28 February 4 Communion. Sundays at Valley. Children s Sabbath January 21. Wednesday Night Out begins on January 10

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1 Valley Community Presbyterian Church January 2018 Sundays at Valley Adult Education Class, 9:00 a.m. Early Coffee in Library, 9:30 a.m. Worship, 10:00 a.m. Sunday Funday, 10:20 a.m. Coffee Fellowship, 11:00 a.m. January 7 Communion Children s Sabbath, 10:00 a.m. Celebration of Rev. Jeff and Julie Binder s marriage, 11:00 a.m. Dining for Women Meeting, 11:30 a.m. 28 February 4 Communion Children s Sabbath January 21 During worship on Sunday, January 21, we will celebrate the Children s Sabbath. Please join us in celebrating the children of our community. The Cherub Choir and King s Kids Choir will sing, the Royal Ringers will ring, and children s voices will be heard throughout worship. Bibles will be presented to third graders as well. If you have a third grader you would like to have a children s Bible given to, please contact Misty (misty@valleycommunity.org) in the church office. Sponsored by the Children s Defense Fund, the National Observance of Children s Sabbaths Celebration is a way for faith communities to celebrate children as sacred gifts of the Divine, and provides the opportunity for houses of worship to renew and live out their moral responsibility to care, protect and advocate for children. (From the Children s Defense Fund website) Wednesday Night Out begins on January 10 This is an event for kids, ages 4-11, that will happen every second Wednesday from 5:45-6:45 p.m. every month from January to May Cherub and King s Kids Choir members are encouraged to stay after practice but you do not have to be a choir member to participate in this event. Kids will have a simple meal and then have a great time playing in our gym, singing songs, doing a craft and learning simple truths about faith. There is no cost, but space is limited to around 30 children. Contact Misty (misty@valleycommunity.org) to RSVP or join on our Facebook events page (and follow us while you re there). Kids Night Out begins again on January 19, These will occur every third Friday in January, February, April and May from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Kids ages 3-11 are invited. Cost is $10 per child or a max cost of $25 for three siblings or more. We will have dinner, watch a movie, and play in the gym along with other activities. There is limited space for this event so sign up early through our Facebook Events page or contacting Misty at misty@valleycommunity.org. Open Gym starts in January! Bring your family (every child must have an adult with them) to enjoy the gym. Our first day will be January 18 at 6:00 7:00 p.m. Mark your calendars for the third Thursday from January to May Awakening Souls, Sharing Joy, Serving God in Christ - TRANSFORMING LIVES

2 We Begin with Thanksgiving and Generosity The New Year is always filled with hopes, dreams, and goals. Let s lose that extra weight! Let s get out of that debt! Let s find that perfect job! The reality is that unfortunately, most of our goals are pushed further down the road of life s journey once we realize the challenges that are present; both real and imagined. So how about this? Instead of our hoping, dreaming, and setting goals, how about we start with a little bit easier of a first step in 2018? How about we begin with thanksgiving and generosity? I really do believe that taking such a first step is actually quite a faithful way to embrace the New Year. Instead of trying to live into the world s somewhat fantasized expectations of fitness, financial well-being, and career, God calls Rev. Jeff Binder us to begin our days, our weeks, our months, and years with a heartfelt thank you. And from a thankful heart forms a heart of generosity for the world around it. And from generosity flows love and joy. Perhaps this should be our first step into the New Year; that of thankfulness and generosity, love and joy. What does this look like in your life? What does this look like in the life of Valley Community? And if Valley Community as a whole starts the New Year with thankfulness and generosity, what amazing things are in store for 2018? What new ministries will be realized? What new families will be invited? What new vision will be shared? Now with this goal, we are sure to succeed! THE MESSENGER VALLEY COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 8060 SW BRENTWOOD ST. PORTLAND, OR FAX mail@valleycommunity.org PASTOR JEFF BINDER NEWSLETTER STAFF: SHIRLEY HERCHER AND ANGELA GRAHAM PLEASE SUBMIT ARTICLES VIA BY JANUARY 20 FOR THE FEBRUARY ISSUE: messenger@valleycommunity.org 2018 Stewardship update and Reminder Thank you to all members and friends who have already responded with your commitment to Valley for this new year. The Stewardship Committee set forth with the goal of increasing the number of pledge cards returned this year compared with last. At time of writing, we are within reach of that goal, but we re not yet there. Last year, we received 133 responses to our Stewardship Campaign. So far this year, 127 of you have already responded with your financial commitment to Valley for Once more, thank you for your giving and commitment to Valley, its mission, and its ministries. Therefore, we ask again if you have not had the chance to respond, please do so as soon as possible. If you have misplaced your pledge card, you can find more in the church office or in the Narthex. Of course, you may also contact the church office directly if you have questions. Thank you to everyone for your generous giving to Valley. The Stewardship Committee THE NEWSLETTER STAFF RETAINS PERMISSION TO MODIFY SUBMISSIONS FOR CLARITY, SPACE, CONTENT AND STYLE. Page 2 Valley Messenger January 2018

