First Sunday after Epiphany, January 11
"Finding Help"
One of the most difficult places in our lives is feeling alone. Everything can be better if we have company and support - even life’s most challenging periods. In our text for worship this week, the prophet Isaiah shares an image of God that is steadfast and at the same time gentle - powerful yet not violent. Come join us for worship in person or online at 10:30 AM Sunday, when we will consider together what kind of company reminds us of God’s nurture!
First Reader:Thich Nhat Hanh book "The Heart of Buddha's Teaching
Scripture: Isaiah 42:1-9
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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Prayer Shawl Ministry –Crocheters and Knitters Needed
The prayer shawl ministry that was begun last year is in need of help! We have a few hearty folks who have taken the plunge into creating these beautiful symbols of love and care, but our needs have been great recently, and we are running low on shawls to give.
If you or someone you know can knit or crochet, please consider creating a shawl or two or more! We can help supply the yarn and needles if you can supply the craft!
We meet as a group several times during the year, and all are welcome! However, it’s not necessary to join in the gatherings – all that’s needed is for you to create something, in love, for the folks of RUCC and beyond. We have been gifted several of our shawls from a group that was part of First Congregational Church, San Bernardino UCC, and for that, we are grateful! Please help us continue this ministry. If you have questions, please contact Barbie Fiske-Phillips.
| | Dee Hodson Celebration of Life, January 17 | |
I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. — 2 Timothy 4:7
Here’s a tribute Sondra shared of her mom:
Mara Dee Hodson September 1, 1932 – November 19, 2025
Our mom, Mara Dee Hodson, passed away peacefully at her apartment on November 19, 2025. My brother Paul and I are her sole survivors.
She was born on September 1, 1932, in Ocean Park, California to our grandparents Thomas A. Miller and Dorothy Miller. In 1938, the family moved to property on 18th Street in what is now Redlands.
Mom attended Kingsbury School and Redlands Junior High in Redlands and graduated from Redlands High School in 1950. She then went on to attend the University of Redlands for a couple of years where she majored in sociology.
During her teen years our dad’s parents built a house up on Florida Street which was just above where Mom lived. It was then that she met our dad, Richard Hodson. In August of 1952 Mom and Dad got married and a year later moved to a house in the same neighborhood where my brother Paul and I grew up. She lived in that house for 70 years.
Mom was employed for 30 years as a library technician for A.K. Smiley Public Library. She loved books and reading so it was a good fit. Mom was really good at remembering people and working at the library gave her the opportunity to get to know many people in Redlands.
Mom loved animals. We had horses, cats, dogs, pet rats, rabbits, chickens and geese. When one of our neighbors found a gopher snake or a tarantula in their yard they would call Mom to come rescue it. She always had bird feeders and loved watching the various birds that came to feed. Thankfully, she was able to pet her beloved dog, Kelsi one last time a couple of days ago.
When I was about twelve years old my dream of owning a horse was fulfilled. Mom decided that she wanted to ride too so we got another horse and another and another. Mom and I went on to ride the hills around Redlands for the next 45 years until arthritis made it impossible for her to ride.
After her retirement from the library, Mom volunteered in the Heritage Room cataloging ephemera. She was fascinated with Redlands history. Her retirement also allowed her to travel. She traveled all over the United States, the British Isles and on River cruises in mainland Europe. Mom was never happier than when she was planning another trip.
Mom also loved music. She learned to play piano when she was a child and in her middle age she decided she wanted to play folk music, so she got a banjo and took lessons. However, it was the hammer dulcimer that captivated her. She bought a dulcimer and taught herself to play it. I took up the autoharp at this time, and we often played music together.
Mom was a founding member of the Redlands United Church of Christ and spent many hours helping at the church. She also loved singing in the choir and playing in the bell choir.
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Bring Your Prayers
During 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 of healing for Patrick, a friend of Susi Jacobsen, who's being treated for lymphoma.
- Prayers for friends and family of Nancy Sellas, a friend of Susi Jacobsen, who passed last week from life to Life; she will be missed.
Ongoing concerns:
- Tom Miller
- Floyd Orr
- 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 is 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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Settled Pastor Search Committee Update
After a break for the holidays, the Settled Pastor Search Committee is back up and running. We are working on a round of second interviews that will continue into February. We also have new profiles to review, and we expect to do first interviews with some of these candidates. We continue to work hard. With each thoughtful and in-depth deliberation, we get clearer about what would be best for RUCC. We appreciate your support and will keep you updated.
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RUCC Orientation, Sunday, January 18
Come to the RUCC Orientation if you have questions about the church, are looking for information about how to get involved, or are considering church membership. We’ll begin with lunch and small groups getting to know each other, and then a larger group presentation on some of the basics of the church, with lots of time for your questions.
