Church News

Friday, September 16, 2016

PUMPKIN PATCH TRIP

Pumpkin Patch Trip


Harpersville, Alabama


www.oldbakerfarm.com


Saturday, October 22nd


Leave the church at 9:00am


Tickets are $10.00 and includes your pumpkin and some rides.

 

There will be exhibitors from all over the South including handmade Indian arts & crafts, blacksmiths, woodworkers, wrought iron art, fabric and canvas artists, and more!

 

In October, the fields of the Old Baker Farm will be bursting with color as the pumpkins in the fields become ripe for harvest. What a perfect time for families and groups to experience life on a working farm. Take a hayride through Dead Hollow Swamp, pick pumpkins and cotton, and explore our corn and hay maze. There are farm animals to pet and enjoy when you visit our barn which was built in 1919, as well as acres and acres of living history!

 

Civil War Reenactment featuring replica of an old fort!

 

Live Music including Bluegrass, Country, Blues, and Gospel!

 

Antique Tractors! Pedal Tractors for the Kids!

OCC PACKING PARTY

Join us after worship on September 25th for a light lunch and a packing party. Please make reservations for the lunch by calling the church office or by signing up at church this Sunday. Each box needs $7.00 for overseas shipping. You may give to this fund online at www.classy.org/svpc.

OCC SEPTEMBER COLLECTIONS

September collections for Operation Christmas Child will be socks, small flashlights with batteries, toothpaste and our $7.00 shipping fee. If you can’t shop for items, donations may be given and we will fill in the gifts that are most needed. You may also give to this fund online at www.classy.org/svpc.

Saturday, September 3, 2016

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

Matthew 25:35-36 says, "For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in: I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you took care of Me; I was in prison and you visited Me."

As we approach our Operation Christmas Child Packing Party, Sunday, September 25th, 2016, we thought it might be a perfect time for a little history of this shoebox ministry. Our faith family, from Bessemer First Presbyterian to Shepherd of the Valley, has supported the wonderful ministry of Operation Christmas Child (OCC) for close to fifteen years.  It began with our youth bringing this ministry opportunity to us and they continue to host and encourage us in it today.  As a little note of interest, our last service at Bessemer First Presbyterian closed out with a lunch and a shoebox packing event.  That seemed fitting as our congregation, which began in 1888 in Bessemer, served in missions and we ended our time there in 2014 doing missions.  Then, in 2015 we carried this ministry right here into McCalla with us.  Now, in 2016 we continue with this tradition of service.

You can help us support Operation Christmas Child by giving a financial gift at www.classy.org/svpc. The process is fast, easy, and secure. We truly appreciate any support you can provide. Together, we will be able to help so many people in Jesus' Name!

If you can't make a donation at this point, you can help us reach our goal by sharing this page on Facebook and Twitter.  Or, even better, send an e-mail to friends you think might be interested in contributing and include a link to our page.  Thanks so much for your generosity!

Sunday, August 14, 2016

OCC AUGUST COLLECTION

August OCC Collections will be school supplies. We actually have a pretty good amount of pencils already.  If you do purchase any, please bring the ones that are already sharpened.  Some items we really need are: small pencil sharpeners; erasers; small notepads that will fit in the shoeboxes; the old thin, smaller type coloring books; crayons; markers.  Thank you for helping us be ready to pack these gifts of hope this October or November!

HYMN SING, LUNCH BUNCH, AND CONCERT

Hymn Sing, Lunch Bunch, and Concert
Sunday, August 21, 12:05 PM
We will be enjoying a  summer hymn sing for morning worship.  In this wonderful service we look forward to your choosing your favorite hymns. There will be no sermon. Instead the lyrics and melodies of the great hymn writers you love will proclaim the good news.  After worship we will join together in a lunch bunch time of fellowship followed by a concert by Jeremy McMillan.

Friday, August 5, 2016

PRAYER BREAKFAST

Shepherd of the Valley Presbyterian Men

Prayer Breakfast

Saturday, August 13, 8:00-9:30

The provisional agenda is as follows:

8:00 Fellowship and Breakfast

9:00 Assemble for Prayer

· Opening Comments

· Formal Prayers

· Open Floor

· Closing Prayer

 

 

Friday, July 15, 2016

OCC COLLECTIONS FOR JULY

Operation Christmas Child
July collections: toiletries such as MILD bar soaps, washcloths, toothpaste, toothbrushes, but no liquids!

