Sunday Worship

We are now open for in-person Worship Services.  All are welcome.

Sunday worship service is at 10:30 a.m.
Sunday School available during the school year with childcare
17560 Chillicothe Road
Chagrin Falls, OH  44023
phone:  440-543-1071
email:  info@valleypresbychurch.org
Office hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.


Holy Week Schedule

Palm Sunday, March 24

Celebration of the Triumphal Entry with musical fanfare at 10:30 a.m.

 

Maundy Thursday, March 28

Worship with Communion and Tenebrae at 7 p.m.

 

Good Friday, March 29

Outdoor Stations of the Cross, Chagrin Falls Triangle Park at noon

 

Easter Sunday, March 31

Resurrection Day Worship at 10:30 a.m.

 


Annual Meeting Pastor’s Report – February 4, 2024

February 4, 2024 Annual Meeting Slides


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

 


March 14, 2024

 

Jesus said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to all of creation.” (Mark 16:15)

Members and friends of Valley,

Grace and peace to you from beautiful North Carolina.  Yesterday, we hiked to the top of Lookout Mountain, which overlooks Montreat Conference Center where a team of Valley members is engaged in the work of Thriving Congregations.  This is one of my favorite places; one that testifies to the majesty of God’s creation.

Yesterday afternoon, we discussed being witnesses:  people who testify to God’s work in the world through all that we say and do.  The risen Jesus instructs his disciples to proclaim this good news to all of creation.

Witnessing has some negative connotations in the Christian world.  It makes us think of knocking on doors and handing out pamphlets; or street preachers with a scary message to repent because the end is near.  But, as we are being reminded, witnessing originally meant giving your all – willingly taking risks – because as Christ’s followers, we want everyone to hear – and experience – this good news.

But our Christian witnessing, also, requires discernment.  What assets do we have to offer?  What injustices can we help overcome?  What obstacles might stand in the way?  What do we still need to learn?

This is why we have been engaged in so many conversations with you and people in our community over the past two years.  This input is necessary to discern where and how we can best be witnesses to this good news.

And so, we are eager to continue this process of listening and learning – so that we can faithfully proclaim this good news.  Thank you for your prayers, suggestions, and support.  We are so appreciative.

In Christ,

Pastor John and your Thriving Congregations Team

________________________________________

ANNOUNCEMENTS
(additional announcements are in the bulletin and newsletter)

 

College Age / Military Care Packages

This Sunday and next (March 17 and 24), the Deacons will be collecting donations to send notes and gift cards to our college-age youth and members of the military.  There will be a basket in the Narthex these two weeks, or you can contribute by regular offering, indicating:  care packages.

 

Local Pilgrim – Lenten Daily Devotional Booklets

This daily Lent devotional from the Presbyterian Outlook invites you to explore and observe new and familiar places in your community.  What will God reveal to you when you pause, ponder, and reflect?

In the Local Pilgrim, Outlook Editor/Publisher, Teri McDowell Ott, and other writers explore what God might reveal to us if we intentionally explore our communities.  Who do we see?  What do we hear?  God reveals God’s self when we look.

Lent is the perfect season for a pilgrimage such as this, leading to meaningful contemplation and sacred discoveries.  As you make your way through this devotional, you might find yourself inspired to go somewhere new; or somewhere familiar to pause, ponder, and pray.  What will God unveil?  Join us on your local pilgrimage to new and familiar places in your community.

Each daily reflection, beginning with Ash Wednesday and culminating on Easter Sunday, will combine personal reflection, Scripture, and prayer.  May God bless you and keep you on your Lenten journey.

Local Pilgrim – Lenten Devotionals

 

Local Pilgrim Lenten Photo Journal Project

We want to know:  what is God revealing to you during this season of Lent?  Where have you been led to go, and what have you seen there?

Each Sunday in worship during the season of Lent, we will be sharing some of your Local Pilgrim photos during the time for offering.  Please email your pictures (with permission from any individual that might be in the photograph) to johnawahl@yahoo.com; so that they can be compiled and shared with one another.

Together, let us explore and share what God is up to in our neighborhood!

