February 2015 HELPING HANDS MINISTRY JOINING
February 2015 HELPING HANDS MINISTRY Helping Hands Ministry: Prayers, love and determination work! This picture is of Helen Converse with her instructor as she graduates from her STNA (Nursing Assistant) training at the Akron Red Cross. She finished at the top of her class! Helen is the daughter of former members David & Barbara Bacon. She lost both of her parents in the past year, Barb died in early December, 2014. She has no other family. Helen is currently staying at Harvest Home, a Christian shelter in Akron until she can get a job and a place of her own. Our Helping Hands Ministry has been assisting Helen with car expenses, a storage unit for
some furniture she will need, cost of her uniforms, and some other expenses. She is most grateful for this support, and we pray that she can now find employment and before too long, be able to support herself. Helping Hands has also recently assisted six other Valley Lutheran families through the Christmas Cheer program. These gifts have an important impact on people's lives in a number of different ways. Many thanks for all those who have given to this ministry.
JOINING JESUS ON HIS MISSION Several weeks ago Pastor Jeff Stephens highly recommended a book in a sermon that could help our congregation further our mission of connecting people to Christ. That book
is entitled: Joining Jesus on His Mission: How to Be an Everyday Missionary by Greg Finke. Book summary: Joining Jesus on His Mission will alter the way you see your life as a follower of Jesus and take you beyond living your life for Jesus to living life with Jesus. Simple, powerful and applicable insights show you how to be on mission and recognize where Jesus is already at work in your neighborhoods, workplaces and schools. You will feel both relief and hope. You may even hear yourself say, “I can do this!” as you start responding to the everyday opportunities Jesus is placing in your path. I plan on leading a study of this book between 9-10 am on Sunday's starting sometime in March. Please watch for details as the date approaches. (Continued on page 3)
VALLEY CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL FUNDRAISER
Featuring OUTBACK RAY
Sat. Feb. 7 @ 3 to 5 PM (Light Refreshments) Please come and enjoy an afternoon with family & friends. We will be displaying professional photo canvases of your children that will give a glimpse into their preschool day! There will also be a scavenger hunt leading the children through our school to their final destination… Outback Ray’s Show! $40 A Family Sign up forms are in the narthex.
FELLOWSHIP NEWS
Thanks to all who attended the Chili Cook-Off. Feb. 18th, 2015 Dinner at 6:00 p. m./ Worship Led by Pastor Don Hayas at 7:30 p.m. Pork, Lamb, sauerkraut, gravy, hot cross buns will be provided along with table service and beverages. Please submit a sign-up sheet to help us plan how many to expect and ways you can be a part of the fellowship! A basket is provided in the narthex, or turn slips into the church office or the collection plate.
Close to 60 adults & children came and had a great time. Medals were given out for 1st & 2nd place in each category. The winners are: CHILI: SALAD: DESSERT:
1st place - Debbie Bonnett 2nd place - Kitty Gabram 1st place - Heather Findeisen 2nd place - Caroline Mastropieri 1st place - Tina Martens 2nd place - Kim Giles & Kelly Oles
JOINING JESUS ON HIS MISSION -Continued from Page 1I am also looking for someone interested in leading this book study on Sunday during the 10:30-11:30 time slot. If you feel moved by Christ to learn more about how you can connect with our community and show Christ's love, please consider this opportunity. Contact Scott Pretzlav or Debbie Vasey for more information if this study sounds like something you'd like to lead. Blessings, Scott Pretzlav
PUT YOUR HOPE IN GOD Do you have a roof over your head? What about money set aside for retirement? Surely you carry house and vehicle insurance. And probably long-term-care insurance as well. Now, is your heart at ease? You’ve taken care of everything, right? It certainly is wise to plan ahead, especially so that we will not be burdens to others, but listen to the words of Paul as recorded in 1 Timothy 6:17: “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, not to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, Who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.” In this Scripture, Paul reminds us that worldly wealth is still uncertain. He boldly states that, if we’re trusting in worldly wealth, we are acting arrogantly. The only thing that is certain is God’s love for us. He loves us and enables us to make our livings. He loves us so much that He “richly provides us with everything” – and here’s the surprising part – “to enjoy”!
SAVE THE DATE FOR A PANCAKE BREAKFAST MARCH 8 9 TO 11 AM
LENTEN LIVING Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18 this year. Christians have observed this season of the church year since the fourth century. It’s traditionally a time of reflection, penitence and spiritual renewal before Easter. During Lent, some Christians give up something that hinders their relationship with God. Others do something extra for their spiritual growth or make a special sacrifice. The key is to make Lent a memorable season of sincere spiritual growth — a time that can set the tone for the rest of the year.
