April, 2021
Valley Voice

 

Valley Presbyterian Church


www.valleypresbychurch.org
17560 Chillicothe Road, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023 Phone: 440-543-1071
Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eye wastes away from grief, my soul and body also. (Psalm 31:9)
Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Let’s take a moment to recognize and identify our distress.  We have, individually and collectively, been through a traumatic year.  It has left us tired, disoriented, grieving, angry, and suffering.  As much as we try to be strong – to persevere and overcome – the Bible, also, teaches us the importance of lament:  finding the time and space for our souls and bodies to rest, renew, and recover; and how God’s grace can heal and sustain us.

In a “typical” year, we in the church would be gearing up for its busiest week – Holy Week – marking the culmination of a Lenten journey with pomp and circumstance.  In a “normal” year, we would be planning services, practicing hymns, decorating the sanctuary, and filling Easter Eggs.

In “typical” years, we would wave palm branches to commemorate the Triumphal Entry of Jesus to Jerusalem on the Sunday prior to Easter.  In “normal” years, we would hold an in-person Tenebrae service on Maundy Thursday; and participate with our neighboring churches in an outdoor, walking Stations of the Cross on Good Friday.

But, even if we are closer this Holy Week than last to safely returning to in-person worship and other gatherings, things are not yet back to normal.  Nor are we certain when or if they fully will be.  Surely, there are some ways that – over the past year – we as the church and its people have been transformed.  We may not yet fully see or know how, but trauma – and practicing lament in the wake of it – inevitably creates change.  Certainly, it should make us more empathetic people; better able – as Jesus modeled for us – to listen to, welcome, and care for those who are suffering.

Jason Gay, in a piece from the New York Times entitled “As a Window Opens, A Plea for Patience and Grace” writes, 
 
We should feel comfortable acknowledging vulnerability, conceding our doubts.  Admitting struggle doesn’t make you a whiner; it’s quite the opposite, it’s a ferocious display of strength.  I’m hopeful that a year sequestered will turn us into more empathetic listeners…I think we can do better.

The story of Holy Week includes a wide range of emotions:  joy and sorrow, loss and hope.  To better understand Jesus’ journey to the cross and beyond, we ponder all these emotions; knowing that God is always with us and that, in the end, the tomb is empty and the power of God’s love swallows up death.

I encourage you, as we walk through Holy Week, unable this year to safely gather for many of the things we “normally” do in a “typical” year, to give yourself the time and space needed to experience – to the extent your current state of emotional health can – the fullness of Holy Week:  to acknowledge vulnerability and doubt; to recognize and identify our distress.

One tool that we would like to offer for doing this is a coloring page of an Alleluia Butterfly.  I encourage you to find this page in your Lenten kit, or print it off using the link below, and spend some time during Holy Week coloring – using pencils, crayons, pens, whatever you might have.  Try it for a few minutes in the morning, or maybe sometime on Good Friday, allowing yourself time and space to feel the emotions that Jesus would have felt; the same ones so many of us have felt over this year.

And, I pray, that just as the butterfly emerges from a cocoon in beautiful flight, the church and its people might, also, emerge from this sequestered time changed for the better; more able to empathize with the suffering and grieving folks in our midst; including ourselves.  This is my Easter wish.

In Christ’s Peace, 
Pastor John
Alleluia Butterfly

Easter Sunday Worship


On Easter Sunday, April 4, we will have an outdoor, in-person “Sunrise Service” at 9:00 a.m. in the parking lot.  This will be a brief, informal service celebrating the Resurrection of our Lord.  Face coverings and social distancing are required.

The 10:30 a.m. worship continues to be livestreamed every Sunday morning, including Easter, via Facebook:  http:// https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009839436710 and is a recording available on the church YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYF6JWnNARixsYXmVVp-ImA/?guided_help_flow=5

HOLY WEEK ONLINE SERVICES
Maundy Thursday Service – from the Synod of the Covenant:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-yDWbrFv9E

Good Friday Service – from the Office of General Assembly:
https://www.presbyterianmission.org/story/discover-the-ancient-tradition-of-ordering-time-around-patterns-of-prayer/?fbclid=IwAR0ZWrqmZaRCpKKu8sArb15EsiGU727LPcEv38-4iqnxncGSi-4yvInyz_0

Future Worship Services

In this past year, we have been committed to following Jesus’ command to love one another by trying to keep each other healthy and safe.  Since last March, when we paused our indoor, in-person worship services, Session has continued to closely monitor guidance from public health experts regarding how to be safe and well.  We understand that these sacrifices have not been easy.

