September 2 Communion 9 Kickoff Sunday Bring a Friend to Worship Blessing of Backpacks in worship Session Meeting with New Members, 11:15 a.m.

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1 September 2012 Worship Schedule Lectionary Bible class 8:30 a.m. Adult Education class 9:00 a.m., beginning Sept. 16 Early Bird Coffee in Library 9:30 a.m. Traditional Service 10 a.m. Nursery care 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Children s Sunday School 10 a.m., beginning Sept. 16 Fellowship and coffee after worship September 2 Communion 9 Kickoff Sunday Bring a Friend to Worship Blessing of Backpacks in worship Session Meeting with New Members, 11:15 a.m. 16 Adult Education begins, 9:00 a.m. Sunday School resumes Cents-Ability Offering 23 Dining for Women 11:15 a.m. 30 Third Grade Bible presentation October 7 World Communion Presbyterian Peacemaking Offering Youth Pancake Breakfast Come to Kickoff Sunday Sept. 9 Are you ready for some new opportunities and challenges at Valley? If you re looking for some new ways to get involved, here s your chance! Following worship on Sunday, September 9, we ll showcase the fullness of our ministry with a dynamic gathering in the Davis Hall/Gym. A fantastic array of beverages and delectable nibbles will be available tempt you. Information and conversation will abound, and parents can learn more about plans for children s Sunday School and music programs. Middle School and High School students and their parents can preview the newly revamped youth programs. Explore our diverse ministry and pursue new paths of involvement: Mission opportunities, local and global Adult education classes New opportunities in worship and music Fellowship events Deacons ministries of caring and compassion Involvement in children s and youth ministries Church facilities and property care New Valley website and social networking Also remember, this is the Sunday when many of us will bring friends and introduce them to the Valley family. New Valley membership directories will be available at the Hospitality Table upstairs (suggested donation $1.00). Let s kick off our fall programs with enthusiasm as we gather for fellowship and discover fresh challenges. Welcome Ben Resare, new Youth Ministry Coordinator In mid-august, Valley hired a new Youth Ministry Coordinator to work closely with Pastor Rebecca to plan and lead our youth programs. Ben Resare and his wife Blair were informally introduced to the congregation on Sunday, August 19. Ben (who already has several nicknames in the works to differentiate between him and Pastor Ben) has already begun working in the office to help get ready for the new school year. Ben and Blair were introduced to some of the youth and their families in August, and we all look forward to getting to know them better. (See note from Ben R. on p. 9) Bring a friend to church day, Sept. 9 (See p. 4) Awakening Souls, Sharing Joy, Serving God in Christ - TRANSFORMING LIVES

2 Pastor s column Warm Breezes Should your blankets be torn may your breezes blow warm. May your treasures be what you find. May the burdens you bear, like your bounties be shared. May you leave something good behind. ~ A Native American Blessing As September advances, my thoughts turn to warm breezes. Ben Paroulek As summer yields to the cooler days of fall, I also look forward to the winds of change that bring enthusiasm and commitment to our ministries at Valley Community Presbyterian Church. Many have mentioned to me that our church, our worship, programs, and activities have a fresh feeling. I have noticed this positive and renewing feeling too! More people are stepping forward and accepting new challenges in ministry. Our Stewardship and Finance team is creating new, cooperative ways to work with the Valley Foundation and Mission Endowment Fund to assure a secure financial future. The Facilities Committee held the most successful church work day in anyone s memory. Worship and Music teams have been working to plan vibrant services so we can worship with a familiar connection to our valued traditions while we also experience new and challenging worship styles. New possibilities for Christian learning are emerging for children, youth, and adults. Mission teams continue to enhance our outreach as we connect with Christian brothers and sisters in Bolivia, share our care through prayer shawls, quilts and other tangible acts of grace. Our Deacons maintain strong connections with the sick, lonely, and distressed folk both within our congregation and in the community. The newly-reorganized Communications and Social Media Team works to keep our congregation informed and attract new members to join our community of faith. Many more individual commitments to kindness and caring. Fall Tai Chi classes