Bob Steward ~ 95 Birthday Celebration

Bob Steward was recognized for his 95th Birthday on Wednesday evening. We are so grateful for Bob's faithfulness to the Lord and to the Valley Grace ministry. Bob has seen a lot of changes in his day, and yet he continues to serve the Lord. Bob is always willing to help where he is able and continues to exemplify an encouraging attitude in the ministry of Valley Grace. May Bob's tribe increase! Bob reminds me so much of the Energizer Bunny, who just keeps on going, though his battery charge may have dropped to 90% ;-)

We completed studying together 4 starting blocks of the Christian life.

Conversion: choosing to accept God's offer of sins forgiven and a personal relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. This is the first step where we acknowledge that we are going to become a follower of Jesus and live our lives for Him. Listen HERE

Baptism: this is the step of going public with our decision to follow Jesus Christ. It is through the waters of Baptism that we symbolize the cleansing that comes through the finished work of Jesus. It is a chance to tell our story to family and friends. Listen HERE

Communion: the Communion Service (Lord's Supper) is a means of remembering the work of Jesus Christ for us: past, present and future. It is a chance to review our walk with Christ and celebrate our relationship with Him. Listen HERE

Membership: is the step of making the decision to identify with a local church. It is committing to a local church family and taking responsibility for its success for being on mission to make followers of Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20). Listen HERE

So, what is YOUR next step?

The Blessings of Growing up in a Christian Home

I was privileged to grow up in a Christian home. Tim Challies has a great article which is an important reminder of the benefits as well as a reminder of the responsibilities for parents as they lead their families.

1. The Privilege of Prayer: A Christian home is a praying home. We often prayed about situations and and gave thanks for God's answer to prayer.

2. The Privilege of Scripture: A Christian home is a home under the authority of Scripture. My parents worked hard at having regular times of devotions together.

3. The Privilege of the Gospel: A Christian home is a home that declares the gospel. I was taught about Christ and how to know him at an early age. It was under the ministry of a Filipino Pastor and a Christian dorm parent that a personal decision was made.

4. The Privilege of Community: A Christian home is one that is connected to Christian community -- church, worship, songs, sermons and the ordinances. We were part of a Christian community of faith

5. The Privilege of Godliness: A Christian home is one where we can observe followers of Christ living out their Christian faith. I watched my parents live out the reality of their faith -- at home and in the world.

So, as I reflected on Tim's thoughts, I am grateful for my heritage.

* If you want to read the full article, click HERE.

Celebration of Life ~ Alyson Schletewitz

Thank you to all of you who attended the Celebration of Life service for Alyson. Appreciate also those who helped to provide refreshments afterwards. It was a great ministry opportunity and we had the chance to connect with some folks and interact. Please continue your prayers and encouragement for Craig, Emily and Zachary.

Joe & Kristi (Blair) Rule ~ Wedding Picture

This is a picture from Joe & Kristi's wedding. I'm sure they would appreciate your prayers for them as they set out on this new journey. Note: I am not the one officiating at the front, in case you are trying to figure out the attire.

Great week of VBS!

Thanks so much to all those involved in Vacation Bible School. This includes those who served in the many different capacities, invited children, showed friendship to parents who walked through the doors. A great deal of time and effort went into this event. We ask that you pray that God would use the truths that were taught to encourage boys and girls to follow Jesus. Also, to encourage parents to lead their children in this important step.

Well Done, Church!

2016 Urban Hope Work Weekend

Here are some updates from our 2016 Urban Hope Work Weekend in Philadelphia.

Picture above is from a year ago when the building had been gutted and we began laying out and framing the rooms.

This is a picture of what it looks like now. This is from the first floor where a meeting room and kitchen are located. Bedrooms and bathrooms are upstairs.

Here is a picture of the outside of the Balmer building in which we stayed which is where the construction from last year took place.

This is the beginning of one of our projects this year. Follow This Link for more pictures of this year's projects. Two bathrooms were also tiled, but I don't have pictures of that. Thanks to the men who went and served those who serve.