A 20:12 for 2012 from Ezekiel Sabbath, Thanksgiving, & Me

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1 Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren 91 Valley Church Rd Weyers Cave, VA (540) Web: pleasantvalleyalive.org Proclaiming the Good News by being Christ in the world! Sunday Schedule Contemporary Worship 8:45-9:45 am Sunday School 9:50-10:50 am Traditional Worship 11:00 am Church Office Hours: Tuesday Friday 8:30am - 12:30 pm Our Staff Pastor Matthew P. Fike Assoc. Minister of Children & Youth Ministries Steve Spire Director of Music David Tate Director/Accompanist for Contemporary Service Saul Rodriguez Accompanist Seth Gaultney Administrative Assistant Anne Bowman A 20:12 for 2012 from Ezekiel Sabbath, Thanksgiving, & Me And I gave them my Sabbath days of rest as a sign between them and me. It was to remind them that I am the Lord, who had set them apart to be holy. - Ezekiel 20:12 Thanksgiving is an important holiday. On the individual level, families gather together to eat and relax. On the religious level, we stop to ponder our many blessings and to give thanks to the Author of those blessings. Thanksgiving, then, is no ordinary holiday, but is, in effect, an extra Sabbath this month. Sabbath is a time set aside, separate from the other days, that we might rest. This is a sign that God is Lord and that we belong to him. It is an important part of our covenant relationship with God, a time to celebrate our relationship to God, to the world, and to each other. While this covenant relationship with God is a constant one, Sabbath is a time to celebrate and renew that relationship. Likewise, the giving of thanks is to happen in all circumstances because this is God s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:18). So our thanksgiving never takes a day off, but times of Sabbath are special times to focus on gratitude. Thus, Thanksgiving the holiday should be a special Sabbath time to celebrate and renew our relationship with God and with one another by the giving of thanks, the outpouring of gratitude. The Sabbath is quite important to God, as we see in the book of Ezekiel. In chapter 20, God is recounting through his prophet Ezekiel how his people rebelled against him and his law repeatedly as they wandered through the wilderness after God delivered them from Egypt. God remembers his great anger as his people seemingly forgot him and tried to replace him. The only specific rebellions mentioned in this chapter are the use of idols, sacrifices made to other gods, and dishonoring the Sabbath (treating it like any other day). The Creation story tells us that God set the 7 th day apart and blessed it/made it holy. Likewise, Genesis and Ezekiel tell us a similar story about humanity: God created us, set us apart, and made us holy. Indeed, God and Sabbath and humanity are all closely tied together. Sabbath and humanity are important to God, set aside and made holy for his purpose. We fall short of that calling, but as Ezekiel tells us God did with the Israelites, God restores us. Sabbath and thanksgiving are sure to be an important part of that restoration project. Like those Israelites of long ago, we need to monitor who (or what) it is we are truly worshiping. Let us take Sabbath and Thanksgiving seriously, to renew that covenant with God that we may live out the covenant each day. Blessings on your day of Thanksgiving and thanks giving, may it truly be a time of Sabbath, a time of gratitude and covenant-renewing with your Lord. Steve Spire

2 Anyone wishing to place flowers in the sanctuary during the month of November please contact Jessica or Sharon James. Harry Lee Houff Nov 2 Jacob Flora Nov 3 Doug Tutwiler Nov 3 Michelle Marston Nov 5 Catina Souders Nov 5 Jared Arehart Nov 8 Ed Huffman Nov 8 Crystal Lantz Nov 8 Garland Wright Nov 8 Emily Tutwiler Nov 9 Lois Miller Nov 12 Todd Ritchie Nov 12 Lowell Roberson Nov 13 Morgan Dodson Nov 14 Zachary Morris Nov 14 Nell Wright Nov 14 Stephen Craig Nov 16 Annie Shreckhise Nov 16 Scotty Wright Nov 19 Chanda Houff Nov 20 Dana Blaine Nov 21 Laurie Garascia Nov 21 Evelyn Matthews Nov 23 Alice Riddle Nov 23 Gene Knicely Nov 25 Howard Sayre Nov 26 Nancy Weade Nov 26 Hunter Brittle Nov 27 Dylan Gimbert Nov 27 Sarah Craun Nov 28 Pierre Johnson Nov 29 Tim King Nov 29 Dorothy Wampler Nov 29 Cara Landes Nov 30 Valley Mission Dinner Group for November 10: Maxine Shreckhise & Ritchie Family Church Board Retreat November Nursery Helpers 11 am Worship CRIB Daylight Savings Time ends at 2 am Sunday, November 4th! This is the time to fall back! - Saturday, Nov. 17, 8 am until at the Cross Keys/Mill Creek Ruritan Hall 5094 Battlefield Road, Cross Keys Ethnic lunch will be provided Community Thanksgiving Service Sunday, November 18, 7:00 pm at Bethany UMC Speaker: Matthew Fike Music : Southern Hospitality SUNDAY, November 25 - Change in Worship Schedule Sunday School 9:30-10:30 Combined Worship Service 10:30-11:30 Soup and Sandwich Lunch 11:30 followed by fun and fellowship as we decorate our church for the Christmas Season. TODDLER 4 Carolyn Ritchie Linda Scrogham 11 Teri Sumey Barbara Glovier 18 Caroline Sanders Beth Childs 25 Linda Scrogham Karissa Ruiz

