TELFORD CAMPUS/Main Office 320 N. 3rd St.,

Telford, PA 18969 215-723-5890

fax 215-723-7152 HOME OF GRACE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

BUX-MONT CAMPUS WORSHIP SITE:

Blair Mill Inn 3855 Blair Mill Road, Horsham, PA

QUAKERTOWN CAMPUS WORSHIP SITE:

Quakertown Train Station 15 Front St., Quakertown, PA

422 CAMPUS COMING SOON!

S TA F F

Dr. Timothy E. Boal Executive Director Multi-Site Network

Rev. Lawrence Orme Executive Pastor, Multi-Site Network

Campus Pastor, Telford

Rev. Tony Osimo Campus Pastor, Bux-Mont

Rev. Andrew Saunders Associate Pastor

to Families, Telford

Rev. Wade Rininger Associate Pastor, Bux-Mont

Dave O’Brien Worship Director, Telford

Rev. Daryl Swartley Campus Pastor, Quakertown

Rev. Jason Carver Associate Pastor, Quakertown

Michelle Kane Communications & Office Manager

Kathy Moyer Administrative Assistant

Christine Sames Bookkeeper

Rev. Harold Jones Pastor Emeritus

Lynn Hewett GCS Administrator

Charis Counseling Services Chris Moyer, MA

267-440-4306

www.pennvalleychurch.org

S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 2 MINISTRY NEWS FROM THE PENN VALLEY CHURCH MULTI-SITE NETWORK

by Pastor Tim Boal, Penn Valley Church Multi-Site

Network Executive Director

Praying for a Circle of Grace - Part 2

www.facebook.com/ pennvalleychurch

@PennValleyChrch

Although the Bux-Mont and Telford campuses’ sermon series on prayer is over, we want to keep the momentum started in February and March. Prayer should always be part of our daily life. Please continue to visit the prayer closet cre-ated in the GO2 Suite to keep the United States in prayer. As mentioned in the last issue of Penn Valley Life, this is in coordination with GO2 Ministries’ Circles of Grace prayer project, seeking to engage prayers all across the US for the 1,765 Circles of Grace.

Also mentioned in the last issue, each Penn Valley Church campus has adopted a Circle of Grace to keep in prayer. Prayer Packets are now available at each Campus Welcome center to explain how you can become even more involved in this very important mission of prayer.

P A G E 2

P E N N V A L L E Y ‘ Z I N E

Quakertown Launch

Circle of Grace #78

NE Philadelphia

Population: 808,123

Circle of Grace #144

SE Philadelphia

Population: 422,521

Circle of Grace #94

Allentown

Population: 658,832

Circle of Grace #125

NW Philadelphia

Population: 495,380

Go to www.go2ministries.com/pray to officially sign up to pray for these Circles - and as many as you’d like! Or download the mobile app.

Prayer Packets are now available at Campus Welcome Centers!

Development by www.forge38.com

P A G E 3

Design by www.3strandstudio.com

P A G E 4

P E N N V A L L E Y ‘ Z I N E

Quakertown Launch

There’s always a lot of activity at the Quakertown Campus -

Here are some highlights:

The Grace Houses continue to flourish as God has brought several new families and individuals into our lives and each Grace House is preparing to send members to plant new Grace Houses.

The Grace Houses at the Wislers and Rineers recently joined forces and planted flow-

ers in the 30+ flower boxes in downtown Quakertown in March to help usher in Spring and are getting ready to do so again in May prior to Quakertown's annual Arts Alive on May 19th.

God has been opening doors for ministry in Perkasie, which we anticipate may be the

next area for an expansion of Grace Houses. Our campus is preparing for the first campus-wide Sacred Space Day of 2012 which

will be on Saturday May 19th. There are actually two events in which our Grace Houses families will be serving. The first is the Quakertown Arts Alive festival which takes place from 10AM-4PM in downtown Quakertown. The festival draws several thousand people and our families will be helping with a variety of aspects to help en-sure the festival is a success. The second event is Perkasie Old Towne Springfest. Springfest includes a rib eating contest, a big wheel race, and many more fun activities for the entire family. As with Arts Alive, our families will be helping out in whatever ways we're needed to help make the event a success.