FIREFIGHTER RECOGNITION

Firefighter Recognition
Sunday, July 24
Join us for worship Sunday, July 24 when we will have a special recognition and appreciation of our volunteer fire fighters of the McCalla-McAdory area. We will have a congregational prayer for them on that Sunday.

Friday, June 24, 2016

CELEBRATING 240 YEARS OF LIBERTY

Celebrating 240 Years of Liberty

 

As we approach the Fourth of July, it is a good time to remember why this is, in essence, a Presbyterian Holiday.

 

First, the Declaration of Independence declares the sovereignty of God as the chief legal authority. The Westminster Confession of Faith states: "God the supreme Lord and King of all the world, hath ordained civil magistrates to be under Him, over the people, for His own glory, and the public good." (XXV.1)

 

Second, the Declaration of Independence was signed by representatives of the people – a system of government that is essentially Presbyterian. There is a striking similarity between the principles set forth in the Form of Government of the Presbyterian Church and those set forth in the eventual Constitution of the United States.

 

Third, the Declaration of Independence declares the right and duty of godly people to reject and oppose ungodly tyranny imposed by our rulers – whether a king or an elected government. This is a vital principle that we need to recall today, that no national government or tyrannical leader should be granted the right to rule our consciences in opposition to the Word of God.  

 

NEW MEN'S GROUP

We are establishing a Men's Group at SVPC

 

The mission of Shepherd of the Valley Presbyterian Men is: To lead men into a vital relationship with Christ and to assist them in their spiritual, personal and community development.

 

This is an inclusive group open to all men 18 years or older who are members or friends of SVPC.

 

For further information, please call the (205) 565-7025.

PW GENERAL MEETING

Just a reminder that our General Meeting is Sunday, June 26, at 12:05 PM. We will have a delicious lunch provided by Circle 2 and Night Circle. Mert will be presenting a wonderful program (not to be missed!!!). We will also be presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award. So join us for good food and a time of fellowship.

OUR VBS CAVE QUEST MISSION FOCUS

Our VBS Cave Quest Mission Focus: First Light Center for Homeless Women and Children

Their mission is to work with homeless women and their children to create hospitality in a safe and nurturing community, to encourage them to maintain dignity, to find hope, to seek opportunity, and to grow spiritually, thereby achieving their full potential.

We will be collecting items for this ministry that was started in the basement of the Birmingham 1st Presbyterian Church. You can bring your items to our Terrific Tuesday VBS or to church each Sunday in June. This will be a great mission focus!

MISSION TRIP TO PRESBYTERIAN HOME FOR CHILDREN

Mission Trip to Presbyterian Home for Children

 

We have an opportunity to serve in Christ's name to a ministry that we know and love - The Presbyterian Home for Children! Some of you had said you would be interested in going to work to help this special place. We have a few youth going but we need some able bodied adults to go along. We would love to work alongside you as a faith family all together!

 

It will be W-O-R-K!  It may be H-O-T!  But it will be a great accomplishment when we finish!

 

The Home is doing some pretty big renovation work this summer for the location of their new school. First Presbyterian of Talladega has given them their CE building to use for a new education undertaking. We can be a part of that and help make it a lovely place for these kids to learn and grow. Instead of going to a foreign country we can just stay right in Alabama and make a difference.

 

Here is an excerpt from an article from "The Daily Home" about the new school:  At the end of this summer, The Presbyterian Home and the First Presbyterian Church will unveil the Ascension Leadership Academy, a new, private elementary school meant to provide "superior education with a Christian Foundation," according to a release about the new school.  The new school will be a partnership between the Presbyterian Home and the church (Talladega First Presbyterian).

 

The first school year is set to begin Aug. 17, and there will be room for about 30 students between kindergarten and eighth grade. Like Hope Academy, admittance will not be limited to residents of the Presbyterian Home. "We're hoping to draw students from Sylacauga, Pell City, Oxford, but Talladega will be the priority as long as slots are available," Mark Howard said.

 

The accommodations for our work trip are free! There is a kitchen available so we could pack sandwich stuff for lunches and then perhaps go out to dinner at night. All it would cost you is a few meals for fast food on the way up and back and then maybe one other meal out.

 

You would need to pack as if going to camp: sheets, pillow, towels, toiletries, etc. If we have more than 10 people go some will have to sleep on pallets or air mattresses.

 

Our youth need your support on this project. Our Presbyterian Home for Children needs your support on this project. Let's jump in!

