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Two weeks away!!!
Art, for Heaven's Sake! is October 18, 19, and 20, 2024
Don't miss your opportunity to help make this our best art show ever!
The sign-up sheets are filling up, but there's still time to be part of this fabulous event. You can volunteer to:
- Set up the show (Monday, October 14, Thursday, October 17, and Friday, October 18)
- - Set up pop-up canopies
- - Help with lighting and decorating
- - Assist artists in setting up their booths
- Make cookies or appetizers for Friday night
- Serve cookies, appetizers, and punch Friday night
- Provide show support by:
- - Providing brief breaks for artists during the show
- - Monitoring doors, eating area or cashier line
- - Checking the bathrooms for supplies
- - Being a runner to pick up purchased art from the artists’ booths, etc.
- Takedown when the show is over at 5 p.m. Sunday
Sign-ups will be available before church in the Gathering Area and after church in Covenant Hall or contact Pam Dunn, pamdunn23@gmail.com
You can also help us advertise the Art Show. Postcards are available at the sign-up table and in the church office for you to notify your colleagues and friends. Also please “like” us on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/artforheavenssake. Every time you “like,” comment on, and/or “share” the Art Show posts, potential guests and community members are introduced to our annual art festival.
Even if you can't help out, be sure to mark your calendar for this event. You don't want to miss it!
Art Show Hours
Friday, Oct. 18, 6 – 9 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 19, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 20, 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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Want to know more about RUCC? Come to Pizza With the Pastor...
This Sunday, October 6, at noon! An informal gathering for prospective members and those thinking of covenanting with the church for the first time. We will have copies of the 2025 Covenant booklet and will go over what it means to become a member of the church. There is an opportunity for questions, not only of the minister, but a couple other volunteer leaders. And of course, lunch is served. So join us for a time of information, relationships and discussion about whether God may be calling you to officially join RUCC. Enjoy fellowship time after the service, then join us at noon in Founders Room.
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A message from our pastor and teacher
Sunday, October 6, 2024 ~~ 20th Sunday after Pentecost ~~ "Structural Grace"
Violence isn't just something that happens person to person, or nation to nation. "Structural violence" is the ways in which our institutions and economic order perpetuate injustice and oppress the vulnerable. The unequal application of the law -- poor people and minorities subject to intense policing while richer people have lax policing -- is a classic example of how structural inequality and violence work. But if sin and violence can be part of the "system," so can grace and peace. There are institutions of Grace that promote peace, justice and well-being. The church, at its best, is an institution of Grace, and the sacrament of Communion is an ongoing ritual that promotes unity. World Communion Sunday is something that binds Christians across time and cultures, and offers grace, reconciliation and even salvation. Gather with us at the table this Sunday for World Communion Sunday and our final installment of the "Blessed Are the Peacemakers" worship series.
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Concerns
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Prayers for the victims of Hurricane Helene, and for the many workers and volunteers providing disaster response. RUCC’s Wider Ministries Area has elected to send $1,000 to the UCC’s Hurricane Helene disaster response. If you would like to contribute additional funds or volunteer, please visit https://support.ucc.org/hurricane-helene-relief.
- Dee Dee Seek’s great grandson, Jaxson is back home with his family and resting up after his hospitalization with respiratory issues. Ongoing prayers of healing.
- Mary Lou Haney is having serious complications and ongoing challenges during her prolonged hospitalization. Prayers for Mary Lou and her daughter and caregiver Jennie requested and appreciated.
- Johanna Ballard was hospitalized after her A-Fib procedure caused a small stroke on Oct. 1. She is recovering well, and her brother and sister-in-law are attending to her. Doctors are planning discharge for Thursday, Oct. 3. Prayers for continued healing.
- Many homes were re-evacuated due to the Line Fire, and Beth Welsh’s niece Brylee has been evacuated due to the Elk Fire in Wyoming. Ongoing prayers for the victims of natural disasters exacerbated by climate change, and the disaster response teams that work so hard.