The Iron to Iron Gym at the Swartley residence continues to be a hub of activity in

which numerous young men are hearing and seeing the fruit of the gospel as they come to work out several nights per week.

QUAKERTOWN CAMPUS UPDATE by Jason Carver, Associate Pastor, Quakertown Campus

The Quakertown Campus meets for The Gathering at 10AM on the 1st, 2nd & 4th Sunday of each month

at the Quakertown Train Station, 15 Front St., Quakertown.

P A G E 5

The Bux-Mont

Campus

meets for

Sunday Worship

Services at

The Blair Mill Inn

3855 Blair Mill

Road,

Horsham, PA

BUX-MONT CAMPUS CORNER: Introducing a New Ministry of Helps

It has always been a desire of mine to help others. In any way that I can, I like to be able to extend a helping hand to those who need it. In my current job, I work in an Independ-ent Living facility, and even though it is my job to ‘maintain’ the facility, I fully enjoy know-ing that even the smallest repair has helped someone and has made difference. This is part of my everyday job, but my heart goes beyond being paid to help others; my passion is to help whoever is in need in some way. Many Christians say that they are good people. However, many times their ‘good’ does not always extend beyond Sunday Service. Titus 3:14 says “And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works so as to help cases of urgent need and not be unfruit-ful.” Jesus calls us to help others, which I would like to do through the new Ministry of Helps. God has placed this in my heart to put people together to reach out to our community and show them the love of Christ, by helping them with little problems that they may have. With today’s economy many people cannot afford to fix their plumbing, electric, change the oil in their car, and various other things that come up around their home and in their lives. That’s where you come in; all you need is a desire to reach out to the community and extend the love of Christ through the use of your gift and talents. We have been all given something that we can share with someone else to assist them and ultimately show the love of Christ. More information on how to become involved is on the way. In the meantime, if you are interested in becoming a part of the Ministry of Helps, please see me.

by Charles Marshall

P A G E 6 M I N I S T R Y N E W S F R O M T H E P E N N V A L L E Y C H U R C H M U L T I - S I T E N E T W O R K

by Chris Moyer, MA

Charis Counseling Corner Depression: The Dark Night of the Soul

Part Four

I recently read a book called The Hunger Games. The setting of this book is futuristic and the basic premise is every year two people from every “district” of the country compete with each other the one who survives (literally) wins. There is only one winner and that winner’s district is given food and supplies to help alleviate the hunger and need of their district. During the competition each player has a sponsor who, through surveil-lance, is able to discern what each player needs (food, water, protection, etc.) in order to continue in the com-petition. One particular character in the book became extremely upset with her sponsor because she was in desperate need of water but her sponsor was not sending her any. In the midst of her frustration she realized that maybe her sponsor was trying to tell her something, that maybe she was close to a large supply of water and she just didn’t know it yet, and sure enough that was the case. You see, her sponsor could see how close she was to all the water she needed and that a little more perseverance would result in more than she had hoped for.

What in the world does this story have to do with depression and being in relationship with someone who is depressed?

If you are depressed or in a relationship with someone who is depressed maybe you felt that you have cried out to God to deliver you only to find that nothing has changed. Maybe you have found yourself angry and upset with God for his perceived silence to your situation. Could it be that God realizes something different about our situation and that He has more in store for us than just the relief we hope for?