continue Fall is a great time to renew your wellness program. And it s the perfect time for fall prevention awareness. Fall prevention has several parameters, and balance is a big part of the equation. Tai chi provides tools and practices to improve balance and confidence in movement. Tai chi is an ancient exercise program that has many benefits and is being re-discovered by modern Western medicine. Recent evidencebased research has shown that it is useful for improving several chronic health conditions, as well as balance. In addition, tai chi is helpful in reducing stress; it consists of relaxed, slow breathing and gentle, meditative movements. The tai chi class at Valley is a chance to enjoy a beneficial health practice with friends. Join us Tuesdays and/or Thursdays from 10:00-11:00 a.m. in Armitage Hall. New members are always welcome, but are particularly encouraged as we begin a new form this fall. We also have an evening class Thursdays, 6:00-7:00 p.m. (note the new time). The evening class will meet for 10 weeks, from September 6-November 8. Questions? Please contact Diane Harris, dianeharris@mac.com, or call My prayer is that the warm winds of change and commitment continue to blow across Valley and we will find new ways to express our Christian love and commitment as we follow our vision: Awakening Souls, Sharing Joy, Serving God in Christ TRANSFORMING LIVES Page 2 Valley Messenger September 2012

3 Finance Report Operations during July showed some encouraging results. Last spring Session passed a balanced budget for However the Year To Date budget for seven months planned for a loss of $47,800. The actual YTD loss was $58,500, a difference of $10,700. This is actually an improvement of $1,900 from the June numbers. Generally, adult giving continues to need improvement, but net operations for the rental houses, Valley Preschool and children s ministries are all better than budget through July 31, Summer time giving is usually less than budget; so, considering the YTD information above, we encourage members and non-members to continue their giving even while traveling or vacationing. Again, we prayerfully request that you remember Valley in your financial planning and thank everyone for their continued support of the mission and programs of Valley. Lyle Chadwick, Treasurer THE MESSENGER VALLEY COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 8060 SW BRENTWOOD ST. PORTLAND, OR FAX mail@valleycommunity.org PASTORS BEN PAROULEK REBECCA CHANCELLOR NEWSLETTER STAFF: SHIRLEY HERCHER AND ANGELA GRAHAM PLEASE SUBMIT ARTICLES VIA BY SEPTEMBER 15 FOR THE OCTOBER ISSUE: messenger@valleycommunity.org THE NEWSLETTER STAFF RETAINS PERMISSION TO MODIFY SUBMISSIONS FOR CLARITY, SPACE, CONTENT AND STYLE. Session Highlights Valley s Session Regular Meeting August 14, 2012: Report on the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assembly meeting in July, 2012 was given to Session by Garry Rawson, one of the commissioners who attended from Presbytery of the Cascades. The following church officers were elected to serve until June 2013: President: Andrew Dee; Treasurer: Lyle Chadwick, and Clerk: Tim Kurtz A 12-week Adult Education class was approved to begin September 16 using the curriculum Saving Jesus Redux from Living the Questions. (See page 4) The new Youth Ministry Coordinator, Ben Resare, was announced. His position began August 15. Re-Store Sunday was approved to be held October 20 and 21 at Valley, with donated items going to the Willamette West Habitat Resale Store, where raised funds are used by Habitat for Humanity to fund Habitat projects. A Session Retreat is planned for October First Tuesday meetings will begin September 4 with food at 6:00 p.m., devotional at 6:45, and church committee meetings at 7:00 p.m. Per Capita - What is it and why is it important? Each year, based on the number of active members, Valley Church donates per capita to the Presbytery as a required payment for mission. This comes out of the operating budget of our church, regardless of how many church members actually contribute. Over the last several years, there has been a large gap between what Valley Church collects from the congregation and what Valley must pay to the Presbytery. Every Presbyterian congregation in the United States pays per capita to support the work and ministry of the church at large. Valley is responsible to send $23.85 for every member of our congregation. This money is used to support individuals who work for the greater church such as those who prepare curriculum materials for our children and classes, the offering materials we receive, General Assembly meetings and other denomination wide services. Please pay your per capita if you have not already done so this year. It is not too late! If you