Friday, November 14, 2025 | |
Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost, November 16
"Stormy Weather"
None of us likes conflict, but it is a part of our lives, including in the church. This text presents a dramatic context of natural disaster, war, famine, and plagues, but some of us have had serious “testing” in our lives and our faith, too. We have learned to take responsibility for our part in conflict, to practice as much patience and grace as possible, to tell the truth with respect wherever possible – yet conflict still bothers us and disrupts our lives. Come join us in worship as we consider together where we can look for God in conflict and what support our faith may offer!
First Reading: William James
Scripture: Luke 21:5-19
Last week's sermon: redlandsucc.org
| |
In our thoughts and prayers:
- Prayers for the family and friends of Sue Hammond, who passed from life to Life last week.
- Prayers for healing for the brother of Coralyn Finlayson, who has suffered a stroke.
- Prayers for healing for Dee Hodson, who is recovering from an infection and has been placed on hospice at her residence.
- Prayers for Johanna Ballard, who is recovering from a pulmonary embolism as a result of a recent fall.
- Prayers for Maegan Hill’s in-laws, who are struggling with health concerns.
- Prayers for healing for Cherie Bogel, who fell last week and sprained a knee and elbow.
- Prayers for healing for Kathie Blakley after a fall here at church.
- Prayers for our siblings in the Philippines who are recovering from a historic typhoon striking their islands this week.
- Prayers for those who are not receiving their SNAP benefits that we may find ways to help provide relief.
Ongoing concerns:
- Tom Miller
- Floyd Orr
- Carl Parish
- Bill Buchanan
Please send prayer requests to Pastor Jake at jake@redlandsucc.org
| | |
Church directory — Update your information
We would love to have everyone's photos and information updated. If you would prefer not to be listed in the directory, please contact the church office.
The church directory is available online through signing into the Realm website or the Realm Connect app (for android users) Realm Connect app (iphone users). All the photos and updates you've made are there now. Hard copies will be available at a future date from the church office upon request.
If you have any questions, please contact Linda Hoeger.
| |
Congregational Meeting, November 16
The board has called a congregational meeting for November 16 immediately after worship, where we will vote formally on two motions.
- The board recommends allocating up to $60,000 for Stewards and Hospitality to complete kitchen renovations.
- The board recommends a one-time special donation of $6,000 (a 10% "tithe" on what we're spending on ourselves) to the Conference, to be used for LA fire victims or wherever Conference leadership feels it can best help.
If you won't be present, you may vote absentee using the ballots available at www.redlands.org/ballot.
| |
Christmas Craft Faire, November 15-16
The Christmas Craft Faire is this weekend. Are you excited? The crafters are ready and waiting for you to stop by and say hi. You will recognize most of them from our church family. Thank you for your donations for the Book sale, Puzzle sale, and Christmas sale! Bring your homemade/purchased items for the Bake Sale to church during office hours during the week. We will need them by today, Friday, 11/14, 1:00-5:00 p.m. We can package them for you if you want. All proceeds from these four sales go to the Pastor's Fund/Youth Programs at the church. We can do good and have fun at the same time! And, yes, don't forget that YAPS will be holding a cat and dog adoption event both days of the faire. Help us spread the word.
Fellowship will be a bit different on 11/16. After picking up your sandwiches and chips, we will gently guide you to the Bake sale for dessert. See you soon!
Christmas Craft Faire
Book Sale flyer
Puzzle Store flyer
Bake Sale flyer
YAPS Dog and Cat adoption flyer
|
No Seekers meeting Sunday, November 16
The Seekers group will not meet on Sunday, November 16. The following Sunday, we will begin discussing short readings from Listening for God: Contemporary Literature and the Life of Faith. If you’re interested, join us Sunday, November 23, in Founders Room at 9:15 a.m. for social time, with discussion of the reading starting at 9:30. You may pick up a copy of our first reading in the church office or click on this link to get a PDF of the reading: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MX3nDIOz4Knx5gLqKGjkG8rNKSN8o_27/view?usp=drivesdk .
|
Next Chair Yoga, November 17
All ages wanted and needed.
We are blessed to have Jeanne Andrews, certified yoga instructor, hold an introductory chair yoga session for the church family.
Monday, Nov 17, 10:00 a.m., Covenant Hall. Kid-friendly. Donations accepted.
| |
Game and Conversation Night, November 29
Some people just can’t wait till January for Game and Conversation Night! Back by popular demand, Game and Conversation Night will be Saturday, November 29, 5:30 p.m. A sweet treat will be served.
Ricky and I would like to pass the baton to new hosts. If you are interested in organizing and hosting game night about once a month in 2026, could you contact me? - Ginny Cruz
| |
Immigration Justice, "Know Your Rights", December 4
The Immigrant Justice team welcomes your help with a new project. We are reaching out to Redlands businesses to raise awareness and spread the word about a "Know Your Rights" training we are hosting on Thurs. Dec. 4, 7:00 -8:00 p.m. An immigration attorney will lead the training. If you are interested, Sara Schoonmaker will have lists of businesses available after church on Nov. 9 and during the rest of November.
| |
Book Group Sunday, December 7
The RUCC Book Group will next meet on Sunday, Dec. 7, at noon in Founders Room, to discuss the book, Madame Sorel’s Lodger, by Tracy Wise. Judith Ashton will be the presenter.