3 Adult Education Class Sundays, 9:00 a.m. in Armitage Hall January 7 Jesus and his Jewish Influences a DVD (Prof. Jodi Magness) The Sadducees were members of the aristocratic priestly class who were anxious to preserve their status. They were politically and religiously conservative. Unlike the Pharisees, they rejected the principle of oral law and denied the possibility of physical resurrection. However, the Pharisees beliefs concerning free will, determinism and the sanctity of oral law ultimately gained acceptance in the Jewish community. Jesus criticized the Pharisees for being more preoccupied with oral tradition than with the principles of loving God and their neighbors. January 14 The Essenes were a Jewish religious sect who lived in Qumran and authored the Dead Sea Scrolls. They believed in pre-destination and anticipated a forty-year war between the forces of good and evil. They anticipated the ultimate arrival of three separate messianic figures descended from David and from Aaron and a prophetic messiah respectively. Jesus followers believed that Jesus was the anticipated messiah. Contrary to Jesus teaching, the Essenes believed that there is no free will and everything is pre-destined by God. The priestly life style and exclusivity of the Essenes was in sharp contrast to the inclusiveness and life style characteristic of Jesus. January 21 Belief in evil spirits and demons as the cause of disease, disability and impurity were widespread in Biblical times and were felt to represent divine punishment for personal or family misdeeds. Jesus was less concerned with ritual purity and emphasized the priority of moral and ethical behavior. The restrictive and legalistic application of Jewish law and tradition excluded the blemished or impure person. Jesus performed numerous exorcisms and healings. His approach was inclusive and pro-active, in contrast to the exclusive and rejecting practices of the priesthood. The benevolent and loving God depicted by Jesus contrasted to the punitive God of the Old Testament. January 28 Some prohibitions of human behavior were linked to admonitions in Jesus teachings i.e., if your hand predisposes you to sin, cut it off. (The extreme nature of this remedy would presumably inspire behavior modification short of the actual act.) The healing of the man who was blind from birth was distinctive. It took place on the Sabbath. In addition, the nature of the healing had physical and metaphorical perspective of far reaching importance. Then and now, failure to perceive what we should be able to see is a universal vulnerability mediated in part by failing to look, perceive and believe. We are blessed by the enabling power of concentration and inspiration. Book Club meets January 26 The Valley Book will meet on Friday, January 26, 2018, in the Fireside Room at 10:00 a.m. to discuss The Bad- Ass Librarians of Timbuktu by Joshua Hammer. Subtitled And Their Race to Save the World s Most Precious Manuscripts, this non-fiction book tells the story of how Librarian Abdel Kader Haidara defied Al Quaida and organized the smuggling of 350,000 medieval manuscripts out of Timbuktu to prevent their destruction. All are welcome to bring their own coffee and to join in the discussion of this thought-provoking book. Top 10 Reasons to Join a Church Choir 10. Rehearsal on Thursday night means one night away from the stresses of busy life. 9. You always have a great reserved seat for Christmas and Easter. 8. You will be setting a good example for all the children, teenagers (and reluctant adults.) 7. Intellectual Stimulation when you make music, you are using both sides of your brain simultaneously. 6. Since warm-ups are 45 minutes before the service, you will be awake and ready to make a joyful noise. 5. No auditions or solos required! 4. People who are involved in music live longer and are healthier. 3. From St. Augustine: To Sing is to pray twice! 2. Every once in a while, you might catch a glimpse of Heaven s choir singing along with you. I m not kidding! 1. Serving the Lord considering all He does for you, it s just a little giving back to HIM! January 2018 Valley Messenger Page 3

