United Church of the Valley
A Partnership Church
United Church of Christ/Disciples of Christ
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A Progressive Christian Community
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We are having a "Name our Newsletter" contest |
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Our newsletter needs a catchy, hip new name, so we decided to turn this creative process into a fun event and include everyone (as it should be). So let's get the creative juices flowing and you just need to click on the button below to submit your entry. The winner will get some UCV swag. |
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2020 was a hot mess inside a dumpster fire inside a train wreck. Here's hoping 2021 will be a much better year. But be prepared - it will start out worse. COVID-19 cases will reach new record numbers after the travel and gatherings of Christmas. Dear friends and members of our UCV family have gotten and may get the virus. The latest federal stimulus will help those in financial need, but it is not nearly enough. Our own UCV budget for 2021 is already in the red and additional spending cuts might be necessary. 2021 will have a rocky start.
But do not despair. Hope is on the way. The vaccine - while not rolling out as quickly as we hoped - is coming. Our church, though struggling financially, continues to reach new people who need the support of a loving church community. We will apply for every federal and local grant available, and somehow God will provide. By Easter, we might experience the hope and promise of resurrection like never before.
I am praying for the day when we can gather together in person and unleash the alleluias we buried last Lent. In the meantime, we will cling to one another in spirit. The church of our hearts will remain open. The bonds of love will remain unbroken. We will weather this storm together and come through stronger, more determined and more committed than ever to be a sanctuary for those seeking acceptance, inclusion, and the radical love of Jesus Christ.
Share God's Love
Sandy Selby, Moderator
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United Church of the Valley will hold its annual congregational meeting on Sunday, January 10th at 11am on Zoom. All members and friends of UCV are invited to attend this important meeting. We will review the proposed 2021 budget and slate of council members, and you will have ample opportunity to ask questions and make suggestions. Members will then have an opportunity to vote to accept or reject the proposed budget and church council.
The council will meet on January 4th at 6pm on Zoom to finalize the proposed budget and slate of nominees for the church council that will be presented to the congregation. As with all church council meetings, this meeting is open to the public. Feel free to join us. The budget and slate of nominees will be emailed to everyone on our mailing list on Tuesday, January 5th so that you will have plenty of time to review it before our meeting on January 10th.
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UCV is a Beloved Community, But Who Else Knows |
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During this stewardship moment (video below), we were called a Beloved Community - a safe place for people to go where they aren't judged, just welcomed with open arms. We've heard this before, quite a few times actually, so why is it that most people don't know about us? It seems that is a question that we need to answer, and we need to come up with a strategy to make it happen. We have brainstormed a couple of call to action items. Perhaps you have interest or expertise in an area that you would like to share with the congregation.
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Look at services that would be of interest to the community. This would not be a UCV Sell - it would be a way to connect with the community.
- Formulate and implement a solid social media strategy that would encompass Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to start.
To accomplish these, we will need the help of our congregation. Do you have a passion for meeting the needs of this community? Do you or someone you know have an interest in social media? This would be a great opportunity for a college student to intern for college credit. We understand that your time is a treasure, please share it with us.
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Look for our new Kid's Korner in January |
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January's newsletter will feature a new section, Kid's Korner, a section filled with resources and topics for our youth. We will utilize the educators of our church to lend direction and our youth director, Ruth Dunlop will lead the way and we surge forward to provide a great christian youth experience. We will also offer a section on our website with the same name. |
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January services will be live on Zoom at 10 am on Sundays. The live service will be recorded and available on the UCV website, Facebook and YouTube later in the day. |
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Though I share the sentiments of so many that 2021 can’t come quickly enough, as I reflect on this past year, and especially during Advent and Christmas, there are a lot of highlights.
Our worship leaders continue to amaze and inspire Each week, the message seems to be exactly what I needed to hear. Thank you for your dedication, your insights and your willingness to share your gifts with us. Special thank you’s to Dr. Sharon Graff, Lee Eddy, Rev. Stephanie Toon, Sandy Selby, Ruth Dunlop, and Rachel and Kevin Chapman. You are such a gift to UCV.
One of the themes of Advent worship was that, even in—especially in—this time where live music isn’t possible, the power of music cannot be silenced. Our musicians did an amazing job. They practiced—by themselves and on a few zoom rehearsals, they recorded video after video and then we had to put together all of those videos to create the virtual musical offerings that were presented each week during worship. It was A LOT of work (still an understatement!), but we hope it enriched worship. So, although thank you doesn’t even come close to expressing appreciation for ALL the work and love that went into the music, especially during Advent, we are so grateful for our amazing instrumentalists: Lorian, Ruth and Darcie Dunlop, Paul Dallas, Pei-Ying Li and Kelsey Fahy. We are fortunate indeed to have these professional musicians with us. Our singers need special recognition as well. Every singer had to be recorded individually (fortunately we had completed most of the recording before covid rose to a critical level). Besides the logistics involved in getting everyone recorded, singing alone for a recording (super different than singing in the shower) is a daunting task. In a choir, each singer supports each other, so singing alone can be scary. So I applaud everyone for stepping out of their comfort zone to be able to create this music: Sandy Selby, Keira Eddy, Donna Richards, Sherry Turner, Laurie Landrum, Jerry Hawkins and our multi-talented Dunlops.
