June 22 ~ 50th Anniversary Weekend
The big weekend is finally here! It’s time to celebrate 50 years of RUCC! This weekend will remind us that the church is far more than any one person or minister – it’s a group of people on a journey, and we continue to travel the road. We have a choir concert on Saturday, followed by a nice reception and a special worship service on Sunday, followed by an all-church cookout and picnic. We’ll have burgers, dogs, veggie options and more. We’ll also have the Happy Camper Creamery gelato & sorbet truck. Best of all, we’ll have guests and visitors that have been connected to RUCC throughout the years and a special Micah Room dedication. Recently, a new stained-glass window was installed, created by Tom Medlicott who did all the other stained glass in the church and our beautiful mosaic on Mosaic Hall. This was a gift from a group of founders and early members of the church in honor of the 50th anniversary of RUCC.
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Transition update from Rev. Joe
I am so impressed with the lay leadership of Redlands UCC, and their capacity to get things done quickly and well. I’m also grateful that so many people were nominated and interested in serving on the search committee. It’s a great sign of health, and a big relief to know that talented, called, lay people will be serving and supporting the church during the upcoming transition. I was not involved in the selection of the names, but know they were considered deeply and prayerfully by the board.
I have been able to have a couple gatherings with folks for coffee or lunch, and hope that I can continue to meet with people to process and say goodbye. I continue to serve and be available as pastor until my final Sunday on July 27.
Blessings,
Rev. Joe
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Electing the search committee
The board is pleased to present this slate of members for election as our next search committee during our congregational meeting on June 29. If you will not be there in person, you can vote ahead of time using an absentee ballot.
The board had quite a challenge in selecting just nine people to represent the rich diversity of our church. We had three times the number of candidates as seats, and our deliberations on Tuesday night lasted until 11 p.m. We are blessed with an abundance of gifted and passionate members!
Search committee nomination:
- Sophia Beardemphl
- Lisa Dewey
- Pam Dunn
- Kathy Economen
- John Hoeger
- Nick Mineo-Wells
- Keith Osajima
- Julie Phillip
- Jules Rattray
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Church profile for congregational review
The Board has created an updated draft of the church profile to be approved by the congregation before being sent to the conference for review and approval. The new pastor search committee will use this updated profile when advertising the settled pastor position for the church and as guidance for their discerning process. We invite you to review the draft of the profile in the RUCC public documents folder and send any comments to diana@redlandsucc.org by Friday, June 27.
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In our thoughts and prayers
- Prayers for our church community and the Zarro family during this time of transition. Prayers for a loving, grace-filled departure, and for the Holy Spirit to continue to accompany us on the journey.
- Ongoing prayers for Mary Lou Haney, and her daughter and caregiver Jennie, and Jennie’s fiancé Patrick. We celebrate her return to worship and her ability to travel with a specialized van.
- Prayers for member Floyd Orr who has transitioned to hospice care. Prayers for good care, peace and wholeness.
- Gratitude for the gift of the stained-glass window in Micah Room, created by Tom Medlicott. This is the same artist as our main cross, tree mosaic on Mosaic Hall, and other stained glass at the church. The stained-glass window was commissioned and paid for by founders and historic members of the church to celebrate our 50th anniversary as a church.
- On our 50th anniversary, prayers for the wider United Church of Christ. We pray for the health of our historic churches, the next generation of new churches, and the inclusive church movement.
- Every week we pray for the victims of violence and oppression around the world. This week we pray for the people of Israel and Iran as the violence between the two nations escalates. We pray for the safety of civilians and soldiers alike, and that God’s divine will of peace be done. The prophet Isaiah dreams of swords being beaten into plowshares, and we fervently pray for that day to come.
Ongoing concerns:
- Those affected by wildfires, including the UCC in Altadena
- Dick Ault
- Jerry Andrews
- Ron Bickford
- Tim and Ida Blakely
- Bill Buchanan
- Judith Gregory
- Beki Hill
- Harriet Holt, Beki Hill's mother
- Paisley Parcell
- Amber McGuigan
- Cynthia McGuigan
- Dondon and Scott Mong
- Carl Parish
- Dee Dee Seek’s great grandson Jaxson
- Robert Silver
- Tom Miller
- Janet Wilson’s great niece Amelia
- Michael White
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Caring for Kin
For the month of June, we continue collecting supplies for the Redlands Animal Shelter. The shelter is frequently in need of items such as bleach, dish soap, canned and dry food, and toys for dogs and cats.
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We still need help this weekend!
Hello Church Family,
We are so excited to celebrate the 50th with all of you this weekend and Hospitality is in need of some help. If you are able to offer some time on Saturday after the reception to take down decorations and help re-set for Sundays barbecue I would be very appreciative.
We are also in need of some folks to help with clean up after the barbecue. We need to have Covenant Hall cleaned up by 3:30 so the Indonesian Church can have full access of the facility.
- Saturday help needed from 3:30-5:00pm
- Sunday help needed from 2:00-3:30pm
Thanks for your support!
