A Progressive Christian Community



An Open & Affirming Congregation

A Just Peace Congregation

An Accessibility 2 All Congregation

November 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.

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

This Sunday is All Saints Day and we’ll also pay homage to Dia de los Muertos. Actually, the two celebrations are closely related and we are fortunate to live in southern CA where we can experience the rich and colorful traditions of both. This is a time to remember and honor our

loved ones and ancestors who continue to be with us in spirit. The Disney film Coco beautifully reminds us that our departed loved ones continue to live as long as we remember and honor them. Thus Dia de los Muertos is a joyful rather than mournful celebration. So, on Sunday we will be remembering the saints departed, remembered with love and gratitude not

sorrow. You’ll notice a new name on our list of speakers this month. We welcome Michael,IHC to our pulpit! Michael is a friend of Jamie Barnett’s. I’m hoping that Michael will be telling us a bit about himself and his experiences soon. You’ll also notice that by the end of November, we finally leave the longest liturgical season, the season of Pentecost (or Common Time) and move into Advent. Hopefully before we reach Advent, we’ll be sharing more details of this year’s theme for Advent. (Teaser: Advent is about “Resistance” and we have a great new hymn written especially for UCV by Amanda Udis-Kessler that illuminates this theme. By the way, a thought-provoking book I’ve read recently, Who Stole My Bible: Reclaiming Scripture as a Handbook for Resisting Tyranny by Rev. Jennifer Butler, describes the Bible as first and foremost a book about

resistance. I’ve also recently been following Rev. Cameron Trimble. In one of her recent posts, titled “Refusing the Gift”, she relates a story told of the Buddha and an angry man. The man came hurling insults, full of fury, demanding a fight. But the Buddha stood calm, rooted in stillness. When the man finally paused for breath, the Buddha said softly:“ If someone offers you a gift and you do not accept it, to whom does the gift belong?” “To the one who offered it,” the man replied. “Exactly,” said the Buddha. “So it is with your anger—I do not accept it. It remains yours.” Rev. Trimble goes on to reflect: “There is deep wisdom here for our moment. We are living in a time of constant provocation. From degrading AI-generated propaganda to the destruction of public symbols, from political gaslighting to cultural erosion, the powerful seem intent on drawing us into their theater of rage, spinning us in cycles of outrage, fear, and despair. But not every gift must be received. Not every insult must be dignified with our

energy. Not every performance deserves our participation. To not receive the gift of contempt is a sacred act of resistance. It is not passivity. It is presence. It is choosing not to mirror cruelty. It is refusing to be governed by someone else’s narrative of hate. The empire may try to humiliate, distract, and dominate. But we do not have to carry what was never ours to begin with. We can be like the Buddha—grounded, discerning, still. We c hold our clarity like a flame in a windstorm. When we stop reacting to every cruelty and begin responding from spiritual depth, we reclaim our sacred agency. This is not detachment: it’s a strategic refusal to let chaos colonize our spirit. The revolution will not be reactive. It will be metabolically wise. Spiritually rooted. Discerning. Collective. Generous. Joyful. Courageous.” So, let the joyous resistance begin!! In advent, we will explore how Hope, Peace, Joy and Love are all acts of Resistance, just as they were when Jesus first came into the world 2000 + years ago.

In October, I attended (virtually) an incredible conference about music for progressive Christian worship and also worship in general that was beyond exciting and inspiring. Mark Miller (“I Believe”, “We Resist), Melanie McMore (“One Foot in Front of the Other”), Christopher Grundy (“Drawing Nearer”, “Home By Another Way”), Ken Medema (“Come Build

a Church”) and many others were there sharing not only their music but their thoughts about being faithful, seeking justice and leading with love, especially in this unsettling time. (You may not recognize all of these titles, but our congregation sings and loves all of these songs.) My frustration now is in figuring out how to share these experiences with our congregation. Fortunately, almost everything was recorded (more than 24 hours of video and I watched it all live!!) Once the recordings have been made available I’m hoping we can explore some of the ideas (and music) presented together. So, stay tuned!!!

UCV Choir

Choir is working hard preparing music for our “Cantata Sunday” which this year will be on Sunday, Dec. 7, the second Sunday of Advent. We’d love to have some more singers. The music is not difficult but hopefully it will help prepare us for the Advent and Christmas season. Please see Lynne if you’re interested in singing with us. At least for now, we’re rehearsing

before and after church most Sundays.. If you’d like to sing, please talk to

Lynne or email lbradley93168@gmail.com.

