Friday, November 28, 2025 | |
First Sunday of Advent, November 30
"Ready or Not"
The writers of Matthew separate life and history into two parts - the first is our present day, broken by separation from God and conflict; the second coincides with the anticipated return of Christ, often referred to as the Reign of God - a period that ends struggle and brings justice and peace. We live with a different understanding of history and faith - one where the Spirit of God is among us and we are working with God to help bring healing and justice to our lives. On this First Sunday of Advent, we will consider our experiences of waiting and how we cope with the “unexpected” that confronts us! Come join us for worship in person or online!
Scripture: Matthew 24:36-44
Last week's sermon: redlandsucc.org
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Covenants are always welcome.
We would love for you to join us.
If you didn't quite get around to turning in a Covenant on Covenant Sunday you're in luck - there's no deadline, and all are welcome, all the time. It's helpful for planning purposes for the board to have your information sooner rather than later, and it's helpful for Pastor Jake to have your statement to guide his pastoral leadership of the church. If you have any questions about covenanting or need more information about something in the booklet please speak to Pastor Jake, to your Shepherd leader, or to any member of the board.
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In our thoughts and prayers:
- Prayers for Dee Hodson, who passed from life to Life this week, and prayers of thanksgiving for Paul and Sondra, who have offered loving care to their mother.
- Prayers for John and Linda Hoeger on the passing of their daughter Katherine Baker from life to Life suddenly last week.
- Georgia Sforza requests prayers for her brother-in-law Dean Huebert and his family as they address his recent bladder cancer diagnosis and upcoming treatment.
- Prayers for healing for the brother of Coralyn Finlayson, who has suffered a stroke.
- Prayers for Cynthia McGuigan for test results.
- Prayers for healing and relief for all who have been affected by Hurricane Melissa in the Caribbean.
Ongoing concerns:
- Tom Miller
- Floyd Orr
- Carl Parish
- Bill Buchanan
Please send prayer requests to Pastor Jake at jake@redlandsucc.org
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Church Kitchen Remodel & Temporary Closure, January 2026
We’re excited to share that our church kitchen will be undergoing a remodel! This work will help us create a more functional, welcoming, and safe space for future meals, ministries, and community events.
Please note that the kitchen will be completely unavailable during the renovation period. As you plan upcoming events, meetings, or gatherings, keep in mind that no kitchen facilities—including sinks, appliances, dishwashing, or food prep areas—will be accessible.
We’ll provide updates as the project moves forward and will let everyone know as soon as the kitchen is back in service. Thank you for your flexibility and understanding during this time!
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Game and Conversation Night, Tomorrow, November 29
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
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Next Chair Yoga, December 1
Chair yoga will continue on Mondays at 10:00 a.m. until the end of the year. All ages are welcome.
We are blessed to have Jeanne Andrews, certified yoga instructor, hold an introductory chair yoga session for the church family.
Covenant Hall. Kid-friendly. Donations accepted.
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Mah Jongg Training for church members
Would you like to play Mah Jongg at RUCC with a fun and friendly group of RUCC members? This is a fun and challenging game, as well as a great way to enjoy time with wonderful people. Contact Claudia Tolar for lessons beginning immediately.
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Book Group Sunday, December 7
All Invited: Redlands Author Visit
The RUCC Book Group will welcome Redlands author, Tracy Wise, to discuss her book, Madame Sorel’s Lodger, on Sunday, Dec.7, at noon in the Founder’s Room. Judith Ashton will help lead the discussion. This event is open to everyone. The book is available in different formats on Amazon and at local libraries.
“A bold exploration of the encompassing drive of creativity, the power of art, and the bonds of community and friendship, Madame Sorel’s Lodger explores what it means to follow or hide your heart and how these choices, in the end, are what makes us human.” (Amazon review)
| | Ornament making, December 6 | |
A Slight Change to our Gingerbread/Children’s Pageant Schedule this year
Gingerbread House decorating activity for the kids: Dec 14 during fellowship time.
The kids’ pageant: December 21 during worship.
We need donations for the Gingerbread decorating! Please place them in the kitchen next to the microwave oven.
We especially need tubs of white, ready-made frosting: non-dairy preferred.
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Caring for Kin
Sunday, November 30th, is the last week to donate arts and crafts supplies for Peppermint Ridge.
Have you seen the wonderful variety of materials that have already been generously donated?
Looks like the residents of Peppermint Ridge are going to have a wonderful time creating beauty!
For December ....... a new pair of socks!
December can be a very expensive month, as we all celebrate with our families,
and also donate to wonderful causes through the Angel Tree and other community drives.
During this time, Caring for Kin wants to continue helping others, without over-asking from our generous church.
It would be great if each of you could bring one pair of new socks to donate to those in need.
Warm, new socks can often feel like such a comfortable luxury if you have had to go without.
They will make a much-appreciated after-Christmas gift.
Thanks, as always, for your generosity!