3 2013 Dinner Theatre Scripts are in This year s production is a musical, Once Upon a Leprechaun, featuring a large cast so plenty of parts for everyone! Anyone interested in participating can check out a script from the church office to read through the play. Auditions will be Sunday, November 4 at 4 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Rehearsals will begin in January. Dinner Theatre performances will be March and March Seamstresses are needed to make costumes if you can help call Lynda Sheffer at Dorcas Circle For our November meeting, members will meet at Karis for lunch on November 8 at 1:30 pm. We will have a short business meeting and election of officers after we enjoy lunch. Please come out for this nice day! Questions call Bonnie or Hope. The Dorcas Circle will have their annual Family Christmas Lunch on Saturday, Dec. 1 at 11:30 am in our Fellowship Hall. A delicious lunch will be served by our own Women s Fellowship. Entertainment will be music by Harmony 4 Him, a gospel group from Briery Branch Church of the Brethren. Karen Shreckhise Lambert is a member of this group. All are invited anyone who would like to come please call Bonnie Houff or Hope Sayre to make your reservations. Meal: $12 Please join the Dorcas Circle in collecting needed items for First Step now through Sunday, November 18 for the delivery before Thanksgiving and another delivery will be made closer to Christmas. Please place items in the marked box in the Parlor. A list supplied by First Step of the most needed items in the shelter is on the table in the narthex. All Church Christmas Decorating Party Sunday Nov.25 Sunday School 9:30-10:30 Combined Worship Service 10:30-11:30 Soup and Sandwich Lunch 11:30 followed by fun and fellowship as we decorate our church for the Christmas Season. Soup and drink is provided. Please bring a plate of sandwiches or cookies to share. The Sunday School decoration assignments are new this year and have been put in each Sunday School class. Even if you are not a member of a Sunday School class, everyone is invited to stay and eat and join in for a fun afternoon of decorating as we prepare to celebrate the season of Christ's birth. -Worship Focus Team

4 Church Board Meeting, September 30, 2012 The Church Board met on September 30, 2012 with the following members present: Keith Wilson, Acting Chairman in the absence of Chuck Flick, Wayne Wampler, Neil Houff, Rhonda Harris, Sharon Reich, Chris Auville, Glenda Ritchie, Anna Manikus, Rusty Rothgeb, Donna Tutwiler, Cindy Wright, Dennis Miller and Jon Garber. Treasurer s Report Submitted by Alan Landes General funds of $45, The purpose of this meeting was to review the ballot from the Nominating Committee for presentation at the October 14 th Congregational Business meeting. Motion was made to accept the ballot from the Nominating Committee to be presented to the congregation for approval at the October 14 th meeting. Motion was seconded and approved. The Fellowship Committee handed out assignments to members of the Board for the potato bar to be held directly after the Congregational Business meeting. All proceeds from the potato bar will go to the Backpack Pals fund. No further business, meeting adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Jeannie Garber, Church Clerk Children s Christmas Program Practice Schedule Sunday, November 4th - 4:30-5:30 Sunday, November 18th - 4:30-5:30 Sunday, December 2nd 4:30-5:30 Sunday, December 9th - practice during SS hour in sanctuary Sunday, December 16th - practice during SS hour in sanctuary Sunday, December 16th - 6:oo pm Children s Christmas Program Church Cookbook Cost is $ pounds of food donated by Pleasant Valley COB to the Verona Community Food Pantry during the month of September The Handbell Choir is looking for new members. If you are interested in playing bells and would like more information about joining, please get in touch with Megan Brockman or Emily Fagan. Donation box for Backpack Pals is in the narthex for folks to drop donations in as they see fit. Any single packaged items like cheese and crackers, pudding cups, granola bars, fruit cups are appreciated. The backpack packing schedule is also on table in narthex for those willing to help. Questions? Call Pennie Garber Potato Bar on October 14 collected $1560 for BackPack Pals

