JULY/AUGUST 2008
NEWSLETTER
You and I, WE are the Church. We each have different graces and gifts, tasks and vocations. But together, we are the family of God. We are all baptized into the one Body of Christ.
A German theologian defined the Church as God’s fundamental sacrament. A sacrament is an external sign of God’s presence - a kind of meeting place between God and us. Our Lord has promised us, “Where two or three are gathered in my name, I will be there.”
In the Old Testament, God had made a covenant with the People of Israel. He would rule over and work through them as His special instruments in this world. God promised Abraham that through the people “all the nations of the earth shall be blessed.”
About five hundred years later, Moses sealed this covenant with God at the foot of Mount Sinai with a sacrifice and banquet, declaring, “It is now sealed in blood. We are the Chosen People of God.”
Later the prophets of Israel insisted this covenant was only temporary. They foretold the coming of a Messiah and a new and eternal covenant. Many years later, Jesus went into the synagogue of his hometown, Nazareth, and told the worshipers: “This day their prophecy is fulfilled before your eyes. It is fulfilled in me.”
The new and everlasting covenant of Jesus was offered not only to the People of Israel, but to all people. The new Chosen People of God would include all those baptized into the Body of Jesus.
This Paul says was God’s plan from all eternity, revealed by Jesus and to be realized now in us. Then Paul seems to reach deep into this mystery for its most profound implication: “Christ is in us.” We, the members of Christ, are the continuation of Jesus. We are the extension of Jesus to the ends of the earth.
It is something like this. In the mystery of the incarnation, Jesus assumed a humanity to unify and to invite us to share in the very life of God. Now God somehow assumes our humanities to continue his work of loving this world into life. This assumption is called a mystical incarnation and is accomplished by baptism. God claims us as His own. In baptism, we offer our hearts to God as his special dwelling place and we offer our hands to continue His work.
“The Church is Jesus living and loving in each of us individually and in all of us together.” We are never less than individuals because each of us is unique, and Jesus dwells in and works through each of us in a unique and highly personal way. We are united by Christ. For us, it is an assurance that we are never alone. Jesus is living in each of us, and in us he is living this world into unity and the fullness of life. In Jesus, you are joined to me and I to you; you are my brother and sister, and I am your sister.
WE ARE THE CHURCH!
In Christian Love,
Pastor Kris
Pastor Kris will be on vacation Monday, July 1st thru Sunday, July 6th. Pastor Kris will be back in her office on Monday, July 7th.
Pastor Ed Fisher will be the guest pastor on July 6th during the morning worship service.
If there are any pastoral concerns during that time, please call our church office (896-3118) and we will inform the pastor who will be taking care of pastoral concerns.
Pastor’s Hours: Pastor Kris is in her office for your convenience
Mondays 10:00AM - 1:00PM;
Tuesday 10:00AM - 1:00PM
Thursday 10:00AM - 1:00PM
or any other time by appointment. Her home phone number is 657-9563 or you may leave a message at the church office (896-3118) if she is unavailable at other times.
JULY GREETERS JULY ACOLYTE
Sue Faust Chris Herb
Donna Novinger
AUGUST GREETERS AUGUST ACOLYTE
Wanda Hendershot Aaron Herb
Jennifer Endy
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ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS FOR JULY & AUGUST 2008
JULY 6 - Marie Herb
13 - Donna Novinger
20 - Dave Novinger
27 - Pastor Kris Heckard
AUG. 3 - Bob Endy
10 - Carol Reisch
17 - Ed & Peggy Berra
24 - Boyd Dimpsey
Note to Teachers: Please see Dave Novinger or Boyd Dimpsey if you need to switch Sundays with another teacher.
FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART
The Senior Citizens will meet on Thursday, July 10th at The Valleys UCC at 11:00 AM for a picnic of hamburgers, hot dogs & watermelon. On Thursday, August 7th they meet for a picnic at Tobias Animal Farm. Please join them for an afternoon of fellowship.
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WE LIFT OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN PRAYER...
Please remember our list of people and their families who continue to need our prayers, thoughts, phone calls, and cards.
