25 Youth Sunday Congregational Meeting and Luncheon, 11:00 a.m.

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1 Valley Community Presbyterian Church February 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. February 4 Communion Dining for Women, 11:30 a.m. 25 Youth Sunday Congregational Meeting and Luncheon, 11:00 a.m. March 4 Communion Lent Begins February 14 Valley s Ash Wednesday Service is Wednesday, February 14 from 6:30-7:00 p.m. in Valley s Sanctuary. Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, begins 46 days of reflection leading up to Easter Sunday on April 4. Pastor Jeff Binder will impose the ashes reminding us, For dust you are and to dust you shall return. Genesis 3:19. The service will include the King s Kids and Cherub choirs. Everyone is invited. Youth Sunday February 25 Youth Sunday will take place on February 25 during the 10:00 a.m. worship hour. Prepare to be inspired as the youth take over every part of the service, including ushering, praying, delivering the message, and of course providing music. The Youth Choir will sing a rousing spiritual called Lift Me Up and the Youth Bell Choir will play Bwana Awabariki, a Swahili song meaning May God grant you a blessing. You Are Invited! From the grace of God, we each have been given gifts. Valley is one of the vehicles through which we can use our gifts to better our church family and community. Through giving, we are rewarded with the knowledge that we are needed and a valued part of a greater whole. You will become a more active part of the body of Christ. Incoming Deacons and Elders begin June, We invite you to call a CONC member to share your decision! CONC Members are Cheryl Rees, Steve Rees, Lyle Chadwick, Marilyn Farrier, Karen Sandberg, and Marilyn Tuffs. Souper Bowl of Caring February 4 Sunday February 4 (Super Bowl Sunday), be prepared for Valley s Souper Bowl of Caring when the Youth will be taking donations to fight hunger in their very own communities. Awakening Souls, Sharing Joy, Serving God in Christ - TRANSFORMING LIVES

2 Who is My Family? There are a couple conflicting statements in the Bible about the idea of family. We can read stories about biblical ancestors going back to Adam and Eve. We read about family conflict throughout the many of our Old Testament stories. Jesus has some challenging words about our family relationships at points. But good old Paul he wrote something that sticks with me in his letter to the Galatians There is neither Jew nor Greek; there is neither slave nor free; nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. It s with this understanding that the entirety of the biblical story comes together for us; we are all part of God s family in Christ Jesus. So how do we live this out? One way that Valley Community is living out its identity as part of God s family is by welcoming Calvary Korean Presbyterian Church to share our church campus. Calvary PC is a wonderful congregation of about 30 members, most of them living here in southwest Rev. Jeff Binder Portland. While the language they primarily use during worship may be different, their heritage and tradition is shared by us all as Presbyterians and as Christians. They will plan to begin worshiping here on Sundays at 12:00 p.m. in the sanctuary beginning March 4 th with a fellowship hour to follow, and they will also have a mid-week program (TBD). It is my hope that this will not only be a place for this congregation to worship, but also an opportunity for all of us to gather for joint events to worship, share in meals, and learn from one another and enjoy Christian community! Please be sure to say hello to our newest family members here at Valley as they seek to make this building part of their new home. We look forward to sharing in a continued witness to Christ s family in the days ahead! 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 FEBRUARY 20 FOR THE MARCH ISSUE: messenger@valleycommunity.org THE NEWSLETTER STAFF RETAINS PERMISSION TO MODIFY SUBMISSIONS FOR CLARITY, SPACE, CONTENT AND STYLE. Thank you! To the Members and Friends of Valley Community, Julie and I would like to express our deepest gratitude for the reception, gifts, and oh, the delicious cupcakes to help celebrate our wedding day. You all helped us continue the celebration upon our return to Oregon, and with it, helped to welcome Julie to a new loving home which I have had the privilege of serving and experiencing these past six months. Your generosity is simply amazing. This is something that I have come to learn as your pastor, but to experience it firsthand is heartwarming. We certainly did not expect the gifts that we have received over these past few weeks. We are truly humbled by the gifts that will help us in finding a permanent home here in Portland, and also to help us do something purely for enjoyment and relaxation with our gift card to Timberline Lodge. Julie and I both share a love for the outdoors, and we are excited to visit the lodge for the first time! Words always seem to fall short in situations like these, but THANK YOU once again for your love and grace in welcoming both Julie and me to Valley Community. My wish is that all who come through our doors may feel the same embrace that Julie and I have felt; that our love as Valley Community for Christ and one another is part of the very fabric that clothes our daily living. With Deepest Thanks, Pastor Jeff & Julie Page 2 Valley Messenger February 2018

