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August 27, 2009
West Valley Connection
Vol. 1 Iss. 34 |
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West Valley Forms Are Online!
If you have a bulletin or e-news submission, you can now use our online form to send this information to us. This will replace the weekly e-mail sent out for bulletin submissions. Just fill out the form and press submit. It's that easy!
Women's Thursday Night Bible Study
The Women's Thursday Night Bible Study will not be meeting this summer.
Mark Your Calendars
Aug 22, Downstairs Remodel Work Party, 9:30-3:00 pm
Aug 25, Downstairs Remodel Work Party, 5-8 pm
Aug 26, Downstairs Remodel Work Party, 5-8 pm
Aug 27, Downstairs Remodel Work Party, 5-8 pm
Aug 29, Downstairs Remodel Work Party, 9:30-3:00 pm
View other calendar events online:
West Valley Calendar
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I'veBeen Robbed
By Pastor Keith Wheaton
keith@acgc.us
Today I went out to my car to discover it had been broken into. Actually, there wasn't any breaking - the thief just opened the door and rifled through my glove compartment and console. Since my car is often a little disheveled, I had to go ask Kathy if she left the glove compartment open before I could deduce I was the victim of a crime. Then I looked in Kathy's car and saw that it, too, had been trespassed. Neither of our cars was locked.
I hate locks. Just yesterday I complained to a church member that I found it extremely annoying to have to get a key to open the closet where we keep cleaning supplies. The church member replied that if we don't lock the closet, someone will steal the toilet paper. My immediate response was "Well, let's get rid of the people who steal from us!"
My own words have condemned me since I spoke them. What kind of pastor suggests getting rid of people for the sake of saving a few rolls of toilet paper?
Ironically, I'd be the first to give a roll of toilet paper to any needy parishioner who asked. Probably it's fundamentally a "control issue." I don't mind giving things, but I don't want anyone taking without my permission. Besides, living in a constant state of heightened security, carting ten pounds of keys everywhere puts me in a surly mood.
But what should I do about the thief? Is there any way to reform the criminal mind, to make him see the error of his ways? I'm not convinced the criminal justice system has the answer, considering its number of repeat customers. Ultimately, there needs to be a change of heart. That's church work. That's spiritual.
Recently, I've been rebuked for my cynicism and reminded that our job is to love unbelievers, not to judge. That means we will be associating with all kinds of thieves, scammers and otherwise immoral types. But if we let them into our church, they may steal some toilet paper. Is that a risk we're willing to take? I'd like to say absolutely "yes." But it really isn't that simple. It takes an effort and discipline to ignore the fact that people are robbing you. You have to work at loving them more than resenting their offense. Don't kid yourself into thinking that's easy!
One of the core values of West Valley Church is, "relationships are nourished." This is a primary motivation for our renovations. We need a safe place where we can "nourish our relationships" with unbelievers and newcomers, through things such as meals and classes.
But, if we use our new fellowship hall to this end, that means we are likely to have a few thieves, scammers and otherwise immoral types as our guests. And you know what that means? We need to be willing to risk losing our toilet paper... and we need continue to love those people who steal it. Can we do that?
There are lots of other things we may lose instead of toilet paper; it's just an example of things people may take from us without our permission. Our new fellowship hall will be full of other such things: furniture, food, decorations, teaching supplies, sound equipment. Plus, it's already full of time lovingly sacrificed by our members and their pride in a job well done. Most of these things we can't protect behind a lock.
Ultimately, Jesus didn't die for any of these things; He died for people. Even thieves and scammers and otherwise immoral types. On that day He returns, how we treated people will be the measure of our success as His church. As long as I keep that in mind, I won't worry about losing a spare roll of toilet paper. The important thing is to remember that that's the important thing! |
A New Communion Sunday Tradition
Next Communion: Sunday, September 6
Each Communion Sunday members are encouraged to bring one can of food for each member of their family. What a great way to ensure the food pantry is well-stocked on a regular basis! Canned goods are fine, as well as any other type of easily-prepared, non-perishable food. Let's make this a Communion Sunday tradition at WVACC! |
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Villa Capri Kids Ministry
The kids have been missing us this summer! They and the manager of Villa Capri are excited we are going to begin the kid's ministry on Thursday, Sept. 10 from 3:30 to 5:00 pm. Sue Pleasants is coordinating the program with wonderful help from Brad Neil, Jody Fenlason, Nelda Lobb & Bruce Pleasants. Please be in prayer as we reach out to the kids there. |
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Youth Update
Sunday night we enjoyed an evening of disc golf at Lake Fenwick Park. We had a
great group of students who threw discs around and enjoyed our youth meeting in
the woods.
