Valley Presbyterian Church: Recent Episodes
Valley Presbyterian Church
Valley Presbyterian Church has an international reputation as a destination wedding setting, but for some 350 people in the Bay area, it’s more than a wedding, or even a Sunday, destination: it’s our home.
Because of our proximity to Stanford and Silicon Valley, a lot of us work in academia or technology. Because of our love of and passion for the arts, many of us are working artists, writers, and musicians – or aspiring to be! We follow Christ in the teachings of the Reform tradition (PCUSA), though individually, our paths vary. What we share is a longing for God, a connection to the community, and meaningful ways to serve the wider world.
Even though we are a destination church, we believe that we are called to risk the Spirit-led journey. And we are really one another’s traveling companions and support team along the way.
This Sunday launches my fall preaching theme of "Abide: Lessons from the Vineyard." On my sabbatical, I spent a lot of time in vineyards and with winemakers, and I'm excited to share some of what I learned as we explore Jesus' words to his disciples in John 15, "I am the vine, my Father is the vineyard keeper." This week we'll explore this image of God as a farmer and the tender care with which God tends our souls.
I am very excited to welcome back our beloved pastor, Jenny Warner! During service, Jenny and I will have a conversation about her sabbatical and how her experience was this summer. We will discuss some of her highlights, learnings, and hopefully, we will be able to hear about some of the adventures she went on.
Nate Milheim will be the guest preacher this Sunday and his sermon is titled, "This is the Day" and the scripture of focus is Psalm 118:21-29.In the words of the Psalmist: "This is the day that the Lord has made. Let's rejoice and be glad in it." In the words of Mary Oliver "You have a life - just imagine that! You have this day, and maybe another, and maybe still another." What if each day is truly a gift from God? Let us embrace the sorrow and the joy of our wild lives, knowing that each day is pregnant with beautiful possibility to love and build a more loving world.
The sermon for this Sunday is titled, "The Word Became Flesh—Life as a New Creation" and the scriptures of focus are John 1:1-5; 9-14, 1 Corinthians 15:45-49, and 2 Corinthians 5:17.The story of God, humanity, and creation does not end with Genesis. It continues into the Second Testament and we witness this story unfold with spectacular splendor in the Gospel of John. "In the beginning was the Word... And the Word became flesh and lived among us" (John 1:1; 14). The first human, Adam, became a living being; the last Adam, Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ, transcended the bounds of creatureliness and became a life-giving spirit and gift to the world. Through the power and revelation of Jesus Christ unto the world, the story of humanity is one that is transformed and becomes something new. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" (2 Corinthians 5:17). Through God's gift of Jesus Christ joining the world, the chasm of fragmented relationships between God and humanity, humanity to one another and self, and humanity and creation may be repaired, reconciled, and restored. It is only in God's enfleshed, participatory love and grace, that we may be restored, new creatures and lead as God's instruments of transformative love in the world.
This Sunday, we are fortunate to have Naomi Kinsman as our guest preacher. Naomi will be preaching a sermon titled, "Seeing in Stories", and the scripture reading will be on Mark 6:30-44.When Jesus feeds the crowd of five thousand, the miracle goes beyond provision. This is a story that invites us to see differently. Instead of snapping his fingers and solving the problem, Jesus turns to his disciples and says, “You give them something to eat.”Jesus invites his disciples not just to witness a miracle, but to roll up their sleeves and participate in the story. They’re concerned about the logistics—the people are hungry—but Jesus draws their attention not only to what is needed, but to how and why we respond. How might this familiar story invite us to step into a deeper, co-creative trust with God?
Reverend Deborah Lewis-Virges, pastor of Saint Mark AME Zion Church, will be our guest preacher and she will be delivering a sermon titled "A Message of Hope".Regardless of the current state of our country, we must always look at the big picture, what God is doing, and our own destiny in Christ. We must never lose the wonder of God’s grace and offering for a future of hope.
This Sunday will be the fifth sermon of our summer sermon series and it is titled "Creation and Labor—The Sacred Rhythm of Sabbath and Rest".Sabbath is a sacred rhythm essential to the Jewish and Christian spiritual life. In a world where our value is determined by what we do and contribute, the architecture of the Sabbath is intended for humanity to rest in the healing and transformative love of God.
The sermon titled, "Creation and Care of the Earth", will explore the origins of humanity's fraught relationship with creation and find that our role as 'rulers of creation' is better captured in our role as caretakers of the earth.
The sermon for this Sunday is titled "Creaturely Life and the Fall". In this sermon, we will uncover the meaning of what it means to be a creature and what our relationship to brokenness and sin is. By looking at Genesis 3, we will find that though humanity was made for relationship, we have experienced fracture and disconnection in our relationship with God, one another, ourselves, and creation. It is only until we see that part of our role on earth is to seek repair, reconciliation, and restoration of our broken relationships, we will continue a relational cycle of fragmentation, harm, and rupture.
What does it mean to become like a child in the eyes of God?In Matthew 18, Jesus places a child before his disciples and says, “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” This Sunday, Cindy Liu invites us into a deep reflection on what it means to encounter our inner child and return to a childlike posture—one of vulnerability, authenticity, and spiritual wholeness.Drawing from Scripture, her deep inner work of healing, motherhood, and her work as an Ontological Integration Life Coach, Cindy will guide us on a journey back to the very child within us whom God has never stopped seeing and loving, regardless of how old we actually are. In welcoming that child, may we once again encounter the liberating love of God.Come as you are—tender, guarded, or weary—and remember: God’s loving gaze has never left the child in you.
“The passage from Ephesians tells us we, all of us, as a people, and indeed the entire cosmos, have redemption in Jesus Christ. Despite everything we have done, we have been given a gift. How we respond to that gift is up to us. So let us consider this passage, holding in tension all the things that are true: that our political system is more precarious than we may have thought, the birds are still singing, and we woke up this morning free to come to church."
