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Friday, May 16, 2025


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Worship at RUCC

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Music Sunday - May 18

We speak to God in prayer, in study, and in service. But we also speak to God powerfully in music, and the range of worship music is vast and eclectic. This year's "Music Sunday" will have everything from handbells to hand-drums. We've got Joni Mitchell and choral music in Latin. The Covenant Choir has some special music planned, along with the Celebration Ringers, and David, Joe, Sophia and Zoe. Come make a joyful noise this Sunday as we celebrate the depth and breadth of sacred music.


First Scripture Reading: Psalm 119: 105

Focus Scripture Reading: John 8: 12

Special Message from Rev. Joe

Update on Rev. Joe and Family: The funeral for Sara's stepfather Gib Garretson will be Sunday, May 25 at 11 a.m. and the whole family will be returning to Marshfield, MA for Memorial Day Weekend. Rev. Erin Beardemphl has graciously agreed to lead worship that day. Rev. Joe plans to be back for Pride Sunday on June 1st! The Zarro family appreciates all the love and support we've received. 


Caring for Each Other

Concerns:

  • Prayers of thanksgiving for a successful emergency surgery for Cid Breyer, who is now at home recovering on a clear foods diet. Prayers for ongoing recovery and rest. 
  • Prayers for the Zarro family as they grieve the loss of Sara’s stepfather Gib Garretson who passed from life to Life on May 8. His celebration life will be on Sunday, May 25.
  • Prayers for Denise Cain who continues to recover from abdominal surgery on May 2
  • We pray for Johanna Ballard’s niece Ann Marie had a skin biopsy, and her brother Dave who is being treated for stage 4 prostate cancer.
  • We pray for the victims of violence and oppression around the world. This week we pray again for the people of India and Pakistan and especially those in the Kashmir region. We give thanks for the recent ceasefire and pray these nuclear-armed states can find diplomatic paths to peace and prosperity for their people 

Ongoing Concerns:

  • Those affected by wildfires, including the UCC in Altadena 
  • Amelia, Janet Wilson's great niece
  • Dick Ault 
  • Danny Anderson 
  • Jerry Andrews 
  • Bill Buchanan  
  • Fred Freeman
  • Judith Gregory 
  • Beki Hill  
  • Harriet Holt, Beki Hill's mother 
  • Amber McGuigan 
  • Cynthia McGuigan 
  • Tom Miller 
  • Dondon and Scott Mong 
  • Floyd Orr
  • Paisley Parcell 
  • Carl Parish 
  • Dee Dee Seek’s great grandson Jaxson 
  • Robert Silver  
  • Steffen family  
  • Michael White

Caring for Kin 

For the month of May, we will be collecting non-perishable (non-expired) food items for Redlands Family Services. RFS did not request any type of food in particular, but some ideas include cereal, oatmeal, canned goods, peanut butter, pasta, rice, and beans. 


Helping Hands

Odd Jobs Corner

The Church often needs a little help with odd jobs. Current needs include: Clean scuff marks off walls, wash and dry one or more curtain panels in Covenant Hall. Contact Veronica in the office if you can volunteer.


Groups & Gatherings

May 16 - Game and Conversation Night

Games and Ice Cream Sundaes at Game and Conversation night Friday, May 16, 5:30 p.m. in Covenant Hall. We will be partnering with Caring for Kin by collecting new socks of all sizes for children and adults. This event is for all ages so turn off the TV and come have some fun.


Children & Youth

Bowling, Sunday, May 25

All kids, youth and their families are invited to come bowling at the Empire Bowl on the afternoon of Sunday, May 25, at 12:45 p.m. Our bowling package includes lanes, shoes, pizza, salad and unlimited soda pitchers! To reserve your spot contact al_education@redlandsucc.org. Let us know how many adults and kids are in your party, and how many of those would like to bowl.


RUCC Day Camp June 9-13

The Education Committee is thrilled to announce an exciting program this summer: RUCC Day Camp! (Previously referred to as Vacation Bible School)

 

Dates: June 9-13

Time: 9AM-3PM 

Where: RUCC Campus, with possible short excursions off campus, here and there

Who: all RUCC children currently in grades 12 and under, including grandkids, nieces, nephews, etc.

 

The ReNew curriculum (from Sparkhouse) which we will use, empowers kids to grow in faith, have fun, and change the world. Each day, kids will explore Jesus’ Parable of the Sower with age-appropriate activities while learning how to care for God’s creation.

