March 2012

Worship Schedule Informal Service 8:30 a.m. Early Bird Coffee in Library 9:30 a.m. Traditional Service 10 a.m. Nursery care 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Children’s Sunday School 10 a.m. Fellowship and Coffee after Worship

March 4 Communion Second Sunday in Lent ‘Celebrate the Gifts of Women Sunday’

11 Session Meeting with New Members, 11:15 a.m. Third Sunday in Lent Daylight Saving Time begins

18 Cents-Ability Offering Fourth Sunday in Lent

25 Fifth Sunday in Lent

April 1 Palm/Passion Sunday Communion

Worship Schedule The significance of Lent

Celebrate the Gifts of Women March 4

Awakening Souls, Sharing Joy, Serving God in Christ - TRANSFORMING LIVES

Lent is one of the paramount seasons in the liturgical year for many Christians, including those of us in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Lent is a season of forty days plus six Sundays, beginning on Ash Wednesday and culminating in Holy Week. In this season, the church remembers and contemplates the life and death of Jesus. Lent is a time for self-examination, reflection, and repentance; it is a time to focus on the disciplines of the Christian life. This year, Valley will observe the season of Lent with a focus on discipleship. We will have a Lenten sermon series on discipleship, including the disciplines of faith, repentance, forgiveness, sacrifice, and love. Holy Week, the last week of the Lenten season, recalls Jesus’ final week in Jerusalem, from his triumphal entrance into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday, April 1), to his last meal with his disciples (Maundy Thursday, April 5), to his actual crucifixion and death (Good Friday, April 6).

On March 4, the second Sunday in Lent we will recognize “Celebrate the Gifts of Women Sunday” with other churches in the PC(U.S.A.). Pastor Rebecca Chancellor will preach on the story of Hagar in Genesis and our call to repentance and forgiveness as disciples of Christ. In worship, we will seek to honor women who contribute their gifts to the church and community, lift up issues of women’s rights, focus on the role of women, and honor courageous women who struggle, persevere and survive in our world. Females of all ages will help lead us in worship as we celebrate the women of the past, present, and future.

Palm Sunday is April 1 All invited to help make palm crosses before worship Palm Sunday celebrates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem with shouts of “Hosanna” and the waving of palm branches. It also marks the beginning of Holy Week, where we remember Jesus’ last week with his disciples, before he was hung on the cross to die. All Valley members and friends are invited to gather at the Youth House at 9 a.m. on Palm Sunday to help us make enough palm crosses for all who come to worship at 10 a.m. We will use long, thin palm leaves to fold into

crosses. Come join the fun to help us celebrate Jesus’ life and ministry. Cont. on page 11

In this Issue: Pastor René Minshew announces retirement, p. 2 Community Service Award Breakfast March 17, p. 4 Valley’s Man of the Year, p. 5 Easter and Holy Week, p. 6

If you were not in worship on Sunday, February 19 or did not stay for the congregational meeting, you missed some news. In addition to

hearing about many of the joys coming from Session committees about some of the positive outcomes from their planning and hard work, and the reaffirmation of the terms of call for each of the pastors, I announced my “intent to retire” by the middle of this summer. In consultation with my family, we decided that 38 years of ordained ministry, my turning 66 years of age and the fairly recent heart surgery, I should begin the process toward retirement. These decisions are never one person’s alone. They are always about the family. Since my entire family now lives in Seattle, it will be prudent for Ellen and me to move there to be closer to them. Therefore, I have one more move left in my future.

All pastors in the Presbyterian Church are not members of local churches, but members of the Presbytery in which the congregation they serve resides. The Committee on Ministry of Cascades Presbytery will be involved in the final, official dissolution of the pastoral relationship between Valley and me. There will be one more congregational meeting for that purpose sometime closer to the end of my tenure here. I will keep Session and you posted as to when that meeting will occur. I can say, without reservation, that I have enjoyed my years of ordained ministry in the Presbyterian Church, and if it weren’t for these external factors, I would continue for many more years. I have enjoyed the variety of places that we have lived and served. They have each been adventures of new cultures, different priorities and changing landscapes. It would have been easier on my family had I stayed in one state or one presbytery. But being open to a call where my gifts and a congregation’s priorities matched has led me to different parts of the country. My life has become richer because of it. We have friends all over the east coast, the middle part of this country and now in the Pacific Northwest. As time and opportunity become available, I hope to continue to preach and teach on a limited basis during retirement. I have enjoyed my time at Valley. The people and challenges have been among the best of my ministry. I will continue to cherish the memories I have from being among you. I see my time remaining as limited in duration and influence, but not diminished in my ability to be a pastor, a teacher and a preacher. If

