Jordan & Emily Lowery!

Please pray for Jordan & Emily (Shoemaker) Lowery as they begin their new life together seeking to build it on Christ. Honeymoon and then school starts!

Congratulations to Tyler & Courtney (Crampton) Hebert

We pray God's very best for Tyler & Courtney as they start their journey together as husband and wife!

Celebration of Life Service for Howard Foltz ~ 4/19/2015

Some things that Howard enjoyed

Great "Thank You" to the church family for your support for Cheryl and Kelli Foltz for the Celebration of Life Service for Howard. The time spent remembering his life was truly a great time together as well as singing the hymns of hope: "Amazing Grace" & "It is Well." Thanks for those who provided the special music. A neat time followed of sharing together over food. 

2013 Brighten the Night

Want to thank Patrick & Sheena Angle and Company (that's "ya'll who helped") for a job well done! In spite of the rain, there was a good turn out and interaction with folks in the community. In fact, the date confusion did allow for some more extended conversations with some folks.

Lots of hot dogs, popcorn, and candy served. Bounce house was great attraction. Thanks to the Praise Team for "extending their practice." I heard a few folks say, "Oh, they have a Praise Band" and as a result sat down to listen and observe. I'm am told that there were a number of others who stuck their heads in to listen and observe the Praise Team.

Even though the rain situation was on and off, we were able to make contacts with our community (and some from across town). Please pray for the effectiveness of tracts that were handed out as well as personal invitations to attend Valley Grace if not involved in a current church home.

Well Done, Church!

2013.09.13 ~ Reflections

2013.09.07 Weekend: Had the privilege to officiate the wedding for Spencer Draper and Ashton Conley in Kendallville, Indiana on September 7, 2013. There were approximately 40 Valley Grace folks who made the trip to support Spencer and Ashton as they committed themselves before God as husband and wife. It was really encouraging to hear the "toasts" which were made by the bridal party to both Spencer and Ashton as to the impact that they had made for Christ, even at a young age. Lots of enjoyable memories!

2013.09.11 Mid-week Ministry launch : great night of full Mid-week ministries. Started with another excellent fellowship meal, followed by AWANA, Girls of Grace, JV & Varsity Boys, and Bible Institute. Thanks to all who ministered and helped to make it effective. Had some new folks attending the ministries as well.

2013.09.03 ~ Week In Review

Sunday Morning - great opportunity to worship our Great God and Savior. Message title, "What Does it Take to be a Follower of Jesus?" Answer: Everything! (Luke 9:57-62). Jesus responds to three individuals who want to be His followers. The first man would be a great addition from a human perspective to the cause. The second two individuals are interested, "but first" wanted to do other things. Jesus responds to them as well. So, what does it mean for me to be all in as I follow Jesus?

Sunday Afternoon - All Church Picnic at Price Farms. Enjoyable time of fellowship and food. A bit humid, but then the rain came through and cooled it down (above photo).

There were also some other interesting things that transpired (see below)!

There is a story behind the above photo. You will need to contact JW & Cheryl Eichelberger about this. Provided some good humor.

Looking Ahead: Wednesday night (9/4) is AWANA kickoff with "Magic with a Message" @ 6:30 pm in the auditorium. The following Wednesday (9/11) begins full program of ministry: AWANA, Youth girls and Guys, Adult Institute (in Modular B).

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.