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Reflection 

"Koinonia is community."
     --Peter Pangora
 
 Dear <<Name>>          
   Recently, I’ve heard a lot about homecoming. Homecoming doesn’t mean the same thing to me now as it did, say, when I was in high school or college.
 
When I think back on what homecoming meant to me in the past I think of football games and those who were running for homecoming king or queen.  It was a time for the alumni to come back to the game and relive a moment in time. I know that colleges use homecoming to entice alumni to give big money back to the organization, especially the athletes. I still get calls from Sacramento State, my alma mater.
 
A few weeks ago, I was visiting a MCC church in Seattle. While I was there I met up with some friends from the Portland church and they were telling me they always have a homecoming Sunday to welcome back those people who have been traveling over the Summer. I often wonder about our churches in Hawaii where people go to vacation but can’t afford to live. Or Florida where the hurricane swept through, even as people were coming back to their winter places. I think of Puerto Rico and the ministry work there and how much help they will need. What kind of homecoming will they receive?
 
I wonder too about our people who seem not to show up on Sundays. I know for a fact it is harder to come back and get into the habit of worship when you have not done it in a while. It seems easy to catch something on TV or try to read a holy text to hold you over. But unfortunately, that is a short-lived process too and before you know it spiritual bankruptcy has set in and you wonder why you are emotional, hurtful, not seeing the positive, or, fill in the blank, for your despair.
 
Worshipping together is an amazing gift we have been given. I know how powerful it is when we put our hearts together with God. I believe there is nothing we can’t do. I’ve been around long enough to know, as well, how very blessed we are at Valley Ministries. I think some people take for granted what we have here and assume it will always be here. That remains to be seen, I hope and pray it will because I’ve poured my life into this ministry. I know, ultimately, we are in God’s hands but I wonder about the self-will God has given to people and how that will play out.
 
At the end of the day all we have is what we have sown. I pray that you will rethink your commitment to your church and sow your life here. Valley Ministries is a church that is not perfect, instead we are purposeful. But, we are only as good as those of us who sow our lives into it. Maybe my grandmother was right, you get what you give or you reap what you sow?

Blessings
In Christ Rev Terri

 Valley Ministries Purpose
 Valley Ministries MCC is an inclusive church -- loving God and serving God's diverse people.

Encouraging everyone
in their spiritual journey

Empowering all to
use their spiritual gifts

•  Promoting
justice and compassion 
Harvest Blessing
Dollar a day for 98 days

October 7 
Youth Summit SJ Pride

October 8
Flu Shot Clinic after church

October 17
Stockton City Council Meeting
Opening Prayer by Rev Terri

October 22
Board Meeting After Worship
Sunday
  • Discipleship 10 AM   Koinonia 
  • Worship 11 AM  Vine of the World
  • Theme:  Health and Wellness
Synopsis -- Jesus said I come that you may have life and have it more abundantly, is that something you desire?  What does abundant live mean to you? Spiritual wholeness, Health, Mental well-being, Financial success …  We invite you to come and discover how to apply Gods word to live into these promises.
Wednesday
  • Church Cleaning 
  • Office Hours
  • Homeless Feeding
  • Band Practice
  • Holy Conversation
 
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Valley Ministries MCC · 4118 Coronado Ave. · Stockton, CA 95204 · USA

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