Fourth Sunday after Epiphany, February 1
We welcome our Conference Minister, Rev. Rachael Pryor, in worship this week as she is here to work with our Search Committee that afternoon.
Mentored into ministry from childhood at Sylvania United Church of Christ in Northwest Ohio, Rachael’s call and vision are rooted in extravagant welcome, faithful generosity, and a commitment to advocacy and justice. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Michigan and an M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary. Rachael lived and worked in eastern Austria as an English teaching assistant through the Fulbright program for two years between college and seminary.
Before coming to the SCNC, Rachael served as Associate Conference Minister with the Kansas-Oklahoma Conference and as part of the Tri-Conference staff team in Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. She also spent 7 years working with Kansas Interfaith Action: first as a board member and volunteer, then three years as Board Chair, followed by a staff role as Director of Engagement and Development. Rachael has served local congregations of the UCC and the ELCA in interim, transitional, and settled calls. She also has experience in campus ministry, in children and teen ministries, and with new church starts. She is a former participant with the UCC’s Next Generation Leadership Initiative (NGLI).
Along with her husband, Adam, Rachael is a parent to four young children. She enjoys cooking for friends, reading, cold weather, and traveling to new places.
Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12
Last week's sermon: redlandsucc.org
| |
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!
If you have questions, please contact Barbie Fiske-Phillips or Heather King.
| |
Susan Rodgers Hammond's funeral service, Tuesday, February 17
Susan Rodgers Hammond was a long time member and friend of RUCC. A Memorial Mass and Reception for her will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 3:00 p.m. at El Carmelo Retreat House, 926 E. Highland Ave., Redlands, CA 92374. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Sue Hammond Memorial Scholarship Fund: scholarships.rcsf@gmail.com - https://www.redlandsscholarships.org/
| |
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 for Diane Campbell, Beth Welsh’s sister, who is recovering from ankle surgery.
- Prayers for continued healing for Ruth Jordan, who is recovering from a fall and surgery.
- Prayers of patience and strength for Ben Bohren, who continues with several more weeks of radiation treatments.
- Prayers for the family and friends of Floyd Orr, who passed two weeks ago from life to Life; he will be missed.
- Prayers for healing for Craig Wesson, hospitalized for heart issues.
- Prayers for Mary Melcher, recovering slowly from surgery.
- Prayers for all who are under threat from ICE enforcement - may our elected officials act with care and compassion around immigration.
Ongoing concerns:
Please send prayer requests to Pastor Jake at jake@redlandsucc.org
| |
Church Kitchen Remodel & Temporary Closure, January 2026
The new kitchen is nearing completion!!! This week the floor was finished, tilework was done under the cabinets and around the floor edges and the new equipment was installed! We are hoping for final completion next week and once we are moved back in, we will be open for business!
Thank you for your patience, your support, and most importantly, your enthusiasm for this big project.
The Kitchen Team
Pam Dunn, Stacey Greene, Mark Sternberg, Kim Lara-Kane, Jane Troy
|
Settled Pastor Search Committee Update
The Settled Pastor Search Committee has completed a second round of video interviews and will soon arrange for one candidate to come for an in-person visit. We also have scheduled first video interviews with recent applicants. As we continue to move forward, we are excited to meet with Rev. Rachael Pryor, our conference minister, this Sunday. We know that she will help us prepare for the next steps in our process. Thank you for your continued support.
| |
“Dinners for 8ish” is back again for 2026!
Participants will share a meal at four dinners over the course of a year. Your “set" (see below for what that means) will host one meal and get hosted three times, each time with three different sets of people. When you host, you provide a main course and beverages. The other three times you'll be assigned to bring an appetizer, a salad, or a dessert. You’ll end up having four nice meals with a total of twelve sets of people.
EVERYONE can participate in this great activity for the church! Feel like your house is too small to host? You can host your meal at the church or borrow a larger hosting home from someone else. This is a beloved activity, and we don't want anyone to be left out!
A “set” of people of your choosing may consist of an individual, a couple, a small group of friends (approx. 2-3), or a family. The point is to keep the total number of guests at the meals manageable (8ish).