Margaret E. (Mrs. Stanley) Shoop, (Polk P C Rm. 123); Nancy Davis, (SV, Rm. 514); Gladys Walter, (Kinkora Pythian Home, Rm. 17); Martha Herb; June Harris; Margaret A. Shoop, (Mrs. Irvin); Delmar Hollenbach; Evelyn Noblit, (SV, Mbg.); Baby Marissa Faust; Dean Etzweiler; Sean Dobbin; Tish Calhoun, (Cancer); Ella Hale, (Stonebridge Home Rm. 6,); Anna Portzline; Nancy Wagner, (ALS) Polk Personal Care; Vickie Shoffler; Mark & Lydia Peiffer; Hannah Klinger; Sue Peifer, (Cancer); Dean Rickert; Howard Hoover, (Home); Minnie Baker, Martha Herb & Family; Peggy & Ed Berra and June Harris and family; Minnie Baker; Myra Hoffman; Charles Hendershot; Josephine Reed.
If a member of your family is hospitalized, please call the church office (896-3118) or Pastor Kris (657-9563) to notify us. Thank you.
Note: Susquehanna Lutheran Village in Millersburg is now called The Manor at Susquehanna Village. It is abbreviated as SV on our Prayer List. Polk Assisted Living is now Polk Personal Care. It is abbreviated as Polk PC.
Holy Communion will be celebrated on Sunday, July 20th during the 10:00AM morning Worship Service.
The Valley’s E-mail address is valleysucc@verizon.net and our church Website is www.ValleysUCC.Net Check out the Website for updated information and bulletins from church services each week.
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FLOWER SPONSORS FOR JULY & AUGUST 2008
JULY 6 - Brad & Colleen Gonder
13 - Open
20 - Open
27 - Open
AUG. 3 - Open
10 - Open
17 - Tom and Ann Hale
24 - Open
31 - Open
The cost for Altar flowers is $30.00.You may put it in your weekly envelope. Please mark it “Flowers” so the Financial Secretary can credit it properly. The 2008 Flower Sponsor sheet is on the bulletin board. There are still “open” spaces.
UPCOMING MEETINGS AT VALLEYS
Elders Meeting will be held on Mon. August 4th at 7:00PM.
Study Group Meeting will be held on Tues. July 15th at 7:00PM.
Council Meeting will be held on Wed. July 16th at 7:30PM and Wed. August 20th.
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BIBLE STUDY
Pastor Mike Petreskey will lead the Monday Morning Bible Study for July. Pastor Kris Heckard will lead Bible Study for August. Join us and renew your spirit as you walk with God.
READ YOUR BIBLE DAILY - RENEW YOUR SPIRIT!
JULY BIRTHDAY WISHES
Congratulations and Best Wishes to everyone born in July. May summer breezes blow love and happiness to you.
July 2007
July 1 - Emily Lesher, Carol Witmer
2 - Ryan Cooper, Jeff Endy
4 - Angela Hebert
6 - Rachael Bryson, Mark Lee Byerly
7 - Debbie Hoffman, Nancy Yutronich
8 - Ken Breeman
10 - Ashley Lauver
12 - Gary Noblit
14 - Denise Hoffman
15 - Ann Cooper, Tricia Rebuck
16 - Alvin Duttry, Kayleen Weibley
17 - Jackie Rudisill
20 - Carla Baker
24 - Gail Bower, Sue Faust
26 - Heidi Herb
28 - Todd Shoffler
29 - Clarence Roush
31 - Matt Berra, Jan Shoop
If anyone’s birthday was missed, please see Donna Novinger or phone the church 896-3118 or email Donna at valleysucc@verizon.net and it will be corrected. Thank you.
WORSHIP TIME CHANGE
VALLEYS WORSHIP SERVICE BEGINS AT 10:00AM FOR THE SUMMER THRU LABOR DAY!
JULY ANNIVERSARIES
Congratulations and Best Wishes for a very Happy Anniversary to all the wonderful couples listed below on their special day! May you be blessed with many beautiful anniversaries!
July 2008
July 7 - Amy and Matt Berra - 7 yrs.
13 - Jamie and Josh Berra - 6 yrs.
