September 14, 2008, 11:00 AM

WE ENTER INTO GOD’S PRESENCE
Preparation for Worship
*Opening Prayer –
Dear God, we come to worship you today. 
We come to sing, pray, and listen.
You always hear us.
Help us to hear you today.  Amen.
*Call to Worship –
People of God, worship the living God today!
We remember that out of nothing God created the heavens and earth.
We remember that God raised Jesus from the powerlessness of death to the power of his right hand.
Remember that not even the gates of hell can stand against God’s purposes.
Behold our God, who reigns now and forever.
*Opening Song – 412:1,3,5 “Jesus Shall Reign”
*Invocation
*We Greet Each Other
*Continuing Praise –
           “Our God Reigns”
           “Make Me a Servant”
           “Grace Alone”
Ordination of Elders and Deacons – page 1004
*Song of Intercession – 508:1-3,5  “Jesus, with Your Church Abide”
WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
Children’s Time
Prayer of Preparation
Scripture Reading – Acts 20:17-35
Message – “In and Out”
Prayer
WE RESPOND WITH THANKSGIVING
Preparation for the Lord’s Supper – Matthew 26:17-25, then silence
Celebration of the Lord’s Supper – Matthew 26:26-29
*Song of Thanksgiving – 384 “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”
The Offerings – First:  General Fund
                         Second:  Chenango Forks Schools Nurses Fund
Sharing Joys and Concerns
Intercessory Prayer
WE ARE DISMISSED TO LOVE AND SERVE
Opportunities for Ministry and Fellowship
*God’s Parting Word
*Closing Song – 510 “I Love Your Church, O Lord”
Postlude

ANNOUNCEMENTS

This morning our worship includes a celebration of the Lord’s Supper.  If you have publicly professed that Jesus is your Savior and Lord and if your life reflects that profession, please join us in receiving the bread and cup as they are passed and then eating and drinking after all have been served. 

Today we are also ordaining new elders and deacons to their time of service.  At the congregational meeting last June, Florence Doller and Harry Myers were selected as elders and David Derzanovich and John Moomey as deacons.  May God equip them for their ministry in the coming years.  We extend a special “thank you” to Marcus Doller and Bill Kutz, retiring elders, and to Amy Cook and Judy Crawford, retiring deacons, for faithful service over the past years.

The second offering today is for the Nurses’ Discretionary Fund at the Chenango Forks schools.  Each year we take an offering to help the nurses and social workers meet the unexpected needs that show up in some of the school children.  We are also encouraging people who attend the Fall Festival to bring items which can be used by the school staff  - eg., all sizes of children’s underwear, socks and sneakers, backpacks, children’s coats, mittens, hats and boots.

Thursday, 7:00 Deacons meet

The Gelders will be out of town on vacation from September 16-24.  We welcome John Aukema as he leads our worship next Sunday.  Tim Brown will lead the adult Sunday School class.  If you need pastoral care during this time, contact one of the elders.

Valley Church’s fourth annual Fall Festival is today from 1-4 PM here at church.  This is a time when we invite our friends and neighbors to come for fun, food and fellowship.  We will also have an opportunity to invite people to youth and adult activities we have scheduled for the coming season, including Sunday School, children’s church, youth groups, Parents’ Night Out, as well as weekly worship.  We need YOUR help again this year, so plan to stay following the service to help with set-up and then stay around to welcome each person who comes.  Let’s show our community what life at Valley Church can be like, encouraging them to consider Valley for their church home. 

Youth Announcements: 
October 4
October 19

NEXT SUNDAY, September 21, 2008

SUNDAY SCHOOL:  9:45 AM  Classes for all ages meet today and each Sunday.  There’s a class appropriate to your age and interest.  The adult class continues an eight-week study “Developing a Heart for God” based on the wisdom literature in the Old Testament.  Let’s all take advantage of the opportunities we have to grow together in God’s Word.

MORNING WORSHIP:     11:00 AM  The message will be brought by Mr. John Aukema.