the past is any indicator, I will be as fully present as possible until my last day as your pastor. When we left Wichita, KS to come here, the movers were packing the truck on the day of my last teaching assignment at the church. I plan to be available here in similar ways. It is only natural for people to protect themselves emotionally when they know someone is going to leave. Some people will stop speaking to me. Others will no longer come by the office just to say, “Hi.” On the other hand, some will want to have that “last cup of coffee” together or “do lunch” one more time. I invite you to respond in the way you think and feel best. I will understand, no matter what. This will be the fourth leave-taking and moving away in my pastoral career. It will be as hard on me as it is on you, because of our mutual attachment. The good news in all this is that stability will remain at Valley in and through the presence of Pastors Ben and Rebecca. You have been and will continue to be in good hands. And for that I am very grateful. I invite your response to this transition to me, Pastor Ben or Pastor Rebecca and members of session. Peace, Shalom, Salaam, Namaste,

Page 2 Valley Messenger April 2012

Pastor’s column

THE MESSENGER VALLEY COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 8060 SW BRENTWOOD ST. PORTLAND, OR 97225-2355 503.292.3537 FAX 503.292.4272 www.valleycommunity.org Email: mail@valleycommunity.org

PASTORS RENÉ MINSHEW BEN PAROULEK REBECCA CHANCELLOR

NEWSLETTER STAFF: SHIRLEY HERCHER AND ANGELA GRAHAM

PLEASE SUBMIT ARTICLES VIA E-MAIL BY MARCH 15 FOR THE APRIL ISSUE: messenger@valleycommunity.org

THE NEWSLETTER STAFF RETAINS PERMISSION TO MODIFY SUBMISSIONS FOR CLARITY, SPACE, CONTENT AND STYLE.

Pastor René Minshew

March 2012 Valley Messenger Page 3

Thank you for sending your check for the

2012 Per Capita - $23.85 for each Valley member. Your checks help Valley’s

budget planning.

For more information about what per capita is,

and how it helps, go to http://oga.pcusa.org/percapita.

Finance Report

Session Highlights

Congregational Meeting Highlights Feb. 19, 2012: The Annual Congregational Meeting of Valley Community Presbyterian Church was held after 10 a.m. worship service. It was followed by a Fellowship Lunch for everyone in Davis Hall. Moderator, Pastor Rene Minshew, opened the meeting with prayer.

Tim Kurtz, Clerk of Session, introduced the purpose of the meeting – to highlight accomplishments from 2011, and look forward to 2012. Elders Marilyn Conforti and Andrea Murdoch highlighted key happenings and achievements from 2011: Communication projects, Children’s Ministries, Facilities, Fellowship, Membership, Mission, Worship, and Youth.

Pastor Rene Minshew announced his intention to retire in July 2012.

Personnel: The vacant Office Assistant position will remain so, with necessary tasks fulfilled with volunteers recruited through the help of the newly created Volunteer Coordinator position.

Building Superintendent, George Schweser, announced his retirement, May 31, 2012.

In response to Pastor Rene’s column in the February Messenger, it was clarified that Session has made no decision to change the pastoral configuration or to cut salaries. Discussions of a variety of options are ongoing.

Finance update: The budget outlook for 2012 was reviewed.

Terms of Call: Annual Pastors’ Terms of Call effective January 1, 2012 were approved by vote of the congregation for Pastors Rebecca Chancellor, Ben Paroulek and M. René Minshew.

The meeting was closed in prayer by Moderator, Pastor Minshew.

There is not yet a final approved budget for Valley as of January. The budget inputs have been collected for the year from each program area, and the Session is now considering the budgeting alternatives and a proposed budget for the year. For the month of January, Valley saw a net loss of approximately $4,300. A key item impacting those results was the adult giving for the month of January, which was down approximately $5,000 from January last year. Thank you to everyone who has turned in his or her pledge information for 2012; if you still have not done so, we prayerfully ask for your support to Valley in 2012. As our budgeting work for the year draws to a close, your pledge information is vital to helping guide the decisions of Session. Lyle Chadwick, Treasurer Eben Jenkins, Finance Committee Elder

At the regular meeting on February 14, 2012, Valley’s Session: Approved Elders Carol Powers, Connie Brenner, Alisha Killian, and

David Marquis (each going one day) as commissioners to the Cascades Presbytery Meeting March 9-10 at Mt. Tabor Presbyterian in Portland.

Approved paying Valley’s Per Capita dues to Cascades Presbytery in installments over an eight-month period.

