Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren

Transcription

1 Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren 91 Valley Church Road Weyers Cave, VA (540) Web: pleasantvalleyalive.org The Church of the Brethren Annual Conference will be held July 2-6 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Bryan and Amanda Wilson are representing Pleasant Valley as delegates and Millard Driver represents the Shenandoah District as Standing Committee delegate. You are invited to prayerfully support all persons who will attend Annual Conference. Below is a description of the Annual Conference theme that was developed by Robert Alley, Annual Conference Moderator. 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 Phil Roberts Administrative Assistant Anne Bowman The Conference theme is developed around the visual image of an extension table where more leaves are added as guests increase. We have experienced this personally as a family. Some extension tables add as many as a dozen or more leaves so as to accommodate all the guests or family that may be present. When someone encounters the stories of Jesus, he/she finds Him extending the table of God s love by including and extending beyond those who may already see themselves as part of God s family. Another part of the image of the Conference theme emerges from Brethren being a people of the table. The very heart of our liturgy found in Love Feast identifies us as a people of the table. Our interest in the compassion of Jesus draws us to the imagery of table where we gather together to share, to challenge, to learn, and to support one another. The theme is basically one of hospitality in various formats-- an invitational hospitality as well as a discipling hospitality that asks what it means to share Jesus table.

2 Anyone interested in placing flowers in the sanctuary in July please call Carole Landes at Jeremy Gaylor July 1 Owen Parkinson July 2 Regina Rothgeb July 4 Shari Arehart July 5 Hayden Judd July 5 Logan Kline July 6 Glenda Ritchie July 6 Evelyn Sherfy July 7 Steve Spire July 7 Joyce Diehl July 8 Glen Myers July 8 John Andrew Shreckhise July 8 Beth Childs July 9 Kennie Wiseman July 9 Jeremy Houff July 10 Tim Riddle July 10 Kenton Meadows July 11 Laverne Sowers July 11 Chris Auville July 13 Linda Scrogham July 15 Gail Ebling July 16 Hannah Tutwiler July 16 Linda Rexrode July 17 Mark Shafer July 17 William Childs July 18 Isabelle Garber July 18 Joyce Martin July 19 Sharon Baugh July 20 Betty Miller July 20 Carolyn Ritchie July 21 Lindsey Shifflett July 21 Tammy Tomlinson July 23 Sarah Mudge July 24 Sharon Reich July 24 Kiersten Garber July 25 Ethan Johnson July 25 Mary Ellen Shreckhise July 25 Brenda Breeden July 26 Harry Houff, Jr. July 27 Kenny Dull July 28 Karen Huffman July 30 Doug Houff July 30 Valley Mission Dinner Group for July 16 Jubilee Class Comfort Makers - Wed., July 13th at 9 am SUNDAY, JULY 3, 2011 NO SUNDAY SCHOOL 10:00 Combined Worship We will be joining congregations from across the country to share Sunday morning worship via the webcast from Annual Conference. Joel and Linetta Ballew are the worship leaders and Craig Smith is the preacher; his message Third Day People. July Nursery Helpers 11:00 am Service Crib 3 Hope, Alice, &/or Elaine Dorcas Circle Family Picnic 5:00 pm, Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at Harry & Bonnie Houff s Mark your calendars and plan to join in the fun! Attention Highlighters (age 65 and older) God Bless America" picnic at the home of Don and Jeannie Garber on Saturday, July 9th at 12:00 p.m. Main dish (ham), drinks, and utensils will be provided - bring a covered dish to share. Contest for best dressed in red, white and blue (man and woman) and best apple dessert. All American games - BINGO and cornhole toss with prizes! Come join the fun! Sign up sheet is in the narthex. Hope to see you there!! Highlighters Committee: Elaine Tomlinson, Alice Riddle, Jeannie Garber Toddler 10 Linda Scrogham Barbara Glovier 17 Teri Sumey Libby Flora 24 Linda Scrogham Caroline Sanders 31 Beth Childs Linda Scrogham