Prayer Requests
- Pray for Arie. She is in Maine for the next
couple weeks with her Grandparents.
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Pray for athletes who have started, or are trying to start, fall sports; Oscar,
Shaun, Spencer, Tyler B, and Jordan.
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Pray for all the students who are starting school. Some students have huge
changes and transitions this year; Michael, Brandon, Aimee, Stephanie, Lilly, and
Arie.
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Continue to pray for the students who were baptized at church last week; Tyler
S, Giovanni, Shaun, Lindsay, Arie, and Tyler B.
Click here to see a slideshow of pictures from last Sunday's baptism. |
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Highlights from the Recent August 13 CLT Meeting
- With regret, the CLT accepted Margaret Post's resignation as Secretary.
- The CLT voted to extend the availability of the previously approved matching funds in the Pleasants Reserve until December 31, 2009. Bruce was delayed in getting his requests for contributions started, and in the spirit of the purpose for the reserve, it was determined to allow the period for matching to extend beyond the previously established July 2009 date. No new monies have been added to the Reserve, just an extension of the availability period.
- Some years ago, a gift of stock had been given to the church which has produced dividend income to the church. The issuing company has now required that the stock be liquidated. It was voted to use those funds for repairs to the small house and to add to the remodel reserve.
- Responding to an invitation from the Willamette Conference, it was voted that West Valley would be a full participant for the Boardman, OR family camping weekend in August 2010. (pencil your 2010 calendar for that 1st week of August)
- It was voted to appoint Clio Thomas to Chair the Mission Committee for West Valley. He will replace Norm Lobb.
- Lori Ross will be putting together a task force to organize the September 13 Picnic in the Park, which will be held at Steel Lake Park this year.
- Voted to participate again this year in the Christmas Child Project, which Jody Fenlason will coordinate for West Valley.
- The Annual Meeting for West Valley will be on Sunday, November 15.
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Downstairs Remodel Work Party Pictures
Click the picture below to see pictures of the work being done for the downstairs remodel.
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Classifieds
- Seattle Pacific University has several job openings posted on their website. If interested, go to: http://www.spu.edu/depts/hr/ for more information.
- Do you have an extra dresser you don't need? We have a new church member in need of a decent dresser. Let Pastor Keith know if you do and he'll work out the delivery details. Thanks.
- TOO MANY CARS! For Sale: 2005 PT Cruiser Convertible
Sweet 1st generation Cruiser Convertible needs driver! 2005 issue purchased in 2004. 5-speed manual, after-market Pioneer AM/FM CD, AC, power roof, windows, locks etc. Great little commuter car not getting used much anymore - $5,500 obo - e-mail megpost@msn.com for more information.
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Graphic design services on a per-project basis - quick, creative, efficient design at reasonable rates. Services include logo design, corporate identity, brochures, specialty design, posters, flyers, etc. Contact Tracey Coon at 253-632-1085 if interested.
Listing items in the Classifieds
If you'd like to add items to a West Valley Classifieds list, please e-mail Tracey Coon in the church office for items in the following categories. Please also include your contact information and a detailed description.
- Help Wanted
- Work/Services Wanted
- For Sale
- Free Items
These items will be listed on a weekly basis in our e-news. If you have recurring items, please keep the church office informed on a weekly basis by the end of day Thursday. | |
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Prayer & Praise
Prayer Requests:
- The Catalyst Leadership Team
- The Gooding Family
- The Remodel Team and construction work
- Pastor Keith & Pastor Brandon
- Those who were baptized last week at church.
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