West Valley Connection 6/11

June 11, 2010

Vol. 2, Iss. 20

In This Issue

Family Camp

From Our Pastor Emeritus

News from Tom & Nelda

Youth Update

Happy Birthday!

Hymn Service Scheduled for July 11

Mark your calendars and come prepared to share in our hymn service on July 11. We are asking all members to come with their requests for hymns to sing, along with their testimony regarding how their selection has inspired their faith. Please plan to use this time to encourage your church family by sharing your favorite hymn's meaning for you. Ella Mae Durkee - Kenny's mom - has agreed to play piano for us during this service and a fellowship meal will follow.

Let's All Go to Family Camp!
August 5 - 8 we will join the Willamette Valley AC Conference for family camp in Boardman, Oregon. Last year many of us attended and had a terrific time of worship and fellowship. We've been invited to join them once again, and this year we will be responsible for hosting at least one meal. Please plan to join us!

From Our Pastor Emeritus, Clio Thomas

Pastor Clio Thomas serves as "Area Director" for the Asia/Pacific mission field of the Advent Christian Denomination. One of his duties is to encourage mission workers in a variety of settings throughout Asia. The following is a weekly installment of his letter, sent literally around the world to those in his charge.

Dear Ones in Christ,

As we continue to think about our worldview as Christians I want to turn our minds to the Gospel of John. Last week I mentioned the importance of knowing the God who created everything. The reason I want us to look at John's Gospel is that in the first chapter the Apostle lays the strong foundation upon which each of us needs to build his/her life. John begins, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made." (John 1:1-3) Then, in the 14th verse John says, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us."

The terrific thing about the "WORD" is that both the Jewish and Greek cultures had strong beliefs about "the word". In both cultures they understood that it was by "the word" that everything came into being. It was also by "the word" that all of creation was held together and given order. In addition is was by "the word" that understanding, meaning, and wisdom were possible. In other words, John is saying that Jesus is the One by Whom all things were created. He is the one who holds everything together. He is the one who gives understanding, meaning, and wisdom. All of this falls right into place with what Jesus says about Himself in John 14:6; "I am the way, the truth, and the life."

Note, He does not say, "I can show you the way". "I can tell you the truth." "I want to tell you about life." Jesus says, "I AM THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE." He says that if you want to know the way to live, if you want to know the truth, if you want to know real life, then come to me. It is only in knowing Jesus personally that we can know how to live.

The sum and substance of life is in Jesus Christ. A Christian worldview ultimately begins and ends in Jesus. So, if there are things in our beliefs, actions, and behavior that do not line up with the person, teachings, and character of Jesus then we are misguided and disobedient. In John 8:31,32 Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free."

God bless you!

Love in Him Who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life,

Pastor Clio

News from Tom and Nelda, Our Missionaries in the Philippines
We send our greetings from Mati and also want to let you know that we now have a web site. If anyone wants to view it, go to tomandnelda.net. Our website was designed by one of the graduates from CANDOR technical college here on the Agape compound. With many IT professionals around this compound, it is not hard to keep up with the high-tech world! If you want to link this to the West Valley site that would be fine also. This will be our primary method of keeping people informed. Please extend our love to all the fine folks at West Valley.

Tom and Nelda

Youth Update

SOFTBALL GAME, June 27

We have a softball game scheduled with our friends from the Northern District! The game will be played June 27 at 3:00 pm in Bellingham. You are invited to come and play or cheer the team on. We will leave right after church and try to carpool.

Michael is leading by example

If Pastor Keith plays in the outfield we might see great plays.

Oscar

Oscar is getting comfortable at 2nd. He could get to ground balls like this one all practice.

Spencer is an Eagle Scout!

Spencer was officially awarded the rank of Eagle Scout Tuesday night. He has been working hard for this achievement for many years. It was a great night to recognize all of Spencer's hard work and dedication. Spencer's mother and father were both there to support him. Spencer built the four large bookcases in the church library as part of his Eagle Scout project. Great job Spencer!

Spencer Eagle Scout