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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Farewell Otoniel - Rest in Peace Our Brother |
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Right after worship yesterday we got a call from Nicaragua with the very sad news that Otoniel, the talented marimba player that many of us have known, passed away on Saturday night. Otoniel was an amazing musician, not only immensely gifted but a wealth of knowledge of Nicaraguan folkloric music. All of Nicaragua has lost a national treasure. Otoniel has been quite sick for some time. His family is asking for assistance with his end of life expenses including substantial medical bills instead of flowers. The need is urgent. If you wish to make a donation on Venmo just earmark it for Otoniel. Please do it soon.
I’ve known Otoniel for close to 10 years. He built the marimba that UCV bought for the Music program in Chacraseca and came every summer to work with the Music Camp. A few years ago he was part of the team that came to CA. He did an assembly at Great Oak HS and wonderful concerts
at the Lindsley’s home and for UCV.
Otoniel was a colleague and friend. Over the years when he was experiencing one or another health emergency, we would trade funds for meds for going to Chacraseca (a long, dusty 2 1/2 hr bus ride to work with the kids there.
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Becoming a Just Peace Congregation |
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Along with our study of St. Francis’ prayer, we will be exploring the possibility of becoming designated as a Just Peace congregation. UCV has a long history of participating in ecumenical efforts to promote peace. In the early 2000’s, individuals from UCV and UU faithfully met at the Community House every Friday afternoon to silently protest the war. Frequently a group of counter-protesters met across the street by the post office. Many of us joined with others from Interfaith to stand with the Muslims when demonstrations against the proposed construction of a new mosque were expected. Thus, it seems appropriate that UCV explore becoming a “Just Hope” congregation. This designation, similar to that of “Open and Affirming”, is achieved after a congregation has participated in a study program and then voted to affirm their intention of becoming a Just Peace church. Lee Eddy has agreed to guide us through this process. Watch for further information as we determine our specific plan. |
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So Good to be Back Live and in our New Permanent Home |
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Friends Worshipping
Together
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Kid’s Church is Back Every
Sunday During the Service
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June 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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Our discussion on "So You Want to Talk About Race" has been put on hold due to lack of interest.
I hope we will be able to start again in the near future. Please let Kerry know if you are interested in this topic. She can be reached at 951/326-0945 (text or talk) or at keestman@gmail.com
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"The Difficult Questions"
Testimonials
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Do you ever wonder what the disciples all talked about amongst themselves when Jesus wasn’t there? I sure do!
I can picture those 12 men and unnumbered women, only a few of them named by scripture, sitting around an open fire. Maybe one reaches for another lamb kabob from the coals and before he takes a bite says, “My friends, what exactly do you think Jesus meant when he said…?”. Perhaps one of the women or eunuchs wonders about their place in the world and dares to voice their concerns to the group. Surely with the state of the world at the time they would have had questions about wars and religion, life and death, and how to live out this radical new way that their Jesus kept talking about… DIFFICULT questions!
I envision this group talking long into the night, sharing their thoughts and feelings. Sitting around that fire as the stars became more brilliant in the dark sky and the roar of the flames died to a rhythmic crackle. Together they created a space for each other where compassion was king, and no one was judged for their thoughts or fears or doubts. As they talked and listened and shared the night air took on a chill but with the warmth of safety and friendship not a single shawl was even needed.
They may not have found many answers, but they vowed to stick together through their questions… at least until they could see Jesus again and ask him.
I’d like to think that this group of disciples and friends became better people as a result of their sessions of inquiry. No, maybe they didn’t find all the answers, but I imagine they were somehow better equipped to face a broken world anyways.
Did you know that UCV has a similar group for modern day disciples and friends! Tuesday evenings at 7pm The Difficult Questions Group meets and much like how I imagine those early disciples created a safe and inviting place where questions could be asked and discussed and honoured, UCV is blessed to have the same. Now there are, of course, some differences – we meet on Zoom and not around a campfire, we only go until 8pm and not into the dead of night, lamb kabobs are not provided, and probably the biggest difference, we may have a longer wait before we can just ask Jesus when we see him.
So, If you have had a question(s) that you have pondered for a day, a year, a decade or even longer and would like a safe, loving place to talk about it or if you just want to see what we’re all about, we hope you’ll ZOOM in on Tuesday’s from 7pm – 8pm.
