Although it is a well-known line from the movie, Casablanca, it serves to express
my thoughts as I conclude my service as your Temporary Pastor. When I first came to New Providence, I never imagined that I would be spending two years and four months with you. The time has flown by and I have relished every moment we have spent together. What a joy it has been! You are a hardworking, intelligent and caring congregation. I thank you for calling me as your Temporary Pastor and allowing me to serve the Lord Jesus Christ through you. There have been so many highlights during our time together that I will treasure in my heart. I want to name a few. If I miss something, please forgive me in advance. Our Jonah Fish Fry is well known in the community. It requires precise organization and many volunteers to make it happen. I love watching you work together. The Confirmation of Cooper, Alex, Cash, Mack, Jake and Jenna in 2022 will be a moment I will always treasure. The baptism of Lauren Swinford and Lyndsi Smith is a memory I will hold in my heart. I am also delighted that Michelle Smith joined our church this year. Vacation Bible School is one of the important highlights of my tenure. In 2022, Matthew, Emily, and Clara participated in Jerusalem Market Place. This year, Clara, Milo, Matthew and Emily took part in Twists and Turns. Our Friday afternoon Bible Study has been a place of good biblical discussions and wonderful fellowship. I am thankful to all those who faithfully attended. I have also enjoyed participating in both adult Sunday School classes. Those discussions have been lively! Our Family Nights have been delightful. I have enjoyed your good cooking and the fellowship. The Gingerbread House Contest and Thanksgiving Eve Soup and Sandwich Supper were so much fun, just to name a few. We have reached out to our community through the Easter Egg Hunt, the Party at the Pavilion and Trunk or Treat. It has been a joy to see your energy and creativity as we attempted something new and different in order to reach others for Christ! Bravo NPPC! Last year a group was formed of those within our church who were in their twenties. They have met monthly for a meal and good conversation. What a delight they have been! It has been a privilege to lead in worship. It was my deepest desire that our worship services were Christ centered and biblically based. The seasons of Lent and Advent have been meaningful to me. I cherish the times we have gathered around the Lord’s Table. I can honestly say I love each of you. Thank you for all the ways you have loved me. I am so grateful for your cards, words of encouragement, gifts, homemade goodies and all the many things you have done to help me. I will miss you terribly BUT I truly believe God is at work in the life of New Providence. Your future is bright because Christ is at work in you. May God richly bless you in the New Year and in all your years to come. I Count It ALL JOY, Pastor Vallerie
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Mary and I enjoy watching the PBS show, Finding Your Roots. I find the stories
of men and women from the past fascinating. Usually there is a relative whose life mirrors the guest. There are always surprises. Some surprises are pleasant and some painful. Several people I know have taken the time to trace their roots using ancestry.com. Our family tree can shed light on who we are. Matthew 1:1-17 traces Jesus’ roots through Joseph beginning with Abraham, the father of the Chosen People. The Bible informs us that Jesus comes from the line of Jesse. Jesse was the father of King David. Jesus’ family tree is filled with surprises. For example, there are five women listed in the genealogy of Jesus. Listing women in Jesus’ time was unheard of. During the Sundays in Advent, we will talk about four couples in Jesus family tree: Abraham and Sarah, Salmon and Rahab, David and Bathsheba and Joseph and Mary. As we look at these biblical characters, we will discover something important about the Incarnation. We may also learn something about ourselves. As part of my sermon series, as we did last year, each Sunday at the conclusion of the service, we will play a game of Trivia. Gentle suggestion - if you want to win, you may want to do your homework. Our Family Night in December will be held on Saturday, December 9th . We will have our Annual Gingerbread House Contest. We will enjoy a potluck supper at 5:30 PM and then hold our competition. Please form a team and join in the fun. Our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service will be held on Sunday, December 24th at 5:30 PM. This will be a service of Lessons and Carols. Sunday, December 31st will be my last Sunday of service to New Providence Presbyterian Church. During the service we will pass out our Star Words for 2024. It has been my joy and honor to serve as your pastor. I will save my goodbyes for later but please know how much each of you means to me. I want to wish each of you a Merry Christmas, and let us pray for Peace on Earth in the New Year. Here is the list of the sermons for the month of December: Sunday, December 3 – Finding Our Roots: Abraham and Sarah – The Lord’s Supper Sunday, December 10 – Finding Our Roots: Salmon and Rahab Sunday, December 17 –Finding Our Roots: David and Bathsheba – Christmas Joy Offering Sunday, December 24 – Finding our Roots: Joseph and Mary Sunday December 31 – Gifts – Star Words I Count It all Joy, Pastor Vallerie When I travel from Carbondale to Paris, I take two interstates, I-57 and I-70. Both
of these major highways currently have a number of construction zones. Before you approach a construction zone, there are highway signs warning you to slow down. In a construction zone, drivers are asked to reduce their speed for the safety of the construction workers and their own safety. Recently, I have been forced to slow down. COVID diminished my energy level which required me to rest and take it easy. I wasn’t happy about it but I had no choice. The virus within my body would not allow me to keep pace with the normal “speed of life.” Sometimes life’s circumstances force us into a different pattern of life. Sometimes we choose a different rhythm of life. Jesus often took time for quiet and rest. Mark 1:35 says this; Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Jesus is our model in all things. If our Lord took time to slow down, shouldn’t we? During the month of October, I plan to slow down. Beginning on Monday, October 9th , I will be taking a week of silent retreat at the Abbey of Gethsemane in Trappist, KY. Time spent on retreat will allow me to be still, rest, and spend significant time in prayer. Following my retreat, I hope to be recharged and spiritually renewed. I will be back in Paris in time of our Trunk or Trick event on Saturday, October 28th and I will be back in the pulpit on Sunday, October 29th . While I am away, you will have a wonderful array of guest speakers who are listed below. Here is the list of the worship speakers for the month of October: Sunday, October 1 – Bill Minnis - The Lord’s Supper Sunday, October 8 – Jeanette Levellie Sunday, October 15 – Mike Butts Sunday, October 22 – Betty Brinkerhoff Sunday, October 29 – Pastor Vallerie I Count It all Joy, Pastor Vallerie During the months of August and September, our worship services have been and will be centered around the essential practices of the Christian Faith: worship, prayer, Bible study, service, giving and sharing our faith. In my sermon on Sunday. August 20th , I mentioned that I have an app on my phone called, Pray As You Go. This app is free and provides a daily devotional with music, a scripture reading and a reflection. The devotionals are based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola.
Recently, while listening to a devotional on my app, I was asked to ponder two important questions. The questions to consider were these: What human things pull your mind away from God? And what divine things draw you closer to God? I thought a great deal about the first question. Now that I am a senior, I worry about not having enough money. That worry can pull me away from God. Recently, I confessed my concern about money during our Friday Afternoon Bible Study. One of the members asked me if I have ever been without what I needed. I answered, no, I never have. God has always provided just what I have needed just when I have needed it. Then she asked me: “Then, why do you worry?” The second question was easier to answer. The spiritual disciplines of worship. prayer, Bible study, giving and service, particular the discipline of prayer, have always drawn me closer to God. The beauty of nature and the love of family and friends also draws me closer to God. I want to invite you to ponder these two important questions. Hopefully, they will draw you closer to the Lord Jesus Christ. Here is the list of sermons for the month of September: Sunday, September 3 – Following Jesus: Give - The Lord’s Supper Sunday, September 10 – Following Jesus: Share Sunday, September 17 – Joint Worship with Paris Presbyterian – Rev. Rodger Allen, preaching – Outdoor worship and luncheon Sunday, September 24 – Having the Same Mind – Outdoor Worship I Count It all Joy, Pastor Vallerie One of the delights of living at L&A Family Farms is looking at the beautiful
sunflowers. As I write this article, they are in full bloom. There are dozens and dozens of different types of sunflowers. Matthew took me on a tour of the sunflower maze before it was open to the public. The sunflowers are amazing! Sunflowers are heliotropic. Young sunflower plants follow the sun from east to west during the day. During the night they reorient themselves to face east in anticipation of the sunrise. Isn’t nature astounding? Human beings are not heliotropic. But as Christians we are called to follow the Son, Jesus Christ. Several months ago, our Friday afternoon Bible Study group studied the book, "The Walk: The Five Essential Practices of Christianity" by Adam Hamilton. The five practices he lists in his book are: Worship and Prayer; Study, Serve, Give and Share. Using this book as a launching pad, over the next six Sundays, I will be preaching a sermon series on these practices. Speaking of following Jesus, Michelle and Lyndsi Smith have asked to join our church. Lyndsi has requested baptism by immersion. Pending the approval of the Session, her baptism is scheduled for Saturday, August 19th at 5 PM at Nevins Church. Everyone is invited to attend. We will welcome Michelle and Lyndsi into our church on Sunday, August 20. Our Annual Jonah Fish Fry will be held on Saturday, August 26. This event is well known in our community and I hope everyone who is able will participate. On Sunday, August 28, weather permitting, we will worship outside by the Pavilion. Here is the list of sermons for the month of August: Sunday, August 6 – Following Jesus: Worship - The Lord’s Supper Sunday, August 13 – Following Jesus: Pray Sunday, August 20 – Following Jesus: Study – Welcoming New Members Sunday, August 27 – Following Jesus: Serve – Outdoor Worship I Count It all Joy, Pastor Vallerie I am excited about the wonderful things that are happening at New Providence. July is here. That means VBS is upon us. This year’s Joint Vacation Bible School will be held at Otterbein Methodist Church on Sunday, July 16 – Thursday, July 20 from 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM. VBS is for children age three through 5th grade. This year’s theme for Vacation Bible School is Twists and Turns. The Bible study portion of VBS will be based on biblical encounters between Jesus and the disciple Peter. Our own Aaron Garver will be leading the recreation at VBS. I will be co-leading Bible Study on Tuesday evening with Rev. Rodger.
In keeping with the VBS theme, my sermons for July will be centered around Jesus and Peter. The disciple Peter had a few twists and turns in his relationship with Jesus. Peter, like us, was very human. He was flawed and faithful. During the first three Sundays in July, we will look at Peter’s call to be a disciple; Peter walking on water and Peter’s proclamation that Jesus Christ is the Messiah. I hope you will join us for worship. I am over the moon with anticipation as we prepare for the Party in the Pavilion. This outreach opportunity is scheduled for Saturday, July 15th from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Please pray daily for this event. Our team has been working hard to put together a stellar afternoon which includes a foam party, a petting zoo and bounce houses. Ice cream and cookies will be served. To make this a success, we need all hands on deck. Please mark your calendars and plan to come and meet and greet our neighbors. Also, there are fliers available for you to invite anyone in our community. All are welcome. Here is the list of Sermons for the month of July: Sunday, July 2 – Twists and Turns– Fishing for People - The Lord’s Supper Sunday, July 9 – Twists and Turns – Walking on Water Sunday, July 16 – Twists and Turns – Solid Rock or Stumbling Block Sunday, July 23 – Jeanette Levellie, Guest Speaker Sunday, July 30 – Mike Butts, Guest Speaker – Outdoor Worship I Count It all Joy, Pastor Vallerie Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer. Families and parks are opening up their pools. The warmer weather has begun. It is a time when many go on vacation to relax and discover new places. We all look forward to the Edgar County Fair and Paris City Band concerts in the park.
Summer is a time of JOY for us at New Providence. One of the traditions that we have established since the pandemic is worshipping outside. We will continue that tradition this summer. The Session has voted to hold worship services outside the last Sundays of June, July, August and September, weather permitting. Our Family Night Committee has planned a JOYFUL event on Sunday, June 11 at 11 AM. We will have a catered luncheon to honor all Moms and Dads. Everyone is invited. There will be good food, cake, prizes and fudge. Please plan to attend! Several groups within our church have been talking about having a Block Party for those who live in the vicinity of our church. A tentative date of Saturday, July 15 has been set. If you would like to help us plan this event, please sign up at church. Summer is a great time to ENJOY some ice cream, play some games and get to know our neighbors. Vacation Bible School is another JOY of summer. This year’s VBS will be held at Otterbein United Methodist Church on Sunday, July 16 - Thursday, July 20 from 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM. We are still in need of volunteers to help each day of VBS. If you can lend a hand, please let PV know ASAP. Our Annual Jonah Fish Fry will be held on Saturday, August 26. I hope you will plan to participate in this JOYOUS event. Here is the list of Sermons for the month of June: Sunday, June 4 – Gospel Begins with GO! - The Lord’s Supper Sunday, June 11 – Tell of God’s Salvation – Mother and Father Luncheon Sunday, June 18 – Joshua’s Choice – Father’s Day Sunday, June 25 – Jeanette Levellie, Guest Speaker – Worship Outside I Count It all Joy, Pastor Vallerie In the Jewish tradition, the Sabbath begins at sundown on Friday evening and ends at sundown on Saturday evening. When Jesus died on the cross on Friday, he had to be buried quickly before sundown, because the Sabbath was about to begin. It
was a Holy Sabbath because it occurred during the Feast of Passover. When the women and disciples went to the tomb on the Sunday after our Lord’s death, they discovered that Jesus Christ had risen from the dead. It is the greatest news this world has ever known! For forty days, the Risen Christ appeared to his disciples and others before ascending to heaven. After the Day of Pentecost, the Church of Jesus Christ began. Without the resurrection, there would be no Christian Church. The resurrection is essential to our faith. As the Christian Church began to grow and develop, the decision was made to honor Christ’s resurrection by changing the day of Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday. Every Sunday was to be a mini-Easter. Every Sunday was to be a celebration of the Good News that Jesus Christ is alive! During the month of May, during Morning Worship, we will continue to celebrate the Good News that Jesus Christ is risen from the dead. On Sunday, May 12th, we will honor all our mothers. We will honor our graduates with a Coffee Fellowship at 8:30 AM on Sunday, May 18th. We will celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Sunday, May 28th and also pause to remember those who gave the full measure of devotion in service to our country. We invite everyone to wear something red in honor of the coming of the Holy Spirit. Listed below are the sermons for the month of May: Sunday, May 7 – Resurrection - The Lord’s Supper Sunday, May 14 – Dorcas, A Woman of Faith – Mother’s Day Sunday, May 21 – Why Are You Looking Up? – Graduate Sunday Pentecost Sunday, May 28 – Tongues of Fire – Memorial Sunday In Count It All Joy, Pastor Vallerie In just a few days it will be April in Paris! Spring has arrived. It is so delightful to see the trees budding and many flowers blooming. The earth is bursting forth in all her glory. Spring is a reminder of the new life we experience in Jesus Christ. It is a time of renewal and joy.
This year, the month of April coincides with the beginning of Holy Week. Holy Week is a sacred time in the church year. It is the time we set aside to journey once again with Jesus as we remember his passion, death and resurrection. It is a chance for us to reflect on Christ’s great love for each of us. Here is a list of events and opportunities for worship at New Providence during Holy Week. * April 1st at 7 PM, we will host our Glow in the Dark Easter Egg Hunt. Our Special Event and Family Night Committees have worked together to provide a fun time for children of all ages. Please come, bring a snack food and invite a friend. * On Palm Sunday, April 2 nd , our children will begin our service with a procession with palms. We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper. * On Maundy Thursday, April 6 th at 7 PM, we will join Paris Presbyterian for a service of Scripture readings, music and Holy Communion. * On Good Friday, April 7 at Noon, the Paris Ministerial Fellowship will host a Community Good Friday Service at Frist Christian Church in Paris. There will be a luncheon following the service. All are welcome. * Our Joint Good Friday Service will be held at New Providence at 7 PM. This will be a service of scripture reading, prayer, silent meditation and reflection. * Our Annual Easter Sunrise Service will be held on Sunday, April, 9 at 6:30 AM followed by breakfast at 7 AM. *On Easter Sunday we will have our regular Sunday School Classes at 9 AM and celebrate the Resurrection of Our Lord at 10:30 AM. I hope you will join us. Here are the sermons for the month of April: Palm Sunday, April 2 – And Forgive Us Our Debts, As We Forgive Our Debtors Easter Sunday, April 9 – For Thine Is The Kingdom, the Power and the Glory Sunday, April 16 – And Lead Us Not Into Temptation Sunday, April 23 – Jeanette Levellie, Guest Speaker Sunday, April 30 – Jeanette Levellie, Guest speaker I Count It All Joy, Pastor Vallerie |