We also should recognize the composer, Mark Miller, whose music played such a key role during Advent. The messages of each of his songs seem to be so appropriate for the times we are in. Because music video doesn’t always come thru perfectly on Zoom, I’ve put all of the music we did in a playlist and will ask Rick to make it available on the UCV website.
Those of you who were on zoom during Advent know that our new sanctuary had a cameo role as I did my zooming from the sanctuary. It felt so good to be there and I can’t wait for the time when we can all be there together! It has a wonderfully warm feeling. It has been furnished with a lot of love over many years. The communion table and lectern were made by one of our early members, Jim Hein. Right now they are adorned with a couple of advent banners made long ago, but now enhanced by two amazing banners created by Anne DiPardo. Our “new” sanctuary piano was donated by Ann Grim. We are also so fortunate to have an organ which also has an interesting story. It was given to UCV many years ago by the family of an organist from Poway who had passed away. This was his personal organ which he used to practice for his church organist job. Because, in those days, we were worshipping in a variety of schools, we were have never been able to use it, but it was carefully stored first in Florence & Dean Wolfe’s home and then later in Dennis Wolfe’s garage so it feels wonderful to finally have it ready to participate in worship. And, our wonderful 5 octaves of Whitechapel handbells are locked in the closet right off the sanctuary. After so many years of shlepping leavy bell cases and other equipment, set up will be a breeze now. I must remember that this amazing gift came to UCV in our very first year of existence, a gift from Bob Sanford, a benefactor from Rev. Randy Leisey’s previous church. And, following us from school to school to Masonic Center, the brass cross, candlesticks and vases, a gift from Katie Luhring, now also have a permanent home on Jim’s communion table. So, even though we must still wait a bit longer, we have much to look forward to!
With hope for a bright 2021
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Prayers and Squares Online Coming to a Close
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Thanks to everyone who supported our Prayers and Squares holiday fundraiser! We’ve raised enough to keep our ministry going strong in the new year and look forward to sharing our comfort quilts with you at in-person worship (one day!).
Although the online Boutique has come to a close, we always welcome your donations, and will continue to accept requests for custom-made items. Keep us in mind anytime you need a special gift!
Meanwhile, our prayer quilts are entirely free and can go to anyone at all. To request one, just contact Anne DiPardo ( dipardo.anne8@gmail.com / 319-331-1515). While the pandemic continues, the quilts will come from a quarantined home and delivered touch-free. The ones you see below were for Keira Eddy’s mom and for a baby boy named Hayden. They thank you for your prayers! |
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PLEASE send in any pictures, new or old, so we can continue to see everyone’s smiling faces throughout the month of January...any Holiday road trips? |
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We Need Your Help to Update Our UCV Church Directory |
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Our very own Deb Hudson is working on an update for the UCV Church Directory. If you would be so kind as to help her out by clicking on the button below and filling out the short form and then hitting send. Thank you for helping, this will be ever so helpful to us all. |
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Bringing our tithes and offerings to God is an important spiritual practice that cultivates gratitude and generosity. While we cannot physically pass the offering plate, we can continue to bring our gifts to God through online or mail-in donations. |
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To send a check, please use:
United Church of the Valley
41685 Date Street Suite 100
Murrieta, CA 92562
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Or donate online:
(3.5% fee)
Venmo: @ucvchurch (free)
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UCV Birthday Bank - a Timeless Tradition |
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The Birthday Bank has been a tradition at the United Church of the Valley for many a year. When your birthday comes around you get to put $1 for every year into the birthday bank (the $1 per year is only a suggestion). Of course we would love to celebrate with you during our social after the Sunday Service, we'll even provide the cake. Is your name on this list?
- Aimee Hayden
- Kyle Hayden
- Joanne Skinner
- Sarah Halverson
- Phoebe Eddy
- Michael Banks
- Lillian Henderson
- Dennis Wolfe
- Becky Harris
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We have added a time of Joys & Concerns to our online Sunday service. Please email any joys & concerns you would like read aloud to Sandy Selby at moderator@ucvchurch.org. You can also send confidential prayer requests. Just indicate as such and let Sandy know if you want it shared with any of the other spiritual counselors.
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Behind the Virtual Pulpit in December |
During the month of January our Sunday service will be live on our Zoom channel. The recording of the service will be available online later that day on Facebook, YouTube and on our Website. |
Jan. 3rd - Dr. Rev. Sharon Graff
Jan. 10th - Rachel Chapman
Jan. 17th - Reflections on Martin Luther King Day
Jan. 24th - Rev. Stephanie Toon
Jan. 31st - TBD
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You can find our Sermons, past and present, on our YouTube channel (click the video) as well as our website (click the button). |
We’ve all been very concerned about our friends in Nicaragua, dealing first with political unrest, then COVID and then TWO category 4/5 hurricanes in less than two weeks. Initial reports were that they suffered some crop damage but nothing too severe. However, it sounds like things are much worse than we originally heard—a high percentage of crops are destroyed, roads are damaged and quite a few houses along with latrines are in bad shape. Extreme poverty will certainly drive many to leave the country in search of work, leaving the weak and elderly to remain. I expect we’ll hear more details soon about ways we might be able to help. Meanwhile, our prayers are definitely needed. |
Please keep the following people in your prayers.
