We are the church!
5.23.20 Update:
We have received some questions on the topic of reopening our church following President Trump’s announcement regarding opening churches.
The first thing we want to say is, the church was never closed! Our building may have closed, our operations, programs, and the way we meet regularly may have shifted, but the church is still open and vibrant. And, God has been doing amazing things in and through us in the midst of this difficult season in our world. Instead of using the term “reopen,” we prefer the term “regather!”
So, is Valley Brook ready to regather? The quick answer is, not yet. For the last couple of weeks, our leaders have been meeting to pray and strategize what the regathering process will look like for our church community. Through these times, as well as through conversations with local and national church leaders, we have identified four areas of focus that will help guide our decision, as well as set a timeline for our regather process.
4 Areas of Focus for Regathering:
- Safety– The first and most important focus is the health and well-being of our attenders, volunteers, and staff.
- Compliance– We will follow both state and federal guidelines.
- Inclusion– We want to regather in a way that considers and serves all people groups including at-risk groups and children.
- Unity– We want to partner with other churches in our region to regather in a way that supports and unifies the greater body of Christ.
At this moment, we don’t feel we are able to address these four areas of focus in a way that we can regather now, but there is hope in sight!
We will outline a more detailed Regathering Plan to our church family during our virtual Annual Meeting on Tuesday, May 26 that will include different scenarios and steps to regathering in the best way possible! You can attend that meeting by going to this page: https://www.valleybrook.cc/annual-meeting
We would also like to hear from you; please take our regathering survey at https://www.valleybrook.cc/regathering-survey
Thank you for your patience in this process and know that we are just as excited as you are to all be in the same place once again.
In the meantime, keep being the church!
In Christ,
Pastor Clark Pfaff & Pastor Dan Heermance
We want to focus on how we can specifically help others in our community during this coronavirus outbreak.
We've created a special page on our website where you can submit a form and let us know if:
- you need specific help
- you can volunteer to help others in need
- you would like our team to pray with you
Join us for Church Online
Sunday, May 31 | 9:15 & 11:00 AM
Services will be online only. We're encouraging everyone to watch online from your home! Use the link below to watch on our church online platform; you will have the opportunity to chat with others watching, submit prayer requests and more.
- Online Service: Watch here
Your families will continue to be in our prayers as we navigate these circumstances together. Our hope is to keep your kids engaged and provide ways for them to grow spiritually.
We’ve created morning and evening videos for your kids that we are posting daily — Morning Time with God and Bedtime Stories with Mrs. Heermance.
- Daily Videos: Watch here
We're also sharing age-appropriate videos on Sunday mornings so kids can experience Sunday School online! The video services include worship, a message, interactive elements, discussion time, and more!
- Sunday School Videos: Watch here
Right Now Media provides great shows and online curriculum for your kids which we highly encourage you to utilize. It’s super easy to register and is a great way for kids to grow close to God and learn online along with the rest of your family! We provide anyone who calls Valley Brook home free access to this service.
- To register for Right Now Media: email [email protected]
- To login to your existing Right Now Media account: click here
Questions:
Email Diane Heermance, [email protected]
Parents, we encourage you in this time to take advantage of the opportunity to study God's word with your students. Here are some apps that students can use to help study God's word and potentially do Bible study discussion with other students/leaders.
https://www.readscripture.org | https://movecloser.org | https://www.vokeapp.com
We're also posting on our student social channels:
Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
Questions
Email David Siler, [email protected]
Collide (Students in Grade 6-12) | Join us online!
Wednesday, 7:00 PM at:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc2wIGdUVkoA9onkrIlcNcQ
Students have the opportunity here to chat and interact; the time includes games a message.
Afterward, student small groups will be meeting on Zoom.
- Here's what students need to participate in Collide Online: Click here to open
Kids Alive (Kids in Grades 2-5) | Join us online!
Kids have the opportunity here to chat and interact using Zoom! If your child is already involved with Kids Alive you will receive an email on Monday from Diane Heermance with the Zoom meeting link needed for Wednesday.
If your kids would like to join, email Diane, [email protected], to request the link!
Life Groups Have Moved Online!
You don’t have to walk through this season alone. Join a Life Group online.
- Group List: Find and sign up for a group here
We encourage you to sign up for our weekly email, "News & Reminders" to receive the most current information about Valley Brook.
You can also download our Valley Brook church app and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
When you respond to God and give at Valley Brook you join us to fulfill our mission to love God, love people and change the world. Thank you for partnering with us through your giving.
Even though we’re not gathering in-person at our campus for church service, you still have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others by giving your tithes and offerings online.
- Give online: click here
- Additional giving options: learn more here
If you already give online we encourage you to consider setting up a recurring gift.