________________________________________

LINKS

 

Church YouTube Channel

The livestream of the worship service is being broadcast via the Valley YouTube channel using this link:

Link to YouTube Live

 

Link to Facebook

Link to Prayer Request List

Link to Sermons

Link to service bulletins:

Sunday, March 17, 2024 service bulletin


March 7, 2024

 

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” (Matthew 25:35)

Members and friends of Valley,

Several of this week’s entries in the Lenten Pilgrim daily devotional are centered around libraries.  Author Teri Ott describes how, at her local library, she encounters the spiritual practice of reading, the grace of the forgiving late fees, and the same welcome offered to people whether they are young or old, whether they appear rich or poor.

While she does not use this word, the way Ott speaks about libraries reminds me of sanctuary – a location set apart as a place for safety, connection, and rest.  Much like we set apart sanctuaries to protect birds, we, also, need these holy places that feed and restore our souls.

The thing about a sanctuary – like a library – is that it is not just ours; it is a shared space, open to all who hunger or thirst or are in need of welcome.  As soon as we start acting like we own the place – that it is there just to meet our needs, or as if we belong and others don’t – it is no longer a sanctuary, no longer holy.

I have been reading Tim Alberta’s book, The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory.  Alberta, a political writer and son of a pastor, interviews American evangelical leaders to determine how the church and political power have become so intertwined.  One Wheaton College professor suggests to Alberta that, instead, “we should think of ourselves as eager dinner guests at someone else’s banquet; happy to be there, happy to share our perspective.  But we are always respectful, always humble, because this isn’t our home.”

As Local Pilgrims, we are called to look for God at work in our communities, and how we might join in to help see that the hungry are fed and strangers are welcomed.  As Christ’s followers, we do this with humility and respect, because we don’t own the place; we – like all of God’s created ones – are invited and cherished guests at the table.

Please keep sending in photos of what you encounter in your daily walks; so that we might discern together how God is calling us to better love and serve one another.

In Christ,
Pastor John

________________________________________

ANNOUNCEMENTS
(additional announcements are in the bulletin and newsletter)

 

Easter Flowers Order Form

The Easter Flower order form is below.  This Sunday, March 10th, is the last day to order.  Please see Marilyn Rodenhausen with any questions.

 

Sarah Circle – Tuesday, March 12, 2024

This year’s Bible study is:
Sacred Encounter:  The Power and Presence of Jesus Christ In the Gospel of Luke.

Study books are $10.00. Large print is $11.00.
Meeting:  VPC Library, The 2nd Tuesday of the month
10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m., September through May

All women interested are welcome to join.
To purchase a study book, please contact Glenna Pool at 419-789-9446.

 

Local Pilgrim – Lenten Daily Devotional Booklets

This daily Lent devotional from the Presbyterian Outlook invites you to explore and observe new and familiar places in your community.  What will God reveal to you when you pause, ponder, and reflect?

In the Local Pilgrim, Outlook Editor/Publisher, Teri McDowell Ott, and other writers explore what God might reveal to us if we intentionally explore our communities.  Who do we see?  What do we hear?  God reveals God’s self when we look.

Lent is the perfect season for a pilgrimage such as this, leading to meaningful contemplation and sacred discoveries.  As you make your way through this devotional, you might find yourself inspired to go somewhere new; or somewhere familiar to pause, ponder, and pray.  What will God unveil?  Join us on your local pilgrimage to new and familiar places in your community.

Each daily reflection, beginning with Ash Wednesday and culminating on Easter Sunday, will combine personal reflection, Scripture, and prayer.  May God bless you and keep you on your Lenten journey.

Local Pilgrim – Lenten Devotionals

 

Local Pilgrim Lenten Photo Journal Project

We want to know:  what is God revealing to you during this season of Lent?  Where have you been led to go, and what have you seen there?

Each Sunday in worship during the season of Lent, we will be sharing some of your Local Pilgrim photos during the time for offering.  Please email your pictures (with permission from any individual that might be in the photograph) to johnawahl@yahoo.com; so that they can be compiled and shared with one another.

