Friday, September 11, 2026 | |
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost,
September 13
The Power of Words: Forgiveness 7 times, 77 times, 70 x 7 times
Frederick Buechner on Forgiveness (from Wishful Thinking). To forgive someone is to say one way or another, ... you have done something unspeakable, and by all rights I should call it quits between us. Both my pride and my principles demand no less. However, although I make no guarantees that I will be able to forget what you've done, and though we may both carry the scars for life, I refuse to let it stand between us. I still want you as my friend. To accept forgiveness means to admit that you've done something unspeakable that needs to be forgiven, and thus both parties must swallow the same thing: their pride.
-Rev. John Walsh
Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35
Last week's sermon: redlandsucc.org
| |
Thoughts about September 11, Twenty-five Years Later
It’s difficult to think about that terrible day when almost three thousand people were killed in a terrorist attack in New York, at the Pentagon, and the field outside Shanksville, PA. The loss of so many left many families grieving, and fear about our country’s safety was a new emotion for most of us.
We remember those people who lost their lives, and honor those who rushed to help, even in dire danger. People who lived through the tragedy still experience illness and trauma, and we acknowledge their pain as well.
The sociologist Émile Durkheim says that the easiest way to create solidarity in a group is through a perceived external threat. This is what happened in the aftermath of the attacks. Yes, as a country, we became united, but we also became fearful, and that fear extended to anyone who looked or sounded Middle Eastern. The fear expressed itself in racism, discrimination, and war with countries that had little to do with the attack.
As the church, we stand for something different. In the words of the Bible, 1 John 4:18: “Perfect love casts out all fear.” The antidote to hateful and violent responses from fearful people is love. We follow Jesus, who is the embodiment of love. When fear hits, we love. We extend love to our families, our neighbors, our community, and our world. In this way, we are the church. We extend love and care to all, bringing the light of God’s love into dark situations. May this twenty-fifth anniversary of this terrible event remind us of our call to be the light of the world.
With much love,
Patty Little
Board President, RUCC
| |
Love to Sing? Join the Choir!
Whether you’ve been singing for years, are looking for a supportive community of musicians, or have always wanted to give choir a try, there is a seat waiting for you!
No prior music experience? No problem at all. Our first rehearsal will cover choir fundamentals and the basics of sight-reading to get you comfortable. We are here to guide and support you every step of the way.
Rehearsal Schedule:
Regular Rehearsals: Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. in Mosaic Hall and Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary. There is no rehearsal on September 16.
Come lift your voice with us! We’d love to have you!
| |
Make Some Noise: Jam Session Returns This Fall!
Looking for a relaxed, fun way to share your love of music? The RUCC Jam Session is starting back up, and we’d love to have you join the circle!
There’s zero pressure here—bring an instrument, bring your voice, bring a phone/tablet to look up tunes, or just come hang out, share a snack, and listen. For our kickoff night, our loosely recommended theme is Fall / Autumn. Think "Autumn Leaves," cozy acoustic vibes, or anything that feels like September—or throw out whatever random song you feel like playing! We pull up the chords online and simply enjoy jamming together.
Kickoff Date: Thursday, September 24 at 6:00 p.m. in Mosaic Hall
Ongoing Schedule: 1st & 3rd Thursdays of every month at 6:00 p.m. in Mosaic Hall
Whether you're a seasoned player, a shower singer, or an official RUCC "jam hooligan," come make some joyful noise with us!
| |
Ring in the Season: Celebration Ringers Handbell Choir
Our bells have been tuned, polished, and serviced—and they’re ready for a fresh start this fall! The Celebration Ringers are kicking off rehearsals, and we are actively looking for new ringers to join our choir.
If you have a little bit of basic musicianship or note-reading ability (emphasis on basic!), handbells are a fun, collaborative way to make music and get involved in worship.
Regular Schedule: Every Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. There is no rehearsal on September 16.
Come check out a rehearsal and help us ring in a brand-new season of music!
| |
Bring Your Prayers
There is a prayer request sheet at the entrance of the Sanctuary before worship each Sunday. Please write down any prayers that you would like to have included in our worship. The prayers we have received in the office will be on the sheet already.
