UNITED CHURCH OF THE VALLEY
OUR TRUE CALLING
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.
Mission Statement
We are an inclusive, accessible and affirming community practicing Jesus' radical love. We follow God's vision of a Just World where all live peacefully and in response we pursue the liberation of all living things from injustice and oppression.
Vision Statement
How We Minister
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.
Sept. 8th - Rev. Stephanie Toon (Just Peace in the Community: so that all may live free from fear)
Stephanie was a United Methodist minister for 18 years serving churches in Dallas, Costa Mesa, Orange and Murrieta. Her passion in ministry is social justice. She has gone on over 30 mission trips in her life. Her current ministry is teaching history at a Title 1 high school in Perris. She’s married to Adriana and has two kids; Jordan and Lincoln.
Firsts
Truth, I don't have many thoughts today. I just finished my first day with students. I welcomed 148 students into my room today that are going to learn and grow with me the next 179 days. And for all the teacher types or parents, I'm guessing you're just as tired.
So as I was thinking about worship for this Sunday I was thinking of firsts. Wednesday was the first day of school for many students. For the first time ever, I have freshmen (pray for me). There are so many firsts this week. This Sunday, come as we listen to Jesus' first sermon. And as a little teaser, it wasn't really that good. Yes, I said that.
See you in church.
Rev. Steph
A new service is available every Sunday morning
New Designations Coming in 2024
Just Peace
A couple of years ago, UCV agreed that we wanted to go through the process of being able to be designated as a “Just Peace” church. The process is somewhat similar to that of becoming “Open and Affirming.” There is a time of study and then the congregation votes to proclaim a public identity as a justice-doing, peace-seeking church. This may be the time to rekindle our determination to seek this designation. If you are interested in learning more about or want to participate in this process, talk to Deb Hudson
Accessible 2 All
Accessibility to All (A2A) is about becoming attitudinally welcoming to people with disabilities and mental health issues as well as working to make our buildings physically and programmatically accessible to persons with disability. There is a process involved outlined by UCC that we will work through to acquire this designation.
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*** EMILY'S SPACE *** Helen Ortega will be taking orders on Sunday. |
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Photographs and Memories
Roots
Chacraseca
Pride
Archie
What do we have here?
Christmas Celebration
John and Sharon
Showing each stop of our nomadic journey
Peaceful Protest
Pumpkin Glow 2023
Candlelight Vigil for Peace