Psalm 5 invites us to rejoice, to sing for joy, even in the midst of evil, wickedness, lies, and destruction. Mary Oliver's poem, "Don't Hesitate", invites us to not be afraid when we unexpectedly encounter joy, but to jump in. Let us hold onto joy in the middle of all the chaos and evil in this world. It can be difficult for all of us to live into the idea that "the joy of the Lord is our strength" when so much of the world and the news are pushing us in other directions. What if joy is one way that we can resist all that is wrong with the world? How can we diligently pursue joy and live in joy as we journey through this wild life on earth? Join us with guest preacher Nate Millheim.
In the sermon, "The Human Creature in Relationship", we will explore what it means to be a human creature. As a creation of God, we are made in God's image and made for relationship. Yet, in an increasingly divided world, we are unaware of or have forgotten our origins, what we were made for, and that we belong to one another. In order to continue our journey along the right path, we must go backward to the beginning in order to go forward.
Last Sunday we successfully began our summer sermon series, "Origins: The Story of God, Humanity, and Creation", and located ourselves as modern readers of Genesis, a pre-scientific, ancient Far East creation narrative. This summer, as Jenny is on sabbatical, we have invited guest preachers to preach on topics outside of the summer sermon series. This upcoming Sunday, Naomi Kinsman will be preaching a sermon titled "Practicing Presence" on Exodus 3:1-12.Deep in the wilderness, Moses approaches a burning bush. In this unexpected encounter with God, he finds himself standing on holy ground. In our lives, too, sacred moments often begin with small acts of paying attention. How might God’s call meet us in our day to day lives? What doorways might open in our hearts when we dare to pause, listen, and practice presence?
Our summer series, Origins: The Story of God, Humanity, and Creation, will be focused on the book of Genesis, the remarkable story of God and creation, and humanity's role in the creation narrative.We will begin the summer series with a sermon, "The Story of Us: Reading Genesis in Context". The sermon will be about locating ourselves as readers of the Genesis text and how to begin reading it appropriately for its genre and context. By equipping ourselves with the proper interpretive lens, we will be able to access ancient scriptural knowledge and meaning for our spiritual lives in the modern world.
Pentecost is a high day in the story of the church – not just because of the original moment of the Holy Spirit's arrival, but because every year we need to remember that our power and hope comes from God. The church's mission has never been dependent on smart, savvy, sophisticated people. It has always been about God working through the most unlikely people in the most unlikely circumstances.
Real community asks us to put aside our preferences in order to build a community that truly reflects the love of Christ. In the early church, Peter was given a vision that asked him to break tradition and religious restrictions in order to welcome those outside his circle. What are we called to let go of?
VPC is committed to being a place of welcome for everyone. We are always seeking new ways to spread our arms wider to the world. Over the years, our welcome of LGBTQIA+ folks has grown organically as we have listened to the stories in our congregation and come to understand how important it is to have a clear commitment to full inclusion. We are so proud to be a partner with kin•dom community, an organization that was founded by Rev. Pepa Paniagua, who grew up at VPC. This organization provides safe spaces of belonging for queer youth. And this coming Sunday, we are honored to have Rev. Dr. John Leedy, the current Executive Director of kin•dom, preach in our Sunday morning service.
There’s Always Room for One More, Revelation 7:9-17The writer of Revelation imagines a community of people from all nations and ages gathering together in the love of God. We will explore this vision together on Sunday and remember the mothers and grandmothers who taught us there was always room for one more.
Join us for a special guest sermon with Danny Thongsy! Danny is a community advocate, who has worked on a statewide effort for immigrant rights and to end mass incarceration. He mentors and supports directly impacted community members through advocacy and their reintegration. He graduated from UC Berkeley with a Sociology degree and had studied biblical/religious studies through the Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary.Danny is the Campaign Manager for the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity, an immigrant rights group in Oakland. He is passionate about community work and had advocated with the Human Rights Watch in passing Assembly Bill 1308 Youth Offender Parole Hearing Up to the age of 25.As a child of refugees from Laos, Danny loves to celebrate the richness of his culture and roots by cooking traditional Lao/Thai food. He loves the outdoors, drawing, and teaching origami folding.
The life and teachings of Jesus have a way of sorting and exposing our lives. But they are not meant to cause shame, they're meant to point us toward life. In these days, as we live in a swirl of escalating bad news, where do we put our focus? What does faithfulness look like?
As we head toward Easter, we are turning to the New Testament and the life of Jesus. On Sunday, I will explore a way to understand who Jesus is and how we relate to him as the center point of our faith. Get ready for a theological deep dive!
We began this first Sunday of Lent by exploring our theme to approach the story of Scripture through the eyes of children. Jesus tells us that unless we approach God as a child, we will not enter into God's realm. How do we reclaim our innocence and sense of wonder in our faith? Join us to kick off this season!
This Sunday, as we continue our journey through the Bible, I explore the story of a woman who was forgotten and invisible to everyone but God. God sees us in our hidden places too. With God's eyes, we are invited to see those who are invisible.
This Sunday, we welcomed Brian Heredia to preach on one of the first stories in the Bible, the story of Cain and Abel. Brian explored what it means to trust God and the hidden reasons we often struggle to trust.
This Sunday, we'll explore an obscure and rather dark biblical story from the time of King David. The story of the protest of a heartbroken mother named Rizpah changes the heart of a king and brings honor to her disgraced family. Her story brings to light the way our grief has power to make change in ourselves and in the world around us.
The practice of our faith is not judged by right opinions or beliefs but by the wideness of our welcome. The book of James invites us to examine the quality and limits of our embrace of those who are the "other." In the way of Jesus, there are no favorites and no exclusive access. Join us on Sunday as Pastor Jenny speaks from this passage and has a conversation with our Community Curator, Jaron Cheung, about his work exploring what it means to be an accessible community from the inside out.
This is a time to take a moment to reset our values and priorities as we enter into a new season. Pastor Jenny will invite us to consider Deuteronomy 10 when the Israelites were invited to a reset.
