September 9, 2007, 10:00 AM

WE ENTER INTO GOD’S PRESENCE
Preparation for Worship
Call to Worship – Matthew 11:28-30
*Song of Praise – 461 “Beautiful Savior”
*God Greets Us
*We Greet Each Other
*Continuing Praise – “The Heart of Worship”
“And Can It Be”
Call to Confession – 263:1 “Just as I Am, without One Plea”
Prayer of Confession
We walked into church today, most of us standing tall and with smiles on our faces.  We admit before you, O God, and reluctantly before others, that often this is just a mask.  We confess that we all, like sheep, have gone astray, that each of us has turned to our own way.  We acknowledge our inability to deal with our own sins, so we ask that you will take away our sins and lay the iniquity of us all upon the only one who can carry them, our Lord Jesus.  Amen.
Assurance of Pardon – Isaiah 53:5
*Song of Assurance – 263:4 “Just as I Am, Thou Wilt Receive”
A Foundation for Living – Matthew 5:3-16
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kids of evil against you because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
You are the salt of the earth.
But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?  It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
You are the light of the world. 
A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
Children’s Time
Scripture Reading – Matthew 7:24-29
Message – “Constructing a Life”
Prayer
WE RESPOND WITH THANKSGIVING
*Song – 500:1,3,5 “How Firm a Foundation”
The Offerings – First:  General Fund
  Second: CF Schools Nurses’ Discretionary Fund
Ordination of Elder and Deacons
Commissioning of Youth Staff
Sharing Joys and Concerns
Intercessory Prayer
WE ARE DISMISSED TO LOVE AND SERVE
Opportunities for Ministry and Fellowship
*God Blesses Us
*Closing Praise – 322 “God, the Father of Your People”
Postlude

ANNOUNCEMENTS
This morning we will be ordaining a new elder and deacons for leadership positions in Valley Church.  Doug Aukema is the new elder and Greg Huck and Barb Komaromi are the new deacons.  They are replacing Dot Simonds, Beth Cunningham and Dave Derzanovich, who have completed their terms.  Bill Kutz and Judy Crawford have agreed to extend their terms as elder and deacon, respectively, for one year.

We will be commissioning our Sunday School and children’s ministry staff this morning.  Thank you to all who have willingly agreed to lead these vital ministries this season.

The second offering this morning is for the Nurses’ Discretionary Fund at the Chenango Forks Schools.  Your generous support of this offering in the past has enabled us to help the school meet the needs of children when the parents can’t or when other funds are not available.  In the past this offering has been used for such things as eye glasses, winter clothing, and medical equipment.

Wednesday, 11:30 AM Women’s Luncheon at Cracker Barrel
Thursday, 7:00 PM Prayer Meeting

Our third annual Fall Festival will be on Sunday, September 23 from 1-4 PM.  We need you to set aside this time to be a part of the outreach to our neighbors and community.  There is a sign-up sheet on the table where you can indicate how you will help out and what you will contribute.  Keep praying for open doors with your neighbors and friends so you can invite them to attend with you.

The adult Sunday School class is starting the year with a new curriculum for developing disciples of Jesus Christ.  Our first five weeks will be focused on “Follow Me”.  The morning worship services during this time will also focus on these themes so we will be working with these ideas as a whole congregation.  To help with this, there is a devotional book in your mail slot.   It contains daily devotional readings for the next five weeks.  Let’s all be on the same page with this emphasis.

Pastor Gelder is offering a second opportunity to participate in the “Follow Me” study at 5 PM Sunday afternoon.  If you cannot participate in the morning Sunday School class (children/youth teachers, work, etc.), plan to attend this class, starting today and for the next four weeks.

Thank you to all who took part in our effort to help families at the Chenango Forks Schools who have a hard time providing basic school supplies for their children.  You can still leave items if you wish and we will see that they get to the social workers at the school.

Dick Crawford spent several days in the hospital this week, dealing with low blood count levels.

Next Sunday, September 16, 2007

SUNDAY SCHOOL:  9:45 AM   Classes for all ages.  The adult class continues the discipleship series “Follow Me”.  There will be a repeat class offered at 5:00 PM for those who were unable to be at the morning class.

MORNING WORSHIP:     11:00 AM   Pastor Gelder will lead our worship, continuing the series on being a disciple of Jesus.  The second message “A Real Human Life” will be based on Romans 5:1-11 and 18-21.  We will also receive new members by reaffirmation and baptism and celebrate the Lord’s Supper together.  If you have any questions concerning your participation in the sacraments, please talk with an elder or the pastor this week.