August 31, 2008, 10:00 AM

WE ENTER INTO GOD’S PRESENCE
Preparation for Worship
*Call to Worship –
This is the day that you have made, Lord.
Help us to rejoice in it and be glad!
This is the week that you have made, Lord.
Help us to rejoice in it and be glad!
This is the year that you have made, Lord.
Help us to rejoice in it and be glad!
As we work, as we play and as we worship
Help us to rejoice in you and be glad!
*Opening Song – 607:2-4 “Lord of Desk and Altar”
*God Greets Us
*We Greet Each Other
*Continuing Praise –
           “God of Wonders”
           “Majesty”
           “That’s Why We Praise Him”
Call to Confession –
   In spite of God’s love for us and the gift of love to us,
   we often act in destructive and hateful ways.
   We close our hearts to God and disobey God’s law.
   Together let us confess our sin.
Prayer of Confession –
    Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.
    Lord, hear my voice!
    Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications!
    If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand?
    But there is forgiveness with you, so that you may be revered.
    I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope;
    My soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the
    morning, more than those who watch for the morning.
Assurance of Pardon –
    People of God, hope in the Lord!
    For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is great
    power to redeem.  (from Psalm 130)
Song of Assurance – 495;1,3 “I Know Not Why God’s Wondrous Grace”
WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
Children’s Time
Prayer of Preparation
Scripture Reading – John 17
Message – “The Lord’s Prayer”
Prayer
WE RESPOND WITH THANKSGIVING
*Song – 502:1,2 “The Church’s One Foundation”
The Offering – General Fund
Sharing Joys and Concerns
Intercessory Prayer
WE ARE DISMISSED TO LOVE AND SERVE
Opportunities for Ministry and Fellowship
*God Blesses Us
*Closing Song – 631:1,3 “Praise and Thanksgiving”
Postlude

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Thank you for all the food donated for the CHOW program as part of our involvement in the Sea to Sea bike tour to end the cycle of poverty.  Seven families received food help from our Valley Church pantry Wednesday evening.  Thanks to the youth for the attractive food display they created.

There aren’t enough words to describe what a blessing it was to host the Sea to Sea Bike Tour Wednesday evening.  In addition to God providing ideal weather, God’s people at Valley Church worked together so well, with such a willing spirit and a smile as well.  Thanks to all who had a part, donating food or helping serve, making and putting up signs, setting up and tearing down, contacting businesses for donations and the media to get the word out.  Thanks to the Chenango Forks Schools, administrators, custodians, the athletic department, for their gracious cooperation.  By now the tour has come to an end with a great celebration in New Jersey Saturday night.  Pray for the bikers as they return home, and pray that the money raised will be wisely used to help end the cycle of poverty.  We at Valley Church are committed to continuing to do our part locally as well in this endeavor.

Charlotte Cummings’ knee replacement surgery on Tuesday went well.  She is now doing rehab work for a week or so.  Pray for continued healing and energy to do the rehab.

Continue to pray for Ann De Jager as she recuperates from her surgery.  She will be needing some chemotherapy as part of her overall treatment plan. 

Dick Thomas was in the hospital again this week for a short time.  Pray for him as well as for Inger and family as they figure out how best to care for Dick.

Council notes:  1.  Doug Aukema led the devotions by reading Ephesians 4:7-14, reminding us that God provides the gifts needed for us to lead the church.  He also urged our continuing prayers for Sea to Sea.  2.  New members of council were welcomed.  They will be ordained to their offices on September 14.  Those whose terms are concluding were thanked for their service.  3.  A final update on Sea to Sea was presented, with gratitude for the excellent cooperation of the congregation.  4.  Alec Peterson testified to his faith in Jesus as his Savior.  We will publicly celebrate this in a worship service in a few weeks.  5.  The regular evaluation of the pastor’s work is in process.  6.  Ministry team reports were reviewed. 
Youth Announcements: 


NEXT SUNDAY, September 7, 2008

SUNDAY SCHOOL:  9:45 AM  Join us for a light breakfast as we begin a new season of Sunday School classes.  You can sign up in advance to indicate what you will bring for the breakfast.  Teachers and curriculum will be introduced at this time.
MORNING WORSHIP:     11:00 AM   Please note that we begin our Fall schedule this week.  Pastor Gelder will be in Baldwinsville taking part in the installation service of Pastor Brent Pennings, the new pastor at Community CRC.  Our worship will be led by elder Bill Kutz.  The message he will bring, based on I Corinthians 1, will be evaluated by two representatives of Classis Atlantic Northeast as part of Bill’s process of becoming licensed to exhort in the churches of Classis.  The rest of his exam will take place at the October meeting of Classis.



Plan ahead – reserve Sunday, September 14 for our fourth annual Fall Festival.  There will be activities for all ages, including some new things to draw your interest.  As in the past, we will need everyone’s help to make this a great day for our neighbors and for the Valley fellowship.  There are sign-up sheets today to help you decide where you can help.