We live in communities fraught with othering, be it for race, gender, faith, class or political ideology. The question, for believers, is how do we navigate this terrain while being faithful to Jesus' call for us as disciples? Faithful practice means we must widen our circle of concern for those it is easiest to love and particularly for those with whom it's most difficult. Embracing the invitation from the Holy Spirit to be made anew means we embrace getting closer to those we see as enemies, seeing deeper into ourselves to recognize our shortcomings, and taking risks to join God in widening God's circle of concern for God's creation! This message is a call to surrender to God for the hard work of enemy-love. Join us to hear Ben McBride preach!
What does it mean to live with transparency? This week we'll explore the Ephesians' call to live in the light of God's love and let that light shine to others.
We're excited to welcome Naomi Kinsman back to preach this morning. Her message will highlight that each individual is God’s poem, and collectively, our gifts work in harmony. One gift God gives us all is the ability to notice and celebrate gifts in each other. As we reflect on the roles we each play in our circles of community, how might we name the gifts we see in one another? How might we listen to God’s voice naming for us who we truly are, as God’s beloved children, and catch sight of how we might collectively create spaces of belonging?
We all have a part to play in this world. Our actions matter. Each of us has our own gifts to give. Ephesians 4 gives us a picture of how good it can be when we all do our part. We'll be worshipping in our Redwood Grove this Sunday. Join us under the trees to sing, pray and listen together!
This Sunday Alicia Garcia from the amazing organization, WeHope will join us to share her message about how we need each other to bring out the essence of God in our lives and to be a thriving church who shines light into the darkness.WeHope serves the unhoused population all over the Bay Area, bringing dignity and hope through their shelters, Dignity on Wheels and job training programs. Alicia is the powerhouse behind the vision of WeHope and you'll enjoy her positive and encouraging preaching.
These verses in Ephesians 3:14-21 are what you pray when you don't know what to pray. They express the inner architecture of faith and the guiding words for our journeys in Christ. As we read and consider them, we'll seek hearts enlarged with God's love and strength beyond our own to live the lives God is calling us to.
We are excited to welcome Kafunyi Mwamba as our preacher this week. Kafunyi is a chaplain at Stanford Hospital and part of the pastoral staff at our partner church, St Mark AME Zion in East Palo Alto. A native of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kafunyi truly represents the title of his sermon, "Joy." In his own words: "The topic today is joy. And the chief question is: How can we be happy in difficult times, in dark times? How can we be happy when we are sick, and we are in pain?" Join us in exploring JOY on Sunday!
On this fourth of July weekend, we'll consider our allegiances. This beautiful passage in Ephesians 2:11-22 invites us to place our allegiance to Jesus beyond any other group, identity or nation. When we do that, we find peace and community.
We begin our summer study of Ephesians with Ephesians 1:3-14. This letter is set up with a bunch of superlatives, reminding us that we are the beloved adopted children of God. What if we lived as if "every spiritual blessing" were ours? Let's take a moment to focus on what God has given us and to soak in the indescribably good gift of being children of God.
God calls us his masterpiece, his "poeima," which can be translated as his poem. What does it mean to be God's poem, God's poetry? As we live out this life-giving vocation, how might we listen for God's call, and use our voice in response? How might we join the artful pursuit of building a more loving world? Guest preacher Naomi Kinsman speaks.
Why does it matter that Christians think of God as the Trinity? How might this ancient idea change how we view our world? And what does it mean for us in every day life? As we consider Nicodemus' visit to Jesus at night, we'll explore the answers to these questions on this Trinity Sunday.
This morning we'll explore the challenge of faith in our current time and how the story of Pentecost may give us signposts for reviving our lives and communities. Pastor Jenny will be preaching and Aisea will be sharing his story along with leading music.
One of the most powerful gifts of being human is to give witness to each other in the contours of our stories. Jesus asks his disciples to bear witness as he ascends to heaven. How do we become more skilled witnesses to God's love?
Interview Kelly Bean and Evariste about work in Burundi, the joy that comes from giving our lives to another.
Today we go back to the beginning, looking at one of the Creation accounts in Genesis and how it invites us to partner with God in affection and care for the earth. What if we started our conversations about caring for the earth by acknowledging that this is what we are made for? This morning we will rediscover the joy of being a part of all God has made.
Resurrection becomes real when we make it local, considering the place we live and what is needed here and now. Today's service will begin our April focus on caring for the earth as an expression our faith.
This week Jenny gives a sermon entitled, "Prone to Wander". Aisea gives a beautiful spoken word and leads our music for the week. Be well.
This Sunday Jenny reflects with the congregation over one of Rembrandt's most know paintings, The Return of the Prodigal Son.
For the first week of Black History Month Jenny preaches on the topic, "Beyond". she interviews a member of the church on her experience meeting MLK while on a flight to Chicago. Our worship team sings "Heal Us" in response.
This week guest preacher, Nate Millheim preaches on the topic, "Bringing Back". Our music is from our worship team.
This week's sermon, "Beloved" is from Rev Jenny Warner. Music by Aisea Taimani & Kate Lamont
This week, guest preachers Jay and Caryl Casbon preach on the topic, "Where Two or More Are Gathered: The Sacred Art of Relationships".
Pastor Jenny launches the summer series about finding authentic connection, we’ll explore stories of Jesus gathering, healing, forgiving and breaking boundaries of who’s in and who’s out. What might it mean if we were to measure our lives in authentic connection? What if connection is the way the world changes?
Aaron Niequist visits VPC to lead music and teach the Prayer of the Examen. Nate Millheim sharing his experience with the Prayer of the Examen. Chancel Choir singing "Take My Life."aaronniequest.comvalleypreschurch.org
David Cropper shares his experience of practicing Lectio Divina. Pastor Jenny invites us to clear space for God this Lent. The Chancel Choir offers a beautiful sung invitation to "Come to me". Find more at valleypreschurch.org
Shane Claiborne speaks at VPC on February 19, 2023. Read his latest book, Rethinking Life or find out more at shaneclaiborne.comAisea Taimani is a local musician. Find more of his music at https://minorislands.bandcamp.com
Jenny concludes her sermon series on Colossians by focusing on the power of friendship.
If you'd like to read a transcript of this sermon, please visit jennywarner.com/blog
valleypreschurch.org
Our faith calls us to live for the common good, in authentic community with each other. As we grow in faith, we change and release the lesser allegiances and identities that divide us. How do we create eco-systems that foster our transformation?
