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Valley News
August 11, 2018
"Unless the LORD builds the house,
the builders labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the guards stand watch in vain."
~ Psalm 127.1
     When you first encounter it, you might notice that Psalm 127 doesn't read like the other psalms we've been hearing from in the Songs of Ascents. That is because it is a different kind of psalm; it is a wisdom psalm, a psalm sung to weave into the imaginations of its singers true, godly wisdom. Wisdom. Not intelligence, or a high IQ, or an accumulation of data, facts, and information, but rather true, godly, biblical wisdom. And while at first glance much of what Psalm 127 addresses might seem obscured by the mists of history and a very foreign culture, we can certainly stand to listen to its message (enamored with its own power and intellect as our culture is tempted to be): "Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. . ."
     I encourage you to read and reflect on Psalm 127 prior to our time together tomorrow morning. We will also celebrate the feast of the Lord's Supper, and I encourage you to prepare in heart and mind for that time of communion with our Lord and our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Upcoming Events and Opportunities:
Second Offering:
     We will have an opportunity to give a second offering this Sunday (August 12) for the Chenango Forks Schools Nurse's Discretionary Fund.
 
Breakfast Cereal for CHOW:
     Our CHOW pantry needs a bit more breakfast cereal to make it through the rest of the summer. If you are willing to donate some cereal, please leave it on the CHOW table in the CHOW room (behind the sanctuary near the downstairs office).
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 this coming week). 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.
 
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.

~ 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.
  • Special offering for the Chenango Forks Nurse's Discretionary Fund
  • 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 continued healing for Doris Pitcher following surgery on her jaw.
     We give thanks for those starting new jobs and ask for God's blessings on them in their new work: Daniel Beardsley, Hunter Vernon, and Nick Vernon (and pray especially for Nick in his move to California).
     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.
     We continue to pray for healing and health for: Peter DeYoung, Beth Blake, Amy Beardsley, and Frank Lockwood.
     We ask for continued blessings for the Faith & Finances classes that Terry Woodnorth is teaching this summer.
 
We pray for the ongoing needs of friends and family of Valley members:
     we give thanks for the Zuiderveens' safe return to Haiti earlier this week; we pray 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 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.
Sunday Morning Ministries
for August 12, 2018:

Greeter: Terry Woodnorth

Ushers: Charlie Huizinga and George de Jager

Intercessory Prayer: Florence Doller

Scripture Reader (Psalm 127): Natalie Doller

Nursery: Jim & Sue Comfort
Church Telephone: 607.648.8224

Church email: valleychurchny@gmail.com

Church website: valleychurchny.org