4 Cents-Ability Offering Thanks to all who donated to the Cents-Ability offering in November and December. November saw a collection of $ and December was $ Bringing our YEARLY TOTAL to: $2,132.98! Of this, we sent $ to the Presbyterian Hunger program and $1, was sent to our local organization called Care to Share; which networks families in crisis with needed resources. We are also happy to announce that we supported $500 dollars to the Presbyterian Giving Catalog and sent gifts of seeds, farming tools, clean water systems, container gardens and heating fuel to Third World Countries. Please mark January 21, 2018 on your calendar for our next Cents Sunday. Your Mission Team wants to thank everyone who donates to this fund by your prayers, or your change, or the joy we see in the children when taking up the collection. Mission Endowment Committee Awards Grants The Mission Endowment Committee awarded nine grants to applicants during the fall 2017 cycle. A total of $10,500 was given to four local, one regional, and four international recipients (United Nations, Haiti, Uganda, and The Philippines.) The grants support housing, health, food, social services, and evangelism. Members of the Mission Endowment Committee are: Jan Bellis-Squires, Robert Hayes, Mary Kelly, David Marquis, Gary Nelson, and Elaine Rea. Janet Adkins is the Mission Committee liaison. Deschutes County Healthy Beginnings Grant funds will be used to procure 750 protocols for use during 16 community and 30 pre-school screening clinics in Central Oregon. Screenings identify developmental or behavioral concerns in young, low-income children. Willamette West Habitat for Humanity Funds will be pooled from the faith community to complete a $130,000 Habitat Home in the Washington County s Allen Estates neighborhood. United Nations Foundation Award made to Nothing But Nets campaign to provide treated bed nets to fight the spread of malaria. YWCA of Greater Portland - Funds awarded to the Center for Justice Involved Families which provides education, enrichment, reunification, and other programs for mothers incarcerated at Coffee Creek Correctional Institution and their children. Ignite the World Grant awarded to purchase solar bibles for non-reading, Ilokanos people in Luzon, Philippines. Fresh Out Funds will be used to provide assistance to African-American men and women transitioning back into the community after periods of incarceration with employment and housing support. Serve Uganda The award will be used to complete construction of a medical clinic and nurse s hut in NE Uganda to support a community of 15,000 people. Good Roots Community Food Bank and Garden Funds will purchase supplemental, lean-protein items from the Oregon Food Bank as well as personal hygiene items for clients in the Milwaukie/Oak Grove area. The Chance to Dream Grant awarded to purchase therapy supplies and equipment for a newly-opened mental health services office in Tabarre, Haiti. Thank you for sending your check for $32.00 for the 2018 Per Capita (for wider church expenses) for each Valley member. For more information about what per capita is, and how it helps, go to: oga.pcusa.org/percapita Page 4 Valley Messenger January 2018

5 Blessing of the Animals at Valley Christian Preschool For the second year in a row, Valley s preschool collected stuffed animals to donate to Portland s Ronald McDonald House and the children who stay there to recover from illness and surgery. Our preschool families were very generous again this year and we were able to donate bags and bags of stuffed animals. Pastor Jeff offered to do a blessing of the stuffed animals. This was a great idea and a wonderful event for our preschool students. We all gathered in the Sanctuary and prayed the stuffed animals would bring comfort and healing for the children at Ronald McDonald House. This was a neat way for our preschoolers to visit the sanctuary and pray. We also practiced singing Away in a Manger with Pastor Jeff. He taught this song to all of our preschool classes so we could sing it to the parents at our school Christmas celebrations. Pastor Jeff with stuffed animals. Child praying with class. Anne Scearce Director, Valley Christian Preschool Valley Christian Preschool models and teaches Christian faith principles such as love, patience, kindness, compassion, goodness, self-control, gentleness, forgiveness, faithfulness, joy and humility. We value each child and all people as unique gifts from God. Left: One of the bins with stuffed animals to be donated. Valley Kids Time Capsule to be opened in 2042 A time capsule was sealed up in a wall in Armitage Hall following Valley s 75th anniversary celebration. Valley Kids wrote letters to their future selves and added trinkets, photos, and more. The time capsule will be opened on Valley s 100th anniversary in 2042! January 2018 Valley Messenger Page 5

