Happening Now at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran

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Pastor's Weekly Message

2010-03-03T13:10:00.001-08:00

"The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come .....and the vines are in blossom; they give forth fragrance." Song of Solomon 2:12a &13b

The number of dafodils up and down I-5 is pretty astounding. There are huge bunches of them in the median and they certainly brighten what can be an otherwise boring drive. Not sure if they have yet caused me to sing out loud, but they sure do help a sometimes surly early morning attitude, and have caused me to smile upon more than one occasion. A simple, beautiful, bright reminder of the presence of the creator at 65 (and sometimes more) miles per hour. Proof that even when we may be in a hurry God still tries to get our attention.

No matter how much we may know the truth of the beauty and its constance reminders are still necessary. What a patient teacher and generous care taker. And that is exactly what I was in need of when working outside again the other day. Mowing, mowing and more mowing. Looking more at my watch than anything else. The hip feeling especially sore trying to duck under and around some bushes and vines. Feeling morose for no other reason than it seemed I wanted to, hurrying purposefully. And then I passed under a flowering plum (I believe) and there was perfume in the air, and a fluff of pink and white. Time to stop and take a deep breath, recognize the richness, change the attitude, and give thanks.

The reminder will be needed again and again, we all know that, and the Creator continues creating with that reality seemingly in mind. Thanks for the beauty and the moments appreciation. The adventure continues.

In the peace and power of the cross,
Pastor Randy

"Lord, catch us off guard today. Surprise us with some moment of beauty or pain so that for at least a moment we may be startled into seeing that you are with us here in all your splendor, always and everywhere, barely hidden, beneath, beyond, within this life we breathe. Amen." Frederick Buechner

Happening this week:

Wednesday March 3rd
Soup/Supper at 5:45 pm
Vesper service at 6:30 pm
Adult choir practice at 7:00pm

Thursday March 4th
Men's night at Ken Plinke's at 6:30 pm

Friday March 5th
Rummage Sale planning luncheon 12:00 pm
Confirmation Retreat at SOV 6:00 pm

Saturday March 6th
New to You outing meet at SOV 10:00 am

Pastor's Weekly Message

2010-02-24T11:28:00.001-08:00

"....yet at the scent of water it will bud and put forth branches like a young plant." Job 14:9

It was the day off and there was a chance to begin the trimming that I didn't think I would be doing again. But such things cannot be put off and so the work began. It was a beautiful day and the grapes were the first to be cut back. Some of these vines have been around for a while and they still produce bountifully, and from the buds I saw they will again. Then it was on to an apple, pear and plum tree. The sun felt warm on my back, and there was a lot of chattering and movement from the birds. There were robins, towhee, starling, doves, various sparrows, quail and more. There was singing and grousing. There were flowers blooming as well. Daffodils I know, a Lenten bush (is that the right name?) and others I would not hazard a guess at. So much beauty and life.

Which brings us to those words from Job quoted above. They are about a tree being cut down that will "sprout again". That made me think of the life that continues on even when I get done with my inept hacking. In the words of scripture that follow things are not nearly so hopeful about humanity. I understand the meaning, but at the same time the resurrection that I see going on all around me fills part of me too. All of creation seems to share it's very life with us.

There is even that "scent of water". The very next day, after the cutting and pruning, there was at first a hint of moisture in the air, and then a gentle rain. After a few dry days it smelled grand and clean, and on taking it in there the reminder that it is not only the vegetation that "put forth branches like a young plant." It waters us all.

Thanks for the beauty and the gifts Lord, may they lift us all to a sense of hope and the promise of grand things to come.