Heard that Elders will assist with the Good Friday service as lectors from 3–8 p.m., April 6. (See page 6)

Heard January Finance update and 2012 budget forecast (see this page). A special Session meeting is set for 6 p.m., March 6.

Approved a line item for the Personnel budget of $500 to pay for required background checks ($10 each) for adult volunteers working with minors in church activities.

Approved motion: Ruthann Marquis may hold an exploratory meeting about hosting a “Dining for Women” event at Valley.

Page 4 Valley Messenger March 2012

Community Service Awards Breakfast March 17

Meet your family of faith The Membership Committee will re-introduce members (and friends) to the congregation through The Valley Messenger. If you know you’d like to be re-introduced to the Valley congregation, feel free to send a quick paragraph about yourself and your family to mconforti3@comcast.net.

Meet members of police, sheriff and fire departments and Valley’s Man of the Year Everyone is invited to the annual Community Service Awards Breakfast on Saturday, March 17 at 9 a.m. for an inspiring and enjoyable morning. The celebration begins with the popular pancake and sausage breakfast in Davis

Hall, prepared and served by the Men of Valley at no charge. Awards for community service will be presented to members of the Washington County Sheriff's Department, Beaverton Police Department, and Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue. Recipients of these awards have shown outstanding achievements in their departments. It’s an opportunity for our congregation to become acquainted with members of these public service organizations and to thank them. The Man of the Year Award is given in memory of Jack Burns. This year the men of Valley will present the plaque to Lyle Chadwick in honor of his many years of service to Valley. See his photo and information on page 5.

Barbara and Ron Symons We moved into the Raleigh Park neighborhood in 1959. We were introduced to Valley when Dr. Bill Gamble knocked on our door and invited us to church and we have been part of the Valley family ever since. On his recommendation, we became involved in the life of the church. Our first involvement was with the Valley High, now called Valley Youth Program and our first mission trip was inspired by Dr. Gamble who had a passion for the Holy Land. We coordinated a trip to the Holy Land in 1966 where 28 High Schoolers went along with other Valley families. Over the years, there were many other mission trips that we coordinated with other families and youth within Valley Church and the Presbytery. These trips included large groups and Valley couples such as Gwen and Jack Burns. The trips were quite eventful (e.g. wars and hurricanes). Ron held many key positions at Valley including elder for Mission, and was Man of the Year in 2003. Ron also received a photographic award from Parade magazine for his photos taken in Africa for Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship. Ron was honored for 25 years of service to that organization as he served in various capacities over the years. Barbara became involved at Valley by working on the showcase by the

Library. At first it was a way to communicate events and books that the library offered. Since then and for over 44 years, Barbara has been decorating the showcase outside the Library announcing many of the key events that occur at Valley Church. She was also involved in the Christmas Workshop each year (now called the Advent Fair). She also coordinated the Mother-Daughter desert event as well. Her expertise is in decorating and recently has sewn for Dresses for Africa. Our two children, Stuart and Sharon have grown up at Valley and now live in Tillamook and Seattle respectively. Stuart has taken on the spirit of mission that we instilled in him and has taken 27 youth trips to Mexico. Sharon has hosted exchange students from Japan over the last several years. We have four wonderful grandchildren with whom we enjoy spending time. Our family has been blessed to be part of Valley’s family of faith for so many years.

Senior Adult Lunch March 28 On Wednesday, March 28 at noon, we will have our Senior Adult Lunch, and the cost is still $4. Our speaker this month will be a participant in the second “Friendship Flight” from Oregon to Japan. After the tsunami caused by the devastating earthquake swept through parts of Japan, a group of Oregonians formed a “Friendship Flight” to show support to the Japanese. This March is the one year anniversary of their flight, and they are returning to Japan to see what has been accomplished and what more they might do to help. They will be reporting what they saw and perhaps ways we can help. Please join us!

March 2012 Valley Messenger Page 5

Lyle Chadwick ‘Man of the Year’

Rohrbaugh leads class at Rose City

Lyle Chadwick has been named Valley’s “Man of the Year” by the Men’s Bible Study Fellowship in recognition of his years of volunteer service to Valley Church. He will be honored on Saturday, March 17, at the Community Awards Breakfast presented by the men’s bible study group. Lyle grew up in Colorado, graduated from the University of Colorado and relocated to Oregon, complements of the U. S. Air Force in 1963. He met his first wife, Susan when she was a student at OSU; they married and had three daughters who have all married, and Lyle enjoys seven grandchildren, age 3 to 13. Lyle, Sue and their daughters began attending Valley in 1981 and were members of the Argonauts and Navigators Mariner ships. Sue died in 2004, and Lyle subsequently met Judy Erbeau while counting the weekly church cash receipts. Lyle and Judy married in 2005 and continue to be active at Valley. As a church member, Lyle has been active in several programs, serving on the Education committee, the Youth House committee, served as an elder on session for six years in three different functions and has been the church Treasurer since 2002. He is an original member of the Wednesday morning men’s bible study group, which began in 1989. He has chaired the Community Awards Breakfast for the last five years.

