Sunday, June 29 ~ "It's Not New"
Church drama is as old as the church, and from the beginning we've had to think about how we organize ourselves. This Sunday's scripture is an often overlooked passage in Acts, when the Greek converts are feeling neglected by the church in Jerusalem. The Apostles tell them to meet and pick seven people to be their Deacons, and they do. One of them is the famous St. Stephen. The Apostles then lay their hands on them and bless them.
This Sunday, there is a congregational meeting, and at that congregational meeting we will name the search committee for the next Senior Pastor. More than 25 people were nominated, and it took hours of prayer and deliberation for the board to recommend 9 of them. The congregation has the opportunity to vote on the recommendations at the meeting. Because so many churches are hierarchical and have ministers appointed by bishops or other authority figures, this feels unique. But what we're doing has its roots in the Bible, and is as old as the church. We don't have Apostles anymore, so the Congregation itself, gathered in meeting, is the authority that affirms and blesses the deacons -- or servants -- of the church, whether they are ministers, board members, or special committees like the search committee. This Sunday we will learn and celebrate a church that is always delegating authority and knows the truth of Jesus when he says, "the harvest is plenty."
First reading: Luke 10: 1-2
Second reading: Acts 6: 1-7
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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, this Sunday, 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 the deliberations at our meeting last week 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 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 the end of today, Friday, June 27.
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In our thoughts and prayers
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Prayers of thanksgiving for a fun, meaningful and well-attended 50th anniversary weekend. Prayers of gratitude for the new stained-glass window in the Micah Room commemorating this milestone.
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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.
- Prayers for Rev. Kraig Beardemphl and his family as his grandmother entered hospice care in South Dakota. Traveling mercies for the Beardemphl family.
- Ongoing prayers for Mary Lou Haney, and her daughter and caregiver Jennie, and Jennie’s fiancé Patrick.
- Every week we pray for the victims of violence and oppression around the world. This week we continue to pray for the people of Iran, Israel and Palestine. We pray for the safety of civilians and soldiers alike. We pray for wise and compassionate leadership, and the beginning of a just peace. We pray for Your will of peace and justice to be done in the holy land and beyond.
Ongoing concerns:
- Those afflected 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
- Floyd Orr
- Paisley Parcell
- Amber McGuigan
- Cynthia McGuigan
- Dondon and Scott Mong
- Carl Parish
- Jaxon, DeeDee Seek's great grandson
- Robert Sliver
- Amelia, Janet Wilson's great niece
- Michael White
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Caring for Kin
This Sunday, June 29, is the last opportunity to contribute 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. Please add your generous donations to the Caring for Kin cart.
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Steps 4 Life Needs Our Help!
Steps 4 Life provides transitional housing in Redlands, but one of the houses had a fire last year. The organization's founder, Cynthia McGuigan, has asked for help refurnishing the house. Any and all home items are needed, including new or gently used furniture, dishes, kitchen utensils, appliances, new towels, sheets, and other linens. If you have items to donate, please call Cynthia directly at 909-800-9970. Please do not bring your Steps 4 Life donations to the Church. Thank you!
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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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Threads of Love Prayer Group
The Threads of Love prayer group meets this Sunday, June 29, around noon in Mosaic Hall. This is for folks interested in being a part of praying together as we create prayer shawls. These shawls will be for RUCC folks who might need an extra reminder that they are loved and being prayed for by their church family. We will have a prayer shawl blessing by the congregation during worship soon. One of our prayer shawls will be sent to the UCC Synod gathering in Kansas City. All are welcome whether you've been a part or would like to be!
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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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Game and Conversation Night - Saturday, July 12
When is the next wonderful, fun, and exciting Game and Conversation Night? Saturday, July 12, at 5:30 p.m. in Covenant Hall. Come meet new friends and hang out with old ones. Play your favorite game or try a new one. Prizes and sweet treats. See you there. It's going to be great!
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Environmental Justice Message
When Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980, lava incinerated anything living for miles around. Once the blistering blast of ash and debris cooled, scientists theorized that, by digging up beneficial bacteria and fungi, gophers might be able to help regenerate lost plant and animal life on the mountain. Two years after the eruption, they tested this theory. After scientists dropped a few local gophers on two pumice plots for a day, the land exploded again with new life. Six years post-experiment, there were 40,000 plants thriving on the gopher plots. The untouched land remained mostly barren.
Source: How gophers brought Mount St. Helens back to life in one day, Jules Bernstein, University of California, Riverside, 11/7/24
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UCC General Synod Opens July 11
The UCC General Synod takes place July 11-15, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri, and offers the opportunity for thousands of folks within the United Church of Christ to gather for worship, fellowship, attending to business, offering public witness, and setting the denomination’s priorities for ministry.
The event will also include workshops, generative plenary sessions, inspirational worship, an engaging youth program, and a robust exhibit space.
This will be the last biennial gathering, because the 36th General Synod will take place in 2028 and begin a move to holding Synod every three years instead of every two — a decision made by delegates at the 34th Synod.
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RUCC History Project books are still available!
RUCC History Project books are available for a suggested amount of $20, which can be paid in cash or check (made out to RUCC). See Kathie Blakley to get your book.
The book is also available on our website at https://redlandsucc.org/history/.
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This week
Saturday, June 28
Sunday, June 29
- 9:15 a.m. - Kid's Zone
- 9:30 a.m. - Seekers (social time at 9:15 a.m.)
- 10:30 a.m. - Summertime Sunday School
- 10:30 a.m. - Worship in the Sanctuary
- 11:30 a.m. - Congregational Meeting to elect Search Committee
- 12 noon-ish - Threads of Love fiber prayer group, Mosaic Hall
Monday, June 30
Tuesday, July 1
Wednesday, July 2
- 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. - Mah Jongg, Mosaic Hall
Thursday, July 3
Friday, July 4
- 7:00 p.m. - Women's closed AA meeting
Saturday, July 5
- 9:00 a.m. to noon - Sacred Saturday
Sunday, July 6
- 9:15 a.m. - Kid's Zone
- 9:30 a.m. - Seekers (social time at 9:15 a.m.)
- 10:30 a.m. - Worship and Sunday School
- 11:30 a.m. - New Member Orientation
- 11:30 a.m. - Book Group
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Upcoming Dates to Remember
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June 29 after worship in the sanctuary - Congregational Meeting to elect Search Committee
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July 11 - UCC General Synod begins in Kansas City, MO.
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July 13 - Weekly Summer Series begins
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