United Church of the Valley
A Partnership Church
United Church of Christ/Disciples of Christ


A Progressive Christian Community



An Open & Affirming Congregation


A Just Peace Congregation


An Accessibility 2 All Congregation


April 2025

Our Sunday service is live and on our Zoom channel. The recording of the service will be available online later that day on Facebook, YouTube and on our Website.

From the Pulpit in April 2025

April 6th - Jamie Barnett

April 13th - Rev. Stephanie Toon (Palm Sunday)

April 17th - Rev. Stephanie Toon (Maundy Thursday)

April 20th - Sandy Selby (Easter)

April 27th - Rev. Jennifer Zechlin

If you are planning on attending a United Church of the Valley Sunday Service or other event and require a ASL interpreter, please email admin@ucvchurch.org so that we can meet your specific needs.

Worship


As April arrives, we’re finally almost at the end of Lent. April 13 is Palm Sunday, and of course we’ll be waving palms. The week between Palm Sunday and Easter is often called Holy Week and the various days marks the events leading to Jesus’ crucifixion on Good Friday. On Maundy Thursday we remember “the last supper”, the night when Jesus ate with

his disciples and told them to remember him whenever they gathered, broke bread and drank wine. Last year, Rev. Stephanie led a very special Maundy Thursday service in our sanctuary. Those who came shared a simple meal and a short but meaningful liturgy. Last year, we added this event at the last minute with little advance notice so there was a small,

intimate group who came. Everyone in attendance enthusiastically wanted Stephanie to repeat it this year and we all agreed to get the word out earlier and encourage more to join in. On Easter, it’s been our tradition to bring cut flowers on Easter Sunday to decorate our cross, symbolizing rebirth so please remember to bring some flowers from your garden. Of course, we will have our annual Easter Egg Hunt following the service. With Easter being so late this year, there should be an abundance of blooms to gather. After Easter, we enter the liturgical season of “Eastertide” with the liturgical color of white. Eastertide continues until Pentecost which this year falls on June 8.

Wonder Kids Volunteers Needed



Our Sunday school class, Wonder Kids, is looking for 12 volunteers to be the second adult in the room once a quarter. We already have 3, so we just need 9 more! If you are willing, see Sandy for details. 

Stewardship is here, your pledges in 2024 allowed UCV to operate in the black, to become a Just Peace church, and to also be awarded the Accessibility 2 All designation. Our youth church school program flourished as did our adult church school. We were active in our community and advocated for social justice. We are a small congregation with a loud voice. Thank you all for making that possible.


Let's keep it going in 2025, a little bump over 2024 if you are able.



Pledge Card

UCV Official Designations

The United Church of the Valley, your church, is officially designated a/an:



Open & Affirming Congregation

Just Peace Congregation

Accessibility 2 All Congregation

Covenants

Pastoral Care Ministry

Even though we don’t have a paid pastor at UCV, we have a number of lay pastors who want to be there for you as you travel down life’s sometimes difficult road. Please contact Sandy Selby at (502) 930-2199 to receive a confidential referral. 


The Ruth Sharp Meditation Garden sits in front of the United Church of the Valley building, a totem of peace and hope for all people. A place to come and sit to reflect on life.

Christian Education


Starting Soon - Date to be determined (within a couple weeks) but get your books now!


Reclaiming the Light: Errico Rocco's "Let There Be Light" - an overview by Rev. Jen Zechlin


The opening words of Genesis, "Let there be light," have long been a source of wonder and contemplation. But for those seeking a faith that embraces inclusivity, justice, and critical thinking, traditional interpretations can often feel restrictive. Errico Rocco's "Let There Be Light" offers a refreshing and liberating perspective, one that resonates deeply with a progressive Christian worldview.


Rocco's exploration goes beyond literal interpretations, inviting us to see the creation narrative as a powerful metaphor for liberation and the unfolding of consciousness. He encourages us to move beyond rigid doctrines and embrace the rich symbolism of the text, recognizing its relevance to our contemporary struggles for justice and equality.