- We continue to hold in our prayers the victims of violence and oppression around the world. With the escalation of violence this week, we pray again for Lebanon, Iran, Israel and Palestine. We pray for de-escalation, safety and justice for all, including an end to the 50+ years of military occupation in Palestine.
Ongoing Concerns:
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Kimberly and Danny Anderson, and their children Charles and Julia
Jerry Andrews
Johanna Ballard's brother
Andrew Barrow
Bill Buchanan
Denise Cain
Kathy Economen’s son Jeff
Judith Gregory
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Sue Hammond
Beki Hill
Harriet Holt, Beki Hill's mother
Paisley Parcell
Jules Rattray’s sister, Jenny
Amber McGuigan
Cynthia McGuigan
DonDon and Scott Mong
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Floyd Orr
Carl Parish
Charlie Seek
Robert Silver
Steffen family
Sforza family
Tom Miller
Janet Wilson’s great niece Amelia
Michael White
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Hurricane Helene Relief
The United Church of Christ has launched an appeal and opportunities to support recovery efforts following the devastating path Hurricane Helene has left across the Southeast United States.
Four days after hitting landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region, Helene had caused a death toll of at least 120 people and hundreds are still missing across the six states impacted. People in affected areas have faced communications blackouts, washed-out roads, mudslides, and a lack of drinkable water.
“We’re still in the process of gathering information from many communities struggling with power outages and limited connectivity,” said Katie Howe, UCC minister for Disaster Response and Recovery. She has been closely monitoring the impact, with Disaster Ministries in contact with conference staff in the Southern, Southeast, and Florida Conferences as they work to communicate with local congregations and identify needs.
RUCC Wider Ministries area will be sending a donation from our church to the UCC recovery fund. If you would like to personally donate to help, you can mail a check made payable to the United Church of Christ, to United Church of Christ, PO Box 71957, Cleveland, OH 44194. Please be sure and note “Hurricane Helene” in your check’s memo section. To donate, volunteer, or learn more, visit https://support.ucc.org/hurricane-helene-relief.
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RUCC Silent Retreat, November 15-17
Serra Retreat House in Malibu had a cancellation and offered us the opportunity to hold a retreat from Friday evening, November 15, through Sunday lunch, November 17, 2024. The cost is $310 per person in a single room or $250 per person in a double room. All meals are included. We are required to reserve the rooms by Thursday, October 10.
Several of us from RUCC have enjoyed and benefitted from silent retreat at Serra Retreat House.
They are sold out for 2025 and will be booking for 2026 starting in December. We have been on their wait list, and the call has come. Please contact Judith Turian by text or phone, or by email at highdesertshrink@gmail.com.
If you are interested, but this presents a financial challenge, please let us know.
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Sacred Saturday, October 5
Join us for a time of reflection and spiritual connection at this month’s Sacred Saturday on October 5.
Together, we will explore and hopefully deepen our individual practice of prayer in a supportive community. Whether you are seeking peace, comfort, or simply a quiet space to reflect, you are welcome.
We will gather 9 a.m.-noon, beginning in Micah Room in Mosaic Hall. Food for your soul and snacks for your body will be provided. We hope to see you there!
Contact Barbie Fiske-Phillips if you have questions or would like further information.
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Caring for Kin - Steps 4 Life Thanksgiving food
For the month of October, we will be collecting Thanksgiving holiday food to be delivered in early November to Steps 4 Life. Steps 4 Life provides safe transitional housing in Redlands. Suggested food items include baking items (e.g., flour, sugar), stuffing mix, boxed mashed potatoes, and canned goods (e.g., pumpkin, cranberry sauce, green beans, sweet potatoes).
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Save these dates
The Game and Conversation Night is Friday, November 1, 2024, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. It is a night of fun and friendship for all ages, for game players and non-game players. This is a toy-raising event, so everyone attending is asked to bring a toy, art supply or puzzle to support the Kids/Youth Store at the Christmas Faire. More info will follow.