Lyle has always enjoyed sports and continues to play as much golf as possible. Except for eight years, he has been the proud owner of three different Ford Mustangs every year since their inception in 1965. Lyle enjoyed his career as a certified public accountant for 41 years, retiring at the end of tax season in 2008.

Lyle Chadwick

Dr. Richard Rohrbaugh will be speaking at Rose City Park United Methodist Church, 5830 NE Alameda, Portland, OR 97213 on Thursdays, March 15, 19 and April 12 at 7:30 p.m. on three topics: 1) A Peasant Reading of the Parable of the Talents; 2) The Evil Eye: A Core Belief in the New Testament World; 3) Zaccheaus and Jesus: Honor Claimed and Honor Vindicated. Dr. Richard Rohrbaugh is the Paul S. Wright Professor of Christian Studies at Lewis and Clark College. He is the author of nine books exploring the social and cultural context of the earliest Christian writings. A $10 donation is suggested. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Mission Endowment applications due April 1

Deacons’ Red Cross Blood Drive March 29

April 1 is the spring application deadline for grants from Valley’s Mission Endowment Fund. The Mission Endowment Committee meets in April to consider applications requesting funds for mission work. Committee members review applications from both organizations and individuals, whether secular or church-related, local, national or international. Created in 1979, the Mission Endowment Fund is an important part of Valley’s mission program. Consideration is given to applications which 1) address hunger, food and health needs of people around the world, 2) assist volunteers in the mission field, 3) advance denominational programs of outreach, service and proclamation, and/or 4) assist secular and social organizations that aid in the care of people. No applications will be accepted after the deadline. Contact Elaine Rea at elaine@iname.com, visit the church office, or go to the church website: www.valleycommunity.org/church_forms.htm for a grant application.

Our next blood drive is Thursday March 29, from 2-7 p.m., and it’s also during Spring Break this year. Please mark your calendars and come spend an hour of your time having fun, saving lives, and chatting with church family. Sign up during Coffee Fellowship Hour or contact Christine Danner or Virginia Grubb.

Our congregational luncheon was blessed with some incredible dancing music provided by the Soundstage Rhythm Orchestra. We are so grateful that they were willing to share their music with us. This talented group rehearses in our church on Sunday afternoons. They brought their music to us as a thank you for the space we provide for them. Find out more about them at www.sromusic.com or by contacting Angie or Ben in the church office.

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Gamble Library News Easter and Holy Week Have you stopped by the church library lately located at the end of the hall leading to the east parking lot? We have a large collection of a variety of good books including Bible stories, Bible studies, devotions, ecology, biography, fiction, and many children’s books. Thanks to donations and purchases, our collection keeps growing. One of the new books is Dancing with Rose: Finding Life in the Land of Alzheimers. Written by Lauren Kessler, it is about the devastating disease that took her mother’s life and the relationships and realities she shared with the people who work in an end-of-life care facility. Book Discussion Group The Book Discussion Group will meet Friday, March 23, at 10 AM in the Fireside Room. The book for discussion this month is Mink River, by Brian Doyle. Set in a small fictional town on the Oregon coast, it is the tale of the town and its many varied, interesting people and their lives. Everyone is invited to attend and join in the lively discussion.

Upward Basketball seeks new leaders

By Anne and David Scearce The current 2012 Upward Basket-ball season marks Valley’s fifth year hosting Upward Basketball. We wanted to let you know that this will be our last season managing the league at Valley. It has been an ex-

tremely rewarding job; however, we feel it is time to pass the torch to a new set of leaders. During Valley’s five-year partnership with Portland First Church of the Nazarene, Upward Basketball has grown strong roots in the community and has drawn in children from all over the Portland Metropolitan area. There are 620 chil-dren playing in the league this season. Valley’s commitment to the league has touched hundreds of children and provided Valley members with many Saturdays of fellowship. We hope that others within Valley’s congregation will be inspired to manage the league at Valley next season so this wonderful program will continue to thrive. Since our son will be entering his last season in Upward next year, we do still plan to be involved with the league and are more than willing to help train and be a resource for the new leaders. We believe an ideal scenario would be to have two sets of leaders; one set to manage game day and one set to manage the Upward Café for the eight-week season. We feel proud to have been a part of this league, and blessed to have had the opportunity to get to know so many members of Valley’s congregation on Saturdays. We are so grateful for all the support everyone at Valley has shown.

