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They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the community, to their shared meals, and to their prayers. (Acts 2:42, Common English Bible)
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Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
The picture of the earliest church is one of a community. Their purpose and unity rested in the things that they held in common: cares and concerns; principles, possessions, and prayers; times for shared worship and meals. Members found comfort and strength – spiritually and materially – in being together; in sharing themselves with one another in Christ’s name.
Members of churches throughout the centuries have taken part in shared communities: singing and praying together; working, learning, and serving alongside each other; sitting at tables for meals and fellowship. As their lives are shared in relationship, they become like neighbors or family members.
Over the past fourteen months, many – not all, but many – of these ways of gathering and being in relationship have been interrupted. Churches and their members have needed to adapt: at some times well, but in many ways haltingly and uncomfortably. Our common relationships and habits have suffered.
We are resuming in-person worship services beginning Sunday, June 6. At the outset, things will look and feel different from before: we will not be passing the peace or the offering plate; there will be no shaking hands as you enter or fellowship time before you leave. The current health and safety protocols are printed below; subject to change as we move forward.
After being away from our old routines for such a long time, it is going to take time and effort to create new or renewed relationships and habits. Some revolve around the Sunday worship while others are related to education, mission, leadership, and pastoral care.
One of the things I have missed the most – as I’m sure many of you have – is the ability to safely visit with one another. I have now received both doses of the COVID vaccine and believe that it is safe to resume home and hospital visitation. While that is my comfort level, I understand that others will have different views. Thus, if you – or someone you know – would like to receive a visit, please contact me (directly or through the church office) to let me know.
In terms of leadership, the church’s Elders, Deacons, and staff - when asked to take on new and different roles and responsibilities – have been amazing. Because there was no winter Annual Meeting, lay leaders have had their terms extended by six months. The Nominating Committee will be working in the coming weeks to identify potential Elders and Deacons to be voted on at a July congregational meeting. I am excited to see who responds to this call to serve.
There are, also, considerations to think about regarding our mission and fellowship, children and youth ministries, programs and special events. Like the early church, we are certain to emerge from this time apart as a changed community. I pray that we will be kind, wise, and genero  us to each other as we go through this transition.
In Christ,
Pastor John |
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In-Person Worship Resuming on Sunday, June 6
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Recently, the State of Ohio and Centers for Disease Control released new recommendations for indoor gatherings. Rates of infection have fallen – locally and nationally – and many people are now partially or fully vaccinated. Thus, we will be resuming indoor, in-person worship services on Sunday, June 6. This will be a special service: celebrating Holy Communion and honoring our graduates and volunteers. In an effort to make attending  in-person an option for as many people as possible, we have created the following health and safety protocols. Services will continue to be livestreamed and recorded for those who prefer to attend worship that way. |
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Health and Safety Protocols
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As we return to in-person worship services, we ask you to follow these guidelines:
• Windows will be open and fans turned on, so please dress to be comfortable.
• In order for proper distancing, please do not sit in the pews that have been blocked or directly next to people not in your family.
• Please wear face coverings when inside the church building.
• If you are not feeling well today, please stay home.
• Hymnals and pew bibles have been put away, the words are printed in the bulletin.
• At this time, we will not be passing the peace, the offering plate, or holding hands for the benediction at the close of the service.
• Since we are livestreaming the service, we ask that you remain seated in the pews during the prelude and postlude.
• After the worship service has concluded, we ask that you move outside for any extended conversations.
Thank you for your patience and understanding. Any changes to these protocols will be shared in advance of Sunday gatherings.