The Fun and Friendly Christmas Faire is Saturday, November 16, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 17, noon-2:00 p.m. Over 15 vendors (most are church members) will present their arts/crafts and collectables. This year we are adding two ways to support the RUCC Youth Fund: A Good Reads area and a Kids/Youth store. We are asking for donations of:
- Fiction/nonfiction, hard/soft cover, children/adult books that would interest the public
- New (and almost new) toys, art supplies and puzzles
There is a box in Covenant Hall marked Christmas Faire. Contact Ginny Cruz for more info.
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Parable of the Sower activities continue through October 28
Click here for the schedule!
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California Council of Churches Ballot Proposition Recommendations
Our Southern California Nevada Conference of the United Church of Christ represents RUCC as a member of the California Council of Churches. California Church IMPACT advocates in the public policy arena for justice, equity, and fairness in the treatment of all people, particularly those who have been abandoned or harmed by our society.
Here are their recommendations for Statewide Propositions and Initiatives in the November 2024 General Election.
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Racial Justice reflection of the week
Marcellus Williams was executed in Missouri after spending more than two decades on death row. An attorney representing Williams argued there was racial discrimination in selecting jurors and that DNA evidence in the case was mishandled.
"Mr Williams’ story echoes that of too many others caught in our country’s broken criminal legal system," the Innocence Project said in a statement. "A Black man convicted of killing a white woman, Mr Williams maintained his innocence until the very end."
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz9p518j0nqo
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From the Environmental Justice Team
“Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sunday [September 22, 2024] signed legislation by Sen. Catherine Blakespear, D-Encinitas, and Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, D-Orinda, to ban the distribution of plastic bags at grocery store checkouts.
SB 1053 honors the intent of the original ban on single-use bags enacted 10 years ago that allowed stores to sell customers thicker plastic carryout bags that were considered reusable and met certain recyclability standards. However, the truth is almost none of those bags are reused or recycled, and they end up in landfills or polluting the environment.
‘I thank Governor Newsom for signing this important legislation that will help protect California’s environment,’ Sen. Blakespear said. ‘Instead of being asked do you want paper or plastic at checkout, consumers will simply be asked if they want a paper bag, if they haven’t brought a reusable bag. This straightforward approach is easy to follow and will help dramatically reduce plastic bag pollution.’”
Source: “Governor Signs Legislation to Ban Plastic Bags from Grocery Store Checkouts,” press release, office of Senator Catherine Blakespear, https://sd38.senate.ca.gov/news/governor-signs-legislation-ban-plastic-bags-grocery-store-checkouts
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Registrations are now open for RUCC Trunk or Treat 2024
Saturday, October 26, 5:00-6:30 p.m. in the RUCC parking lot
Use this link to see all the details.
The link also takes you to the place where you can RSVP for the event, which is important because it lets us know how many people to prepare for.
Start getting your costumes and your trunks ready!
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Calling all Thespians Grade 12 and under
The RUCC Youth Group has already begun planning for this year’s Christmas Pageant! The performance will take place on Sunday December 15 during worship.
Please RSVP to admorics@redlandsucc.org if your child would like to participate in the pageant this year.
Also, we could use some volunteers to help us during rehearsals, preparation, etc. Let us know if you can lend a hand!
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Book Group will meet this Sunday, October 6
The next RUCC Book Group selection is The Splendid and the Vile by Eric Larson. The group’s presenter will be Judith Ashton. The group will meet on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, at noon, in Founders Room.
"In The Splendid and the Vile, Erik Larson shows, in cinematic detail, how Churchill taught the British people 'the art of being fearless.' It is a story of political brinkmanship, but it’s also an intimate domestic drama, set against the backdrop of Churchill’s prime-ministerial country home, Chequers; his wartime retreat, Ditchley, where he and his entourage go when the moon is brightest and the bombing threat is highest; and of course, 10 Downing Street in London…
“The Splendid and the Vile takes readers out of today’s political dysfunction and back to a time of true leadership, when, in the face of unrelenting horror, Churchill’s eloquence, courage, and perseverance bound a country, and a family, together.” (Amazon Review)
Upcoming Book Group selections:
- Nov. 3, 2024: The Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler; Presenter: Diana Sommer / tie in with Heather King’s grant study
- Dec. 1, 2024: An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz; Presenter: Nan Root
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This Sunday, October 6, still looking for volunteers to read a blessing in many tongues!
