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, April 29

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:  Baked ziti, garlic bread, green salad, chocolate cake

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 chocolate cake (your recipe of choice) at home, please drop off by 10 a.m. on April 29th.

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/1FAIpQLSfZJATUPyJo8QH8TWOSNW1h3-YLZ37RiTHGg15iYiz6ExH-nQ/viewform

April 16, 2025

“Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)

Members and Friends of Valley,

Before becoming pastor at Valley, I had never participated in the Stations of the Cross.  But, soon after I arrived, the congregations of the Chagrin Valley Council of Churches organized the first local outdoor Stations of the Cross to begin at noon on Good Friday at Triangle Park in Chagrin Falls.

Participants walk to fourteen designated stations around Chagrin Falls – police and fire stations, schools, churches, and parks – offering readings, prayers, and songs that bring to life the final journey of Jesus to the cross.  It is a powerful experience to hear neighbors – and fellow followers of Christ from area churches – recount how Jesus was detained, tried, and suffered at his crucifixion.

Now, more than 15 years later, walking the outdoor stations remains an important part of my holy week observance.  It is one of the few ways that local congregations of different denominations and traditions and their members come together to worship, to publicly proclaim our faith.  Doing so publicly – while walking through familiar neighborhoods – helps to remind me that such injustices still happen in our day; that just as we are called to follow the one who was falsely accused, illegally detained, and used as a political pawn by those in power, so our faith compels us to stand up and speak out against injustice; to advocate for and accompany the powerless.

Maybe you have other rituals to help remember the events of holy week:  reading the scripture accounts, watching depictions in movies or TV series, attending holy week services, private prayer and devotions, volunteering or helping a neighbor in need.  It is my prayer that you either have or can find a way to recall the sacrifice of Jesus and the oppressive systems that detained, injured, and silenced him.

Among biblical scholars, there is some debate about whether these words of Jesus – “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing” – were possibly a later addition to Luke’s original text.  This makes me wonder whether we sometimes ought not to be so quick to excuse – if not forgive – those who wield oppressive power and use it to jail, harm, quiet, or eliminate their perceived opponents.  Cruelty, in the name of authority or stability, is not justice.

Of course, Good Friday is not the only part of the Holy Week journey.  We, also, commemorate Maundy Thursday, with its powerful symbols of foot washing and holy communion, and Easter Sunday, with the promise of an empty tomb and new life.  The darkness that the Stations of the Cross reveals – and the lengths that the oppressive powers will take against Jesus – need not last; because, as faith-filled followers of Christ, God can lead us to a new dawn, a changed reality, a different way of living.

Blessings to you as you journey through Holy Week and await the dawn of the new creation.

Pastor John

________________________________________

ANNOUNCEMENTS
(additional announcements are in the bulletin and newsletter)

Upcoming Worship Schedule

Maundy Thursday, April 17
Tennabrae Worship at Valley (7 p.m.)

Easter Sunday, April 20
Worship Service of Resurrection at Valley

Sunday, April 27
Joint Worship at Bainbridge UCC — Mission Sunday Seed Project

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.:
April 27

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, April 27
7:00-8:00 p.m. in the Church Library

________________________________________

LINKS

Link to Facebook

Link to Prayer Request List

Link to Sermons

Link to Easter Service Bulletin:

Sunday, April 20, 2025, Easter Service Bulletin

Link to Easter Service Flowers Donation List:

2025 Easter Flowers donation list

Link to Maundy Thursday Service Bulletin:

Thursday, April 17, 2025, Maundy Thursday Bulletin

April 10, 2025

Worship Exchange

On Sunday, April 13, Valley will, again, be traveling to be with our friends at Bainbridge UCC for a joint worship service.  If you are unable to be there, a livestream of the service is available on YouTube using this link:

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

Upcoming Worship Schedule

Palm Sunday, April 13
Joint Worship at Bainbridge UCC

Maundy Thursday, April 17
Tennabrae Worship at Valley (7 p.m.)