17 - Dwayne and Jennifer Kahler - 13 yrs.
28 - Judy and Ken Baker - 7 yrs.
If anyone’s anniversary was missed, please see Donna Novinger or phone the church (896-3118) or email Donna at valleysuc@verizon.net and it will be corrected. Thank you.
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YOUTH GROUP NEWS
The Valleys Youth Group will meet on Sunday, August 3rd following the Fellowship Meal after church. As the Youth Group is going to Knobel’s Grove on July 9th for Bargain Night, there will be No meeting in July. If you wish to go along to Knobel’s, please see Donna or Marie as soon as possible. We will meet at the church at 3:45PM and leave for Knobel’s at 4:00PM.
The Youth Group will resume meeting twice a month again in September. If you are in 5th grade thru 12th grade, please join us. BRING YOUR FRIENDS! Please see Donna Novinger or Marie Herb if you have any questions.
FELLOWSHIP COVERED DISH MEAL
There will be NO Fellowship Meal in July but please join us in August for the Fellowship Covered Dish Meal on Sun. August 3rd following Church. Please bring a meat dish and a dessert or a vegetable dish and a dessert to share and join us in fellowship.
UPCOMING EVENTS FOR JULY 2008
CHURCH BEGINS AT 10:00AM FOR THE SUMMER
Pastor Kris will be on vacation July 1st thru July 6th
Call Pastor Jeff Wagner (362-8348) or the Church
Office for Pastoral needs during this time.
July 4 - Fourth of July Holiday - Church Office will be closed; NO Meals on Wheels
July 6 - Sun. School, 9AM; Church, Pastor Ed Fisher will be the guest pastor, 10:00AM;
NO Fellowship Meal or Meeting in July
July 7 - Bible Study, 10:00AM; G. S. Leaders, 6:00PM
July 10 - Senior Citizens Picnic at The Valleys UCC, 11AM
July 13 - Sun. School, 9AM; Church, 10:00AM (Children’s Church)
July 14 - Bible Study, 10:00AM
July 15 - Study Group Meeting, 7:00PM
July 16 - Council Meeting, 7:30PM
July 19 - VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL , 9AM TO 4PM
July 20 - Sun. School, 9AM; Church 10:00AM - Holy Communion will be celebrated
July 21 - Bible Study, 10:00AM
July 27 - Sun. School, 9AM; Church 10:00AM (Children’s Church)
July 28 - Bible Study, 10:00AM
July 29 - Northern Cluster Meeting at Trinity UCC in Millersburg, 7:00PM
* TOPS, Monday evenings, 5:30PM
(Please note that Senior Citizens meet on July 10th not July 3rd due to the July 4th Holiday)
ADULT SUN. SCHOOL PREVIEW FOR JULY 2008
JULY is the second month of the quarter. We are studying “IMAGES OF CHRIST”. For JULY, the topic is “IMAGES OF CHRIST IN THE GOSPELS”.
The scriptures used for JULY are from LUKE, MARK, JOHN, AND MATTHEW. Here is a listing of the readings, topics, discussion leaders and ideas/questions that will make up our sessions for the month. Please join us.
JULY 6 - SCRIPTURE - LUKE 4:31-37; 20:1-8
TOPIC - CHRIST AS TEACHER
DISCUSSION LEADER - MARIE HERB
IDEAS/QUESTIONS - What words and deeds did Christ use to teach His disciples? What gave Christ the authority to be a teacher? What controversies did Christ create when He taught what He taught? Why was Christ rejected as a teacher? What has Christ, the teacher, taught you?
JULY 13 - SCRIPTURE - MARK 1:29-45
TOPIC - CHRIST AS HEALER
DISCUSSION LEADER - DONNA NOVINGER
IDEAS/QUESTIONS - What do you know of Christ’s healing ministry? Why were the miracles that Christ performed important? What did Jesus do to focus on this ministry? What consequences did Christ face because He was a healer? What personal experiences have you had of Christ the healer?