Sign up now, and we’ll get you dining with your new RUCC friends in no time. If you have questions, please contact Hospitality Area Leader Kim Lara-Kane or Loring Fiske-Phillips at D48ish@redlandsucc.org.
|
Immigration Justice Team
There are two pop-up events this week in support of the national #StopICE movement. ICE and Border Patrol continue to be active in our surrounding IE neighborhoods, kidnapping and disappearing people. This has to stop--it is lawless and violates due process and basic rights under the US Constitution.
Event#1: Pop-Up General Strike on Friday, January 30, 2026, all day.
As you are able, stay home, only shop local, and shut it all down.
Event #2: Pop Up Rally on Peace Corner on Saturday, January 31, 2026 - 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Please join us as we peacefully, but not quietly, gather to build hope, justice, and equity for all who live here.
Contact Sara Schoonmaker for more information.
|
RUCC Book Group, Sunday, February 1
The RUCC Book Group’s next meeting will be this Sunday, Feb. 1, in Founders Room at noon. The selection to read and discuss for this meeting is Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon. The presenter will be Claudia Tolar. The Book Group usually meets on the first Sunday of every month, and everyone is always welcome to join us.
“… a gripping historical mystery inspired by the life and diary of Martha Ballard, a renowned 18th-century midwife who defied the legal system and wrote herself into American history.” (Amazon review)
| |
Next Chair Yoga, February 2
Jeanne Andrews is a gifted yoga instructor. We thank her for leading us toward health and wellness on Mondays at 10 a.m. in Covenant Hall. Chair Yoga will continue through February. No more excuses! Just Do It! Donations appreciated.
| |
Save the Date: Valentine's Day Potluck and Party in Covenant Hall on February 14, at 6 pm. All are welcome.
Caring Hearts Outreach: Caring Hearts is an outreach project to elderly and differently-abled adults who no longer can live at home due to their daily living and medical needs. For the last month, small groups at church (Youth Movie Night, Game Night, Nursery, Sunday School, Fellowship, etc.) have been making valentines to give out as a token of our caring. Activities will be arranged at local assisted living and nursing home facilities during the week of February 7 to 14. More information to follow, including directions on how to sign up to participate in the activities. Caring Hearts will be part of the Valentine's Day Potluck and Party at church on Saturday, February 14, at 6 pm.
| |
Silent Retreat, 2 spots open, Friday, February 20 to Sunday, February 22, Prince of Peace Abbey, Oceanside
An Invitation to SILENCE - a great way to deeper communication with your God. Come join us on a Silent Retreat. Even the noisiest of us who can't imagine being silent for an hour, let alone a whole weekend, are amazed by the grace we receive during this holy time. Five meals, single room - $300.00. Payment is due February 1. If financial help is needed, let Pastor Jake know. Contact Judith Turian or Pastor Jake for more information and to reserve your space.
| |
THE RUMMAGE SALE IS COMING! Start collecting your treasures!
You only have 2 1/2 weeks to gather up your treasures for the annual RUCC Rummage Sale! The Rummage Sale is happening Friday, February 20 and Saturday, February 21 from 8:00-1:00.
On Sunday, February 15, we will start collecting your clothes, household goods, small working appliances, holiday decorations, linens, toys...you get the idea. We aren't accepting any furniture or car seats.
We will be taking sign-ups for helpers this Sunday before and after church. Some opportunities to help are with collecting treasures the week of the sale, setting treasures out the week of the sale, putting up yard signs around town early Friday morning, helping on the days of the sale, and packing up and delivering leftovers on Saturday, February 21 from 1:00-3:00 pm. Please consider how you can help out.
AN ADDED BONUS---E-WASTE WILL BE COLLECTED IN THE PARKING LOT ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21 FROM 8:00-1:00. ALL E-WASTE NEEDS TO BE BROUGHT ON SATURDAY.
Thanks for your support. See a committee member if you have any questions.
The Rummage Sale Committee
Ginny Cruz, Pam Dunn, Claudia Tolar, Jane Troy, Karen Walsh
| |
RUCC Kids and Youth: Light Bringers/First Readers Needed
Attn RUCC Families: Please sign up to have your child(ren) participate in our Light Bringer/First Readers program during worship.