On behalf of the DeLuz Farmworkers & myself I’d like to express shear gratitude for my UCV’s continued support of love & generous contributions. We are a small congregation with great big loving Christian hearts! From the bottom of my heart, Thank you all! 

Becky Sulzmann

*Scroll down to see a list of items needed

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 to reflect on life.

To see what is happening at Emily's Space during the month of September view the calendar below of click on the button.

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

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

Mobile Health Clinic

November (date TBD)

Temecula Valley Pride has recently partnered with Riverside University Health Systems (Department of Public Health for Riverside County) to host a mobile testing clinic. This mobile unit provides HIV-STD testing, education, and community offerings, targeted toward (but exclusive to) the LGBT community in Southwest Riverside County. 

Over the years Southwest Riverside County has been underserved when it comes to health resources for the LGBT community, with much of the funding going toward Riverside or Palm Springs. Because of this many of our community members are forced to travel to San Diego or Palm Springs to get basic health needs addressed. 

The van/mobile unit will be parked in the parking lot adjacent to UCV entrance. Go to www.temeculavalleypride.org for further details.

Autumn’s Invitation: Growing with the Changing World 

The air is getting crisp, the sweaters are coming out, and the leaves are transforming into a breathtaking tapestry of reds, golds, and oranges. This vivid shift we call Autumn isn't just a calendar date; it's a powerful demonstration that life is always moving, always changing, always becoming something new. For our school-age children, this season is a perfect mirror for their own dynamic lives—full of new classrooms, fresh challenges, and constant growth.

Embracing the Beauty of Becoming:

In the natural world, nothing stands still, and that's the joy of life! When we look at a tree in October, we aren't seeing a static thing, but a continuous process of preparation and release.

• The Lesson of the Leaf: A leaf doesn't fail when it turns color and drops; it successfully completes its stage and nourishes the soil for what comes next. It’s a brilliant, beautiful event of letting go and making room. This reminds our kids that transitions are natural and that change is often where the greatest beauty emerges.

• Try This: On a nature walk, talk about how your child is a bit like the leaf—always completing one stage (summer fun) and beginning another (a new grade), constantly growing and preparing for new things.

• Learning as a Journey:

  Similarly, school isn’t just about collecting facts; it’s about a daily process of emergence. Every new idea they grasp, every challenge they overcome, and every connection they make is a step in their ongoing journey of becoming who they are meant to be. Growth isn’t a destination; it’s the journey itself.

Weaving the Web Together:

Look closely at a pumpkin patch or a busy playground, and you see a beautiful truth: everything is related to everything else. The rich colors of the harvest only happen because of the sun, the soil, the rain, and the farmer working together. Nothing exists in isolation.

• Nature’s Interdependence: Point out the vast web of relationships in the autumn environment. The squirrel gathering acorns, the migrating birds, and the decomposers in the soil are all influencing one another and contributing to the health of the whole.

• Our Shared Community: The classroom and the church are also complex, living webs. Every child’s feelings, actions, and unique gifts matter because they influence the whole group. When we act with kindness, patience, and inclusion, we are strengthening the fabric of our community. We are better together.

Feeling the Creative Spark:

The sheer, overflowing vitality of Autumn—the rush of wind, the vibrant hues, the abundance of the harvest—can fill us with wonder. This incredible beauty that unfolds each year isn't random; it is the sign of a powerful, loving force active in the world, constantly inspiring all things toward greater complexity and richness.

We can encourage our children to notice this creative spark in their own lives:

• Inspiration in Action: Whether they are building a model, writing a story, or helping a friend, they are channeling that same energy that lights up the trees and sustains the earth.

• Co-Creators: Let them know they are not just observers, but active participants in the world's unfolding story. When they choose compassion, beauty, and justice, they partner with this deep, good current to make the world a more wonderful place.

May the rhythms of the season inspire our children to embrace their growth, celebrate their connections, and be inspired by the powerful, creative spirit moving through us all.

Journeying Together This Advent: Introducing Our Study of "Traveling with Our Ancestors"

As the nights grow longer and the light of Advent begins to glow, United Church of the Valley is excited to announce our Adult

Education study for the season.

 "Traveling with Our Ancestors: An Advent Devotional."

