“But around God’s table, and around God’s people, you don’t have to pretend or overcompensate. You can just be. And in just being, you can, in the fierce and loving eyes of God, be known, be whole, and maybe even find a little rest. Because keeping it all going is just exhausting.” – Nadia Bolz-Weber
* * * * * * *
David Hansen will be our full-time minister!
The Congregation has extended a call and contract to Dr. David P. Hansen to become the full-time minister of Pine Valley Christian Church beginning September 1. The future is open and full of possibilities for this congregation moving forward with David as our full-time minister. A final approval for the contract will be Sunday, August 7, right after worship. David has served previously as our interim minister, and this summer as our Pastoral Guide.
* * * * * * *
For those of you interested in participating in Adult Education and/or a week-day Bible study, please contact David Hansen.
* * * * * * *
The next Congregation meeting will be August 28, right after worship. We will share a potluck meal while we conduct the business of the church. We shared wonderful salads this past Sunday, so you don’t want to miss out on our next shared meal on the 28th.
* * * * * * *
Dr. AJ Beu has resigned as our Music Director. He and Topher are moving to southeast Kansas where they have taken teaching jobs in Parsons and Independence Kansas. Our best to them both on this new adventure!
The congregation has decided, at this time, to postpone hiring a music director. They are, instead, are asking for special music and for Epiphany, our praise band, to work with the Worship Group planning worship services.
* * * * * * * *
I am stepping down as Moderator of Pine Valley Christian Church at the end of August. A special election will be held soon for my replacement, who will serve the remainder of the term for Moderator through the end of 2023.
When an elected leader of PVCC is unable to serve or perform their duties during the term of office, the Leadership SpiritTeam nominates a candidate who will be approved by a majority vote of the Congregation to complete the term.
The Leadership Team is asking for your nominations. Anyone who wants to be considered for the position of Moderator, please contact the office or Melanie Naden.
The Moderator serves as the chief executive officer of the congregation, serves as Chair of the Congregation, calls and arranges for meetings of the Congregation, presides at all congregational business meetings, is an ex-officio member of all groups of the congregation, and is one of the trustees of the congregation.
Elected officers are Moderator, Secretary, Treasurer and Financial Secretary. Each elected leader’s term runs for two years, with regular elections for Moderator/Treasurer and Secretary/Financial Secretary being held in alternating years.
* * * * * * *
Week of Compassion is responding to flooding in St. Louis and Kentucky.
Since the news of these storms, Week of Compassion has been in touch with Regional Ministers and local church pastors. While the situations are still being assessed, initial reports are of some level of damage to three churches in the St Louis area, and while no Disciples congregations in eastern Kentucky have been impacted, several member families are affected.
Week of Compassion is also in touch with our ecumenical partners in affected areas, already at work on emergent needs of safety and shelter. These partners are already creating response plans rooted in community assets and partner relationships and making preparation for long-term recovery in these communities.
Giving to Week of Compassion brings Disciples alongside our partners as needs emerge and as long-term plans take shape. Gifts can be made through Pine Valley Christian Church. Designate “Week of Compassion – US Storms” on your check.
* * * * * * *
From the PVCC newsletter archives, this week in 1974: A letter received last week from the McCords and read in our worship Sunday told of experiences of Don as speaker at several congregations of Christians in East Germany, done mostly in secret and by invitation to the participants, rather than open invitation.
— Melanie Naden, PVCC Moderator