Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, August 2
"That's the Kind of Church I Want To Be Part Of"
The earliest followers of Jesus, Christ-ians (little Christ people!) had it tough!! Meeting in secret; in danger of arrest and death; and as diverse as imaginable, they struggled their way forward, stumbling and uncertain of their future. Yet, Acts give us a vision of what the early church hoped it could be? What do you hope the church can be today?? Rev. Dr. Ben Bohren
Scripture: Acts 2:43-47
Last week's sermon: redlandsucc.org
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Social Justice Member's Moment, August 2 - Gun Violence
According to the Rockefeller Institute of Government there have been 515 mass shootings in the U.S. since 1966. This Sunday we will hear from one of our own folks who was directly impacted by that first tragedy. This is a brave and tender story to be shared in our sanctuary.
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Sacred Saturday, August 1
This Saturday from 9:00 am -12:00 pm we will gather at the church for contemplation, prayer and a time to reflect on our own Sacred Odyssey. Come and give yourself a time of rest and renewal for the journey ahead.
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Bring Your Prayers
For the time being, we are keeping the prayer requests 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 Request:
- Prayers for comfort and healing for Michelle McNevin and Alicia Thompson.
- Prayers for Nan Root and family, on the sudden death of her daughter-in-law.
- Prayers for Steve Schuh as he begins radiation treatment.
- Prayers for peace in Ukraine, Lebanon, Gaza, Iran, and the Sudan.
- Prayers for safe travel for those returning from summer travels back to school and work.
Ongoing concerns:
- Tom Miller
- Bill Buchanan
- Ruth Jordan
- Jon Herbert
- Carol Buchanan
- Mary Lou Haney
- Craig Wesson
Please send prayer requests to the office at office@redlandsucc.org
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Stephen Barrick Arth Service, Saturday, August 8
Stephen Barrick Arth, a lifetime resident of the Redlands area, died on April 13, 2026. He was 72. Born August 16, 1953, to Aaron and Helen Arth, he was raised in the family orange grove on San Bernardino Avenue with his four siblings.
Steve was a founding member of Redlands United Church of Christ. He served his church family as an usher and groundskeeper. He was a lifelong Dodgers fan who loved watching the games and cheering on his favorite team.
Steve graduated from Yucaipa High School. He retired from Patton State Hospital after more than 30 years of working in food service.
Beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, Steve will be remembered for his infectious chuckle, good nature, and ever-present kindness.
Steve is survived by his sister, Linda Wyland of Lakeway, TX, and his nieces and nephews: Robert Schwab of Phoenix, AZ; Scott Schwab of Dana Point, CA; Lisa Arth-Pisano of Portland, OR; Matthew Arth of Redlands, CA; Kimberly Nishihara, of Gilbert, AZ; and Lauren Hall of Lakeway, TX. He is preceded in death by his loving parents; his big brothers, Fred Arth and Phillip Arth; and his older sister, Carol Schwab.
A celebration of Steve’s life will be held at Redlands United Church of Christ (168 Bellevue Avenue, Redlands) at 2:00 pm on Saturday, August 8, 2026, with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Redlands United Church of Christ. Please indicate "Memorial Fund" in the check memo line or select the Memorial Fund if donating on Realm.
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Introducing Our New Transitional Pastor, Michael Schiefelbein
Pastor Michael comes to us after spending 4 years in retirement from the College Avenue UCC in Modesto. Michael served 16 years as senior pastor there. He and his husband Steve live in Palm Springs. Pastor Michael comes to us highly recommended by Rachael Pryor, our conference minister. Two fun facts: he is a retired English professor from Christian Brothers University, and he is also in ministry with the Enneagram Prison Project in California as a Riso & Hudson certified Enneagram teacher. Pastor Michael is looking forward to his ministry with us, and we are delighted he is accepting our call! He will start his time with us on Sunday, August 9.
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Bible Study on hiatus for 4 weeks
Bible Study is on hiatus for the next four weeks. We will resume on Monday, August 24, at 7:00 p.m. in the Youth Room; we'll be discussing Mary and Martha. Please save the date and join us on August 24!
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Book Group meeting August 2
The RUCC Book Group will be reading The Correspondent by Virginia Evans and discuss it at their next meeting on August 2, at noon, in Founders Room. The presenter is Kathie Blakley.