3 Church Board Meeting May 15, 2011 The Church Board met on May 15th at 7:00 p.m. with the following members present: Chairman, Chuck Flick, Pastor Matthew, Wayne Wampler, Don Landes, Anna Manikus, Sharon Reich, Glenda Ritchie, Millard Driver, Donna Tutwiler, Neil Houff, John Childs, Gary Huffman, Alan Landes, Cindy Wright, Ann Shultz, Linda Sheffer, Beth Gimbert, Rhonda Harris and Jon Garber Pastor Matthew opened the meeting with prayer. Pastor Matthew led a short bible study on Matthew, Chapter 25: Minutes from the previous Board meeting were approved. Treasurer s Report Alan Landes reported an equity of $75,178. Focus Team Reports: Stewardship Neil Houff reported that all is going well. Some of the pews in the sanctuary have been removed for wheel chair accessability. This change has been well received. Jon Garber requested a speaker be placed in the old nursery room. Fellowship Glenda Ritchie Fifth Sunday breakfast will be served in May. Ministry Ann Shultz Ann expressed her thanks to all those involved in the ministry program for college students. Worship Jon Garber Music Sunday will be on June 5 th and will be a combined service. Discipleship John Childs John stated that Susan Ribelin will be in charge of the new all-church bible study that is slated to begin in September. John also reported that his team is working on Sunday school classes for the summer. Life Development Beth Gimbert Beth reminded everyone that Bible School will be held in June. Old Business A committee consisting of Ann Shultz, Teri Sumey, Chuck Flick, Tim Ruebke and Pastor Matthew have been working on the exciting new ministry project to be located in the old Tyco building in Mt. Sidney as discussed at the last Board meeting. Projected opening of the facility is October 1 st. Pastor Matthew will be making a presentation to the congregation in the near future concerning the plans for the space which includes a consignment shop and possible coffee shop. It is hoped that this project will not only provide a ministry to Pleasant Valley, but to our entire community and surrounding areas. New Business The Worship Focus Team reported that additional computer resources are needed for the worship services. The audio visual equipment is not working properly. To improve the system, a new piece of software is needed. The purchase of this software will allow for additional audio visual/sound opportunities that we have not had in the past. The cost would be approximately $2,400 for the computer and software. The Worship Focus Team asked for the Board s blessing to continue with this purchase. A motion was made for the purchase, seconded and approved. Pastor Matthew reported that he and Cole Scrogham, Pastor of Summit Church of the Brethren, recently attended a training session in Richmond entitled Upward Sports. Upward Sports is an evangelical tool that combines a sporting experience with a faith experience. It would give the church the opportunity to engage our community in different ways. Not only would children be involved but also their parents. The sports would be basketball and cheerleading and take place during the months of January and February. Pastor Matthew stated that he and Cole would like to see the churches in the community come together for this program. More information will be forthcoming. Pastor Matthew gave each Board member a copy of the book The Hole in the Gospel. Meeting adjourned for Focus teams to meet. Respectfully submitted Jeannie Garber, Church Clerk

4 Got Spirit?! Our generation knows a deep hunger for the things of God. We call this spirituality the desire for God. The Bible gives voice to humanity s deepest longings in its songs, stories, and wisdom. The God of the Bible is a powerful, divine Mystery who longs to be in covenant relationship with the human family. God has placed within us a holy longing for the Divine. Scripture also affirms that the Holy One is all around us. Wherever God s people look, the Sustainer is there (Psalm 139:7-12). Fully known in the person of Jesus Christ, the Word became flesh and lived among us (John 1:14a). And the Holy Spirit continues to open eyes and empower righteous living (1 Corinthians 12:4-13). Jesus declares that finding God in the everyday is a gift for all who ask and seek (Matthew 7:7-11). - Ed Poling In 2011, our theme at camp is Got Spirit?: Finding God in the Everday. We re focusing on the different ways God reveals God s self to the human family. Scripture affirms God s presence in the ordinary moments of life, including many ones outdoors in holy places like Brethren Woods. We ll experience the various ways that people of faith respond to the presence of God including wonder, gratitude, hospital- Bridgewater Auxiliary Luncheon No luncheon in July; next will be Wednesday, August 3, 2011 Tornado-damaged Pulaski, VA, has been designated a national disaster site, and, in cooperation with the faith-based community there, volunteers from the Shenandoah District s Brethren Disaster Ministries will begin work in late June. Three or four homes will be totally rebuilt, and others will be repaired. The immediate need is for masons and masons helpers (mixing mud and carrying blocks) to lay foundation. Later, workers will be needed as framing begins. Volunteers will be scheduled for day trips, leaving the District Office at 6 a.m. and returning after the day s work is done. Contact Jerry Ruff at or disastermin@shen.cob and leave your name, address and phone number. The August 7-13 Disaster Ministries trip to Ashland City, TN, still has openings for volunteers. Contact Jerry Ruff at or disastermin@shen.cob for details and to sign up for an amazing experience of service. Daggett Resigns, Will Lead VBMHC Joan Daggett, associate district executive of the Shenandoah District for 13 years and its acting district executive since June 1, has announced her resignation, effective Sept. 15, to accept the call as executive director of the Valley Brethren-Mennonite Heritage Center (CrossRoads) in Harrisonburg. She will begin her duties with CrossRoads on Sept. 19.