In the peace and power of the Christ,
Pastor Randy

"Lord of creation and God of grace, we thank you for the yearly miracle of the spring, as the earth awakes from its winter sleep and is arrayed again in the glory of resurrection life. Send into our hearts the Spirit of the living Christ, to raise us to newness of life and to clothe us with the beauty of his holiness, for your honour and glory." Frank Colquhoun

Lenten Soup/Bread supper this evening 5:45 pm
Vesper Service (following soup supper) 6:30 pm

Remember in prayer;
Darlene

Pastor's Weekly Message

2010-02-17T11:01:00.000-08:00

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:21

Today is Ash Wednesday and with it begins the season of Lent. The verse above is part of a section of the gospel according to St. Matthew that is about not making a big deal of what it is that we do, but to just go about our business doing good and sacrificing of ourselves.

The idea of giving up something for Lent is a long standing tradition in the church, though it isn't thought of so much anymore. The idea was to give up doing something we would actually miss, but then with the words from Matthew reminding us not to make a big deal of it. There isn't a need to let everyone know how much we might be suffering for our faith. Rather we might be surprised , even enriched, by what we can live without.

Frederick Buechner writes, "In many cultures there is an ancient custom of giving a tenth of each year's income to some holy use. For Christians, to observe the forty days of Lent is to do the same thing with roughly a tenth of each year's days. After being baptized by John in the river Jordan, Jesus went off alone into the wilderness where he spent forty days asking himself the question what it meant to be Jesus. During Lent, Christians are supposed to ask one way or another what it means to be themselves."

What means the most to us? What might we give up? Or even, what we might add on, making a commitment to do something we know we need to do but don't? Give up, or add to, make this Lenten season a time to enrich our lives, as Christians, quietly.

In the peace and power of the cross,
Pastor Randy

"Gracious God, out of your love and mercy your breathed into dust the breath of life, creating us to serve you and our neighbors. Call forth our prayers and acts of kindness, and strengthen us to face our mortality with confidence in the mercy of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one god, now and forever. Amen.

Ash Wednesday Service this evening at 6:30 pm
Soup/Bread suppers begin Wednesday February 24 @ 5:45 pm
followed by Evening worship at 6:30 pm

Congregational Meeting/Quarterly Town Hall Meeting at 12:00 pm, Sunday 2/21

Remember in prayer:
Darlene, Larry, Helen, Jessica

Feb 21 Congregational Mtg

2010-02-15T13:13:00.001-08:00

Just a reminder that we have scheduled a Congregational Quarterly Town Hall meeting for this Sunday, February 21st - right after second service. Please plan to attend. Child care will be provided and, because it is the lunch hour, there will be a snack available downstairs for the kids who are staying. After service ends, we will give folks about five minutes to use the restroom and get a beverage. Then we will start the meeting. We will address the budget first; secondly updates on other issues; and then concerns from the congregation.

Our GOAL will be to keep the meeting to ONE HOUR. We plan to record the meeting for those who must be absent (in addition to our written record). The agenda will be finalized at our Council meeting on Thursday. Feel free to send questions or requests in advance.

A Winning Souper Bowl!

2010-02-15T11:49:00.001-08:00

A fantastic job and congrats to the confirmation class on a successful Souper Bowl Sunday. A total of $348 and 296 cans of food were collected, handily beating the goal of $300 and 75 cans of food for Shepherd's Storehouse.

Also congratulations to Mark who won the Sweetheart Lasagna Dinner, and Christine, winner of the Super Bowl Basket!

Pastor's Weekly Message

2010-02-10T10:55:00.001-08:00

"Love one another with mutual affection; out do one another in showing honor." Romans 12:10

One tradition says that in 270 A.D.l a Christian priest named Valentine was imprisoned and executed in Rome for performing marriages. According to Claudius II, marriages were a threat to national security, because they made soldiers less willing to fight.

On the eve of Valentine's execution he wrote a note of thanks to the jailer's daughter, who had shown him kindness during his imprisonment, and signed it "Your Valentine". That is credited for originating the custom of showing affection on Valentine's Day with a card or a note.

