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Thesis Summary

Rev. Dr. John Wahl Thesis Summary 5 15 22

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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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September Listening Sessions

We want to hear from you!!   As part of our Thriving Congregations program, Valley will be hosting three listening sessions at the church in September.   These are one-hour gatherings of six to eight people for the purpose of bringing people together to tell their stories, identify areas of commitment and concern, and discern identity through shared hopes, concerns, desires, dreams, and possibilities for action.

From October 3-6, five members of the Thriving Congregations team will be traveling, again, to Montreat, North Carolina, for training and sharing at our third cohort gathering.  In addition to the dozens of one-on-one conversations already conducted, these listening sessions will help us to plan our path forward in ministry and mission engagement with our community.

We encourage all members and friends of Valley (whether or not you participated in a one-on-one conversation) to attend one of these gatherings.   They will each be moderated (and notes will be taken) by members of the Thriving Congregations team.   All the gatherings will take place in the church library.   The dates and times are:

Sunday, September 10 – noon-1 p.m.
Monday, September 18 – 7-8 p.m.
Sunday, September 24 – noon-1 p.m.

A sign-up sheet will be in the Narthex, or you can use the Sign-up Genius link below or the September newsletter.

Listening Sessions Sign-up

Don’t worry about there being too many signed up – we can always split into multiple groups; and don’t think that we don’t want to / need to hear your voice, because we do!

Thank you in advance for your participation; and please pray that these gatherings – and our upcoming time in Montreat – will provide us with just what we need to hear.

In Christ,
Your Thriving Congregations Team
Holly and Dale Cooper
Lynn Fagerholm
Tanya Fouts
Beth Krause
Dusty Timmons
Pastor John and Brenda Wahl

 

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Community Meal

Tuesday, September 19

Continuing this month, we will be engaging in our community meal program:  preparing dinners to be available for pick-up or delivery.  These meals are our gift to the community:   to anyone who is in need of the food or the love that goes into making it.

The menu for the September 19th meal is:  Chicken cordon blue, roasted potatoes, green beans, rolls, tiramisu.

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.  Sign up at the link below:

Community Meal Volunteer Sign-up

To sign up for the meal, click the link below:

Community Meal Sign-up

 

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September 29, 2023

 

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor…to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19)

Members and Friends of Valley –

In the outset of Jesus’ ministry, when he went to the synagogue in his hometown of Nazareth, these are the words he read from the scroll of Isaiah.  They serve as his mission statement – his summary of vision and purpose – and might do so for us, the church, as well.

As the body of Christ, called to model ourselves after the life of Jesus, mission is our ministry.  “Let your light shine before others,” Jesus said, “so that they may see your good works, and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

This Sunday, on World Communion Sunday, we join with Christians from around the globe in embracing the high purpose that Jesus long-ago proclaimed.  We give of ourselves so that others might find relief from poverty, oppression, captivity, and exclusion.  As we have been fed, so we are to feed others.  As God has blessed us, we are to be a blessing to others.

This Sunday, some from Valley will be worshipping and serving at North Church.  Others will be supporting the Dougbe River School of Liberia at its annual Gala.  And still others will be supporting the work of the church – global, national, and local – through giving to the Peace and Global Witness Offering.  We surround all of these mission efforts with our encouragement and prayers.

And we are all invited to the Lord’s Table:  for there, we find there is enough for everyone and room for all.

Thanks be to God,
Pastor John

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ANNOUNCEMENTS
(additional announcements are in the bulletin and newsletter)

North Church

October Partnership Month

North Presbyterian Church – which shares space with Lutheran Metropolitan Ministries at E. 45th and Superior Ave. – has long been a ministry partner with Valley.  The first four Sundays in October, volunteers will help prepare and serve meals at North, joining them in worship and fellowship.  This year, we are excited to share our partnership month with Christ Presbyterian Church in Chesterland – looking to have 2-4 volunteers from each church attend North on Sundays.

Valley will be preparing the main dish and sides for the first two Sundays; meeting in the church kitchen to prepare the meals.