Naomi Kinsman offers this morning's message on Colossians 1:1-14.
Naomi is our Curator for NextGen at VPC.
On this 4th of July weekend, Pastor Jenny invites us to kinship as the value that will take us forward into the future.
Jenny Warner preaches the last sermon in our series, "Why It Matters: Building a More Loving World." Also, enjoy Maryliz Smith's piano response at the end of the message.
"Every day our hope grows deeper. People must have hope."
Hear the view from a national perspective as Rev. Dr. Lee Hinson-Hasty preaches this morning. Lee is the Senior Director, Theological Education Funds Development for the Presbyterian Foundation and is visiting from Louisville, Kentucky. He also is a very dear friend of Pastor Jenny. Lee is a man of vision and deep encouragement. You'll leave this morning full of hope.
Since she's not preaching this morning, Jenny will be leading worship with Barbary, including singing the song that inspired this month's theme, "Why It Matters."
This is the second in our series "Why It Matters: Building A More Loving World." This is a sermon from Pastor Jenny setting the vision for our future as a faith community.
In this service, we explore the hiddenness of God in a conversation with spiritual director, Mary Jo Alderson, along with music and a sermon by Pastor Jenny. The choir sings a beautiful prayer for the children as a prayer for Ukraine.
valleypreschurch.org
This is our final Sunday in the series, "Push Play" where Jenny speaks about the power of Cooperative Gaming and the unity that is needed to build community.
We were very excited to welcome our new partner congregation, St. Mark AME Zion from East Palo Alto. The service was followed by lunch and we look forward to visiting them soon!
valleypreschurch.org
Jenny gives a personal sermon about why and how she thinks church matters right now. At the end, the congregation is invited to engage in prayer stations that will invite them to learn more about the strategic goals of VPC, offer prayers for the church and invite ownership into what's possible for the future.
Check out more about what Valley Presbyterian is up to at valleypreschurch.org
This Sunday Darlene Batchelder leads the service and interviews Sherry Listgarten for our Earthcare Sunday!
Today we hosted a guest preacher: David Vasquez-Levy, president of Pacific School of Religion who preached on Wrestling in the Night: Epiphanies in a Time of Pandemic, Protest, and Polarization.
Easter is approaching! For the 4th Sunday of lent Pastor Jenny preached on being connected to love.
Music Director- Raf Ornes VPC Chancel Choir Piano, Vocals- Barbary Grant PIano- Katie Koenig Liturgist- Kirsten Kingdon Lead Pastor- Rev. Jenny Warner
March 7, 2022 We were grateful for a conversation with Professor Samuel Goda about the war in the Ukraine. If you would like to listen to Samuel's talk, you can find it here.
If you're looking for ways to help, Samuel invited us to give to razom.org
And we also recommend Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (pda.pcusa.org) which is a reliable organization doing good work in the Ukraine and anywhere they are needed.
Our 2022 women's retreat spilled over into this morning's worship with music, spoken word and a sermon by Pastor Jenny.
Vocalist Courtney Burroughs Katy Partan Ginny Burroughs Piano Barbary Grant Guitar Jeff Buenz Liturgist Rian Jorgensen Lead Pastor Rev. Jenny Warner
On the first Sunday of Lent, Flint Mitchell preaches on being authentic! Featuring Ezra Costanza, playing the viola and Sara Folchi as a vocalist.
On this last Sunday of February, we finished our series in conversation with the great novelist, Toni Morrison and considered how finding God within us is the most powerful thing we can do.
Worship Leaders:
Rev. Jenny Warner Pastor Claire, Rebecca and Emma Spence Readers Kristi Kuechler Liturgist Steve Boisvert Soloist Barbary Grant piano, banjolele VPC Chancel Choir Fellowship of the Ring Bell Choir Raf Ornes Choir Director
This morning, the Global Arts and Theology Experience Team was with us just a few days before they host the Beyonce Mass at Stanford's Memorial Church. Rev. Yolanda Norton and Luisa Dantier offered a spoken and sung word performance with the voices of black women and the song from A Color Purple, "I am Here." Andy Deeb on vocals and guitar and Johannes Stauffer, piano and guitar.
Pastor Jenny's sermon is a reflection on Luke 6 and the writing of bell hooks.
Dave Forter, liturgist Alice Chiang, blessing
This Sunday, we were honored to host Rev. Dr. Tiffany Steinwert, Dean of Spiritual and Religious Life at Stanford University preaching on Hope Amid Suffering and reflecting on Jeremiah 17:5-10 and the work of Austin Channing Brown.
Worship leaders: Amy Worden, Steve Boisvert, Barbary Grant, Krista Bowman, Raf Ornes and Katie Koenig.
Today's worship service was the first in our February series, "Intersections" which will feature black women authors during Black History Month. Today we listened to Amanda Gorman in reflection on the story of Jesus taking the disciples out fishing in Luke 5:1-11.
Music included Ezra Costanza on viola, Malcolm Jones on vocals, Barbary Grant as lead musician. Ginger Holt and Asher Allen were liturgists.
Rev. Jenny Warner preaching.
We are excited to celebrate, bless and hear from Andrew Quick and Ashley Pogue this morning. Since they were last at VPC, they've been joined by baby Maisy. Ashley grew up at VPC and worked as our youth director. Andrew taught at the Theater Conservatory for several years. They are taking the next step in their journey this coming week as Andrew begins his first ordained call as pastor at St. Luke's Presbyterian Church in San Rafael.
Rev. Dr. Zandra Jordan preached from Atlanta for this Sunday morning service. Katie Koenig provided piano selections for our prelude and postlude.
This service was the first time that we could bring the Zoom worshippers in through a screen in the sanctuary. Cindy Liu and Dave Forter led worship. Malcolm Jones on vocals, Ezra Costanza on viola and Barbary Grant as lead musician. Pastor Jenny preached on the Baptism of Jesus in Luke 3.