Presbyterian Women Spring Gathering April 14 Presbyterian Women of Cascades Presbytery gather on Saturday, April 14, at First Presbyterian Church, McMinnville, for fellowship, worship, an introduction to next year’s Horizons Bible study, and a keynote presentation by women who attended the U.N. Conference on the Status of Women for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) More information will be available in local churches, on websites for Cascades Presbyterian Women, Cascades Presbytery and April CEE and newsletters. Learn more about this inspiring organization. “If you’re Presbyterian, and you’re a woman, you’re a Presbyterian Woman!”

Palm/Passion Sunday, April 1. (See page 1)

Maundy Thursday, April 5 at 6 p.m. Includes a simple supper in Davis Hall, youth drama, and service in the sanctuary.

Good Friday Service, April 6. The sanctuary will be open for worship and meditation from 3 to 8 p.m. A short service focused on Jesus’ last words from the cross will be held each hour on the hour. Worshippers may arrive and depart at any time.

Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, April 7 at 10 a.m.. Valley’s children will be hosted by the Youth groups. (See page 9)

Easter Services, Sunday, April 8. 6:30 a.m. Sunrise Service by Valley Youth 8:30 and 10:00 a.m. Easter services in the sanctuary with instrumental music and joyful song. Celebrate the Lenten Season in song During the Lenten Season, music is profoundly significant and ever-present. The Sanctuary Choir and guest musicians will perform carefully selected anthems and music to convey the liturgical moods and messages. Perhaps this would be a perfect time to join the choir on a short-term basis through Easter. Come celebrate the scriptures, liturgy, and season in song and music. You’re invited to join Adam Steele and the Sanctuary Choir Thursday nights from 7:15 p.m.–9:15 p.m. in the choir room.

March 2012 Valley Messenger Page 7

Children’s Ministry It’s more than just about coloring… Take a close look at the artwork and captions provided by seven-year-old Faith Bridges after our lessons on Stewardship in our Creative Classroom Circuit Sunday School here at Valley. Here are some personal examples of what stewardship means to Faith:

Non-Rush Hour March 7 All adults are welcome to our Non-Rush Hour from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Fireside Room on Wednesday, March 7. Hors d’oeuvres will be provided. Join Pastor Ben for candlelight and conversation. Kay Hope Gold will care for your infants through three years, so all adults may kick back and r e l a x!

Vacation Bible School Dates are set for July 9-13 VBS. Volunteers are needed and awn-ings wanted. VBS will be offered from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. We’re expecting 150 children again this year. This is our chance once again to reach out to neighborhood children and invite them to Val-ley. Registration forms will be provided on-line shortly. Kids will sing VBS songs for the congregation during our 10 a.m. worship hour on July 15. Valley’s All-Church Picnic will immediately fol-low that worship service. If you’d like to participate in this year’s VBS by volunteering your time and talent to lead an activity for the kids, help in the kitchen, help with set up or tear down or by donat-ing your treasure by helping with VBS expenses, or loaning your family’s awning during VBS week and for the All-Church Picnic on July 15, please contact Kay Hope Gold at kay@valleycommunity.org or our VBS Co-Director, Shannon Blair at slblairrn@yahoo.com.

Preschool Corner It’s halfway through the school year already and things are moving fast. The kids are growing and learning so much. This has been one of our best years. Best, as in we have an outstanding group of parents who jump in to volunteer every chance they get. From cooking projects to

art activities to reading with the children – and even subbing when one of our teachers is sick – our parents are always there to support us and help make Valley Christian Preschool what it is today. And our early education team is outstanding. Check out the staff pages on our website to learn more about Valley’s teachers. With great experience from a variety of backgrounds, our passion for teaching shows in how we talk and work with the children. One of our goals in 2012 is growing our scholarship program. We already have several educational scholarships in use by families, and thankfully, we’ve never had to turn anyone away. But our funds are dwindling, so we’re collecting donations to help more children in the community attend preschool next year. If you would like to help sponsor a child, please talk to Taundra in the preschool office or AmyAnn in the church office. Taundra Pitchford, Director

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Youth Ministry Parents’ Night Out: March 17

The Valley youth groups are hosting another “Parents Night Out!” Who: Toddlers through 5th grade children are welcome. What: an opportunity for parents to have a night out (or in) while the children enjoy time at the church with new and old friends. Age-appropriate activities, games, crafts, playtime, stories, and more will be led by our Middle School and High School youth. When: Saturday, March 17, 5-9 p.m. Where: Valley Community Presbyterian Church- classrooms and gym Why: Not only is this fun for both parents and children, but this is also a fundraiser for the “Youth Mission Fund” and therefore a great way to support the Valley Youth in mission and outreach. Cost: $20 per child, or $50 per family (three or more children in one household) How: Please register your children’s names and ages with Rebecca in the main office, no later than Wednesday, March 14, to secure their spots. Thank you for supporting the Youth Mission Fund.