Friday, September 29 – 10 a.m.-noon
Saturday, October 7 – 10 a.m.-noon

For Sundays, October 15 and 22, Christ Presbyterian will be providing the main course and sides; Valley will be responsible for deserts.

Eagle Scout Project

Kenston Senior, Matthew Louis, has chosen to refurbish the south courtyard (outside the preschool classrooms) with new trellises, landscaping and a picnic table for his Eagle Scout Project.  If you would like to support the project financially, you can designate your offerings “Eagle Scout Project.”

Dougbe River School Gala

Sunday, October 1, 2023
In-person – 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Online – 7:00-8:00 p.m.

The Dougbe River Presbyterian School is a ministry partner of Valley Church and the Presbytery of the Western Reserve.  Located in Liberia, it now has an enrollment of 240 students, a working farm, and the current construction of a girls’ dormitory.

Using mission funds raised by Pass-It-On, the church has purchased a table for eight Valley members to attend the Gala, which includes appetizers, dinner, silent auction, and a program update about the school.

Banquet Center at St. Noel
35200 Chardon Road
Willoughby Hills, OH 44094

 

Homeless Hookup CLE visits North Church

Sunday, October 8, 2023

On Sunday, October 8, the Homeless Hookup CLE hygiene bus will be at North Church after worship to offer haircuts, clothes, and hygiene bags.  A carpool from Valley will be going down immediately after worship to join in the festivities.  If you have not been to North, this is a great time to get involved.

Sarah Circle – Tuesday, October 10, 2023

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.

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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 bulletin:

October 1, 2023 service bulletin

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September 14, 2023

 

“This is the day the Lord acted; we will rejoice and celebrate in it!” (Psalm 118:24, Common English Bible)

Members and Friends of Valley,

In the midst of worldwide climate extremes and natural disasters, Northeast Ohio is experiencing a beautiful stretch of early fall weather.  It has been such a blessing to enjoy crisp mornings and warm afternoons with a comfortable breeze.  I hope that you have been able to spend time in creation and take in these wonders.

This Sunday, we are blessed with the opportunity to worship in our outdoor chapel, surrounded by tall trees and singing birds.  It reminds us that sanctuaries are not only made of human hands, but that God intends for us to enjoy the stillness and beauty of nature in the created world.

As God’s people, we are called to praise God for this goodness and to work to create sanctuary and space for those who are unable – for whatever reason – to fully enjoy it; whether that be hunger or homelessness, pain or loss.  Christ calls us serve one another, and that it is in losing our own lives – focusing on others, not just ourselves – that we will find true life and purpose.

At Valley, we do this in many different ways – through the Pass-It-On resale store (open this Friday and Saturday); through our community meals (the next one is on Tuesday, September 19); by supporting the Dougbe River School (their annual gala is on Sunday, October 1) and our ministry partners at North Church (numerous opportunities to serve in October).  We, also, seek to continue learning – the Sarah Circle and the Book Study (details below) to name a couple.

And so, let us rejoice in the Lord; and let us work for a world where others can celebrate as well.

In Christ,
Pastor John

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ANNOUNCEMENTS
(additional announcements are in the bulletin and newsletter)

Chapel in the Woods

This Sunday, September 17 (weather permitting), we will worship in our outdoor chapel. Please dress casually and appropriately.

Eagle Scout Project

Kenston Senior, Matthew Louis, has chosen to refurbish the south courtyard (outside the preschool classrooms) with new trellises, landscaping and a picnic table for his Eagle Scout Project. If you would like to support the project financially, you can designate your offerings “Eagle Scout Project.”

September Listening Sessions

We want to hear from you!!  As part of our Thriving Congregations program, Valley will be hosting three listening sessions at the church in September.  These are one-hour gatherings of six to eight people for the purpose of bringing people together to tell their stories, identify areas of commitment and concern, and discern identity through shared hopes, concerns, desires, dreams, and possibilities for action.