As we have discussed in previous articles, depression is suffering but so is being in a relationship with some-one who is depressed. A person suffering from depression lacks “passion and enthusiasm for anything.” This is difficult for close friends and family because our passions are what make us unique to those around us. A pas-sionless person seems different to other people. “He isn’t himself.” “I don’t feel I know the person I married any-more.” When you are in a relationship with someone who is depressed there is a loss of reciprocity or “give and take.” The relationship seems to be one-sided and there is the temptation to just give up on that relation-ship. The interaction which energizes relationships is not there, making it more difficult to stay in that relation-ship and more difficult to love that person. It can be lonely and painful to be in a relationship with someone suffering from depression. Ironically, the person who is suffering from depression and the person in a relation-ship with a depressed person are both sufferers.

This then begs the question, what is the point to suffering? What is the point to staying in a relationship which is one-sided and being subjected to rejection, loneliness, frustration, loss of dreams? The answer is found in Hebrews 5:7-9

“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and once made perfect, he became a source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him.”

We see in these verses from Hebrews that Jesus himself suffered and the outcome, he learned obedience. This is not to suggest that at any point Jesus was not always perfect in obedience but that suffering was used to perfect (mature) him in that he learned the cost of obedience. So if Christ learned more about obedience through suffering, should we not expect the same and can’t depression be a teacher both for the person with depression and those in relationship with them?

O.K. so what are we supposed to be obedient in? Well Matthew 22:37-40 answers that question,

“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

I heard recently that our love as people is based on the recipient of our love. In other words, we base our love and how we love on the person receiving that love. Someone who receives our love and reciprocates is much easier to love than someone who negates or refuses our love. God’s love, however, is not based thankfully (praise Him) on the recipient but rather on His character. He is love (I John 4:7-12). Could it be that through depression, whether our own or someone else’s, that God is teaching us obedience though suffering; an obe-dience to love one another despite the recipient’s condition? That through depression we are learning the cost of obedience and therefore being matured? Could becoming mature and therefore more Christ-like be what God is up to through depression?

If we continue to seek God’s perspective and God’s truth concerning our suffering, if we yield our heart to the work of the Holy Spirit, our heart will experience a transformation. Where loving each other is not merely done in action (external obedience) but also done out of a heart motivated by love for God and others (internal obedience). So my challenge to you - and to myself - is to continue to persevere and look for how God is maturing us in our relationships especially our relationships with those who are depressed.

So, how can we help those who are depressed? Ed Welch sums it up nicely in his book Depression a Stubborn Darkness, “…depressed people, like all of us, are aware of kindness and love that is willing to sacrifice. Love al-ways leaves its mark. As a result, depressed people who do best are cushioned by persevering love.” Could we be learning the obedience of persevering love?

As God continues to work in our hearts to develop a heart of obedience which demonstrates persevering love, how can we today love those who are depressed? Below is a list of practical ways we can love those who are suffering from depression (A word of caution - work at their pace, not yours. Don’t drag them to where you want them to be.). These are ways to help those we are in relationship with who suffer from de-pression. The key is relationship. Take time to listen and learn from those suffering from depression. Build a relationship with them first. Then take practical steps to love them.

Remind them of spiritual reality (Hebrews 3:12)- reading Scripture to them Read to person suffering from depression Pray for person suffering from depression Provide daily accountability for person suffering from depression Lovingly challenge faulty thinking –“Interrupt the flow of despair and self –pity and complaints.” Provide structure in a partnership context – work together: Go to bed and get up at the same time each day

Eat at appointed times Exercise at appointed times Have a schedule for the day Write down one thing you agree to work on every day Follow through with agreements you make with other people. Let your “yes” be “yes.”

iIEdward T. Welch, Depression: A Stubborn Darkness (Winston‐Salem, NC :Punch Press,2004),p.222 

iIIEdward T. Welch, Depression: A Stubborn Darkness (Winston‐Salem, NC :Punch Press,2004),pp.222‐229 

iEdward T. Welch, Depression: A Stubborn Darkness (Winston‐Salem, NC :Punch Press,2004),p.222 

NETWORK NEWS

More ways to keep up with Penn Valley News and each other:

and Follow PennValleyChrch www.Facebook.com/PennValleyChurch

July 27-August 1 Indian Wells,

California Details at

www.fgbc.org

T h a n k Y o u To all the wonderful people at Penn Valley Church,

Words cannot even begin to describe our thankful hearts. We were blessed by the overwhelm-ing love shown to our family. All of you made a difficult situation bearable.