That has escalated a bit. Now there are lots of advertisements, in the paper, on radio and TV, all about Valentine's Day. It is not like the idea behind it all is a bad one. I intend on getting a little something for the ones I hold dearest to my heart. Though it does seem a bit sad to have one day set aside to express love, and there are all kinds of experts quoted and interviewed about how best to express that love.

Do we really need that kind of coaching? Probably, yes. But we can keep trying none the less, and not just in the romantic sense that has come to dominate Valentine's Day. (Because in that respect maybe Valentine's Day has become too limiting.) That is where those words of Paul from his letter to the church in Rome really come in to play, "mutual affection and showing honor". Take a moment to think of the folks who are a blessing in our lives, give thanks, let them know of their importance. Chances are it might take more than one day to do such a thing justice.

Thanks for the love Lord, and may we indeed love as you first loved us.

In the peace and power of the cross,
Pastor Randy

"O God of love, who has given us a new commandment through your only begotten Son, that we should love one another even as You have loved us, the unworthy and the wandering: We pray that you will give us, your servants, all our life on this earth, a mind forgetful of past injuries, a pure conscience and a heart of love for our brothers and sisters; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

Wednesday evening worship at 6:30 pm

Thursday, 11:00 am Fundraising Meeting, everyone invited

Wednesday February 17th; Ash Wednesday Service 6:30 pm

Sunday February 21, Congregational/Town Hall Meeting 12:00 pm
2010 Budget copies available in the Narthex for your review.

Prayers of Healing for Helen, Larry, and Darlene

Rx Brown Bagger

2010-02-08T12:36:00.001-08:00

Don't Forget~

SOV members, family members and neighbors; a FREE consultation with a Registered Pharmacist.

Tuesday February 9th -- from 1:30 pm-6 pm at Rite Aid Pharmacy located @ the Tanasbourne Shopping Center (Cornell Rd & 185th)

There will be Pharmacists available for consultations re- your medications and information-re "over the counter" (non-prescription) medications..

They will answer your questions as well as give you information re- how some drugs may have adverse reaction with "over the counter" medications.

You DO NOT need an appointment.

Privacy will be provided and confidentiality is a "given" !

My contact person @ Rite Aid is Pharmacist Jaishree Patel.

This is a great service by Rite Aid .-----------so we give Thanks.

Note: Be sure to bring your medications in their containers in a bag ------ not just a list of your meds! This is important and is why we call it Rx Brown Bagger!!!

Corrine Gilbertson, Parish Nurse

Congregational Meeting

2010-02-04T14:18:00.000-08:00

Soon you will all be receiving the constitutionally required written
notice of our congregational meeting scheduled for Sunday, February
21st immediately after the second service.

It was decided to not include lunch in this meeting in order to get
started immediately and keep with a business focus.

The proposed 2010 budget will be presented and, hopefully, approved.
Also this meeting will serve as one of our quarterly town hall
meetings so the agenda will also be open to other issues.

Please plan to participate.

The Executive Committee

Mark your calendars!

2010-02-04T08:48:00.001-08:00

Ash Wednesday Service is February 17th

Lent begins February 21

Soup/Bread suppers begin February 24 at 5:45 pm followed by half-hour worship at 6:30 pm.

Soup suppers will be 2/24, 3/3, 3/10, 3/17, 3/24

Pastor's Weekly Message

2010-02-03T10:34:00.001-08:00

"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful." Colossians 3:15

Standing outside, the time is approaching the passing into another new day. The night is dark of course, but not as dark as the past few. The moon, just a couple of days past full (it was called the "wolf" moon this month) is now just barely visible above the trees to the east. It looks amazing. There are stars over head, some clouds streaking by in the silver light. And then I hear the great horned owls talking to one another. Their conversation is a welcome one to listen in to. Experts no doubt could make some sense of such things (and I would welcome the knowledge, but tonight just to hear the hooting is sweet enough.)