have offering envelopes, there is one designated for per capita. If not, you may use a pew envelope and label it per capita. Into either envelope place your check for $23.85 for each church member in your household. This not only benefits the larger church, it assists Valley directly by reducing the amount we must use from our operating budget to meet this important obligation. Per capita should not be thought of as dues to the church; it is a form of mission giving to the larger work of the church. You will be hearing more about per capita at Valley in the months ahead. Thank you for joining in this effort to fully support Valley s per capita obligation. If you have questions, please contact Sherrie James or Marilyn Conforti. September 2012 Valley Messenger Page 3

4 New Adult Ed class starts Sept. 16 Saving Jesus, a new 12-week Sunday morning Adult Education series starts on September 16 from 9 to 9:55 a.m. in Armitage Hall. What ever happened to Jesus? We last saw him about two thousand years ago, then froze his story in Scriptures, and haven't seen him since. Do you like Jesus? Are you a follower of Jesus? What does that mean? Let s talk about it. And let s hear what current theologians, ministers, professors, philosophers, and storytellers have to say about it. Each week will feature a new topic, so feel free to drop in on any class. Discussions led by Baird Smith. Blessing of the Backpacks Sept. 9 Let s celebrate the new school year and all that it brings! One of the many milestones we celebrate with our children and youth is starting a new school year. Most of the area schools begin during the week following Labor Day, September 3. We will kick-off the school year a few days later with a Blessing of the Backpacks in worship on Kickoff Sunday, September 9. All children, youth, college students, and adults who are beginning a new school year are invited to bring their backpacks or school bags to worship on Sunday, September 9. During Time with the Young Church, we will invite all students to come to the front of the sanctuary with their backpacks. Bring a Friend to Church Sept. 9 On Fall Kickoff Sunday, we have a wonderful opportunity to share with others all that Valley has to offer. Please prayerfully consider who in your life would benefit from attending Sunday worship with us and invite them to this special day. You will be provided with an invitation that contains information about Valley that you can give to someone you know and love. The invitation will have all the information they need to attend that day. Hospitality tables will be at entrances to welcome our new worshippers, and we will honor our guests with a gift and show them the hospitality we are called to show as Children of God at Valley Presbyterian Church. It is an opportunity for others to see the great programs and activities that we offer at Valley. Contact Marilyn Conforti, Membership Elder, for further information. Peacemaking Offering Oct. 7 The Presbyterian Peacemaking Offering will be received at Valley, as in most churches, on World Communion Sunday, October 7 to celebrate our unity as Christ s church, made up of people of every nation around the world. This offering supports the efforts of Presbyterians through their churches, presbyteries, synods and the General Assembly to break the bread of new creation and offer Christ s peace to a suffering world. Fifty percent of the offering is allocated to General Assembly ministries, 25 percent used by synods and presbyteries, and the remaining 25 percent retained by congregations. At Valley, the congregation s share of the offering is generally earmarked for mission outreach projects, such as our participation in the Joining Hands Partnership with Bolivia. Please give generously. Gamble Library Book Discussion Group The Valley Book Discussion Group will meet on Friday, September 28, at 10:00 a.m. in the Fireside Room. The book for discussion in September is The Garden of the Beasts: Love, Terror and an American family in Hitler's Berlin, by Erik Larson. We will be making decisions on what books to read in the next few months, so bring ideas to be considered. All are welcome to attend this lively group, and remember to bring your own coffee. Library News We are blessed to have many, many children s books in our church library. If you haven t visited the library with your little one yet, why not make it a stop the next time you are at the church. Also, if you have books you would like to donate to the library for inclusion in its holdings or for the library book sale; they may be left in the library or in the church office. Page 4 Valley Messenger September 2012

