What is the Church here for?

Have you ever asked yourself this question? It is a question that is continually debated around the world!

Valley has a wonderful tradition of vibrant worship of God and this is most definitely a necessary practice. It is important to give God thanks and praise for the wonders of this life.

It is from this vibrancy and joy that the second reason exists for our presence in society. There are many who do not have joy in life, for whom life is a constant battle and there is no sense of hope. We are to be a reminder and encouragement to such folk that there is hope and that there is help in the difficult times.

More than being the verbal reminder we are to be the practical presence of God in their lives so that the church (we) become the gospel. In this the church is to be Christ to the suffering. The church (we) is here to help in a very practical and physical way.

The Church then has a dual role in society. We are to be the bringer of good news to those that need to hear it the most, and then we are to be the practical outpouring of that good news into peoples lives.

It is when this happens that lives are changed and the Church grows. Look around, there are so many who are in need of good news, maybe it's you? What can we do for you?

Huh !!!

I wonder if you feel like this about 2007? It went by so quickly you wonder what happened. It was a full year with huge amounts happening, the Currant's leaving, Terry arriving, myself taking over the spiritual leadership, no youth pastor for 6 months. Rene resigning, Carol and later Debbie coming on board. Who says church life is boring!

It has been a stressful year dealing with constant deadlines that are now over and we look forward to a constructive year with an amazing staff and Society Steward team.

2008

What is great about the New Year is that we are able to plan ahead and work in a constructive direction. Lent is very early with Ash Wednesday on 06 Feb and Easter 21 March. During this time we are going to be looking at ourselves and seeing what we are made for. Having discovered that, we will work in the second quarter on planning how we work together with our individual gifting in a combined effort in the third quarters. There will be other stuff happening as well, but that is the gist of things overall.

Get on the bus for an amazing ride in the journey of faith together.

Alan Dives