JULY 20 - SCRIPTURE - JOHN 13:1-8, 12-20
TOPIC - CHRIST AS SERVANT
DISCUSSION LEADER - DAVE NOVINGER
IDEAS/QUESTIONS - What do you think of when you consider Christ washing the feet of His Apostles? How did Christ use feet washing? What did Christ washing their feet mean to the disciples? How do you see Christ as a servant? How do you see yourself as a servant?
JULY 27 - SCRIPTURE - MATTHEW 16:13-23
TOPIC - CHRIST AS MESSIAH
DISCUSSION LEADER - PASTOR KRIS HECKARD
IDEAS/QUESTIONS - Why did Christ give new meaning to Messiah? How did Christ prepare the disciples to be Christian leaders? What characteristics are important to you when you think about Christian leaders? Where do Christian leaders get the authority to lead? What responsibilities and risks do Christian leaders face?
The lessons for JULY present important images of Jesus. The ideas of Jesus as Teacher, Healer, Servant, and Messiah are critical to our Christian faith. We have to strive to understand and live these ideas.. See you in Sunday School!!
CHOIR NEWS
The Choir is taking a break for the summer. We will have Special Music over the summer.
Some of our musical guests in July and August will be Chantel Hassinger on July 13th; Christa Snyder on July 20th; Katie Fogarty and Jon Novinger on Aug. 17th; Jackie Lutz Aug. 24; and Tami Campbell on Aug. 31.
STRIVING FOR BETTER HEALTH - EXERCISE YOUR BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT!
We are taking a break for the Summer due to vacations and no air conditioning in the church. We hope you will join us when exercise resumes in September! Don’t forget to exercise this summer! You can take a walk, or garden, or play with children or just get up and change channels on the TV instead of using the remote. It will help you to keep moving. Have a great summer!
Don’t forget about the Northern Cluster Hymn Sing on Sunday, August 24th at 6:00PM at St. Peter’s UCC, Berrysburg (near Crossroads Auction)!
JULY OFFERING TEAM will be Team 7:
Tom Hale - Captain, Pete Bryson, Charles Shertzer, and Dave Novinger. Please tell the Captain if you are unable to be there for a Sunday in your month.
The Captain is responsible to get someone to help with the Offering Team if a member of the team cannot be there.
We still need people for three more Offering Teams. If you are interested in doing the offering for one month a year, please see Peggy Berra as soon as possible.
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A man approached the minister one Sunday after church and complimented her on the sermon.
“I found it so very helpful,” the man said.
“Why thank you,” the minister replied, “but I do hope it will not prove as helpful as the last sermon you heard me preach.”
The man looked surprised. “Whatever do you mean?” he asked.
“Well, said the minister, “that sermon lasted you three months.”
AUGUST BIRTHDAY WISHES
Congratulations and Best Wishes to everyone born in August! May love and happiness warm your day.
August 2008
August 1 - Lora Kobel
7 - David Faust
10 - Linn Finger
11 - Matt Byerly
14 - Marie Herb, Melba Croutharmel
16 - Allen Goss
18 - Leon Shaffer
23 - Sarah Degnitz, Betty Lebo
24 - Mike Bower
25 - Sarah Graff
29 - Amber Klahre, Kali Opal Southard
31 - Sharon Fetterhoff
AUGUST ANNIVERSARIES
Congratulations and Best Wishes for a very Happy Anniversary to all the wonderful couples listed below on their special day! May you be blessed with many beautiful anniversaries! August 2008
August 5 - Denise and Dean Rickert - 18 yrs.
6 - Nicole and Brian Shoop - 13 yrs.
9 - Tessa (Whitcomb) & Jeremy Young - 2yrs.
10 - Daphne and Fred Webberson - 16 yrs.
16 - Ann and Tom Hale - 6 yrs.
22 - Nancy and Jim Davis - 55 yrs.
23 - Lori and Tom Degnitz - 28 yrs
25 - Rachael and Pete Bryson - 35 yrs.
29 - Ann and Rahn Cooper - 38 yrs.
30 - Carol and Renny Witmer - 34 yrs.
31 - Andrea and Michael Kenawell - 6 yrs.
If anyone’s anniversary was missed, please see Donna Novinger or phone the church (896-3118) or email Donna at valleysuc@verizon.net and it will be corrected. Thank you.
