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Friday, October 31, 2025

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RUCC stained glass with rainbow


Worship at RUCC

Covenant and All Saints' Sunday, November 2

 "Keep Sharing"


Covenant Sunday is a wonderful celebration of the community and the work that is “church” at RUCC! When things get difficult with finances for any of us, we immediately pull in and we worry. Given the changes in our world and in our government, we are likely to do the same just now. Covenant Sunday is a powerful reminder that we are called as a community of faith to weather storms together - to look to our faith and to one another for support and inspiration during any difficult times. Come join us as we remember the persons and saints that have gone before us, as we hand in our covenants and as we celebrate communion - all reminders of God with us!


First Reading: Maya Angelou

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10

Last week's sermon: redlandsucc.org


Remember to set your clocks back one hour on Sunday, November 2.

Covenant Sunday, November 2

The covenanting process at Redlands United Church of Christ is unique and foundational to who we are as a community. Each year, we take time to consider how we want to move forward with this church and with our individual spiritual journey. It’s one of the high holy days for RUCC when we come together to say again, “I’m in and I choose to walk my journey with all of you!” Please bring your covenant with you to church on November 2nd, and we will consecrate again our commitment to our own path, our shared work, and our gifts of money and time to the world we want to create.


If you have not covenanted in the past and have questions, please reach out to Pastor Jake or anyone on the board as to how this process works.


Thank you for your prayerful consideration.

All Saints' Day, November 2

On Sunday, November 2nd we will celebrate All Saints' Day at Redlands United Church of Christ. We will remember those we have loved and learned from, who have encouraged and strengthened us – those who have been as saints to us. While they have moved from life to Life they are still integral to who we are. To celebrate our “saints”, please bring a photo, memento, touchstone that is significant to you in relation to your saint(s). We will bring these items forward at the beginning of the worship service and create a mosaic of memory and love.


Caring for Each Other

In our thoughts and prayers:

• Sue Hammond has been moved to hospice care.

• Prayers for Stephen Arth healing from an infection.  

• Prayers for Dee Hodson, recovering from an infection. 

• Prayers for Beth Welsh’s sister Diane, who went to the hospital with stroke symptoms.  

• We pray for health and healing for all persons today, for those who are uninsured or underinsured - that they may have access to health care and caregivers who treat their concerns and needs with care and respect.


Ongoing concerns:

  • Tom Miller
  • Floyd Orr
  • Carl Parish
  • Bill Buchanan


Please send prayer requests to Pastor Jake at jake@redlandsucc.org

Transitions are a constant at RUCC


Transitions

Church directory — Update your information

We would love to have everyone's photos and information updated. There will be a table this Sunday, November 2, during fellowship hour. If you would prefer not to be listed in the directory, please contact the church office.


"The church directory is available online through signing into the Realm website or the Realm Connect app (for android users) Realm Connect app (iphone users). All the photos and updates you've made are there now. Hard copies will be available at a future date from the church office upon request."


If you have any questions, please contact Linda Hoeger.

Settled Pastor search update

The Settled Pastor search committee is continuing with our round of video interviews with applicants who have already submitted their profiles. We are excited to get to know people better and to see what they might bring to RUCC. We have also received additional profiles, which we will review. We're pleased with our progress and appreciate your continued support and patience.

sacred saturday gathering in micah room mosaic hall


Groups & Gatherings

Bridge lessons

The first cycle of bridge lessons is underway. We have eight people in our group, and it has already been great fun! Because learning bridge is a process, new people can’t join the class mid-way. However, a new class may be forming in January, depending on interest. If you would like to learn to play, please let Heather Abushanab know so she can alert you to the next opportunity to join a class!

Sacred Saturday, November 1

Sacred Saturday will be held on November 1st from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. beginning in Micah room in Mosaic Hall. Our focus will be on the covenants we have encountered from those who have come before us, and on the impact the covenants we make in our lives may have on future generations. This may be a time for those who want to consider/ponder/pray/write/ their RUCC 2026 Covenants. If you feel that having a tranquil space to write and express yourself would be beneficial, we invite you to join us Saturday, November 1st.


While our focus is on covenanting, everyone is welcome to this time and space. If you are not in the process of making a covenant, or if you've already completed yours, we encourage you to attend. This sacred time is meant for your inner self and whatever it may be seeking. All are welcome!

RUCC Book Group, November 2

The next meeting of the RUCC Book Group will be on November 2 at noon in Founders Room. Mark Leggett will present the book, The Best Minds by Jonathan Rosen.


“Brave and nuanced . . . an act of tremendous compassion and a literary triumph.” —The New York Times. “A story about friendship, love, and the price of self-delusion, The Best Minds explores the ways in which we understand—and fail to understand—mental illness”-Amazon review.

Celebration honoring UofR Chaplain Emeritus John Walsh

Date: Sunday, November 2, 2025

Time: 7:30 PM

Location: University of Redlands, Memorial Chapel

There is a reception with light refreshments following the service.


RSVP is requested.

Super Shepherd Sunday, November 9

Hello friends! Our next Super Shepherd Sunday will be on November 9. Please be on the lookout for communication from your Shepherd Leader for where your group will be meeting. If you are not in a Shepherd Group, then please reach out to Maegan Hill.

Chair Yoga, November 3, 10, 17

All ages wanted and needed.

We are blessed to have Jeanne Andrews, certified yoga instructor, hold three introductory chair yoga sessions for the church family.

Mondays, 10:00 a.m., Covenant Hall. 11/3, 11/10, 11/17. Kid-friendly. Donations accepted.

Congregational Meeting, November 16

The board has called a congregational meeting for November 16 immediately after worship, where we will vote formally on two motions.