6 Christmas Joy Offering - not too late If you missed the Christmas Joy Offering on December 24, it s not too late to contribute to this special offering of our denomination. The special offering envelopes will remain in the pew racks for the next few weeks. The Christmas Joy Offering celebrates the coming of Jesus Christ, the wondrous gift of God with us, and honors the faithfulness of current and retired church workers, many of whom spend their working lives serving small congregations for little pay, in their time of need by providing financial assistance to support them through life s challenging circumstances. The Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions helps them not to have to choose between housing and food. Half of the Christmas Joy Offering benefits the Assistance Program, enabling it to help nearly 300 households with The other half of the Christmas Joy Offering supports the historic commitment of the PC(USA) to education and leadership development through three PC(USA) racial/ethnic schools and colleges Menaul School in Albuquerque, New Mexico; Presbyterian Pan American School in Kingsville, Texas; and Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Our future racial ethnic church leaders are able to receive much-needed assistance while they discover and pursue their professional goals at Presbyterian-related schools and colleges. Your gifts allow these ministries, which Presbyterians have carried out for decades, to continue. Please give generously! Save These Dates Presbyterian Women (PW) in the Presbytery of the Cascades will hold their annual Spring Gathering on April 14, 2018, at Central Presbyterian Church in Eugene. The focus of the Gathering will be on the issue of homelessness, and what churches in the Eugene area are doing to help with housing. More information about PW in the Cascades is available at The Churchwide Gathering of Presbyterian Women will be held in Louisville, Kentucky, on August 2-5, The theme of the Gathering is Arise, shine, your light has come! These triennial Gatherings are a wonderful opportunity for Presbyterian women from across the country (and around the world) to gather for worship, education, community-building, fun and renewal. Participants will enjoy workshops, tours, forums, plenary sessions with inspiring speakers and worship. PW s triennial Business Meeting where budget, leadership and programmatic emphases will be decided takes place in conjunction with the Gathering. More information is available at -community/churchwide-gathering/about-thegathering/ Session Summary December 12 Session Meeting Elders received a status update from Dan Rueff, Chair of the Property Improvement Committee. Current work to install the stairways on the south side of the building has been moving slowly because of design, engineering, and regulatory issues. The committee is actively working through these and expects completion by the end of January, given cooperative weather. Planning is in progress for the next projects, which include new doors in the Fireside Room, refurbishing the north side stairway to the gym, parking lot striping, and ADA bathrooms. Session approved a motion from the Worship & Music Committee to allow Calvary Presbyterian Church, a Korean-language congregation, to worship in our sanctuary on Sunday afternoons. Finance reported that we continue to perform well, with a small budget surplus expected at the end of the year. Session approved a Child Protection Policy which had been drafted and approved by the Children s Nurture Committee. This policy is required by our Book of Order. Elders commended the following: - Ruthann Marquis for coordinating the Advent Fair - Connie Brenner for washing the dishes from the Advent Fair - Cub Scout Troop 592 for donating Christmas centerpieces - Carolyn Reed for hosting the Christmas Youth Party - Amy Rheingans, Lizz Brown, and David Jimerson for the Christmas Pageant - Kay Hope Gold for coordinating the Kidz Mart - Gary Moen for his maintenance and clean up work at the Youth House Page 6 Valley Messenger January 2018