- Children and youth will bring the light to our altar, (with parents/guardians helping if you wish), at the beginning of each service.
- Children and youth will also read our First Reading from the pulpit. (Again, with parental assistance if desired.)
- Please sign up by email with the date(s) you are available to: al_education@redlandsucc.org.
- Open to all ages grade 12 and under (even the very youngest can participate with parental assistance!)
| |
Bible Study, Monday, February 2
Bible Study is on Mondays from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m in the youth room.
| |
CARING FOR KIN, February 1st and 8th
RUCC's Souper Bowl Competition is here!
Vote for your favorite team and help our hungry kin at the same time!
Look for THE PATRIOTS or THE SEAHAWKS on the Caring for Kin cart.
Place your soup donations on the cart, somewhere under the name of your chosen team.
The results will be announced during the week following the actual game.
Both Family Service and Youth Hope have told us that canned soup with pull-tops is the most handy for its clients.
Thank you for your generosity!
ABOUT THE JACKETS!!!
Ninety jackets and sweatshirts were delivered this week, and about 50 more were delivered two weeks ago! Youth Hope, Family Service, God's Closet/Holy Name of Jesus, and Angel's Closet were our beneficiaries. In addition to that, 13 RUCC members bought specifically requested jackets for each resident at Hannah's House of Hope. Pam Dunn, Sue Kirkhart, and Karen Walsh joined those residents for a meeting and some fellowship, as these jackets were given out.
Thank you all for caring for our kin.
| |
Racial justice message
A reminder that our nation’s laws—like our own hearts—carry histories that must be acknowledged before they can be healed. The UCLA project’s mapping of racism in U.S. immigration policy invites us to see how exclusion and fear have been woven into our legal structures, and to recognize the people harmed by those choices as beloved children of God. By bringing this history into the light, the work encourages communities of faith to pursue justice, hospitality, and repair as central expressions of discipleship.
Source: https://voiceofsandiego.org/2025/09/22/border-report-mapping-racism-in-u-s-immigration-laws/
| |
Environmental justice message
The United Church of Christ has a set of Just World Covenant programs. Such covenants “are adopted by local congregations and the diverse settings of the church to strengthen their commitment to building a just world for all through their ministry, mission, and witness.” Among these programs is the Creation Justice Churches program. According to the program website, “The Creation Justice Churches program is not a prescribed list of things to do but a process of discernment on how to best care for God’s creation. In its own way, each church [applying to become a Creation Justice Church] will determine how to fulfill this primary calling.”
Find out more about the Creation Justice Churches program here: https://www.ucc.org/what-we-do/justice-local-church-ministries/efam/environmental-justice/creation_justice_churches/
| | 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, January 31
- 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Board retreat
- 2:00 p.m. - Private Funeral
Sunday, February 1
- 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 (Fourth Sunday after Epiphany)
- 11:30 p.m. - Book Group
- 12:00 p.m. - Search Committee Meeting
Monday, February 2
- 10:00 a.m. - Chair Yoga
- 7:00 p.m. -8:30 p.m. - Bible Study
Tuesday, February 3
- 11:00 a.m.- Munch & Muse lunch group
- 11:30 a.m. - Artist Journey group
- 3:00 p.m. - Private funeral
Wednesday, February 4
- 1:00 p.m. - Mah Jongg
- 6:00 p.m. - Bells practice
- 7:00 p.m. - Choir practice
Thursday, February 5
- 10:00 a.m. - Private Funeral
- 5:00 p.m. - Search Committee Meeting
- 6:00 p.m. - Jam Session with David Wells
- 6:30 p.m. - Immigration Justice Meeting
Friday, February 6
- 11:00 a.m. - Private funeral
Saturday, February 7
- 9:00 a.m. - Sacred Saturday
- 1:00 p.m. - Search Committee Meeting
Sunday, February 8
- 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 (Fifth Sunday after Epiphany)
- 11:30 a.m. - A2A meeting
- 12:00 p.m. - Environmental meeting
- 12:00 p.m. - Shepherd leader meeting
| |
Upcoming Dates to Remember
- February 14 - 100 Hearts (Valentine's event)
- February 20-21 - Rummage Sale
- February 21 - E-Waste
| | | | |