3 Sunday Adult Education 9:00 a.m. Class The Gospel of Jesus and Jesus of the Gospels Rev. R.W. Funk (DVD) February 4 This program concerns messages from the Gospel of Jesus and Paul. It emphasizes that God s dominion is absolute and eternal. Multiple factors impair our ability to perceive and respond to the messages of the Gospels. Foremost of these is our sense of limited societal responsibility. Rev. Funk emphasizes our need to broaden our commitments and expand our humanitarian involvement. February 11 The New Testament emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, humility and acceptance of others. It contemporizes who should cast the first stone emphasizing the importance of love and compassion. Likewise, it emphasizes the importance of reciprocal forgiveness as a part of God s plan. It suggests that some issues of Biblical controversy are metaphorical and stresses that we should emphasize our responsibilities for and to each other instead of our individual rights, privileges and the nuances of doctrine. Does Christianity have a Future? Multiple-authors (DVD) February 18 Why am I a Christian? - Rev. Marcus Borg Prof. Borg begins his discussion emphasizing that considerations of Biblical inerrancy are unnecessary and distracting. Jesus was a charismatic mystic, a healer, a wisdom teacher and a prophet of God s kingdom. Jesus life and teachings inspire enlightenment and transformation now and enhance recognition of our societal responsibility and the importance of mercy. Borg states that Jesus is Lord whose life and message are miraculous. February 25 Why I am Still a Christian. Rev. John D. Crossan Rev. Crossan states that faith and reason are supported by the history of human evolution and by Biblical tradition revealed in the New Testament. He contrasts the relatively short period of the Christian era with the long era preceding it. Recognition of a loving God is made possible by the teachings and life of Jesus. It is contemporized by recognition that the Kingdom of God is now, and we are called to participate in it now. Jesus is the revelation of God s intent to exemplify a non-violent tradition. Evil must be responded to, but insofar as possible, should be responded to nonviolently. Stewardship 2018 Update A number of persons have asked for an update on progress for our Stewardship Campaign. As of early January, we have had 136 responses, totaling $377,565 in pledges for You may recall our goal was to hear back from more friends and members of Valley this year, and we have just met that goal, exceeding last year's total of 135 pledges. If you have not yet returned your pledge card, I can assure you we will still welcome your response. Simply drop off the pledge card at the church office, in the collection plate on Sundays, or feel free to contact the office with questions. Thank you to each of you for your generous support to Valley and its Missions and Ministries. Eben Jenkins - on behalf of the Stewardship Committee, 2018 February 2018 Valley Messenger Page 3