Used as an allegory or not, those hoots from owls speak to hope and life in the darkness. Sometimes things do seem pretty dark, life challenges us, as individuals and as a community. And even then God speaks to us, or maybe especially then, and takes us by surprise. That is what I believe in, sometimes cling to, and then I end up, in spite of myself, with words the likes of which Paul offers, "let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts ... be thankful".

Ah yes, "be thankful", that is sometimes very difficult to remember to be. Sometimes things are very dark, in reality, in the seasons of the soul. But there is much to be thankful for, and may we take in such moments, and in them, even in darkness, know the "peace of Christ".

Listen. In the peace and power of the cross,
Pastor Randy

"Steadfast and loving God, so often we come before you bearing only our concerns. We get so weighed down with our worries that we forget to sing for joy. So now we lay our grief, pain and worries aside for a short while, with the assurance that they are already safe with you. So with the psalmist we give thanks for - the dawn of a new day and the splendor of creation, the joy of seeing things anew through the eyes of young children, for friends who share our laughter and tears, for those who create art with any media, for scientists who search for new ways to eradicate diseases, for the diversity of thought and culture and gifts among your children, for the smells of food, the flowers of spring, the gifts of your love for us sent in so many ways. For all that we have and all that we are. Thank you! Amen!"

Wednesday Evening worship at 6:30 pm

Men's Night; Thursday February 4th, 6:30 pm at Old Chicago Pizza

Sunday, February 7th 'Souper Bowl Sunday' Bring Cans of Food for Shepherd's Storehouse, also
The confirmation youth will be selling raffle tickets for two baskets;
Basket One; "Super Bowl Basket" features $15.00 in pizza certificates and all the extras that go with super bowl.
Basket Two; Features Homemade Lasagna and Bread along with extras.
tickets are $2.00 each or 3/$5.00
(need not be present to win)

Your parish nurse invites you...

2010-02-01T11:12:00.000-08:00

Members, family members and neighbors can have a FREE consultation with a Registered Pharmacist.

Tuesday, February 9th 1:30pm - 6pm at Rite Aid Pharmacy located @ the Tanasbourne Shopping Center (Cornell Rd & 185th)

There will be Pharmacists available for consultations re- your medications and information-re "over the counter" (non-prescription) medications..

They will answer your questions as well as give you information re- how some drugs may have adverse reaction with "over the counter" medications.

You DO NOT need an appointment.

Privacy will be provided and confidentiality is a "given"!

My contact person @ Rite Aid is Pharmacist Jaishree Patel.

This is a great service by Rite Aid--so we give Thanks.

Note: Be sure to bring your medications in their containers in a bag -- not just a list of your meds! This is important and is why we call it Rx Brown Bagger!!!

Corrine Gilbertson, Parish Nurse

Capital Campaign Update

2010-01-28T11:20:00.000-08:00

Have you wondered?

Some may question why we continue to have a Capital Campaign when we have general fund deficit and there are improvements or maintenance issue for the current building we occupy.

It is not all uncommon in today's economic times for churches to be having general budget deficit.

Improvements and or maintenance issues, to our current building, continue to be on the forefront of how best to maintain the current facility until such time as a new building can be constructed while maintaining the fiduciary responsibility of the building fund.

That being said the largest obstacle we (SOV) faces is waiting for the property/land to sell in order to have the funds necessary to fulfill the hopes and dreams of the future of SOV's building project. Just because the property (land) does not sell does not mean the money raised and being raised is at a loss.

We can always re-evaluate our current building dreams should that become necessary.

We would like to "Thank" everyone for the gifts whether you are one time givers or regular givers.

As we said in the beginning of the Capital Campaign; contributions to the Capital Campaign are to be given after your funds are contributed to the general fund of the Church.

We trust our vision, hopes and dreams will allow your continued support of the reality of the Capital Campaign.

"Building on Christ our Foundation"

Bob R. McFall & Tammy McDonald
Executive Directors - Capital Campaign

Invitation from your parish nurse

2010-01-28T11:18:00.001-08:00

Friday's Prayer Vigil; if you are unable to attend the prayer vigil on Friday, January 29th from 10:00 - 8:00, you may send your prayer requests to secretarysov [at] gmail [dot] com. Those attending the prayer vigil will include your requests in prayers held through out the day.

