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

Community Meal

Tuesday, June 17

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 cordon blue, scalloped potatoes, green beans, roll, chocolate mousse

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 make a chocolate mousse (your recipe of choice) at home, please drop off by 10 a.m. on June 17th.

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/1FAIpQLSd6UETeAkuTyupca69AGbRu9LtMZAcZy2n0L-76J6Dk1o2R7w/viewform

June 12, 2025

“The Spirit comes to help our weakness. We don’t know what we should pray, but the Spirit pleads our case.” (Romans 8:26, Common English Bible)

Members and Friends of Valley,

We live in confusing times. In an age of emerging new technologies like Artificial Intelligence, many of us still have difficulties operating our televisions.  This year, Flag Day – seemingly one of our least controversial holidays – is being commemorated with protests and parades.  And during this Pride Month, our nation’s largest Protestant denomination is threatening to kick out its churches that ordain women or support LGBTQ+ rights.

Sometimes, in these confusing times, we don’t know what to pray:  what to even wish or work or hope for.  With all the challenges before us – as individuals and communities – we sometimes don’t know where our focus needs to be.

In John’s Gospel, Jesus prepares his disciples for his pending departure by promising that the Holy Spirit – the Advocate, Teacher, Guide – would come to be with them.  As Paul says here in Romans, the Spirit is a Helper, especially in times of weakness.  As Christians, we seek to follow the leading of the Spirit by learning from our fellow saints and prophets, as well as through our discernment of how God is calling us to likewise respond to today’s challenges.

This Sunday, we begin a summer worship series called “Holy Disruptors” – looking at Christians throughout the centuries that have listened to the voice of the Spirit to guide them during chaotic and disruptive times.  Some of them – like St. Francis of Assisi, Martin Luther, and Harriet Tubman – you already know, others are likely less familiar.

As we continue our joint services with friends from the Bainbridge Church – discerning how to worship and work together – we seek to listen to and learn how the Spirit might help us.

From these historical figures, we will learn different ways to potentially respond to confusing and difficult days.  Some of their actions were unpopular or controversial in their time and situation, but all can be helpful in deciding who – led by the Spirit – we are called to be today; what to do; and how we ought to pray.

In Christ,
Pastor John

________________________________________

ANNOUNCEMENTS
(additional announcements are in the bulletin and newsletter)

Upcoming Worship Schedule

Sunday, June 15
Joint Worship with Bainbridge UCC at Valley

Sunday, June 22
Joint Worship and Confirmation with Bainbridge UCC at Valley

Sunday, June 29
Chapel Worship at Valley

Sundays, July 6 & 13
Joint Worship at Bainbridge UCC

Sundays, July 20 & 27
Joint Worship with Bainbridge UCC at Valley

Sundays, August 3 & 10
Joint Worship at Bainbridge UCC

Sundays, August 17 & 24
Joint Worship with Bainbridge UCC at Valley

Sunday, August 31
Chapel Worship at Valley

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.:
June 22

July 27

August 24

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

Monday, June 16
Noon-1:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary

________________________________________

LINKS

Link to Service at Valley:

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

Link to Facebook

Link to Prayer Request List

Link to Sermons

Link to Service Bulletins:

Sunday, June 15, 2025 service bulletin

Sunday, June 22, 2025 service bulletin

June 6, 2025

“This Jesus is ‘the stone that was rejected by you, the builders; it has become the cornerstone.’” (Acts 4:11)

Members and Friends of Valley,

Over the past nine months, the congregations of Valley Presbyterian and Bainbridge UCC have been in conversation with one another to discern a path forward toward reuniting what was once one church.

Those who can recall or have heard the history know that in 1957 Valley was founded on its current property, sponsored by Fairmount Presbyterian in Cleveland Heights, after a division had taken place within what was then known as Bainbridge Community Church at the same property just down the road.

What seems to be growing in these two congregations – during our times together in worship and fellowship, mission, and in Town Halls – is an understanding that although – nearly 70 years ago – we located in separate denominations and facilities, our common understanding of Christ as the true cornerstone has not changed.  We both believe in learning, serving others, and welcoming all.  We each value the power of music and story, living in gratitude, and caring for creation.  We understand combining people, prayers, ideas, and resources can create more impactful mission outcomes.  We are all witnesses to how the world around us is changing, but believe that God still speaks and that we are called to be a part of the holy transformation of individuals and communities.

But, the reality is that we each have buildings; we are caretakers of large properties, which can alternately feel like burdens or opportunities.  Each congregation’s building evokes rich histories, memories, and meanings.  It is difficult to know or predict all the emotions attached to these difficult property discussions, as we discern the way to be together once more in worship, in mission, and, also, in location.

In the Pentecost story, which we will hear, again, this Sunday, the disciples wait for the Spirit to come.  Some might have thought the wait was too long; others may have wanted more time to get ready.  But, when it does finally come, the Spirit confirms that no matter where you are from; no matter what language and culture you are familiar with; no matter what changes are in store – what you will need to adapt to or change – Jesus is the cornerstone.  The risen Christ is the sure and certain foundation for who we are and what we are called to do.

I hope you can join us as our two congregations worship jointly this Sunday at Bainbridge UCC to celebrate Pentecost.  Wear something red, if you are able.  And, remember, what scripture tells us about the Spirit, that it is like the wind:  though you feel it blowing, you do not always know where it comes from or where it is going.

In Peace,
Pastor John

ANNOUNCEMENTS
(additional announcements are in the bulletin and newsletter)

Upcoming Worship Schedule

Sunday, June 8 – Pentecost Worship at Bainbridge UCC – Community Celebration during Fellowship Time

Sunday, June 15 – Joint Worship with Bainbridge UCC at Valley

Sunday, June 22 – Worship and Confirmation at Valley

Mid-week Lunch Group – June 10

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 (June 10, July 8, August 12, etc.) for a time of good food, great coffee, and even better conversations.

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.:
June 22

July 27

August 24

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

Monday, June 16
Noon-1:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary

________________________________________

LINKS

Link to Service at Bainbridge UCC:

https://youtube.com/live/hnnQqp43xcI?feature=share

Link to Facebook

Link to Prayer Request List

Link to Sermons

Pass-It-On Mission Store