This Sunday we began to lean into our hybrid capacity with a reader from home. Pastor Jenny preached on "Pivot into Possibility" for this Epiphany Sunday. Amy Worden, vocals. Paula Seo, piano. Chris Warner, liturgist.
The first service of 2022 went online only after a few staff members tested positive for Covid and others were out on vacation.
Thanks to Barbary Grant, Amy Worden, Darlene Batchelder and Cindy Liu for pulling it off and Nate Millheim of Oakland for preaching.
We said farewell to Anne Hillman today. This Sunday Jenny Warner has a conversation with Anne about her time here at VPC. Liturgist: Rita Williams Special Appearance: Kerry Tremblay Chancel Choir
This is the Lessons and Carols 9pm service on December 24, 2021.
The service began with a jazz duo of Michael O'Neill and Larry Dunlap,
Rev. Jenny Warner, Lead Pastor Barbary Grant, Piano VPC Chancel Choir VPC Bell Choir Raf Ornes, Director Anita Wotiz and Ted Meeker, Candle Lighters Ginger Holt, Liturgist Miriam Rivera, Liturgist
This service on December 19, 2021 began outside where participants sang Christmas carols, led by Barbary Grant on ukulele.
This gave time for the orchestra and choirs of VPC + Ladera Community Church to prepare for their collaborative musical offering, "The Seven Joys of Christmas."
Rev. Jenny Warner share a brief meditation after the performance.
Join us for worship this Second Sunday of Advent.
Evan Kahn, cello Barbary Grant, harp and piano VPC Bell Choir Sharei family, candle lighting Darrell Batchelder, preacher Jenny Warner, pastor and vocalist
valleypreschurch.org
Pastor Jenny starts off Advent with her sermon "Homesick". The service features musician Ezra Costanza on the viola.
Rev. Gerardo Garcia preaches on "Wisdom in the time of Covid-19" and Raf Ornes leads the service.
Paster Gererdo Garcia gives a sermon on "the righteousness of a grateful heart". Worship service led by Raf Ornes.
Catherine Regan gives a Sermon on "The Work of Loving the World Begins in the Heart". Worship led by Raf Ornes.
Jenny Warner preaches on, "Miracles & Thorns: It all belongs" and Brett Battles reads our liturgy.
Take in worship from the Redwood Grove. Chris and Andrew Preimesberger lead music and Pastor Jenny Warner is preaching on 1 Kings 19:1-8
A sermon from Jenny Warner with liturgy read by Theo Sanders and a closing song sung by Malcom Jones and members of the VPC Choir.
This worship service on June 6 was live-streamed from the Valley Presbyterian sanctuary. Jenny Warner was preaching and music offered by the VPC musicians.
Trinity Sunday Worship streamed live from the sanctuary. Pastor Jenny preaches on "The Measure of Freedom". Join us next Sunday online or in person. Reservations required for in person worship: valleypreschurch.org
Join us for the fifth Sunday of Easter 2021.
The video contains a guest sermon from Pastor Beth Neel on "When You're Weary" and music from Barbary Grant and Jenny Warner. The full live service will be on Zoom at 10:45 on Sunday morning. The link is available in our newsletter and webpage, valleypreschurch.org
To support VPC, you can donate online here: https://valleypreschurch.org/give Thank you!
Join us for the fourth Sunday of Easter 2021.
Today is a special and unique Sunday. Our worship is threaded with lyrical readings from Brian Swimme and Mary Evelyn Tucker which are read and put to music by my dear friend and local musician, Maryliz Smith. The message for today is a conversation that I had with Diana Chapman Walsh, former president of Wellesley College, who now lives on the Peninsula. She is also colleagues with Mary Evelyn Tucker. Our choir will lead us in glorious hymns celebrating God's creation and you won't want to miss Thomas Walling's prayer for the earth.
To support VPC, you can donate online here: https://valleypreschurch.org/give Thank you!
Watch Diana's interview with the Dalai Lama and Greta Thunberg: https://www.mindandlife.org/event/the-dalai-lama-with-greta-thunberg-and-leading-scientists-a-conversation-on-the-crisis-of-climate-feedback-loops/
Learn more about Diana's work with the Council on the Uncertain Human Future here: https://councilontheuncertainhumanfuture.org
Jenny Warner Preaches on the "Palms to Passion: The Scope of Love" featuring a special piece from our choir.
Join us for the third Sunday of our Lent series, Holy Vessels: A Season of Recovery.
The video contains a conversation with Pastor Jenny and Paul Dumesnil on Exodus 20 and the Principle and Foundation, written by Ignatius of Loyola.
Join us for the third Sunday of our Lent series, Holy Vessels: A Season of Recovery.
The video contains a sermon by Pastor Jenny
An edited version of our live Zoom worship on Feb. 14, 2021.
The video contains a sermon from Pastor Jenny Warner on "Prom and how we are all being changed" in our series, Faith and Flix.
Worship on January 31, 2021.
The video contains a sermon from Pastor Jenny Warner on "Queens Gambit and knowing we're not alone" in our series, Faith and Flix.
Our worship on January 17, 2021.
A sermon from Pastor Jenny Warner on "Using Our Power for Good and Ted Lasso" in our series, Faith and Flix.
This is the 7th video in Valley Presbyterian Church's Christmas Vigil, a contemplative look at the O Antiphons in anticipation of Christmas 2020.
This is the 6th video in Valley Presbyterian Church's Christmas Vigil, a contemplative look at the O Antiphons in anticipation of Christmas 2020.
This is the 5th video in Valley Presbyterian Church's Christmas Vigil, a contemplative look at the O Antiphons in anticipation of Christmas 2020.
This is the 4th video in Valley Presbyterian Church's Christmas Vigil, a contemplative look at the O Antiphons in anticipation of Christmas 2020.
This is the 2nd video in Valley Presbyterian Church's Christmas Vigil, a contemplative look at the O Antiphons in anticipation of Christmas 2020.
This is the 2nd video in Valley Presbyterian Church's Christmas Vigil, a contemplative look at the O Antiphons in anticipation of Christmas 2020.