Also;

Two Baptisms will take place at Shepherd of the Valley on Sunday, January 31st.

Corrine Gilbertson and Jordan Gilbertson will be Baptized at the 11:00 service on Sunday . They are Granddaughter's of Larry and Corrine Gilbertson and currently attending college in Oregon.

Pastor's Weekly Message

2010-01-27T10:46:00.001-08:00

"Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun." Ecclesiastes 11:7

It was one of those days that was not really expected, and the light was a sweet surprise. The sun was out and the temperature mild and thoughts turned to spring even though it is only the end of January. (Truthfully though there are things sprouting at home, and buds on some of the bushes, so the time is not too far off.)

It is the kind of time that lifts the spirits and draws me outside to do nothing but stand and look. The view from the deck of the church is a pretty interesting one. Yes there is traffic on both sides which provides a constant hum if not a dull roar. But there is much more. It is all enhanced by the light of the sun. Even the mounds of the pocket gophers don't seem so bad (okay, that is easy to say from up on the deck) each is the enhancement of the sun light.

There were a few robins hopping around, cocking their heads in the funny way they do before they find another worm to mince up and then gobble down. And there is the group of ducks, don't know if it is more than one family or not. Every time someone approaches the bridge that crosses Bronson Creek the ducks come hustling out of the tall grasses as if to collect a toll. Enough people bring bread to toss to them that they seem to believe that everyone will do the same. Their optimistic expectations make me smile and give encouragement as well.

There are many more people out than usual, dogs and kids running ahead. The sun will do that. It is "sweet" and "pleasant" indeed.

And the moment of this writing it is now dark and the rains have returned again. But the light and warmth of this day remains sweet and pleasant in my mind. Thanks for the gifts Lord and for the chance to take it all in.

Much peace,
Pastor Randy

"Open our eyes, O gracious God, to all the good that you provide us. Let us look back upon past blessings ... and then forward to blessings we anticipate. And in between past and future, show us how many kindnesses you are providing right now, beginning with your ever-present love in Jesus Christ, our Savior, who shared our pain and joy, and shares in it still. Amen."

This evening;
Healing Worship Service at 6:30 pm

Friday January 29th, Prayer Vigil 10:00 - 8:00 pm
Feel free to stop by anytime to spend a moment in silent prayer; for you, the church or the world as a whole, materials will be available to guide you if needed.

Sunday January 31st at both worship services
A day of celebration and reflection on our past, current and future commitments to the church and to God.

This week at SOV

2010-01-26T14:11:00.000-08:00

Events you won't want to miss ...

Wednesday, January 27, 2010 6:30 PM Healing Worship Service

Friday, January 29, 2010 10:00 – 8:00 PM Prayer Vigil, (take time from your busy day to stop by and pray for your needs and/or the needs of the church, the world)

Sunday, January 31, 2010 Re commitment Sunday

The Capital Campaign committee is preparing a special time during our worship services on January 31. Starting a new year in a new decade gives us the opportunity to come together and recommit ourselves to the ministry and missions of our church as individuals and a body of Christ at SOV. We can also share in celebrating what we have accomplished, where we are and the plans for growth together. This will also be a time that we can reaffirm our baptism and how we can live our lives for His service.

This past year has been a challenging one for all of us. The national/ global recession continues to impact us on all levels of financial capacity and stability. Our congregation clearly has been impacted by the economy with the reality of being faced with a $12,000 deficit in our general budget for 2009 and as we face tough decisions for our 2010 budget.

Working towards strengthening of our Capital Campaign is about the whole ministry of Shepherd of the Valley; us as individuals within the church family as well as recommitting to our financial goals. It is a time to ask ourselves how we can fund and implement being, "A caring community, touched by Christ, touching others for Christ".

