United Church of the Valley
A Partnership Church
United Church of Christ/Disciples of Christ
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A Progressive Christian Community
A Just Peace Congregation
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During the month of July our Sunday service will be 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.
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Behind the Pulpit in July |
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July 3rd - Dr. Sharon Graff
July 10th - Dr. Sarah Halverson-Cano
July 17th - Rev. Jennifer Zechlin
July 24th - Rev. Stephanie Toon
July 31st - Lynne Bradley
It’s certainly been obvious from the early heat spells we’ve been having that it is indeed summer in Southern CA. It’s also been apparent in our smaller than usual congregations that some of our folks are taking some much-needed vacations. But we’ve got a great line up of speakers this month. It will be great to welcome Dr. Sharon Graff back after being away for a time. On July 10, Sarah, who began her ministry right here at UCV as an associate pastor, has a really important message for us in the midst of the strife and division we as a nation, and as a world, are currently experiencing. And, of course, it’s always good to hear from Rev. Jen and Rev. Stephanie.
Last week, I noticed that there wasn’t a signup sheet yet for July helpers. Hopefully it will be out this Sunday. Please sign up for the important weekly jobs of set up, greeting and lay leaders.
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Sherian Spencer
Moderator
Did This Really Just Happen?
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I never imagined we would be where we are today. I can’t stop being furious. I am devastated and mad! Hopping mad… like a toad trying to cross an Arizona highway in July mad! Six people have just set millions and millions of women’s rights back 50 years and ironically, one of the 6 was a woman. Welcome to the time when our daughters have fewer rights than our mothers and grandmothers. Why if the statistics show that 2/3 of the American public supports the right to abortion, can 6 people determine the futures of all those people? And I say “people” because this is not just about women.
I always had so much respect for SCOTUS, but sadly, not anymore. I thought they were supposed to listen to and respect ALL the people. Clearly, they have bowed to the pressure of politicians rather than honoring their oath and responsibility to the greater good.
So obviously, I am pro-choice. Not really a surprise. That does not automatically equate to me being “pro-abortion”. The most important part of that is the word “choice”. It is not my place to say what others should do and I have no right to make decisions for another person.
I have friends and family that are staunch pro-choice and friends and family that are staunch pro-life, and oddly enough, many of the pro-lifers are also pro-death penalty (which I REALLLLLLLY don’t – just like I don’t get people saying they are pro-life only to bomb a medical clinic). I also have friends and family all along the spectrum of the in-between. I have friends that have chosen to terminate their pregnancies and I have a 12-year-old cousin that was forced to carry her baby to term because she lived in the Bible Belt and didn’t have a good support system in her mom. By the time her mom realized she was actually 6 months pregnant and not just gaining weight it was too late to change their course of action. I have friends that have chosen to be single moms and friends and family that have had to make the excruciating decision whether to carry a non-viable pregnancy to term only to lose the child within minutes or terminate and try again. I can’t fathom the courage they had in making such a difficult decision. It’s easy to say a woman should carry to term when it’s not you having to go through it.
Supposedly the whole purpose of overturning Roe V Wade was to throw the legality of it back to the individual states and after A LOT of statistics digging, I find myself having so much compassion for women in the conservative and Bible Belt states. This ruling will serve to effect how many women of color and those already living below the poverty line. Mississippi politicians have been very vocal and dare I say, PROUD, about having one of the most restrictive anti-choice stances in the country. It’s frustrating to learn the state also has the highest child poverty rate, 2nd highest incarceration rate, 2nd lowest high school graduation rate, 4th highest welfare rate and highest African American residency rates. This new ruling will serve only to create exponentially more disparity between those of privilege who have the means to travel to a state that is more supportive of women’s bodily autonomy and those who will be forced to use unsafe methods to terminate. It is unlikely to change the actual number of abortions that are performed, only the fact that many more women will die because of back-alley medial procedures being used.
And even more appalling is the threat that medical professionals could be held legally responsible for performing what could very well be a life-saving procedure to help their patients. How can a physician honor their Oath and ethical duty to “first do no harm” if they fear jail time because they gave the most appropriate care? To me that screams of the Red Scare in the 50’s and 60’s when even just an accusation of Communist sympathy could land you in jail.
What is next? What demographic will be targeted? Clarence Thomas has already insinuated that birth control and same-sex marriage could be in the cross hairs. While that scares the begeezus out of me for my own marriage, I find it absurdly ironic that interracial marriage hasn’t been mentioned. (But then again not, since he, a Black man is married to a White woman. Why not throw back the legality of interracial marriages to the 60’s like they have the abortion issue?) He also suggested that the trust among members of the court has been lost. What do you expect when essentially 2 of the last 3 judges seated on the Court lied about what saying they would take all views into consideration? The 3 progressives didn’t stand a chance in being truly heard.
