October 4, 2009
10:30 AM

WE ENTER INTO GOD’S PRESENCE

Preparation for Worship
*Call to Worship
This is the day that the Lord has made.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
This is the day when Jesus rose from the dead.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
This is the day when the Spirit came.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
And again I say –
Rejoice!
*Opening Praise – 246 “Come, Thou Almighty King”
*God Greets Us
*We Greet Others
*Continuing Praise
“Open the Eyes of My Heart, Lord’
“Jesus, Draw Me Close”
“Grace Alone”
Call to Confession
The Spirit of the Lord fills the world and knows our every word and deed.  Let us then open ourselves to the Lord and confess our sins in penitence and faith.
Prayer of Confession
Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid.  Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and magnify your holy name, through Christ, our Lord.  Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting.  I declare to you, in the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.  May the God of mercy, who forgives you all your sins, strengthen you in all goodness and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. 
Thanks be to God!
*Song of Response – 420 “Breathe on Me, Breath of God”
WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
Children’s Time
Prayer of Preparation
Scripture Reading – Acts 2:1-21
Message – “Are You Pentecostal?” (Mr. John Aukema)
Prayer
WE RESPOND WITH THANKSGIVING
*Song – 427 “Dwell in Me, O Blessed Spirit”
The Offering – General Fund
Offertory Prayer
Presenting the Ministry of the Gideons International (Mr. Henry De Vries)
Sharing Joys and Concerns
Intercessory Prayer
WE ARE DISMISSED TO LOVE AND SERVE
Opportunities for Ministry and Fellowship
*God Blesses Us
*Closing Song – 424 “Spirit of the Living God”
Postlude
(Your offering for the Gideons will be received at the door.)


ANNOUNCEMENTS

Our worship this morning is led by Mr. John Aukema.  We are pleased to welcome him back to Valley Church – he has led our worship many times.  Pastor Gelder is at Immanuel CRC in Wappingers Falls, NY this morning.  John is no stranger to many of us, having been raised in Valley Church before moving to Homer, New York.

We are also pleased to welcome Mr. Henry De Vries as he shares a part of the ministry of the Gideons International.  Bible distribution continues around the world as well as in our own state and community.  The Gideons are having their state convention in Owego this week, which brings Mr. De Vries here from his home church in Goshen, New York.  You can financially support the work of the Gideons by leaving your offering on the open Bible which will be at the door following the service.

Tuesday, 7:00 PM Growth and Renewal team meets

Delegates from the churches of Classis Atlantic Northeast are meeting this Wednesday evening and Thursday at the Lakeside Retreat Center in Pittsfield, MA for their regular fall meeting.  Pastor Gelder, elder Tim Brown, and deacon Barb Komaromi will represent Valley Church.  Again a major part of the meeting will be spent in interviewing people who have been called to ministry in various capacities and churches in our region.  Pray that they will give a good account of their faith, their training and their calling.  Pray too for safety for all who will be traveling to this meeting.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD:  Thank you all for so many plastic shoe boxes and school supplies.  We are off to an awesome start.  We have 45 boxes, so just 20 more to go.  In the bulletin today is an insert for you to hang on your refrigerator to remind you of the items needed over the coming weeks to fill these boxes.  Information will be coming your way every Sunday regarding Operation Christmas Child, but if you have other questions, please contact Florence Doller or Tilly Huizinga.

The annual CHOW Hunger Walk will be Sunday afternoon, October 18 on the campus of Binghamton University.  The deacons are encouraging more of Valley Church people to walk and get sponsors for your person or team.  Information and contribution envelops are on the table in the foyer.  Contact Barb Komaromi if you have questions.

Christian Reformed Home Missions has created a series of short devotions for Reformation Week, October 19-25.  Designed for all ages, each one has a prayer, a challenge to the reader, and a family discussion topic.  Please go to www.crhm.org/transformation to receive these devotions, which will be available via e-mail on October 16.

Council notes:
1.Harry Myers led the devotions, reading from Romans 14 and challenging us to limit our own liberty for the sake of others in the body of Christ who have different convictions than we do.
2.Council officers for the coming year are:  President – Al Gelder; Vice-president – Tim Brown; Secretary – Florence Doller; Treasurer – Dave Derzanovich; Records Secretary – Harry Myers.
3.Adam and Cheryl De Voe met with council to share their faith in Christ and to express their desire to become members of Valley Church.  They will be publicly received soon.
4.At her request, a transfer of membership for Tammy Walhof was sent to the Faith CRC of New Brighton, MN.  Tammy was a member here several years ago before serving as a missionary with CRWRC and now is a Bread for the World staff person in the Midwest.
5.It was decided to permanently install the cross in its present location in the hosta bed near the sidewalk.  Thanks to the congregation for your input.
6.Classis credentials and agenda were reviewed.
7.The financial report through August was reviewed.  It was noted that our deficit in offerings is about $7,000 greater this year than it was last year at the same time.  Please use this information as you review your own giving levels.


NEXT SUNDAY, October 11, 2009

SUNDAY SCHOOL:  9:15 AM  Classes for all ages meet.  The adult class continues a discussion on Worship.  Your input and participation is a plus to you and to the rest of the class.

MORNING WORSHIP: 10:30 AM  Pastor Gelder will bring the message, beginning a new series of messages “Good Questions, Great Answers”.  The first message is “Where Are You?” from Genesis 3:9. 

We will be celebrating Holy Communion at this service.  Take some time this week to do a self-examination of your soul and life so your participation in Communion can be all God intends it to be.

The second offering will be for Back to God Ministries, the media ministry of the Christian Reformed Church.  Though the English language broadcast is not heard in Binghamton, we do benefit from the “Today” devotional booklets many of us use.  International ministries of Back to God are found in nine languages and the internet is an increasingly important part of this work.  Your generous financial help is needed and appreciated. 

We will also be welcoming a speaker to represent the ministry of the Gideons International.  This Christian lay ministry distributes Bibles in many settings around the world.  The New York State convention of the Gideons will be held in Owego this week so there are speakers available from around the state to represent the ministry in local churches.  You will have an opportunity to give your financial support after the presentation is shared.