August 30, 2009, 10:00 AM

WE ENTER INTO GOD’S PRESENCE
Preparation for Worship
*Call to Worship
I rejoiced with those who said to me,
“Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
We are here and God is here.
We rejoice and are glad.
*Opening Praise – 241 “This Is the Day”
*God Greets Us
*We Greet Each Other
*Continuing Praise
           “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You”
           “The Joy of the Lord”
           “Speak, O Lord”
Call to Confession – Isaiah 30:15, 18
Prayer of Confession
God of compassion and grace, our lives are filled with noise and busyness.  Forgive us for not making room for you in each day.  Forgive all the words that are just about us; forgive the hustle and bustle that has us running so fast we don’t see your outstretched arms inviting us to rest, to be quiet, to enjoy your loving hug.  Lord, be gracious to us; show us your compassion.  We wait for you.
(Silent prayer)
Assurance of Pardon
The Lord is faithful in all his words, and gracious in all his deeds.  The Lord upholds all who are falling, and raises up all who are bowed down.  There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
           (Psalm 145:13-14; Romans 8:1)          
*Song of Assurance – 556:1,3 “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”
WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
Children’s Time
Prayer of Preparation
Scripture Reading – Acts 19:1-20
Message – “Learning from Early Churches: Ephesus”
Prayer
WE RESPOND WITH THANKSGIVING
*Song of Response –
           419:1,2,5 “Spirit of God, Who Dwells within My Heart”
The Offering - General Fund
Offertory Prayer
Sharing Joys and Concerns
Intercessory Prayer
WE ARE DISMISSED TO LOVE AND SERVE
Opportunities for Ministry and Fellowship
*God Blesses Us
*Closing Song – 632 “To God Be the Glory”
Postlude

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sunday, September 13, 1-4 PM is our fourth annual Fall Festival.  We are again inviting our neighbors to an afternoon of fun for all ages.  Again this year we need YOUR help to pull this off for God’s glory, not ours.  There are sign up sheets on the table in the foyer where you can indicate what area you will work in and what hours you are able to work.  We need everyone’s help so that no one has to spend the full three hours working the same area – you deserve a break!  Many hands working together make for a great day.

September 13 is also the first Sunday of our new Fall season.  In addition to beginning Sunday School classes for all ages that day, we are also changing the time of our services and classes.  Beginning that day, Sunday School will begin at 9:15 AM and morning worship will start at 10:30 AM.  Please start thinking in terms of this new schedule.

Council wants your opinion relative to the outdoor placement of the cross.  Today there is in the foyer a display of pictures taken when the cross was positioned in three places on the grounds.  There will be a place for you to express which placement you prefer, along with your reason for that choice.  A final decision will be made by council later in September but your input now is important.

Last year several Valley Church adults were mentors to some of the children in the Sunday School classes.  This involved regular prayer for the child and occasional personal contact and notes.  The teachers would like to do this again this year.  If you are interested in being a mentor, talk with Tammie Gryskevicz or Debbie Harmon.

Are you interested in being part of a weekly exercise class here at church?  It will likely be held on Wednesday evenings, possibly from 7-8 PM.  Let Tammie Gryskevicz know if you are.

Marcus Doller is recovering at home following surgery for his spinal injury.  The whole family thank God for his protection and for Marcus’s return home.  Pray for patience and complete restoration.

Tom Reynolds is still at Lourdes Hospital with a severe pancreatic infection which is impacting his digestive system.  Pray for healing and strength.

NEXT SUNDAY, September 6, 2009

SUNDAY SCHOOL:  Classes for all ages will be resuming soon – September 13, 9:15 AM.  Plan to be a regular participant this year.  There will be a class for you.
MORNING WORSHIP:  10:00 AM  Pastor Gelder will bring another message in the series “Learning from Early Churches:  Miletus”, based on Acts 20:17-38.