 

Please contact al_education@redlandsucc.org for more information, and to get your name(s) on the list. Also: we need volunteers to help us with this new program! If you’re available to help during the week of June 9, please contact us at the email address given above.


Social Justice

Environmental Justice Message

“LAUDATO SI’, mi’ Signore” – “Praise be to you, my Lord”. In the words of this beautiful canticle, Saint Francis of Assisi reminds us that our common home is like a sister with whom we share our life and a beautiful mother who opens her arms to embrace us. “Praise be to you, my Lord, through our Sister, Mother Earth, who sustains and governs us, and who produces various fruit with coloured flowers and herbs”. … This sister now cries out to us because of the harm we have inflicted on her by our irresponsible use and abuse of the goods with which God has endowed her.

 

Encyclical letter: "Laudato Si': On Care for our Common Home," Pope Francis, 5/24/15


Fifty Years of RUCC

Nearly fifty years ago about 120 people came together to form RUCC. Those who remain commissioned Tom Medlicott to craft this beautiful new stained glass window as a gift to the church. Installed this week in the Micah Room, it completes our original plan for that room to have it be available as a chapel when a smaller worship space is more appropriate.

 

We will hear more about the founding of the church and dedicate the new window during the celebration weekend on June 21-22. Thank you to our founders both for their vision fifty years ago, and for this touching gift now.

Activities for RUCC 50th Celebration


These activities are planned for the RUCC 50th Anniversary Celebration on the weekend of June 21-22, 2025:

Saturday, 6/21

  • There will be a 3 p.m. choir program in the Sanctuary. The choir program will be “Celebrate Life!” which has been performed several times in the church’s history since our beginning. 
  • This will be followed by a “Champagne Reception.” This will include a selection of beverages and light snacks and will be held in and around Covenant Hall.

Sunday, 6/22

  • The morning: 10:30 a.m. Worship Service in the Sanctuary will highlight the “Past, Present, and Future of RUCC” with Pastor Joe preaching. At the end of the service, we will process to Mosaic Hall to dedicate the Chapel area in the Micah Room which will contain a new stained-glass window donated by RUCC “Founders & Earlies” and the donated Communion table from the former 1st Congregational UCC of San Bernardino.
  • Next, in the afternoon (following the service) we’ll have a Church Barbecue and Ice Cream Social. There will be food, games for all ages, and time to have fun and enjoy time together.


 Everyone is invited. Please spread the word to family and friends and others who might want to join us. There will be no charge for anything.


Calendar

This week



Sunday, May 18

  • Kids Zone, 9:15 a.m.
  • Seekers, 9:30 a.m.
  • Music Sunday


Monday, May 19

  • Bible Study - Mondays at RUCC 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., in person or online. The Book of Galatians will be the study topic.


Tuesday, May 20

  • Board Meeting, 7:00 p.m.


Wednesday, May 21

  • Mah Jongg, 1:00 p.m.


Thursday, May 22

  • Bell and choir practice, 6:00 p.m.


Friday, May 23

  • Friday night closed Women's AA meeting 7 p.m.

Upcoming Dates to Remember

  • May 27 - Munch and Muse lunch group
  • June 1 - Pride Sunday
  • June 1 - Next Book Group meeting after church in the Founders Room.
  • June 2 - Church Growth Meeting, 2 p.m.
  • June 3 - Education Meeting, 10 a.m.
  • June 4 - Mah Jongg - 1 p.m.
  • June 5 - Bells and Choir practice
  • June 6 - Friday night closed Women's AA meeting 7 p.m
  • June 7 - Sacred Saturday


The complete church calendar is online at https://www.redlandsucc.org/calendar

RUCC Staff

Senior Pastor: Rev. Joe Zarro

Music Director: David Wells

Associate Music Director: Sophia Ohanian

Children's Education Director: Susi Jacobsen

Director of Youth Ministries: Kathy McCool

Office and Property Manager: Veronica Bermudez

Child Care: Caitlin Walsh

 

Website:  www.redlandsucc.org

Phone: 909-793-3520

 

Staff and Other Emails

pastor@redlandsucc.org

musicdirector@redlandsucc.org

childrenseducation@redlandsucc.org

youth@redlandsucc.org



office@redlandsucc.org

weddings@redlandsucc.org

theview@redlandsucc.org