4 Awards Breakfast March 10 Meet members of police, sheriff and fire departments. Valley s Woman of the Year and Man of the Year awards will be given. Everyone is invited to the annual Community Service Awards Breakfast on Saturday, March 10 at 9:00 a.m. for an inspiring and enjoyable morning. The celebration begins with the popular pancake and sausage breakfast in Davis Hall/Gym, prepared and served by the Men of Valley at no charge. Awards for community service will be presented to members of the Washington County Sheriff s Department, Beaverton Police Department, and Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue. Recipients of these awards have shown outstanding achievements in their departments. It s an opportunity for our congregation to become acquainted with members of these public service organizations and to thank them. The annual Valley Awards are given in memory of Jack Burns. Dining For Women Aids Nutrition in Peru Sacred Valley Health is the featured nonprofit organization that Dining for Women is supporting in February. Our Valley chapter meets on Sunday, February 18 in the Fireside Room at 11:30 a.m. for a potluck lunch, an educational program and the opportunity to contribute to their grant request. The mission of Sacred Valley Health is to promote health in the rural, underserved communities of Peru s Sacred Valley through education, access, and women s empowerment. The purpose of the specific project, Advanced Nutrition Certification Program in Ollantaytambo, Peru is to address malnutrition in local communities by disseminating targeted nutrition education via specialized Community Health Workers. DFW loves this project because it is located in an area of great need, and it addresses nutrition issues through early intervention. Sacred Valley Health programming complements and strengthens the local health care system and draws their Community Health Workers from the communities they serve. Come join us and help change the world one meal at a time! Senior Lunch Features FBI Agent February 28 Join us on Wednesday, February 28 at 12 noon for lunch and a fascinating glimpse into the life of an FBI agent. Valley member, Phil Miller had an exciting career with the FBI and has generously agreed to share some of his most memorable experiences with us. The Senior Lunch crew is looking forward to seeing you. Lunch is $5.00. Valley Book, February 23 The Valley Book will meet on Friday, February 23, 2018, in the Fireside Room at 10:00 a.m. to discuss A Gentleman in Moscow, by Amor Towles. This novel details the life of a thirty-year-old Russian count who is sentenced by a Bolshevik tribunal in 1922 to house arrest in the Metropol, a grand hotel across the street from the Kremlin. While tumultuous decades of Russian history unfold outside the hotel s doors, the count builds a life filled with emotional discoveries, humor and a fascinating group of residents of the hotel. All are welcome to bring their own coffee and to join in the discussion of this thought-provoking book. 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 February 2018

5 Celebrating a Joyous Occasion What a wonderful celebration of joy happened at Valley on Sunday January 21! Julie and Pastor Jeff Binder were showered with congratulations and love from our congregation members and friends during a coffee hour reception in their honor! From the marriage blessing at the Benediction, to Mendelsohn s Wedding March, to wedding cake cutting, to a banquet of amazing cupcakes, to bowls of delicious punch, to a bountifully adorned money tree, to beautiful flowers and to generous gifts, Valley outdid itself all the way around! Thank you to all who helped make this a delightful and most memorable day in Valley s history. February 2018 Valley Messenger Page 5

6 Youth Update January has flown by and the Youth have been back in full swing. High schoolers have enjoyed having their own time and space as they are now meeting every Sunday evening, except the last, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The middle schoolers also have a little more room as Wednesday nights from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. are now dedicated for them. The last week of the month for high school and middle school is dedicated to service, so instead of our usual Sunday and Wednesday night youth groups, all the youth participate in some sort of community service usually falling on the last Wednesday of the month. January s service was at the Oregon Food Bank where the youth saw what it takes to combat hunger in their community. February 4 is Super Bowl Sunday. Be prepared for Valley s Souper Bowl of Caring where the Youth will be taking donations to fight hunger in their very own communities. Be excited for Youth Sunday on February 25. The youth will be in charge of every aspect of Sunday worship, so be sure to be there. February s service night is still to be determined, but we are excited to see what prospects are available. Keep February 28 on your calendar. Page 6 Valley Messenger February 2018