FOOD BANK
I would like to thank all who have donated to the Food Bank. With the cost of food and gas these days, I know it is hard for people to make ends meet. All of you who have donated have helped many families make ends meet in their homes. Donations of food usually slows during the summer months, but food donations are needed more during this time. School is out and kids are home which means an extra meal that the family has to supply. Schools provide lunch and sometimes breakfast, now that the kids are home for the summer more food is needed. So the next time you are at the grocery store pick up an extra item and bring it to the Church and help a needy family. I was at the Food Bank recently and noticed that they are in need of the following:
Peanut Butter; Cereal; Canned pasta, such as spaghetti o's, beef a roni, ravioli; Mac & Cheese
Again, ANY donation is greatly appreciated. You will find the donation box in the Narthex every Sunday.
On the first Sunday of the month, your food donations will be blessed during our Worship Service. May you all be blessed. Many thanks,
Patti Leitzel
CHILDREN’S CHURCH
There will be Children’s Church on Sunday, July 13th and on Sunday, July 27th.
There will be NO Children’s Church during the month of August.
Children’s Church will resume in September.
We extend our Christian sympathy, love, thoughts and prayers to two families of our Valleys family:
Martha Herb and family as her husband Leroy Herb went to be with the Lord
on Monday, June 2, 2008.
Peggy and Ed Berra and June Harris and family as Peggy’s father went to be with the Lord
on Sunday, June 1, 2008.
May God wrap his loving arms around these families and give them comfort during this time.
NURSERY ATTENDANTS FOR JULY & AUGUST 2008
JULY 6 - Mary Zeigler
13 - Sherry Byerly
20 - Neva Cichy
27 - Ann Hale
AUG. 3 - Carol Cooper
10 - Deb Castellani
17 - Donna Novinger
24 - Mary Zeigler
31 - Jon Novinger
If You would like to volunteer to be a Nursery Attendant, see Sherry Byerly or Donna Novinger
or phone the church office at 896-3118. Thank you.
As you celebrate on July 4th, think about all the privileges and freedoms we have and remember all the men and women that are serving their country to preserve those freedoms for others. May you and your family have a safe and happy July 4th!
DIRECTOR NEEDED! The Halifax Ministerium is seeking a pleasant, well-organized, creative, and motivated Christian to serve as the Director of its Released Time Program for the upcoming 2008-2009 school year to oversee the Released Time Program (and volunteers) which currently provides Christian instruction and support to about 170 participating 4th & 5th Graders at the Halifax Elementary School. The Released Tim Program format consists of nine (9) Wednesday afternoon sessions (presently from 12:50 to 3:05 p.m.) at the Halifax United Methodist Church beginning in September and concluding in March. A farewell picnic for the children is also held in Borough Park in May. For complete information please see the May newsletter or the church bulletin board. If you are interested in this position, please See Pastor Kris as soon as possible. Help our young people. Help our community. Make a difference - that really matters!
LAY READERS FOR JULY & AUGUST 2008
JULY 6 - Bob Endy
13 - Ron Zimmerman
20 - Jennifer Endy
27 - Dave Novinger
AUG. 3 - Ed Dobbin
10 - Jan Shoop
17 - Jim Davis
24 - Donna Novinger
31 - June Wiest
If you cannot read on your scheduled Sunday, please call Pastor Kris at church (896-3118) or her home (657-9563). Thank you.
NEW MEMBERS
New Members will be received into the fellowship of The Valleys on Sunday, November 2nd. If you are interested in becoming a member of the church, please contact Pastor Kris at the church office (896-3118).
NEW MEMBERS CLASS
On Sundays October 12th, 19, and 26th during the Church School hour (9:00a.m. to 10:00a.m.), Pastor Kris will be offering classes as a prerequisite for anyone who is interested in becoming a member of The Valleys Church. The classes will consist of a review of our historical roots, theological beliefs, personal relationship to Jesus Christ, and responsibilities of church membership. If you have any questions pertaining to the class and are interested in attending, contact Pastor Kris at 896-3118.
WE NEED YOUR HELP!!
