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

Trouble viewing the newsletter? View as Webpage Thursday, March 4, 2021

A Message from Our Pastor and Teacher Communion Sunday, March 7 ~ “Beguiled by Beauty: Awe and Wonder” To wonder is to let in a sense of awe and openness, a sense of deep curiosity. It is to look upon the face of anyone or anything and say, “You are a part of me I do not yet know.” Song of Songs affirms that we are wondrously created. As we continue our Lenten journey, “Beguiled by Beauty,” may we behold one another in awe and wonder.

Sunday's Scripture Song of Songs 4: 1 – 7

Worship for Sunday, March 7, 2021 Prelude: All Beautiful the March of Days by Mike Carson _,...__.....Sophia Ohanian Welcome and Call to Worship:______________.._______.......... Erin Beardemphl Opening Hymn: #277 Holy, Holy, Holy _________________ Led by Alexia Benson Opening Prayer:_______________________________________ Erin Beardemphl Children's Circle: _________..............______________-._______...Connie Mitchell Community Joys and Concerns: _______________...._Rev. Dr. Jill Kirchner-Rose Special Music: The Gift of Love by Mark Hayes _______________________________._Alexia Benson, Jim Tong & Sophia Ohanian Scripture: Song of Songs 4: 1 - 7__________________________ Erin Beardemphl Message: Beguiled by Beauty: Awe and Wonder_________...___Dr. Kirchner-Rose Offertory:  Wonder by Arelius__________________________.___ Sophia Ohanian Prayer of Dedication: ___________________________________Erin Beardemphl Closing Hymn: # 4 Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You __________ Led by Craig Wesson Time of Reflection: In Wonderment and Awe by Sophia Ohanian ______________________________________________________Sophia Ohanian On March 7, we will share together Holy Communion in our online interactive worship. Before the time of the service, you will want to prepare some bread - a slice, a small loaf, a tortilla, a rice cake - a wheat product is not necessary. Let it be something you alone, or your with others in your household, may break and share. Prepare a cup or cups of juice or your choice of wine-with or without alcohol.

Concerns: Prayers for the family of Carol Buchanan's brother Don who passed from life to Life. Prayers for Jean Arnott, who is experiencing health issues. Emma Malonelord requests prayers for her brigade and the family of SFC Octavio Araujo who passed from life to Life. Prayers for Evan, son of Meagan Hill, who badly sprained his ankle. Prayers for Mario and Maria Saucedo’s sister who died of leukemia. Prayers for Kathy Peters whose father passed from life to Life. Prayers for Evan, son of Margaret Paul, who is facing life challenges Rosemary Touhy requests prayers for her friend Terri who is having major dental work. Inez Diggs requests prayers for her friend, Penni Pierce, who suffers from Pulmonary Fibrosis, and needs a double lung transplant to help her breathing capacity. Prayers for Rosemary Whitmer who is facing health challenges. Prayers for Ben Bohren who is recovering from outpatient surgery for the removal of a kidney stone. Prayers for Don, brother of Carol Buchanan, who is recovering from surgery for aggressive prostate cancer. Prayers for Rosemary Tuohy who broke her ankle from a fall. Carla Becerril requests prayers for Mary Ann Ramos who tested positive for COVID. Prayers for Keith, cousin of Maegan Hill, who is blinded by a blood clot. Prayers for Lorna, mother of Erin Beardemphl, who shattered her kneecap. Prayers for Loraine, friend of Rosemary Tuohy, who has been diagnosed with anal cancer. Prayers for Claudine, grandmother of Paul and Dante Welsh. Prayers for Mary, sister of Sue Hammond, who is facing some health challenges. Prayers for Charlie Seek challenged by diabetes related foot issues. Prayers for Greg Farrell, brother of Karen Walsh, who is undergoing radiation treatment for cancer. Prayers for Gloria Ebert who is facing heart challenges Carla Becerril requests prayers for her cousin Sally who is hospitalized with COVID. Carla Becerril requests prayers for Tim Brown who is hospitalized with COVID. Judith Turian requests prayers for Jill Bressler as she undergoes treatment for lung cancer and for Judith's close friend Terri, who is unable to travel to be with Jill because of COVID.  Prayers for Armando, family member of Carla Becerril, who is diagnosed with COVID. Ongoing prayers for parents, teachers, students navigating online school. Prayers for Dick Ault, who is awaiting knee replacement surgery. Ongoing Concerns:

Barb, friend of Carla Becerril Gretchen and Aaron Andrews 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 Ronan Godfrey 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 Amy McQulillian, friend of Gretchen Andrews Larry Minor Sarah Montez

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

Lent at RUCC

Lenten Series 2021—Continues Wednesday, March 10 Join us Wednesday, March 10 for the 3rd session of our 2021 Lenten Series: we are studying the film series “Grateful” by Diana Butler-Bass. This week’s topic is titled “Table Ethics” in which the author explores the ethics of living in a world full of gifts. We are called to remember that all are invited to the table. If you missed last week’s session, no problem! Please join the conversation. Fellowship time begins at 6:45, Discussion begins at 7.  Here is the Zoom link for the meeting:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83189260341 Meeting ID: 831 8926 0341 One tap mobile +16699009128 Follow this link for more information about the film series: https://www.theworkofthepeople.com/film_series/grateful Here's the Zoom link for the meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83189260341 Meeting ID: 831 8926 0341 One tap mobile +1669900912 Follow this link for more information about the film series: https://www.theworkofthepeople.com/film_series/grateful Palm Sunday - March 28- details to be announced Maundy Thursday - April 1 Maundy Thursday Tenebrae Service at 7:00 p.m. Good Friday - Ecumenical Good Friday service at 7:00 p.m.

‌ Sue Wallace leads the Church Growth Committee

Introducing the 2021-2022 Board - Sue Wallace I was born and raised in Ponca City, OK, and taught for 15 years in Pauls Valley, OK, before coming to Redlands in 1986. I was a high school social studies teacher for 36 years, 21 of those here in Redlands. My home church growing up was a Disciples of Christ church so transitioning to a UCC church was not difficult. I joined RUCC in 2012 and almost immediately began to take an active role in the church life. I live with my niece, Carol Chaney, who is also a member of the church and my grandniece, Xhantel Chaney who is a junior at Redlands High School. I served as church secretary for three years and currently serve on the Stewards and Education committees. I have also been the flower coordinator, working to help members dedicated flower arrangements at Sunday services.    As a member of the board, I am the leader of the Church Growth committee. Our role is to be concerned with reaching out to individuals who have no church affiliation and encouraging members to integrate newcomers into the life of the church. One of our jobs is to provide greeters for the Sunday morning services, when we are live, and aiding our minister in orienting new members into the church life. If you are interested in serving as a greeter and serving on the Church Growth committee, please contact me.

Racial Justice Reflection for the Week U.S. life spans have dropped by one year (from about 79 to 78 years) but Blacks’ life expectancy has dropped nearly three years. The gap between Black and white Americans, while previously narrowing, is now six years, the largest since 1998. Source -- https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/18/us/covid-life-expectancy.html

UCC Webinar on "The State of Creation" What is necessary to halt the deleterious effects of climate change in the 21st century? Join Rev. Brooks Berndt, Minister for Environmental Justice, UCC and Jim Antal, author, public theologian, Special Advisor on Climate Justice to the General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ.  Join us in a formal address from Rev. Antal as well as some dialogue moderated by Rev. Brooks Berndt about what we can do together to ensure God’s creation thrives in 2021 and beyond. Use this link to register Webinar Registration - Zoom

From the Environmental Justice Team “Trees don't rely exclusively on dispersal in the air, for if they did, some neighbors would not get wind of the danger. Dr. Suzanne Simard of the University of British Columbia in Vancouver has discovered that they also warn each other using chemical signals sent through the fungal networks around their root tips, which operate no matter what the weather. Surprisingly, news bulletins are sent via the roots not only by means of chemical compounds but also by means of electrical impulses that travel at the speed of a third of an inch per second. In comparison with our bodies, it is, admittedly, extremely slow. However there are species in the animal kingdom, such as jellyfish and worms, whose nervous systems conduct impulses at similar speed. Once the latest news has been broadcast, all oaks in the area promptly pump tannins through their veins.”  ― Peter Wohlleben, The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate – Discoveries from a Secret World