Do you know a language other than English? This Sunday, October 6, World Communion Sunday, we will do a special benediction during worship. It will be the ancient Aaronic Blessing found in Numbers 6:24-26 (“The Lord bless you and keep you…”), but we will say it in as many different languages as we can! Hundreds of translations of the Bible can be found at www.biblegateway.com.
We welcome all languages, and have a special request for Hebrew, Arabic and Asiatic languages. You don’t have to be fluent, just able to read the language aloud. Sign up by emailing Rev. Joe at joe@redlandsucc.org, and he will confirm if your language is available and give you more instructions.
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Neighbors in Need Special Offering is this Sunday - October 6
In 2024, the Neighbors in Need theme is “Mental Health Justice For All!” In 2015, the General Synod of the United Church of Christ passed a resolution to become WISE (Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, and Engaged) for mental health.
A just world for all is a world where the human rights and well-being of people with mental health challenges are respected, no matter who you are or where you are on life’s mental health journey.
One-third of the offering supports Council for American Indian Ministry (CAIM). Two-thirds are used by Justice and Witness Ministries to provide grants to UCC churches and organizations as well as supporting a variety of justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects.
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Upcoming Dates to Remember
- Oct. 5 -- 9 a.m. -- Sacred Saturday (article above)
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Oct. 6 -- World Communion Sunday and Neighbors in Need Special Offering
- Oct. 8 -- 7 p.m. -- Stewards' Meeting
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Oct 18-20 -- Art, for Heaven's Sake! (article above)
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Oct. 26 -- 5 p.m. -- Trunk or Treat (article above)
- Oct. 27 --- 11:30 a.m. --- Congregational Quarterly Gathering
- Nov. 1 -- Game and conversation night (article above)
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Nov. 5 -- Election Day, 2024 General Election
- Nov. 10 -- Super Shepherd Sunday -- groups in various locations
- Nov. 15-17 -- Silent Retreat, Serra Retreat House, Malibu (article above)
- Nov. 16-17 -- Christmas Faire (article above)
The church calendar is online at redlandsucc.org/calendar/
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Sunday, October 6
- 9:20 a.m. Social/9:30 a.m. Meet – Seekers, Founders Room
- 9:30 a.m. – Kids’ Zone
- 10:30 a.m. – Worship service. communion, Neighbors in Need offering, and Sunday School
- 11:30 a.m. – Fellowship/Coffee hour
- Noon - Book Group, Founders Room
Monday, October 7
- 4 p.m. - Church Growth Area Meeting, Garden Room
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7 p.m. – Bible Study, Founders Room, or online
Tuesday, October 8
- 7 p.m. - Stewards Meeting
Wednesday, October 9
- 1 p.m. - Mahjong, Mosaic Hall
- 7 p.m. - Choir practice, Sanctuary
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Thursday, October 10
Friday, October 11
- 7 p.m. – Woman’s AA Meeting
Saturday, October 12
Sunday, October 13
- Social-9:20 a.m./Meetup-9:30 a.m. – Seekers
- 9:30 a.m. – Kids’ Zone
- 10:30 a.m. – Worship service and Sunday School
- 11:30 a.m. – Fellowship/Coffee hour
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RUCC Staff
Senior Pastor: Rev. Joe Zarro
Music Director: David Wells
Associate Music Director: Sophia Ohanian
Children's Education Director: Susi Jacobsen
Director of Youth Ministries: Vacant
Office and Property Manager: Veronica Bermudez
Child Care: Caitlin Walsh
Website: www.redlandsucc.org
Phone: 909-793-3520
Staff and Other Emails
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pastor@redlandsucc.org
musicdirector@redlandsucc.org
childrenseducation@redlandsucc.org
youth@redlandsucc.org
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office@redlandsucc.org
weddings@redlandsucc.org
theview@redlandsucc.org
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