Over the last few months, I have witnessed an immense blessing in the ministries of the Moreno Valley UMC. Our brothers and sisters are committed to their personal relationship with God, considerate of one another and have truly proven that generosity is not a learned behavior, but a God given blessing.

Our church’s mission statement reminds us to focus on the spiritual growth through God’s grace. It urges us to practice God’s words in action. As we reach out with a compassionate heart to our neighbors and fellow Christians, we are showing them God’s abiding grace and his abundant blessing that we ourselves have experienced. Indeed; it is a true blessing when we act in an extraordinary way, in the sharing of our gifts, sacrifice and joyous giving.

We have many exciting events in the last few months which have strengthened the bond among us all. I hope that everyone has enjoyed dining at our delicious “Burro BBQ” as a time of good fellowship and enjoyment. Our children have distributed packed “hope bags” for the homeless and the youth have started their weekly programs. The choir is busy rehearsing with the Grace UMC a combined Christmas cantata, Family Game night was a great success, the completion of Alpha program, small groups full of enthusiasm and many more exciting upcoming events. These have reaffirmed Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, “Together you are the body of Christ, each one of you is part of his body”, 1 Corinthians 12:27.

One of the highlights of our ministry so far, was on membership Sunday, September 12, when 20 adults came forward to join the church after the membership class. To God be the Glory! Great things He has done….What a
great joy to welcome our new brothers and sisters to the family of God!

I hope that everyone has enjoyed a wonderful summer as a time of reflection and renewal. Let us anticipate in our mission at our community of faith and to reach out to our fellow Christians in our community. May the good Lord continue to fill our lives with blessings of love and joy.

Blessings,
Pastor Martin Niponi Finau

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I have an opportunity for you!! We have Share and Prayer small group meetings. We will meet in the Upper Building at 9:00 and in the classroom by the kitchen at 9:45. Since our pastor will be starting the service at 10:30 - we have an opportunity to strengthen our church; to strengthen our sense of being a church family.

Small groups are 6 to 8 people who meet to share what is happening in their lives, to support each other, and book-end that
meeting with prayer - an opening prayer and closing prayer. This is open to all ages, 7 or 8 years old up to 100. Multigenerational groups will probably have the most fun together. John Wesley built the Methodist Church on the members participating in small groups. Don’t be satisfied with keeping things the way they are.

This will be a way for us to support and care for each other. Getting to know each other better and being there when we need support. We may not realize how rich our lives can be unless we open ourselves up to the love of God by fellowshipping with ourChristian brothers and sisters.

Please join us!
Ruth P.

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It has always been difficult for me to leave a congregation. One of the privileges of being a pastor is that people invite you into their lives, and you get to knowthem in a very special way. And so, when it comes time to leave, the separation seems especially hard.

Leaving you here at Moreno Valley though, is harder than most separations for me. Whenever my pastoral friends have asked me how things are going here, I have always replied, “They are wonderful people, I’ve never served better. They are just in a difficult situation.” And I have meant it. I’ve never known a more kind and generous congregation. Right from the beginning I have felt your kindness washing over me, and I have been thankful.

So, why am I leaving? I’ve been asked this many times. I certainly don’t want to leave, and I believe that the congregation would be content to see me stay. All I can really say though is, because the Bishop asked me to go to Victorville. Yes, I could have said “no”. But I’ve always gone where any Bishop has asked me to go; I’ve never fought any assignment. And over the years I have found that God has had a hand in what the Bishop has said. This, to put it in military jargon, is what I signed up for and I’m not about to stop now. Besides, since I believe that God’s hand was in the Bishop’s decision to ask me to go to Victorville, so do I believe that God’s hand is in the decision to send Pastor Finau to Moreno Valley. I look forward to hearing how God will bless you through Pastor Finau. And I know that Pastor Finau will be equally blessed by you.
Thank you for all your love and support.

Roy

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