November 4, 2007, 11:00 AM
World Hunger Sunday

WE ENTER INTO GOD’S PRESENCE
Preparation for Worship
Call to Worship –
The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it;
for he has founded it on the seas, and established it on the rivers.
Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?  And who shall stand in his holy place?
Those who have clean hands and pure hearts, who do not lift up their souls to what is false, and do not swear deceitfully.
*Song of Praise – 428:1,3,4 “O Worship the King”
*God Greets Us
*We Greet Each Other
*Continuing Praise – 457:1,2,6 “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands”
“We Bow Down”
“He Is Lord”
Call to Confession –
We cannot come before God unless we are first honest with ourselves about who we are, about the mistakes we make, and about how well or poorly we care for others.  In this spirit, let us offer our prayers to God.
Prayer of Confession –
O God, whose nature it is to be generous:
We confess to you our share of the guilt for a world of hungry families and homeless peoples.  Forgive us for our self-centered living and spending; forgive those who blame you for their failures.  Grant that this week we who have given nothing may start to give, and we who have given something may give more, that both our church and our nation may give due place to the cries of those who have nothing to eat and nowhere to live, for the sake of Jesus Christ.  Amen.
Assurance of Pardon –
Hear these comforting words:  if you repent and believe in God’s redeeming mercy, your sins are forgiven.  Trust in God’s promises and begin anew your life with God and all people in the name of Jesus Christ.
*Song of Assurance – 601 “Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love”
WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
Children’s Time
Scripture Reading – Jeremiah 9:17-24; I Corinthians 1:26-31
Message – “The Right Kind of Boasting”
Prayer
WE RESPOND WITH THANKSGIVING
*Song – 474:1,2,4 “In the Cross of Christ I Glory”
The Offerings – First:  General Fund
  Second:  Reverse Offering for Thanksgiving Baskets 
Sharing Joys and Concerns
Intercessory Prayer
WE ARE DISMISSED TO LOVE AND SERVE
Opportunities for Ministry and Fellowship
*God Blesses Us
*Closing Praise – 603:4 “Called from Worship into Service”
Postlude

THIS WEEK IN THE LIFE OF VALLEY CHURCH
Today we will join many other Christian Reformed churches in observing World Hunger Sunday.  On this Sunday midway between the Canadian and US observances of Thanksgiving Day, we give thanks to God for another year of good harvests while renewing our commitment to helping those who are poor and hungry in our world.

The second offering this morning is a reverse offering.  This means that when the second plates are passed, you are invited to take something from the plate – a tag or tags with the name of an item needed to fill the Thanksgiving baskets we will be providing for some families in our community.  They will be distributed by the Chenango Forks Schools social workers before Thanksgiving so you need to bring the food items no later than Sunday morning, November 18.

Monday, 7:00 PM Growth and Renewal Team meets
Tuesday, 7:00 PM Deacons meet
Wednesday, 9:30 AM  Women’s Bible Study at Ruth Giese’s home.  Read Hebrews 8.
Thursday, 7:00 PM Prayer Meeting

Pray for a speedy and complete recovery for Debbie Harmon, who underwent back surgery last Wednesday.  Pray too for Beth Cunningham and Danielle Wood, who are both scheduled for surgery this week Tuesday.  Pray that the surgeries will accomplish what they are intended to do and that both will be able to return home quickly, having a good recovery.

Thanks to your generosity we have already received more than enough money to cover the shipping costs of the 58 shoeboxes that will be filled and sent to Operation Christmas Child.  Also, the deacons report that we have received the money we hoped to raise from special above General Fund giving for the window replacement project.  Valley Church people are truly a generous group.  Thank you!



Next Sunday, November 11, 2007


SUNDAY SCHOOL:  9:45 AM  Classes for all ages meet.  The adult class continues the video series based on the book “If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat.”  All are encouraged to attend a class.

MORNING WORSHIP:     11:00 AM   Pastor Gelder will be leading our worship, continuing the series on the book of the prophet Jeremiah.  The message will be “Go to the Potter’s House”, based on Jeremiah 18:1-4.  We will also celebrate the Lord’s Supper.  As part of this month of thanksgiving, take time this week to reflect on your gratitude for all Jesus did for you.  This will help you to receive the sacrament in the right spirit.  If you have any question about your participation, please speak with an elder or the pastor this week.  We will also honor the veterans in our congregation who have faithfully served their country in both times of war and times of peace.