5 All-Church Work Day a success More than 45 members of Valley Community Presbyterian Church participated in what is hoped to become a bi-annual, All-Church Work Day. Brice Hammack organized and directed nine church members in weeding and general clean-up around the church, youth house and lower church parking lot. Not to be daunted by the record heat, Brice and Tim Kurtz worked into the late afternoon to clean up the weeds and brush cut and pulled by the morning volunteers. Pat and Richard Bryant organized and directed the cleaning, washing and polishing of all the pews in the sanctuary - some of which were found to be harboring many unexpected treasures under pew cushions. The team of four helped bring the wood furniture back to its deep luster and even gave the carpet in the room a good cleaning by the end of the morning. A kitchen cleaning crew of four was organized and directed by Kim Smith who made it a goal to give all the counters a heavy duty cleaning after Roger Rees applied new adhesive to bond the Formica topping back down in some areas. Special attention was also given to cleaning the utensils in the kitchen, the refrigerator and freezer and especially the floor. Kerrie Standlee was given the simple task, which became an all-day project, of unplugging one of the kitchen sinks that decided to pick that particular day to become plugged. After help from several members in trying to remove a waste pipe that needed to have sludge extracted, the efforts paid off and new parts were installed to replace pieces that were discovered to be broken. Clean-up work in the preschool area was organized and led by Kristina Kurtz who directed the cleaning of classroom counters and cabinets, the installation of carpet in the corner of one room by church member Dean Cartmill and the shampooing of carpet in several of the rooms. One of the largest and most noteworthy projects, planned and directed by Kay Hope Gold, was painting the east wing classrooms Painters Dean Cartmill, Janice Viestenz, Bob and Pat Peterson, Kay and Richard Gold and Paige Unangst. The freshening up of the rooms is greatly appreciated. The Youth House had some special attention given to it by Pastor Rebecca and several of the youth. High School Junior Kegan Derting, along with his assistant, Dan Rueff, gave the carpet in Clanton Hall a cleaning that has been needed for quite some time. Pastor Rebecca, along with Allison Kurtz, Lindsay Kurtz, Addy Pratt, Zeph Pratt, Holly Rea, Brantley Schinkelwitz, Lauren Schinkelwitz, Rory Schinkelwitz, and Fan Standlee worked on cleaning and organizing materials for the new school year. Fellowship Committee members and helpers Donna Reuff, Donna Sele, Marie Bird, Laura Sanders, Geri Mitchell, Susan Gentner, and Marcia Sanderman treated all workers to a wonderful lunch in the Fireside Room. The Facilities Committee thanks all who came and donated their time and talents in an effort to take care of the church facilities. The Committee would like to encourage others to consider joining in on another work day which is currently being planned for late October/early November Saturday when an outdoor fall clean-up will be a focus of the day. Learn about Indonesia at Sept. 16 lunch Sign up for Supper Connections Dining for Women at Valley will meet on Sunday, September 16 at 11:30 a.m. in the Fireside Room. The nonprofit group featured in September is Health in Harmony in Indonesia. This organization blends saving the rain forests with saving lives. Come learn about the many ways that they positively affect the wellbeing of the underserved women there, including the Goats for Widows program. Please join the potluck lunch meeting to share fellowship, an educational experience and the opportunity to donate to the efforts of Health in Harmony - open to youth and adults, men and women. For more information, contact Ruthann Marquis or Visit The Fellowship Committee is organizing fall potluck groups this month. Sign up for a convenient time for you and enjoy becoming better acquainted with fellow Valley members. The plan for this year is for the groups to meet three times over a 6-8 month period. September 2012 Valley Messenger Page 5

6 Mission Showcase Our August dinner with representatives from UMAVIDA, Joining Hands Bolivia was very informative. Guests and speakers were Shirley Stageberg of Milwaukie Presbyterian; Brad Kent of First, Bend; Chenoa Stock, PC(USA) Bolivian Joining Hands network companionship facilitator, and members of the UMAVIDA delegation. Bolivia, as a Third World country, has experienced years of unsafe mining practices, for both the miners and the environment. Recently an Environmental Study has been underway, and its findings are due to be released soon. The goal is to put national environmental protection laws into place, which will focus on cleaning up the cyanide poisoning residue from the mining. For more information, search