Thank you for the beautiful service for Donna and our mom. Also, thank you for the delicious luncheon and dinner.

Most of all, thank you for your love and prayers shown to our family.

Bill Crouthamel and The Dubuque & Osimo Families

ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING OF THE NORTHERN ATLANTIC FELLOWSHIP

OF THE FGBC 7PM - Friday May 20, 2011

Shady Maple Smorgasbord Ballroom Come early and enjoy the full buffet at half

price! Buffet available from 5:00-6:45pm. Discounted costs - $10 for adults,

$5 for kids (ages 4-10). (Do not pay at entrance – proceed to the ballroom

first—cash or check only for discount).

A huge

THANK YOU To those who helped in our move.

Here is our new contact information:

Kenn & Gail Cosgrove Doni Cosgrove

1516 Cherry Lane Pottstown, PA 19464

610.323.3831

Save the Date We’re anticipating an American Red

Cross Blood Drive at the Telford Campus

June 5, 6 or 8 Stay tuned for the date.

SUMMER STUDY OPPORTUNIT IES

Gospel Transformation Written on Our Hearts Sundays at 9AM Thursdays at 6AM at the Telford Campus starting June 7 In the GO2 Suite No Cost, just Starting June 3rd a willingness to FREE for the first 12 people get up early. to sign up; $35 after RSVP via RSVP via www.pennvalleychurch.org www.pennvalleychurch.org Registrations by 5/24. Registrations by 5/24.

422 Campus News The Core Group has been meeting Wednesday nights at the Telford Campus and is anticipating a public launch in September 2012.

INFORMATIONAL MEETING SATURDAY, MAY 19 - 9AM

Location TBA

If you know people who live in the 422 corridor, please encourage them to attend this meeting

or contact Pastor Tim at 215.723.5890 x4303 or tim.boal@pennvalleychurch.org

We see some familiar faces here!

We drink this coffee every Sunday, but did you know it’s also available to purchase in bulk for your office or business, or to use as

a fundraiser for a civic group you’re involved in? Call the GO2 offices at 877-222-2048, ext. 4300.

Des

ign

by w

ww

.3st

rand

stud

io.c

om

Telford NEWS

LEAD BEYOND OUR WALLS: SERVING OUR COMMUNITY

The Telford Campus 5th & 6th Graders had a GREAT time at a recent bowling night (bumpers

really do help your score) and an all-NUTS Birthday Party where we played our own version of Minute To

Win It and of course had some cake!

Registration begins May 1st Interested in helping? See Pastor Andrew.

Bux-Mont NEWS

Men’s Breakfast

Meets every other Thursday at 7AM at the Red Lion Diner, Route 611

& County Line Road in Horsham.

Start your day encouraged! Next Meeting - April 26

Women’s Bible Study Meets 9:30AM every 2nd & 4th

Wednesday at Christa Larew’s home. Questions?

See Leslie Osimo or Christa Larew.

WEDNESDAYS AT 7P Student Life Groups Meets at the Blair Mill Inn

EVERY OTHER SUNDAY

Next SNL: April 29

Wednesdays at 7PM

at the Blair Mill Inn

Adult Life Groups & Student Life Groups

Join us for a time of teaching and sharing.

Don’t forget - Sunday Worship now starts at 10:30AM.

Penn Valley is glad to be a “Friend of the Borough” Sponsor.

RECASTING OUR VISION IN 2012

We’re looking forward to The Gatherings early this year where we’re recasting our vision and work-ing through our annual Basics series. We’ll also review who and what God has called us to serve in Quak-ertown. We want to be sensitive to His leading for our ministry and our Grace Houses.