I have never really thought the early draft opinion “leak” was ever that. It was a pre-emptive move to reduce the risk of major protests before the actual vote and allowed people on both sides to mobilize their next steps. (Kind of like when the media would always talk about the price of gas going over $5.00 a gallon and then several years later it screamed right up closer to $7.00.
You cannot be forced to donate blood, marrow or organs even though 1000’s die each year on waiting lists. Nobody has the right to use your body against your will even to save their life of the life of another. Denying the right to abortions mean women have less body autonomy than a corpse.
To use Michelle Obama’s words, “So yes, I am heartbroken these days. I am heartbroken over the number of people who fundamentally lost their right to make the best decision for themselves. People need to unite for the greater good and for the women in their own lives. If you’re like me and you want to get started right away, I implore you to channel your frustration, anger, and fear into action by getting involved. Planned Parenthood and The United State of Women, among many others have resources you can look to if you want to help others or need help yourself. Hearts may be broken today, but tomorrow…. Tomorrow is the day to get up and summon the courage to keep working for the America we all deserve.”
Maybe, just for today, we are needing a little more Malcolm X and a little less MLK?
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Our Peace Pole has been refreshed and relocated, it now 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.
Thanks Ruth, Sherian and everyone who made this happen.
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MARCH FOR TRANS JUSTICE.
MARCH FOR TRANS RIGHTS.
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An Open Letter to UCV...... |
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There really aren’t any human words that I could possibly use to fully describe or explain the love I have for United Church of the Valley…but I’m going to try. I am always so proud to explain and tell others about UCV and how “welcoming” you are. But an experience I had this past week has boldly and painfully reminded me of how important UCV’s presence is…in this area and indeed this world!
As many of you know my brother, Tim, died very suddenly on June 23rd. It’s still something that I keep thinking is not real…it’s a nightmare that I will wake up from. But the fact is that it is real. I was able to put a prayer request in asking for prayers for strength & comfort for my sister-in-law and 2 nephews and believe me they are helping. I want to thank all of you for those prayers.
Tim, who had been a life long atheist/agnostic, had recently turned to Jesus and was baptized this Mothers Day Sunday. I was listened to his church’s recorded service of the 26th so I could hear any mention of Tim’s passing. Pastor Tom had kind and thoughtful words about Tim and expressed his sadness of the news. It was then that they handed the microphone over to a lady in the congregation. Her words, although I do believe were not meant to be demeaning, were infuriating to me. I knew they would be, and indeed were, extremely hurtful to my brothers family. I was beside myself, on Sunday, after immediately hearing what was said…thankfully my call to Sandy Selby helped pull me off the ceiling!! This woman had the audacity to “announce” that my sister-in-law & nephews were “non-believers” and asked the congregation to pray that they come to accept Christ and for their salvation. How dare her!!!!!
It was with replaying those hurtful words in my minds that I was reminded of what it is about UCV that I love so much. The one word that summed it all up was our proud and boldly said WELCOME. I’m not sure that we have an “official” version but I know that I have heard so many versions and each one touches the deepest part of my soul. It’s because I truly felt that WELCOME from the very first time I heard it on my very first visit…in 2006. It’s not just words but truly the foundation of who we are!! Being a lesbian, the fact that I felt and indeed was welcomed should have been enough…but honestly it wasn’t until this past Sunday, hearing the painful words from someone 600 miles away, that I truly appreciated those words. That WELCOME is offered openly and freely to everyone who walks through our doors or listens to us on-line! I have yet to and am sure that I will never hear someone ask us to pray for someone’s “salvation” and for someone “to find Jesus”… At UCV you will hear prayers asking for comfort, strength, understanding along with with prayers of thanksgiving for all the blessings that we have received!!
I would like to share the words of another UCC church who have their WELCOME on their website and it says everything I’ve heard at UCV in one precise statement and I would like to share it with you. I would like to offer my profound thanks to UCV for welcoming me into your family so many years ago.
**Permission was received from Pastor Ken of Shadow Rock UCC in Phoenix, AZ
“ When we say all are welcome, we mean it. We also acknowledge it is a work in progress! Inclusion speaks to the universal truth that everyone has a place at the One Table of Life and Love. It is interwoven with our other core values – there is no justice without inclusion of all God’s people, and our spirituality emerges from the creative tension that exists between our desire to be inclusive and our work for justice. Whether you are young, old, conservative, liberal, atheist, a former Catholic, part of the 1%, married, “it’s complicated,” questioning, socially anxious, tone-deaf, a Yankees fan, differently-abled, gay, black, white, rainbow-colored, male, female, or neither – or some beautiful combination we haven’t met yet – you are welcome here.”
