January 30, 2011
10:30 AM
WE ENTER INTO GOD’S PRESENCE
Preparation for Worship
*Call to Worship
All who thirst, come to the water and drink deeply of these living streams.
Come, all who are weary; come all who yearn for forgiveness.
Our gracious God beckons and blesses us.
We give you praise for our new life in Christ.
*Song of Praise – 465:1,2,4 “Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above”
*God Greets Us
*We Greet Others
*Continuing Praise
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Remembering Our Baptism
People of God at Valley Church, for us Jesus Christ came into the world: for us he lived and showed God’s love; for us he suffered the darkness of Calvary and cried at the last, “It is finished”; for us he triumphed over death and rose in newness of life; for us he ascended to reign at God’s right hand. All this he did for us even before we were born or knew anything of it. The Word of Scripture is fulfilled: “We love because he first loved us.” Remember this which was personalized for us when we were baptized.
Prayer of Confession
Merciful God, in baptism you grafted us into the body of Christ, promising us forgiveness of sin and newness of life. But we fail to live as forgiven people. We keep destructive habits and hold grudges. We allow our past to hold us hostage and are reluctant to welcome newness. In your loving-kindness have mercy on us and free us from sin. Remind us of the promises you have made to us in baptism so that we may live as your people, claimed in the waters of promise. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
Friends, hear the good news! Though we re unworthy, we are granted God’s favor in Jesus Christ and are baptized into the church of his beloved Son.
Friends, believe the good news!
In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.
*Song of Response – 269 “Baptized in Water”
HEAR GOD’S WORD
Children’s Time
Prayer of Preparation
Scripture Reading – Matthew 6:5-15
Message – “Kingdom Living: When You Pray”
Prayer
WE RESPOND WITH THANKSGIVING
*Song of Response – 579 “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”
The Offering - General Fund
Offertory Prayer
Sharing Joys and Concerns
Intercessory Prayer
WE ARE SENT TO LOVE AND SERVE
Opportunities for Ministry and Fellowship
*Blessed to Serve
The peace of God, experienced in this worship time, go with you, empowering you to meet every adversity.
We will carry God’s peace into a troubled world, seeking to be peacemakers wherever we go.
The blessing of God, who touched our lips and set them free to sing praises, lift you up each day as you use your gifts to serve God and others.
We will carry God’s blessing into our daily lives and commit to share the riches entrusted to us.
The strength of God, seen in wind and fire, set you ablaze with bitality and purpose.
We commit ourselves anew to live by God’s will as it is revealed to us day by day.
To the glory of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
*Parting Song –637 “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow”
Postlude
ANNOUNCEMENTS
One way to show that our commitment to the sanctity of human life means more than words is by praying for and financially supporting the Life Choices Center, a ministry in center-city Binghamton which presents alternatives to abortion for people facing the challenge of a difficult pregnancy. If you didn’t pick up a baby bottle last week, there are still some on the coffee table in the entry. Use the bottle in the coming weeks for your spare change (bills are accepted too!) Last year Valley Church collected $289.00 in loose change in support of this ministry.
Parents’ Night Out is this Saturday from 5:30 – 8:30 PM. If you want your child to attend, please pre-register by signing the list on the door or by calling the church office no later than Friday morning. Also, we will again need helpers to staff the various activities and to accompany the children as they move from place to place. Talk with Janet Crawford today if you can help.
Wednesday, 6:00 AM Men’s breakfast and Bible study at the Spot
9:30 AM Women’s Bible Study atSaturday, 5:30 PM Parents’ Night Out
The Valley Church Valentine’s Dinner will be on Saturday, February 12 at 6:30 PM. All adults are invited. You are asked to bring a pasta dish, salad, bread or a gooey, chocolate drenched dessert. There’s a signup sheet on the door and several members of the Fellowship Team will be circulating after the service today with others sheets and to answer any questions you may have.
In the past week both Abby Roossien and Claire Stocum met with elders to share their personal faith and to tell about their desire to join the congregation at the Lord’s Supper when it is served. We share their joy and that of their families in taking this important step. They will be publicly received soon.
We extend our deepest sympathy to Cherly and Kenny Pierre-Louis and as they grieve the death last week Friday of Cherly’s grandfather in Haiti. May God comfort them as they deal with this loss.
Also, our sympathy goes out to the family of Nellie Vriese, who passed away on Monday at her home in Michigan. She is the sister of Grace Roossien and Doug Aukema, and the sister-in-law of Charlie and Joe Huizinga. Pray for these families in their loss and as they spend time with family at her funeral. God’s promises of eternal life bring joy even in times of sorrow.
You are invited to attend a spaghetti dinner benefit for the Mike and Beth Komaromi family on Friday, February 11 from 6-8 PM. The dinner will be here at Valley Church and is sponsored by the teachers and staff at the Harshaw primary school where Beth was working as a classroom aide before her heart troubles. This is another way we can show our support for this family in this difficult time in their lives. Thankfully, Beth has been doing quite well, but ongoing trips to Rochester and careful monitoring of her heart are still needed.
The recently commissioned Pastor Search Committee held its first meeting this past Tuesday night. Committee roles and responsibilities were assigned. Discussion regarding communication to the congregation occurred, with a decision that the committee will endeavor to be as transparent as possible in the process, revealing all progress and providing insight to the overall process. All committee members will be reading the book “The Pastoral Search Journey” by John Vonhof in order to learn about some ‘best practices’ when conducting a pastor search. We will also be reviewing congregational questionnaires in preparation for our next meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, February 15th.
NEXT SUNDAY, February 6, 2011
SUNDAY SCHOOL: 9:15 AM Classes for all ages meet. The adult class continues the study of the book of Daniel. Plan to take part in a class this year.
MORNING WORSHIP: 10:30 AM Pastor Gelder will bring us God’s Word. He will continue the message series from the Sermon on the Mount, “Kingdom Living”. We will look at Matthew 6:19-24, “Treasures of the Heart”.
The second offering will be for Christian Reformed World Missions and specifically for salary support for the Van Dam family as they continue serving in Haiti. They are always so encouraged by our prayers and generous financial support.
