Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Thanks for a Great Sunday!

I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank all who were involved in helping to make this past Sunday a great Sunday for our Lord. There were those who helped to get the facilities ready by taking care of the ice situation, those who helped with costumes, who were involved in helping with the Toddlers and musical, ushering, music, etc. Thanks to the two young ladies above who served as greeters for awhile. We pray that the story of Christ's coming to earth and the reason for that journey, was made meaningful. We hope to have a DVD available for those of you who were not able to attend.

Friday, December 11, 2009

Do You Know What You Believe and Why?

In a recent report, USA Today report (here) Americans and Christians are mixing religious beliefs. Here are some of the reported findings:

  • Even though Americans' overwhelmingly claim allegiance to someone they call God (92%), 70% said "many religions can lead to eternal life" and 68% said "there's more than one true way to interpret the teachings of my religion."
  • The percentage of people who call themselves some type of Christian has dropped more than 11% in a generation, and so many have moved into the "None" category for religion that it is now at 15%, the third highest "religious" category after Catholics and Baptists.
  • Reincarnation: 24% of Americans believe that they will be reborn in this world again, and 22% of those who call themselves Christians believe the same
  • 29% of Americans believe that they can get in touch with the dead, and 29% of those calling themselves Christians believed the same thing.
  • 26% of Americans believe the could get "spiritual energy" in trees, etc., and 23% of those calling themselves Christian believed the same thing.
  • 18% of Americans had a ghostly experience, and 17% of those calling themselves Christian had the same experience.
  • 15% of Americans have consulted a psychic and 14% of those calling themselves Christian also had the same experience.
Our goal here at Valley Grace is to help you understand God's truth and be firmly grounded in it so that you can respond to the errors and lies set forth by the enemy of our souls. We encourage you to be part of Sunday School, the Grace Institute (meets Wednesday evening), and other opportunities to learn and grow.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Jessica Semler & Paul Veen Engagement

Jeff and Kerri Semler of Clear Spring announce the engagement of their daughter, Jessica Semler, to Paul Veen of Michigan. Jess and Paul are planning a June 12, 2010 wedding.