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Sherian Spencer - Moderator
Rick Hayden - Vice Moderator
Darcie Dunlop - Clerk
Keira Eddy - Treasurer
Lynne Bradley - Worship
Open - Outreach
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Rev. Jen Zechlin
Christian Education
Sherian Spencer -
Congregational Life
Lorian Dunlop - Member-at-Large
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As we’re wrapping up our 2nd Adult Ed. Class, I am exceedingly grateful for the thoughtful and respectful discussions that have become a mainstay of our sessions. I am also thankful for the bonds of friendship that have formed and strengthen; what an amazing thing it is when community comes together to learn and be transformed together!
Our next class session will begin on July 31st and I’m hoping that many of you will join us. We meet at 8am both on Zoom and in the building. Yes, you heard that correctly – there IS the option for to remain in your PJ’s and have your cup of coffee or tea at the ready. As an added bonus we wrap up in enough time for most of you to still get to church on time.
Now that I’ve left you with little reason to not join us, I need your help, along with current and returning students. It’s time to vote! Below you will see the two selections under consideration along with a very brief class description. In order to have your voice heard, please send an e-mail to me at deeprootsacademy@hotmail.com with I VOTE FOR in the subject line. Votes will be tallied and reported by July 14th both in the Thursday Thoughts and on the UCV Facebook and Instagram pages in enough time for everyone to get their books.
Choice #1 – Creation Spirituality by Matthew Fox
This class would meet for 10 to 12 weeks and would cover approximately one chapter a week. Each session would allow for sharing and exploring of the material for the week. This book is available both new and used (Amazon, ThriftBooks.com, AbeBooks.com, etc.). The class is appropriate for adults and college age.
Choice #2 – Doorways to the Soul: 52 Wisdom Tales from Around the World by Elisa Davy Pearmain (Editor)
This class would meet for 12 weeks and would cover approximately 2 or 3 stories a week. Each session will be designed to foster a deeper awareness and appreciation of wisdom stories from the world’s religions and indigenous peoples. Brief teachings on the beliefs and values of unfamiliar people groups will be offered as needed. Not only will we compare and contrast the stories when appropriate but will utilize some of the author’s ideas for exploring the each tale. We will not read all of the stories in this class session but will have the option of continuing beyond the initial 12 weeks or returning for another session at a later time. This book is available both new and used (Amazon, ThriftBooks.com, AbeBooks.com, etc.). The class is appropriate for multi-generational participants from middle-school age to adults.
Get your votes in ASAP!
Rev. Jen
Chairperson for Christian Education
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About the Book:
From Matthew Fox, the popular and controversial author of The Coming of the Cosmic Christ, a prophetic manifesto for the preservation of the planet.
For those new to the works of Matthew Fox, and for those eager to learn his thoughts after his Vatican-ordered public silence, comes this introduction to creation spirituality--Fox's framework for a far-reaching spirituality of the Americas.
Passionate and provocative, Fox uncovers the ancient tradition of a creation-centered spirituality that melds Christian mysticism with the contemporary struggle for social justice, feminism, and environmentalism.
Basic to Fox's notion of creation spirituality is the gift of awe--a mystical response to creation and the first step toward transformation. Awe prompts indignation at the exploitation and destruction of the earth's people and resources. Awe leads to action.
Showing how we can learn from each other, Fox's spirituality weds the healing and liberation found in both North and South America. Creation Spirituality challenges readers of every religious and political persuasion to unite in a new vision through which we learn to honor the earth and the people who inhabit it as the gift of a good and just creator.
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About the Book:
Winner of the Storytelling World Honor Award, 1999 Stories hold the promise of illuminating generation after generation of listeners with truths at each new telling. In this delightful collection of wisdom tales, parables, and anecdotes from around the world, Elisa Pearmain offers an uplifting story for each week of the year to invite persons of all ages to discover the universal power of "Once upon a time . . . " Presenting timeless tales from a panoply of cultures, along with questions for reflection, she gives creative suggestions to strengthen our connection to our spiritual selves and to the wondrously diverse world around us.
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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. |
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Moved by the tragedy of war in Ukraine, Damekor wanted to respond in the way we know best, through song. And the songs in our program are powerful and emotional. We sing of freedom, homeland, hands reaching out to help, trading weapons for plowshares, war, peace and, above all, hope. In lieu of an admission fee, we are requesting donations which will all go toward Ukrainian refugee relief. Our new friends at the House of Ukraine will be providing us with a direct contact so we are assured 100% of donations will go to toward those in need.
Please watch for more details as we have them to share. And please invite neighbors and friends.
Southern CA Damekor is a women’s ensemble that sings and plays mostly (but not all) Scandinavian music.