All invited to Sock Hop April 14 The Valley Youth extend a warm invitation to all for the annual Sock Hop for Youth Mission on Saturday, April 14, 6-9 p.m. in Davis Hall/Gym. This fantastic fundraiser will feature food, sweet treats, music, dancing, and games that recall the 1950s era. Mark your calendars now, and invite your friends to join you! This is a great way to support the summer youth mission trips, but it is also a fun event with the Valley family. The Valley Youth begin selling tickets for the Sock Hop later this month, so be on the lookout… and get ready for a rockin’ good time!

Serving with a Smile In February, our Middle School LIFE group had a chance to put into practice what it means to “Live In Faith Everyday.” Our group served dinner at Blanchet House in downtown Portland. We served a warm meal on a cold night to more than 100 people. After dinner service was completed and all of the dinner guests had left, we sat down to enjoy dinner together and talked about our experiences. Many of the youth noticed that we served some of the same people more than once. To be fair, the servers were told that Blanchet House has a rule about receiving one plate of food each time you come in and sit down. But no one is prevented from leaving and standing in the dinner line again to enter again for another plate of food. One of the youth noted, “I saw a man there who brought a container with him, and every time he came in, he would fill the container with pasta and leave. Then he would come back and fill his container again! It showed me that he didn’t know when his next meal would be.” Another youth commented that there were two reasons he had the best job, which was refilling coffee and water: He stood next to the radio and the coffee pots kept his hands warm. The youth were very aware that the environment created inside Blanchet House that evening was quite

different from the sidewalks outside, where the low temperature and wind made it somewhat harsh. Another youth pointed out that he realized how hungry he was while he was serving plates of food for an hour. Another noted that the people who came in to eat seemed to savor each bite, and they said thank you. Someone else said, “It was not a surprise, but it was sad to see a kid there, eating with his dad.” One of the youth appreciated all of the smiles: “I put salad on plates that were served to whoever came in. Although my hands got cold, I liked seeing all the smiling faces that were being given food for that day.” Finally, one of the youth recognized God’s presence with her, both in the decision to show up in the first place and at Blanchet House. She said, “Yesterday I wasn’t planning to come tonight but something this afternoon made me change my mind. I thought I’d have too much homework and it wouldn’t be worth my time. I think God made me change my mind. I’m glad I went because I had a lot of fun and met new people. My favorite part was meeting and working with Cruz who put the desserts on the plates after I put on fruit. He was very funny and kind. I’m very glad I went.”

Middle School girls helping to serve dinner at Blanchet House on February 15th. The Middle School group helped dish up the meal, served the guests food and beverages, and cleared plates at the downtown “House of Hospitality.”

March 2012 Valley Messenger Page 9

Youth Ministry (cont.)

Children’s Easter Egg Hunt Children of all ages are invited to a family fellowship event including an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 7 at 10 a.m. We will hold the event at Valley, inside or outside depending on the weather. All youth in grades 6-12 are encouraged to help lead the event. More details to follow, but mark your calendars for April 7.

Valley Youth hosted an epic event - Ding Dong Hockey – in January. With youth groups from Hillsboro and St. Andrews Presbyterian Churches, we shuffled around the gym with household brooms chasing frozen Hostess Ding Dong cakes. Both our Middle School and High School youth groups were well represented, and rumor has it the Valley Youth won at least one of our games. We enjoyed a fun-filled evening of fel lowship with the other “Westside Presbyterian Youth,” complete with pizza, root beer floats and plenty of Ding Dongs! We are looking forward to our next Westside Presbyterian Youth gathering in Hillsboro in April.

Valley Youth hosted youth groups from Hillsboro Presbyterian and St. Andrews Presbyterian for a Ding Dong Hockey tournament in Davis Hall! We enjoyed playing hockey, eating pizza, and making new friends!

Youth Sunday 2012 Youth Sunday in February was spectacular and Spirit-filled. The worship service featured an inspiring sermon from senior Hannah Pyle, wonderful music by our youth vocal and bell choirs, and superb leadership in all areas of worship by our Middle School and High School youth. Thank you to all of our youth who participated, whether it was behind the scenes or up front. Everyone did a fantastic job. And a very special thanks goes to our congregation for generously donating over $850 to the Youth Mission Fund, which will go toward our youth mission trips this summer. Thank you to all!