In all that is happening in the world we are given the knowledge once again that we need to come together….for our families, our church, our community and for needs in the world. Decisions and the commitment to our decisions will help make a difference in all areas of our congregation. As a family of Christ at Shepherd of the Valley we can take this time to prayerfully recommit ourselves to the direction for growth with our membership; for enhancing our programs; our missions and outreach; financially supporting our general budget and planning for our future.

Let's work to live out our mission statement and continue to be a church that is "Building on Christ our Foundation". As we work together to be a Body of Christ, one in faith and one in our mission we will accomplish what God has planned for SOV.

Healing Service, Prayer Vigil, Re-Commitment Sunday

2010-01-22T12:36:00.001-08:00

Have you included SOV in your agenda next week?

An opportunity for healing, a time for prayerful reflection and your commitment to God, will be offered next week at Shepherd of the Valley.

Wednesday, January 27th at 6:30 pm Healing Worship Service~

Friday, January 29th 10:00 - 8:00 pm Prayer Vigil~ (click here for details - PDF)

Sunday, January 31st
The Capital Campaign committee is preparing a special time during our worship services on January 31. We will use this opportunity to recommit ourselves to the present and future of our congregation.

Starting a new year in a new decade gives us the opportunity to come together and recommit ourselves to the ministry and missions of our church as individuals and a body of Christ at SOV. We can also share in celebrating what we have accomplished, where we are and the plans for growth together. This special Sunday can also be a time to reflect and recommit ourselves to our own baptism.

Working towards strengthening of our Capital Campaign is about the whole ministry of Shepherd of the Valley; us as individuals within the church family as well as recommitting to our financial goals.

Come and join in the worship and fellowship of this special Sunday and be part of shaping the future of our congregation. Please continue to keep our church in your prayers as we work to "Build on Christ, Our foundation".

...remembering that everything we have comes from Him.

Pastor's Weekly Message

2010-01-20T10:32:00.001-08:00

"Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises." Psalm 98:4

Every year at this time, or at least the last 13 years of my existence, time is marked by the singing of frogs. Our house is near Cox Creek, a hot bed for frogs, and usually at the season of Lent they begin to sing ( a little earlier this year because of a couple of weeks of mild temperatures I guess). To some it may not sound like singing at all, but more a cacophon (isn't that a great word?) of sound. In the dead of winter, when so much seems lifeless, the frogs are singing. For me they are what the psalmist is writing about. Their noise is a joyful one indeed, almost like clockwork, "all the earth" offers song to the Lord.

Hear the singing too sometimes when I am sitting in my office. This time it is a flock of geese landing in Bronson Creek Park, right behind the church. They announce themselves before they really arrive. Oh, I know they make a mess, and not everyone is wild about their presence, but as they swoop in, and after a few passes begin to land, their honking is a song to my ears, and a magnificent one at that.

Sitting in a meeting Tuesday night, hearing the youth choir practice and there is more of the same happening. They "break forth into joyous song and sing praises".

It seems the "joyful noise" is all over the place. May we hear it. May we become part of it ourselves. Don't worry about it being pretty by others standards, the joy will do, and shine through grandly.

In Christ,
Pastor Randy

"God of majesty, whom saints and angels delight to worship: Pour out your Spirit on your servants who, with the gifts of music, enliven our praises and proclaim your word with power. Give us a new awareness of your beauty and grace, and join our voices with all the choirs of heaven, both now and forever; through your son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

Tonight; Evening worship 6:30 pm

Council Meeting, Thursday January 21 @ 7:00 pm

Confirmation Retreat; Friday January 22, 6:00 pm - Saturday 12:00 pm

Remember the prayer vigil, Friday January 29th 10 - 8 pm watch for more information about it.