5 Church of the Brethren Annual Conference Webcasts: This Year, View Annual Conference Live from Anywhere For 2011, every business session and every worship service at Annual Conference will be webcast. To view the live broadcasts over the internet, simply open your browser to and then click on Annual Conference. The broadcast window will appear on the Annual Conference broadcast page. Additionally, recordings of each webcast will be available shortly after each session concludes, so those not able to watch live (or those wanting to review a session) may view the recordings from the links provided. The Pleasant Valley Congregation will join with all the attendees gathered at Annual Conference, and many other congregations across the country, to share Sunday morning worship together via the web-cast. We will share in the prayers, the singing, and the preaching right from the conference floor for worship on July 3. Last year, estimates were that well over 1,000 Brethren from 16+ states joined in! News from Annual Conference On site news reporting from Annual Conference 2011 will begin with reports from the Standing Committee meetings and other pre-conference events as of Friday, July 1, or before. During the Conference itself, from July 2-6, daily news reports and photo albums will report on business decisions, worship, and other special events. The Conference sermons will be posted online along with worship bulletins. Find the onsite reporting from Grand Rapids at CrossRoads Heritage Cemter Volunteers tour guides are urgently needed! The CrossRoads Heritage Center needs volunteer guides for mornings and afternoons Wednesday through Saturday to welcome visitors, introduce them to the displays and video in the Welcome Center and then give them a tour of the facilities. Each guide is oriented on how to serve. The hours are 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. If you would like to explore this opportunity, please call the center at (540) This is an excellent opportunity to share our faith story. A chuck wagon meal. Travel back in time for an evening of good old-fashioned food and fellowship for the whole family on July 22, 6 p.m., and support the rebuilding of the Weaver-Brunk Log House at the Valley Brethren- Mennonite Heritage Center, 1921 Heritage Center Way, Harrisonburg (on the hill behind the new Harrisonburg High School). Raymond Martin, who is reconstructing the house, will serve pork chops from his restored chuck wagon, along with ham and beans, corn bread, salad, cobbler and ice cream. Enjoy gospel music by Heartland as well. Fee: Adults $35. Children under 12, $15. Call (540) by July 13 to make reservations. Send checks to CrossRoads, P.O. Box 1563, Harrisonburg, VA Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. Family Fun Day For Christ at the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds will be held on October 14 and 15 this fall and will feature some really great groups and speakers!! On Saturday, GOLD CITY, Brian Free and Assurance, and Promised Land Quartet will all be in concert from 3-6pm. On Friday Youth Night, the bands Royal Taylor, Leland, and Building 429 will lead worship. Many other great activities will be going on and details will follow. Sponsored by the Shenandoah County Coalition for Christ. For more info, contact Antioch Church of the Brethren at BLUE RIDGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL, is accepting applications for a new principal for the school year. Looking for a believer who walks with God and has strong leadership and communication skills for guiding an already strong faculty with an emphasis on a clear philosophy of academic excellence in Christian education; someone with great interpersonal skills, ability to relate to faculty, donors, parents, students and the larger community. Please submit resume to Blue Ridge Christian School, P.O. Box 207, Bridgewater, VA 22812

6

7 Youth Page Senior High Meeting The Senior High Youth will meet Sunday, July 17, for summertime fun and devotion. Stay tuned for more details about location and time. Junior High Meeting The Junior High youth will meet at the church on Tuesday, July 19 (7-8:30), for fellowship, yummy snacks, and summertime fun and events. JULY 2011 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. This month, however, due to Annual Conference, vacation, and workcamp, I will only be in the office July Thanks, Steve Spire July Senior High Workcamp Crossnore, North Carolina We will be working at Crossnore School on a variety of projects and staying at Camp Carmel, all in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. See Steve for more details and to sign up. Parents and other adults needed, as well as senior high youth. June in Review Junior High Hike 13 youth and adults took the high road (steep trail, actually) to the top of Humpback Rocks on Sunday, June 12. We braved the muggy weather, passing storm, slick rocks, and a crazy deer. (Ice cream at Kline s makes everything better!!) National Junior High Conference 12 Pleasant Valley junior highers and 2 advisors were among the 50 who took a bus sponsored by the Shenandoah District to Elizabethtown College (PA) June for the 3 rd National Junior High Conference. We heard some great messages, sang some awesome songs, conga-lined at an awesome concert by Ken Medema, and lived on cafeteria coffee and cappuccino. NJHC was inspiring, thought-provoking, and tons of fun. VBS Thanks to the youth and many adults who helped out at our Community Bible School, making it an awesome, fun, and learning experience as we traveled back in time to Jesus hometown of Nazareth. stevespire@hotmail.com This schedule and info subject to change; other activities are in the works. See Steve for signups and more info. Kings Dominion Trip (Senior High & Junior High Youth) Thursday, July 7. Meet at church at 7:45 am. Tickets can be bought for just the Kings Dominion parks or for the parks plus KingsFest admission. Peforming at KingsFest will be Skillet, David Crowder Band, Hawk Nelson, and Lecrae.

8 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

9 The ONLY people with whom you should try to get even are THOSE who have HELPED you! Valley Highlights Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren 91 Valley Church Road Weyers Cave, VA Return Service Requested