A Progressive Christian Community



An Open & Affirming Congregation

A Just Peace Congregation

An Accessibility 2 All Congregation

March 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.

This Saturday, don't forget

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

February sure ended on a high note! The Joy that the Rejoicers from Peppermint Ridge brought us last week was just what we all needed in this dark time. May we remember to look for that joy every day as we enter into Lent which starts next week. I’ve already requested that we be on the Rejoicers’ schedule for 2026. A special thank you to all of you who

stepped up to make sure we had enough food to feed everyone. On March 23, we look forward to seeing Rae Berg (aka Rev. Dr. Sharon Graff). She will be signing copies of her new book, Gratitude Haiku, after the potluck. This beautiful book chronicles the author’s journey thru the seasons of the pandemic.

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.



From Your Moderator

As we make the transition from winter to spring, yes even her in California, we begin to look at things in a different light, a brighter light possibly, the hope that we hold in our hearts shines brighter as well. We enjoy the people in our lives and the good times that we share with others. We face adversity and in todays world there is quite a bit of adversity to face. But we do so with more grit, with more conviction whether we face it alone or with others by our side and we by theirs.

When our soul runs low on faith and our hearts light begins to dim just a little, Sunday comes around and we get to spend the morning with our church family, we get to hear the wise words from the pulpit, we get to relax a little to give our souls a chance to refill and our hearts light a chance to gain the brightness, we get to share simple things with people who care.

I know that sometimes it is difficult to get up, get ready and make our way to the United Church of the Valley. There are conflicts of schedule, a variety of hardships, and if this is your first time planning to attend, there can be anxiety. But this wonderful, beautiful congregation will send out love and strength so that you can fill your soul and make that light bright enough to get through the week, if you are new, just know you will never be judged, just greeted with open arms.

I know, I kind of rambled on but I hope the message that was in my heart is clear to you as you read this.

May your soul be full, may your heart's light be bright and may you know that UCV is always here to greet you with open arms.

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

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 and reflect on life.

Christian Education

Nurturing Young Minds and Hearts with Jesus

In our UCV faith community, we hold the belief that the love and teachings of Jesus can play a vital role in shaping the lives of our children. This journey of teaching our young ones about Jesus is not just a one-time event but an ongoing, transformative process that evolves with time, fostering growth, understanding, and love. This will be our focus in 2025 for Wonder Kids.

We know God is not a distant, unchanging entity but a dynamic presence in the ever-changing flow of life. This perspective highlights the importance of fostering an environment where children can experience the living presence of Jesus in their daily lives. It encourages us to be active participants in God's ongoing creation, nurturing and guiding UCV’s children as they grow and develop their faith.

Teaching children about Jesus means creating a space where they can explore their relationship with God in a way that is personal and meaningful. It's about helping them understand that Jesus's love and teachings are not confined to the pages of the Bible but are alive and relevant in their everyday experiences. By doing so, we encourage children to see the divine in the world around them and to recognize the sacredness of their own journey.

In this approach, we emphasize the importance of storytelling, asking questions, and engaging in open dialogue. By sharing stories of Jesus's life and teachings, we provide a foundation for children to build their understanding of God's love and grace. Encouraging questions and discussions allows children to explore their faith in a safe and supportive environment, fostering critical thinking and personal growth.

Moreover, the kids will also experience the value of community and interconnectedness. By involving children in church activities, service projects, and fellowship, we’ll help them see the importance of relationships and the impact of their actions on others. This communal aspect of faith encourages children to live out Jesus's teachings of love, compassion, and justice in their daily lives.

Teaching children about Jesus is not just about imparting knowledge but about nurturing their spiritual growth and helping them develop a deep, meaningful relationship with God. By doing so, we lay the groundwork for a faith that will sustain and guide them throughout their lives. We will do this through games, the arts, fun, nature, and more this year.

In the ever-unfolding process of life, may we continue to walk alongside UCV’s children, guiding them with love, wisdom, and the teachings of Jesus, as they grow into compassionate and faithful adolescents and adults who will someday lead United Church of the Valley and the world.

With grace and blessings,

Rev. Jen Zechlin

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

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

JOYS

• Arlene is asking for prayers to help her find a job.
• Steve is asking for prayers for his wife Mary Beth as her heals. She is in a lot of pain.
• Laurie's son Jason is still in the hospital. He had a heart attack. He continues his treatment for cancer and infections.

 CONCERNS

• Becky had surgery and had benign results.
• Mid Winter Camp at Pilgrim Pines was a success. This was a camp for Middle and senior high students.

Conference News

The installation for Joe Zarro has been postponed. The First Congregational Church of San Bernardino will be having their closing service at 2pm on March 9th. All are invited to attend. Joe had a part in the service. Their members have been invited to attend Redlands UCC now that the S.B. church is closing.

Our new conference minister the Rev. Rachael Pryor will be installed on March 29 at the Montebello UCC at 1pm. reservations can be made at SCNCUCC.org. Donna and Laurie will be attending. If you are interested in joining them then please contact Donna at 951-217-0735 as soon as possible.    

Pilgrim Pines will be having a week-end camp On March 28th - 30th. You can come for just Saturday the 29th. There will be a fund raiser on line thru the pilgrimpinescamp.org. It will be a silent auction starting in several weeks. Donna will have several items in the auction. Registration is on the web site at pilgrimpinescamp.org.  

Once again Donna is going to swim laps for the month of April to raise money for the campership fund for Pilgrim Pines and Loch Leven. In a few weeks Donna will ask for donations for this great cause.  

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

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.

March Birthdays

• Barbara Boardway - 5th
• Sarah MacLean - 8th
• Dwayne Williams - 11th
• Joanne Fiske Love - 17th
• Grant Harris - 17th
• Emily Boucher - 22nd
• Ray Wellman - 31st

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

Follow Us on Social Media, click the icons below