Ding Dong Hockey with Westside Presbyterian Youth

Valley Youth gathered in the sanctuary before worship on Youth Sunday, February 12, 2012.

One of our Middle School youth during a reenactment of the Bible story for Youth Sunday, The Healing of Naaman from 2 Kings.

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tg. 7:00p Tai C

hi Class

7:15p Sanctuary C

hoir

9 8:00a Wom

en’s Aerobics

9:00a Girl S

cout Troop 4:00p U

pward B

asketball P

ractice

10 9:00a U

pward

Basketball G

ames

11 8:00a Youth S

unday Breakfast

8:30a Worship

9:30a Early B

ird Coffee

10:00a Worship

10:00a Children’s S

unday School

11:15a Coffee Fellow

ship 11:15a Finance C

omm

ittee Mtg.

11:15a Session M

eeting with N

ew

Mem

bers 2:00p C

amp Fire M

eeting 5:00p Youth C

hoir 6:30p H

igh School FA

MILY

12 8:00a W

omen’s A

erobics 12:00p Facilities C

omm

ittee 6:00p G

irl Scout Troop

6:30p Girl S

cout Troop 41486

13 10:00a Tai C

hi Class

6:00p Girl S

cout Troop 40168 7:00p Session

14 8:00a M

en’s Bible S

tudy 8:00a W

omen’s A

erobics 12:00p W

ednesday Adult

Education

3:30p Girl S

cout Troop 5:00p C

herub Choir

5:00p King’s K

ids Choir

6:00p Royal R

ingers 6:30p M

iddle School L.I.F.E

.

15 “Valley M

essenger” A

rticles Due

8:00a Soup K

itchen 10:00a A

lanon 10:00a P

iecemakers

10:00a Tai Chi C

lass 1:15p P

astors’ Meeting

7:00p Tai Chi C

lass 7:15p S

anctuary Choir

16 8:00a W

omen’s A

erobics 2:30p C

amp Fire M

tg.

17 9:00a C

omm

unity S

ervice Breakfast

4:30p Parents’

Night O

ut

18 8:30a W

orship 9:30a E

arly Bird C

offee 10:00a W

orship 10:00a C

hildren’s Sunday S

chool 11:15a C

offee Fellowship

2:30p Cub S

cout Den 5

5:00p Youth Choir

6:30p High S

chool FAM

ILY

19 8:00a W

omen’s A

erobics 10:00p C

entury Club B

oard M

eeting 6:00p G

irl Scout Troop

6:30p Girl S

cout Troop 41486 7:30p P

ersonnel Com

m.

7:30p Scout Troop 592

20 10:00a Tai C

hi Class

6:00p Mission C

omm

ittee 6:00p G

irl Scout Troop

40168 7:00p D

eacons Ministry

21 8:00a M

en’s Bible S

tudy 8:00a W

omen’s A

erobics 12:00p W

ednesday Adult

Education

5:00p Cherub C

hoir 5:00p K

ing’s Kids C

hoir 6:00p R

oyal Ringers

6:30p Middle S

chool L.I.F.E.

22 10:00a A

lanon 10:00a P

iecemakers

10:00a Tai Chi C

lass 1:15p P

astors’ Meeting

4:00p Mem

bership Com

m.

6:00p Cub S

cout Pack 592

7:00p Tai Chi C

lass 7:15p S

anctuary Choir

23 8:00a W

omen’s A

erobics 10:00a Library B

ook Club

- “Fourth Friday Features”

24

25 8:30a W

orship 9:00a S

unday School Teacher

Training 9:30a E

arly Bird C

offee 10:00a W

orship 10:00a C

hildren’s Sunday S

chool 11:15a C

offee Fellowship

5:00p Cub S

cout Pack 592

26 8:00a W

omen’s A

erobics 1:00p C

entury Club

General M

eeting 6:00p G

irl Scout Troop

27 6:00p C

hildren’s Ministry

6:00p Girl S

cout Troop 40168 6:30p Youth C

omm

ittee

28 8:00a M

en’s Bible S

tudy 8:00a W

omen’s A

erobics 11:30a Youth S

pring Break at

Youth House

12:00p Senior A

dult Luncheon 3:30p G

irl Scout Troop

29 10:00a A

lanon 10:00a P

iecemakers

1:15p Pastors’ M

eeting 2:00p D

eacon’s Red C

ross B

lood Drive

7:15p Sanctuary C

hoir

30 8:00a W

omen’s A

erobics 31

Ma

rch 2

012

L.I.F.E. - Living in Faith E

veryday (Middle S

chool)

Mar. 9-11 C

ascades Presbytery C

ounselor-in- Training R

etreat for High S

chool

Mar. 9-10 P

resbytery of the Cascades m

eets at M

t. Tabor Presb. C

hurch, Portland.