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Musically, the most exciting news is that our pianist, Pei-Ying Li is back for the first time this Sunday. And we’re hoping to meet baby Ben (aka Je-Ying) next Sunday after worship at the “mini shower” we are planning. There will be cake and beverages and an Pei-Ying and her husband Jesse say that diapers and gift cards (Costco, Walmart, Target) would be especially helpful. Pei-Ying will be on a partial schedule for the next couple of months before resuming a fulltime schedule in the fall. Continuing thanks goes to Susan Miyamoto for playing for us on Sundays while Pei-Ying was on leave.
During July anyone who likes to sing is invited to come at 9:30 to learn a simple song to sing during the service that day. Also, we welcome anyone who wants to sing a solo or play an instrument to talk to Lynne to be scheduled.
Finally, I want to encourage everyone to attend a very special concert, “A Prayer for Peace” next Sat., July 9 at 7pm at 27649 Commerce Center Dr., Temecula (it’s very near to UCV—just a block south of Winchester and a block west of Jefferson. The program is being presented by Southern A Damekor (half of the members of this women’s ensemble sing in our UCV Choir) and featuring our guest narrator, Lee Eddy. Moved by the tragedy of war in Ukraine, Damekor wanted to respond in the way they knew best—through song. They will sing of freedom, homeland, hands reaching out to help, war, peace, and above all, hope. In lieu of an admission fee, everyone is invited to make a donation to Ukranian refugee relief. We’ve heard that a delegation of Ukranians from the House of Ukraine at Balboa Park plan to attend. One of them has just returned from Ukraine and will speak briefly about her experience and how relief funds are being used.
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Need Space for your Recovery Meeting?
3 Sizes of Rooms Available·
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3 Sizes of Rooms Available |
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Room A: up to 6 people (top)
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Library: 7 – 15 people (middle)
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Sanctuary: 16 – 50 people (bottom)
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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:
Room A - $15 / week based on one meeting per week
Library - $20 / week based on one meeting per week
Sanctuary - $25 / week based on one meeting per week
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**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.
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United church of the valley
41685 Date Street, Suite 100
Murrieta, CA 92562
Website: ucvchurch.org
Phone: 951.698.1520
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T'ai Chi with Paul Dallas |
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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
P.O. Box 1312
Murrieta, CA 92564
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Or donate online:
(3.5% fee)
Venmo: @ucvchurch (free)
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UCV Birthday Bank
July Birthdays
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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?
July Birthdays
- Dorothy Burrows - 9th
- Jenna Hayden - 9th
- Arch Aitcheson - 10th
- Anna Brinkley - 19th
- Ruth Dunlop - 20th
- Rose Dunlop - 20th
- Nathan Zaro - 20th
- Gary Grim - 26th
- Liz Aitcheson - 27th
- Jeanne Hein - 27th
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Please email any joys & concerns you would like read aloud to Sherian Spencer at sherianspencer@gmail.com. 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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You can find our Sermons, past and present, on our YouTube channel (click the video) as well as our website (click the button). |
There isn’t much good news to report from Chacraseca. With the lack of tourism and work trips due to Covid, unemployment and deepening poverty is a desperate problem. We need to continue to pray that the situation there can improve.
Abimael, the local music teacher whom UCV helps support, is doing a wonderful job of involving children and youth in music. Abi is the Director of the Cultural Arts Center (UCV workers demolished the old bakery to be repurposed as the Cultural Center—ask Jenna Hayden for the details) In addition to music and dance, during covid Abimael has been working hard to create additional programs to teach new skills in a variety of fields. It’s wonderful to see the center grow in its outreach to the community.
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**Hey friends! This is our little church in the Temecula Valley. In order to get our own YouTube URL we need 100 subscribers so we're asking all our friends to go and find the subscribe button and hit it! Thanks for the help. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVD-CRp3cQMe4LmvekM4GyQ
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- The Llamas-Martinez family are in Florida visiting with Irene's family. Irene is feeling better after having some weakness.
- Debbie Hudson for the loss of her brother.
- For the Farr-Toon family as grandpa Neal continues with treatments for cancer.
- For baby Ben and family as he is now home. Pei Ying will be back at church this month.
Laurie Landrum had many of her family here at UCC for a memorial service for her mother. Donna provided music on her flute.
Camp is happening this month. Prayers for those leading our campers at Pilgrim Pines.
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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.
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Sunday Service - Live and on Zoom, 10AM
Book Club - We are meeting online every Sunday at 9am Zoom Meeting Room
Voices of the Valley Youth Choir - SUSPENDED until further notice
UCV Council Meeting - 1st Sunday of the month 11:15am Zoom Meeting Room
AA Meeting - Every Monday 7pm
Women's Al-Anon Meeting - Every Wednesday 5:30pm
Men's AA Meeting - Every Wednesday 7pm
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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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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