for Chenoa Stock at To this end, Valley s Mission Committee has designated a $200 donation from the 2011 Peace Offering to be sent through the Presbytery. Some of us at the dinner want to increase this donation if that s you, please place your check, marked Bolivia, into the offering plates during the month of September; we will send our cumulative donation off in October. Also, a great big thanks to Cheryl and Roger Rees for opening their home, and Janet Adkins and Connie Brenner for helping with the food for the evening. And thanks to all who came to dinner, too. Andrea Murdoch, Elder for Mission September Showcase on Missions will focus on food needs: Meals On Wheels, Soup Kitchen, Luke Dorf, and the Food Pantry. Contact Andrea if you are able to help. Mission Endowment Fund awards grants The Mission Endowment Committee awarded grants totaling $7,600 to four applicants in the Spring 2012 grant cycle. Two of the recipients are local and two are international. Each focuses on a different area of care: mission, education, hunger and health. Valley High School Youth Mission trip to DOOR (Discovering Opportunity for Outreach and Reflection) Network in Hollywood, CA. DOOR s mission is in the areas of poverty relief, hunger, educational achievement gaps, HIV/AIDS and children's advocacy. United Nations Foundation Nothing but Nets provides chemically-treated bed nets which kill malariacarrying mosquitoes. The nets are distributed in conjunction with disease vaccination programs. The Wellspring Foundation for Education - Project to complete a sports field at The Wellspring Academy in Kigali, Rwanda. This award is eligible for matching funds from other sources. Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon The Northeast Emergency Food Program supports emergency food supplies in the Cully neighborhood of NE Portland to serve the needs of 40,000 people annually. In the last ten years, the Mission Endowment Fund, established in 1979, has awarded grants of nearly $185,000. The Mission Endowment Committee members are Jan Bellis-Squires, Gary Nelson, Bob Hayes, David Marquis, Mary Kelly and Elaine Rea. Mission Endowment applications due Oct. 1 October 1 is the fall application deadline for grants from Valley s Mission Endowment Fund. The Mission Endowment Committee meets in October and November to consider applications requesting funds for mission work. Committee members review applications from both organizations and individuals, whether secular or church-related, local, national or international. Created in 1979, the Mission Endowment Fund is an important part of Valley s mission program. Consideration is given to applications which 1) address hunger, food and health needs of people around the world, 2) assist volunteers in the mission field, 3) advance denominational programs of outreach, service and proclamation, and/or 4) assist secular and social organizations that aid in the care of people. No applications will be accepted after the deadline. For information or grant application, contact Elaine Rea at elaine@iname.com, visit the church office, or go to the church website, Click on Mission and Service, then click Stewardship. Page 6 Valley Messenger September 2012

7 Children s Ministries Calling all acolytes for Sept. 16 Children in 2nd-5th grades may serve as acolytes, worship leaders who assist the pastors. At Valley, acolytes assist in worship by bringing in the light and water to worship; these visual symbols remind all of us that Christ is the Light of the World and that we belong to God. In addition to lighting the candle(s) and pouring water into the baptismal font, acolytes may also choose to read a prayer from time to time. All acolytes new and seasoned are invited to an Acolyte Workshop to learn more about our worship, the role of an acolyte, the vestment (acolyte robe), and the symbolism of the light and water. Join Pastor Rebecca in the Fireside Room, following worship on Sunday, September 16. We ll serve pizza, veggies, and cookies for lunch (You may donate $3 for lunch, if you wish.) right after worship, and we will finish the workshop at 1:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. Please RSVP to Rebecca in the church office if your child plans to attend. Thank you! Sunday School resumes at Valley on Sept. 16 Pre-K Sunday School Craig and Terri Vermillion and Bert and Cheryl Hoffbeck have volunteered to lead our Pre-K students again this year! We are seeking two additional teaching teams for the schedule. Pre-K kids will join the older children in Music Time before being escorted to their classroom for the Bible story, arts and crafts, finger puppets and a light snack. Creative Classroom Circuit This year rotation model Sunday School will be for Kindergarten through Fourth Grade. Our