We encourage all members and friends of Valley to attend one of these gatherings.  They will each be moderated (and notes will be taken) by members of the Thriving Congregations team.  All the gatherings will take place in the church library.  The dates and times are:

Monday, September 18 – 7-8 p.m.
Sunday, September 24 – noon-1 p.m.

A sign-up sheet will be in the Narthex, or you can use the Sign-up Genius link above or the September newsletter.

Adult Choir

The Adult Choir of Valley started their rehearsals on Thursday, September 14th, at 7 p.m. in the Choir Loft.  Valley’s Choir is a great organization to be a part of with fellowship, singing, sharing time together, social activities, and praising the Lord in song. Consider becoming a part of the Choir this year; it’s time to share your talents.

SEE YOU ON THURSDAYS AT 7 PM!!!!!!!!!

Pass-it-on Resale Store

The store will be open on:
Friday, September 15, 2023 (3 p.m. – 6 p.m.)
Saturday, September 16, 2023 (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
Pass-it-on is accepting donations. Please contact Brenda Wahl at
440-829-7841 or passitonamissionoflove@gmail.com.

Community Meal – Tuesday, September 19

Continuing this month, we will be engaging in our community meal program:  preparing dinners to be available for pick-up or delivery.  These meals are our gift to the community:  to anyone who is in need of the food or the love that goes into making it.

The menu for the September 19th meal is:  Chicken cordon blue, roasted potatoes, green beans, rolls, tiramisu.

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. Sign up above or in the September newsletter.

Book Study – “Poverty, by America” by Matthew Desmond

This fall, Valley is focusing its mission efforts in the areas of poverty and homelessness.  In addition to taking action, it is, also, important to learn more about some of the conditions and misconceptions about why poverty is so prevalent in such a prosperous nation.

As one way of better educating ourselves about poverty in the United States, you are invited to read Matthew Desmond’s recent book, Poverty, by America.

Material from this book will be a focus of the October 1 sermon on World Communion Sunday and the Peace and Global Witness offering. Two discussion times for the book are planned:

Tuesday, September 26 – 6:30–8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 27 – 10:00–11:30 a.m.

The book is available from most national and local booksellers.

 

CFPCC Food Bank Needs

Please consider donating the following items to help stock the shelves at Chagrin Falls Park Community Center for a Fall Snack Pack program at the end of September:

Any snack item, whether it be snack size or full size, such as chips, popcorn, pretzels, candy, apples, etc.

CFPCC is receiving donations at your car. Someone will come out and retrieve donations.

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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 bulletin:

Sunday, September 17, 2024 service bulletin

Sunday, September 24, 2023 service bulletin

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September 7, 2023

 

“As it is written, ‘The one who is righteous will live by faith.’’’ (Romans 1:17)

Members and Friends of Valley,

As the church, we talk a lot about faith.  We sometimes call ourselves a faith community, we acknowledge that salvation comes to us by grace, through faith, and we seek to balance our faith with works.

Much of what we now learn about faith in scripture comes from the writings of the Apostle Paul:  he who experienced the dramatic conversion from being a doer of the Law to a believer in Christ.  He comes to understand – through his own transformation – the centrality of faith:  the belief that God loves, elects, and blesses us not because of what we have done or deserve, but because God is merciful and ever faithful.

During worship for the next three Sundays in September, we will be exploring a portion of Paul’s writings in his letter to the Romans; considering what it means to have faith and live righteously.  As we will be reminded, this life of faith is not a solo operation; it is done in and with community:  those neighbors, friends, and family members we share with, listen to, and learn from.

Here, when Paul says “as it is written,” he is quoting the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk – a book that is full of confusion and woe.  In the midst of the current chaos, the people are encourage to remain steadfast in their righteousness by living faithfully.  Just because the events and state of affairs around them are not as they would like – or trending in the direction they might wish – does not mean God has no future in store.  God will remember mercy and bring salvation.

For Paul, that is what it means to live in faith; to believe that Christ has already redeemed the world even if it doesn’t yet appear that way to us.  Our call is to be righteous:  as another of the prophets, Micah, says, to do mercy, love kindness, walk humbly with God.

