What We Believe
Valley is a member of the Presbyterian Church, (USA) and the Presbytery of the Western Reserve.
Links to those umbrella organizations can be located here:
Whether you are new to the area or are looking for a new place to worship – we welcome you!
At Valley Church, you will find a vibrant expression of the gospel of Jesus Christ and a place for you to grow in your faith. We invite you to join us for a Sunday service!
Sunday Bulletin
Community Meal
Online Services
Sunday Worship
All are welcome.
Sunday worship service is at 10:30 a.m.
17560 Chillicothe Road
Chagrin Falls, OH 44023
Sunday School available during the school year with childcare
Community Meal
Tuesday, February 17th
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: Stuffed creole chicken, cheese grits, steamed veggies, frosted 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 p.m. In addition, if you would like to bake a cake (your recipe of choice) at home, please drop off by 10 a.m. on February 17th.
February 5, 2026
“Do not fear for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God.” (Isaiah 41:10)
Members and Friends of Valley,
Yesterday, I received an email post from Rev. Kate Bowler she entitled, “Making Dinner While the World Burns.” Her point was that even if and when events around us seem shocking, desperate, and make us afraid, we still need to wake up, go to work, care for and support each other, and, yes, make dinner.
Some of you already know that the Old Testament book of Isaiah – the events of which span many decades in the 6th and 7th century BCE – is divided into three parts. Chapters 1-39 take place in the years leading up to the exile of the Jewish people to Babylon; chapters 56-66 narrate the return – after forty years – of the exiled people back to Israel. Thus, the middle section, in chapters 40-55, describes this period of exile, as people are forced to leave everything – family, familiar surroundings, religious institutions – behind.
And yet, it is at this precise time – when it seems like the world around them is burning – that the prophet writes these assuring words that God is with them in the midst of tragedy. The exiled people have every reason to be afraid, but Isaiah is calling them to resist what can so easily accompany fear: despair.
As we look to the world around us, many of us are looking for ways to not let our fear become despair. We see people singing in the streets in Minneapolis, MN, organizing for action in Springfield, OH, and even watching a group of Buddhist monks make their slow, steady Peace Walk to Washington, DC.
We may not be in the right place or have the opportunity to participate in such public displays. But, we can still sing, walk, pray, and speak up for what we believe; we can look for ways to support one another; we can make dinner – for ourselves or others. Because even seemingly small acts can be forms of resistance: not allowing fear to immobilize us or become despair.
Does this mean we will never fear? I don’t think so; that doesn’t work for me. But, it does mean that we are claiming God’s presence among us, participating in community, and looking out for each other. It if helps, we can meet a friend for coffee, watch a movie, or root for the Seahawks on Sunday (I have my reasons!). We resist despair by holding on to – as Jesus called it – life in abundance.
In Peace,
Pastor John
Announcements
(additional announcements are in the bulletin and newsletter)
Lenten Devotions
Over the next few weeks, we will be sending out links and offering some printed Lenten devotions. If you are interested in following Kate Bowler’s writings, her theme for the Lenten season is “Living with the Ache”:
Sarah Circle
We’d love to have you join us!
The meeting will be:
Tuesday, February 10
Our study this year is:
PCUSA: Finding Resilience, Joy, and Our Identity in Jesus Christ
Meet September — May the second Tuesday of each month at 10:30 a.m. in the Church Library.
Books are available and cost $14.00.
To order a book or for more information, please contact Glenna Pool at 419-789-9446 or e-mail gpool205@yahoo.com. .
Mid-week Lunch Group - Tuesday, February 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 (February 10, March 10, April 14, etc.) for a time of good food, great coffee, and even better conversations.
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.:
February 8 & 22
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 have 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 bulky size-5 or 6 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
Mardi Gras / Shrove Tuesday Party
Tuesday, February 17, 5–6:30 p.m.
Mardi Gras, which literally means “Fat Tuesday,” is typically called Shrove Tuesday in English churches because on that day, traditionally, people were shriven (i.e., had their confessions heard) in preparation for the beginning of Lent. We are looking to make our community meal a festive, all-ages, in-person gathering. Come for a celebration in Fellowship Hall where, in addition to the dinner, there will be music, beads, costumes, crafts, photo booth, and king cakes.
The King Cake is an Epiphany Cake, with the “Kings” being the Magi—the “three Kings.” So, Mardi Gras is really an extended Epiphany, and the themes of the season are the same as that of Epiphany itself: the Light of Christ shining on all kinds of people (the Magi being the first Gentiles to worship the Christ Child), and the Light growing stronger and stronger as more and more kinds of people come to worship Christ. It’s, also, about our taking the Light of Christ out into the world and sharing it with others.
Come and be with us as we celebrate Christ’s Light and transition into the Lenten Season.
Ash Wednesday -- February 18
Marking the start of Lenten Season, Ash Wednesday is a day for prayer and penitence, to remember that: From the earth we were formed, and to the earth we shall return; ashes to ashes and dust to dust.
The imposition of ashes is a traditional sign of preparation for the Season of Lent. Also, many often make Lenten resolutions: a habit, substance, or practice to give up (or take up) during the season as a sign of preparing oneself for the coming Resurrection of our Lord.
On Ash Wednesday, the Sanctuary will be open for prayer and meditation, and the imposition of ashes will be available from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Links
Online Services at Valley
Prayer Request List
Sermons
Service Bulletin
Pass-It-On Mission Store
Pass-it-on will be open:
Friday, February 6, 2026
(1 – 4 p.m.)
Saturday, February 7, 2026
(10 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
Donations are now being accepted.
Pass-it-on is a mission of and is located behind Valley Presbyterian Church.
Get In Touch
EMAIL:
PHONE:
phone: 440-543-1071
ADDRESS:
17560 Chillicothe Road
Chagrin Falls, OH 44023
OFFICE HOURS:
Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m