Prayer Requests:
- Prayers for adult children who are struggling and their parents.
- Prayers for David (Jo Anna Grant's brother) as he had heart surgery.
Ongoing concerns:
- Cynthia McGuigan
- Susan Matthews
Please send prayer requests to the office at office@redlandsucc.org
| |
RUCC Parking Lot will be Closed September 14 through 19
The RUCC parking lot will be closed September 14 through September 19 to allow for scheduled parking lot work.
During this time, the building will not be accessible from either the lower or upper parking lots. If you need to access the building during this period, you will need to enter through the lower garden. Please use extreme caution when walking through the grass and garden area.
To ensure the project can be completed safely, efficiently, and without unnecessary delays, all regularly scheduled meeting groups will be asked to postpone their meetings during this week.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to complete this important project. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Church Office.
Thank you for your cooperation.
| |
Multi-faith Pilgrimage for Immigration Justice
RUCC's Immigration Justice committee is considering coordinating a church-wide activity associated with this pilgrimage, but if you're interested individually, click the image below to sign up. Contact Sara Schoonmaker if you have questions.
|
Caring for Our Church Home: Building Use & Clean-Up
Our church building is a shared space, and we are grateful for the many groups, ministries, and activities throughout the week. With so many people using our facilities, it is important that each group does its part to leave the space ready for the next person.
Please remember to clean up after your group meets. Thank you for helping us be good stewards of our shared church home!
|
AA meeting location for September 11
Tonight's women's AA will be meeting at an alternative location due to the parking lot closure. Contact Judith Turian for the address.
| |
Baby Shower, Sunday, September 13, for Zoe and Sophia
Please join us for a baby shower for Zoe and Sophia during fellowship time after church on September 13. We are excited to celebrate with them! For those who want to give a gift, here is a link to their registry:
https://my.babylist.com/zoe-petersen?session_synced=true
Note: There are also options for the baby's college fund and for gift cards.
| |
NO Bible Study, Monday, September 14
There will be no Bible Study this week due to the parking lot construction work.
Please join us the following week, 9/21, at 7:00 p.m. in the Youth Room for a discussion of Mary Magdalene.
| |
No Chair Yoga, Monday, September 14
No chair yoga, Monday, September 14. The parking lot will be closed for repaving. Chair yoga will resume Monday, September 21.
| |
The Artist Journey Group
September Art Quilt Exhibit in Founders Room
For the past five years, a group of artists has been meeting monthly at RUCC in Founders Room. We have staged an exhibit to share our recent work with the congregation. The Oxymoron Art quilts will be on display from now until October 10.
We call ourselves the Artistic Journey Group. Formed in 2021, we are a small group of primarily art quilters, each interested in furthering our own artistic development. We work primarily in fabric and use traditional quilting techniques to sew original pieces of fine art. During our meetings, we share and critique current work in progress and explore design principles.
Thank you for sharing your space with us, and please enjoy our show.
| |
Next Game and Conversation Night, Saturday, October 24
September Game and Conversation Night has been cancelled due to conflicting vacation times. The next fun and friendly Game and Conversation Night will be on October 24 at 5:30 p.m. in Covenant Hall. See you then!
| |
Mark Your Calendars! Art, For Heaven's Sake! 47th Annual Show October 16, 17, and 18, 2026
“The Art Show” – You hear this quite often in conversation around our church. In case you were wondering what it is all about, here you go.
Art, for Heaven’s Sake! Fine Arts Festival is a three-day annual art festival on the grounds and gardens of the Redlands United Church of Christ. The Redlands United Church of Christ holds this event to support the arts and the community.
This premiere art festival of the Inland Empire features 72 artists and crafters representing a wide variety of media, including acrylics, photography, watercolor, oils, stained glass, jewelry, pottery, and metal sculpture.
In addition to original art, the festival offers a craft boutique, a fabulous food truck experience, incredible music, and artist demonstrations. A gala “Meet the Artists” reception open to everyone is held on Friday evening to open the show.
