Although we are going to a different format for summer, my prayer is that our year-round members and summer visitors still come Sunday mornings at 10 AM for mission planning, fellowship, and Bible study opportunities.

• Missions Sundays – Congregation will meet in Hayden Hall for coffee and snacks at 10 AM to discuss opportunities and execution for in-reach and outreach missions this fall.
• Scripture Study – I will lead a type of Bible study called Lectio-Divina.  No preparation is needed; this type of study is a meditative practice in which we will open our hearts and minds to let God speak to us through a short passage of scripture.  We will have time to share our insights with the group.
• Fellowship Breakfast – Join us for a communal breakfast at the Egg I AM.  The Egg I AM is at 10155 E. Via Linda, Scottsdale, AZ  85258 (the corner of Mountain View and Via Linda).

The schedule is as follows:

June

5—Mission Planning

12-Breakfast

19-Scripture Study

26-Scripture Study

July

3—Breakfast

10-Mission Planning

17-Scripture Study

24-Breakfast

31-Breakfast

August

7—Breakfast

14-Mission Planning

21-Resume normal worship schedule

Hope to see you! I am also here for any pastoral needs you have this summer.  You can contact me through the church office.  Blessings!

Rev. Sandi

Front and center in our sanctuary stands a beautiful communion table constructed of an old door and an oxen’s yoke.  The door, which is a biblical symbol of communication and communion with the Divine, makes up the table’s surface; and the oxen’s yoke, which is a biblical symbol of service, makes up the table’s legs.  It could be said that we are nourished by communion at the table for service (with our legs) in the world.  The yoke also reminds us of the scripture, “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:30). 

CCOV adopted a new mission statement on Sunday, April 3rd. The new mission reads:

“The Congregational Church of the Valley is a community sharing Jesus’ message of love, hope, peace, and joy with all persons.”

Our task over the next few months is to determine how we will support that mission in our acts and thoughts.

Holy Week is rapidly approaching.  Next week is already Palm Sunday!  Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and then Easter follows. Since I will only be with you Palm and Easter Sundays, I want to answer three frequently-asked questions about the days in Holy Week. Continue reading →