Month: February 2016

Dear friends,

What a treat it was to gather with so many of you for our Valentines Banquet. We had a good crowd, and I was so impressed by the quality of the food, the amazing decorating work that transformed the gym into a pretty and warm place, and the incredible music by the NC Revelers, featuring our own Ray Doyle. The music was beautiful and added much to the event. I can’t even begin to offer adequate thanks to the many folks who organized this event and took care of all the details. We owe much gratitude to the Family Ministries Team, the Youth Council, and our youth. I appreciate the many hours of work that went into this fun evening of fellow-ship. Thanks also to those of you who made a donation to the youth during this event.

As we move forward, these are busy days at Hope Valley. The Lenten season is underway, and I encourage you to make Bible study and worship a priority as we journey towards Good Friday and the cross. Please begin making plans to join us for our Holy Week services on Wednesday, March 23 and Friday, March 25 (Good Friday). I always look forward to Easter, but we cannot fully appreciate Easter unless we have paid attention to what Jesus did and endured as He submit-ted Himself to death on the cross.

I also hope you will be able to be present this Sunday, the 21st, for our Quarterly Family Meeting after worship. You will have the opportunity to hear reports from various teams, including a report from our Deacons about some new ways they are going to be investing their time in focused Ministry Teams. There will be an update from the Constitution and Bylaws Team as well as some discussion about time frames being considered for our decision about using the old office for refugee ministry. In addition, the Personnel Team will be presenting a possible job description for a Part-Time Minister of Children. This potential position was mentioned during the presentation of the 2016 budget and is included in our approved budget. The team believes this is a position we need to fill and will share details on Sunday.

During this season of Lent, and as we make some significant decisions as a congregation, I continue to ask that we all devote ourselves to prayer and to seeking God’s leadership. I am grateful to be on this journey with you all.

Bill