Our next orientation is on Sunday, January 18, 2026, from 11:45 a.m. to approximately 12:45 p.m. in the Founders Room. No RSVP is necessary, but if you know you will be coming, please let Veronica in the office know.
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Next Chair Yoga, January 12
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. Meet in Mosaic Hall while construction in the kitchen is being completed. Kid-friendly. Donations accepted.
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THE RUMMAGE SALE IS COMING!
This year, we will be selling items on Friday, February 20, and Saturday, February 21.
Start saving your unwanted treasures! We will collect them in February.
We will have a committee meeting in mid-January. Please let Claudia Tolar or Pam Dunn know if you would like to be on the committee or assist with the sale.
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Bible Study, Monday, January 12
Bible Study is on Mondays from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
| | All Youth Movie Night, January 23 | |
Caring for Kin, January
Help keep everyone warm!
We are collecting new and used jackets and sweatshirts for those in need.
Please be sure that used items are clean and in good shape, with working zippers.
At this time, we are only collecting jackets and sweatshirts.
You may wish to think about donating other good clothing to the February garage sale!
Thanks, as always, for your generosity and kind hearts!
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Racial justice message
A federal judge in Louisville, Kentucky, dismissed a proposed police reform agreement that was developed after the 2020 police killing of Breonna Taylor, citing flawed legal reasoning and concerns about the burden of reform requirements. The U.S. Department of Justice had already withdrawn support for the agreement in 2025, but local officials and community leaders say they remain committed to pursuing independent reforms, including transparency measures and banning no-knock warrants. Despite this legal setback, the city has taken actions such as increased public records access and hiring independent monitors to continue addressing discriminatory practices and racial justice concerns.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/louisville-police-reform-federal-settlement-breonna-taylor-30e41912608e667453c072ba22eabbfd
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Environmental justice message
What Is Creation Justice?
“Creation justice” may be a new term for some, but it is a concept deeply grounded in Christian theology and practice. It captures both the depth of our interconnectedness with everything and the necessity to partner with God in the healing and restoration of all -- God’s Shalom. The call to creation justice is a call to protect, restore, and rightly share God’s Creation.
When we protect God’s creatures and places, we protect that which God loves.
By restoring creation -- God’s people and planet -- we are creating Heaven on Earth.
By rightly sharing creation, we participate in God’s economy, … [which] is one in which creation is shared equitably with all creation.
That’s creation justice.
Source: What is Creation Justice? by Karyn Bigelow & Avery Davis Lamb, Creation Justice Ministries, 9/1/21
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Caring for Kin
Volunteers at "Refresh and Renew" graciously accept the donation of over 100 pairs of socks to make available to their clients, who appreciate fresh, clean socks after a shower.
RUCC's Caring for Kin collected 552 pairs of new socks in December and were happy to be able to donate them to Refresh and Renew, as well as several additional local groups who help people in need ..... Family Service, Youth Hope, Rick & Kellie Ferguson (God's Closet/Holy Name of Jesus), Ross and Sandy Cooper (who provide food, laundry, and showers in their home).
Does one's heart good to see so many locals who are willing to "be the hands".
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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.
- Do you have an HP printer that uses 62 type ink? We got a new printer that uses a different ink cartridge, and we have two unopened black 62 cartridges to give away. Contact Pam or Kerry Dunn
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This week at RUCC
Saturday, January 10
Sunday, January 11
- 9:15 a.m. -10:30 a.m. - Kids Zone early care
- 9:30 a.m. - Seekers group (social time 9:15)
- 10:30 a.m. - Worship in the Sanctuary (First Sunday after Epiphany)
- 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Shepherd Leader meeting
Monday, January 12
- 10:00 a.m. - Chair Yoga
- 7:00 p.m. -8:30 p.m. - Bible Study
Tuesday, January 13
- 7:00 p.m. - Stewards Meeting
Wednesday, January 14
- 1:00 p.m. - Mah Jongg
- 7:00 p.m. - Choir practice
Thursday, January 15
- 6:00 p.m. - Jam Session with David Wells
Friday, January 16
Saturday, January 17
- 12:30 p.m. - Celebration of Life for Mara Dee Hodson (Founding Member)
Sunday, January 18
- 9:15 a.m. - Kids Zone
- 9:30 a.m. - Seekers group (social time 9:15)
- 10:30 a.m. - Sunday School (kids start in Sanctuary)
- 10:30 a.m. - Worship in the Sanctuary (Second Sunday after Epiphany)
- 11:30 a.m. - RUCC Orientation
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Upcoming Dates to Remember
- January 23 - Education Youth Movie Night
- January 24 - Game Night
- February 14 - 100 Hearts (Valentine's event)
- February 20-21 - Rummage Sale
- February 21 - E-Waste
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