A Progressive Christian Community



An Open & Affirming Congregation

A Just Peace Congregation

An Accessibility 2 All Congregation

November 2026

A Time for Change

Exercising our right to vote is important if we are to change the direction that the country is going in currently, let our voices be heard.

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.

We welcome new members to United Church of the Valley each month. If anyone wishes to join our church at this time, please speak with Lee Eddy, Rich Hayden or Debbie Hudson.

Worship

In November we remain in the liturgical season of Pentecost until the last Sunday of the month when we begin the season of Advent. So we’re still in “common time” (though, right now, it feels like anything but “common time”. But the Bible reminds us that, even in Biblical times, those times were often difficult, challenging and seemingly helpless). In the liturgical

calendar, Advent is the start of a new liturgical year. And Advent is full of stories of those “difficult times” and of prophets speaking out about them. Our time of Advent this year will focus on the Prophets and their warnings and promises, a “timely theme” for our present difficult times. In last Sunday’s message, Rev. Jen talked about Empathy and Jesus’ new

commandment to love one another and to love God as ourselves. Today, empathy is being made to be a sign of weakness and failure. We know that isn’t true, so maybe we’re the ones being called to use our prophetic voices today. Let’s be reminded what the biblical and modern day prophets had/have to say.

Getting back to the weeks that will lead up to Advent. On Nov. 1 we will remember our saints, those who are no longer here in body but whose spirits are with us still. The tradition of Dia de los Muertos reminds us that those whom we remember live on in our hearts. We will again prepare an “ofrenda” to remember those whom we remember and love. In the latino traditions, the ofrenda includes marigolds whose strong scent will help guide spirits of the departed to the ofrenda. An ofrenda also traditionally includes water, special bread and favorite foods to welcome the friends and ancestors. Most important are the pictures of people being remembered. Everyone here at UCV is encouraged to bring photos of your

loved ones to place on our ofrenda on Nov. 1 or tape your pictures on the wall as we celebrate and remember them together.

In November, we will be prayerfully and joyfully considering our Stewardship to UCV. Yes, that normally means the time when we ask for pledges of money to financially support our church and help us prepare a budget for the following year. But rather than just focusing on what we need to keep the doors open (important, of course), we want this to be a time to dream big. The theme of this year’s stewardship campaign is “Let’s Make Something Beautiful”. We want to focus on the ways UCV is making a difference and our visions for new and wonderful ways for us to make a difference in our communities. We want to hear your stories—what are some ways UCV has made a difference for you and for others and what

are some dreams you have for what we might be able to do in the future? We’ll wrap up and celebrate this year’s stewardship campaign with our fall all-church potluck on Nov. 22 right after worship. Watch for details later in the month.

Stewardship

What is it Really

It is the time of year where your church council puts together a proposed budget for the upcoming new year, a budget that will be voted on by the congregation of UCV. There are costs that cannot be avoided, taxes, utilities etc., and then there are the costs of supporting the many ministries of UCV. Supporting these ministries allows them to have a positive impact on our community, both local and at times, a more global impact. To propose a balanced budget to the congregation, we have to have an idea of the funds committed for 2027.

So that's what our stewardship campaign is, a financial snapshot, and without the support from those who "feel" the impact of UCV, we would just be a little church in the Temecula/Murrieta valley who just tends to it's own garden and not that of the larger community.

Should you have any questions don't hesitate to reach out to any of the council members.

Thanks to all of you.

What Does It Mean to be a Matthew 25 Church

A Matthew 25 church is a congregation that actively lives out Jesus’ call in Matthew 25:31–46, where he instructs his followers to serve the most vulnerable—the hungry, thirsty, naked, sick, and imprisoned. 

Rooted deeply in this parable, congregations that adopt this identity pledge to focus on three core pillars: 

• Building congregational vitality: Deepening faith and growing as disciples actively engaged in the local community.
• Dismantling structural racism: Advocating to break down the biases, systems, and prejudices that oppress people of color.
• Eradicating systemic poverty: Changing the laws, policies, and structures that perpetuate economic exploitation and inequality. 

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 Rev. Dr. Fred Schaeffer at (760) 315-5590 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 November view the calendar below by clicking on the button.

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

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

Emily's Space/Temecula Valley Pride

Temecula Valley Pride/United Church of the Valley

41685 Date Street, Unit 100

Murrieta, CA. 92562

justind@temeculavalleypride.org

Check Out this Great Interview with Justin Daley

Mark Your Calendars

JOYS

• .Rick and Karen's grand daughter Naivy is home enjoying the love from all of the family.
• Jamie and Kathryn Barnett are back from an exciting trip to the southeast.

Concerns

• Laurie and Neal and family
• Kristi Clinton and family
• Donna and son Mark
• Michael Tomkin and husband Richard
• Lorian 's father and step mom

Conference News

Donna attended the fall Southern Association Meeting in Oct. There was an Ecclesiastical Council for Craig Tryl. After his report and question time, he was called to the ministry.

Thank you to those that have been helping me with the set up and take down for the weekly worship service.

Pilgrim Place in Clairmont is our UCC retirement center. They will be hosting their annual Pilgrim Festival. It is a day long fund raising event. More information on the Conference web site at SCNCUCC.org

DOC Christian Church News

Regional Assembly 2026 will be on Friday-Sat. Oct. 16-17 at the Disciples Ministry Center in Fullerton, CA. registration is now open. Information is at docpswr.org.

See what is happening in the DOC in our region. Go to docpswr.org

Pilgrim Pines News



Family Camp and Apple Pie day had about 200 people in attendance. Donna was able to meet the new director. Watch for up coming event. It looks like many good programs are coming to the camp and there will be many ways to support the camp. 

For other events at Pilgrim Pines go to pilgrimpinescamp.org.

Loch Leven Camp

For events at our DOC Camp go to Lochleven@uccr.org.

For information about happenings for the DOC Regional Conference go to docpswr.org.

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

November Birthdays

Ryan Hawkins - 6th

Keira Eddy - 23rd

Kara Richards - 26th

Kathryn Barnett - 28th

2026 Church Council

**½ off first month’s cost while you establish your meeting

Who We Are… United Church of the Valley is a small United Church of Christ / Disciples of Christ congregation located in the Temecula/Murrieta Valley. No matter where you are on your journey, you are welcome here.

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.

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

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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