UCV’s Difficult Questions truly welcomes ONE & ALL!!!
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It is with great joy that we can let you know that the vast majority of our Partner Groups have returned to meet inside at UCV. Our AA groups, Al Anon Group, Riverside Trans Support Group, and Citizen’s Climate Lobby have either returned already or will be returning in May. Each group came back with the understanding that should the Covid-19 restrictions come back that we would once again have to shut down. Each group has been terrific in adhering to our guidelines of maximum people, mask requirements and physical distancing requirements. Some are actually doing ‘hybrid’ meetings using Zoom to include those who are not yet comfortable with meeting inside. Each group has been so gracious with their donations to UCV and their praise with the way we continued to maintain our commitment to them and opening up as soon as we could. There are a few groups that have not returned which has opened up some time for the possibility of a new group or two. If anyone would like some information as to time availability please feel free to email Deb Hudson at admin@ucvchurch.org.
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The Social Work Action Group (SWAG) is a local non-profit providing outreach and wholistic support to people experiencing long-term homelessness. Thanks to the Barnett’s, our Prayers and Squares team is making 15 quilts for the SWAG team to give to their clients.
In addition, UCV is participating in a Temecula-Murrieta Interfaith Council effort to gather supplies for hygiene kits and “Welcome Home” baskets to people moving into interim housing. Over the next month, please bring one or more of the following items to church (or arrange for a monetary donation!):
· Toothbrush & toothpaste
· Single-serving snacks (trail mix, nuts, crackers)
· Dark socks
· Paper towels
· $10 fast-food gift card
We’ll take care of delivering your gifts to our friends at SWAG. Thank you!!!
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We’re in our Sanctuary!!!
What an exciting and emotional day we had on May 23. After almost 28 years of wandering in the wilderness of schools and even the Masonic Center, we finally have a place to call home, a place where we hope everyone can feel welcome. So many people have joined us for parts of the journey. And we’ve even added some friends from afar and learned some new technology that will be useful as we move forward.
We have lots of new ideas—about a redesigned website, creating a vibrant program for our children and youth, about becoming a Just Peace congregation, and finding the unique ways that our congregation and our new building can serve our community.
Last month my message challenged us all to re-imagine what a hybrid beloved community needs to/can be/do in a post-covid time of new possibilities? After our all-church retreat in Feb.2020,we were enthusiastic and committed to discern UCV’s place in our valley. We’re still looking for some dreamers who would be interested in participating in a UCV “think tank” to reimagine UCV in a post-covid new world. Let Lynne know that you are interested in participating(lbradley93168@gmail.com).
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T'ai Chi with Paul Dallas |
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It’s been an eventful time for our ministry! We’re enjoying in-person meetings and recently welcomed two new members: Kellie Watson and Nita Maclean. Welcome to both!
Since issuing our first quilt last May, we’ve now given out a total of 33, which we’re told is a great start. Meanwhile, with generous funding from Kathryn and Jamie Barnett, we’re also making 15 flannel prayer quilts to give to our friends at the Social Work Action Group. We plan to complete this project in advance of the cooler fall weather, as SWAG will distribute the quilts to clients currently experiencing or moving out of homelessness.
Recently, Anne travelled down to Poway to visit with members of one of the very first Prayers and Squares chapters (they’re Chapter #2, while we’re Chapter #1295). They offered lots of sage advice, supportive encouragement, and the gift of a truckload of free fabric! We’ve promised to put it all to good use, and to pay it forward whenever we can.
Each of our prayer quilts is completely free, and given the great success of our ministry so far, we do have ongoing needs. We plan to launch another pre-holiday fundraiser in the fall, and in the meantime, we remain most appreciative of your gifts of fabric, time, and funds. Thank you for helping us carry UCV’s loving spirit into the wider world!
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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
41685 Date Street Suite 100
Murrieta, CA 92562
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Or donate online:
(3.5% fee)
Venmo: @ucvchurch (free)
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UCV Birthday Bank - a Timeless Tradition |
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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?