5 Hope Chapel Project is hosting an Election Day communion ser- from 6:30-7:30 pm on Tuesday, November 6 at the vice NEW Healthy Cooking Class resuming at Karis Series of 2 classes 10 AM on Nov. 7 and Nov. 14 $10 per class Payable in advance to hold your place. Sign up by calling MaryLu Lewis at or at CookingWith- MaryLu@gmail.com Beginners or experienced cooks...all ages Hope Chapel Project is hosting a coat drive on Sunday, November 11. Anyone interested in donating coats, hats, or gloves may or contact Paul Shaver at All donations should be made by November 9. Briery Branch Church of the Brethren FALL BAZAAR Saturday, November 10, am until 1pm Activity Building, 6494 Daniel Cupp Road, Dayton, VA Ham Pot Pie, Kettle Beans, Vegetable Soup, Friend Country Ham Sandwiches, Hot Dogs, Apple Dumplings, Mini Fruit Pies with/without Ice Cream, Tea, Coffee, Lemonade, Arts & Crafts, Baked Goods, Yard Sale Items, and Various Venders Selling Their Wares. Contact for more information or vendor space. Ted & Company Theaterworks will bring Peace Pies and Prophets to the Shenandoah Valley on November 17 and 18. Both events include the play I d Like to Buy an Enemy, starring Ted Swartz and Tim Ruebke, unpacking issues of justice and peace-building through hilarious and challenging storytelling. Plus, at each show, homemade pies will be auctioned, benefitting local peace work. The first performance, benefitting Pastors for Peace and the Fairfield Center, is at 7 pm, Saturday, November 17 at Bridgewater Church of the Brethren as part of the senior high youth event hosted by Pastors for Peace. On Sunday, November 18 at 7 pm, the event will benefit the Fairfield Center and the EMU s Center for Interfaith Engagement and will be hosted by Parl View Mennonite Church. Pickets online or at the door: $12, $10 for students and seniors (60+) and free for children 6 and under. For more information and online tickets go to: Breakfast with Santa at Weyers Cave CC Saturday, December 8, 2012, 7:30-10:30 am Sponsored by the Weyers Cave Ruritan Club Pancakes, Sausage, Sausage Gravy, Biscuits, Juice & Coffee Cat-in-the-Hat will be there too!!! Gift from Santa for all the Kids Bring your camera for a Picture with Santa Donations appreciated but not required all donations (monetary & food) received will be given to the Verona Food Pantry.

6 Contact Brethren Woods at (phone or fax) ( ) or on the web at Join us on Friday night (Nov. 2nd) and Saturday morning and afternoon (Nov. 3rd) for the 2012 District Conference at the Mill Creek Church of the Brethren. Browse the camp display showcasing the many different aspects of Brethren Woods ministry, as well as upcoming events you won t want to miss! Camp staff will be available throughout the conference to share and answer questions. Attend our insight session to be able to learn more about what s happening at camp. And don t forget to pick up a hot off the press copy of our 2013 program calendar (including summer camp programs!), rental information, event brochures, registration information for Winter Camp (in January!), Cozy Mountain Lodge (2013 Women s Retreat!), upcoming Adventure Days,. And special programs offered for all ages all year long! We ll even have a little something for you to munch on during the sessions! See you there! 2012 Fall & Winter Wish List... Help us meet our fall and winter program and facility needs with your donations of the following items or contributions to cover their costs! Dishcloths and Dishtowels (not white) for Rental Facilities, GPS Units ($100 each or fund the entire program for $1000), A good used Backhoe and/or Skidloader, Mattresses ($75 each or buy a cabin full for $600), New Box Fans ($20 each), Sand Volleyball Court, Cookout Supplies (Mountain Pie Irons, Roasting sticks, Dutch Ovens, etc.), Good Used or New White Refrigerator, Golf Cart, Front Load Washers and Dryers, Kitchenware for Rental Facilities (approximately $300 per building), Replacement Windows for Forest Haven A-Frame, Used Vehicles (we ll sell them and use the money for the ministry at camp!) Renewing Our Faith - OUTDOORS - Capital Campaign It s exciting to report that the Brethren Woods capital campaign entitled Renewing Our Faith - OUTDOORS has already generated about $850,000! We are getting closer and closer to our $1.2 million goal for this amazing campaign to renew camp s facilities and lay a foundation for future growth. Campaign funds have already been used to put a new roof on the Woodland Retreat Center, resurface the basketball court, plan a new picnic shelter/assembly building, deliver and install a new water tank, and purchase land adjacent to camp as a buffer and space for expansion. It s an exciting time! Many individuals, groups, and families have made contributions (large and small) to partner with God through camp s ministry. Churches have also creatively found ways to be part of this campaign. Congregations have agreed to hold fundraisers (like tenderloin dinners or chicken BBQs) on a regular basis for three years, designated portions of their budgets, taken up special offerings, and shared special funds in order to support this effort. We are still within the church phase of the campaign and are making visits to district congregations as the opportunity and invitation to visit are received. Please prayerfully consider how God is inviting you tp partner with Brethren Woods in the areas of Christian education, stewardship of creation, and leadership development as we work together at Renewing Our Faith - OUTDOORS!

