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Pastors Pen

Reflection 

"Sorrow looks back, Worry looks around, Faith looks up."
 
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
 
 Dear <<Name>>          
    During this week, after Holy Week and Easter Resurrection, we may find ourselves a bit perplexed with it all. Do we go back to life as usual or has the impact of Lent and Easter changed us? I hope, of course, it is the later because if we are not changed what was the point? I know I’ve been changed during this time to see beyond those places that trip me up.
I am, of course, still learning how to keep my eyes on the finish line. I still believe we are called to change and move forward no matter what life challenges are put in our way.
 
I have a friend who has multiple Melanoma and instead of allowing that to define her, she strives to overcome every day. She walks, she advocates for others, she raises awareness and yes, she has some down days, but most of the time she shows up! And not only is she better for that, but others are too!  She knows there is no cure for her disease but she wrote me the other day and said she does not want to be defined by a disease! I reminded her that God is bigger and even though we don’t know the future we do know that she is not afraid to live! She is a shining example of someone who has not let the cancer stop her from being something more. She is not a victim! I admire her because she is willing to be present and to teach us along the way.
 
Having an experience with God creates change for sure! It has been my truth that God is working every day. There is evidence of God all around us and we may even be evidence of God for others. In my seeking of God, I’ve come to understand God is holding my life. God is holding me even when I may not feel like God is there! I love the footprints poem because it reminds me of the presence of God and how God shows up even when we don’t.
 
Footprints by Mary Stevenson, 1936
One night I dreamed a dream.
As I was walking along the beach with God.
Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand,
One belonging to me and one to God.
 
After the last scene of my life flashed before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that at many times along the path of my life,
especially at the very lowest and saddest times,
there was only one set of footprints.
This really troubled me, so I asked God about it.
"God, you said once I decided to follow you,
You'd walk with me all the way.
But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life,
there was only one set of footprints. I don't understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me."
 
God whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you
Never, ever, during your trials and testing’s.
When you saw only one set of footprints,
It was then that I carried you."
 
Saints let us remember that God is holding us even in the changing times of our life!
 In all that is Holy 
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 
April 21 UOP 4pm
Morris Chapel 75 year anniversary

May 7 Habanero Hots Lunch
May 13 Network Gathering
May 17 Board Meeting
June 3 Sac Pride
June 5 Board Retreat
June 17 Worship Design Retreat
 
 
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Sunday
  • Discipleship 10 AM 
  • Worship 11 am - I shall not be moved 
  • Theme:  Reclaiming 
  • Easter is the season after the resurrection of Christ in which evil tried to destroy the realm of God. As children of God we are empowered to reclaim our faith. Join us as we live out our mission! 
  • This weeks Text: Psalms 16                                      
Wednesday
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Valley Ministries MCC · 4118 Coronado Ave. · Stockton, CA 95204 · USA

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