June Birthdays/Anniversaries
- Lucas Eddy - 2nd
- Lee Eddy - 7th
- Terin Glaser - 15th
- Rocio Martinez-Llamas - 19th
- Joan Thompson - 19th
- Amos Eddy - 25th
- Austin & Kathy Linsley - 6th (48 years)
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Please email any joys & concerns you would like read aloud to Sandy Selby at moderator@ucvchurch.org. 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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Behind the Pulpit in June |
During the month of June our Sunday service will be live 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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June 6th - Dr. Rev. Sharon Graff
June 13th - Jennifer Zechlin
June 20th - Darcie Dunlop
June 27th - Rev. Stephanie Toon
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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). |
More great news! We’ve received news from Chacraseca about the recipients of the house UCV is helping to provide. Our house will include a latrine (it’s hard to remember that’s a luxury!!), cement floor, and green, ecological stove. The build will start in the next few weeks and should be done by July.
No one in this family has permanent employment. Dad (Osmar Antonio Somarrba), 28, is a day laborer in the fields, which means he only works when farmers are getting ready to plant or harvesting their crops, and maybe a little during season - average pay is $2 day when there is work. Mom (Maria Asuncion Morales Somarrba), 30, sells fruit from local trees and vegetables she grows, but again, that is seasonal work. The income could not average more than $2 per day during the year, and probably closer to $1 per day average all year. Right now they are living in a house "constructed" of black plastic and scrap. Osmar David Somarriba Morales 8 years old, and Jonathan Antonio Somarriba Morales 5 years old.
The picture above is this beautiful family of four, The Somarrba's. They are over-the-moon excited to be getting a house. Julio promises to send us regular progress reports.
Thanks to all,
Lynne
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You will find more photos of the house being built in Nicaragua further down in the newsletter |
● Anne Crutchfield is now home from several weeks in a rehab facility. She loved the blanket that was sent to her home while she was in rehab. She said thank you to the prayers and squares group for sending it to her
● Sandy Selby will be having a MRI to her left knee on June 6th. It has been painful to her during the past month. Sandy's mother Mary is back at home after being on respite care for 5 days. Mary continues to be on Hospice Care.
The Southern Calif/Nevada Conference will be having their annual meeting on June 11 and 12. The meeting is virtual. Registration is online at SCNCUCC.org. There will be 5 different workshops to choose from. there will be a business meeting on Saturday morning with the installation of new officers for this next year as well as reports from various committees including a report from Pilgrim Pines. Join Donna on the phone and find out what exciting things are happening in our conference.
Call Donna for further information. 951-217-0735.
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Pilgrim Pines is now taking registration for summer camp 2021. There is summer camp at home plus camp in a box available for those that want the camp experience but are unable to attend Pilgrim Pines camp in the mountains. There will be 2 weeks of camp at Pilgrim Pines. These will be family camp. One will be held on July 15th-18th (Thursday -Sunday). The other camp session which is geared for high school and young adults plus other family groups will be held on July 22nd-25th (Thursday-Sunday. There will also be an end of summer Bingo fundraiser on July 31st. Go to pilgrimpinescamp.org. for registration and more information. Call Donna at 951-217-0735 for more info. |
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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More Photos of the House being built in Nicaragua |
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Sunday Service - Live and on Zoom, 10AM
Monthly Game Night -SUSPENDED until further notice. Every 3rd Saturday of the month from 6:30 - 8:30 at The Community House
Monthly Potluck - SUSPENDED until further notice
Book Club - SUSPENDED further notice. We are meeting online every Sunday at 9am Zoom Meeting Room
AA Meeting - Monday - Friday 7am
Voices of the Valley Youth Choir - SUSPENDED until further notice
UCV Council Meeting - 1st Monday of the month 6pm Zoom Meeting Room
AA Meeting - Every Monday 7pm
Women's Al-Anon Meeting - Every Wednesday 5:30pm
Men's AA Meeting - Every Wednesday 7pm
TVP Board Meeting - Currently on Zoom
AA Big Book Study - Every Friday 7pm
AA Step Meeting - Every Saturday 8am
Trans Family Support - 1st Saturday of the month 4pm
Citizens Climate Lobby Meeting - 2nd Saturday of the month 9:30am
C.O.D.A.Meeting - Every Sunday 5:30pm (Currently still on Zoom)
AA Meeting - Every Sunday 7:30pm at The Community House
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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