This year, we invite you to prepare for the arrival of Christmas by journeying deep into the stories of faith that came before us. This compelling devotional offers a fresh, reflective approach to the traditional Advent themes, connecting the ancient narratives of our faith with our own contemporary lives and family histories.

About the Book and Author

"Traveling with Our Ancestors" challenges readers to consider their own spiritual heritage alongside the Biblical stories of the season. It is designed to help us look back at the spiritual gifts, wisdom, and resilience passed down through the generations—not only through Scripture but through our own family lines. By recognizing the struggles and triumphs of our ancestors, we can better understand the road that led to the manger and the hope it still holds for us today.

The book is written by Sandhya Rani Jha, a powerful voice and accomplished author who has worked as a faith-based organizer, speaker, and trainer focused on social justice and racial healing. Jha brings a unique and compassionate lens to familiar stories, encouraging us to see the connection between personal history, community, and the divine.

Join the Study

Prepare your heart and mind for the season by joining us for four weeks of meaningful discussion and fellowship.

Our first class on Sunday, November 23rd, will be dedicated to introducing the materials, outlining the class format, and setting our intentions for the Advent journey.

When:

8:00 AM every Sunday through Advent (starting November 23rd)

Where:

Online via Zoom

Zoom Meeting Details:

Meeting ID: 9516981520

Password: 9516981520

Order Your Book Today!

To ensure you have your book in time for our first session, please place your order promptly.

You can order your copy directly from Chalice Press here:

https://chalicepress.com/products/traveling-with-our-ancestors-advent-devotional?srsltid=AfmBOoqlWyJbuDwIw3Q32OyPQm8-jOM1yNtAS5bBmwVR7KhgVYeiscX1

We look forward to sharing this reflective and powerful journey with you as we prepare to celebrate the light of Christ this Christmas!

JOYS

• The successful events and support for Emily's Space. 
• For the continue support of the Murrieta Food Pantry.  There is a box on the organ for monetary donations  Thanks to Jamie.
•  who volunteers at the Food Panty.
• For the support of the DeLuz farm workers. Thanks to Becky Sulzmann who is our support person for this cause.  
• For those who bring socks and nonperishable food for these projects.  
• To all those who have given toilet tissue roles to Donna. We have plenty for this year. We will fill them with candy in December. We will need a lot of small wrapped candy for this project. We may have nearly 300 roles. 
• Don't forget that we have a potluck social time right after church on the 4th Sunday of each month.

Concerns

• Kristi's husband Mark--has surgery this month--triple by-pass.
• Laurie's son Jason who has continual pain. He is waiting for surgery.

Southern Association

The fall meeting was last month. Donna attended the meeting. The associations support students in discernment. A committee oversees the students as they go through the process of ordination or other Christian work. There was a speaker on making worship a little more exciting. Southern Association UCC churches are very active in the San Diego are in supporting the immigration needs, safety need, and other programs to make the San Diego area a better place to live.

Go to southenassociation@sascncucc.com for information on events happening in our Southern Association area.

Conference News

Our conference has added several new ministers to help Rev. Rachel with the conference work. We are a busy and exciting conference so check it out. Go to scncucc.org for events happening in our conference. Sign up for the conference monthly e-mail or face book it.

DOC News

Go to docpswr.org for events in our DOC Pacific South West Region'

The DOC Regional Minister will be preaching at UCV this month. 

Rev. Fred is our liaison person for the DOC.

We had a successful Apple Pie Day. It was a day of renewing friendship, meeting new people, having a great meal, and participating in fund raising project. The money earned will go to the Campership Fund. This fund helps the children and adults supplement the cost of camp program.

The Santa Ana Congregational/UCC church has now closed. The church has donated 6 million dollars for the upkeep on camp. Camp can now perform major renovation to the camp now and into the future. There will new roofs to all the buildings that have not already been completed, a new swimming pool, air conditioning etc. This is an endowment fund for the camp. There will still be fund raisers for campership funds, etc.

Go to pilgrimpinescamp.org for happenings at camp.

Loch Leven Camp

Go to lochleven@uccr.org for events at this camp which is located in Mentone on the backroad before Forest Falls.

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.

October Birthdays

• Jeffrey MacLean - 3rd
• Kate McGrath - 4th
• Larry Elwood - 6th
• Ann Grim - 6th
• Bev Perkins - 9th
• Steve Falgout - 11th
• Corina Wolfe - 16th
• Nita MacLean - 18th

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

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