7 Youth Update Mark your calendars: Sunday, January 7 there will be a meet and greet with Preston after Sunday worship in the Youth House. Youth group starts back up in January; middle schoolers will be meeting on Wednesday, January 10 and high schoolers will be meeting on Thursday, January 11. Wednesday and Thursday night groups will be the weekly meetings moving forward. Wednesday, January 31 will be the service night for both middle and high school. December finished with a reunion for Valley s young adults and a movie night for the high schoolers. A big thank you to Carolyn Reed for hosting this year s Christmas party. High school and middle school participated in a white elephant gift exchange, decorated cookies, and enjoyed a home cooked meal together. Another big thank you goes to Gary Moen. Gary has been working diligently out of the kindness of his heart to fix up the Youth House. The Youth House basement was once a place where kids could hang out, but after water damage it had become nothing more than some extra storage. Now, after much work, the basement is a cool place once again for our Youth to enjoy. Preston is now on the job and ran his first youth group in December, so look out for him at Sunday worship and youth events If you have an interest in being involved or serving in the youth ministry, please reach out to Preston at preston@valleycommunity.org. Preston Russell Director of Youth Ministries Above, left, and below: Middle and High School Youth gather at the Baker/ Reed home for their annual Christmas Party where fun was had by all. January 2018 Valley Messenger Page 7

8 Valley Scrapbook The Sanctuary Choir singing during an Advent worship. Advent wreaths and other Christmas items were created at the Advent Fair. Many were in attendance for the annual Advent Fair. Above and right: The Bonham family represented the Holy Family this year at the Pageant of the Holy Nativity. Page 8 Valley Messenger January 2018

9 Valley Scrapbook The Jenkins family lighting the Advent candles. Rev. Jeff Binder preaches at Christmas Eve worship. Valley Youth Choir singing during Christmas Eve worship. During the Nativity Tableau, children reenact the story of the birth of Jesus. January 2018 Valley Messenger Page 9

10 Opportunities Save the date! On Sunday January 21 during Coffee Fellowship Time members and friends of Valley Community Presbyterian Church will celebrate the marriage of Pastor Jeff to his lovely bride, Julie. Listen for announcements during the first few weeks of the New Year to hear about what is being planned. What was your moment? Who was your person? Isn t it amazing to think that Y OU WERE CARRIED by someone pretty much everywhere you went for the first year of your life? The same is usually true for us in our spiritual journey. Who are the people who led you to a life of faith? Do you have a story of how a childhood experience inspired you? Do you have an adult like a parent, teacher, pastor or coach who encouraged your faith development? Children s Ministries would love to hear your story or give thanks to those special people in your childhood. Feel free to include a photo, as well. Your submission may be featured in future Valley Messenger newsletters. Valley Notes Thanks Valley s 2017 Advent Fair was a great success! It was wonderful to welcome the Advent Season with an afternoon of crafts and activities. Granted, the fresh greens were missing and missed by some in our congregation. What else would you like to see at next year s Advent Fair? Do you have a special holiday activity that you would like to share? Did you miss helping out a table and want to make sure that you get that chance next year? Please share any comments and suggestions with Ruthann Marquis, Elder for Fellowship. Thanks to all who helped make it such a vibrant afternoon! Prayers We pray for those with health concerns: Sue Lanthrum, Matt Hubbard, John Bettencourt We pray for those who mourn: - Ralph Holt and family of Dorothy Holt who died December 19, Bob Hayes and family of Troy Hayes who died December 10, Shirlee Hansen and family of Rev. Jack Hansen who died December 13, A memorial service will be held at Lake Grove Presbyterian Church on January 5, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. - Maxine Pimm and family of Ted Pimm who died December 9, Dining for Women at Valley We are a 5-year-old chapter in this national nonprofit/giving circle. We gather in the Fireside Room on the third Sunday of each month at 11:30 a.m. to share an amazing potluck lunch, learn about the non-profit that has been chosen to receive a grant from DFW to further their work with underserved women and girls around the world, and donate dining out dollars to support that grant. In 2017 the countries that the grant recipients worked in were: Cambodia, Bolivia, Mali, Peru, Guatemala, Western Kenya, Bhutan, Myanmar, Afghanistan, the Gambia and Malawi. Our chapter s dining out dollars got added to the donations from over 400 other national chapters in DFW throughout this past year and added up to nearly $600,000 going to the good work that will help end poverty and gender inequality, promote education, and improve infant/maternal health. Smiling at the youth group Christmas Party. Page 10 Valley Messenger January 2018