A Progressive Reading of "Let There Be Light":


 * Beyond Literalism: Rocco's linguistic analysis dismantles the notion of a static, literal creation, opening space for a more fluid and evolving understanding of God's creative process. This aligns with a progressive Christian emphasis on ongoing revelation and the importance of contextual interpretation.


 * Embracing Metaphor: The exploration of "light" and "darkness" as symbols of knowledge, awareness, and the overcoming of oppression resonates with a progressive focus on social justice. The "light" can be seen as the illumination of truth, the dismantling of oppressive systems, and the empowerment of marginalized voices.


 * Challenging Hierarchies: By questioning traditional interpretations, Rocco implicitly challenges hierarchical structures that have often been used to justify domination and exclusion. This aligns with a progressive commitment to dismantling systems of power and promoting equality.


 * Finding God in the Process: Rocco's work encourages us to see God's presence not as a distant creator, but as an active force within the ongoing process of creation. This resonates with a progressive understanding of God as immanent and intimately involved in the world.


 * A Call to Action: The book's emphasis on the transformative power of "light" inspires us to be agents of change, working to bring light to the dark corners of our world. This aligns with a progressive emphasis on social action and the pursuit of justice.


 * Inclusivity: By focusing on the deeper meanings, Rocco avoids the pitfalls of interpretations that exclude or marginalize. This creates a space for a more inclusive and expansive understanding of faith.

Why "Let There Be Light" Matters to Progressive Christians:


 * It offers a framework for engaging with scripture in a way that is both intellectually rigorous and spiritually meaningful.


 * It provides tools for reclaiming biblical narratives from interpretations that have been used to justify oppression.


 * It inspires us to see the creation story as a call to action, a mandate to work for justice and liberation.


 * It reminds us that our faith is not static, but a living, evolving process.


 * It encourages us to see the divine as active within the world, and within ourselves.


"Let There Be Light" invites us to step into the light of critical thinking and compassionate action, reclaiming the ancient words for a more just and inclusive future. It offers a powerful reminder that the light of truth and liberation is available to all, regardless of their background or beliefs.


With grace and blessings,

Rev. Jen Zechlin

Wonder Kids


Planting Seeds of Hope: Talking About Easter with Young Children - Embracing Diverse Understandings


Easter can be a challenging holiday to explain to young children, especially when navigating the complexities of death and resurrection. As progressive Christians, we can approach this season with honesty, gentleness, and a focus on the enduring themes of love, hope, and new beginnings, while also acknowledging that there are diverse ways to understand the concept of resurrection.


Focusing on the Heart of the Story, with Room for Interpretation:


Instead of getting bogged down in literal interpretations, we can guide our children towards the core message of Easter: the power of love to overcome darkness and despair, and the idea that love and hope persist even after loss. It's also important to acknowledge that people understand the "resurrection" in different ways.


 * The Story of Love: Begin by telling the story of Jesus as a loving teacher and friend. Emphasize his compassion for others and his commitment to justice.


 * The Sadness and the Hope: Acknowledge the sadness of Jesus's death, but frame it within the context of his unwavering love. Explain that even when things seem dark and hopeless, love can bring new life and hope.


 * The Symbol of New Life: Focus on the symbols of Easter: the blooming flowers, the baby animals, and the vibrant colors. These represent the renewal of life and the promise of hope that Easter embodies.


 * Different understandings of Resurrection: When discussing the resurrection, it is helpful to explain that this is a mystery, and that people have understood this part of the story in many different ways.


  * Some people understand it as Jesus’s physical body returning to life.

  * Others understand it as Jesus’s spirit living on, and his teachings continuing to inspire people.

  * Others understand it as the re-birth of the spirit of hope, and love, inside of his followers.

  * Explain that all of these understandings are valid, and that the most important thing is the message of hope and love that Easter represents.


Age-Appropriate Language and Activities:


 * Keep it Simple: Use language that is easy for young children to understand. Avoid theological jargon and focus on concrete images and emotions.


 * Emphasize Feelings: Talk about how Jesus's friends felt sad and scared, but also how they felt hopeful and joyful when they realized his teachings and love continued to live on.


 * Engage the Senses: Use sensory experiences to connect with the themes of Easter. Plant seeds together, paint colorful pictures, or listen to joyful music.