How do you plan to “enjoy” God’s rich blessings to you? Take a cruise around the world? Buy a new luxury car every year? What really brings you enjoyment? God has blessed us, not so that we can enjoy His gifts by hoarding them or spending them extravagantly, but so that His purposes in the world can be fulfilled. In 1 Timothy 6:18, Paul tells us how to enjoy the gifts God gives us: “[The rich] are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.” When our hope is in God, we have no need to amass worldly wealth. When our hope is in God, we trust Him to provide for us all that we need and even more so that we’ll always have something to share. In 2 Corinthians 9:10-11, Paul makes this point with these words: “He Who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.” God has called us to be His stewards. He also enables us to carry out His will. And there’s another bonus! Not only will we receive enjoyment from sharing God’s gifts, we will “thus [store] up treasure for [our]selves as a good foundation for the future, so that [we] may take hold of that which is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:19). Put your hope in God.
87 E Orange St. Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44022 www.valleylutheran.org
ANNIVERSARIES
BIRTHDAYS Leona Franks Bill Bienias Junior Meg Schultz Jack Wright Michael Crawford Chris Larker Rich Stuart Aldine Cage Amanda Groth Kate Morgan Grant Mastropieri Amanda Agresta Kimberly Benson Sarah Benson Samuel Crawford Andy Tisler Jr. Grace Durdle Michelle Rayner Gabrielle Vidmar David Hackett Jenna Domos John Sternen
2/2 2/3 2/4 2/5 2/6 2/6 2/7 2/8 2/8 2/8 2/9 2/10 2/10 2/10 2/10 2/10 2/13 2/13 2/13 2/14 2/15 2/16
Jerrie White Amy Toothman Michael Chess Greg Smith Matt Smith Ethan Wallen Parker Kuivila Joseph Behler Ava Nau Trevor Tisler Katie Toothman Tina Martens Gladys Hackett Timothy Ristau Joan Ealy
2/16 2/17 2/18 2/18 2/18 2/18 2/19 2/24 2/25 2/25 2/25 2/26 2/27 2/28 2/29
Ray & Meg Schultz Timothy & Katie Toothman Rob & Michelle Wallen
2/5 2/14 2/17
Ray and Meg Schultz celebrate 60 years of marriage on February 5.
PRAYER REQUESTS Edna Christian Aldine Cage George Hill Janet Marz Greyson Chess Ruth Ann Krueger
some furniture she will need, cost of her uniforms, and some other expenses. She is most grateful for this support, and we pray that she can now find employment and before too long, be able to support herself. Helping Hands has also recently assisted six other Valley Lutheran families through the Christmas Cheer program. These gifts have an important impact on people's lives in a number of different ways. Many thanks for all those who have given to this ministry.
JOINING JESUS ON HIS MISSION Several weeks ago Pastor Jeff Stephens highly recommended a book in a sermon that could help our congregation further our mission of connecting people to Christ. That book
is entitled: Joining Jesus on His Mission: How to Be an Everyday Missionary by Greg Finke. Book summary: Joining Jesus on His Mission will alter the way you see your life as a follower of Jesus and take you beyond living your life for Jesus to living life with Jesus. Simple, powerful and applicable insights show you how to be on mission and recognize where Jesus is already at work in your neighborhoods, workplaces and schools. You will feel both relief and hope. You may even hear yourself say, “I can do this!” as you start responding to the everyday opportunities Jesus is placing in your path. I plan on leading a study of this book between 9-10 am on Sunday's starting sometime in March. Please watch for details as the date approaches. (Continued on page 3)
VALLEY CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL FUNDRAISER
Featuring OUTBACK RAY
Sat. Feb. 7 @ 3 to 5 PM (Light Refreshments) Please come and enjoy an afternoon with family & friends. We will be displaying professional photo canvases of your children that will give a glimpse into their preschool day! There will also be a scavenger hunt leading the children through our school to their final destination… Outback Ray’s Show! $40 A Family Sign up forms are in the narthex.
FELLOWSHIP NEWS
Thanks to all who attended the Chili Cook-Off. Feb. 18th, 2015 Dinner at 6:00 p. m./ Worship Led by Pastor Don Hayas at 7:30 p.m. Pork, Lamb, sauerkraut, gravy, hot cross buns will be provided along with table service and beverages. Please submit a sign-up sheet to help us plan how many to expect and ways you can be a part of the fellowship! A basket is provided in the narthex, or turn slips into the church office or the collection plate.