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Preaching Series (Continued) – The Book of Acts / the life and work of the church
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June 6
“The Promise” (Acts 2:37-47)
the first Christian converts
June 13
“Eyes Shut” (Acts 9:1-20)
Paul’s conversion on the Damascus Road
June 20
“Eyes Opened” (Acts 9:36-43)
the raising of Tabitha
June 27
“Bridging Old and New” (Acts 11:1-18)
Peter in Jerusalem
July 4
“A Place of Prayer” (Acts 16:9-15)
Lydia’s conversion by the river
July 11
“Foundations Shaken” (Acts 16:16-34)
Paul and Silas in prison
July 18
“Searching for God” (Acts 17:22-31)
Paul’s sermon in Athens
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Through the Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church, USA, I have received a grant for a six-week Sabbatical: from July 19-August 30. During this time, I will be working on the writing phase of my doctoral thesis project with a focus on Sabbath practices. In addition, I will be taking two trips: to the Ghost Ranch in New Mexico and the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky for “walking sabbath” retreats.
While I am away, Amber Balista – who served as our seminary intern in the fall of 2019 – will serve as primary contact for worship and pastoral care. Amber recently graduated from Dubuque Theological Seminary and is working on her requirements for ordination. She will be assisted by other staff, local ministers, and members of the congregation.
I trust this will be an amazing opportunity for learning and renewal for everyone involved. I am thankful for everyone who has offered prayers and support to make this Sabbatical possible.
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Meals for North Presbyterian Church
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We have enjoyed a long and fruitful mission partnership with the folks at North Presbyterian Church. Each October, Valley members look forward to joining North members for worship and a shared meal.
Last October, because of COVID restrictions, we prepared and delivered two Sunday lunches for the folks at North Church, but were unable to stay and gather with them for worship. Soon after, North was forced to pause in-person gatherings, which have now resumed, again, after Easter.
In lieu of our monthly community dinner, and in an effort to support North, we will be preparing and delivering Sunday meals for June 20. We are looking for help: preparing the meals in the church kitchen on Saturday, June 19 (10 a.m. – noon); donating desserts for the meals (by 10 a.m. on Saturday); and driving the meals to North on Sunday morning, June 20 (leaving at 10 a.m.). Please sign-up below or through the church website. |
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 Paige Belew - daughter of Amy & Bill Belew - graduated from Kenston High School and in the fall will be attending Miami University of Ohio. |
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 Mackensie Bush - daughter of Brenda & John Wahl - graduated from Ohio University School of Nursing with a BSN. She will be taking her licensure exam this summer and will be working in a medical ICU at the Cleveland Clinic Main Campus in August. |
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 Henry Cregar - son of Heidi & Jim Cregar - graduated from Kenston High School and in the fall will be attending The Ohio State University with an Air Force ROTC scholarship. |
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 Kelly Cregar - daughter of Heidi & Jim Cregar - graduated from A.T. Still University in Mesa, AZ, with a Doctorate of Occupational Therapy. |
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Erica Feeman - daughter of Melissa & Kevin Feeman - graduated from Kenston High School and in the fall will be attending Ursuline College.
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 Logan Fouts - son of Tanya & Ray Fouts - graduated from Kenston High School and in the fall will be attending Bowling Green State University majoring in Computer Science. |
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Carolyn Gurd - granddaughter of Ruth & Alan Gurd - graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in Business.
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Sean Gurd - grandson of Ruth & Alan Gurd - graduated from Kenston High School and in the fall will be attending Miami University of Ohio.
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David Keough - grandson of Bev Keough - graduated from Berkshire High School and in the fall will be attending Kent State University.
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 Hannah Yakovac - daughter of Becky Yakovac - graduated from Kenston High School and in the fall will be attending The Ohio State University majoring in Biology and Education. |
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Sundays
10:30 a.m. Worship via Facebook Live or YouTube
Sunday, June 6
10:30 a.m. Communion Sunday / Recognition Sunday
12:00 p.m. Deacon Meeting via Zoom
Friday, June 18
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Pass-it-On Open
Saturday, June 19
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Prepare meals for North Church
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Pass-it-On Open
Sunday, June 20
10:00 a.m. Drive meals to North Church
12:00 p.m. Session Meeting via in-person / Zoom
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Please consider donating the following items to help stock the shelves at Chagrin Falls Park Community Center:
Helyne will be making up 50 "BBQ Bags" at the end of June for July 4th. Picnic items are needed such as mustard, ketchup, mayo, relish, all-beef hot dogs (in 1 lb. pks.), ground beef (in 1 lb. pks.), hot dog buns, hamburger buns, chocolate bar packs, graham crackers, marshmallows, chips, cookies.
