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 |