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June, 2020 - Issue #189
Faith in the Positive Moments
by Reverend Nicole Reilley
Each of us is finding our way in this time of change and challenge. How are you holding up? What is getting you through?
Faith communities offer real support and wisdom in times like these. Our faith, no matter how new or how small, is what enables us to see what can be and not only what is. I think of the verse from the scriptures that calls us to see possibilities and the positive: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." (Philippians 4:8)
We can do this, if we do it together and with God's support. Join us for online worship, kids and youth groups and small groups for adults. The building may be closed, but we are still here; and no one belongs here more than you.
Join us starting June 7 for our new series, Peeled. For, as Jesus said, "You will know them by their fruits." (Matthew 17:16) Find us at umcv.org and on all social media channels.
Reverend Nicole Reilley is the teaching and lead pastor at Valencia United Methodist Church. umcv.org
Facilities are Closed but the Church Continues!
by Jack Winkle
While we continue to hold our services online, at the time of this writing, we are reminded of the saying, "The facilities are closed, but the church continues!" When you hear the word "church," most people think of a building or a physical structure. The church, as described in the New Testament, is actually the body of believers: the people - not the place where we meet. While we are certainly grateful for facilities in which to meet - especially on hot, cold, windy or rainy days - the building is not the focus of a church. Whether yours meets in a beautiful building, a shopping center, a school or a home, it's the people who comprise the church.
We can do most of the things we do during a live service on the internet, but fellowship - the gathering together of like-minded believers - is one thing we're missing right now. And as a pastor, I can tell you I really miss that fellowship with others during this unprecedented time. We are social creatures. Whether we like a lot of human interaction, or just want to occasionally be reminded that we're not alone on the planet, fellowship - meeting together, seeing friends and family, interacting - is important. We learn so much from one another, and I am really missing that right now.
Please pray this current situation resolves and soon! In the meantime, I hope you can join us as we meet online, or in-person when we're able to do that again. At Calvary Chapel Golden Valley, we take the simple approach of teaching the Bible chapter by chapter, book by book - the whole counsel of God. We meet Sundays at 10am, and we've recently added an additional Special Needs Service for entire families dealing with autism and other disabilities on Sundays at noon. We invite those who might benefit from this special service to join us in an understanding and loving setting!
Jack Winkle is the lead pastor of Calvary Chapel Golden Valley. calvarychapelgoldenvalley.org
by Reverend Nicole Reilley
Each of us is finding our way in this time of change and challenge. How are you holding up? What is getting you through?
Faith communities offer real support and wisdom in times like these. Our faith, no matter how new or how small, is what enables us to see what can be and not only what is. I think of the verse from the scriptures that calls us to see possibilities and the positive: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." (Philippians 4:8)
We can do this, if we do it together and with God's support. Join us for online worship, kids and youth groups and small groups for adults. The building may be closed, but we are still here; and no one belongs here more than you.
"Maybe we cannot be physically together, yet we can connect with each other and share our experiences. We can reach out to others. Perhaps we may feel isolated, yet we know we are working together for a common good. We each have to do our part. Let us all focus on understanding and love. Then, when we do come out of this period, our relationships and community will be strong and unified."
Jay Siegel is rabbi of Congregation Beth Shalom.
Reverend Nicole Reilley is the teaching and lead pastor at Valencia United Methodist Church. umcv.org
Facilities are Closed but the Church Continues!
by Jack Winkle
While we continue to hold our services online, at the time of this writing, we are reminded of the saying, "The facilities are closed, but the church continues!" When you hear the word "church," most people think of a building or a physical structure. The church, as described in the New Testament, is actually the body of believers: the people - not the place where we meet. While we are certainly grateful for facilities in which to meet - especially on hot, cold, windy or rainy days - the building is not the focus of a church. Whether yours meets in a beautiful building, a shopping center, a school or a home, it's the people who comprise the church.
We can do most of the things we do during a live service on the internet, but fellowship - the gathering together of like-minded believers - is one thing we're missing right now. And as a pastor, I can tell you I really miss that fellowship with others during this unprecedented time. We are social creatures. Whether we like a lot of human interaction, or just want to occasionally be reminded that we're not alone on the planet, fellowship - meeting together, seeing friends and family, interacting - is important. We learn so much from one another, and I am really missing that right now.
Please pray this current situation resolves and soon! In the meantime, I hope you can join us as we meet online, or in-person when we're able to do that again. At Calvary Chapel Golden Valley, we take the simple approach of teaching the Bible chapter by chapter, book by book - the whole counsel of God. We meet Sundays at 10am, and we've recently added an additional Special Needs Service for entire families dealing with autism and other disabilities on Sundays at noon. We invite those who might benefit from this special service to join us in an understanding and loving setting!
Jack Winkle is the lead pastor of Calvary Chapel Golden Valley. calvarychapelgoldenvalley.org
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