  1. The board recommends allocating up to $60,000 for Stewards and Hospitality to complete kitchen renovations.
  2. The board recommends a one-time special donation of $6,000 (a 10% "tithe" on what we're spending on ourselves) to the Conference, to be used for LA fire victims or wherever Conference leadership feels it can best help.

If you won't be present, you may vote absentee using the ballots available at www.redlands.org/ballot.

Christmas Craft Faire, November 15-16

The Christmas Craft Faire on Saturday, November 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday, November 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., in Covenant Hall and Founders Room. We are collecting books, Christmas decorations, and linens that can be donated in Covenant Hall between now and November 14th, during office hours Monday-Thursday. 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.


Baked items are needed; please package to sell, or we can package the items (Friday volunteers appreciated). We will price the items accordingly for the Christmas Craft Faire. Drop off items on Friday between 1-6:00 p.m. at the church. Contact Ginny Cruz if you have any questions.


Book Sale flyer

Puzzle Store flyer

Bake Sale flyer

YAPS Dog and Cat adoption flyer


All proceeds from the baked items, books, and Christmas goods go to the Pastor's fund.

Game and Conversation Night, November 29

Some people just can’t wait till January for Game and Conversation Night! Back by popular demand, Game and Conversation Night will be on November 29, Saturday, at 5:30 p.m. A sweet treat will be served.

 Ricky and I would like to pass the baton to new hosts. If you are interested in organizing and hosting game night about once a month in 2026, could you contact me? - Ginny Cruz


Children and Youth

RUCC Intergenerational Thanksgiving Celebration, Nov. 7

Olvera Street All-Church Train Trip, November 22

Christmas Play, December 21, actors needed


Helping Hands

Caring for Kin

In the month of November, we will be collecting arts and crafts items for Peppermint Ridge. Requested items include acrylic paint, canvases, construction paper, heavy-duty paper, markers, acrylic markers, colored pencils, crayons, coloring books/sheets, Play-Doh, air-dry clay, ribbon/yarn, and glue. Other helpful items include jigsaw puzzles (less than 300 pieces), simple board games, and paper plates. 

social justice demonstration


Social Justice


Racial justice message

Several civil-rights groups have filed a lawsuit to block the U.S. Justice Department’s plan to close the Community Relations Service (CRS) — a federal office born from the Civil Rights Act of 1964 whose mission is to help mediate racial and ethnic tensions across communities.


CRS has often been called “America’s Peacemaker.” Its dismantling raises serious concerns: with its elimination, who will bridge divides, facilitate dialogue, and help address conflict when racial and community tensions flare?


Source: https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/us-civil-rights-groups-sue-block-closure-race-relations-office-2025-10-24/

Environmental justice message

[Fights over data center placement] are happening around the United States. On one side are companies pouring billions of dollars into data centers, which increasingly are being built to support artificial intelligence models that promise to transform how people live and work. On the other side are residents who worry the construction spree will have dire consequences for the environment, power prices and surrounding communities.


Source: Data centers are booming. But there are big energy and environmental risks, Michael Copley, National Public Radio, 10/14/25


The Wider Church

RAIC Thanksgiving celebration, November 16

The Redlands Area Interfaith Council presents our annual Thanksgiving celebration November 16, 2025 4:00 p.m. First United Methodist Church.


Around Town


Calendar

This week at RUCC

Saturday, November 1

  • 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Sacred Saturday
  • 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Search Committee Meeting


Sunday, November 2

  • 9:15 a.m. -10:30 a.m. - Kids Zone early care
  • 9:30 a.m. - Seekers (social time at 9:15)
  • 10:30 a.m. - Worship in the Sanctuary ( Covenant & All Saints' Sunday)
  • 10:30 a.m. - Sunday School (kids start in Sanctuary)
  • 12:00 p.m. - Book Group


Monday, November 3

  • 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. - Chair Yoga
  • 7:00 p.m. - Bible Study (email for info), in person or online


Tuesday, November 4

  • 11:30 a.m. -2:00 p.m. - Artist Journey Group
  • 2:00 p.m. - Church Grow Meeting


Wednesday, November 5

  • 1:00 p.m. - Mah Jongg
  • 6:00 p.m. - Bells Rehearsal
  • 7:00 p.m. - Choir Rehearsal


Thursday, November 6

  • 5:00 p.m. - Search Committee Meeting
  • 6:00 p.m. - Jam Session with David Wells
  • 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. - Immigration Justice Meeting


Friday, November 7

  • 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. - Education - Intergenerational set up
  • 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. - Education - Intergenerational Thanksgiving Celebration
  • 8:00 p.m. -9:00 p.m. - Education - Intergenerational clean up


Saturday, November 8

  • 10:00 a.m. - AFHS meeting recap


Sunday, November 9

  • 9:15 a.m. - Kids Zone
  • 9:30 a.m. - Seekers group (social time at 9:15)
  • 10:30 a.m. - Sunday School (kids start in Sanctuary)
  • 10:30 a.m. - Worship in the Sanctuary
  • 11:30 a.m. - Super Shepherd Sunday
  • 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Search Committee meeting

Upcoming Dates to Remember

  • November 14-16 - Christmas Craft Faire
  • November - Angel Tree
  • November 30 - First Day of Advent


Useful Information

Church Staff

Rev. Jake Pomeroy, Transitional Pastor

David Wells, Music Director

Sophia Ohanian, Associate Music Director

Vacant, Children's Education Director

Kathy McCool, Director of Youth Ministries

Veronica Bermudez, Office and Property Manager

Caitlin Walsh, Child Care

Other Emails/Info

Social Media

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