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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!

Community Meal

April 16, 2026

“What are you talking about as you walk along?” (Luke 24:17)

Members and Friends of Valley,

Luke’s Gospel is the only of the four that recounts the story of Jesus walking on the evening of his resurrection with two of his followers on the Emmaus Road. At first, the two do not recognize Jesus – mired as they were in confusion and loss, certainly not expecting this stranger to be their Lord – and, so, Jesus asks them what is on their minds. As they walk, Jesus listens, he allows space for their grief to be expressed, and provides them a chance to re-imagine what has happened to and around them. And it is only when they sit down and break bread together, after this long walk is complete, that their eyes are opened to recognize him.

Sometimes, in the midst of confusion and loss or when we are not seeing and understanding things happening to and around us clearly, a long walk helps. One of the ancient spiritual practices of the church is walking a labyrinth: a single path that, while it winds around to and fro, always ends in the middle. Labyrinths can be indoors or out in nature, of differing designs; you can even make one in your own home walking a certain pattern through the rooms and around the furniture; or using a labyrinth printed on a page to finger trace your route.

The point is the same:  walking the path provides an opportunity to realize that no matter where we go or what we face, we are not alone:  God is always traveling with us. No matter the twists and turns, we are always being led to the center.

The labyrinth in the picture was created by students at Case Western University to use during the protests and sit-ins over the Israeli-Gaza conflict. They made it to provide people a chance to work through their thoughts and emotions by walking the labyrinth; to pray or meditate or just help each other appreciate a new perspective.

Last Sunday, at North Church, worshippers were invited to spend time walking the labyrinth; so, I borrowed it, brought it here, and am inviting you to do the same. It is currently in our sanctuary and will remain there until Tuesday morning. You are welcome to come by the church and try it out. Next Sunday, we will have it in Fellowship Hall to use after worship.

I hope you will, also, take note of the other announcements included in today’s e-mail: that the Pass-it-on store is open to the community this weekend, that you are invited to walk in support of Parkinson’s research on Sunday afternoon, and that we are offering our community meal, again, this coming Tuesday. As you do, I hope you realize the many ways – large and small – that the church makes an impact on the neighbors and strangers we meet along our life’s paths.

The Emmaus story teaches us that we are not alone; God is with us and – as the church – we are called, likewise, to be companions along the road:  sharing Christ’s mercy, peace, and love to those we encounter.

In Peace,
Pastor John

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