Kim Lara-Kane, Hospitality Area Leader
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Helping with Fellowship Time is fun!
Fellowship Time after church is where the sacred snacks and holy hospitality happen. It’s that magical part of Sunday where we sip coffee and punch, nibble on treats, and chat with friends—whether we’ve known them for years or just met them at the table.
But here’s the secret: the snacks don’t appear by divine intervention (though they are heavenly). We need a few friendly folks each week to help make the magic happen—bringing goodies, setting up, and yes, helping with cleanup—because even holy hospitality comes with a few crumbs.
Want to be part of this behind-the-scenes miracle? Click here to sign up! Your church family (and their taste buds) will thank you!
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RUCC Orientation on July 6
Are you new to RUCC and looking for more information about how to get involved? Are you considering joining the church as a member but want to know more? This gathering is perfect for you! We’ll begin with pizza and small groups chatting and getting to know each other, and then a larger group presentation on some of the basics of the church—who we are, how we’re organized, what it means to become an official “member” of the church. There will be informational handouts and it will last approximately an hour. We will be meeting from 11:45 a.m. to about 12:45 p.m., following worship on Sunday, July 6, in Founders Room.
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RUCC VBS-Style Camp’s Wildly Successful Debut!
Last week, June 9-13, our church and grounds provided a blank canvas for our kids and youth to learn and grow.
Our curriculum was nature-oriented, and focused on Jesus' parable of the sower. Our days were filled with games, crafts, and lots of time spent exploring the beautiful grounds of our RUCC campus!
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Environmental Justice Message
The Trump administration announced plans to repeal limits on greenhouse gas emissions and other airborne pollutants from the nation's fossil fuel-fired power plants. In announcing the proposal, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin argued that the Trump administration aims to protect the environment while boosting the economy. "Rest assured President Trump is the biggest supporter of clean, beautiful coal," Zeldin said …
The EPA announcement brought swift criticism from environmental groups. "These regressive proposals are bad for public health and bad for climate, all to prop up some of the highest polluting power plants in the nation," Shaun Goho, legal director at Clean Air Task Force wrote in a statement.
Source: Trump's EPA plans to repeal climate pollution limits on fossil fuel power plants, Jeff Brady, Morning Edition, National Public Radio, 6/11/25
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L.A. Regional Pride Events
Local churches and individuals are invited to join in an annual Interfaith Pride Service on Sunday, June 30 at 5:00 p.m., hosted by All Saints Church in Pasadena. This vibrant celebration is a space for shared prayer, holy reflection, and communal affirmations of love and respect—creating a moment where faith traditions converge around one common call: to embrace diversity as a reflection of God’s love. More details at allsaints-pas.org.
Another opportunity is the San Fernando Valley Pride Parade, June 28 at 11:00 a.m. Contact Rev. Dr. Pat Langlois for more details (revpat@mccuccv.com). Join and march with Metropolitan Community Church UCC in the Valley or come as a group and bring your own banner! As Pride Month draws to a close, these interfaith gatherings serve both as celebrations and renewals of our commitment to justice and belonging.
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RUCC History Project book on sale!
The RUCC History Project books have arrived! Copies will be for sale this weekend for a suggested amount of $20, which can be paid in cash or check (made out to RUCC) .
The book is also available on our website at https://redlandsucc.org/history/.
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RUCC celebrates this Saturday and Sunday!
Saturday, 6/21-The events will start with a 3:00 pm Covenant Choir program, Celebrate Life! in the RUCC Sanctuary. This work has been performed throughout RUCC history and was a special request of the late Rev. Dr. Jill Kirchner-Rose. It will be followed by a champagne reception at the church.
Sunday, 6/22 morning- The 10:30 a.m. 50th Anniversary Church Service in the RUCC Sanctuary will highlight the “Past, Present, and Future of RUCC,” with RUCC minister, Rev. Joe Zarro, preaching. It will be followed by a church picnic/barbecue with a free ice cream truck. There will be food, games, and activities for all ages. Come and have fun and enjoy time together!
Everyone is invited to come and help the church celebrate, and there is no charge for any celebration events and activities.
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This week
Saturday, June 21
- 3:00 p.m. - Celebrate Life concert and champagne reception
Sunday, June 22
- 9:15 a.m. - Kid's Zone
- 10:30 a.m. - 50th Anniversary Worship followed by picnic, games and reminiscing
- 10:30 a.m. - Summertime Sunday School
Monday, June 23
Tuesday, June 24
- 11:00 a.m. - Munch & Muse, Covenant Hall
Wednesday, June 25
- 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. - Mah Jongg, Mosaic Hall
Thursday, June 26
Friday, June 27
- 7:00 p.m. - Women's closed AA meeting
Saturday, June 28
Sunday, June 29
- 11:30 a.m. - Congregational Meeting to elect Search Committee
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Upcoming Dates to Remember
- June 21-22 - 50th anniversary celebration (details above)
- June 29 after worship in the sanctuary - Congregational Meeting to elect Search Committee
- July 13 - Weekly Summer Series begins
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