The Valleys is doing the food stand for the Enders Reunion on Saturday, August 9th. We will be making soups and BBQ on Wednesday, August 6th and 7th and we need volunteers to help us on those days as well as during the Enders Reunion. Donations sheets for items needed and for helpers will be on the bulletin board in July. If you are interested in donating any items or if you can help on August 6th and/or 7th and/or the 9th whether it is for a few hours or the entire time on any of those days, please see the donation sheet or see Donna Novinger or Marie Herb.
ADULT SUN. SCHOOL PREVIEW FOR AUGUST 2008
AUGUST is the third month of the quarter. We are studying “IMAGES OF CHRIST”. For AUGUST the topic is “IMAGES OF CHRIST IN US”.
The scriptures used for AUGUST are from JAMES. Here is a listing of the readings, topics, discussion leaders and ideas/questions that will make up our sessions for the month. Please join us.
AUG. 3 - SCRIPTURE - JAMES 1:17-27
TOPIC - DOERS OF THE WORD
DISCUSSION LEADER - BOB ENDY
IDEAS/QUESTIONS - What do you know about the Letter of James? What challenges did the Christians of the first century face? What is wisdom teaching? How did wisdom teaching benefit early congregations? What resources did early congregations have to grow their faith?
AUG. 10 - SCRIPTURE - JAMES 2:1-13
TOPIC - IMPARTIAL DISCIPLES
DISCUSSION LEADER - DONNA NOVINGER
IDEAS/QUESTIONS - What characteristic of early Christians do you emulate? Why is hospitality an important characteristic for Christians? How did partiality deter early Christians? What is “the royal law of liberty:” and how did it work with early Christians? What confidence does love inspire??
AUG. 17 - SCRIPTURE - JAMES 3:1-10, 13-18
TOPIC - WISE SPEAKERS
DISCUSSION LEADER - ED & PEGGY BERRA
IDEAS/QUESTIONS - What are the consequences of thoughtless speech? What are the consequences of thoughtful speech? What is the relationship between thoughtful speech and righteousness? What is the most important characteristic of Christ like speech?
AUG. 24 - SCRIPTURE - JAMES 4:1-12
TOPIC - PEOPLE OF GODLY BEHAVIOR
DISCUSSION LEADER - BOYD DIMPSEY
IDEAS/QUESTIONS - How do conflicts and disputes affect Christians? What is the practical wisdom found in prayer? What are the consequences of judging others? How does God care for those who are humble? How do you exhibit humility in your life as a Christian? How important is peace to Christians?
AUG. 31 - SCRIPTURE - JAMES 5:13-18
TOPIC - PRAYERFUL COMMUNITY
DISCUSSION LEADER - ED DOBBIN
IDEAS/QUESTIONS - What is the most important challenge of the Letter of James? How do you define the benefits, risks, and roles of our Christian community? What relationship do you see between suffering and courage? Why is prayer a mutual activity? What are the consequences of Christian community?
The lessons for AUGUST present important images of Jesus. The ideas of Jesus as Teacher, Healer, Servant, and Messiah are critical to our Christian faith. We have to strive to understand and live these ideas. See you in Sunday School!!
AUGUST OFFERING TEAM will be Team 8:
June Wiest - Captain, Gail Shertzer, Jenny Endy, Gloria Duttry. Please tell the Captain if you are unable to be there for a Sunday in your month.
The Captain is responsible to get someone to help with the Offering Team if a member of the team cannot be there.
We still need people for three more Offering Teams. If you are interested in doing the offering for one month a year, please see Peggy Berra as soon as possible.