Quakertown NEWS

Grace Houses Meet Tuesdays at 7PM

Sweetheart Banquet Saturday, February 18 - 6PM

Telford Campus Coffee House

Invite your friends! Come out for an night of entertainment, fun, and celebrating the love you share with your special sweetie.

The cost of $5 per person will care for the main dishes and dessert. We ask that everyone bring one of the following: honey glazed carrots, strawberry spinach salad, green beans almondine or cream cheese mashed potatoes. See Trish Vardaro for the recipe you'd like to make. We're also ask-ing that you bring some kind of goodie to dip in the chocolate fountains! The entertainment includes the Newlywed Game, Who's Your Husband and Have You Ever? (couples edition). We'll also hear the Love Stories of some of our family members and have the opportunity to write a love letter to our own spouse.

This promises to be a fun night to enjoy with your spouse and celebrate the love that God has blessed you with for each other. Invite your friends and family as well to join us in this night of extravagant cele-bration!

Questions? Contact Melody Davis (melodymariedavis@yahoo.com).

If you can help with: Set up - contact James Davis. Food prep - contact Trish Vardaro Decorating - contact Rebecca Wisler Entertainment -contact Melody Davis

View the full announcement:

Freezing, Food & Fellowship

9AM-Noon Telford Campus Kitchen

We get together, cook meals, exchange them and have them kept in the freezer for one of those nights when you just can't think of what to make for dinner! Join us!

Telford Youth & Family Ministries News

Pastor Andrew Saunders Associate Pastor of Families,

Telford Campus

Top 6 Things All Parents of Teens Should Know New Class for High School Seniors Starting April 22nd, on Sunday mornings at 9:00am we will be going through the Sticky Faith curriculum with high school seniors. This study will help prepare students and strengthen them in their faith as they prepare to enter either into college or the workforce. Fundraiser Dinner at Caruso’s in Souderton Teens are selling tickets now for this April 30 fundraiser dinner. Teens earn $9 of every $20 ticket sold. Their proceeds can be used toward their Momentum fees or other Youth Group events. Mini Golf at Freddy Hill! Coming up on May 6th at 6:00 pm, bring your teen out to Freddy Hill Mini golf, for a night of fun and fellowship. Celebrating Our Seniors Bring the family out to Dale and Julie Balmer’s on June 3rd at 5:00 where we will be celebrat-ing the senior class. There will be plenty of food and games. The 3rd is also Graduation Sun-day, so graduating teens will be recognized in the worship service as well. Momentum Youth Conference

All money is due for transportation to Momentum on May 30th. As well as, Registration to Momentum is due with a $100 deposit as of May 1st (see buildmomentum.org) and the full rate is due by June 15. Youth Conference is at Eastern Kentucky University July 17-22, 2012.

FCA Sports Camp We are going to host our sports camp again! God really blessed this ministry last year and we hope to increase community and church involvement. Sports Camp will be held August 6-10, 2012. Mark your calendars!

Are you on our Parent Email News list? Contact Pastor Andrew at

andrew.saunders@pennvalleychurch.org to be added to the list.

GCS NEWS

Last Meeting of the School Year GCS PTF

Monday, May 7 - 7PM

Last Day of School GRADUATION & MUSICAL!

Friday, June 1 –6:30PM

ENROLLMENT “SPECIAL” STILL ON for 2012-13

Consider GCS! Tours can be scheduled at any time. Additionally, we are still offering a savings of 50% OFF the 2012-2013 tuition for all NEW families!

GCS FUNDRAISER NIGHTS GCS earns 15% of all dining room purchases

from 5-8PM.