You Don't Have to Give Up Coffee for Lent! Coffee, tea and other products sold at RUCC come from Equal Exchange, so you can enjoy them with a clear conscience! Equal Exchange is a for-profit Fair trade worker-owned, cooperative headquartered in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts. Equal Exchange distributes organic, gourmet coffee, tea, chocolate bars and food products produced by farmer cooperatives in Latin America, Africa, and Asia When you purchase the products listed below, you support small farmer cooperatives and help them to build pride, independence and community empowerment. ORGANIC LOVE BUZZ. This dark and smoky favorite has sweet velvety layers of chocolate brownie, caramel corn, malt and toffee. ORGANIC DECAF. This decaf is a full-bodied coffee with a sweet nutty and vanilla flavor. ORGANIC MIDNIGHT SUN. In the far reaches of the northern hemisphere, outside the Arctic Circle, there is a phenomenon that occurs in the summertime known at the midnight sun. Each year around the summer solstice, the sun shines for up to 24 hours a day, never giving way to darkness even at local midnight. Organic Midnight Sun blend is a tribute to this spectacular event, with a bold and intense flavor with layers of chocolate and a memorable aftertaste. This unforgettable, striking blend will light up your day (or night!) ORGANIC ETHIOPIAN. This naturally processed coffee is incredibly complex with blueberry, chocolate and fresh ginger flavor highlighted by a thick and expansive mouthfeel Assorted teas and candy bars are also available. For more information, please contact Christine Nicoloff. Prices: Coffee $7.00 Decaf Coffee $9.00 Tea $4.00 OrganicCandy Bar $3.00

Next Physical Card Order - March 14 Deadline The March order date for physical cards will be March 15. Get your orders in (either through the website at shopwithscrip.com or through the RaiseRight app) by midnight, March 14 so that Jennifer can process the orders on March 15.     Please contact Jennifer at [email protected] if you need help placing an order or want to learn more about the program.

SILENT RETREAT -- AUGUST 20-22 Redlands United Church of Christ is planning its first overnight adventure since the beginning of the pandemic! RUCC will hold a silent retreat at Serra Retreat Center in Malibu August 20th – 22nd. There are 12 spaces available for this retreat. The cost is $290 which includes lodging and five meals. If you are interested in attending this retreat, please contact Pastor Jill at [email protected]. Scholarships are available for those whom cost may be a challenge.

UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER March 7 - Book Group: Discussion of Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi. Discussion facilitator will be Deborah Rada. March 9 - Stewards' meeting March 10 - Lenten series continues March 14 - One Great Hour of Sharing special offering. March 16 - Board meeting March 17 - Lenten series continues March 18 - Prayer Polygon March 24 - Lenten series continues March 28 - Palm Sunday March 31- Lenten series concludes April 1 - Maundy Thursday Tenebrae Service at 7:00 p.m. April 2 - Ecumenical Good Friday service at 7:00 p.m. April 4 - Easter Sunday August 20-22 - Silent Retreat

This week at RUCC...Virtually on almost every device!

CLICK HERE FOR ZOOM AND YOUTUBE INSTRUCTIONS FOR SERVICES AND MEETINGS Group and activity leaders: Please make sure your zoom link is up to date. Send new links to [email protected]

Calendar for March 7 - March 14, 2021

Sunday, March 7 9:30 a.m. Seekers - on Zoom 9:30 a.m. Kids Zone - on zoom 10:30 a.m. Worship Service on YouTube 11:30 a.m. Virtual coffee Hour on Zoom 12:00 p.m. Book Group on Zoom. Discussion of Yaa Gyasi's Homegoing, facilitated by Deborah Rada Monday, March 8 Tuesday, March 9 Stewards meeting at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 10 12:00 The Pastor is In - Zoom Lenten Series continues at 7 p.m. on Zoom. Friday, March 12 4:00 p.m. Youth Group on Zoom Saturday, March 13 Get ready for Daylight Savings Time! Set your your clock ahead one hour when you go to bed Sunday, March 14 DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS! 9:30 a.m. Seekers - on Zoom 9:30 a.m. Kids Zone - on zoom 10:30 a.m. Worship Service on YouTube 11:30 a.m. Virtual coffee Hour on Zoom Click here for Zoom login instructions Group and activity leaders: Please make sure your zoom link is up to date. Send new links to [email protected]

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]