UPCOMING EVENTS FOR JULY 2008
CHURCH BEGINS AT 10:00AM FOR THE SUMMER THRU LABOR DAY
Aug. 3 - Sun. School, 9AM; Church, 10:00AM Fellowship Covered Dish Meal follows church
Aug. 4 - Bible Study, 10:00AM
Aug. 6 - Make Soups & BBQ for Enders Reunion (morning)
Aug. 7 - Make Soups (if necessary) (morning)
Aug. 9 - Enders Reunion (Valleys has all day food stand)
Aug. 10 - Sun. School, 9AM; Church, 10:00AM (NO Children’s Church in August)
Aug. 14 - Bible Study, 10:00AM
Aug. 17 - Sun. School, 9AM; Church, 10:00AM
Aug. 18 - Bible Study, 10:00AM
Aug. 20 - Council Meeting, 7:30PM
Aug. 24 - Sun. School, 9AM; Church, 10:00AM; Hymn Sing at St. Peter’s UCC, (near
Crossroads Auction), 6:00PM
Aug. 25 - Bible Study, 10:00AM
* TOPS, Monday Evenings, 5:30PM
CHURCH WILL BEGIN AT 10:15AM AGAIN ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14TH
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Vacation Bible School will be held on Saturday July 19th from 9:00AM to 4:00PM at The Valleys.
This year the theme is Waterworks Parks VBS. It will be an unforgettable day of fun-filled, faith-adventures, where kids ride the wave of God’s love.
Teachers and Helpers are needed! EVERYONE has a special gift whether it is being a teacher, helper, doing crafts or scenery, or helping with snacks and drinks - WE NEED YOUR HELP!
If you would like to help out in any way, (teacher, helper, kitchen helper, crafts, scenery, etc.), please see Marie Herb as soon as possible.
This is a great way to have fun with your kids and to help them connect with God. COME AND JOIN US FOR A WONDERFUL DAY OF FUN AND FELLOWSHIP!
Sign up for Vacation Bible School on Sunday mornings before or after church or call the church office.
DIRECTORY ADDRESS CHANGES
Witmer, Michael and Amy
444 Washington Blvd. Apt. 6243
Jersey City, NJ 07319
If you have any address changes, please call the church office (896-3118) or e-mail us at valleys@verizon.net so we can continue to send them information from The Valley’s. Thank you.
SPECIAL STUDY GROUP
PURPOSE: To provide the congregation of The Valleys with a status report of the efforts of the Special Study Group.
BACKGROUND: In 2006, The Valleys joined the Faithful and Welcoming Churches (FWC). The FWC was formed to provide an identity for churches with an evangelical, conservative, orthodox, or traditional theology remaining in the United Church of Christ (UCC) Denomination. The FWC presented an alternative and voice to these churches rather than leave the Denomination.
In 2007, the Faithful and Welcoming Churches were permitted to have a presence at the Annual Penn Central Conference to display literature and pamphlets concerning its purpose and objectives. While this was an encouraging sign, there appears to be no overall change in the direction and position of the Denomination to which The Valleys is opposed. Additionally, it is unclear whether this encouraging sign was simply an effort to placate the churches with dissenting views. Since The Valleys joined the FWC in 2006, a number of churches have withdrawn from the UCC, and consequently , the FWC. With each church leaving the FWC, the voice of the FWC becomes weaker and weaker.
SPECIAL STUDY GROUP: A Special Study Group was formed in 2007 to identify alternatives should the Congregation of The Valleys find it necessary to consider withdrawing from the UCC Denomination. Over the past 9 months, the Group has met on numerous occasions and has completed a major portion of its research. Areas of concerns and interests deemed important to the members of The Valleys were developed and potential affiliations meeting these concerns and interests have been identified. The Special Study needs to continue this research before a final report can be provided to the Congregation.
SPECIAL STUDY GROUP (Continued) NEXT STEPS:
The Annual Penn Central Conference will be held the later part of June and members of The Valleys will be in attendance.
The FWC will hold its National Conference in July and Pastor Heckard and members of the Special Study Group are planning on attending.
A status report of the Special Study Group will be provided to the Congregation of The Valleys in September or October. At this time, a poll will be taken among the members present to ascertain whether the Special Study Group should continue its efforts or disband because of a lack of interest on the part of our members.
SUMMER DARTBALL
Summer Dartball will be at The Valleys on Monday, July 14th at 7:30PM. Please bring a snack to share. If you would like to check out what Dartball is all about, please join us!
The date and location for August will be decided at a later date.
Check upcoming bulletins and newsletters for more information on Summer Dartball and if there will be a picnic
Think about it
Worship does not exist for God’s sake but for ours. God has no need of human worship. It is we who need to demonstrate our gratitude for what we have received.