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Valley News
August 4, 2018
"Our help is in the name of the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth."
~ Psalm 124.8
     Last Sunday, in Psalm 123, we heard the choir of God's pilgrim people singing from the pit of scorn and mockery that issued forth from the complacent proud who are enemies of God and enemies of his people. But the song God's pilgrim people sang invited them to lift up their eyes from that pit and look to the one Person who alone could save them from it: the Lord their God.
     In Psalm 124, which we will hear from tomorrow, we will hear God's pilgrim people continue singing, but the song on their lips is now reflecting back, looking at the depth of the pit they were truly in, and giving thanks and praise for the Lord their God's mighty saving work on their behalf.
     I encourage you to read and reflect on Psalm 124 prior to our time together tomorrow morning.
Upcoming Events and Opportunities:
 
Valley Church Camping Retreat:
          You are invited to join us for a camping retreat from the evening of Friday, August 17 through the morning of Sunday, August 19 at Chenango Valley State Park. You can either camp or participate during the day and sleep in the comfort of your own home. The lion's share of activities will be on Saturday, August 18 (a more detailed schedule of events will be provided next week). Please let Pastor Kurt know if you will be attending to camp or for daytime-only participation by emailing him at valleychurchny@gmail.com or by filling out the sheet in the foyer. If you plan to tent camp, we would encourage you to reserve a spot in Chipmunk Bluff. There are still tent sites in the north section of Chipmunk Bluff 60-88 that would be ideal. If you are RV camping and need electricity, please select an appropriate site nearby in the Chipmunk Bluff area. See here to make reservations. The service of worship on Sunday, August 19 will be at Valley's building, not at the state park.

Hospitality (and good food!) for Ends of the Earth New York Cycling Tour:
     Ends of the Earth Cycling's New York tour is coming through the Binghamton area on August 11 and 12. The riders, who are raising money to support youth ministries in Ukraine and Georgia (the country, not the state), will be staying at Central Baptist Church. Valley Church will be providing dessert for their evening meal at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 11 at Central Baptist. There will be a total of 35 people for whom we will need to provide dessert. If you are willing to make a dessert for hungry cyclists, please sign up on the sign-up sheet in the foyer or email Pastor Kurt at valleychurchny@gmail.com. Desserts will need to be dropped off at Central Baptist at around 5:00 on Saturday the 11th.
 
Summer Fellowship Refreshments:
     Please sign up to help provide refreshments for the time of fellowship following the service of worship during the summer. There are opportunities to come alongside other volunteers on several Sundays in August! The sign-up sheet is in the foyer.

Ushering:
     If you are interested in ushering on Sunday mornings, please talk to Pastor Kurt or email him at valleychurchny@gmail.com.

Give a latrine. Give health. Give dignity.
An appeal from World Renew:

     World Renew has made a call for help with a refugee crisis in the country of Uganda and a desperate need for latrines. To read more about the situation and how you can help, please see here.

~ Valley Church ~

Gathered as God's family, we are sent into the world as agents of God's mission of renewal.
 
This Sunday:
  • Worship Service at 10:00 a.m.
  • Fellowship and refreshments following the service of worship
  • Children will stay with parents during the service of worship
That we might better pray for one another and God's world:
 
     We pray for healing for Doris Pitcher following surgery on her jaw.
     We give thanks with the Beardsleys at the news of Daniel's new job.
     We continue to pray for Henry and Lynda Huizinga and Zach, Wyatt, and Brianna in their move to Delaware and especially for perseverance and strength for Chuck Huizinga as he goes through basic training in the United States Army as he has communicated that he is struggling with homesickness (see below for a picture from Chuck).
     We continue to pray for healing and health for: Peter DeYoung, Beth Blake, Amy Beardsley.
     We ask for continued blessings for the Faith & Finances classes that Terry Woodnorth is teaching this summer.

     We give thanks for the decline in violence and rioting in Haiti, and ask God to continue to bring about justice and peace in that country.
 
We pray for the ongoing needs of friends and family of Valley members:
     for the Zuiderveens as they return to Haiti on August 8; for healing for the de Jagers’ grand-nephew, Cole, who is undergoing treatment for leukemia; for Martheen Griffioen as she recovers from surgery and prepares for chemo and radiation; for Liz's friend John who is battling infections in hospital; for healing for John Roossien; for continued healing and recovery for Ryan Simmons; for healing for Jim and Becky Stocum's friend Eric who is battling brain cancer; for continued healing for the Monroes’ nephew, Joshua, and for peace for their extended family in Colorado; for Adam Derzanovich; for Alistair Krempel.
Chuck Huizinga preparing to ship off for basic training.
Sunday Morning Ministries
for August 5, 2018:

Greeter: Judy Zwierzynski

Ushers: Doug Aukema and Herleen DeYoung

Intercessory Prayer: Kurt Monroe

Scripture Reader (Psalm 124): Lor Recker-Woodnorth

Nursery: Herleen DeYoung
Church Telephone: 607.648.8224

Church email: valleychurchny@gmail.com

Church website: valleychurchny.org