Would You Remarry Your Spouse? ~ Study Shows...

In keeping with our current message series, "Don't Get Married Until...." I found this research to be interesting.

In a new CBS News poll, nine out of 10 (90%) married Americans said they would marry their spouse again, a percentage which has barely changed since 1995 (93%). Ninety-five percent of men said they would marry their wives again compared to 85 percent of women saying the same. When asked to pick what is most important in a successful relationship, about half picked "Respect" (49%), followed by "Trust" (37%), and a "Sense of humor" (10%). "Sex" was picked by two percent and "Money" by zero percent. [from CBSNews.com quoted from PWB, 2/26/2010]

That is nice to know!

Missions Review 2009 & Preview 2010

Here is the video of Valley Grace missions projects for 2009 that you were part of through your investment of time, resources and abilities. Great job & new opportunities for 2010. How will you be involved this year to help build the Church of Jesus Christ?

Letter from Pastor Sam Baer, Victory Mountain Chapel, KY

Part of a letter from Pastor Sam Baer at Victory Mountain Grace Brethren Chapel, KY (50 years of ministry) in response to the Thanksgiving/Christmas offering sent from Valley Grace.

Dear Brother Dan & Congregation,

Wow!!! $1,645.00!!! You Dear Folks really know how to encourage another Pastor & struggling Church. Our Parsonage Furnace gave up the "ghost" in December & we needed to purchase a new one. Even though we got it at cost (thanks to a Christian Contractor) installation & everything was only $1,700.00. Now isn't that something???

You all covered the cost of the whole furnace ($1,600.00), even though we were able to pay for it back in December, but that bill wiped out our church checking account. Your check beefed up our general fund so we could pay for your January bills with some left over. You all seem to know when we need some extra help & your gifts are always very generous & we are so appreciative of your love gift.... Your church helps keep our church from going under financially. Thank You So Very Much!!!

P.S. This winter has been hard. Every Sunday it seems we are facing something different weather wise. Last Sunday, all our vehicle doors were frozen shut so we had to cancel morning services & go for a 2:00 pm service. Six inches of snow here in the mountains & the schools must cancel for a week or 4 days.... Hope God keeps your congregation & ours safe from harm.

With Much Thanksgiving & Appreciation, Pastor Sam Baer

Note: You can read more from Sam on the bulletin board with more pictures.

An Outline for Daily Prayer

In Matthew 6:6-13 Jesus provides an outline for daily prayer. This passage is often referred to as "The Lord's Prayer" but we know that Jesus never prayed this prayer because He never needed to ask for his "transgressions" to be forgiven. This prayer is also prayed as a liturgy, but it was not intended to just be recited from memory. Jesus provides an outline for us to pray daily as we go about activities. There are 5 main areas of focus in this prayer.

1. Enhancement of God's Reputation ("Hallowed be Your Name") - this is praying that as we go about our daily activities, that we represent Christ and that His reputation is enhanced by how we conduct ourselves at home, at work, at school, in our times of recreation. That is, in all of our activities.
2. Advancement of God's Agenda ("Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven") - this is part of prayer asks God to use us to help reach people for Christ. It is praying that we will have the opportunity to help lead people to Jesus. This will help us to focus on sharing Christ and praying for opportunities for that.
3. Our Material Needs ("give us this day our daily bread") - this reminds us that God is the provider of all of our needs. We respond in thanksgiving for what he has provided: food, clothes, place to live, heat, and so much more.
4. Forgiveness ("forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors) - we are reminded that we need to seek God's forgiveness on a daily basis, in fact, as soon as it is brought to our attention that we have "missed the mark" in our relationship with Christ. But this passage also reminds us that we must forgive those who have sinned against us.
5. Spiritual Protection ("lead us not into temptation") - the Bible plainly teaches that God does not tempt anyone to sin (James 1:13). This is a prayer that we might be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and His leading in our lives in regards to what we should do, and shouldn't do. Praying that we might be able to see the spiritual land mines which are around us. It is also a prayer that we might not miss the good works that God has planned for us to carry out this day (Eph. 2:10).

This provides a great outline for us to pray each day as we prepare to live for Christ and serve Him.

Reflections on Sunday 1/31/2010

Reflections on Sunday:

• Thankful for those who took care of the snow and ice so that we were able to have the Second Service (10:40 am)
• Praise team did a great job -- especially song "Glorious One" pointing to our Glorious Savior!
• Drama Team did a very nice thoughtful presentation on the cross and how "intrusive" is it in our lives.
• Opportunity to have folks from both services together in one service -- though we did miss those who were not able to make it in due to weather. The cross mix is a nice opportunity from time to time.
• We reflected on the importance of the Communion Service and how we remember the work of Christ for us; past, present and future. If you are wondering how Communion is to be practiced, please listen to the audio of the sermon. It will be posted on Sermon Audio which can be downloaded, or you can request a copy from the church office - either tape or CD.
  

"Don't Get Married Until ..." (February Sermon Series)

Marriage is designed by God to be a blessing for both husband and wife. Since God instituted marriage, He has given to us the basis for making it work effectively. The purpose of this series is to look at God's instructions for those considering this most important step in their lives, for parents (and grandparents) to help their children prepare for this event, and for those who are married.

Note: This is adapted from a series that P. Noble preached at his church (permission has been granted to adapt)

Joe & Sharon Strite - New Members

We welcomed Joe and Sharon Strite into the official membership of Valley Grace this past Sunday. Joe & Sharon have been involved in different areas of ministry already, and we look forward to continuing to serve the Lord together. (Note: yes that picture was taken in Myrtle Beach, SC - perhaps to remind us that warm weather will return. )