These days, like in the ancient times of Habbakkuk and Micah and Paul, that can be a tall task, to believe and live by faith.  We would much rather see proof or progress.  But, together, as the global and local community of faith, we can be Christ’s body, re-created, righteous, and renewed.

Together in Christ,
Pastor John

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ANNOUNCEMENTS
(additional announcements are in the bulletin and newsletter)

Carol Ferguson – Celebration of Life

We are saddened to announce the passing of member Carol Ferguson on Wednesday, September 6. A time of visitation will be at Murphy Funeral Home in Chagrin Falls on Friday, September 8, from 4-7 p.m. A service of Celebration of Life will be held at Valley Presbyterian on Saturday, September 9, at 11 a.m. with lunch in the Fellowship Hall to follow. Please keep Carol’s husband, John, and all of their family in your prayers.

Sarah Circle – Tuesday, September 12th

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. to 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.

To My White Friends Who Know Me

Dr. Debbie Plummer’s play, “To My White Friends Who Know Me”, will be at Forest Hill Church on September 9 and 10.   This special presentation encourages audiences to make an effort to cross racial lines in friendship and work toward racial equity.   Dr. Plummer will be a part of the post-show discussion.

Showtimes:
Saturday, September 9, from 7-9 p.m. (open seating starts at 6:20 p.m.)
Sunday, September 10, from 2-4 p.m. (open seating starts at 1:20 p.m.)

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased from Forest Hill Church with the link in the September newsletter or below:

https://fhc.breezechms.com/form/78a418?mc_cid=c038b32a0a&mc_eid=ffe3299a72

September Listening Sessions

We want to hear from you!!  As part of our Thriving Congregations program, Valley will be hosting three listening sessions at the church in September.  These are one-hour gatherings of six to eight people for the purpose of bringing people together to tell their stories, identify areas of commitment and concern, and discern identity through shared hopes, concerns, desires, dreams, and possibilities for action.

We encourage all members and friends of Valley to attend one of these gatherings.  They will each be moderated (and notes will be taken) by members of the Thriving Congregations team.  All the gatherings will take place in the church library.  The dates and times are:

Sunday, September 10 – noon-1 p.m.
Monday, September 18 – 7-8 p.m.
Sunday, September 24 – noon-1 p.m.

A sign-up sheet will be in the Narthex, or you can use the Sign-up Genius link above or the September newsletter.

Adult Choir

The Adult Choir of Valley will be starting their rehearsals on Thursday, September 14th, at 7 p.m. in the Choir Loft. Valley’s Choir is a great organization to be a part of with fellowship, singing, sharing time together, social activities, and praising the Lord in song. Consider becoming a part of the Choir this year; it’s time to share your talents.

SEE YOU ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14TH AT 7 PM!!!!!!!!!

Pass-it-on Resale Store

The store will be open on:
Friday, September 15, 2023 (3 p.m. – 6 p.m.)
Saturday, September 16, 2023 (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
Pass-it-on is accepting donations. Please contact Brenda Wahl at
440-829-7841 or passitonamissionoflove@gmail.com.

Community Meal – Tuesday, September 19

Continuing this month, we will be engaging in our community meal program:  preparing dinners to be available for pick-up or delivery.  These meals are our gift to the community:  to anyone who is in need of the food or the love that goes into making it.

The menu for the September 19th meal is:  Chicken cordon blue, roasted potatoes, green beans, rolls, tiramisu.

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. Sign up above or in the September newsletter.

CFPCC Food Bank Needs

Please consider donating the following items to help stock the shelves at Chagrin Falls Park Community Center for a Fall Snack Pack program at the end of September:

Any snack item, whether it be snack size or full size, such as chips, popcorn, pretzels, candy, apples, etc.

CFPCC is receiving donations at your car. Someone will come out and retrieve donations.

________________________________________

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 bulletin:

Sunday, September 10, 2023, service bulletin

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Pass-It-On Mission Store