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

March 14, 2025

“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” (Hebrews 13:16)

Members and Friends of Valley,

As I work, this morning, in the church office, I can hear the sound of preschoolers’ voices laughing, singing, and praying in the background.  One of the most important lessons they are learning in these formative years is how to share:  the time and attention of their teachers, the books and toys in the classroom, and their own feelings and emotions.

Of course, sharing what we have – and, thereby, doing good – is a lesson that remains important throughout our lives.  And while our culture might send messages that we need to acquire all we deserve and protect what we have, the scriptures teach us that in order to be part of a community, we must not neglect the importance of sharing.  In Christ, God reveals to us the full measure of sacrifice – of sharing on behalf of others – and we are told that it is pleasing to God.

In our world today, there are many reasons to fear.  There is instability in national and international security.  There is uncertainty about the future of the environment, financial markets, and public services.  There are rapid changes taking place in technology, jobs, and cultural norms.  In addition, we each harbor our own doubts and worries regarding relationships, security, and health.

Next Sunday, March 23, we will be celebrating the amazing volunteers and impact of Pass-It-On:  Valley’s church resale store.  What began as just an idea has widened in the number of people involved and deepened the ways it benefits our community.  In the past several years, we have developed mission partnerships with lots of other local organizations that are doing good; and it all continues to be based on the generosity of those who share what they have.

The same day, during Fellowship Time, we are inviting folks to take part in a Bread for the World letter-writing campaign:  to advocate for legislation that will help address hunger locally and around the world.  All the materials, addresses of representatives, sample letters, and instructions will be available to share our voices with decision-makers.

To some of us, these do not seem like big sacrifices – donating some old clothes or writing a letter – but they are both examples of the ongoing importance of sharing that we teach our young people:  learning it, practicing it, doing it without fear, and making it a habit.  It is one of the building blocks of a community that seeks to do – and to be – good.

In Christ,
Pastor John

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ANNOUNCEMENTS
(additional announcements are in the bulletin and newsletter)

Feeding Our Neighbors

See March Valley Voice for additional information.

Monday, March 17
3:00 p.m. – meal preparation in the Church kitchen
5:00 p.m. – depart for meal delivery

Individuals, groups, or families (up to five people) are welcome to sign up to join Pastor John for either shift.  Menus will be posted on the sign-up sheet.

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.:
March 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

Bainbridge UCC Partnership – Upcoming Worship Schedule

Sunday, March 23
Combined Worship at Pass-It-On Celebration at Valley

Sunday, March 30
Combined Mission Sunday Worship at Bainbridge – Town Hall to Follow

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, March 23
12:30-1:30 p.m. in the Church Sanctuary

Easter Flowers Order Form

The Easter Flowers Order Form is attached for ordering flowers for the Easter Service, Sunday, April 20th, 2025.  Final orders are due into the office no later than Wednesday, April 9, 2025.  See Marilyn Rodenhausen with 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, March 16, 2025, service bulletin

Link to Easter Flowers Order Form:

2025 Easter Flowers Order Form

March 6, 2025

“The harvest is bigger than you can imagine, but there are few workers. Therefore, plead with the Lord of the harvest to send out workers for his harvest.” (Luke 10:2, Common English Bible)

Members and friends of Valley,

Last Sunday, during worship with our friends at Bainbridge UCC, Pastor Brian preached about the Transfiguration.  This is where Jesus, accompanied by two of his disciples, has a mountaintop experience of revelation and rest before returning to the valley to get back to work.

Descriptions of the mountaintop and valley made me think of the old wooden roller coaster that I used to ride as a kid at King’s Island, near Cincinnati.  It was a twin coaster, called the Racer, meaning you always wanted to pick the side that would go up, and then come down, the fastest.

Before sending out the 70 disciples in Luke 10 (the very next chapter after his Transfiguration), Jesus gives them instructions:  take no wallet, bag, or sandals.  But he, also, tells them to pray for workers because the harvest is so big.

I used to think this meant Jesus was sending them on some kind of contest, a race; and so, that was to be our purpose as well:  gather up as much as you can as fast as you can.

But, now, I’m not so sure. Maybe, instead, Jesus is telling us to pray for others to accompany us up mountains and down into valleys; that moments of work and rest, revelation and relationship are all part of our common experience.

As we begin this walk through Lent, I’m going to try to remember that it’s not a race to finish first, nor is it a contest to pluck or convince or impress the most.  It is part of a journey with all its ups and downs. It is life with God and the co-laborers that God sends our way.

Blessings on your Lenten walks, at every elevation.

Pastor John

________________________________________

ANNOUNCEMENTS
(additional announcements are in the bulletin and newsletter)

Mid-week Lunch Group – March 11

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 (March 11, April 8, May 13, etc.) for a time of good food, great coffee, and even better conversations.

Sarah Circle – Tuesday, March 11

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.

Feeding Our Neighbors

See March Valley Voice for additional information.

Monday, March 17
3:00 p.m. – meal preparation in the Church kitchen
5:00 p.m. – depart for meal delivery

Individuals, groups, or families (up to five people) are welcome to sign up to join Pastor John for either shift.  Menus will be posted on the sign-up sheet.

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.:
March 9
March 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

Monday, March 10
7:00-8:00 p.m. in the Church Library

Sunday, March 23
12:30-1:30 p.m. in the Church Sanctuary

________________________________________

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, March 9, 2025 service bulletin

Pass-It-On Mission Store