This is one of the biggest fundraisers for our church, but it doesn’t magically happen. The members and friends of our church make it happen, so mark your calendars and watch for upcoming information on how YOU can be a part of making this premier event a huge success.
| | Save the Date for Children and Youth activities | | QUESTIONS? Contact Kara Tolan or Kathy McCool in Education. | |
Caring for Kin, September 2026
For the month of September, we are collecting shelf-stable food and snacks for Youth Hope. Youth Hope is a non-profit in Redlands that helps unhoused and at-risk youth by providing food, education, job training, and housing. The organization provides snacks and meals to youth on-site at their center as well as food for families to take home with them. Following are the items they specifically requested:
- Pasta and sauce
- Cereal
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Canned foods (e.g., meats, fruits, veggies, beans, soups)
- Granola bars
- Fruit cups
- Snack-size bags of chips ("hot" varieties are the youths' favorites!)
Thank you so much for your generosity to our siblings in need!
Diana Steele-Jones
|
Lost & Found Reminder
Have you misplaced a jacket, water bottle, dish, umbrella, or another personal item? Our Lost & Found box, located in Covenant Hall, may have what you're missing!
We invite everyone to take a few moments to look through the Lost & Found and claim any belongings, to help keep the area organized.
If you have any questions, please contact the Church Office. Thank you for helping us keep our shared spaces tidy!
| |
Racial justice message
A new initiative from the NAACP focuses on closing the racial wealth gap and building generational wealth for Black families. The organization emphasizes that racial justice is not only about protecting rights but also about expanding economic opportunity — ensuring that families have access to the resources, capital, and stability needed to thrive.
The effort highlights how economic inequality remains one of the deepest roots of racial injustice. While policy debates often center on voting rights or policing, the wealth gap shapes everyday life: access to education, homeownership, healthcare, and the ability to weather financial crises. By investing in community programs, financial literacy, and structural reforms, the NAACP argues that closing this gap is essential to achieving lasting racial equity.
Source: https://naacp.org/articles/naacp-launches-groundbreaking-initiative-close-racial-wealth-gap-and-build-generational
|
Environmental justice message
| |
Community Creation Service, Sunday, September 13
All are invited to attend the Community Creation Service, Sunday, Sept. 13, at 4:00 p.m. at Vine Street Community Park at First Presbyterian Church.
| |
Third Quarter Donations for Wider Ministries
In the third quarter of 2026, RUCC Wider Ministries sent a donation to Southpaw Rescue. Southpaw Rescue is a nonprofit based in Southern California dedicated to recover abandoned dogs (and other pets) along Highway 38, in mountain campgrounds, and near homes in the San Bernardino Mountain Communities. They partner with other like-minded organizations and individuals to rescue animals in need. They provide foster homes and medical care before ultimately finding these distraught and abused pets the right forever home. With the hope of one day seeing a world where animal cruelty no longer exists and all animals have a safe home, Southpaw Rescue seeks to work with shelters, individual rescuers and law enforcement to magnify our impact on rescuing animals from abusive and neglectful circumstances.
https:www.southpawrescue.com/
| | Battery-operated mower - free. contact Andrea Morics. | |
This week at RUCC
Saturday, September 12
- 10:00 a.m. - Education kids and youth apple picking
Sunday, September 13
- 9:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. - Kids' Zone
- 10:30 a.m.- Sunday School (kids start in Sanctuary, then Mosaic)
- 10:30 a.m. - Worship in the Sanctuary
- 12:00 p.m. - Environmental Meeting
Monday, September 14
- Parking lot closure for repaving
Tuesday, September 15
- Parking lot closure for repaving
Wednesday, September 16
- Parking lot closure for repaving
Thursday, September 17
- Parking lot closure for repaving
Friday, September 18
- Parking lot closure for repaving
Saturday, September 19
- Parking lot closure for repaving
Sunday, September 20
- 9:15 a.m. - Kids' Zone
- 10:30 a.m. - Sunday School (kids start in Sanctuary, then Mosaic)
- 10:30 a.m. - Worship in the Sanctuary
- 12:00 p.m. - Envir
| |
Upcoming Dates to Remember
- October 16-18 - Art, for Heaven's Sake!
- October 24 - Game and Conversation Night
- October 31 - Trunk or Treat
| | | | |