LWR and Haiti Earthquake

2010-01-14T11:15:00.001-08:00

You can donate to Lutheran World Relief's Haiti earthquake response. Here's the link to do it directly: http://www.lwr.org/emergencies/10/HaitiEarthquake/ or you can give to SOV, mark it "Haiti earthquake" on the memo line and SOV will send the funds on to LWR after a week or two? Mercy Corps is also a consistently high-rated charity (by the American Institute of Philanthropy) that people might want to donate to: http://www.mercycorps.org/ in their response efforts.

Any questions can be directed to Larina Hoffbeck at hoffbeck [at] verizon [dot] net.

Pastor's Weekly Message

2010-01-13T10:09:00.001-08:00

"All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses." I Corinthians 12:11

That is Paul's writing. It is in the middle of this chapter, and he is focusing on gifts that people have been given, and are now sharing. How those gifts are used to be a blessing to one another, to strengthen them in the unity of the Spirit.

Those words are still pertinent to the world of today. So many gifts, so often mis-used, or allowed to languish, and the Spirit's choices are ignored, or battled belligerently.

As I sat the other day with a group of pastors, and heard of great joys and burdensome sorrows, and far too often of division within communities of faith. (Not surprised, but still shocked, if that makes sense.) Tale after tale of congregations suffering their own self-righteousness. So much that needs to be done. So many lives to touch and bless, and time is spent on in-fighting instead. It is not necessarily a matter of judgment but shaking the head over energies and gifts better spent.

SOV has been richly blessed, so many gifts, personalities, possibilities. The Spirit calls this community as well. May we see clearly all that we share "together", and use our gifts well. It is time to get busier.

In Christ,
Pastor Randy

"We each bring many gifts to the church - each given by God for us to share without reservation. For when we come together, sharing our gifts, the Spirit of God weaves them together, bringing unity. All our gifts, activities and service come together for the common good. We affirm the gifts of God: wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, speaking in various languages and their interpretation. All these are the work of the same Spirit and are given to each by the grace of God, for the glory of God. Amen."

Prayers for the people of Haiti as they try to recover from the devastating earth quake, for Christine Edgar's nephew Michael.

Joyous Light Evening worship this evening at 6:30 pm

Adult Sunday School resumes this Sunday, January 17th @ 10:00 am

Ushers needed for both worship services March, April & May
Time slots still available for January 29th Prayer Vigil

This Sunday January 10th

2010-01-09T19:29:00.001-08:00

SOV Family

We had a wonderful open discussion on leadership, growing together and reaching out to others today with John Cross of Kairos.

Time ran out during our session to view a short video titled; Celebrating What's Right with the World.

This video presentation will be offered at 10 am this Sunday January 10th during adult Sunday school hour.

Please plan to attend this wonderful video presentation.

Do you really want to miss out?

2010-01-07T10:51:00.001-08:00

Here is another invitation to join us on Saturday at SOV for the Stewardship/Leadership "Growing Together" training. Have you said to yourself "not really interested . . . . it cuts into my Saturday . . . . one day of church a week is enough . . . I don't want to be a leader." Here's another thought.

Have you become acquainted with all of the SOV family members? Are all acquainted with you? All our SOV activities, while having a focus, are really an opportunity for you to get better connected with one another. Connecting. It takes time and opportunity. Come to visit. Come to hear some ideas. Come to share some ideas. Working together. That's how things happen at SOV. Have you ever attended an event at SOV and not enjoyed yourself??? God is leading us.

Hope to see you there!!!!

Peggy

please RSVP to Tammy

Pastor's Weekly Message

2010-01-06T10:12:00.000-08:00

"When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy." Matthew 2:10

The "they" in the verse are the "wise men" of course. And the joy that they know is easily imaginable. The search they had been undertaking had been sort of a wild gamble to begin with, and it had gone on and on. They had known doubts and desperation and now their hopes had been met with a resounding yes, in the form of a star and a child, and his mother.