 

Please contact Barri Pratt if you are interested in volunteering.

(205)565-7025

barri.pratt@svpc.church

Thursday, May 26, 2016

SUMMER CELEBRATION KICKOFF

Summer Celebration Kick-off for Terrific Tuesdays

Cave Quest VBS

Saturday

June 4, 2016

10:00am—noon

Light lunch at noon

Monday, May 9, 2016

TERRIFIC TUESDAYS

Terrific Tuesdays

VBS for the whole family

June 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th (6:15 - 8:00pm)

Supper served from 5:30 - 6:15pm

Program, studies, crafts for all ages

SUMMER CELEBRATION KICK-OFF

Summer Celebration kick-off for VBS

Saturday, June 4th
10:00am until noon

 

Lunch served at noon

 

Water slides, games, VBS registration.

 

Bring your friends and family for this fun day in anticipation of our Cave Quest VBS!

IVY GREEN

Ivy Green
Tuscumbia, Alabama
June 24 – 25, 2016

Visit Helen Keller's home and attend the play "The Miracle Worker" showing the relationship between Ann Sullivan and Helen Keller as they build a life of joy and service to so many. The play is Friday evening, and Saturday we will participate in the Helen Keller Festival in downtown Tuscumbia. Other activities considered are the Frank Lloyd Wright Home, Music Hall of Fame and others.

As we return home, plans for lunch at the Old Cook Stove Restaurant in Danville followed by, time permitting, a visit to the Dutch Bakery---always enticing with its many goodies.

The important part of this trip is you…please call the church office (205-565-7025) and let us know of your interest in this activity to help us plan. Further details will be forthcoming, but knowing of your interest is critical!

Friday, April 15, 2016

NO BIBLE STUDY ON APR 19

There will be no Bible study on April 19th.

ITALIAN FEAST FUNDRAISER A DELICIOUS SUCCESS

Italian Feast Fundraiser – a delicious success

(1 Peter 2:4-5) “Come to Him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God’s sight, and like living stones, let yourself be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

It seemed we took a little trip to Italy together for this time of fundraising and fellowship. The décor, the music, the food all brought a festive feeling to the afternoon and extra dollars to our Building Fund.

It took a lot of work and planning to make it all happen and Shepherd of the Valley would like to thank all of those who helped in anyway. Your energies, support, and teamwork are greatly appreciated. There were so many who worked in all sorts of capacities, showing how God uses the varied talents and gifts within a congregation to make a beautiful Building. (1 Corinthians 3:9 - For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building. ESV)

Monday, April 11, 2016

COMMUNITY ROADSIDE CLEANUP

McAdory/McCalla Roadside Cleanup
 
April 23, 2016 - 8:30 AM 11:00 AM

Volunteers Needed
 
Six hours of community Service available for participation

Meet at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church

RUSSIAN FOLK MUSIC PERFORMANCE

Aleksandra and Dina Kasman will be performing Russian Folk Music at the Bessemer Music Club Meeting on April 13th at the Shepherd of the Valley Presbyterian Church. Aleksandra (Sasha) is the Winner of many AFMC Junior and Senior/Collegiate awards as well as several NFMC awards. She has also won several International awards. She has played solo performances and with her father, Yakov Kasman, with symphonies in Russia, China, Korea and France. Younger sister, Dina has also won AFMC and other awards. They both study with their father.

This is a good opportunity for the Music Club to show appreciation to the congregation for the use of this beautiful building by inviting them to this very special program including food and fellowship.

BIBLE READING MARATHON

This will be the sixth year of the Birmingham Bible Reading Marathon and we as a church family will once again be participating. It is an international, annual event where people, young and old, read the entire Bible (Genesis through Revelation) aloud for 90 continuous hours, without commentary. Each volunteer will read aloud for 15 minutes and then pass the reading, like a baton, to the next person. Approximately 360 volunteers are required to complete the reading of the entire Bible.

This takes place on the front steps of Southside Baptist Church in Birmingham.  The reading begins Sunday, May 1 at 6:00pm and continues around the clock through Thursday, May 5 (the National Day of Prayer) at 11:30am. Some of our members will be reading on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Even some of our children and youth will be participating and some of our members will be there in the wee-hours of the morning and also serving as monitors.

Reading God's Word out to the world from those steps at Southside Baptist in the middle of Birmingham is a moment you do not forget. You do not know if someone may hear the scriptures read for the very first time, ever. Or your reading may be exactly what a passers-by hurting heart needs to hear. Or, you may feel that it is just you reading for God's pleasure as He listens to His children speaking His Words to honor Him. It is a blessing for so many and we appreciate all who make this event possible.
 