7 Valley Christian Preschool Valley Christian Preschool is now accepting registrations for the school year. VCP provides a quality, nurturing environment where children ages 2 5 years learn through a creative, play-based and child focused curriculum. To make inquiries or to schedule a tour, please contact the Preschool Director, Anne Scearce, at x 146 or by , anne@valleycommunity.org. We invite all interested families to our Preschool Open House on Monday, February 12, 2018 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. On this night we will open our classrooms and invite you to come in and check us out, ask questions of our teachers, and see how we play and learn at VCP. We are very proud of our experienced and wonderful teaching staff. Come meet them! Valley Christian Preschool upcoming events: February 1: Open enrollment begins January 29-February 2: VCP Spirit Week ~We enjoy crazy hair day, pajama day & super hero day January 31 & February 1: Pajama Day after-school event ~ Chocolate Milk and Stories by the Fire in the Fireside Room Monday, February 12: Open House Evening, 6:30-7:30pm Valley s Kidz Mart OH WHAT JOY! We had a joyful Kidz Mart this year with many new families participating! The happy smiles on the children s faces as they purchased Christmas gifts for their loved ones under the loving guidance of our adult shop keepers says it all! This year s sales totaled a whopping $ which will be applied to the Children s Ministries budget. (Our best year ever, since beginning Kidz Mart in 06!) Thank YOU, Valley Families, for donating such wonderful items for the kids to purchase! Special thanks goes to Patricia (Hope) Goff, Gail (Hope) Brooks, Richard Gold, Beverly Hubbard, David Marquis and the entire Hoffbeck family! Unsold items were donated to the 5 Rock Ranch in Yamhill, OR, Assistance League of Greater Portland and Goodwill. February 2018 Valley Messenger Page 7

8 Valley Scrapbook Third graders were given their very own Bibles during worship. Valley Kids prepared most aspects of worship for Children s Sabbath. A variety of cupcakes were available for Pastor Jeff and Julie s wedding reception after worship. The Cherub and King s Kids Choirs sing during Children s Sabbath. Page 8 Valley Messenger February 2018

9 Valley Youth House Receives a Gift One of the simplest expressions of love in scripture, is fellowship, sharing with others. One of the most valuable things we can share is ourselves, out time, our talents and our energy in serving others in Christ s name. It takes a servants attitude to want to serve others and an observant eye to see what needs to be done. Many thanks to Gary Moen for his observant eye and willing servants heart. He did an amazing job remodeling the basement and residence of the Youth House! Gary was honored on Sunday, January 7, during worship service. Over 150 people came to see the new rooms during an Open House held that day. What a blessing his time, talents and energy were for Valley! Left: Gary Moen and Karen Yakymi Above: Remodeled bathroom in the resident portion of the Youth House. Above right: Marilyn Farrier and Claudia Askew touring the resident kitchen at the Youth House. Right: Gary Moen and Larry Yakymi in the Youth House basement. Both Gary and Larry contributed greatly to the remodeling of the Youth House. February 2018 Valley Messenger Page 9

10 Opportunities The Assistance League of Portland is again holding its Legacy of Literacy book drive. We will collect and distribute new and gently used books for grades K-8, many of whom live in shelters, friends homes, or cars. You can find our collection box next to the Fireside Room. The drive runs through February 20. We are grateful for your help in this venture, thank you! Excellence in all things, and all things to the Glory of God, Perhaps it is time to consider offering your talent by singing in the Sanctuary Choir here at Valley. We rehearse Thursday evenings from 7:15-9:00 p.m. and offer music in most worship services September through June. Please speak with David Jimerson after worship or via at Save the date! The annual Chili Cook Off is coming on Sunday, February 25. If you would like to make chili, contact Allison Carlson, Valley Notes Thanks Thank you to all who assisted in many ways with the joyous reception for Julie and Pastor Jeff! Prayers We pray for those with health concerns: René Minshew, Sophia Bird We pray for those who mourn: - Family and friends of Jean Gordon who died January 30, A Celebration of Life will be held at Murrayhill on February 10 at 2:00 p.m. - Katie Simenson and family on the death of her father, John Bettencourt, on January 10, Family and friends of Jean Rice who died December 22, A memorial service will be held at the Tanasbourne on February 10 at 1:00 p.m. The newly remodeled kitchen in the resident portion of the Youth House. See p. 9. Julie Binder samples one of the many varieties of cupcakes offered at a wedding reception in her and Jeff s honor. Left: Youth enjoying each other s company during weekly youth group. Page 10 Valley Messenger February 2018