This is the 1st video in Valley Presbyterian Church's Christmas Vigil, a contemplative look at the O Antiphons in anticipation of Christmas 2020.
Join us for the Second Sunday of Advent, 2020.
The video contains a lighting of the second Advent candle, a confession using the Korean hymn "Ososo, a sermon on Isaiah 11:1-10 by Rev. Dr. Kim Engelmann
Join us for the third Sunday of our series: "Thriving Together," with a sermon entitled, "God's Got Us"
The video contains a sermon by Pastor Jenny on Ezekiel 34.
Join us for the second Sunday of our series: "Thriving Together: Messy World | Faithful People."
The video contains a sermon by Pastor Jenny on Judges 4:1-7.
Join us for the first Sunday of our series: "Thriving Together"
The video contains a brief reflection by Pastor Jenny on Amos 5:18-24
Join us for the first Sunday in our fall 2020 series: "Don't Stop Believing: Stories of Humanity and Hope."
Join us for the first Sunday in our series, "May It Be So," our summer series on the Lord's Prayer.
The video contains the Scripture reading, sermon and a rendition of Malotte's Lord's Prayer sung by Malcolm Jones. To support VPC, you can donate online here: https://valleypreschurch.org/give Thank you!
We're taking one of the hardest stories in the Bible on today. What does the near-miss human sacrifice of Isaac by his father Abraham in Genesis have to do with living in a global pandemic?
To support VPC, you can donate online here: https://valleypreschurch.org/give Thank you!
www.valleypreschurch.org
Pastor Jenny's sermon on June 7, 2020 was a response to the current issues of racism in the world. Drawing on the Christian theology of the Trinity, she shares that our God is a relational God and encourages us to live into a relational reality.
Join us for this worship service on Sunday, April 19, 2020, from Valley Presbyterian Church! To support VPC, you can donate online here: https://www.valleypreschurch.org/give Thank you! www.valleypreschurch.org
Join us for this sermon from Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020, from Valley Presbyterian Church! To support VPC, you can donate online here: https://www.valleypreschurch.org/give Thank you! www.valleypreschurch.org
Join us for this online worship service on Palm Sunday, April 5, 2020, from Valley Presbyterian Church! Scripture for Sunday, April 5, 2020: Philippians 2:5-11 (NIV)
Pastor Jenny Warner leads this online worship service for the Fifth Sunday in Lent, March 29, 2020, focusing on "Wait Just a Minute...".
Rev. Jenny Warner addresses Valley Presbyterian Church with a "mini-service" for online viewing.
On March 8, 2020, Valley Presbyterian Church celebrated our second Sunday of Lent, as we continue to explore our "Forgiven and Free" sermon series.
Rev. Jenny Warner preached on "The Truth of the Matter is ...", looking more deeply at owning the reality of our stories. Speaking honestly is essential to forgiveness.
Scripture describes Nicodemus coming to Jesus in the night with his story. Nicodemus catches a glimpse that there is a different way to hold the story of his life and the story of God that is about grace and not rules.
"What's human is mentionable, and if it's mentionable, it's manageable." --Mr. Rogers
www.valleypreschurch.org
In her sermon on Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020 at Valley Presbyterian Church, Rev. Jenny Warner explored the Bible as "The Book of Transformation." Recognizing that we often want to enshrine the words of Scripture as set in stone, Pastor Jenny suggested instead that we can see them as a living conversation, a relationship into which we are invited and in which we become transformed. www.valleypreschurch.org
At Valley Presbyterian Church on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2020, Rev. Jenny Warner preached on 'The Book of Growth,' looking at how the Bible invites us to grow. What if some of the "problems" we have with the Bible are actually invitations to embrace complexity and mature? How does the Bible move us towards non-binary thinking and deeper into saying "yes" to God as a mystery of grace and love? We explored these ideas through Paul's letter to the Corinthians. www.valleypreschurch.org
Rev. Jenny Warner preached on "The Book of Justice" on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2020 at Valley Presbyterian, inviting us to not accept "business as usual," and to refuse the inevitability of our times.
In Jenny's words: We looked at the Bible "as a book of justice. Cornel West said: “Justice is what love looks like in public.” And the general message of the Bible agrees with him. There is little room for a private and individual faith in Scripture. Instead, our faith should lift up the lowest and seek to balance the scales economically and sociologically. This is how we make real Jesus’ words that we are the light of the world. " www.valleypreschurch.org
Valley Presbyterian Church kicked off a new sermon series for the month of February, focused on understanding the Bible from different perspectives, Over the next month, we'll explore the complex, beautiful, messy and sacred text from this work, each week considering the Bible from a different vantage point.
This past Sunday, Feb. 2, 2020, we started by evaluating the Bible through the lens of Jesus. We heard the story of Simeon and Anna, and Rev. Jenny Warner preached on 'The Book of Jesus.'
On Sunday, Jan. 26, 2020, Valley Presbyterian Church celebrated the commissioning of Rev. Karen Thistlethwaite as our Executive Pastor.
Rev. Dr. Graham Baird, the lead pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Burlingame (https://burlpres.org/staff/), led the service of commissioning at Valley Presbyterian and provided our sermon ("The Commission and the Mission").
What is an Executive Pastor, you may ask? The closest parallel in the business world is a Chief Operations Officer. Executive pastors function as the organizational heart of a church, making sure we are stewarding our resources of people, finances and facilities in the service of our mission. www.valleypreschurch.org
On Jan. 19, 2020, the deacons at Valley Presbyterian Church led Sunday worship.
Our Deacon Moderator Barbara Caswell provided the sermon ("The Courage to Be Vulnerable"), speaking from the experience of her illness the last 18 months.
Barbara clarified that being vulnerable is a strength, not a weakness; and she encouraged us to allow ourselves to be vulnerable and ask for support when needed, because God is always there. www.valleypreschurch.org
This January 2020 we're starting our new sermon series at Valley Presbyterian "Called to Love." Our primary calling is to receive and BE Love.
On Sunday, January 12, Rev. Jenny Warner delivered her sermon entitled "Who Should Wear the Robe and Crown?" www.valleypreschurch.org.