Close to 60 adults & children came and had a great time. Medals were given out for 1st & 2nd place in each category. The winners are: CHILI: SALAD: DESSERT:
1st place - Debbie Bonnett 2nd place - Kitty Gabram 1st place - Heather Findeisen 2nd place - Caroline Mastropieri 1st place - Tina Martens 2nd place - Kim Giles & Kelly Oles
JOINING JESUS ON HIS MISSION -Continued from Page 1I am also looking for someone interested in leading this book study on Sunday during the 10:30-11:30 time slot. If you feel moved by Christ to learn more about how you can connect with our community and show Christ's love, please consider this opportunity. Contact Scott Pretzlav or Debbie Vasey for more information if this study sounds like something you'd like to lead. Blessings, Scott Pretzlav
PUT YOUR HOPE IN GOD Do you have a roof over your head? What about money set aside for retirement? Surely you carry house and vehicle insurance. And probably long-term-care insurance as well. Now, is your heart at ease? You’ve taken care of everything, right? It certainly is wise to plan ahead, especially so that we will not be burdens to others, but listen to the words of Paul as recorded in 1 Timothy 6:17: “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, not to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, Who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.” In this Scripture, Paul reminds us that worldly wealth is still uncertain. He boldly states that, if we’re trusting in worldly wealth, we are acting arrogantly. The only thing that is certain is God’s love for us. He loves us and enables us to make our livings. He loves us so much that He “richly provides us with everything” – and here’s the surprising part – “to enjoy”!
SAVE THE DATE FOR A PANCAKE BREAKFAST MARCH 8 9 TO 11 AM
LENTEN LIVING Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18 this year. Christians have observed this season of the church year since the fourth century. It’s traditionally a time of reflection, penitence and spiritual renewal before Easter. During Lent, some Christians give up something that hinders their relationship with God. Others do something extra for their spiritual growth or make a special sacrifice. The key is to make Lent a memorable season of sincere spiritual growth — a time that can set the tone for the rest of the year.
How do you plan to “enjoy” God’s rich blessings to you? Take a cruise around the world? Buy a new luxury car every year? What really brings you enjoyment? God has blessed us, not so that we can enjoy His gifts by hoarding them or spending them extravagantly, but so that His purposes in the world can be fulfilled. In 1 Timothy 6:18, Paul tells us how to enjoy the gifts God gives us: “[The rich] are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.” When our hope is in God, we have no need to amass worldly wealth. When our hope is in God, we trust Him to provide for us all that we need and even more so that we’ll always have something to share. In 2 Corinthians 9:10-11, Paul makes this point with these words: “He Who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.” God has called us to be His stewards. He also enables us to carry out His will. And there’s another bonus! Not only will we receive enjoyment from sharing God’s gifts, we will “thus [store] up treasure for [our]selves as a good foundation for the future, so that [we] may take hold of that which is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:19). Put your hope in God.
87 E Orange St. Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44022 www.valleylutheran.org
ANNIVERSARIES
BIRTHDAYS Leona Franks Bill Bienias Junior Meg Schultz Jack Wright Michael Crawford Chris Larker Rich Stuart Aldine Cage Amanda Groth Kate Morgan Grant Mastropieri Amanda Agresta Kimberly Benson Sarah Benson Samuel Crawford Andy Tisler Jr. Grace Durdle Michelle Rayner Gabrielle Vidmar David Hackett Jenna Domos John Sternen
2/2 2/3 2/4 2/5 2/6 2/6 2/7 2/8 2/8 2/8 2/9 2/10 2/10 2/10 2/10 2/10 2/13 2/13 2/13 2/14 2/15 2/16
Jerrie White Amy Toothman Michael Chess Greg Smith Matt Smith Ethan Wallen Parker Kuivila Joseph Behler Ava Nau Trevor Tisler Katie Toothman Tina Martens Gladys Hackett Timothy Ristau Joan Ealy
2/16 2/17 2/18 2/18 2/18 2/18 2/19 2/24 2/25 2/25 2/25 2/26 2/27 2/28 2/29
Ray & Meg Schultz Timothy & Katie Toothman Rob & Michelle Wallen
2/5 2/14 2/17
Ray and Meg Schultz celebrate 60 years of marriage on February 5.
PRAYER REQUESTS Edna Christian Aldine Cage George Hill Janet Marz Greyson Chess Ruth Ann Krueger