While many of us are anxious to return to indoor, in-person worship services – and a growing number of us are now eligible for and getting vaccinated – the infection rate currently remains above the target level that state leaders have set to resume public gatherings, including worship services and meetings.  We are hopeful that this number will decline and – in combination with warmer weather and increased vaccination levels – the time is approaching when we can safely resume in-person worship.

For the time being – and continuing even after we resume in-person services – we will stream via Facebook Live and post on the Valley YouTube site; knowing that not everyone can or will initially attend.  If you need any assistance accessing the worship service, please let us know.  And please continue to reach out to support and care for one another during this disruptive and difficult time.

One Great Hour of Sharing

In the wake of the countless domestic and international crises that have only escalated in the world since COVID-19 reached the U.S. in early 2020 — among them, civil unrest, economic injustice, and hunger — One Great Hour of Sharing gifts never fail to bring life and hope.  From initial disaster response to ongoing community development, the three Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) programs supported by One Great Hour of Sharing — the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Presbyterian Hunger Program, and the Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People — provide people with safety, sustenance, and support.

For more than 70 years, One Great Hour of Sharing has provided us a way to share God’s love with our neighbors in need.  In fact, OGHS is the single, largest way Presbyterians come together every year to work toward a better world.

Each gift to One Great Hour of Sharing — which is traditionally collected by congregations on Easter Sunday — supports efforts to relieve hunger through the Presbyterian Hunger Program, promotes development through the Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People, and assists in areas of disaster through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.  Wherever in the world they are directed, gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing are helping Presbyterians respond boldly to the Matthew 25 invitation to serve the least of these and, in so doing, further the love and justice of Jesus Christ.

Giving Options

To donate to OGHS or any other offering, mail your donation to Valley; drop off during office hours; or drop off during the Easter outdoor service.  You can, also, click the link to Valley's website below, then select the "Give Now" button or donations can be accepted through Zelle at no charge to Valley or you.  Check with your financial institution to see if they offer.
VPC Donation Page

Free Community Meal
Valley Presbyterian Church
Tuesday, April 13, 4-6:00 p.m.
Carry-out (or delivery upon request) only



Menu:  Chicken Noodle Casserole, Roasted Broccoli & Cauliflower, Rolls, Homemade Pie


In the midst of a long, cold winter – as many people around us are isolated and in need – nothing sounds better than sharing a good meal together; let us share one with you!  On Tuesday, April 13, the members of Valley Presbyterian Church are offering free, home-cooked meals to anyone who is hungry in body or weary of spirit.   Carry-out meals can be picked up at the church between 4–6:00 p.m. or delivered to you, upon request.  Reservations can be made at any time before noon on April 13 by contacting the church office by phone or e-mail, by clicking below, or through the church website.  

If you are interested in helping, we will need volunteers on Tuesday, April 13, to prepare the food (9–11:00 a.m.), package the meals (3–4:00 p.m.), and fill / deliver orders (4–6:00 p.m.).  If interested in helping at any of these times, please let us know by Friday, April 9.

In addition, we need volunteers to bake pies (using your recipe of choice) at home, and drop off at the church by 3:00 p.m. that Tuesday.  If you can help in this way, let us know.

These meals are intended for anyone who wants or needs them – members, friends, neighbors alike – so please help us to spread the word.
Community Meal Signup
Community Meal Volunteer Signup

Nature of Kindness

Spread Kindness in the Community:  Nature of Kindness is a Cleveland-based nonprofit, run by Hathaway Brown juniors, Kaila Morris and Rhea Mahajan, that’s spreading positivity and environmental awareness through eco-friendly kindness packages.  Each package consists of three inspirational quote sheets, one Act of Kindness idea on plantable paper, one “thank you for being you” card, and one sticker sheet, all inside a biodegradable envelope—perfect for any friend or loved one in need of a pick-me-up.  Proceeds go to the Sierra Club, a grassroots environmental movement, and Dare2Lead, a local anti-bullying initiative.  To learn more about the Nature of Kindness, or to order a kindness package, visit http://www.natureofkindness.org or @natureofkindness on Instagram and Facebook.

