Pray for Elizabeth Draper & Operation Barnabas

Please remember Elizabeth Draper (see if you can find her in the picture) as she travels with one of the Operation Barnabas (OB) team this summer. You can pick up an itinerary of her travels and mailing addresses at the Welcome Center. If you would like to follow her and her team as they minister, click here for a Blog for the Mid-America team.

Father-Son Hoe Down

We enjoyed a great time at the Shank farm on Sunday afternoon. You will notice the Valley Grace Security Team in training. After the skeet shooting, Brad and company were able to collect about one full box of clay pigeons, so there is work to be done yet! It was a great afternoon of food, fellowship, wiffleball, horseshoes, skeet shooting, etc. Thanks to the grill meisters who manned the Tim-the-Toolman grills. Special thanks to Kelly, Jamie, Billie Jo, and Wendy for your work to make it all possible. Here is a link to a few more pictures.

Welcome & Thanks to Ashlee Taylor

We want to welcome and thank Ashlee Taylor for her signing ministry in which she recently began to be involved. Ashlee signs during the Second Service here at Valley Grace. She graduated from Nashville State Community college last month. She received an associates degree for sign language interpreting. She is hopeful that once Aaron gets out of the army and moves back home she will be able to work in the school system. Thanks Ashlee! Do you know someone who can benefit from this ministry ~ invite them to attend!

Senior Saint's Sunday

On Sunday, June 22, we have the opportunity to hear from individuals about God's faithfulness to them through the years. Each has faced different difficulties, yet God has been so faithful through those difficult times and you will be encouraged as you hear how God has upheld these individuals through the good times and the hard times. Different individuals will be sharing in each of the two morning services. Note: Denver Murray will also be reporting on his ministry in Mexico

Reflections on Father's Day

I certainly realize that not everyone has good thoughts about Father's Day ~ many reasons, but I am grateful. God placed three men in my life whom I have had the privilege of calling Dad. My biological Dad (father) who was involved in my life for 15 years until he finished his earthly assignment. Then God placed my step-Dad (whom I call Dad) in my life. He carried on much of God's guidance for me. Then I had the privilege of calling my father-in-law "Dad" as he impacted my life as a man who used his skills and craftsmanship to honor the Lord. He also finished his earthly assignment a couple of years ago and is in the presence of his Savior. It was interesting reading the local paper (here) and its interview of a number of Dads and what they wanted for Father's Day. Most of them wanted time with their children. I am so thankful that our two daughters and their husbands made some time to "hang out" together with us this past weekend - Jill & Nick with a surprise visit from Myrtle Beach, Dennis made breakfast on Saturday which we all enjoyed together. There is a great investment in the raising of children, but it pays dividends! The apostle John writes, "I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth" (3 John 1:4 NASB). Keep at it, Dads. It will be worth it, but it is a long term process!

A Great VBS ~ Thanks!

I want to express special thanks for all who have invested of their time and resources in Vacation Bible School this week. It was an excellent time of introducing boys and girls to Jesus Christ and what He is able to do in their lives. It wouldn't have been possible without your involvement. The VBS wrap up will be presented in the Second Service (with pictorial review in the first service) on Sunday, June 15th. The theme was "Power Lab: Discovering Jesus' Miraculous Power." Please remember to pray for each of the children who participated. (Note: in the picture is Dr. Finklestink aka Pastor Allen, and Jessica Sweitzer)

Beginnings...

The purpose of this blog is to share my thoughts on life events and the ministry of the church where I serve. I hope that this will be an effective tool to help keep the church family informed as well as providing some thoughts for reflection about the world in which we live.