Friday, December 26, 2025 | |
First Sunday after Christmas, December 28
"Faith Perspective"
Sometimes it is abrupt or even shocking to us when someone uses faith language to describe their life experience. We are used to football players who thank God in their interviews on television, but it still surprises us to see friends or strangers praying together at a cafe table or a park picnic table. Sometimes a store clerk or a stranger in line will say “I am simply grateful to God for my blessings”, or “Even though I am confused, I am sure God has an intention for me in this experience”. This story about Jesus directly between Christmas and Epiphany is meant to be a strong reminder that the birth of the Messiah is not a “one off” - we are at the beginning of a new reign in our lives, a different chapter where the presence of God is real and at work. Come join us for worship in person or online and we will consider together how the events of Christmas change the way we look at our lives!
First Reader: Ellen Bass, Beginning to Heal
Scripture: Luke 2:41-52
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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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 the family of Carl Parish, who passed from life to Life last week.
- 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 last week.
- Prayers of healing for Jennie Haney, who fractured her tibia.
- Prayers for Karen Proctor’s friend Veronica, who is in hospice.
- Prayers for caring and support to Cherie Bogel’s sister Bridget Altshule, for her recent diagnosis of lupus.
- Prayers for peace in Gaza, in Ukraine, in Sudan, and communities torn by violence.
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 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 29
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.
| | New Year's Eve Celebration, December 31 | |
Seekers on hiatus until January 4, 2026
The Seekers group will not meet on 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.
| | Bible Study, starting January 5 | |
Caring for Kin
December 28 is the last week to donate a pair of socks for our kin in need.
Your generosity has been appreciated, and many warm heels and toes thank you!
Thinking ahead ....
We will be collecting new and used jackets and sweatshirts during the month of January.
Used items are most helpful if they are in good condition, with working zippers, and no stains or tears.
At this time, we will be collecting only jackets and sweatshirts.
Please do not bring other miscellaneous clothing items for this drive.
Much thanks to all.
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Racial justice message
A Northern California city has agreed to implement major police reforms after officers were found sharing racist text messages, using excessive force, and falsifying records. The settlement requires Antioch to overhaul training, strengthen oversight, and rebuild trust with communities harmed by discriminatory policing. For RUCC, this story highlights the ongoing work of Christ’s teachings, with repentance, repair, and justice in public life.
Source: https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2025-12-19/northern-california-city-to-reform-police-after-racist-texts-scandal
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Environmental justice message
The theme of the third week of Advent is hope. Hope for the coming Christ Child, but also the restoration of all of Creation. While hope for the future requires patience, we cannot wallow in apathy, despair, or inaction. We must live in hope and vigorously work towards a world where we live justly with all of Creation.
Source: “Living in Hope During Urgent Times for God’s Earth,” Rev. Dr. Nathan Hosler, Board member, Creation Justice Ministries, 12/18/25, written during the third week of Advent.
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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 27
Sunday, December 28
- 9:15 a.m. -10:30 a.m. - Kids Zone early care
- 9:15 a.m. - Seekers group
- 10:30 a.m. - Worship in the Sanctuary (First Sunday after Christmas)
Monday, December 29
- 10:00 a.m. - Chair Yoga
- Office is closed all day
Tuesday, December 30
Wednesday, December 31
- 6:00 p.m. - 9:15 p.m. - New Year's Eve celebration
Thursday, January 1
- Office closed all day - New Year's Day
Friday, January 2
- 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. - Private Funeral
Saturday, January 3
- 9:00 a.m. - Sacred Saturday
Sunday, January 4
- 9:15 a.m. - Kids Zone
- 10:30 a.m. - Sunday School (kids start in Sanctuary)
- 10:30 a.m. - Worship in the Sanctuary ( Epiphany)
- 12:00 p.m. - Book Group
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Upcoming Dates to Remember
- January 11 - RUCC Orientation
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