Easter Sunday, April 20
Worship Service of Resurrection at Valley

Sunday, April 27
Joint Worship at Bainbridge UCC — Town Hall Meeting to Follow

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.:
April 13, 27

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

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, April 13
12:30-1:30 p.m. in the Church Sanctuary

Sunday, April 27
7:00-8:00 p.m. in the Church Library

April 3, 2025

“Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany…” (John 12:1)

Members and friends of Valley,

One of the most memorable parts of my 2014 trip to the Holy Land was driving to the Mount of Olives – which overlooks the ancient, walled city of Jerusalem from the east – and then walking down toward Kidron Valley; the same route that Jesus may have taken on the Triumphal Entry of Palm Sunday.  As we walked, we sang and waved palm branches and experienced, maybe, some of the same complex emotions that onlookers would have had on that first day of Holy Week.

The Gospels tell us that Jesus stayed in the town of Bethany – on the Mount of Olives – before entering Jerusalem.  He stayed at the home of his close friends – Mary, Martha, and Lazarus (who was raised from the dead) – and, also, visited the home of Simon, the Leper.  During those days leading up to the Passover, Jesus would go to Jerusalem for the day, then travel the two kilometers (a Sabbath’s Day walk) back to Bethany to stay the night.

In Hebrew, the word Bethany means “house of figs” – a nod to the welcome, hospitality, and peace (the offer of a fig leaf) that Jesus received there from his friends.  It represented a place of rest and refuge for Jesus, and where – as we will read in worship this Sunday – Jesus would be lavishly anointed by Mary for his upcoming burial.

Bethany, also, represents – for Christians – the almost but not yet.  Now only ten days from the start of this year’s Holy Week, we draw closer to the story of Jesus’ entry, arrest, death, and resurrection.  We prepare to experience the complex emotions of fear, grief, and loss; thanksgiving, awe, and joy.

This, of course, is how many of us – standing, as we are, in our own version of Bethany – might be feeling.  Maybe we feel the love of those close to us or anger about signs of chaos surrounding us.  Maybe we are experiencing refuge or else are tired and sick of the pressures bearing down upon us.  Maybe we are hopeful for finding an empty tomb and its promise for new and abundant life, or we, instead, feel stuck in the darkness of Good Friday, not yet able to see the light of Easter’s dawn.

People of God, any or all of these complex emotions might be churning within us as we walk nearer to Jerusalem where the cross awaits our Lord.  While some might prefer to stay numb to such feelings, it is nearly impossible to avoid their depth:  in the Paschal story we will hear of bread blessed and feet washed, tears shed and bodies broken.  There will be betrayals and denials, but, also, reconciliation and restoration.  It is, indeed, an emotional roller coaster of a story.

And, so, while I invite you to enter in and experience the story – participating fully in offered Holy Week services, readings, and prayers – I would, also, encourage you to find your Bethany.  Where is that place where you can go for respite:  is it in your garden, with family, through acts of service, with a coloring book, in daily devotion, at a local park, or someplace else?  In a world-shaking atmosphere of chaos and change, loss and unpredictability, we all need to find a Bethany.

Blessings to you as we begin to walk this road before us.

In Christ,
Pastor John

________________________________________

ANNOUNCEMENTS
(additional announcements are in the bulletin and newsletter)

Easter Flowers Order Form

The Easter Flowers Order Form is below for ordering flowers for the Easter Service, Sunday, April 20th, 2025.  This Sunday is the final Sunday to order.  Final orders are due into the office no later than Wednesday, April 9, 2025.  See Marilyn Rodenhausen with questions.

2025 Easter Flowers Order Form

Mid-week Lunch Group – April 8

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 (April 8, May 13, June 10, etc.) for a time of good food, great coffee, and even better conversations.

Sarah Circle – Tuesday, April 8

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.

Upcoming Worship Schedule

Palm Sunday, April 13
Joint Worship at Bainbridge UCC

Maundy Thursday, April 17
Tennabrae Worship at Valley (7 p.m.)

Easter Sunday, April 20
Worship Service of Resurrection at Valley

Sunday, April 27
Joint Worship at Bainbridge UCC — Town Hall Meeting to Follow

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.:
April 13, 27

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, April 13
12:30-1:30 p.m. in the Church Sanctuary

Sunday, April 27
7:00-8:00 p.m. in the Church Library

________________________________________

LINKS

Link to Facebook

Link to Prayer Request List

Link to Sermons

Link to Service Bulletin:

Sunday, April 6, 2025 service bulletin

Link to Easter Flowers Order Form:

2025 Easter Flowers Order Form

Pass-It-On Mission Store