 * Focus on Community: Easter is a time for togetherness. Share stories of love and kindness, and encourage children to participate in acts of service.


 * Use Children's Books: There are many wonderful children's books that tell the Easter story in a gentle and age-appropriate way. Seek out books that focus on love, hope, and new beginnings rather than graphic depictions of violence.


 * The Egg as Metaphor: The egg is a wonderful metaphor for new life. From what looks like a stone, new life emerges. This can be related to the new life that the followers of Jesus found after his death, whether it be spiritual, or physical.


Answering Difficult Questions:


 * Be Honest and Gentle: If your child asks difficult questions about death or suffering, answer them honestly and gently. Acknowledge that these are big questions that adults struggle with too.


 * Focus on Love and Hope: Emphasize that even in the face of sadness and loss, love and hope are always present.


 * Create Space for Grief: If your child is experiencing grief, allow them to express their feelings and provide comfort and support.


Celebrating New Beginnings:

Easter is a time to celebrate new beginnings and the power of love to transform our lives. As progressive Christians, we can use this season to plant seeds of hope in the hearts of our children, nurturing their understanding of a faith that is rooted in compassion, justice, and the enduring promise of love, and also a faith that allows for different ways of understanding complex theological concepts.


Phone:951-249-3255 Website: www.emilysspace.org 

Instagram: @emilys_space_ Email: EmilysSpace.Murrieta@gmail.com


JOYS

  • Becky who had surgery to her rotator cuff. She is recovering fine.
  • We had another good potluck lunch in March. Our guest speaker was our own Sharon Graff.
  • Our former pastor Rev. Joe Zarro will be installed as minister of the Redlands UCC on May 4, 2025 at 4pm Donna has a sign up sheet that she will pass around so she can call in a count of how many will be attending from our church.


 CONCERNS

  • For Laurie for her son Jason. Still in hospital as of 3/24.
  • Rick and his family for the loss of his mother.
  • Fred is asking for help as he will be moving in April.
  • A prayers and Squares quilt was given Charles. He is the father of Donna's friend David. He is being treated for cancer.


Conference News

Donna attended the installation of our new conference minister Rev. Rachael Pryor. It was held at the Montebello Plymouth Congregational Church.


Southern Association Meeting

Donna attended the Southern Association annual meeting.


Donna attended the fund raiser event at Pilgrim Pines. There was an online auction for the fundraiser. The Lillamas-Martinez were there for the day. The funds were raised for the campership fund so children and youth can attend summer camp.


Donna is swimming laps to raise money for the campership fund for Pilgrim Pines. She is asking for your support for camp. She swam over 300 laps last year.  


Funds were given to the camp for the maintenance of such thing as the pool and repair of all the roofs among other things. Thank you.


UCV is now offering a change in our name badges. We are offering to put your requested pronouns (below your name). If this is a replacement name badge, there will be a charge of $12.00 otherwise there is no cost for your 1st one. If you are a member and don't have a name badge or want a replacement just let Deb Hudson know.



Farm Workers of Deluz


Becky Sulzmann, is one of the coordinators for this effort and will be our 'point person' for this campaign. Her contact information is:



Becky Sulzmann

847-507-9305

becsulzmann@gmail.com

45002 Corte Zorita 

Temecula, Ca. 92592



See below for a full listing of needs


  • all Soups, no boxed soups please
  • breakfast cereals or anything breakfast related
  • shelf-stable milk
  • canned chicken, tuna, beef
  • instant coffee
  • powdered creamer
  • water
  • masa
  • canned fruit
  • top ramen
  • apple sauce
  • pasta
  • canned stews
  • pasta sauce
  • peanut butter
  • popcorn kernels
  • quinoa
  • rice
  • chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • green pickled whole jalapeno peppers
  • tortilla chips
  • trail mix
  • instant oatmeal/hot cereals
  • can openers (sturdy)
  • canned vegetables
  • salt/pepper/spices
  • chicken, beef, and vegetable broths and stock, not boxed
  • dried fruits
  • healthy snacks for kids
  • honey
  • juices for kids
  • nuts, salted and unsalted
  • canola oil or lard
  • band aids
  • paper towels
  • soap-bath, dish detergent
  • towels/wash cloths
  • shampoo
  • rubbing alcohol
  • peroxide
  • pain ointment or cream
  • anti itch cream
  • sunscreen
  • toilet paper
  • toothbrushes and toothpaste
  • sanitizing wipes
  • work gloves
  • calamine lotion
  • feminine hygiene supplies - no pads please