first Unit will teach children about the many names of Jesus, i.e. the Christ (anointed one in Greek) and the Messiah (anointed one in Hebrew). Middle School students Birgitta and Lydia will present in puppet format one of the Bible based drama scripts written by Kay Hope Gold for our 2012 VBS. Jini De Vries will help the children create a very special surprise gift for our pastors. Kim and Maddy Smith will lead the cooking segment baking an olive oil cake with the kids. Club 56 A new Sunday School program for our tweens - fifth and sixth grades! More information will be provided soon on this exciting change to our Sunday mornings. Rainbow Rock - Jesus is the Rock. Artwork by Carly. Children may present their Time, Talent and Treasure essays, poems and drawings to Kay Hope Gold. Kids Choirs and Bell Choirs begin Choirs and Bell Choirs for kids age 4 18 will begin soon. All are welcome to come and bring a friend! Not sure if it s your thing? Try it a couple weeks and then decide. Here is the schedule, including age/grade for each group: Cherub Choir (4 year old 1st grade), Wednesdays, 5:00-5:45 p.m., begins October 17. King s Kids Choir (2nd-5th grade), Wednesdays, 5:00-6:00 p.m., begins October 17. Royal Ringers Bell Choir (2nd-5th grade), Wednesdays, 5:00-6:00 p.m., five-week session September 12-October 10. Visit the Children s Ministry table on Kickoff Sunday September 9 to register your children and sign up to lead Sunday School activities for three consecutive Sundays in our Creative Classroom Circuit. Every Sunday, all children, Pre-K through Sixth Grade, are invited to Music Time in Armitage Hall with Amy Rheingans immediately following the Children's Message in the Worship Service in the Sanctuary. Older children will be encouraged to help lead the younger children in song. The Bible story will be presented before the kids are escorted to their age-appropriate activity stations. September 2012 Valley Messenger Page 7

8 Preschool Corner Preschool begins Sept. 4 Valley Christian Preschool opens its doors on September 4 to many bright and delightful 2 to 5-year-olds, excited to see their classrooms and teachers and meet friends. Their parents share in their enthusiasm and begin a fellowship of their own as well. What an exciting time. We are so grateful for the preparation and hard work that has taken place here late this summer. Our church community participated collectively in the All-Church Clean-Up Day with great spirit and energy, supporting VCP by vigorously cleaning windows and floors, and offering carpentry skills in a number of ways. We sincerely wish to thank everyone, and in particular Dean Cartmill, Roger and Cheryl Rees, George Reichard, Ed Sanders, Tim Kurtz, and of course Kerrie Standlee, who coordinated the whole event. Thank you so very much you made all the difference. Thank you also to our wonderfully dedicated staff of teachers, our Preschool Board members, pastors and church office staff, who have planned and implemented our programs. We have classes five mornings a week, and couldn t do it without each and every one of you. God Bless! So as you enter our church building, listen and watch for the buzz of learning, growing and celebrating and know that God is always at work with and within us. Amen. Blessings, Kristina Kurtz, Director Valley Christian Preschool classes are filling quickly, but there is still time to enroll your child. Contact Kristina Kurtz at (503) or at kristina@valleycommunity.org for more information and to have your child become a student at Valley Christian Preschool today Blood Drive September 13 Our next Deacons Red Cross Blood Drive is Thursday, September 13, 2:00-7:00 p.m. Sign-up during coffee hours. Remember to drink plenty of water and eat your greens and iron rich foods. Sixteen-year-olds may give blood with their parents permission/form. If you are seventeen years old, you may give with a photo/student ID. Lunch was provided by the Fellowship Committee for those who helped out at the recent All-Church Work Day. Page 8 Valley Messenger September 2012

