UNITED CHURCH OF THE VALLEY
OUR MISSION
There’s a fresh wind blowing in the Murrieta/Temecula Valley. It is the wind of openness and inclusiveness, the fresh breeze of a community built upon an affirmation approach to life which respects the customs and integrity of all persons. This fresh wind is called United Church of the Valley. This church comes from a tradition of calling and gathering God’s people to respond to the world with new eyes and new hearts. It is a church of vision and involvement. We unashamedly work hand in hand with our God to dismantle the fences which have been erected between people. We follow God’s vision of a just world where all will live peacefully, growing in their concern for each other.
Shalom (Hebrew: שָׁלוֹם šālōm; also spelled as sholom, sholem, sholoim, shulem) is a Hebrew word meaning peace, harmony, wholeness, completeness, prosperity, welfare and tranquility and can be used idiomatically to mean both hello and goodbye.
Salam (Arabic: سلام, salām), sometimes spelled salaam, is an Arabic word that literally means "peace", but is also used as a general greeting, above all in Arab countries and by the Muslim countries around the world in general.
How We Minister
At United Church of the Valley we don't utilize a full time minister, but rather a rotating group of ministers who are creative thinkers. During the course of a month you might see the Rev. Fred Schaeffer, Rev. Stephanie Toon, Lee Eddy, Sandy Selby or Darcie Dunlop behind the pulpit. We enjoy a different approach as seen through a different pair of eyes each week. Not only does it keep us on our toes, but it keeps our minds fresh and open to new ideas and a new way of seeing that, which we have looked at the same way for years.
December 10th - Rev. Jennifer Zechlin
Hi, I’m Jen!
Formally from the Inland Empire, I’m currently living in Southwest Mississippi.
As a former Religious Studies major my passions revolve around Christian education, interfaith dialogue, and servant ministry.
As a member of the Human race social justice and environmental restoration is as important to me as breathing and eating.
I enjoy writing an occasional poem, pushing around paint on canvases, and learning how to play the flute and trombone.
I am thrilled to have found United Church of the Valley and look forward to getting to know and building relationships with you all.
Prophets have declared it.
Poets have written about it.
The world longs for it.
Musicians sing about it.
We pray for it.
God promises it, if…
If what? How do we find peace, especially when things seems dark and we struggle to find our way?
Sunday we’ll hear from some prophets and poets, our musicians will sing. We’ll pray and light the advent candle for peace and maybe we’ll even hear the whispers of our still-speaking God, “If…”.