Rev. Jenny Warner preaches to the congregation of Valley Presbyterian Church on January 5, 2020, the first Sunday of the New Year (and New Decade). www.valleypreschurch.org
Rev. Jenny Warner addresses Valley Presbyterian Church on December 29, the last Sunday of 2019. www.valleypreschurch.org
On December 8, 2019, the Second Sunday in Advent, Rev. Jenny Warner addressed the congregation at Valley Presbyterian Church with her sermon "Peace Can't Wait!" www.valleypreschurch.org
Advent began this Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019 as Valley Presbyterian Church enters into the season of preparation and expectant waiting for Christmas. Pastor Jenny preached on "Hope Can't Wait!" www.valleypreschurch.org
On Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019 we celebrated at Valley Presbyterian with a Thanksgiving Service. Pastor Jenny Warner sermon was titled "Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart." www.valleypreschurch.org
Valley Presbyterian Church welcomed Andrew P. Quick to the pulpit on November 17, 2019 for "Holy Humor Sunday." Andrew shared his sermon "Blessed Are We" and showcased his unique physical humor to help us connect to one another more readily. In the process, we shared lots of nervous moments, followed by belly laughs all around. The audio file for this presentation will be tough to follow without visual cues, but it's here for those who'd like to give a listen ... www.valleypreschurch.org
Rev. Jenny Warner shared her sermon "It All Belongs to God: Stories from East Africa" at Valley Presbyterian Church, November 11, 2019.
Jenny described her past two weeks in Rwanda, looking for "change-makers" with the "African Road" project, providing initial funds to kick-start improvement efforts there. Each donation stipulates that fund recipients will make small but regular contributions (12.5 cents weekly) for ongoing community support, in order to become self-supporting as a community.
Jenny also referred to this morning's readings from the prophet Haggai, who encouraged the Israelites to rebuild community resources after their return from exile, in addition to rebuilding personal resources.
Jenny noted that community contribution can seem the harder of the two, but the courage and spirit to do so dwells within all of us, as God's abundance is meant for all of us, and is not earmarked for individual ownership or control. www.valleypreschurch.org
Valley Presbyterian's new Executive Pastor Karen Thistlethwaite addressed the congregation last Sunday, November 3, with a sermon on "A Legacy of Faith and Forgiveness."
Building on the reading from Acts 7:55-60, Pastor Karen noted that Stephen asked God to forgive his persecutors with his dying breath. Karen suggested we bring forgiveness and God's love to those we are inclined to love the least, following Stephen's example. www.valleypreschurch.org
Craig Cornelius is a software engineer in Silicon Valley, a past college professor, and an active leader of the Adult Education program at Valley Presbyterian Church. On Sunday, October 27, 2019 (Reformation Sunday), Craig lead the congregation in an exploration of "Change is Hard." www.valleypreschurch.org
On Oct. 20, 2019, Pastor Jenny Warner spoke about "The Wounding and Healing of Faith" at Valley Presbyterian Church. Both of these consequences of faith tend to get tangled together like a knotted ball of yarn, difficult to separate from each other.
Jenny concluded that a more mature faith acknowledges this complexity and allows for the embrace of truth where ever it appears. www.valleypreschurch.org
Pastor Jenny Warner spoke about 'Gathering Around Resilient Faith,' on October 13, 2019. She pointed out that gratitude leaves us soft, open, and connected with one another, even if we come from different tribes. It's good to remain curious, grateful, & connected to others.
Reflecting on the interwoven root structure supporting our towering redwood trees at VPC, Jenny also concluded that we can grow strong as individuals, but like the redwoods, we grow best in community with others. www.valleypreschurch.org
On Sept. 29, 2019, Pastor Jenny Warner addressed the congregation of Valley Presbyterian Church about being our true selves. Often we cope with challenges by wearing a "mask" of one sort or another. God's love invites us to be our true selves, "like a divine breath passing through". At Valley Presbyterian, one of our core values is "Dropping our masks, we invite each other to be our true selves." www.valleypreschurch.org
Visiting Valley Presbyterian Church in Portola Valley, California from Minneapolis, Minnesota, author and pastor Doug Pagitt shared the message of his latest book, "Outdoing Jesus" on September 22, 2019, and discussed how we can build a more loving world. This was the third week of the church's "Gather Around" fall sermon series, as we considered our third VPC core value: Focusing outward, we build partnerships, create opportunities, seek justice and learn from each other. www.valleypreschurch.org
Welcome back to the second week of our "Gather Around" fall sermon series. Today Rev. Jenny Warner addresses creativity & joy, as part of our second Valley Presbyterian core value: "Seeking the sacred through creativity, playfulness and nature, we nurture our faith." www.valleypreschurch.org
September 8, 2019 was BaseCamp Sunday, a big day for Valley Presbyterian. Pastor Jenny Warner kicked of our new fall sermon series "Gather Around" by exploring our first core value at VPC:
Slowing down, we ask questions and experience the mystery of faith.
Through examples from her own recent week, Jenny reminded us to take a moment to slow down when we're caught up in the flurry of life's busy-ness, and set our hearts on a higher order. To be our best in the world requires rest, and if we can stay plugged in to God's love instead of distraught freneticism, we can experience faith as a mystery instead of as a problem to be solved on a check list.
