or Benefactor, you there will be forms on the sign-up tables beginning Sunday, September 12 or contact [email protected]

The Personnel Search Expands The RUCC Personnel Committee is actively searching to fill two positions at RUCC. The first is the long-vacant nursery care position that has been on hiatus during the pandemic. For a complete job description and application instructions, click here. The second position to be filled is that of Office and Property Manager. Our current Office Manager has announced her retirement. Click here for the job description and application instructions. For more information, or to submit a resume please contact  [email protected] Please share this information freely with qualified people who may be interested.

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER October 10 - Pet Blessing Sunday October 15 - 17- Art for Heaven's Sake! October 17 - Art Show Sunday October 24 - Neighbors in Need Special Offering October 30 - Trunk or Treat - see article above. November 7 - Covenant Sunday

This Week at RUCC Calendar for October 3 to October 10, 2021

Sunday, September October 10 9:15 a.m. Seekers Study Group -Founders' Room 9:30 a.m. Virtual Sunday School - on zoom 10:30 a.m. Worship Service - Pet Blessing Sunday- In person on the Patio and also live streamed from the Sanctuary on YouTube. In-person Sunday School following the Children's Circle. 11:30 a.m. Fellowship time on the Patio 12:00 p.m. - Youth Group Tuesday, October 12 7:00 p.m. -Stewards Thursday, October 14 5:00 p.m. Staff Meeting 6:15 p.m. Bell Choir rehearsal Friday,October 15 Art for Heaven's Sake - 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, October 16 Art for Heaven's Sake - 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Sunday, October 17 9:30 a.m. Virtual Sunday School - on zoom 10:30 a.m. Worship Service - Art for Heaven's Sake - 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

SPECIAL NOTE: Pastor Jill will be in Continuing Education next week, October 11 – 19, at Ghost Ranch in New Mexico. Jill is working on her Certificate of Spiritual Direction. If you have any pastoral care needs, please contact Erin Beardemphl at [email protected] or call 951-897-6270.

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]