Dearly Beloved,
In what’s believed to be a first, no survivors or veterans of World War II attended the annual Pearl Harbor Day event in Hawaii on December 7, 2020, due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. December 7 is National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, commemorating the day when Japanese forces launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, bringing the US into World War II.
A remembrance at the Pearl Harbor National Memorial in Honolulu takes place every year, typically bringing together Pearl Harbor survivors, WWII veterans and their family members to honor the lives lost during the attack. The event includes music, a Hawaiian blessing and wreath presentations. But this year, like everything, the 79th anniversary ceremony was different.
Remembrance Sunday
We invite you to attend church on the grass this Sunday or otherwise join us online as we celebrate communion together after the message from 1 Peter 1:17-21. Remember what Jesus said, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In preparation, I strongly encourage you to read the first 21 verses of 1 Peter 1. Take a few minutes and meditate afresh on verses 1-9 and remember His blessings. Then bless your Father’s heart by thanking Him for His kindness. It will be good medicine for your soul, dear friend, because “you know that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.” 1 Peter 1:18-19
Should you not praise your Savior because of His tender mercies? Has He not sprinkled clean your sinful dark heart, caused you to be born again to a living hope and to obtain an eternal inheritance? Has He not in the past protected you by His power, delivered you from sickness, rescued you from manifold temptations and kept you on the narrow path despite your tendency to wander? Oh, I think so, and so tell Him so!
Because His mercies are new today,
Glen
The Gathering – Join us Sunday, January 31 at 6:00 pm by Zoom or by phone for our monthly prayer gathering. For information on how to join, please email info@valleychurch.org.
Church on the Grass – Outdoor worship service this Sunday, January 31 at 10:45 AM. Bring your own lawn chair and/or blanket. Register ASAP with this LINK. Please read through the instructions on safety before you attend. If you are unable to join the outdoor service, please attend one of our two online options. Just visit valleychurch.org and click on the colorful Join us online banner.
Also, Coffee Connection groups are available on various days and times during the week. Grab your computer and a cup of your favorite beverage and join us for fellowship, reflection, and prayer. Please contact info@valleychurch.org for information on how to participate.