This beautifully written, immersive novel would be enthralling even if you didn't know the identity of the "The Artist" (Van Gogh, but we're never told this directly). Wise evokes the setting of a small village and invites the reader into the daily life of the reclusive painter who has arrived and whose presence will, as they say, change everything. The familiar signposts of Van Gogh's story are perfectly integrated into the narrative but yield unexpected new insights and some "ahas." Wise's cast is very intentional—each character comes vividly to life… This is a book you'll want on your shelf to dip into again and again. She takes a story about life we thought we knew and turns it into something deeply personal...which is also something universal. I can't wait for her next book.
(Goodreads review)
| | Olvera Street All-Church Train Trip, November 22 | | Christmas Play, December 21, actors needed | |
Caring for Kin
In the month of November, we are collecting arts and crafts items for Peppermint Ridge. Requested items include acrylic paint, canvases, construction paper, heavy-duty paper, markers, acrylic markers, colored pencils, crayons, coloring books/sheets, Play-Doh, air-dry clay, ribbon/yarn, and glue. Other helpful items include jigsaw puzzles (less than 300 pieces), simple board games, and paper plates.
|
RUCC Angel Tree Donations start Sunday, November 16
The RUCC Angel Tree Donations will begin this Sunday, Nov. 16, and run for four Sundays through Dec. 7, the last Sunday to donate. The recipients will be: Youth Hope, Redlands Family Service, and a pastor- designated family.
1. Take an envelope off the tree.
2. Mark the recipient(s) on it, and put your money or check (made out to RUCC) inside.
3 Turn it in to the offering plate during the church service.
4. You can also choose to give on Realm or at the Scrip table.
Your gift will be used to buy food cards for those facing food insecurity this holiday season, and help their lives shine a little more brightly.
| |
Racial justice message
At a recent African Presbyterian Leaders Alliance gathering, leaders explored how African immigrant communities can move from feeling like guests to becoming full participants in the Presbyterian Church (USA). When African traditions are honored through worship, food, and fellowship, participants noted, it deepens belonging and mutual respect across cultures.
Source:https://pcusa.org/news-storytelling/news/2025/11/10/african-leaders-gather-colorado-build-tomorrow
| |
Environmental justice message
According to a new report from the group Coffee Watch, in Brazil, the world's biggest coffee producer, coffee farming is driving deforestation — and that, in turn, makes coffee harder to grow. Scientists have shown how deforestation leads to less rainfall in tropical rainforests, which makes it harder to grow coffee. More environmentally sustainable coffee-growing methods exist, such as using shade trees to shield some plants from the sun, and diversifying crops. The responsibility to encourage more sustainable coffee production extends to consumers, says Etelle Higonnet, founder and director of Coffee Watch.
Source: Coffee-driven deforestation is making it harder to grow coffee, watchdog group says, James Doubek, National Public Radio, 10/24/25
| |
RAIC Thanksgiving celebration, November 16
The Redlands Area Interfaith Council presents our annual Thanksgiving celebration November 16, 2025 4:00 p.m. First United Methodist Church.
| | |
Our faith teaches us that transgender, nonbinary, and intersex people are beloved children of God. Since January, this community has come under attack by our federal government. Banned from serving in the military and fired from positions in the federal government. Prohibited from playing on school sports teams. Cut off from lifesaving, gender-affirming care.
https://www.votervoice
| |
This week at RUCC
Saturday, November 15
- 10:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m. - Christmas Craft Faire
Sunday, November 16
- 9:15 a.m. -10:30 a.m. - Kids Zone early care
- 10:30 a.m. - Worship in the Sanctuary
- 10:30 a.m. - Sunday School (kids start in Sanctuary)
- 11:30 a.m. - Congregational Meeting
- 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Christmas Craft Faire
Monday, November 17
Tuesday, November 18
- 7:00 p.m. - Virtual Board Meeting
Wednesday, November 19
- 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Private Funeral (Cedar Memorial)
- 1:00 p.m. - Mah Jongg
- 4:30 p.m. - Search Committee Meeting
- 6:00 p.m. - Bells Rehearsal
- 7:00 p.m. - Choir Rehearsal
Thursday, November 20
- 6:00 p.m. - Jam Session with David Wells
- 6:30 p.m. - Immigration Justice Meeting
Friday, November 21
Saturday, November 22
- 8:41 a.m. - TBD - Education All-Church Train Trip to Olvera Street
Sunday, November 23
- 9:15 a.m. - Kids Zone
- 9:30 a.m. - Seekers group (social time at 9:15)
- 10:30 a.m. - Sunday School (kids start in Sanctuary)
- 10:30 a.m. - Worship in the Sanctuary
- 12:00 p.m. - Wider Ministries Meeting
| |
Upcoming Dates to Remember
- November 30 - First Day of Advent
- December 6 - Education Ornament making
- December 13 - Gingerbread Houses/Christmas Concert
- December 14 - Blue Christmas
- December 21 - Christmas Pageant
- December 24 - Christmas Eve Service and Dinner
| | | | |