7 Jerry Ruff, disaster ministries coordinator, reminds volunteers that there are still opportunities available for disaster response trips. If you would like to get a group of six or more to go on project and your schedule can meet any of the dates listed below, give Jerry a call at For Town Creek Alabama the dates for week-long projects are: Nov. 11 and Dec. 9 For Prattsville, NY the week-long projects start Dec. 2 and Dec. 9 For additional news concerning scheduling through Brethren Disaster Ministries for the rest of the year go to Brethren Disaster Ministries team (Jerry Ruff ( ), Warren Rodeffer ( ) and Galen Halterman at ( ) or disastermin@shencob.org to volunteer. a gathering of people of the Word. Come to hear the Truth of God s word proclaimed. Expect to leave with your Faith strengthened. All congregations and individuals are encouraged to nominate individuals for denominational office. Below is a list of offices and positions that will need to be filled in You can make a nomination by going to and clicking on Annual Conference and then on 2013 Nominations. The deadline for nominations is December 1 Church of the Brethren Denominational Offices open for 2013: > Moderator-Elect (3 year term) > Annual Conference Program & Arrangements Committee (3 year term) > On Earth Peace Board (5 year term) > Church of the Brethren Benefit Trust Board (4 year term) Investment Specialist Preferred > Bethany Seminary Board of Trustees - Clergy (5 year term) > Bethany Seminary Board of Trustees - Laity (5 year term) > Mission & Ministry Board - Area 3 (5 year term) Atlantic Southeast, West Marva, Shenandoah, Southeastern, Virlina (Vrlina is ineligible since two members of that district are already on the board) >Pastoral Compensation & Benefits Advisory Board - Laity (5 year term) Must be a compensation practitioner from the secular world 2013 Annual Conference (Church of the Brethren s 227th recorded annual meeting) will be in Charlotte, North Carolina on June 29 July 3. Move in Our Midst has been chosen as the theme for the 2013 Annual Conference. It also is the title of the hymn with lyrics written by the late Brethren port and hymn writer Ken Morse. Move in Our Midst has been a favorite hymn at Annual Conference over the years. Here is Moderator Bob Krouse s reflection on this theme: As we continue the work of Jesus, it is important to invite Jesus to continue work in us.

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9 Youth Page Senior High Meeting The Senior High Youth will meet Sundays, November 4 & 18, for fun, snacks, and Bible study. We have started our own version of the all-church Bible study Read the Bible for Life. You can follow along in the workbooks even if you can t make it on Sunday night. Junior High Meeting The Junior High youth will meet at the church on Tuesdays, November 6 & 20, for games, fellowship, yummy snacks, and new lessons on Christian character. These meetings will be 6:45-8:15. NOVEMBER 2012 S M T W T F S Please contact me with any question, concern, or idea. I am generally in the office on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 10:30-2:30. Thanks, Steve Spire stevespire@hotmail.com Upcoming Events/Dates: November will be Loving Our Enemies Really!?! an event for Senior High youth at Bridgewater COB, featuring Bethany Seminary professor Russell Haitch and a performance by Ted & Company. Youth are invited to spend the night & join in a Youth worship service Sunday morning. See Steve soon if you would like to join in this interdistrict youth event. Steve will be attending and participating in the event. December 15, Youth will prepare and serve the meal for Valley Mission. January 11, 2013 will be a District Jr High Lock-in at Mill Creek COB February 22-24, 2013 will be a District Sr Hi Winter Retreat at Brethren Woods March 22-24, 2013 is Roundtable, the Regional Youth Conference for Sr Hi at Bridgewater College April 26-28, 2013, will be another District youth event June 14-16, 2013, National Junior High Conference Thanks to all for your support of our recent fundraisers. And a big thanks to those who led and helped out with these fundraisers. The Rent-A-Youth silent auction went very well. Several youth have already started their work, and great connections are being made. Don t forget to use your rented youth before the end of the year, if possible. A good crowd gathered October 28 for the Corn Hole Tournament and Pork BBQ Dinner. The Tournament was won by our very own Bryce Harlow and Clay Harris. Congrats. Close to 60 youth and advisors from across the District gathered at Pleasant Valley in October for the District Youth Fall Harvest Party. The afternoon and evening included lots of football, pumpkin-carving, yard games, pie-eating contest, supper, and an interactive worship service on Our True Superhero. The church cookbook, Pleasant Valley Cooking, is hot off the press. Pick up your copies at church on Sunday mornings or from Steve Spire. You re sure to find some new favorites, just in time for Thanksgiving and Christmas. By the way, they make great Christmas presents. Thanks to all for your recipes and help.

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11 Blessed are those who can give without remembering and take without forgetting. Elizabeth Bibesco Valley Highlights Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren 91 Valley Church Road Weyers Cave, VA Return Service Requested