Together, let us explore and share what God is up to in our neighborhood!

 

Fellowship Time

If you would like to contribute to our weekly fellowship time, we’re looking for the following:

Baked goods
Cheese (any kind, but pre-cut)

These items can be dropped off anytime.
Just mark it for Fellowship, and put them in the refrigerator or the freezer.

If you would like to set up or clean up, there will be a sign up in the Narthex and in Fellowship Hall or email Brenda.lee.wahl@gmail.com.

________________________________________

LINKS

 

Church YouTube Channel

The livestream of the worship service is being broadcast via the Valley YouTube channel using this link:

Link to YouTube Live

 

Link to Facebook

Link to Prayer Request List

Link to Sermons

Link to service bulletins:

Sunday, March 10, 2024 service bulletin

Link to Easter Flowers Order Form:

Easter Flowers Order Form – Last Day to Order Sunday



Pass-It-On Mission Store

Pass-it-on will be open:

Friday, March 8, 2024 (1 – 4 p.m.)

&

Saturday, March 9, 2024 (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.)

  Donations are now being accepted.

 

Pass-It-On is a mission of and is located behind
Valley Presbyterian Church
17560 Chillicothe Road
Chagrin Falls, OH 44023
440-543-1071

 

To find out more about our Pass-It-On, A Mission of Love, Store, use the following link to go to our Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/passit.on.716

or e-mail at

Passitonamissionoflove@gmail.com

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2
3
Worship Service 10:30 am
Worship Service @ Valley Presbyterian Church Sanctuary
Mar 3 @ 10:30 am
 
Commission Meetings 12:00 pm
Commission Meetings @ Valley Presbyterian Church Library
Mar 3 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
 
Deacon’s Meeting 12:00 pm
Deacon’s Meeting @ Vallley Presbyterian Church Library
Mar 3 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Deacons will meet on Sundays at 12PM on the second Sunday during the Winter months.
4
7
Men’s Prayer Breakfast 7:30 am
Men’s Prayer Breakfast @ Valley Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall
Mar 7 @ 7:30 am – 9:00 am
 
Adult Choir 7:00 pm
Adult Choir @ Vallley Presbyterian Church Sanctuary
Mar 7 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
 
Thursday AA Group Meeting (FH & Library)) 7:00 pm
10
Worship Service 10:30 am
Worship Service @ Valley Presbyterian Church Sanctuary
Mar 10 @ 10:30 am
 
11
14
Men’s Prayer Breakfast 7:30 am
Men’s Prayer Breakfast @ Valley Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall
Mar 14 @ 7:30 am – 9:00 am
 
Adult Choir 7:00 pm
Adult Choir @ Vallley Presbyterian Church Sanctuary
Mar 14 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
 
Thursday AA Group Meeting (FH & Library)) 7:00 pm
15
17
Worship Service 10:30 am
Worship Service @ Valley Presbyterian Church Sanctuary
Mar 17 @ 10:30 am
 
Session Meeting 12:00 pm
Session Meeting @ Valley Presbyterian Church Library
Mar 17 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
 
18
21
Men’s Prayer Breakfast 7:30 am
Men’s Prayer Breakfast @ Valley Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall
Mar 21 @ 7:30 am – 9:00 am
 
Adult Choir 7:00 pm
Adult Choir @ Vallley Presbyterian Church Sanctuary
Mar 21 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
 
Thursday AA Group Meeting (FH & Library)) 7:00 pm
23
24
Worship Service 10:30 am
Worship Service @ Valley Presbyterian Church Sanctuary
Mar 24 @ 10:30 am
 
25
28
Men’s Prayer Breakfast 7:30 am
Men’s Prayer Breakfast @ Valley Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall
Mar 28 @ 7:30 am – 9:00 am
 
Adult Choir 7:00 pm
Adult Choir @ Vallley Presbyterian Church Sanctuary
Mar 28 @ 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
 
Thursday AA Group Meeting (FH & Library)) 7:00 pm
29
30
31
Worship Service 10:30 am
Worship Service @ Valley Presbyterian Church Sanctuary
Mar 31 @ 10:30 am