Dear Church Family,
How eager we are to worship with you this Sunday on the screen or under the sun.
Our topic is a biggie: when to comply with the government and when to politely refuse. It’s a hot issue. It’s a controversial issue. How we need God’s Word and God’s Spirit as we represent God’s Son in the world. He said: “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Mark 12:17).
Our text is 1 Peter 2:13-17, which is an amplification of our Lord Jesus’ teaching.
For the recorded traditional service, Doumer Liu has prayed and chosen songs for us. Take a look at Barb and Doumer with their newest grandchild, Penelope Liu. What a cutie! She’ll have a lot of uncles looking after her.
Here’s a treat: we’ll get wisdom and inspiration from a nine-year-old gymnast in our church named Joy Olumofin. Here’s the beautiful Olumofin family, with Joy in the middle.
Emily Thimbleby has a story for us that will keep our eyes in the right place, doing noble and visible acts, while being noble and virtuous with our neighbors and the authorities. These generous deeds for those outside our church family can have a powerful and pacifying effect on our critics. 
Micayla Jones has a painting for us that depicts an historical episode involving 12 friends (seven men and five women) who were thrown into God v. Government crucible in the year 180 AD and who paid a steep price, and one that we should always be ready to pay. The artwork will move you as I tell you their story. Here’s Micayla if you’ve never met her.
I’m seeing more and more people attend Church on the Grass. Can I nudge you to come if you’re healthy and ready? Sure, masks aren’t much fun and we can’t hug (although I’m guilty of hugging my sister Mary Hanson a few weeks ago), but these grass services are significant gatherings. We might even have coffee soon. (Cecil Christie is eager for our hot drinks and library to come back and I think it will soon. Cecil also misses getting book recommendations from his friend Patty Grimm.)
Church on the Grass outdoor worship service is this Sunday, February 28 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.
By the way, we have the Annual Meeting this Sunday at 2:00 pm on Zoom. Pastors and elders will review the past year and share plans for the future. We’ll also have breakout rooms where you can ask pastors, leaders, and elders any questions you’d like to ask. Together, we’ll praise God for his faithfulness to us in a tough year. Email info@valleychurch.org for the Zoom Meeting details.
Also, Valley Church will be having a Men’s Breakfast on Saturday, March 6 from 8:00 am – 10:00 am on the church lawn. Cost is $10. Speaker is Glen Miller. We will serve individual breakfasts (Panera Breakfast Wraps and Breakfast Sandwiches, Danish, Yogurt, and Juice). Bring your own coffee. Register online HERE. Covid-19 protocol will be observed. Please bring your own mask and chair. For more information about Men’s Ministries, contact: Thomas Sorrentino
OK, that’s it for now.
For the One who made us not just family, but a force for good in this world,
Darren