Valley Presbyterian Church

Four high school seniors share their thoughts with Valley Presbyterian Church on "Youth Sunday": Benjamin Shell, Christopher Shell, Nick Hovsmith, and Owen Crevelt. Each reflects on what the church has meant to them as they grew up, and how their faith affects their plans for the future after graduation.

Rev. Jenny Warner considers the conversion experience of Saul and relates this to current stories of conversion shared by friends and our own church members. "Conversion is around every corner for us, inviting us to embrace the darkness, drawing us in to love." "God is always working, always inviting us to embrace even the ones we have hated, even the ones we have despised, even the ones who have hated us; to draw the circle and to embrace them." "We pray that we may be made into people of greater compassion and love for this world; that we would be converted."

At worship on April 28, Joe Khirallah and Diane Rezendes reflected on the Gospel by sharing "Doubting Thomas: Two Sides of the Story." What does doubt enable in us? How might pursuing more information, and admitting our doubts, be brave and vulnerable acts that lead to stronger faith? Thomas recognized Jesus in His wounds. When we recognize the wounds in another, it invites our empathy, compassion, and mercy – all attributes of Jesus. In those moments, we become Jesus to one another.

On Easter Sunday, April 21, 2019, Pastor Jenny Warner shared caterpillar-to-butterfly stories during the children's moment at the altar steps. She later expanded on this theme during her sermon, with inspiration to bloom into the best of ourselves, at all seasons of life.

We observed Palm Sunday by putting one foot in front of the other, making music and walking into worship together. In her sermon "Resolve," Pastor Jenny Warner reflected on the value of listening to the voice within you. You are in charge of how you react to what is happening around you. In each of us, there is a voice deeper than blame and shame -- it's God's voice. Life is not easy or fair, but if we listen for the voice of God, we can get close to who we are called to be. This can be our source of deepest satisfaction.

Rev. Jenny Warner - Sharing from Tekax - 4/7/19 by Valley Presbyterian Church

On March 31, 2019, Dr. Jim McDonald preached at Valley Presbyterian Church on the subject of "Redeem." Reflecting on Paul’s phrase, “for freedom Christ has set you free,” Dr. McDonald discussed both the benefits of redemption through Christ as well as the responsibility of making sure all members of society live in true freedom. The letter of the law does not always go far enough in securing the freedom of others; we need to rise to a higher threshold as Christians. "Until all are free, none are truly free."

On March 24, 2019, the Chancel Choir at Valley Presbyterian Church in Portola Valley, CA presented special music with orchestra & narrator (Marsha Dimalanta): "Misa de Los Inmigrantes" by Henry & Kathy Mellicone. This "Mass of the Immigrants" tells the true story of one woman's immigration from Mexico to the US, and gives insight to experience of so many immigrants, seeking safety & security for their loved ones. Rev. Kent Smith leads the Sunday service and offers his reflections after the musical presentation.

Rev. Philbert Kalisa discusses forgiveness from his unique experience, living through the Rwandan Genocide. Seek peace and bring love, even to your enemies.

Rev. Jenny Warner describes the experience of Martin Luther King, Jr., jailed in Birmingham, Alabama for his leadership in civil rights protests, and draws connections to the solitary "confinement" of Jesus in the desert. Realign with what is most important.

After relating the scripture reading to a personal story, Rev. Schemper reminded us that for Peter, James and John, Jesus' transfiguration was hard to comprehend. Historical icon paintings show them literally knocked flat on their backs. We should remember to be open about being knocked off our feet by getting just a glimpse of who Jesus really is and what God is up to.

Andrew & Ashley wove words and music together for today’s sermon, a study in contrasting behavior. During the sermon Ashley performed "Oh Heavenly Day" by Patty Griffin and "That Wasn't Me" by Brandi Carlile.

Ashley Pogue explores the difficulties around Luke's Beatitudes and the importance of solidarity.

Pastor Jenny reflected on Jeremiah 17: 5-10, especially the lines: "But blessed are they who trust in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream." As we look out at our own grove of trees behind the sanctuary and how they change over time, we should remember that trees don't get to decide how they grow up.

Paul Vasile concludes the past month he has spent with Valley, incorporating music in his message.

This Sunday was our last Sunday with Paul Vasile as our resident musician. After a lovely and meaningful workshop on Saturday, Paul, Jenny and the choir and congregation wove music throughout the service.

Worship service featuring Paul Vasile as our special musical guest and Jenny Warner preaching "Justice Rolling Down Like Waters,” MLK remembrance Sunday 2019.

Pastor Jenny preaches on baptism.

Pastor Jenny preaches on Epiphany Sunday, 2019.

Pastor Jenny speaks about drawing near to one another on the fourth Sunday of Advent.