Dear members and friends of Valley Park,
This issue of “The Voice” contains the following:
- The Pastor’s Newsletter
- Church Ministries
- Birthdays of our members and friends to celebrate
- Financial Summary
On June 27 we had our “Annual Congregational Meeting” and approved our Ministry Leaders and our budget for the coming year (07/01/21-06/30/22). If you would like the one-page summary of our approved leaders and/or a copy of the approved budget, as a member it is yours to see. Ask Pastor Kevyn as he has additional copies.
After service on June 27, we had two baptisms. Antonio Munoz who has been attending on Sundays, and Elijah Day who is working with our youth group. We want to congratulate both of you for following Jesus through the waters of baptism. Jesus is honored by your decision to follow Him and publicly declare your commitment to following Him. We pray for you that Jesus will fill you and lead you as you walk with Him at your side.
The heat of the summer is upon us. It was about 16 months ago that I considered the possibility of the church being open by the summer. I was thinking it would be last summer! But, it turned out to be this summer and now we are getting up and running ministry “live.”
This last year I have resolved that there is so much that is divisive in our country that we, as Christians, need to focus upon what unites and encourages. Consider the teachings stressed in the following passages:
“Jesus answered (Pilate), “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.” Therefore, Pilate said to Him, “So You are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say correctly that I am a king. For this purpose I have been born, and for this I have come into the world: to testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice.” Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?”
John 18:36-38
Consider that Jesus was more interested in talking about truth and the priorities of God than politics. He was focused upon the kingdom He would establish on earth where every human being would be treated justly and righteously. He was concerned for a time when there would be no more pain, suffering and grief. What would it be like if we were concerned primarily with the type of things Jesus was concerned about? What would life be like if we minimized the world’s affairs in comparison to the things that really matter for the kingdom Jesus will establish?
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”
Philippians 4:8
How important do you believe it is to spend the majority of our time thinking as Paul instructs us in this passage? There is a choice involved in what we choose to think about. Truth matters and is worthy of our thoughts. Honorable things and right things are worthy. Things that are excellent and commendable should be at the forefront of our mind and thinking all of the time. Things that are excellent and worthy of our praise need to be looked upon and considered for their beauty and blessing. A mind set upon such things all of the time will enhance our way of looking at life. They will increase our joy and gratitude for the life God created that reflects Him in wondrous ways.
There is enough that is ugly in the world to discourage us. While we cannot avoid knowing about it through hearing about it and seeing it, dwelling upon it will produce discouragement among other things. Don’t dwell on the things that are bad in the world, but instead, find the good and think about those things.
For myself, I have realized that too much reading, listening to, talking about and considering the things that are hurtful in our culture will frustrate me, as the majority of these things are out of my control to change. But there is peace, joy and encouragement in focusing upon the love and grace that is everywhere present in the world. I think Jesus and Paul understood that there are priorities in this life for the good and we need to have our eyes focused upon these things.
Pastor Kevyn
Valley Park Ministries: Pray for the Following Ministries
Youth Ministry: Victor Paz
Meeting Location- Ranch House
Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30 P.M.
Youth Sunday Service from 10:30 A.M. to 12 P.M.
Children’s Ministry- Diana Nason
Children’s Church and the Nursery are open at 11 am on Sundays after the Worship time in the Adult service. Parents must sign in their children at either Room 4 or the Nursery depending upon their age.
Adult Bible Study
Attend a Wednesday Night Bible Study at 7 P.M. via ZOOM. You can download ZOOM at https://zoom.us/download. If you need help, call me at (818)521-0654.
Wednesdays- 7 P.M.
Thursday Fellowship for Seniors
Join us at the church for our Senior Fellowship on Thursdays at 10 A.M. in the Church courtyard.
Men’s Fellowship and Bible Study
Come down to the church on Saturdays for our Men’s Group at 9 A.M. in the Church courtyard and/or conference room.
Youth Scholarships for Graduating Seniors
Financial Scholarships are awarded by Valley Park every June for graduating seniors intent on going to college or university. Qualifications are good grades and a display of commitment to loving and serving Jesus Christ at Valley Park. Applications are typically due in May, 2021. Please see Victor Paz immediately if interested.
Valley Park July Birthdays of Members, Friends and Youth
07/01 Andrea Beugnon
07/02 Daniel Hallak
07/04 Carol Mills
Cynthia Marsden
07/06 Chris Robinson
07/14 Leo Beugnon (child)
Maverick Murphy
Reuben Figueroa
07/17 Aubrey Green (child)
07/19 Alexis Figueroa
07/20 JR Granados
Vivian Rude
07/29 Rachel Hallak (child)
07/30 Merrell Eacker
Geena Brown
07/31 Beti Gutierrez
Bill Lineberger