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, November 19
4:00 – 5:30 p.m.

This month, we will, again, 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 an evening of not cooking or the love that goes into making the food.

Menu – Glazed Chicken, Roasted Winter Vegetables, Green Beans, Cornbread, Assorted Pies

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 pie (your recipe of choice) at home, please drop off by 10 a.m. on November 19th.

To sign up to volunteer, click the link below:

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

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

https://forms.gle/JgRSusCwZosCAnqu6

December 5, 2024

“Strengthen the weak hands and make firm the feeble knees, say to those who are of a fearful heart, ‘Be strong, do not fear!'” (Isaiah 35:4a)

Members and Friends of Valley,

The words of the Old Testament prophets, like Isaiah, have a way of turning our attention to those around us who are most vulnerable:  the widow, the orphan, and the stranger in our midst.  Even John the Baptizer, who follows in the tradition of these ancient prophets, counsels the crowds who come out to see him in the wilderness:  “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” (Luke 3:11)

As the church, we believe that life is more abundant for all when we share what we have with one another; while fear is a result of not knowing how or when there will be enough.  Wholeness can happen when weak hands are strengthened and feeble knees made firm; when those who hunger are provided food, the unhoused are sheltered, and those without a coat are given one by someone with an extra to spare.

In the Christmas season, we seek to live out the words of the prophets – like Isaiah and John – by providing for those who are in need.  Among the ways we choose to do this is the Angel Tree.  This year, the Angel Tree will provide Christmas gifts for those in need through Geauga County Family Services.  Since we are worshipping, this Sunday, with our neighbors at the Bainbridge Church – and because Angel Tree gifts must be returned by Tuesday, Dec. 10 – I would like to list some of them here.  Please feel free to choose any of them, duplicates are fine:

Gift Cards ($25) to Walmart, Giant Eagle, or Amazon; pajamas for boys or girls; hooded sweatshirts of any size; fleece blankets; craft or jewelry kits; toys for infants or toddlers or, specifically, Barbie, Paw Patrol, Lego, and Bluey.

Please be generous and share with others, if you are able.  Unwrapped gifts and gift cards can be brought to worship and collected on Sunday or dropped off at Valley in the church office by noon on Tuesday.

Also, please take note of the information below, including about worship and our fellowship event on Sunday, about Sarah Circle and lunch on Tuesday, and about ordering Christmas poinsettias.  Please plan to be back at Valley for worship on Sunday, December 15, for our Christmas music program entitled, “A Simple Christmas” and look forward to seeing you after worship on Sunday, December 22, for Valley’s Christmas dinner.  A sign up for the dinner is below.

May we be the hands and feet of Christ this season by helping those who are vulnerable, and fearful, in our midst.

In Peace,
Pastor John

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ANNOUNCEMENTS
(additional announcements are in the bulletin and newsletter)

Worship this Sunday, Dec. 8

Second Sunday of Advent
We have been invited to worship with our friends at Bainbridge Community church at 10:30 a.m. Pastor John will be preaching.

Here is the worship link for Banbridge Church on computers/devices:

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

Sunday, Dec. 15

Third Sunday of Advent
Festival Choir Christmas Music Program
“A Simple Christmas”

Sunday, Dec. 22

Fourth Sunday of Advent
Christmas dinner to follow worship
Sign up for the dinner below:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0945ADAA2CA2FC1-53746294-christmas

Annual Christmas Angel Tree Project

Each Christmas season Valley has an Angel Tree project.  This year, we will be supporting Geauga County Family Services.

Please select an Angel for either a child or a teen.  They are collecting new toys for all ages and things for teens.  They do not accept any used toys, toy guns, or video games.

Also, they are collecting $25 gift cards for Amazon, Walmart, Giant Eagle, or Aldi.

Please return the unwrapped gift under the Angel Tree in the Church Narthex.  There is a box for gift cards beside the tree.  Please return the gift cards / gifts by Sunday, December 8.

Thank you,
The Mission Commission

$5 for Feet, Fingers, and Fares for North Church

Help give the gift of warmth to our North Church partners this winter.  Your cash donations will be used to purchase adult gloves, hats, and socks.  Also, cash will be provided for the purchase of bus fares.  Collection boxes will be located in the Narthex and Fellowship Hall.  Please drop off by Sunday, December 15.  Thank you for your warm response to our neighbors in need.  Thank you, The Mission Commission

Fellowship Time

Click the link below for a flyer for Fellowship Time:

King & Country DRUMMER BOY Christmas Live Flyer

Mid-week Lunch Group – December 10

(now after Sarah Circle on the second Tuesday of each month)

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 (December 10, January 14, etc.) for a time of good food, great coffee, and even better conversations.

Sarah Circle – Tuesday, December 10

Sarah Circle 2024-2025 meetings are on the second Tuesday of each month, September through May, at 10:30 a.m. in the church library.

This year’s study is:
“Words of Love” by Eugenia Gamble
All are welcome for membership or just a visit.
Contact Glenna Pool with any questions.

Advent Wreath Sign-up

The Advent Wreath sign-up has been posted in the Narthex.  Please consider signing up to light a candle as we prepare for the coming of our Lord Jesus – there is one Sunday in Advent open.

Christmas Poinsettia Order Form

12/8 is the last Sunday to order – turn into office no later than Monday, December 9, at 9 a.m.

