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 18

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:  Pulled pork BBQ, mac and cheese, 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 18th.

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/1FAIpQLSd9zX7xowpw-MmmvaEV_xFFUc024DWpUYb5oVNcFcPyB1teCA/viewform

October 30, 2025

“Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them.” (Matthew 19:14)

Members and Friends of Valley,

What a joy to walk into the church today and see the preschool children dressed in their Halloween costumes:  football players and cheerleaders, Spiderman and Glinda the Good Witch; all so excited for this holiday made for kids.

And what a juxtaposition to the ways we are failing our children in the adult world:  with congress still inactive, Head Start programs are facing closure, and funding for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Aid Benefits) is about to be put on hold.

When I worked in Washington, DC, in the 1990’s, the Department of Agriculture was transitioning from food stamps – actual pieces of paper to represent SNAP – to EBT (Electronic Debit Transfer) cards.  This would allow recipients to use their cards in just about any store; we believed this was going to be an important step towards ending the stigma of poverty.

I ended up leaving Capitol Hill after two years because for some – but not all the people I encountered there – politics was like a game:  constantly calculating what would help a member get re-elected or ascend in leadership rather than what would serve their constituents and better the nation.  And, I, also, left because I felt called to a different type of service:  one that mirrors the words and actions of Jesus; not mere pragmatism or popularity.

I am deeply disappointed in the members (or their successors) and institutions that I used to represent; they are ignoring these words of Jesus who insisted on putting the needs of children – and others who are vulnerable – first and foremost.

As faith communities, we can do our part to make up for a portion of what benefits our leaders are choosing to withhold from those who need them.  We can give as we are able, supporting our local food banks and other charitable support services.  But – like with the foreign aid cuts to USAID (United States Agency for International Development) earlier this year – non-profit and private donations will cover only a sliver of what our government has been doing.

Yes, Halloween is for kids; but it, also, can be scary and unsettling.  I guess that is what I am feeling today.  People of faith, let us not let our leaders keep us in this place of fear; let us, instead, faithfully listen to and follow Jesus, our Lord.

In Christ,
Pastor John

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ANNOUNCEMENTS
(additional announcements are in the bulletin and newsletter)

Celebration of Life for Larry Graham

Saturday, November 15, at Valley Presbyterian

Visitation with Family at 10:00 a.m.; Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. with luncheon in Fellowship Hall to follow.

Private Internment will be at a later date.

Invitation to Prospective Members

We are so enriched by the participation and gifts of all the parts of our church family – your prayers, service, and presence.

In our denomination, the opportunity is open to all who choose to become members of a particular congregation; all that is required is a public proclamation of faith – a willingness to say that Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior.  We are planning to receive any who are interested in becoming new members of Valley on Sunday, November 9.

All who are interested in exploring membership are invited to a lunch after worship on Sunday, November 2; to gather around the table with church leaders for a time of sharing and conversation.  Pastor John will be providing the food; we should wrap things up that day by 1:00 pm.

If you are able, please let us know (by contacting the church office) if you would like to attend the lunch on November 2, and/or join the church on November 9.

Chagrin Valley Council of Churches

Thanksgiving Prayer Breakfast
Saturday, November 8, 2025
9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Valley Presbyterian Church – Fellowship Hall

Come join members of local churches for a time of fellowship and sharing.

Recognition of Veterans / Guest Speaker:  Join us for a special presentation as Melinda shares her father’s powerful story of courage and endurance during his time as a Prisoner of War.

RSVP at eburns@loloh.org.

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.:
November 9 & 23

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

Sunday, November 16

5:00 p.m. in the Church Library

Festival Choir – The Christmas Gift

Valley’s Festival Choir would like to invite you to
join us this year in preparing for our Christmas Program

“THE CHRISTMAS GIFT”

to be presented during the church service on December 14th, 2025.
Rehearsals are at 7:45 p.m. on Thursdays.

The Festival Choir is a chance for you to sing and share the
experience of Christ’s birth, “The Gift” of Jesus; the Messiah.

North Church Partnership

One of Valley’s most enduring and impactful ministry partnerships is with North Presbyterian Church in the St. Clair neighborhood of Cleveland.  This spring, Rev. Charlie Hurst retired, and North Church welcomed its new pastor, Rev. Katherine Chilcote.

North Church is a predominantly homeless and housing insecure population.  Four Sundays each year, Valley prepares and serves a meal at North; Sunday volunteers depart from Valley at 10 a.m. (taking prepared food with them) to attend the 11 a.m. worship service at North, and help serve the lunch to participants following.  Three-to-five people are requested for each Sunday.

Upcoming Dates

Sunday, November 16 (cooking on Friday, November 14, at 9:30 a.m.)
Sunday, December 21 (cooking on Friday, December 19, at 9:30 a.m.)

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LINKS

Link to Services at Valley:

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

Link to Facebook

Link to Prayer Request List

Link to Sermons

Link to Service Bulletin:

Sunday, November 2, 2025, service bulletin

Pass-It-On Mission Store