Filled with knowledge that only comes from a life fully lived, The Correspondent is a gem of a novel about the power of finding solace in literature and connection with people we might never meet in person. It is about the hubris of youth and the wisdom of old age, and the mistakes and acts of kindness that occur during a lifetime. (Amazon Review)
Upcoming Book Group selections:
August 2 Selection: The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
Presenter: Kathie Blakley
Sept. 6 Selection: The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
Presenter: Charletta Campfield
Oct. 4 Selection: The Keeper of Lost Children by Sadeqa Johnson
Presenter: Susan Matthews
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Next Chair Yoga, Monday, August 3
Chair Yoga may sound like it is easy-peasy, but it is quite a wonderful yet gentle workout. For the last eight months, 15 to 20 friends and neighbors of RUCC have gathered on Mondays at 10:00 a.m. in Covenant Hall to stretch, strengthen, and breathe. There is a private funeral in the Sanctuary that morning. Our fearless leader, Jeanne Andrews, a gifted certified yoga instructor, challenges us to work a little harder in modified yoga poses. Afterwards, you feel the best kind of tired. It is for people of all abilities. We would love to have you give it a try. Donations appreciated.
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Game and Conversation Night, Saturday, August 22
Game and Conversation Night is back.. See you on Saturday, August 22, Saturday, at 5:30 in Covenant Hall. Our Hospitality Chef will be creating a wonderful, casual dinner for us. This church venue brings together all ages across generations for a night of fun, laughter, and community. We have a "prize table" where everyone can bring an item they no longer need but think others would use and take any items for the table that they can use. We have prizes for the kids also. So bring your favorite game or join others. If you would like to help in the kitchen at 4:30, please let Ginny or Kim know. Help Ricky set up tables at 5:00. This is a no-stress event!
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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.
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Caring for Kin, August 2026
In the month of August, we will be collecting unopened toiletries, underwear, and socks for Angel's Closet. Angel's Closet provides clothing, shoes, accessories, and toiletries to elementary, middle, and high school youth in Redlands whose families have difficulty affording these items. Items they specially requested this year include the following:
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Soap and body wash
Shampoo
Deodorant
Lotion
Sanitary pads and tampons
Underwear - all sizes, youth through adult
Socks - all sizes, youth through adult
Angel's Closet expressed gratitude for all RUCC does to support their organization. Thanks for your continued generosity this year!
Thank you,
Diana Steele-Jones
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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, all unclaimed items will be donated to Goodwill on August 10.
If you have any questions, please contact the Church Office. Thank you for helping us keep our shared spaces tidy!
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Racial justice message
A deal to bring Colorado River water to Native American communities in northern Arizona, where a third of homes lack running water, is being blocked by neighboring states, caught up in a broader battle over how to divide the dwindling river.
The largest tribal water rights settlement in U.S. history—the product of decades of negotiations to secure water for the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe and San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe—was on the verge of being realized before Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming stepped in to oppose it being codified by Congress.
Source: https://sfreporter.com/coverstories/native-american-tribes-came-together-to-secure-colorado-rive/
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Environmental justice message
| | 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. | |
This week at RUCC
Saturday, August 1
- 9:00 a.m. - Sacred Saturday
Sunday, August 2
- 9:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. - Kids' Zone
- 10:30 a.m.- Sunday School (kids start in Sanctuary)
- 10:30 a.m. - Worship in the Sanctuary (Ninth Sunday after Pentecost)
- 12:00 p.m. - Book Group
Monday, August 3
Tuesday, August 4
- 11:00 a.m. - Munch and Muse Lunch Group
- 11:30 a.m. - Artist Journey Group
Wednesday, August 5
Thursday, August 6
- 4:30 p.m. - Private meeting
Friday, August 7
Saturday, August 8
- 2:00 p.m. - Funeral service - Stephen Arth
- 6:00 p.m. - Education kids and youth rootbeer float party
Sunday, August 9
- 9:15 a.m. - Kids' Zone
- 10:30 a.m. - Sunday School (kids start in Sanctuary)
- 10:30 a.m. - Worship in the Sanctuary (Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost)
- 12:00 p.m. - Education Empire bowl
- 12:00 p.m. - Environmental Group meeting
- 12:00 p.m. - Shepherd Leader meeting
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Upcoming Dates to Remember
- Game and Conversation Night, August 22
- Super Shepherd Sunday, August 23
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