11 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 New Year s Day - Church Building and Office Closed 2 10:00a Staff Meeting 10:15a Tai Chi 3 8:00a Men s Bible Study 4 5 8:00a Women s Exercise 6 6:30p Christian Nurture for Children Meeting 6:30p Girl Scout Troop 7:00p Christian Nurture for Youth Meeting 5:00p Cherub Choir 5:00p King s Kids Choir 6:30p Cub Scout Patrol Meeting 7:15p Sanctuary Choir 7 9:00a Adult Education Class 9:15a New Spirit Ringers 9:15a Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal 9:30a Early Coffee Fellowship 10:00a Worship 10:20a Sunday Funday 11:00a Coffee Fellowship 11:00a Meet and Greet with Preston Russell 11:00a Clippers Mariner Ship Gathering 11:30a Coffee Fellowship 8 6:00p Girl Scout Troop 7:00p Finance Committee 7:00p Girl Scout Troop 7:30p Girl Scout Troop 7:30p Portland Highland Games Association 9 10:00a Staff Meeting 10:15a Tai Chi Class 11:00a Women s Bible Study 12:00p Valley s Long Term Planning Meeting 6:30p Cub Scouts 7:00p Session 10 8:00a Men s Bible Study 5:00p Cherub Choir 5:00p King s Kids Choir 5:45p Wednesday Night Out 6:30p MS Youth 6:30p Scout Den 6 Meeting 11 9:00a Personnel Committee 6:30p Cub Scouts Wolf Den 6:30p HS Youth 7:15p Sanctuary Choir 12 8:00a Women s Exercise :00a Adult Education Class 9:15a New Spirit Ringers 9:15a Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal 9:30a Early Coffee Fellowship 9:45a Nursery 10:00a Worship 10:20a Sunday Funday 11:00a Coffee Fellowship 11:30a Youth Choir 15 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day --Church Office Closed 10:00a Meals on Wheels 6:00p Girl Scout Troop 7:00p Girl Scout Troop 7:30p Girl Scout Troop 7:30p Scout Troop 592 Parent Planning Mtg :00a Staff Meeting 10:15a Tai Chi Class 6:00p Bear Den 592 7:00p Deacons Ministry 17 8:00a Men s Bible Study 9:15a MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) 5:00p Cherub Choir 5:00p King s Kids Choir 6:30p MS Youth 18 8:00a Soup Kitchen 5:00p Music Selection Team 6:00p Open Gym 6:30p HS Youth 7:15p Sanctuary Choir 19 8:00a Women s Exercise 5:00p Kids Night Out 20 The Messenger Newsletter Articles Due 21 9:00a Adult Education Class 9:15a New Spirit Ringers 9:15a Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal 9:30a Early Coffee Fellowship 9:45a Nursery 10:00a Worship-Children s Sabbath 10:20a Sunday Funday 11:00a Coffee Fellowship 11:00a Marriage Celebration 11:30a Dining for Women 22 6:00p Girl Scout Troop 6:00p PIC Meeting 7:00p Girl Scout Troop 7:30p Girl Scout Troop 23 10:00a Staff Meeting 10:15a Tai Chi Class 24 8:00a Men s Bible Study 5:00p Cherub Choir 5:00p King s Kids 7:30p Scout Troop 592 Committee Meeting 25 5:00p Scout Pack 592 7:15p Sanctuary Choir 26 8:00a Women s Exercise 10:00a Gamble Library Book :00a Adult Education Class 9:15a New Spirit Ringers 9:15a Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal 9:30a Early Coffee Fellowship 9:45a Nursery 10:00a Worship 10:20a Sunday Funday 11:00a Coffee Fellowship 11:30a Youth Choir 29 6:00p Girl Scout Troop 7:00p Girl Scout Troop 7:30p Girl Scout Troop 30 10:00a Staff Meeting 31 8:00a Men s Bible Study 5:00p Cherub Choir 5:00p King s Kids January 2018

12 THE MESSENGER VALLEY COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 8060 SW BRENTWOOD ST. PORTLAND, OR RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED TIME DATED MATERIAL Save the Date! January 21 during coffee fellowship Help us celebrate the marriage of Pastor Jeff and Julie Binder! Children s Sabbath January 21, 10:00 a.m. worship The Cherub Choir and King s Kids Choir will sing, the Royal Ringers will ring, and children s voices will be heard throughout worship! Stay tuned for more announcements and information! See p. 1