Friday, December 19, 2025 | |
Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 21
"Missing Nativity"
Our children, youth, and teachers (including staff) have been at work on a pageant for a few weeks now. What a wonderful gift to hear the Christmas story from a fresh perspective. At the same time, we place in front of our community one of the central narratives of our faith – a story with personal, social, political, and faith struggles. Come join us in person or online for worship and a performance of The Missing Nativity by the children and youth of RUCC!
Last week's sermon: redlandsucc.org
| | Christmas Eve Service and Tamale Dinner, Wednesday, December 24 | |
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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Bring Your Prayers
During Advent worship, we are trying something new for our prayers - there will be a sheet at the back of the sanctuary with space for prayer concerns and joys…please write LEGIBLY whatever you would like to share with the community that day, and it will be shared during our prayer time together. Prayers may be edited for length, and it helps if you identify a person’s relationship to our community. Worship area will meet in January to see if this is a helpful tool for us going forward in the new year! Thanks!
Prayer Request:
- Prayers for Ruth Jordan, who is recovering from a stroke.
- Prayers for Andrea, who’s awaiting results of a critical MRI.
- Prayers for healing and recovery for Mary Melcher following surgery this week.
- Prayers for Karen Proctor’s friend Veronica, who is in hospice.
- Prayers for care and support to Cherie Bogel's sister, Bridget Altshule, for her recent diagnosis of Lupus.
- Prayers for our local Jewish siblings and community as they celebrate Hanukkah and face continuing discrimination and threats of violence because of their faith.
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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New Leadership for the Church Growth Area is needed
It’s time for new leadership for the Church Growth Area of our church. Term limits for board members allow for a healthy rotation of engaged members. As an area leader, you would coordinate the efforts of members who have volunteered to greet, welcome, and integrate visitors, as well as those who work on our church communications. A core of 4-5 people have been meeting monthly. Additional members expressed new interest in Church Growth in their 2026 covenants. Area leaders also serve on the church board, which includes preparing for and attending monthly board meetings. To ask questions or express your interest, contact the outgoing leader, Michael Dewey, or any board member, Veronica in the office, or Rev. Jake.
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Next Chair Yoga, December 22
Chair yoga will continue on Mondays at 10:00 a.m. and has been extended to the end of January 2026. 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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RUCC Christmas Caroling, Monday, December 22
Fa la la la la la la la la! ‘tis the season for Carolers! Monday, December 22, RUCC Carolers will take flight around the neighborhood and spread Christmas Joy. We would like to come to your house! If you would like us to come serenade you, please contact the church office so we can add you to the caroling route, and we’ll be there with bells on.
| | New Year's Eve Celebration, December 31 | |
Seekers on hiatus until January 4, 2026
The Seekers group will not meet on either Sunday, December 21, or Sunday, December 28. We will resume meeting on Sunday, January 4, 2026. On that Sunday, we will begin a new book: ONEING A Living Tradition, Volume 13, no. 2. The text can be purchased through the Center for Action and Contemplation at the online CAC Bookstore. Since this is the most recent volume, it will show on their main web page. Please join us Sunday, January 4, 2026, in the Founders Room at 9:15 a.m. for social time, with discussion of the reading starting at 9:30 am.
| | RUCC Christmas Pageant, Sunday, December 21 | Bible Study, starting January 5 | |
Caring for Kin
SOCKS are needed!
We have had a response from three organizations in Redlands who would appreciate the donation of socks for their clients.
It would be great if each of you could bring one pair of new socks to donate to those in need. 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. 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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Racial justice message
Several FBI agents who were fired for kneeling during a 2020 racial justice protest are now suing to get their jobs back, arguing their dismissals were retaliatory and that they were attempting to calm tensions during the demonstration. The lawsuit highlights ongoing debates about free expression and accountability within federal law enforcement when officers engage with social movements tied to racial justice. This case exemplifies broader conversations about how institutions treat support for racial equity and the rights of public servants to express solidarity with civil rights causes.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/dec/08/fbi-agents-kneeling-racial-justice-protest
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Environmental justice message
The holiday season is a time for connection, reflection, and gratitude, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Embracing sustainable holidays encourages mindful consumption and reduces waste, allowing us to enjoy this special time without compromising the well-being of our planet. Join One Home One Future today to access Free Sustainable Holiday resources!
Source: Brooks Berndt, "Sustainable Holidays," UCC Environmental Justice newsletter The Pollinator 12/3/25
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RaiseRight
'Tis the season to earn!
Even though the deadline to order physical gift cards has passed, there are still many ways you can continue to use the RaiseRight program during this holiday season. Here’s how to earn:
- Buy from stock – we have Stater Bros and Auto/Grocery only Master Cards in stock. Stop by the RaiseRight table after worship on Sundays to purchase using cash, check, or Zelle.
- Buy eGift cards from RaiseRight and use them to pay for all your holiday expenses or gift them. If you check the box to Send as a gift by email, you can have eGift cards sent directly to your loved ones. eGift 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.
Haven’t joined our RaiseRight program yet? For more information, email giftcards@redlandsucc.org or see Jennifer Brainerd or Pam Dunn at the table in Covenant Hall on Sundays.
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This week at RUCC
Saturday, December 20
- 9:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m. - Private Funeral service and reception
- 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - Indonesian Church practice (Covenant Hall)
Sunday, December 21
- 9:15 a.m. -10:30 a.m. - Kids Zone early care
- 10:30 a.m. - Worship in the Sanctuary (Fourth Sunday of Advent)
- 10:30 a.m. - Sunday School - pageant
Monday, December 22
- 10:00 a.m. - Chair Yoga
- 1:00 p.m. - Private Funeral Service
Tuesday, December 23
- 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. - office will be open
- 9:00 a.m.-Christmas Eve decorating Covenant Hall
- 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. - Munch and Muse lunch group
Wednesday, December 24
- 5:30 p.m. - Christmas Eve service and tamale dinner
Thursday, December 25
- Office closed all day - Christmas Day
Friday, December 26
Saturday, December 27
Sunday, December 28
- 9:15 a.m. - Kids Zone
- 10:30 a.m. - Sunday School (kids start in Sanctuary)
- 10:30 a.m. - Worship in the Sanctuary ( First Sunday after Christmas)
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Upcoming Dates to Remember
- December 29 - Office Closed
- December 31 - New Year's Eve Celebration
- January 1 - Office Closed
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