Valley Mission Church of the Nazarene

110 Hillcrest Way, (in Judah) Bedford, Indiana  47421

Week of 03/07 to 03/13/2021

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Just a quick reminder that we are living in the 40-day Lenten Season.  Lent begins with Ash Wednesday and continues until Easter Sunday.  What is it all about?

The Lent season is first and foremost a season of repentance; a turning away from those things that keep us from being fully committed to God.  Some of those things are obvious sins that we commit against God and others.  However, some of those things are not so obvious and become very easily overlooked.

Ask God, by His Spirit to show you the things that might be replacing your relationship with God with other things in life.  There can be all kinds of hobbies, passions, preferences, and past times that can find its way in front of worshipping God.  Get them out of the way!

Sunday, I mentioned that there is a ‘good life’ that we create with our own hands and effort.  There is also the ‘best life’, that God has for each one of us that is found only in a life totally surrendered to His will and way.  Life the BEST LIFE…you will find the freedom you always longed for.

Currently, we are not conducting Sunday School, but the pastors and church board will be discussing a start date soon. Please be in prayer and reflecting on your decision about attending in-person events to include Sunday School, pitch-ins, and fellowship opportunities.

Please send a message to Pastor Melony if you are not receiving the prayer emails and would like to see them or if you need assistance navigating the church website or finding the church Facebook page.

Grace and Peace, Pastor John and Pastor Melony

Week of 02/28 to 03/06/2021

Greetings!  We survived the winter blast and spring is coming…can I get an amen!  We hope all is well with you and yours.  A couple of reminders for this week.  First, if you have not yet listened to Sunday’s sermon take some time.  Engaging Easter is all about taking these 40 days of the Lenten season and making it count in our everyday lives.  This past Sunday I spoke on the topic of ‘Pain’ and we explored the model Jesus used in dealing with the ‘Friday’s and Saturday’s’ of life….until we get to the JOY of SUNDAY!  Take time to find it on our Valley Mission Facebook page, Youtube, or at valleymissionnazarene.org.  You wouldn’t see it online, but following Sunday’s sermon, we had a powerful time of prayer and anointing with oil at the altar as many were giving their various ‘pains’ in life to God.


Finally, did you remember your homework?  Totally forgot didn’t you?  Pastor Melony suggested it and I totally agree.  If you have not already done so read Hebrews 10:19-39 and Romans 15:1-13 this week.  Read for transformation and heart change, not simply for information. No sermon, no 3 point message, just let the Spirit of God to speak to you over what He is saying to us in these days.


Grace and Peace, Pastor John and Pastor Melony

Week of 10/18 to 10/24/2020​

VM,

As all of you know, we have had our first positive Covid case here at Valley Mission.  In all situations we need to stress the truth and live life inside of the truth.  As your Pastors we have done our due diligence to help all of us walk through these days.

First, let me tell you that due to state and federal laws, the use of any names is strictly prohibited.  It serves absolutely no purpose as only those who may be involved need to be made aware of the situation in detail so they can watch for any symptoms.

Secondly, there were only a couple of people who were required contact per the county health department.  All protocol we are following has been given directly by the county health department.  We explained the steps we are taking and they confirmed we were doing the right things.

Third, it is estimated that nearly 40 million known cases of Covid 19 have occurred and most likely hundreds of thousands more have gone without detection.  What does that mean?  In the words of health officials it is not if but when a Covid 19 contact will happen to every single person regardless of measures taken until which time immunity or an acceptable vaccine is discovered.  Be reminded, we are children of God, who has not given us a spirit of fear but a spirit of power and a sound mind.  We must and should remain faithful, especially in uncertain situations.

Finally, we have taken every precaution given to us by our county health and have every confidence the exposure is limited and to this point appears contained.  We are thankful the symptoms have been mild and pray for complete recovery for this precious child of God.  We look forward to seeing you for faith promise this Sunday at 10am!

Pastor John and Pastor Melony

Week of 10/11 to 10/17/2020​

VM,

 A prayer over you,

Father we come to you in Jesus name.  It is the name above all names, there is not a name in all of Heaven and Earth that compares to Jesus Christ our Lord.

I pray today for each one who receives this bulletin.  You knew each of us before we were born and You crafted us in our mother’s womb.  You know every detail that is in our lives and nothing is hidden from You.

Father I ask that you would draw each person to a deeper relationship with You.  May our lives be lived in a way that glorifies You in how we live, the things we say, and the things we do.  Guide us into the truth about our lives and lead us into the truth of Your plan for us.  May we place You in front of every other person, place, or thing in this world.

Father I ask for healing in Your people.  Many have various conditions that are affecting daily life.  I pray the blood of Jesus Christ, His healing power, the power of His resurrection to bring healing and protection over every person that is part of Valley Mission.

Father I give thanks.  I thank you simply because of who You are.  I thank you for providing for my every need.  I thank You for family and friends.  I thank You for skills and talents.  I thank You for a church to call my home.  I thank You for Your Word and Your presence in my life.  May it be said of our lives that the goodness and mercy of our God followed us all the days of our life.

Father I pray over lost family, and friends, and neighbors, and coworkers.  May You use us in mighty ways to reach them and have them become part of this local family.  Ignite a new passion and desire to see lost people come to Jesus Christ and we ask that You use us to this purpose.

Father we love You.  We worship You.  We praise You in every season and circumstance.  We trust You in every area of our life.  Have faith overcome every fear.  Make us what You want us to be….in Jesus name!  Amen!

Pastor John and Pastor Melony 

​Week of 10/4 to 10/10/2020​

VM,

Random observations often lead to very interesting reasons we do the things we do, and refuse to do other things that we should.  Recently some things came to my attention through a series of conversations.  These random observations may be of help in your life.

A couple of simple questions.  Are you teachable?  What are you teaching?   First, are you teachable?  So many people today refuse to have a teachable spirit.  A teachable spirit is a person who is humble, hungry, and longing to grow in the truth of Gods Word, while applying it to their daily lives.

The Bible gives us many examples of the obstacles that get in our way of being teachable.  1 Pet. 5:5 says that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.  Proverbs 12:1 reminds us that being teachable includes loving discipline in our lives.  1 Corinthians 2:13-14 places special attention on the need to rely on the instruction of the Spirit of God for the way we live our lives.  Proverbs 4:5 points out that we should pursue wisdom and not turn away from true words.

When we live a life that includes:

• Humility
• Discipline
• Reliance on God’s Spirit over our flesh
• Pursuing words of truth

When we live a life like this we become teachable and are ready for the next steps…

Who are you teaching?  Better yet, what exactly are you teaching?  Is a walk with Christ the number 1 priority in your house, at work, out in public, with your friends?  Do people easily associate who you are with the characteristics of being a Christ follower.

 A very blunt song by Steve Camp said it best:

“What would the devil say about your life
 Do they know you in hell, like they know your Christ
 Are you boiling hot, or are you cold as ice”

Are you teachable and what are you teaching?

Pastor John and Pastor Melony