 

SPRING HANDBELL CONCERT

Join us for our annual Spring Handbell Concert on Sunday, May 1st, at 3:00 in the afternoon. There will be a wide array of music from beautiful hymns and negro spirituals to the great movie classics! This group of talented and dedicated musicians have inspired us and brought us much joy through the years and they continue to do so today. Bring your family and friends for a lovely afternoon of music and a cookie reception to follow.

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

ITALIAN DINNER FUNDRAISER


Italian Dinner Fundraiser

Saturday, April 9, 2016 at Noon

Tickets on sale now! $12.00 adults, $3.00 for children 12 and under

We will all enjoy a wonderful Italian meal and have the chance to purchase specially designed gift baskets for every personality, occasion, hobby, and interest to help support our building fund at SVPC. Please call the church office for information and tickets.

Thursday, March 31, 2016

COMMITTING


I saw a statue of Jesus today.

He was hanging on the cross,

From bolts of iron in His wrists and feet.

His crown of thorns wedged tightly on His head.

His precious body scourged and torn,

Flesh hanging from His very limbs.

A sponge of gall and vinegar nearby,

The cat-o-nine with metal sharp,

Spread wide to show its evil intent.

And, while my heart was broken in grief

Knowing what He did for me,

My soul and spirit rose to Him

In love; for His dying for me.

How much He must love me overwhelms my mind;

How unworthy am I; Yet He made me His.

What can I do for YOU, Abba?

Look into me and see.

Purpose me for YOUR plan alone.

Strengthen and show me the way.

I commit myself to You my God.

For You are my purpose to live.

 

By Kay Stephens

 

 

Sunday, March 20, 2016

EASTER SUNDAY SERVICES

Join us for a SUNRISE SERVICE
at 6:30 AM (a light breakfast will follow).
Worship Service starts at 11:00 AM
 

 

MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICE

Join us for a Maundy Thursday Service
March 24 at Seven O'clock in the evening

Sunday, March 13, 2016

CROSS DEDICATION

CROSS DEDICATION
Palm Sunday, March 20, 10:45 AM

EGG HUNT


Egg Hunt and Lunch for the Whole Church Family and Friends
 
Palm Sunday, March 20, 12:05 PM

Monday, February 29, 2016

PURE LOVE

PURE LOVE
Lord Jesus, Your love flows through me.
Let me search and find those in need
To touch, to hold, to hug them,
Just as You always have done for me.
 
Human touch is necessary I am told.
How much more to be touched by You.
If I can be Your arms my Jesus,
Use me, Your will be done.
 
Let those whom I hug feel Your pure love,
And feel moved to follow You.
To feel Your peace, and seek Your grace, and
So, ask to be freed from their sin.
 
For, You alone are our Savior.
And, only You can save.
But, if a hug can help them see
You are waiting patiently,
 
Then, let me be Your arms, sweet Lord.
Let me live for You.
And, let me be Your disciple
To bring others closer to You.
 
By Kay Stephens

Sunday, February 28, 2016

PRAYER MEETING

Prayer Meeting

We will gather for a special prayer meeting on Monday, February 29, at 6:00 PM. With 2016 being an election year, the Spiritual Life Team would like to use this time to pray for the upcoming Alabama Primary Election on Tuesday, March 1st. We will be praying for the candidates and God's guidance through this election year.

CENTRAL ALABAMA HANDBELL FESTIVAL

Central Alabama Handbell Festival

At Pleasant Hill Methodist Church
SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 3:00 PM

Our talented and precious handbell choir will be performing with the other attendees of the festival on Saturday, March 5th at 3:00. They need to have your support of their fine work and dedication to this ministry of our church. Our new neighbors in McCalla also need to see us supporting this ministry and how important this group is to our faith family. It will be a wonderful music experience to hear all these bells ringing in one concert! We hope to see you there!

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

LENTEN TREE

 
Lenten Tree
 
We hope you will notice in the narthex that our 1st Anniversary Blessing Tree which was covered with notes from our members is changing for Lent. We pray that during this Lenten season we might emerge from our personal wildernesses and, leaning on His Word, be prepared to serve Him and His kingdom with new life. Watch our Lenten tree change these forty days and then as we welcome the risen Christ with joy on Easter Sunday!
 