Sundays

10:30 a.m. Worship via Facebook Live or YouTube

Sunday, April 4
9:00 a.m.
Easter "Sunrise Service" (Outdoor / In Person) / OGHS

10:30 a.m. Easter / Communion Sunday

Sunday, April 11
12:00 p.m. Deacon Meeting via Zoom


Tuesday, April 13
9:00-11:00 a.m. 
Free Community Dinner - Preparation of the food
3:00-4:00 p.m. Free Community Dinner - Packaging the meals
4:00-6:00 p.m. Free Community Dinner - Fill / deliver orders

Sunday, April 18
12:00 p.m. Session Meeting via in-person / Zoom

Friday, April 23
10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. 
Pass-it-On Open

Saturday, April 24
10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. 
Pass-it-On Open

Food Bank Needs:
April

Please consider donating the following items to help stock the shelves at Chagrin Falls Park Community Center:

Pancake mix, oatmeal, grits, white rice, canned fruit (any kind).

CFPCC is receiving donations at your car.  Someone will come out and retrieve donations as you remain in your car.

April Birthdays

4/3
Trent Deanna
Beth Krause
Kristina McLean

4/6
Ethan Krause

4/7
Ryan Bush

4/8
Sally Rzicznek

4/9
John Denham

4/10
Molly Cooper
Roy Nichols

4/14
Cullen Brinning
Dallas Provost

4/16
Linda Cardellini

4/17
Lin Wilson

4/19
Judi Hahn

4/21
Bernice Denham

4/27
Summer Provost

4/30
Shari Gallagher
 

Bread for the World - Offering of Letters

“Speak out for the rights of all who are destitute.  Defend the rights of the poor and needy.” (Proverbs 31:8-9)

As Christians, we are called to seek justice, care for those experiencing hunger and poverty, and embrace our Creator’s vision of hope, love, and peace.  We are called to embody this publicly as we commit to live in solidarity with those who are made vulnerable by the inequities that drive hunger and poverty in the United States and around the world.

While it is important for religious communities and non-profits to play their part, a majority of hunger relief comes through federal programs.  Bread for the World’s Offering of Letters to Congress urges our elected representatives to expand anti-hunger programs and increase funding for nutrition programs. 

Later this month, we will be sharing more information about writing letters to elected officials, but if you would like to research Bread for the World’s resources on your own, see the link below:
Bread for the World

Pass-It-On
Resale Store

Pass-It-On is currently receiving donations with pick-ups on request.  Call the office for more information.

The store will be open on:
Friday, April 23
(10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
Saturday, April 24
(10 a.m. – 2 p.m.)

In the interest of keeping safe, please wear a mask and entrance will be limited to six at a time.

April is here - another busy month at the preschool!  Easter, spring activities, and trips to the playground as the weather warms up!

Explaining the story of Easter to preschoolers is a bit challenging – the idea of Jesus dying and rising from the dead can be scary, confusing, and exciting all at the same time!  As always, we are planting seeds, watching them grow, and assuring them of God’s love - what a privilege to be a part of their young lives!

Thank you for your continuous support of HOV.

Happy Easter from Heart of Valley!

Heidi Cregar,
Director

Presbyterian Women Virtual Spring Gathering

Presbyterian Women in the Presbytery of the Western Reserve is sponsoring a virtual event - "Welcoming the Stranger:  Insight into Homelessness," featuring the Rev. Shane Nanney.  This virtual event will be held via Zoom on Saturday, April 24, 2021, from 10-11:30 a.m.  Registration is required.  See the flyer below for additional information and to register.
Presbyterian Women Virtual Spring Gathering Flyer

Videographer Volunteers

We are looking for several volunteers who are interested in taking turns serving as videographer during the worship service.  One stationary camera and video monitor will be set up in the back of the sanctuary.  Training and written instructions will be provided.  We are hoping to transition to our new system following Easter.  If you are interested, please contact Elder Beth Krause or the church office.
Telephone: (440) 543-1071
www.valleypresbychurch.org
Office e-mail: valleypc@netlink.net
Valley Presbyterian Church
17560 Chillicothe Road
Chagrin Falls, OH 44023
Copyright © 2021 Valley Presbyterian Church, All rights reserved.


Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp