I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples.
For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
                                                                                                                                                  Psalm 57:9-11

With all the attention focused on a global pandemic, world-side unrest and a provincial election, it is not suprising that the anniversary of the church has quietly come upon us, catching us somewhat off guard. For those of you who have shared in the 30-year history of the church, I can only imagine the memories you must hold in your hearts as you reflect on the early years, all the changes through the years and yet are mindful of the one constant, God's faithfulness. 

For those of us who have been part of the more-recent history of the church, we too recognize God's hand of blessing, past and present and because the essential nature of God does not change, we can confidently predict His faithfulness will continue to guide us in the days ahead.  How blessed we are to be able to rest in HIs faithful love  and to know whatever tomorrow may bring, we are secure in Him; that we can claim His promise to us.  You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you (Isaiah 26:3).

As I reflect back on the 13+ years we have been at Valley and the blessings that have been mine as the pastor here, it's not so much any particular event we have experienced together that stands out in my mind  (there have been many such events/ gatherings), but rather the people that we have shared the journey with us. Even as I type these words the names and faces are flashing across my mind and it brings to me a smile.  What makes the church such a wonderful is experience is not the building we have, although we are incredibly blessed to have the structure on Black Sage road as a place to call 'home'. It is not the gatherings in and of themselves that make the church so special; although we have had some wonderful times of worship and fellowship.  It's not even the blessings we have shared as God has surprised us with His grace and kindness and has allowed us to bless others through the ministries of the church.  What is most heart-warming is to have shared the presence of God among us, to see Him at work and experience more of His faithful love over the years.

As we celebrate this coming Lord's Day and move toward the season of Thanksgiving, I want to encourage you to pause and reflect on all of God's goodness to us as a church and to you and as you do, I ask you again, 'what do you say'?

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.
                                                                                                                                                      Psalm 36:1

In Romans 13:1, we read: Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

We don't always have to agree with our leaders, in fact, there are times, when we will not agree with the their policies or practices, but we are still called to respect our leaders and pray for them (1 Timothy 2:1-2).  There may be a place for civil disobedience when policies and procedures violate the Word of God, but for the most part we are to be a people who obey the lands of the land.

In this time of a global pandemic, when we see many disgregarding the advice and directives of our governing leaders and health care officials, I want to commend you, the people of Valley, for cooperating with and following those measure implented to mitigate the spread of this virus; for doing your part to help keep one another and our communties safe.  Thank you for following the protocols in place as we gather each week for worship; for you understanding regarding decisions to restrict the sharing of communion elements, the sharing of meals together, limiting our fellowship and small group/ in-home gatherings.  And thank you for your faithfulness in financially supporting the local church and the work of our Lord.  Because of your faithfulness we have been able to meet all of our obligations and cover all of our expenses to date.

We all recognize this has indeed been unprecidented; for many of us we have never experienced anything like this before.  We as a Leadership Team and people at Valley are seeking to navigate our way through uncharted waters.  I want to commend our Elders and Deacons and all of you for doing your part to make things work as we have regathered for worship and as we cotinually wrestle with how best to minister to one another during this time.  Thank you for caring and for praying.  

I received an email from a collegue who offered this insight:  More than ever, church leaders have been feeling the pressure of leadership, especially now in this difficult global season.  At first glance, COVID-19 cancelled all kinds of meetings and calendars cleared.  It looked like you suddenly had all kinds of time.  But then you soon discovered the "new normal" actually took more effort than ever.  Some in the circles you lead are calling for more action, others are calling for less.  Add to that the increased demands, restrictions, and expecations of this season and leaders are feeling deeply tired, taxed, drained in their emotional reserve and for some, isolated.  I have felt this, and perhaps you have as well.

More than ever we need to support and encourage and cheer one another on as we continue to walk this uncertain pathway.  As we seek to be the church to one another and in our communties, I want to encourage you with these words from the Apostle Paul:  Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers (Galatians 6:9-10).

My summer break provides for a time to slow down, to pause and reflect.  Often it is also a time for reading and preparing for the fall, but this year, I literally took a break from almost everything associated with 'my work.  I had a lot of quiet time; time to be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10); to know that God is still on His throne in spite of all that is happening in our world today.  It was for a time to allow Him to lead me to green pastures and still waters, to refresh / restore my soul.  (Psalm 23:2-3)

Over these past three weeks, one verse has occupied my heart and mind.  It is one of my favorite verses in all of Scriptoure, Psalm 34:8:  Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

As I look at all that is happening in nation, in the United States and around the world, the words of this verse rise above all the chaos we have seen in recent months -- the bomb blast in Beirut, the devestation of hurricanes and floods, the senseless loss of lives, the violence and protests and the staggering losses from a global pandemic.  I hear the fear and cries of desparation in the voices of those who have lost their jobs, who are facing financial hardship, from the homeless, the addicted and some many that are grieving.  Where do we turn to find a measure of peace and rest for our bodies, our minds and our souls?

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. (Psalm 34:8)

For those who are feeling overwhelmed, uncertain and afraid, taste and see, and you will discover their is One who is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).  To those who are grieiving, He is the the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3).  To weary He is our our source of rest. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28). 

For those who feel trapped, He is our way out, our way forward.  This is what the Lord says...Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God...you are precious and honored in my sight...love you.  (Isaiah 43:1-4)

To hurting world, God says, taste and see, and you will discover that I am good. To those who wonder if there is a way out of this mess, God says, taste and see, and you will discover a better way than the way of despair.  Put your trust in Me and you will find peace and rest and hope.

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. (Psalm 34:8)