2025 Church Council

Rick Hayden

Moderator


Darcie Dunlop

Vice Moderator


Deb Hudson

Clerk


Lynne Bradley

Worship

Sandy Selby

Treasurer


Rev. Jen Zechlin

Christian Education


Irene Martinez

Congregational Life


Lorian Dunlop

Member-at-Large

All services will be live and on Zoom beginning at 10am every Sunday. The live service will be recorded and available on the UCV website, Facebook and YouTube later in the day.
 Need Space for your Recovery Meeting?

3 Sizes of Rooms Available·     

3 Sizes of Rooms Available
  •  Room A: up to 6 people (top)
  •  Library: 7 – 15 people (middle)
  •  Sanctuary: 16 – 50 people (bottom)

Storage available for Recovery brochures and supplies (limited)


Coffee Pot and supplies available for use in Kitchen


TV screens available in Library and Sanctuary for presentations


Donations (please contact us for pricing):



**½ off first month’s cost while you establish your meeting
(During Covid we ask that all CDC guidelines are followed regarding masks, cleaning and chair spacing)

Who We Are… United Church of the Valley is a small United Church of Christ / Disciples of Christ located in the Temecula/Murrieta Valley. No matter where you are on your journey, you are welcome here.
United church of the valley
41685 Date Street, Suite 100
Murrieta, CA 92562
 
Website: ucvchurch.org
Phone: 951.698.1520
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. 
To send a check, please use:
United Church of the Valley
P.O. Box 1312
Murrieta, CA 92564

Or donate online:

PayPal: 

admin@ucvchurch.org 

(3.5% fee)

Venmo: @ucvchurch (free)

Please email any joys & concerns you would like read aloud to at . 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.

Submit Prayer Request
You can find our Sermons, past and present, on our YouTube channel (click the video) as well as our website (click the button).
Sermons on our Website

April Birthdays

  • Kerry Keester-Wellman - 3rd
  • Roberta Wrye - 3rd
  • Jamie Barnett - 4th
  • Xsolai Martinez-Jones - 4th
  • Becky Hawkins - 9th
  • Brian Foxworth - 14th
  • Kate Rubke-Foxworth - 14th
  • Joe Zarro - 14th
  • Austin Linsley - 17th
  • Lucas Barnett - 21st
  • Jacob Preble - 21st
  • Randy Leisey - 24th
  • Lauren Preble - 25th
  • Rick Hayden - 28th
Online Fellowship at UCV
Services will be live and on Zoom at 10am on Sundays. The live service will be recorded and available on the UCV website, Facebook and YouTube later in the day.

Even fellowship can be online, thanks to the innovative minds at Zoom! Join us for Sunday Service live and on zoom beginning at 10am. 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. 

Sunday Service - Live and on Zoom, 10AM

Book Club - We are meeting online every Sunday at 8am Zoom Meeting Room

UCV Council Meeting - 1st Sunday of the month 11:15am live and via our Zoom Meeting Room

AA Meeting - Every Monday 7pm

Women's Al-Anon Meeting - Every Wednesday 5:30pm

Men's AA Meeting - Every Wednesday 7pm

OA - 12 Step Program - Thursday 6:30pm - 7:30pm

A Big Book Study - Every Friday 7pm

C.O.D.A.Meeting - Every Sunday 5:30pm (Currently still on Zoom)



The Community House is located at

41685 Date Street, Murrieta 92562

Submit a Prayer Request
Submit a Prayer Request
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities
United Church of the Valley is a Partnership Church
United Church of Christ/Disciples of Christ
951-698-1520 admin@ucvchurch.org
www.ucvchurch.org
41685 Date St. Murrieta

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