Thesis Summary

Rev. Dr. John Wahl Thesis Summary 5 15 22

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

Stewardship Dedication Sunday

November 12, 2023

2024 Pledge Letter

Community Meal

December 5, 2023, 4-5:30 p.m.

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 December 5th meal is:   Honey glazed ham, cheesy potatoes, green beans, roll, and assorted Christmas cookies.

If you are interested in signing up for the meal, please use the link below:

Community Meal – Sign up

If you are interested in volunteering, please use the link below:

Community Meal – Volunteer

Youth C•O•N•N•E•C•T Event

Sunday, December 17 ✶ 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. 

If you know a young person, between 6th and 12th grades, who would enjoy an Ugly Sweater Showcase, Hot Chocolate Bar, Free Gift Exchange and more, bring them!

You may register at:

Youth CONNECT Event Registration

November 30, 2023

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.'” (Luke 2:10, New International Version)

Members and friends of Valley,

In the story of the first Christmas, the shepherds are given this amazing message.  In our day, now more than two-thousand Christmases later, do we believe this message is, also, for us?

In this Wednesday’s reading, John Pavlovitz – author of “Low:  An Honest Advent Devotional” – compares this message of good news from the angels to a late night infomercial.  Does it overpromise and fail to deliver? Should we know better than to buy what’s being sold?

While it might be true that, through the centuries, Christians have often not lived up to this promise, we trust that by coming to be with us and one of us, the birth of Jesus allows this good news to be for all people; and to cause great joy.  Though God became flesh in one time and place, it revealed that God’s love is for all of us.  And while life certainly comes with its share of pain and hardship, love that leads to right relationship with God and neighbor creates rejoicing, and thankful response as God’s faithful servants.

And though these words come to us not directly from angels, we still sometimes get a glimpse of the mystery and wonder of those messengers from heaven.  It might appear through the pomp and majesty of this season, but – more likely – through simple, everyday sights and sounds, experiences, and interactions.

And so, Pavlovitz says, “look for direct, tangible, and close ways to bring news that is good, and joy that is great, and to all people in your path.” (p. 13)

Advent blessings to you and yours,
Pastor John

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ANNOUNCEMENTS
(additional announcements are in the bulletin and newsletter)

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.

Poinsettia Order Form
The poinsettia order form is below for ordering flowers to decorate Valley’s Sanctuary this Christmas.  Please turn in orders no later than Sunday, December 10th.  See Marilyn Rodenhausen for any questions.

Community Meal – Tuesday, December 5

See Community Meal announcement that is above letter from Pastor John.

Valley Festival Choir

Christmas is like no other season!  Everyone seems to be more united by traditions and faith.  Hearts are more connected as there is a stronger feeling of goodwill toward all.  It is, also, a time to reflect on the gift of Jesus Christ. So, come and celebrate “COMING HOME” with the Valley Festival Choir on December 10th during the 10:30 a.m. worship service.  Come Home to our sanctuary and share in the life that came and changed all of our lives forever, the GIFT to all mankind.

Also, in the Narthex are index cards.  Please take one and fill out your name and where you were born (city and state), and drop the card in the basket.  I will be putting up a map in the Narthex and marking the locations where each person was born.  Then, we can see where everyone started from and where we now call home.  Any questions, contact Nancy Sullivan or the church office.

Sarah Circle – Tuesday, December 12, 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.

Youth C•O•N•N•E•C•T Event

Sunday, December 17 ✶ 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

If you know a young person, between 6th and 12th grades, who would enjoy an Ugly Sweater Showcase, Hot Chocolate Bar, Free Gift Exchange and more, bring them!

You may register above, through the newsletter, or call the church office.

December Events

Sunday, December 10
Music Program – during worship

Sunday, December 17
Christmas Dinner – following worship

Sunday, December 24
Morning Worship – 10:30 a.m.
Lessons and Carols – 8:00 p.m.

Fellowship

Fellowship time is back in full swing! We have a few requests!

1. Blond/light roast coffee recyclable K-cups;

2. 12-oz. paper drinking cups;

3. Cocktail-sized napkins;

4. Baked goods any Sunday.  Text Brenda if you know you will be bringing something.

Contact Brenda Wahl, 440-829-7841, if you’d like to volunteer.

Thank you!

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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:

December 3, 2023 service bulletin

Link to poinsettia order form:

2023 Poinsettia Order Form

November 21, 2023

“Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear to my supplication in your faithfulness; answer me in your righteousness.” (Psalm 83:1)

Members and friends of Valley,

This message is being sent early this week because, in just two days, it will be Thanksgiving – a national, American holiday that resonates closely with our Christian story and beliefs.

Some of you, I imagine, are spending these days shopping for food or setting your table.  Or, maybe, you will travel to gather with friends and relatives.  Some might be focused on helping the hungry, needy, or poor.  And still others may be looking forward to starting their Christmas shopping or relaxing with a day of football (although Saturday is the big one between OSU and that school up north).

In the midst of all these Thanksgiving activities and traditions, we will pause to consider the source of our blessings; the One who has gifted us so that we can be a blessing to others.  God’s faithfulness inspires our faith; the righteousness of God allows us to act in goodness, kindness, and justice.  We invite others to gather around our tables as the Lord likewise invites us; we care for and about others because God first loved us.

Yes, the world around us can sometimes seem divided and chaotic; we are inundated with alarming and disturbing news; and often our efforts feel like an uphill climb.  But, over these next few days, I wish you the time and space to stop and engage in a prayer like the Psalmist did:  to beseech our faithful and righteous God to hear us; and, even more so, to be our model and guide to live faithfully and righteously ourselves.

The crux of the American Thanksgiving story – truth or legend, as it might be – is about people generously sharing of themselves when they could have, instead, chosen to guard and hoard what they had.  May our prayers be for a world where – because God is faithful and good – we choose the way that is less divisive, more generous; and leads us to a place of greater care and mutual love.

Wishing you all a safe, happy, and grateful Thanksgiving.

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 26, we will be decorating the sanctuary.  Plan to stay for a little while and add a few Chrismons to our tree or perhaps to help set up a nativity.

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.

Poinsettia Order Form
The poinsettia order form is below for ordering flowers to decorate Valley’s Sanctuary this Christmas.  Please turn in orders no later than Sunday, December 10th.  See Marilyn Rodenhausen for any questions.

Community Meal – Tuesday, December 5

See Community Meal announcement that is above letter from Pastor John.

December Events

Sunday, December 10
Music Program – during worship

Sunday, December 17
Christmas Dinner – following worship

Sunday, December 24
Morning Worship – 10:30 a.m.
Lessons and Carols – 8:00 p.m.

________________________________________

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 26, 2023 service bulletin

Link to poinsettia order form:

2023 Poinsettia Order Form

Pass-It-On Mission Store