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Sunday Services

See below for a link to the live streaming of our services or to see previous services:

YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYF6JWnNARixsYXmVVp-ImA/?guided_help_flow=5

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Community Meal

Tuesday, September 16

The community-wide dinner is offered at no charge for anyone who is hungry, who is feeling stretched, or who might need to be reminded that they are loved.

Menu:  Chicken alfredo, pasta, salad, bread, dessert

If you are interested in helping, we will be cooking meals from 9:30-11:30 a.m.; assembling from 3-4 p.m.; and distributing / delivering from 4-5:30 p.m.  In addition, if you would like to bake a cake (your recipe of choice) at home, please drop off by 10 a.m. on September 16th.

To sign up to volunteer, click below:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F44AAAA2BA4F49-free#/

To sign up for the meal, click below:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd9zX7xowpw-MmmvaEV_xFFUc024DWpUYb5oVNcFcPyB1teCA/viewform

 

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September 11, 2025

 

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation.” (2 Corinthians 1:3)

Members and Friends of Valley,

I still remember what a beautiful morning it was twenty-four years ago today, September 11, 2001.  The sun was shining a bright blue; there was not a cloud in the sky.  I was getting my son, just over a year old, ready for a walk in the neighborhood when I heard – on a TV in the background – the news about the plane hitting the Twin Towers in New York, and then another, and then at the Pentagon near Washington, DC, and then the plane that went down in Pennsylvania.

I can’t remember exactly how long I watched at first; eventually we did go for that walk in the neighborhood.  But I could not get out of my mind the images I had already seen, or thoughts about the many friends from college that worked in New York City, or those I knew from my time in DC who frequented the Pentagon.

Yesterday was a similarly beautiful, early fall day.  And, as happens all too often in this country, it was another day marked with violence:  both the high-profile assassination in Utah and a school shooting in Colorado.  There are, again, many questions that remain in situations like these:  who could have done it, how, and why?  Sometimes, we never learn the specific motives.

Still, a larger question remains.  Why is there so much vitriol and violence in our nation?  Whether it comes to our shores from other parts of the world or arises from within, we have not – in these last 24 years – figured out how to prevent it from happening again and again.  Everyone – those immediately impacted and others who witness it up close and from afar – are affected by it.  We long for mercy and consolation.

As Christians, we are reminded that our Lord, Jesus, also, was a victim of political violence; he did not deserve to die.  God grieves for every senseless loss of life as a Father for his own beloved Son.  Each life is too sacred not to mourn and commit to bring an end to violence.

Maybe, like after 9-11, our nation can change; maybe its people can – though briefly and imperfectly – come together in greater unity in response to horrific violence.  Maybe folks will elevate and listen to the voices who plead for peace and for bringing down the temperature of our political and cultural debates.

As we mourn – in remembrance of all those people who were lost 24 years ago, and for the violence that continues even today – we trust in God to provide us mercy; for we are a society and people in need of healing.  May we be recipients of God’s consolation.

In Christ,

Pastor John

________________________________________

ANNOUNCEMENTS
(additional announcements are in the bulletin and newsletter)

Knitting For Others

Inviting all folks from 12-100 years of age, who like to knit or who would like to learn, to be a part of Valley’s Knitting Group.

The group will meet Sundays, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m.:
September 21

This group has been busy knitting prayer blankets and shawls for members of our congregation.  It takes a lot of yarn to knit or crochet these items.  Many of us have made items in the past but not used quite all of the yarn.  Knitting for Others can use the leftover yarn to make items to share with others.  If you have any worsted size-4 or bulky size-5 yarn that you will not be using and could share with Knitting for Others, we certainly would appreciate your donation.  Yarn can be left in the box marked “yarn” in the Library.  Thank you so much for your help.

For questions, please call one of our Co-Chairs, Beverly or Bev:
Beverly Wahl  – 502-553-7255

Bev Keough – 330-888-5385

 

2025 Year-long Bible Study

Everyday for Everyone
365 Devotions from Genesis to Revelation

This collection of reflections encompasses the entirety of the Bible – taking you on a journey from the beginnings of creation and humanity’s journey with God in Genesis through the history of Israel to the life of Jesus and the birth of the church in the New Testament.

Each daily devotion includes:

· Scripture Reference (usually not more than 1 chapter)
· A one-page, thoughtful commentary on that day’s passage
· A prayer echoing the Scripture and reflection from that day

Join Pastor John on a 2025 journey through the Bible; group times for discussion will be planned throughout the year.  Books are available through the church office for $17.

 

Every Day for Everyone – Daily Bible Study discussion

Those participating in the Every Day for Everyone Daily Bible Study (and anyone else interested) are invited to gather for questions and discussion:

Group Discussion Times

Sunday, September 7 & 21
5:00 p.m. in the Church Library

 

Town Hall Meeting

Sunday, September 21

Please join us after worship for a Town Hall Meeting in Fellowship Hall to discuss recent events and some upcoming decisions.

 

 

Valley Adult Choir

________________________________________

Why sing in the choir you might ask?

________________________________________

Maybe you feel you are not up to the task!

 

WELL…………

Just think of the fellowship, the music, and the time
that will be spent with others, as we learn each musical line.
The congregation’s appreciation, the new CHAIRS that were bought,
and, of course, singing together in the church choir LOFT!!!