- The Martinez family. Irene lost her dad on Dec 20. Irene and family are in Florida. Irene was with her mom and dad when he passed. The service was held on Dec. 29th
- Laurie and Neil Landrum have the COVID-19 virus. Laurie is in the hospital with pneumonia. She went on Christmas day.
- Sarah Halverston-Cano has an infection in the lymph nodes and glands in her face. She is now at home and is doing a little better. She still has pain to her face.
- DeAndre Williams let us know that his great grandmother Lillian Henderson is in failing health. She is homebound. He is her caregiver. DeAndre and Dwayne were members of our youth group and music program years ago. Lillian will be 100 years young on Jan. 17th.
- Prayers for our new friend Dawn Smith. Her father passed away at the beginning of Dec.
- Prayers for Lorian's friend Kim Herbert and her son Trevor who is dying of medulloblastoma and a long with cancer.
Thank you, Tammy, and to others that sent out Christmas cards. To Heather who made cookies for some of our members. To all our members and friends who helped make our Advent services so good. For all those that helped save, wrapped and stuffed toilet tissue roll with candy. We made 220 rolls. The Murrieta Food Bank gave them to the children at the last food bank pick up of 2020. They loved them.
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WINTER WONDER CAMP
The SCNC Outdoor Ministries and the Youth and Young Adult Ministries Teams would lie to invite all ages to join our upcoming Virtual Winter Camp. The theme is The Mountain Top: "I've seen the Promised Land". This will be an intergenerational weekend retreat for all ages. Dates are Jan 16-18, 2021. Cost is $110.00 for the 1st participant and $25.00 for each additional participant. Check out https://www.yayaministries.org/winter-camp If you need a place to take a vacation-- think of Pilgrim Pines. Cabins and lodges are for rent. If family pods have more than 20 people, then meals will be served. Money would go to the general fund to help keep the camp running. There is also the cottage which is a self-contained house and the money from this house goes to the campership fund. For info, email pilrimpinescamp@gmail.com or go to pilgrimpinescamp on Facebook. Call Donna for more info. Camp is still there, it snowed on Dec. 28 th (see the photo). Continue your prayers that there is will not be a lot of rain at camp, the hillsides are bare after the fire this past fall. |
Our Flocks of Cranes is Still Growing |
We have a crew lined up to string our cranes together and get them installed. With luck, we should have some of our cranes installed in our new sanctuary very soon. Watch for pictures. Soon, we HOPE! |
Services will be live on Zoom at 10 am on Sundays. The live service will be recorded and available on the UCV website, Facebook and You Tube later in the day. |
Even fellowship can be online, thanks to the innovative minds at Zoom! Join us Sunday’s at 9am for Book Study and 11am for Fellowship Coffee Hour. UCV has its own Zoom meeting room at https://zoom.us/j/9516981520
You can join from your Zoom app using meeting number 9516981520
Or you can join by phone:
One tap mobile
+16699006833,9516981520# US (San Jose)
or dial
+1-669-900-6833
and then enter
9516981520#
You can start your own online fellowship, too! Just email Sandy Selby at moderator@ucvchurch.org to get on the meeting schedule.
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Sunday Service - Virtual on Zoom,
Fellowship - Virtual on Zoom, Every Sunday at 11am
Monthly Game Night -SUSPENDED until further notice. Every 3rd Saturday of the month from 6:30 - 8:30 at The Community House
Monthly Potluck - SUSPENDED until further notice
Book Club - We are meeting online every Sunday at 9 am Zoom Meeting Room
AA Meeting - Virtual Only Monday - Friday 7am
Voices of the Valley Youth Choir - SUSPENDED until further notice
UCV Council Meeting - 1st Monday of the month 6pm Zoom Meeting Room
AA Meeting - Virtual Only Every Monday 7pm
Women's Al-Anon Meeting - Virtual Only Every Wednesday 5:30pm
Men's AA Meeting - Virtual Only Every Wednesday 7pm
TVP Board Meeting - 2nd and 4th Thursday 6pm at The Community House
AA Big Book Study - Virtual Only Every Friday 7pm
AA Step Meeting - Virtual Only Every Saturday 8am
Trans Family Support - 1st Saturday of the month 4pm
Citizens Climate Lobby Meeting - Virtual Only 2nd Saturday of the month 9:30am
C.O.D.A.Meeting - Virtual Only Every Sunday 5:30pm
AA Meeting - Virtual Only Every Sunday 7:30pm at The Community House
The Community House is located at
41685 Date Street, Murrieta 92562
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United Church of the Valley is a Partnership Church
United Church of Christ/Disciples of Christ
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951-698-1520 admin@ucvchurch.org
www.ucvchurch.org
41685 Date St. Murrieta
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