11 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday February :30p Cub Scout Patrol Meeting 2 8:00a Women s Exercise 3 4 9:00a Adult Education Class 9:15a New Spirit Ringers 9:30a Early Coffee Fellowship 9:45a Nursery 10:00a Worship 10:20a Sunday Funday 11:00a Coffee Fellowship 11:30a Youth Choir 5 6:00p Girl Scout Troop 6:00p PIC Meeting 6:00p VCP Board Meeting 7:00p Boy Scouts 7:00p Girl Scout Troop 7:30p Girl Scout Troop 7:30p Portland Highland Games Association 6 10:00a Staff Meeting 10:15a Tai Chi Class 1:00p Prayer Shawl Ministry 1:30p Mission Committee 6:30p Christian Nurture for Children Meeting 6:30p Cub Scouts 6:30p Girl Scouts 7:00p Christian Nurture for Youth Meeting 7:00p Prayer Shawl Ministry 7 8:00a Men s Bible Study 5:00p Cherub Choir 5:00p King s Kids Choir 6:00p Royal Ringers 6:30p Scouts Den 6 6:45p Middle School Youth 8 9:00a CONC Meeting 2:00p Worship & Music Long-term Planning 6:30p Cub Scouts Wolf Den 7:15p Sanctuary Choir 9 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 Communication Committee 11:30a Youth Choir 2:30p Clippers Mariner 5:00p High School Youth 12 6:00p Girl Scout Troop 6:00p PIC Meeting 7:00p Boy Scout Troop 7:00p Finance Committee 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 Session 14 Ash Wednesday 8:00a Men s Bible Study 5:00p Cherub Choir 5:00p King s Kids Choir 5:45p Pizza Dinner and Burning of the Palms 6:30p Ash Wednesday Service 15 8:00a Soup Kitchen 4:00p Worship & Music Committee 5:00p Music Selection Team 6:00p Open Gym 7:15p Sanctuary Choir 16 8:00a Women s Exercise 5:00p Kids Night Out :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 Dining for Women 11:30a Youth Choir 5:00p High School Youth 7:00p Scout Venture Crew 19 President's Day 6:00p Girl Scout Troop 7:00p Boy Scout Troop 7:00p Girl Scout Troop 7:30p Girl Scout Troop 20 The Messenger Newsletter Articles Due 10:00a Staff Meeting 10:15a Tai Chi Class 7:00p Deacons Meeting 21 8:00a Men s Bible Study 9:15a MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) 5:00p Cherub Choir 5:00p King s Kids 6:00p Royal Ringers 6:45p Middle School Youth 7:30p Scout Troop 592 Committee Meeting 22 5:00p Scout Pack 592 7:15p Sanctuary Choir 23 8:00a Women s Exercise 10:00a Gamble Library Book 24 8:30a Girl Scout World Thinking Day Event 25 9:00a Adult Education Class 9:15a New Spirit Ringers 9:30a Early Coffee Fellowship 9:45a Nursery 10:00a Worship Youth Sunday 10:20a Sunday Funday 11:00a Coffee Fellowship 11:00a Congregational Meeting and Luncheon 11:30a Membership Committee 11:30a Youth Choir 26 6:00p Girl Scout Troop 7:00p Girl Scout Troop 7:00p Boy Scout Troop 7:30p Girl Scout Troop 27 10:00a Staff Meeting 10:15a Tai Chi Class 28 8:00a Men s Bible Study 12:00p Senior Adult Luncheon 5:00p Cherub Choir 5:00p King s Kids 5:30p Youth Service Night 6:00p Royal Ringers

12 THE MESSENGER VALLEY COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 8060 SW BRENTWOOD ST. PORTLAND, OR RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED TIME DATED MATERIAL Get to Know Valley! A Get to Know Valley luncheon will be held Sunday, March 4 from 11:30 am-1:00 pm. Valley youth will be collecting donations for the Souper Bowl of Caring after 10:00 a.m. worship. Meet our pastor and enjoy a meal with some of our members. 100% of your donation will go directly to a local hunger-relief charity in the Beaverton area. Help tackle hunger by dropping your dollar bills in the soup kettles on Sunday, February 4! RSVP to Glenys Craig, g.craig@sbcglobal.net.