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Friday, September 18, 2026

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Worship at RUCC

Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 20

Joy in the Vineyard

When we move into our grousing mode about laboring away in God’s vineyard, we need to remember the parable that Jesus shares in Sunday’s scripture passage. In the parable, everyone is paid the same no matter how many hours they work. Jesus is reminding us that working in the vineyard is its own reward. Giving generously of our time and care, serving the needs of others, spreading hope and joy, advocating for justice—all this work is La Dolce Vita (Italian for 'the sweet life' or 'the good life'). Back from the vineyards of Italy, I’m ready to celebrate the Dolce Vita of God’s vineyard with you on Sunday. Pastor Michael Schiefelbein


Scripture: Matthew 20:1-16

Last week's sermon: redlandsucc.org


Caring for Each Other

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 already be on the sheet.


Prayer Requests:

  • Prayers for Mary Lou Haney continuing to have health issues, and Jennie, as she provides full-time care along with Patrick.


Ongoing concerns:

  • Cynthia McGuigan
  • Susan Matthews


Please send prayer requests to the office at office@redlandsucc.org


Transitions

Welcome, Victoria Hernandez, to RUCC

We are delighted to welcome Victoria Hernandez as a new addition to our RUCC Team. Victoria will be providing childcare at our church during choir and bell choir rehearsals on Wednesday evenings. This additional staff position has been created to provide parents of young children the opportunity to be a part of the choirs without having to solve childcare on their own.


Come sing and ring and welcome Victoria! Contact David Wells for more information and/or to volunteer as 'second eyes.'


Groups & Gatherings

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!

Bible Study, Monday, September 21

Please join the RUCC Bible Study on Monday September 21 in the Youth Room, 7-8:30 PM.


We will be discussing Mary Magdalene in the following scripture readings: Luke 8 and 24; Matthew 27 and 28; Mark 15 and 16; and John 19 and 20. First-timers welcomed!

Chair Yoga, Monday, September 21

Have you ever gotten out of bed in the morning feeling stiff and achy? Then done something you weren't sure you wanted to do and felt so much better? Well, that is the experience of many of us that look forward to Chair Yoga every Monday at 10 a.m. in Covenant Hall with Jeanne Andrews, a certified Yoga teacher,  Come join us and start your week with more energy and optimism! 


Donations appreciated.

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.


Children and Youth


Helping Hands

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!


Social Justice


Racial justice message

A federal judge refused to release the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office from court supervision, ruling that the department still has not corrected the racial profiling practices that targeted Latino residents for years. The judge found ongoing violations, including improper traffic stops and failures to comply with mandated training and oversight, despite the sheriff’s claim that reforms were complete.


Source: https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2026-09-11/judge-rejects-bid-to-release-arizona-sheriffs-office-from-supervision-in-racial-profiling-case


Environmental justice message




The Wider Church

Third Quarter Donations for Wider Ministries

In the third quarter of 2026, RUCC Wider Ministries sent a donation to Women of Faith Interfaith Service Community. Women of Faith in Redlands is a grassroots volunteer nonprofit who unites women from diverse faith traditions to provide humanitarian aid, support refugee resettlement and Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) families, and organize local community service projects. They collect household items, clothes, new- or gently-used furniture, school supplies, and backpacks to newly-arriving families, in a warehouse near Redlands. This organization helps new arrivals navigate the many complexities of life in this country including locating affordable housing, rental assistance, identifying employment opportunities — including for English-learners — and personal mentoring as they transition into their new situation.


https://www.facebook.com/p/Women-of-Faith-Interfaith-Service-Community-100064856673626/


Bless and Be Blessed

Bless & Be Blessed is a space for our church family to share new or gently-used items they no longer need. Whether you’re looking to pass something along or find something useful, this is a simple way to care for one another and practice good stewardship within our community. Contact the office or send the information to the View when you have an item to offer or an item you need.


Around Town




Calendar

This week at RUCC

Saturday, September 19


Sunday, September 20

  • 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
  • 12:30 - Immigration Justice Meeting (Micah room)


Monday, September 21

  • 10:00 a.m. - Chair Yoga
  • 3:00 p.m. - Church Growth meeting
  • 7:00 p.m. - Bible Study


Tuesday, September 22

  • 7:00 p.m. - Board Meeting


Wednesday, September 23

  • 1:00 p.m. - Mah Jongg
  • 6:00 p.m. - Bells practice
  • 7:00 p.m. - Choir practice


Thursday, September 24

  • 6:00 p.m. - Jam Session with David Wells


Friday, September 25

  • 7:00 p.m. - AA Meeting (Founders room)


Saturday, September 26


Sunday, September 27

  • 9:15 a.m. - Kids' Zone
  • 9:30 a.m. - Seekers (Founders Room)
  • 10:30 a.m. - Sunday School (kids start in Sanctuary)
  • 10:30 a.m. - Worship in the Sanctuary
  • 11:30 a.m. - A2A Meeting


Upcoming Dates to Remember

  • October 10 - Children and Youth Pumpkin Painting
  • October 16-18 - Art, for Heaven's Sake!
  • October 24 - Game and Conversation Night
  • October 31 - Trunk or Treat


Useful Information

Church Staff

Rev. Michael Schiefelbein, Transitional Pastor

David Wells, Music Director

Sophia Ohanian, Associate Music Director

Kara Tolan, Children's Education Director

Kathy McCool, Director of Youth Ministries

Veronica Bermudez, Office and Property Manager

Caitlin Walsh, Child Care

Victoria Hernandez, Child Care II

Other Emails/Info

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