9 Youth Ministry News Middle School LIFE (Living In Faith Every Day) is on Wednesday nights from 6:00-7:30 p.m. This is a time change from last year, but we will have dinner every week, with the High School youth, from 7:00-7:30. The High School youth are looking forward to this time together, and we can discuss common events like Youth Sunday, fundraisers, and special projects. Families will be asked to contribute to a meal, as they are able; signups will be available on Kickoff Sunday or through Ben Resare, Youth Ministry Coordinator. Our first hour with just Middle School youth each week will include games and a program at the Youth House and in the gym. We welcome our Middle School Youth Advisors, Kate White and John Whitehurst. Friends are always welcome at the Youth House! And, mark your calendars now for the fall presbytery retreat: Middle School Mania, October Forms and payment for the retreat are due no later than Sunday, Sept. 30! If you have questions or need information, talk to Rebecca or Ben Resare. Youth Choir and Handbell Choir Valley Youth Choir (6th-12th grade), Sundays, 5:00-6:00 p.m., begins September 30. Youth Handbell Choir (6th-12th grade), Sundays, 6:00-6:45 p.m., begins September 30. New schedule for Middle and High School groups We are gearing up for a new year at the Youth House with our Middle School and High School youth groups. After much careful thought and prayerful consideration, the Youth Ministry Team decided to hold both the Middle School LIFE group and the High School FAMILY group on Wednesday evenings this school year. Our schedule includes a common dinner for all youth in 6th-12th grades to share in a meal and fellowship each week. We are excited about the possibilities that the new schedule affords us, and we will continue to hold special events on weekends throughout the school year as well. All youth in 9th-12th grades are welcome to join the FAMILY (Friendly, Authentic, Meaningful, Inclusive, Loving Youth). We are back to a midweek gathering, and we will meet every Wednesday from 7:00-9:00 p.m. This includes our dinner with the Middle School youth each week from 7:00-7:30 p.m. Signups for dinners will begin on Kickoff Sunday, September 9. This fall, we are looking forward to storytelling hearing the stories of Jesus, as well as sharing our own stories with each other. Each Wednesday night will include community building, games, Bible Study, and prayer. We welcome back our High School Youth Advisors: Ruthann Marquis, and Jim and Karen Sandberg. Registrations will begin in late September for this fall s presbytery retreat, CPYA, which will be held in Turner, OR, November For more information, please talk to Rebecca or Ben Resare in the church office. A note from Ben Resare (see information and photo on p. 1) What a wonderful church! It was great to spend our first Sunday at Valley and to be greeted by so many warm welcoming friends. My wife Blair and I are ecstatic about the opportunity to join the Valley community and contribute our gifts and service. As the son of a United Methodist Pastor, I have been exposed to many churches, and I cannot remember the last time we were received with such genuine thoughtfulness. I am very excited to begin in my role as the new Youth Ministry Coordinator and contribute my time and gifts. I have always enjoyed being involved with youth and have served as a youth director, youth group volunteer, service/mission trip leader, and camp counselor. In 2011, I had the opportunity to marry my best friend. We have been living in the Portland area since we graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in Blair works as a Business Office Director for a local assisted living facility and has a passion for working with and serving our elders. Since college I have worked for the Sherwin Williams Co. in retail management and am currently in outside sales. When we are not working, we enjoy many activities. I am an avid sports fan and enjoy playing lacrosse in my spare time. During her spare time, Blair enjoys reading, hiking, and giving love to animals. Together, we enjoy traveling the world and spending time with our families. Speaking of family, we are most excited to be welcoming our first child within the next month. We are expecting a baby boy and could not be happier. We will look forward to introducing Samuel Peter to you in the near future! Lastly, we d like to thank you for your welcoming hearts and look forward to getting to know each of you and your families. God Bless, Ben and Blair Resare September 2012 Valley Messenger Page 9

10 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday L.I.F.E. - Living in Faith Everyday (Middle School) FAMILY - Friendly, Authentic, Meaningful, Inclusive, Loving Youth (High School) 1 Parking Lot Sealing and Coating 2 8:30a Lectionary Bible Study 9:30a Early Bird Coffee 10:00a Worship 11:15a Coffee Fellowship 3 Building closed for Labor Day 4 1:00p Staff Meeting 5 8:00a Men s Bible Study 1:00p Pastoral Staff Meeting 6 10:00a Alanon 7 8 6:00p First Tuesday Gathering 6:00p Tai Chi Class 9 Kickoff Sunday 8:30a Lectionary Bible Study 9:30a Early Bird Coffee 10:00a Worship 11:15a Coffee Fellowship 11:15a Session Meeting with New Members 10 12:00p Facilities Meeting 6:00p Girl Scout Troop 7:30p Girl Scout Kickoff Meeting 11 1:00p Staff Meeting 6:00p Girl Scout Troop :00p Session 12 8:00a Men s Bible Study 1:00p Pastoral Staff Meeting 5:00p Royal Ringers 6:00p Middle School LIFE 7:00p High School FAMILY 13 