September 6, 2009, 10:00 AM

WE ENTER INTO GOD’S PRESENCE
Preparation for Worship
*Call to Worship
Our loving Lord Jesus calls us,
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me;
for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls.”  (Matthew 11:28-29)
Let us pray:
God, our Rock, our refuge, our resting place, we come to you.  Out of another busy week of work, out of the struggle to be meaningful in our world, out of our desire to meet you and know you as the center of our being, we come to you, O unmovable Rock of our security.  Amen.
*Opening Praise – 611 “As Stewards of a Vineyard”
*God Greets Us
*We Greet Each Other
*Continuing Praise
           “God of Wonders”
           “That’s Why We Praise Him”
           “Majesty”
Call to Confession –
           Our Lord Jesus said:
“‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’  This is the greatest and first commandment.  And a second is like it:  ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’.  On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
As God has instructed us in these great commandments, and because we have not lived in full obedience, let us now confess our sins to God, trusting Christ as our Savior and Lord.
Silent Prayer of Confession
*Song of Assurance – 479:1,2 “I Will Sing of My Redeemer”
WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
Children’s Time
Prayer of Preparation
Scripture Reading – Acts 20:17-38
Message – “Learning from Early Churches: Miletus”
Prayer
WE RESPOND WITH THANKSGIVING
Ordination of Elder and Deacon – p. 1004, Psalter Hymnal
*Song of Dedication – 528:1-3 “Lord, Speak to Me That I May Speak”
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 – 528:4 “O Use Me Lord”
Postlude

ANNOUNCEMENTS
The service this morning includes the ordination of a new elder (Tim Brown) and deacon (Mark Gryskevicz) as part of the leadership team here at Valley Church.  As they assume their duties we thank Dave Huizinga and Paul Peterson for their faithful and wise leadership during their term as elder and deacon.  Pray for Tim and Mark and for all those who are continuing to serve on council.

Wednesday, 11:30 AM Women’s Luncheon at

Next Sunday afternoon from 1-4 PM is our fifth annual Fall Festival.  We are again inviting our neighbors to an afternoon of fun for all ages.  As before, 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.  Mention this change to any of your neighbors and friends who might be thinking of joining Sunday School or coming to worship.  Also, sign up today to bring some muffins or fruit for the Sunday School kick-off breakfast that will be at 9:15 AM next Sunday. 

Council wants your opinion about the placement of the cross on the church grounds.  Check the pictures of the three options and then express which placement you prefer, along with your reason for that choice.  A final decision will be made by council later in September.

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.  If you are interested in being a mentor to this year’s students, 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 continues to recover at home following his accident and surgery.  By now a big concern is boredom!  Pray for much patience as his body heals.

Tom Reynolds was discharged from Lourdes early this week.  Decisions on treatment options for the pancreatic cancer still need to be made after more tests.  Pray for him and Dawn as they deal with the complexity of this situation.

Congratulations to Tyler Stoddard and Rachael Lewis who will be married in a ceremony here at Valley Church on Saturday evening.  May God bless them as they share their vows with family and friends and above all with God.

NEXT SUNDAY, September 13, 2009

SUNDAY SCHOOL:  9:15 AM  Sunday School classes for all ages will be beginning.  Plan to join us for a light breakfast of fruit and rolls as we introduce the staff and curriculum for a new season.  Please note the earlier time for the start of classes.
MORNING WORSHIP:  10:30 AM  Pastor Gelder will bring the message “Learning from Early Churches:  On Ship” based on Acts 27.  We will also celebrate the Lord’s Supper at this service.  Take time this week to prepare yourself to receive this gift from our God.
There will be a second offering for the Chenango Forks Schools Nurses Discretionary Fund.  Our generous support in the past has been greatly appreciated, allowing school staff to provide help to needy students in a quiet and respectful way.  This fund has been used to purchase shoes, eye glasses, coats and other such items which families may not be able to afford.
FALL FESTIVAL:  1:00 – 4:00 PM  We need YOU to be here as we welcome our neighbors for this fun time.