An active leader of Valley Presbyterian's Adult Education Classes as well as a software engineer and past college professor, Craig Cornelius shared his observations on the unique experience we find when we're singing. Engaging the whole body (lungs, brain, etc.), singing leads to an altered state of being where we are transported and free. And as an antidote to social isolation, singing together brings us closer, uniting us as human beings, in our hearts, minds and bodies. www.valleypreschurch.org
On Aug. 18, 2019, Pastor Jenny Warner preached on "Releasing What Binds Us" at Valley Presbyterian. She started by summarizing an Irish short story, "The First Confession" by Frank O'Connor. As she continued, she demonstrated that only through confessing do we let down our guard and open ourselves fully to truth telling. When we "live in confession" and openly tell our truth, we discover the joy of being loved by God, just as we are, and we are able to move forward, rather than being blocked in a damaging, defensive posture. We must confess the truth, otherwise we get "stuck" in denial. www.valleypreschurch.org
On August 11, 2019, Andrew P. Quick shared his sermon with Valley Presbyterian Church on "God's Faith in Us." Andrew graduated this spring from the San Francisco Theological Seminary with a Masters in Divinity. He is currently under care as a candidate with the San Francisco Presbytery as he moves towards ordination. Valley Presbyterian Church is pleased to support Andrew's journey. www.valleypreschurch.org
Darrell Batchelder is a member of Valley Presbyterian Church, currently serving as a deacon, and as a singer in the Chancel Choir. His sermon on August 4, 2019 focused on the importance of volunteers in making community. www.valleypreschurch.org
(13:28) Rev. Jenny Warner reflects on the power of stories at the 7/29/19 Valley Presbyterian Church worship service. Stories remind us of who we are, keep us in relationship with other people, and give us something to live into.
Sometimes we make up stories in our heads about what we think is going on with other people (for instance someone who cuts you off in traffic) when our version could be different from the real story.
What’s important is to LIVE in a story that is expansive enough to hold the full spectrum of our lives and give us space to grow into love Remember the story behind the communion table -- that there is a God of abundance who is with us and who brings redemption, healing and wholeness. Be aware of your stories and how they influence how you live your life. www.valleypreschurch.org
On Sunday, July 14, 2019, Julie Williams addressed the parable of the Good Samaritan at Valley Presbyterian Church. By practicing the radical concept of caring for another human being in need (in spite of social boundaries), the Good Samaritan gave us an example to live by: every human being is our neighbor, and we should love each other as we love ourselves.
Julie developed this idea further by describing the joy-filled approach of Rita Berger (aka Rita Rockett), who shared food and an upbeat, playful nature with AIDS patients in San Francisco for years.
Julie closed her sermon by describing the endless, sustainable "Circle of Care" that forms when we bring our deepest joy to those places of the world's deepest hunger, as Rita Rockett did. How will we make a difference? Look for places where the world's greatest need can be met with your own greatest joy. www.valleypreschurch.org
(25:10)The sermon at Valley Presbyterian Church on July 21, 2019 was provided by Brian Cropper, a high school history and religious studies teacher at the Nueva School in San Mateo.
Brian pursued graduate work in comparative religion at Harvard Divinity School. He's a strong advocate for developing literacy about myriad ways religion is embedded in all aspects of life. Brian contends this broader awareness of religion can help us better understand our community, as well as provide us with a multidisciplinary foundation for understanding history and culture.
Rev. Jenny Warner offered a sermon on "Walking in Gratitude" as the congregation of Valley Presbyterian gathered under the redwoods for a lovely outdoor worship service on July 7, 2019. www.valleypreschurch.org
On 6/30/19, Pastor Jenny Warner shared insight on Psalm 104 at Valley Presbyterian Church. Jenny described God's "domain of tenderness" and suggested we are invited to meet God's tenderness with trust. Rather than being overly controlling, or reckless with abandon, we can find God on a trusting, middle path, as a creature taking comfort in being part of creation. We don't need to be perfect, just present. www.valleypreschurch.org
June 23 was a memorable worship service for Valley Presbyterian, as we were treated to the return of Ashley Pogue & Andrew Quick for a joint sermon at VPC's pulpit. Andrew & Ashley shared with us the persistent questions they have lived with through their three years as seminary students. Towards the end of their sermon, they offer their answers, then challenge the congregation to consider these same questions for our own lives.
This special service starts a summer of music at Valley Presbyterian. Rev. Jenny Warner's sermon reminds us that the Trinity supports a community spirit, in which singing together is a spiritual celebration. Paul Vasile leads musical meditations with the congregation. Piano played by Paul Vasile, cello by Barbary Grant, and vocals by all three. Enjoy! www.valleypreschurch.org
Pentecost conjures up the excitement that comes from being in community with others. Pastor Jenny reflects on personal experiences like this. Being together with others heightens the sense of passion, and deepens the sense of belonging to each other; that connection is sacred. This audio file includes a musical selection at the end by the VPC Chancel Choir, singing "We Are Not Alone." www.valleypreschurch.org
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.
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.
For the second Sunday in Advent, the Chancel Choir performs Vivaldi's Gloria followed by Pastor Jenny's sermon.
Rev. Dr. Alton B Pollard III, President of Louisville Seminary, joins us to welcome the season of Advent.
Ashley Pogue preaches on Thanksgiving Sunday and explores gratitude through the lens of Dr. Sallie McFague, eco-theologian.
Pastor Jenny preaching "Building Peace" as we remember Armistice Day and consider what it means to be a wholehearted presence of God in the world.
Pastor Jenny's sermon on Reformation Sunday and our celebration of the "saints" of Valley.
Our current pastor and previous pastors are interviewed about the life of Valley as we celebrate the church's 60th anniversary.
Pastor Jenny expand on the second half of Valley's new mission statement - We're a basecamp, building a more loving world.
Pastor Jenny welcomes the church into the fall season as well as introduces the new mission statement for Valley - We are a base camp, building a move loving world.
Pastor Jenny and the team from VPC reflect on their time with African Road in Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania.
Pastor Jenny preaches on "Clear Eyes. Full Hearts. Can't Lose." during our Summer of Compassion series.
Jenny continues our Summer of Compassion Series while considering the "Complexity of Caring."
Pastor Jenny returns from 3 weeks in Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania and further explores compassion.
Member and Pastor Paul Fullmer gives a sermon continuing our Summer of Compassion series.
Member, spiritual director, and life coach Darlene Batchelder's sermon on compassion during our Summer of Compassion series. Enjoy!
Rev. John Koeker continues our Summer of Compassion series with his sermon from July 8, 2018.
Rev. Jenny Warner interviews Vietnam refugee and founder of Sea of Solidarity, Maria Tran.
Sam Lundquist begins VPC's Summer of Compassion series June 10 with his sermon "Sharing Hope."
Four of our graduating high school seniors reflect on their faith, time at Valley, questions, and the importance of community in their lives.