The 2024 Christmas Poinsettia order form is below.  See form for instructions.  Please contact Marilyn Rodenhausen with any questions.

Notice from Treasurer’s Office

If you would like to have your 2024 pledges credited to 2024, please turn them into the church office no later than Thursday, December 26, or the offering basket no later than Sunday, December 29.

Offering Envelopes for 2025

For those that receive offering envelopes, please retain the current box you have for 2025.  If at any time you are in need of more envelopes, please contact the office.  If you do not receive envelopes and would like to, please contact the church office.

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LINKS

Link to Facebook

Link to Prayer Request List

Link to Sermons

Link to Poinsettia order form:

2024 Christmas Poinsettia Order Form

November 27, 2024

Sunday, December 1
First Sunday of Advent – Combined worship at Valley
Rev. Brian Saxe preaching

________________________________________

ANNOUNCEMENTS
(additional announcements are in the bulletin and newsletter)

Annual Christmas Angel Tree Project

Each Christmas season Valley has an Angel Tree project.  This year, we will be supporting Geauga County Family Services.

Please select an Angel for either a child or a teen.  They are collecting new toys for all ages and things for teens.  They do not accept any used toys, toy guns, or video games.

Also, they are collecting $25 gift cards for Amazon, Walmart, Giant Eagle, or Aldi.

Please return the unwrapped gift under the Angel Tree in the Church Narthex.  There is a box for gift cards beside the tree.  Please return the gift cards / gifts by Sunday, December 8.

Thank you,
The Mission Commission

$5 for Feet, Fingers, and Fares for North Church

Help give the gift of warmth to our North Church partners this winter.  Your cash donations will be used to purchase adult gloves, hats, and socks.  Also, cash will be provided for the purchase of bus fares.  Collection boxes will be located in the Narthex and Fellowship Hall.  Please drop off by Sunday, December 15.  Thank you for your warm response to our neighbors in need.  Thank you, The Mission Commission

Fellowship Time

Click the link below for a flyer for Fellowship Time:

King & Country DRUMMER BOY Christmas Live Flyer

Mid-week Lunch Group – December 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 (December 10, January 14, etc.) for a time of good food, great coffee, and even better conversations.

Sarah Circle – Tuesday, December 10

Sarah Circle 2024-2025 meetings are on the second Tuesday of each month, September through May, at 10:30 a.m. in the church library.

This year’s study is:
“Words of Love” by Eugenia Gamble
All are welcome for membership or just a visit.
Contact Glenna Pool with any questions.

Advent Wreath Sign-up

The Advent Wreath sign-up has been posted in the Narthex.  Please consider signing up to light a candle as we prepare for the coming of our Lord Jesus.

Christmas Poinsettia Order Form

The 2025 Christmas Poinsettia order form is below the link to the service bulletin.  See form for instructions.  Please contact Marilyn Rodenhausen with any questions.

________________________________________

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, December 1, 2024 service bulletin

Link to Poinsettia order form:

2024 Christmas Poinsettia Order Form

November 21, 2024

“O my soul, bless God. From head to toe, I’ll bless his holy name.” (Psalm 103:1, The Message)

Members and Friends of Valley,

Tuesday night, not for the first time, my left knee was feeling a little achy.  I said to Brenda, “It’s either going to rain, or I’ve been standing up all day, or maybe both.”

I had just gotten home after delivering the last of our community meals – we made and served about 98 by my count.  I am so thankful for the folks who made and brought pies, who helped cook, package, and deliver the meals.  I am so thankful for the Pass-It-On volunteers and Heart of Valley preschool teachers to whom we could offer this small token of appreciation.  I am so thankful for folks who signed up and took meals to their friends and neighbors that may be going through a rough time or just needed to feel that someone cares.

And I am so thankful that God calls each and all of us, from head to toe – including sometimes sore knees – to care for and serve one another.  In a world that can seem – and sometimes is – polarized and uncivil, God gives each of us particular gifts to share:  gifts of prayer, compassion, hospitality, service, and more.  Sometimes, we are given the privilege of offering our whole selves – even to the point where we sometimes feel achy – in service of the common good.

So, again, thank you.  I hope you can take pride in the fact that – in this and many other ways – this church and its people offer what they have – and, indeed, their very selves – to and for one another and our neighbors.

In Christ,
Pastor John

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ANNOUNCEMENTS
(additional announcements are in the bulletin and newsletter)

Decorating the Sanctuary

The Advent season is fast approaching. After worship on Sunday, November 24, we will be “decking the halls”.  Please, anyone who wants to can stay for a little while and add a few Chrismons to our tree or perhaps to help set up a nativity, etc.

Advent Wreath Sign-up

The Advent Wreath sign-up has been posted in the Narthex.  Please consider signing up to light a candle as we prepare for the coming of our Lord Jesus.

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.  See bulletin or Valley newsletter for additional details.

The group will meet 12:00 – 1:30 p.m.:
Sunday, November 24

Christmas Poinsettia Order Form

The 2025 Christmas Poinsettia order form is below the link to the service bulletin.  See form for instructions.  Please contact Marilyn Rodenhausen with any questions.

Fellowship Time

Click the link below for a flyer for Fellowship Time:

King & Country DRUMMER BOY Christmas Live Flyer

________________________________________

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, November 24, 2024, service bulletin

Link to Poinsettia order form:

2024 Christmas Poinsettia Order Form

Pass-It-On Mission Store