Opportunities Dinners for High School Youth are needed. The High School FAMILY enjoys dinner and fellowship at 6:30 p.m. Sundays in the Youth House before their evening program. We are looking for generous volunteers to provide dinner for the High School youth group. Specifically, we would like to line up dinners for approximately 15 people for the following Sunday evenings: March 18, April 1, 22, 29. Some ideas for a meal include: sandwich bar, taco bar, pasta bar, macaroni & cheese or soup and salad. Something simple is usually a crowd pleaser. If two families sign up to provide a dinner together, it is easy and more fun. You are welcome to stay and join them for dinner. Please contact Anne Scearce if you are able to help. Box tops and labels for education: Please continue to clip your box tops and labels from soups and more. Collection boxes are on the bookcases in the Narthex. We are a few hands short (pun intended) for our English Handbell Choir. The group needs at least two new members to continue. Playing handbells is a fascinating and rewarding experience. Some music reading skills are needed, and rehearsals are Thursday nights from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Contact Adam Steele if you are interested. Presbytery meeting: Everyone is invited to visit any part of the Presbytery of the Cascades meeting on March 9-10 at Mt. Tabor Presbyterian Church, 5441 SE Belmont St, Portland OR 97215 - 503-234-6493. More information at www.cascadespresbytery.org.

“Julian,” a drama based on the life of the medieval mystic, Julian of Norwich, will be presented by actress and Presbyterian clergywoman, Linda C. Loving on Sunday, March 18 at 5 p.m. at Tualatin Presbyterian Church. Free - all are welcome. www.JulianOfNorwich.com.

Thanks To my Friends at Valley: My thanks to all of you for your beautiful cards, notes and other support over the past several months. We have tried to thank each of you individually, but if we have missed anyone, we apologize. Evelyn Page

Deep gratitude to all the congratulators, card writers, and well-wishers on the occasion of my 10th anniversary celebration. It’s been such a joy to serve and be part of Valley Community Presbyterian Church. I pray that I can continue to bless and be blessed by my ministry in this beloved community of faith. Pastor Ben Paroulek

Thank you to all who put together the celebration of the 50th anniversary of my ordination. It is good to have so many friends with whom to celebrate such an occasion. Chuck Falconer

Dear Valley, Thank you so much for all that you contributed to my ordination service. Your presence and support made the day so meaningful! I am grateful for you all. With love, Jenny Pratt

Thank you to all who made my Valentine’s Day one to remember! I am truly blessed to be considered part of Valley’s family and am so thankful to have the opportunity to get to know the wonderful people here. Thank you, Angela Graham

Prayers We pray for those with health concerns: Evelyn Page, Mary Stapleton, Leo Hess, Bob Scearce, Mary Lee Marshall, Rhoda Glover, Mary Hitchcock We pray for those who mourn: Family and friends of Jared Townsley who died in a February climbing accident.

Valley Notes

March 2012 Valley Messenger Page 11

Palm Sunday is April 1 (cont. from page 1) Again this year, 10 a.m. Worship on Palm Sunday will include dramatic readings of the Passion Narrative. Because we are in Year B in the lectionary cycle (three years, A, B, and C), this year will include Mark’s version of the passion story. Worship will center around the gospel readings, including our confession, offering, and the Lord’s Supper. The dramatic readings will be led by pastors, staff, and members of our congregation. A rehearsal will be held for all readers during the week prior to Palm Sunday. If you are interested in serving as a reader and participating in worship leadership on Palm Sunday, April 1, please contact Pastor Rebecca in the church office. Small, medium, and larger parts are available.

THE MESSENGER VALLEY COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 8060 SW BRENTWOOD ST. PORTLAND, OR 97225-2355

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TIME DATED MATERIAL

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PAID Portland, OR

Permit No. 219

Deacons’ Red Cross Blood Bank

Thursday, March 29, 2-7 p.m.

Sign up and save a life! See p. 5

March 17, 5-9 p.m.

Toddlers through 5th graders have fun with Valley

youth while parents enjoy time out and help support Youth Missions.

See page 8.

Community Service Pancake Breakfast

By Men of Valley Saturday, March 17, 9 a.m.

See p. 4

One Great Hour of Sharing