10:00a Alanon 2:00p Deacons Red Cross Blood Drive 6:00p Tai Chi Class 7:15p Sanctuary Choir Valley Messenger Articles Due 16 8:30a Lectionary Bible Study 9:00a Adult Educ. class 9:30a Early Bird Coffee 10:00a Worship 11:15a Coffee Fellowship 12:00p Dining for Women Meeting 17 10:00a Century Club Board Meeting 6:00p Girl Scout Troop 18 1:00p Staff Meeting 5:30p VCP Board Meeting 6:00p Girl Scout Troop :00p Deacons Ministry 19 8:00a Men s Bible Study 1:00p Pastoral Staff Meeting 5:00p Royal Ringers bell Choir 6:00p Middle School LIFE 6:30p Capital Improvement Committee 7:00p High School FAMILY 20 8:00a Soup Kitchen 10:00a Alanon 6:00p Tai Chi Class 7:15p Sanctuary Choir :30a Lectionary Bible Study 9:00a Adult Educ. class 9:30a Early Bird Coffee 10:00a Worship 11:15a Coffee Fellowship 24 1:00p Century Club General Meeting 6:00p Girl Scout Troop 25 1:00p Staff Meeting 1:00p Prayer Shawl Ministry 6:00p Girl Scout Troop :00p Personnel Committee 7:00p Prayer Shawl Ministry 26 8:00a Men s Bible Study 1:00p Pastoral Staff Meeting 5:00p Royal Ringers bell Choir 6:00p Middle School LIFE 7:00p High School FAMILY 27 10:00a Alanon 4:00p Membership Comm. 6:00p Cub Scout Pack Mtg. 7:15p Sanctuary Choir 28 10:00a Library Book Club - Fourth Friday Features :30a Lectionary Bible Study 9:00a Adult Educ. class 9:30a Early Bird Coffee 10:00a Worship 11:15a Coffee Fellowship 5:00p Youth Choir 6:00p Youth Handbell Choir September 2012

11 Valley Notes Opportunities New Valley membership directories will be available on Fall Kickoff/Bring a Friend to Church Sunday, September 9. Visit the Hospitality Table upstairs to pick up your directory (suggested donation $1.00). New Cookie Ministry is launched by Valley s Fellowship Committee. All those who love to bake cookies can leave batches of home made cookies in the kitchen freezer to help with coffee hour snacks, home visits by pastors and perhaps receptions. You are invited to donate empty cookie tins or plastic ware to help start this ministry; bring containers to the kitchen and leave in marked basket. Cost is $5/person or $15/family. All proceeds will benefit the Youth Mission Fund, supporting next summer s youth mission events. Prayers In Memoriam Harold Jack Hamilton August 11, 2012 We pray for those with health concerns: Martha Squires (Raoul Bellis- Squires mother), Mary Burgess, and Sally Moody. We pray for those who mourn: Friends and family of Jack Hamilton. There are no memorial service plans at this time. As a tradition, youth group students place their handprints in the Youth House. Valley s Produce Table continues to share the bounty of plentiful gardens and harvest the generosity of Valley s members and friends. The Oregon Food Bank benefits from donations made at the table that is filled with fresh and colorful contributions each Sunday during coffee hour. Stop by for a perfect addition to your next meal while your donation helps boost the nutrition for local families through the OFB. Enjoying lunch and fellowship at the All-Church Work Day. See p. 5. Prayer Shawl Ministry knitters will now gather to knit together on fourth Tuesdays of each month at 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. (a change from first Tuesdays). All interested are invited. To learn more, contact Marilyn Tuffs or Ruthann Marquis. Pancake Breakfast for Youth Mission Oct. 7. Valley Congregation and friends - Join us on Sunday, October 7 in Davis Hall/ Gym for a breakfast of pancakes and syrup, sausage, fruit, juice, coffee, and tea from 8:30-10:00 a.m. and from 11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Middle and High School students had the chance to welcome new Youth Ministry Coordinator Ben Resare and his wife, Blair at a recent meeting. September 2012 Valley Messenger Page 11

12 Youth Pancake Breakfast October 7 With the generous help of the Clippers Mariners, Valley youth will once again serve a pancake breakfast benefitting Youth Mission. All proceeds will help fund youth summer mission trips and special projects. Please join us! Kickoff Sunday September 9, 2012 Valley Ministries will be on display, including: Children s and youth ministries Missions and outreach Adult Education Quilters Music Ministries And so much more! Come and see what our family of faith is doing in the community and how you and your family might get involved! Registration will be open for children s, youth, and music programs. (page 1) It is also Bring a Friend to Church Day (page 4) and the Blessing of the Backpacks (page 4) THE MESSENGER Nonprofit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Portland, OR Permit No. 219 VALLEY COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 8060 SW BRENTWOOD ST. PORTLAND, OR RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED TIME DATED MATERIAL