SO….Maybe this will be the year when you will decide to join us;
and then you, too, will discover how wonderful it is to
sing with each other.

 

Rehearsals start 9/11/25 at 7 p.m.
Valley Sanctuary
See You Then!!!

 

________________________________________

LINKS

 

Link to Services at Valley:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYF6JWnNARixsYXmVVp-ImA

 

Link to Facebook

Link to Prayer Request List

Link to Sermons

Link to Service Bulletin:

Sunday, September 14, 2025 service bulletin

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September 4, 2025

 

“The bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” (John 6:33, Common English Bible)

Members and Friends of Valley,

During their time in the wilderness, the people of Israel who God delivered from bondage in Egypt were sustained by daily food that came down from heaven.  We think of this as bread, but the Hebrew word manna literally means “what is it?”

In John’s gospel, Jesus refers to himself as this bread of God who, also, comes down from heaven.  When – as we will this Sunday in worship – the church celebrates the Sacrament of Holy Communion, we are, likewise, encountering a holy mystery.  How is it that a mere morsel of bread could nourish and sustain not only us, but, also, give life to the world?

This Sunday will be the first in a while that we will be worshipping alone; apart from our friends in Christ from Bainbridge UCC.  After many weeks of shared worship and fellowship, our respective leadership teams have chosen to bring the merger discernment process to a close.

Many of us, I’m sure, are experiencing a wide range of emotions.  I imagine that we all hope and expect church to be that place where – despite different practices, traditions, and beliefs – unity can be achieved.

In the coming weeks, we plan to have a town hall gathering where we can explain in more detail what took place, where we might learn from it, and how we continue to move forward.  And, we will pray for the faithful future of both congregations.

In the meantime, we will gather at the Lord’s Table and embrace the holy mystery of God’s bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.  For, in spite of any earthly triumphs and defeats, we rely on God’s daily mercy and grace to be nourished and sustained.

In Christ,
Pastor John

________________________________________

ANNOUNCEMENTS
(additional announcements are in the bulletin and newsletter)

Knitting For Others

Inviting all folks from 12-100 years of age, who like to knit or who would like to learn, to be a part of Valley’s Knitting Group.

The group will meet Sundays, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m.:
September 7 & 21

This group has been busy knitting prayer blankets and shawls for members of our congregation.  It takes a lot of yarn to knit or crochet these items.  Many of us have made items in the past but not used quite all of the yarn.  Knitting for Others can use the leftover yarn to make items to share with others.  If you have any worsted size-4 or bulky size-5 yarn that you will not be using and could share with Knitting for Others, we certainly would appreciate your donation.  Yarn can be left in the box marked “yarn” in the Library.  Thank you so much for your help.

For questions, please call one of our Co-Chairs, Beverly or Bev:
Beverly Wahl  – 502-553-7255

Bev Keough – 330-888-5385

 

2025 Year-long Bible Study

Everyday for Everyone
365 Devotions from Genesis to Revelation

This collection of reflections encompasses the entirety of the Bible – taking you on a journey from the beginnings of creation and humanity’s journey with God in Genesis through the history of Israel to the life of Jesus and the birth of the church in the New Testament.

Each daily devotion includes:

· Scripture Reference (usually not more than 1 chapter)
· A one-page, thoughtful commentary on that day’s passage
· A prayer echoing the Scripture and reflection from that day

Join Pastor John on a 2025 journey through the Bible; group times for discussion will be planned throughout the year.  Books are available through the church office for $17.

 

Every Day for Everyone – Daily Bible Study discussion

Those participating in the Every Day for Everyone Daily Bible Study (and anyone else interested) are invited to gather for questions and discussion:

Group Discussion Times

Sunday, September 7 & 21
5:00 p.m. in the Church Library

 

Sarah Circle 2025-26

We’d love to have you join us!

 

The first meeting will be:

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

 

Our study for the upcoming year is:
PCUSA: Finding Resilience, Joy, and Our Identity in Jesus Christ

Meet September — May the second Tuesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. in the Church Library.  Books are available and cost $14.00.  To order a book or for more information, please contact Glenna Pool at 419-789-9446 or e-mail gpool205@yahoo.com.

 

Mid-week Lunch Group – September 9

All are welcome to gather for lunch together at Buckeye Café (located across from the church in Tanglewood Square) at noon on the second Tuesday of each month (September 9, October 14, November 11, etc.) for a time of good food, great coffee, and even better conversations.

 

Valley Adult Choir

________________________________________

Why sing in the choir you might ask?

________________________________________

Maybe you feel you are not up to the task!

 

WELL…………

Just think of the fellowship, the music, and the time
that will be spent with others, as we learn each musical line.
The congregation’s appreciation, the new CHAIRS that were bought,
and, of course, singing together in the church choir LOFT!!!

SO….Maybe this will be the year when you will decide to join us;
and then you, too, will discover how wonderful it is to
sing with each other.

 

Rehearsal: 9/11/25 at 7 p.m.
Valley Sanctuary
See You Then!!!

 

________________________________________

LINKS

 

Link to Services at Valley:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYF6JWnNARixsYXmVVp-ImA

 

Link to Facebook

Link to Prayer Request List

Link to Sermons

Link to Service Bulletin:

Sunday, September 7, 2025 service bulletin

Pass-It-On Mission Store