A recent study revealed that an average 70-year-old man has spent 24 years sleeping, 14 years working, 8 years in amusements, 6 years at the dinner table, 5 years in transportation, 4 years in conversation, 3 years in education, and 2 years in studying and reading.
His other 4 years were spent in miscellaneous pursuits. Of those 4 years, he spent approximately 45 minutes at church on Sundays, and 5 minutes were devoted to prayer each day. This adds up to a total of 5 months that he gave to God over 70 years of his life . . . not very impressive!
Even if this man had been a faithful churchgoer who attended Sunday school and three one-hour services per week, he would have spent only 1 year and 9 months in church. If you have a question about the above arithmetic, sit down and figure out how you have been using your time. How large a portion of it is for things related to God? When you finish this exercise, reflect on what Jesus said in Matthew 16:26, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?”
Therefore, it behooves us to acknowledge that our times, as David acknowledged in Psalm 31:15, are in God’s hands. Like David may we recognize that the course of our lives are in His sovereign control. Either God’s hand or our enemies’ hand holds us. To be out of the enemies’ hand (whatever that may be for you) is to be free. Therefore, it is my prayer that we choose to trust God with our lives, acknowledging his control of every dimension of our time – and celebrating his presence even in the midst of our challenges.
Sunday Worship
Pastor Glen will continue the sermon series, Ephesians: Our Identity and Purpose! His sermon this Sunday is “Walking Carefully on Halloween,” based upon Ephesians 5:15-17. Please read this text in preparation for worship.
Adult Sunday School
Our Adult Sunday school class will meet this Sunday immediately after worship in the large Sunday school room. Please join Janet Coiner and others for a wonderful time around God’s Word!! We will be starting a study of the Gospel of Luke. This Sunday we study Luke 1: Called to Believe! Please bring your Bible!!
Spiritual Gifts Class
Would you like to know the way God has wired you? Would you like to know your spiritual gifts? If you are interested in a five-week spiritual gifts class, please contact Marty Porter or Pastor Glen. The class began this Monday. There is still time to join in this exciting class!! The teacher is Annette Williams. The Session hopes many will take advantage of this exciting opportunity.
Fall Women’s Bible Study
Join other ladies for a journey through a Bible study on Gideon with Priscilla Shirer . . . a 7-week Bible study – Continuing through November 8th . . . Every Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. in the Adult Sunday school room. Please contact Marty Porter (540.471-2619) for more information.
Men’s Bible Study
Our Men’s Bible Study meets each Tuesday morning from 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. at Panera Bread in the Community Room. We are studying the letter of James. Come on out men . . . and bring a friend!!
Tithes and Offerings
An offering box is available when you enter or exit the sanctuary. Additionally, online giving opportunities are available on the website.
September Financial Report
Offerings: Monthly: $13,920 YTD: $141,828.60
Expenses: Monthly: $20,549.95 YTD: $140,765
We have also received monies designated for our capital campaign and restricted giving. In August we received $70.00 for restricted giving and $960.00 in our capital campaign.
Mission Corner
Young Life Banquet
The Young Life Informational and Fundraising Banquet will be held on November 15th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Church on the Hill. If you are interested in supporting Young Life and would like to attend the banquet, please sign up in the Church Welcome Center or online: https://va37.younglife.events/2022-valley-young-life-banquet Please indicate Arnie and Kathy Doyle as your table hosts.
Missions Team is active keeping in touch with our missionaries and other ministries. Please keep updated! You can visit our website and go to the Outreach Page.
Prayer Meeting
Our Weekly Prayer meeting is held at our church facility each Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. We invite you to join with us as we seek the Lord’s face!
October Birthdays
Tyler Bouthillier (10/29)