As we enter into the season of Lent….
     setting aside the ordinary to focus on the extraordinary
     remembering Jesus’ time of testing in the wilderness
     taking a somber journey of examination and confession….
 
We will see our Lenten Tree in the narthex change…..
     from barren as wilderness
     to covered in symbols of Christ’s love for us
     from all our little blessings gone
     to covered with the blessings of True Life!
 
 

Sunday, February 21, 2016

EASTER LILIES

Easter Lilies
 
It is almost time to order Easter Lilies! Look for order forms in the February 28 and March 6 Sunday bulletins!

Sunday, February 14, 2016

DEDICATION SUNDAY

Dedication Sunday
FEBRUARY 21
"And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst." Ezra 25:8
Please join us for a special time of dedication during worship on Sunday, Feb. 21 when we will present memorial plaques in honor of several of our members who have made a significant impact at Shepherd of the Valley Presbyterian Church:

Dr. Leroy and Mrs. Jo Holt for our sanctuary/worship space

Elizabeth and Martha Asbury for the office and education areas

Mrs. Katherine Wickstrom for the covered porch project
Please join us as we recognize their contributions to the ministry of SVPC and as we honor their faithful dedication and willingness to give to the vision of growing Christ's Kingdom.
Our vision of Shepherd of the Valley Presbyterian in McCalla was the climax of a long faith journey fueled by faith in God's calling us all to serve Him. Our Lord has blessed us in so many ways and this Sunday we will praise Him once again as we thank these servants for their gifts to this congregation.

Sunday, January 31, 2016

THANK YOU TO OUR OUTGOING ELDERS

Thank You to our Outgoing Elders
 
"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of working, but it is the same God who inspires them all in every one. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." (1 Corinthians 12)
 
The elders in the Presbyterian Church work "for the common good." As our newly installed and/or ordained elders begin their terms of service in SVPC, we would like to thank those who have finished their time as an elected representative of this congregation. Our outgoing Elders have served as our partners in ministry and we appreciate all that entails. As they have served Christ and His church, there may also have been needs in their lives, but they remained committed to this faith family. They have faithfully followed the teaching of Paul as he said to minister with all your hearts "as working for the Lord, not for men" (Col. 3:23). Thank you, sisters and brothers, for your commitment to Christ!

Saturday, January 16, 2016

FEED MY STARVING CHILDREN


Feed My Starving Children Event

Saturday, January 23, 11:00am to 1:00pm

McAdory Middle School

Bessemer/McCalla Kingdom Builders will be hosting a Feed My Starving Children packing event on Saturday, January 23rd. SVPC participated last year and we were all so glad that we did. It was an amazing day!

Feed My Starving Children is a non-profit Christian organization committed to feeding God's children hungry in body and spirit. The approach is simple: children and adults hand-pack meals specifically formulated for malnourished children, and then these meals are shipped to their distribution partners. FMSC meals have reached nearly 70 countries around the world through the years.

We will join as a community to pack food that will be sent out to nourish those who are starving. If you would like to give to this ministry that feeds the body and spirit,you may donate through SVPC and mark your giving as "for FMSC." Your gift will be sent around the world in Jesus' name! Thank you for your support!

Sunday, January 10, 2016

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION


Anniversary Celebration

Sunday, January 17, 4:00 PM

Let's celebrate together the gift of this place and space of worship and spiritual growth, the building itself and the building of friendships and bonds that last a lifetime, this reaching and teaching in a new community, and the great love of our Redeemer and Shepherd!

We will have finger foods, a time to visit, then a program including a slideshow of our journey to becoming Shepherd of the Valley Presbyterian. Please come share in this special time with us but make sure you sign up on the insert in the Sunday bulletin or you can call the church office. It will be great to look back together, but also to look at all the blessings and serving ahead for this faith family.

Sunday, January 3, 2016

EPIPHANY CELEBRATION

Epiphany Celebration
Wednesday, January 6, 6:00 PM
Invite your friends and family!
No Reservations Needed!

OLD FASHION HYMN SING


Old Fashion Hymn Sing

Sunday, January 10, 11:00 AM

Back in September we had a Hymn Sing Service which many of you enjoyed tremendously. I promised you along with Beverly Wood, Jill and Perry that we would give you more of these services in 2016. So this coming Sunday, there will be no sermon but a full service of your choosing the hymns which are your favorites. So please come prepared Sunday to enjoy this time of praising the Lord through the ministry of music.