CFPCC is receiving donations at your car. Someone will come out and retrieve donations.
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6/1
Blaine Bush
Rourke McGrath
6/3
Trent Anderson
Hannah Yakovac
6/4
Lynn Fagerholm
Andrew Krause
6/5
David Pfouts
6/6
Larry May
6/8
Linda Jones
6/11
Bill McLean
Dan Osborne
6/12
Michelle Brockett
Tim Hildebrand
6/17
Mark Fagerholm
Becky Yakovac
6/19
Donna Bush
6/21
Will Bush
Brennan Izzo
6/22
Jane Hall-Nemeth
Brad Weemhoff
6/23
Frank Casarona
Sharon Pfouts
6/24
Greg Urban
6/28
Sam Anderson
6/29
Jim Cregar
Katie McGrath
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 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, June 18
(10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
Saturday, June 19
(10 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
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 We are looking for volunteers to film the worship service for livestreaming, with training and instructions provided. If you are interested in helping, please contact the church office or Elder Beth Krause. |
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Choir & Special Music
Marilyn Bulanda, Ron Cechner, Bernice Denham, Sue Doughman, Beth Krause, Marilyn Rodenhausen, Lillian Smyser, Chip Steele, Don Sullivan, Parker Timmons, Payton Timmons, Lois Urban, Brenda Wahl
Accompanist & Organist
John Kautzman
Director
Nancy Sullivan
Sound and Video
Ron Cechner; John Kautzman; Beth, Maggie & Pete Krause; Jerry Moreno; Dave Rodenhausen; Don Sullivan; Brenda Wahl
Worship Committee
Jeanne DeLaney, Beth Krause, Jerry Moreno, Dave & Marilyn Rodenhausen, Don & Nancy Sullivan
Pass-It-On
Barb Anderson, Marilyn Bulanda, Bernice Denham, Sue Doughman, Nancy Fenner, Tanya Fouts, Nancy Haig, Gayle Johnson, Pat Levicky, Cathy Lohde, Roy Nichols, Glenna Pool, Nancy Sullivan, Lois Urban, Brenda Wahl
Community Meals / North Church Lunches
Marilyn Bulanda, Donna Bush, Gerry Chittock, Bernice Denham, Lynn Fagerholm, Gallagher family, Janet Graham, Judi Hahn, Mary Hatch, Bev Keough, Beth & Maggie Krause, William Leitzel, Barb Miner, Jim Obman, Glenna Pool, Marilyn Rodenhausen, Lillian Smyser, Timmons Family, Lois Urban, AJ Wahl, Brenda Wahl
Spring Clean-Up
Gerry Chittock; Sue Doughman; Jerry Moreno; Glenna Pool; Marilyn Rodenhausen; Cooper, Dusty, Payton & Parker Timmons; Brenda Wahl 
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You are invited to participate in a new “Valley” outreach called “Valley Lives.” It will be a brief narrative from the members of the congregation to share their experiences from the time we spent apart during COVID. “Valley Lives” will give you a chance to share what has happened in your life; the challenges you faced; the adjustments you made to be connected with others; the faith that helped you handle the day to day; and, well, simply how you are. This will be included in the Summer Sunday services and scheduled at a date that is convenient for you. Please contact the church office or Nancy Sullivan; if you are interested.
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Valley’s Faith Garden – located on the south lawn, right outside the sanctuary – provides an important supplement for the food pantry program at Chagrin Falls Park Community Center. This will be the sixth summer that Valley has grown fresh vegetables to donate for people in need.
Pastor John will be working in the Faith Garden on Friday mornings from 10 – 11 a.m.; if anyone is interested in helping out.
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Valley Presbyterian Church
17560 Chillicothe Road
Chagrin Falls, OH 44023
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