Dear members and friends of VP,
It is wonderful to think Valley Park has maintained a ministry in North Hills for 60 years. We are celebrating a ministry that has lasted the test of time and continues to make a difference.
“Purpose Statements” for churches are articulated in a variety of ways but they should always be informed by directives given us by Jesus Christ. Any church that prioritizes the teachings of Jesus will find its purpose statements to be compatible with what many churches have prioritized for almost 2,000 years. Thus, it should not be surprising that we are celebrating our commitment to serving the same purposes of Jesus Christ at Valley Park in 2017 that were served at VP since it was established in 1957.
• Love of the Brethren was established by Jesus by both command and example.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35 “This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you.” John 15:12-14
• Serving the Brethren was established by Jesus by both command and example.
“the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mat. 20:28 “For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as the one who serves.” Luke 22:27
“You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.” John 13:13-17
• Telling people about Jesus and His Kingdom was established by Jesus by both command and example.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 “but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (see Luke 4:43)
• Teaching people about what it means to truly follow Jesus.
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” John 14:6 “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.” John 15:4
For sixty years Valley Park has been committed to these basic teachings of Jesus and this year we want to celebrate our continued commitment to them. We are still, in 2017, doing the things Jesus asked His followers to do until the day He returns to establish the Kingdom of God on earth.
Our love and service of each other continues to be among our greatest strengths. Whether in Bible studies, Sunday worship services and fellowship, at BBQs or other festive gathers, working together at the food bank or leadership at Awana Ministry, we are a supportive loving and serving representation of the Body of Christ. Over 60% of our members and friends are serving in some way in the ministries of the church. Valley Park maintains a commitment to “loving one another” and “serving together” in the many things we do because we love Jesus Christ.
We, as a church, are committed to “making disciples” of people. We have multiple Bible studies during the week and our commitment to preaching and teaching the Word of God is exceptional. I am pleased to say our teaching ministry is one of our most noteworthy commitments for which we have earned a reputation.
I consider that the commitment of our members to learning and understanding God’s Word is a fundamental component of our witness to our community. Our members talk to people and invite them to church. Our book table has a variety of books that promote the authority of the Bible and Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world. Our witness is growing because our members are growing in faith and understanding.
It is fitting that Valley Park, as a united Christian family, rededicate itself to the purposes exemplified already in 60 years of ministry. Our identity needs to be “always obedient to the commandments of Jesus Christ.” This month we celebrate our “60th Anniversary.” Let’s make our celebration a celebration of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. May God bless us in our abiding commitment to serving His purposes in this life.
Pastor Kevyn