Was it all they hoped for, because it really doesn't seem like all that much? They "paid homage", gave gifts, and left, never to be heard of again in the writings of Matthew. What we do know is they were "overwhelmed with joy". Such joy may not last long, but the moment of it may last for a life time. (It can be relived over and over again.)

Ah, the things we long for, search for, and the times we are "overwhelmed with joy". Sometimes it seems the longing and searching never ends (did the wisemen feel that way too?). Or maybe it all just starts over again. So, there is a need to recall the moments of joy, and to recall them again and again, when the journey seems to go on too long. Remember the things that bring a smile to your face, making the folks around you wonder why you are grinning like a fool. It feels good doesn't it?

The adventure continues indeed, and it is a constant one. What the wisemen were looking for is already ours. Now we can also pay attention to the other joys that come our way, and see them all in the light of that star.

In Christ,
Pastor Randy

"O God, on this day you revealed your Son to the nations by the leading of a star. Lead us now by faith to know your presence in our lives, and bring us at last to the full vision of your glory, through your son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one god, now and forever. Amen"

Joyous Light Evening worship service tonight 6:30pm

Men's Night @ Old Chicago Pizza Thursday 1/7

"Growing Together" session with John Cross Saturday 1/9 12-2pm
please RSVP to secretarysov [at] gmail [dot] com (lunch will be served)

Your invitation

2010-01-04T10:17:00.001-08:00

Come One Come All

Whether or not you have ever thought of being a leader at SOV or elsewhere you have a wonderful opportunity to hear how God intends for you to lead.

Please come and learn from John Cross, (Kairos) Saturday January 9th at SOV, 12:00 noon until 2:00 PM

A light snack will be provided so please let Tammy McDonald know you are going to participate by emailing her, secretarysov [at] gmail [dot] com.

Blessings to you all

Bob R. McFall and Tammy McDonald
Executive Directors - Capital Campaign

Pastor's Weekly Message

2009-12-30T10:59:00.001-08:00

"And Jesus increased in wisdom..." Luke 2:52

After all the preparation and expectation it seems to end so quickly. But it isn't at an end yet (talking about Christmas here). We are still in the time of Christmas until the Epiphany arrives on January 6th. It is time to bask in the beauty and richness a bit.

For me it was all a little surreal, as it should be I suppose, but my first Christmas at SOV certainly added to that. Yet the story was the same, thank goodness, but it was so different as well. Not being in my own "home" for Christmas Eve, after worship services were done. Staying at our daughters (and her new husband) a place they were still in the process of moving into themselves. That whole part of the picture probably was a little more true to the nature of that first Christmas that Luke tells us about. (So, not terrible stuff, just different and noteworthy, life's changes.)

And then there is the chance to bask in the beauty of the worship time that was shared. Filled literally to overflowing early Christmas Eve, all the excellent music, the beauty of the space, the many smiling faces and warm greetings shared, The darkened sanctuary lit by the tree lights and candles as we sang Silent Night. There was laughter too, and moments to relax as we simply let the joy of the story wash over us.

The preparation was worth the effort even if it all passed too quickly. Expectations were met in the telling of the story yet again, and in the sharing of even brief moments. And yes Christmas still continues, giving us a chance to see the chaotic days (especially with the consideration of the surprise, disruptive snow on Tuesday) with "increased wisdom" to appreciate anew what gifts we have been given and how rich life is. Indeed as Jesus "increased in wisdom" may we do a little growing ourselves.

The adventure continues,
and it is a grand one.
In Christ,
Pastor Randy

"Holy God, you sent your Son to warm the darkness with light. We pray for all those who cannot see the light because they are afraid or are in too much pain - physically, spiritually or emotionally. May the power of your light search for cracks in which it might start to shine through. May all people know the healing power of your Word and grace. Continue to drive out the demons that taunt and torment us so we may be made whole. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen."

Bible Study and Wednesday evening services resume January 6th

Rebecca Circle Meets Wednesday January 6th

"Growing Together" in leadership/stewardship with John Cross January 9th 12-2pm