Last Week in Review ~ 8/19 - 8/25, 2013

Grateful for the help of church staff to get things cleaned up and looking good around the church facilities last week. We desired to make a good impression for those who would be coming to Steve's Celebration of Life service. This was found under the "other duties as assigned" category of the job description. Thanks to all who helped with Steve's service: parking lot, cleaning, set up, nursery, greeting, ushering, tech, praise team, etc. The service was a reflection on Steve's life and a challenge to each of us to finish well. If you would like to pick up a copy of the card pictured above, they are at the Welcome Center and make good bookmarks for your Bible reading.

We also want to share our Christian sympathy and concern to the families of Janice Rice and Dale Taylor who also went to be with their Savior. Their services were held at funeral homes.

Sunday (8/25) we were led in praise to our great God by singing songs of hope and promise. The message was from Luke 9:46-56 and the theme was "How to Live a Life of Lasting Impact." Three dangers were exemplified by Jesus' disciples: 1) The Danger of Pride, 2) The Danger of Exclusivism, and 3) The Danger of Inappropriate Anger. Jesus confronted each of those dangers and instructed that we live lives of Lasting Impact as we Serve Christ by Serving people -- after all, Jesus came not to destroy, but to save.

Sunday Highlights (2013.08.18)

Our youth did a great job in leading us in praise and sharing the impact that Momentum 2013 (Youth Conference) made on each of them. The reports from Guatemala missions trip was insightful. Patrick gave us a good challenge and reminder of the importance of unity in the body of Christ from 1 Corinthians. This applies not only to relationships within a body of believers, but should be a characteristic of all of our lives as much as we are able (Romans 12:18).

It was great to see five babies present  in the lounge area for second service (pictured above - though not all 5 in the picture). Neat to see the baby carriers in both services as we celebrate God's special blessings to families of Valley Grace!

Sunday Reflection ~ 2013.08.11

It was good to participate in  the church "gathered" again and serving one another. Thanks to all who served - teaching, leading in praise through music, hands-on-ministry, greeting people, and meeting people - and the list goes on.

Passage of study together was Luke 9:37-45 and seeing that even the disciples of Jesus experienced a "Spiritual Power Failure" in their lives. We looked together at the signs, the causes and the means of staying connected to the spiritual power source who is Jesus. One of the things that really struck me in thinking through this passage was that the spiritual power failure in the lives of at least the nine disciples, affected other people around them. They were unable to help a father whose son had a spiritual need. It was a reminder that if we don't stay daily connected to Jesus, others will be impacted - our spouse, our children, our relationship with other people at work. It could prevent an effective witness for Jesus in a world needy for Jesus. (Message link HERE). If you have other take aways or comments, please leave them in the comment section below.

The Second Service was capped off in baptism with a testimony of God's continued pursuit of people to follow Him. It was a great story and emphasized also how other people play a part in the ongoing story of God's grace. As individuals are obedient to Jesus, others are prompted to be obedient as well. If you missed the testimony or want to listen to it again, the link is HERE.