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RUCC Angel Tree Donations Sunday, November 16, through December 7
The RUCC Angel Tree Donations run from Sunday, Nov. 16, 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 into 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.
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Racial justice message
A new survey shows that increased immigration enforcement is creating widespread fear and stress in immigrant communities. One in five respondents knows someone who has been arrested, detained, or deported this year, and many say they are avoiding health care or government services because they’re afraid of drawing attention. These impacts fall especially hard on immigrants and communities of color, highlighting the racial-justice implications of current enforcement trends.
Source:https:https://www.kff.org/kff-nytimes-2025-survey-of-immigrants
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Environmental justice message
Farmworkers young and old can be exposed to dangerous concentrations of toxic chemicals if they are not properly trained, left uninformed about when they can safely enter sprayed fields or exposed to pesticide applications. Yet California’s system of protecting farmworkers from pesticide dangers is anything but a tight safety net. … Although state law requires illnesses resulting from pesticide exposure to be reported to the state, experts and labor advocates say the number of cases is surely undercounted, in part because laborers fear retaliation from employers if they report unsafe working conditions. …
County regulators contend that their enforcement has improved safety conditions for laborers and noted that use of toxic pesticides has decreased significantly over the last decade. Yet groups that have researched pesticide enforcement say the state of California is not using its powers to fine repeat offenders for safety violations — and hold them accountable.
Source:Lax oversight, few inspections leave child farmworkers exposed to toxic pesticides, Robert J. Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 11/20/25
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Know Your Rights, December 4
Join us Thursday, December 4, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. to hear from attorney Marjorie Barrios about:
- ICE enforcement at the local, state, and national level, including developments in ICE's enforcement actions at businesses
- The current state of common USCIS applications (family, petitions, asylum petitions) and Temporary Protected Status terminations
- The current status of enforcement at USCIS offices for beneficiaries.
The Immigrant Justice team welcomes your help. We are reaching out to Redlands businesses to raise awareness and spread the word about a "Know Your Rights". If you are interested, Sara Schoonmaker will have lists of businesses available.
Know your rights flyer
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RaiseRight orders December 1, 8, and 15
'Tis the season to earn!
Earn on all your holiday shopping and gifting when you buy gift cards or shop online through RUCC's RaiseRight program.The money you’re already planning to spend on things like gifts, wrapping paper, stocking stuffers, groceries, travel, and more, can help earn money toward RUCC's ministries. It adds up fast! Here’s how to earn:
- Buy gift cards from RaiseRight and use them to pay for all your holiday expenses. Every gift card purchase from RaiseRight earns up to 20% back!
- Shop online through RaiseRight—log in to your RaiseRight account, click through to shop directly on a brand’s website, and earn upon completing a purchase. Install the RaiseRight Earnings Extension to easily activate online earnings for a brand, buy eGift cards to pay for your online purchase, or both at once!
- Dine locally—link a credit or debit card in your RaiseRight account to earn 5% every time you dine at thousands of restaurants nationwide and pay with your linked card while at home or traveling.
- Book travel through RaiseRight—save and earn by booking hotels and car rentals using RaiseRight's travel site.
Plus, you can earn extra by combining earnings! Shop online through RaiseRight, then buy a gift card to use as payment for your online purchase. You’ll earn both ways at once!
Orders for physical gift cards will be placed Dec 1, 8, and 15 for pickup the following Sunday - in time for the holidays.
Haven’t joined our RaiseRight program yet? For more information, see Jennifer Brainerd or Pam Dunn at the table in Covenant Hall on Sundays.
| | Jazz Vespers, Saturday, December 6 | |
This week at RUCC
Saturday, November 29
- 4:30 p.m. -5:30 p.m. - Game Night set up
- 5:30 p.m. -8:00 p.m. - Game Night
- 8:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. - Game Night clean up
Sunday, November 30
- 9:15 a.m. -10:30 a.m. - Kids Zone early care
- 9:30 a.m. - Seekers group (social time at 9:15)
- 10:30 a.m. - Worship in the Sanctuary (First day of Advent)
- 10:30 a.m. - Sunday School (kids start in Sanctuary)
Monday, December 1
Tuesday, December 2
- 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Artistic Journey Group
- 2:00 p.m. - Church Growth meeting
Wednesday, December 3
- 10:30 a.m. - Mah Jongg training
- 1:00 p.m. - Mah Jongg
- 6:00 p.m. - Bells Rehearsal
- 7:00 p.m. - Choir Rehearsal
Thursday, December 4
- 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. - Know your Rights training
- 6:00 p.m. - Jam Session with David Wells
Friday, December 5
Saturday, December 6
- 9:00 a.m. - Sacred Saturday
- 12:30 p.m. - Pageant practice
- 3:00 p.m. - Education Ornament making
Sunday, December 7
- 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. - Book Group
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Upcoming Dates to Remember
- December 6 - Education Ornament making
- December 14 - Gingerbread Houses
- December 14 - Blue Christmas
- December 21 - Christmas Pageant
- December 24 - Christmas Eve Service and Dinner
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