Ministries
Dear Friends, Do you believe in destiny? How about a destination when you die? What do those two words mean and is there any connection? The word destiny refers to the predetermined course of events or the inevitable outcome of a person’s life. It often implies a sense of fate or predestination, suggesting that certain…
Hey Family, I met with Elena J. and Dave C. last week to talk about Valley’s new partnership with Foster the City. God stirred Elena’s heart to drive this for us at Valley. She’s our Advocate. FTC is about equipping churches to provide loving homes for children in foster care and to create supportive teams…
I recently reconnected with an old friend at the Perspectives class being hosted by Valley Church on Sunday nights. Among other things, Dan Lagasse is a seasoned global worker in nine different countries, an effective missions mobilizer, and an amazing horn player in the Sons of Jubal. On top of that, we’ve been friends for…
Today I was driving south on 101, deep in thought, and missed my turn, despite the Google maps warnings. What came next is something everyone dreads… the words “Rerouting” showed up on my screen. I knew I was about to be given an alternate route to my destination that would make my journey longer due…
If it feels like the world is changing faster and faster every day, you aren’t wrong. In 1964 Bob Dylan wrote a song called, “The times, they are a-changin’”, but people have been feeling the stress of constant turmoil for a very long time. The Greek philosopher Heraclitus is credited with the idea that the…
Dear Aliens, I am terrified! Do you know the synonyms? Here are a few – shocked, startled, spooked, scared, frightened, horrified, and panicked. You may be thinking that I am not biblical because over and over our Lord tells us not to fear anything or anyone except Him. It is true that the “fear of…
Dear Friends, It has been a while since I have written a “weekly” – eight weeks to be exact if my memory serves me correctly. Although my memory is not functioning as I am in partial “brain fog” after traveling for two solid days getting home from Zimbabwe with our Vacation Bible School Team. Despite…
Hey Church Family, Before I forget, I just got a call from Tim Gildersleeve that our Shepherd’s Table Food Pantry is a little low. Let’s restock this week and next. Please drop off supplies (see the list of needed items at the bottom of this message) at the table on the patio with the sign…
When I was a young pastor, I needed lots of help navigating the more difficult parts of caring for a flock of people. I had been thoroughly trained in Biblical exegesis, leadership principles, Biblical languages, counseling, cross cultural skills, and a host of other academic exercises designed to equip Bible college and seminary students. But…
Hey Church Family! Here’s the pastor’s weekly executive summary for you busy Valley Church-ers. Let’s worship Jesus the King on Sunday with our voices, Scripture, and ultra-warm connection with our brothers and sisters. Please don’t come late and don’t rush off! (Cecil C. says we shouldn’t do that. We’re a family.) Let’s elevate Jesus by…