SOUDERTON WENDY’S Tuesday, May 8

The Telford

Campus is the

home of Grace

Christian School,

providing a

quality, Christ-

centered

education to

children grades

K-6. For more

information call

215-723-5896

or visit online

at gcs-online.org

P A G E 3 2

P E N N V A L L E Y ‘ Z I N E

Something for all ages

Dinner at 6:15 Activities & Classes

7PM

April/May Teaching Schedule

YOUTH

APRIL 11 & 18 Experiencing God 25 GAME NIGHT MAY 2, 9, 16 & 23 Catechism 30 SUMMER KICKOFF PARTY

Catching God’s Vision for the Church

April 4 The Work of the Ministry: Building Up the Body of Christ April 11 The Progress of the Gospel: Standing Firm as Beachheads April 18 Reshaping Our Lives

Living in God’s Household

April 25 The Intent of the Pastorals: Household Order May 2 1 Timothy: Household as Social Structure

ADULTS

Unable to attend Wednesday Nights?

Join us Sunday mornings at 9AM in the Go2 Suite.

JUNIOR HIGH

APRIL 11 & 18 Creation 25 GAME NIGHT MAY 2, 9, 16 & 23 Dug Down Deep DVD 30 SUMMER KICKOFF PARTY

SENIOR HIGH

May 9 Titus: Set in Order What Remains May 16 II Timothy: Passing on the Deposit May 23 Stewarding the Deposit: The Importance of Leadership May 30 Reshaping Our Lives

Ju - no, that’s it! Family Night ends May 30th!

 

 

Children’s Ministry Edition    

 

April  2012  

Share Easter Joy With Children Children are drawn to Easter, with the holiday’s emphasis on candy and bunnies. What a privilege to help them realize it’s about so much more! For Christians, Easter is a day of victory. Because Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead, we have forgiveness, hope, and eternal life. Looking for new ideas to celebrate Holy Week and Easter with your kids? Sometimes the most meaningful activities are the easiest. For example:

• On Palm Sunday, when Jesus was cheered before his death, cut out paper shapes of your palms and wave them around to praise Jesus.

• On Maundy Thursday, when Jesus shared the Last Supper with his disciples, wash one another’s feet as an act of service.

• On Good Friday, walk around all day with a pebble in your shoe. Then talk about that burden and what Jesus’ suffering means to you.

• On Easter, collect foil from candy eggs and create shiny streets of gold as reminders of heaven, where Jesus prepares a place for us.

POWERSOURCE

ASK GOD:

1. To bless your Easter preparations and celebrations.

2. To keep your family members focused on Jesus’ resurrection and what it means for them.

3. To forgive your sins—and thank him for “never again” remembering them (Hebrews 8:12).

 

DID YOU KNOW?

• Easter is the oldest Christian holiday and the most important day of the church year. It’s a “moveable feast,” meaning the date changes. Since the year 325, Easter has been on the first Sunday after the full moon following the northern hemisphere’s vernal (spring) equinox.

• Originally, eggs symbolized new life, purity, and fertility. Later, they

were linked to Easter because Jesus was temporarily dormant in the tomb (shell) and emerged to give us new life.

   

 

Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the

third day, just as the Scriptures said. … Thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord

Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 57)

Easter offers a joyful opportunity to praise and thank God for his grace and salvation.

TEACHABLE MOMENTS

1. A Heavy Price—Give children some wrapped chocolate coins and talk about Judas betraying Jesus (see Matthew 26:14-16, 47-49). Discuss ways we let Jesus down—as well as how he paid the price for all our sins on the cross.

2. Eggs-citing Sounds—Let children make a “joyful noise” by putting Easter treats to musical use. Fill plastic eggs with different candies. Then parade around, shaking the “instruments” and praising Jesus. For fun, try to guess what’s inside one another’s eggs, based on the sounds.

3. Easter Cross Garden—Use wooden paint-stirring sticks and a hot-glue gun to help children make crosses. With permanent marker, write on each cross what it means to kids that Jesus is alive. Then display the crosses in a flower garden on Easter morning.

Talk about the real meaning of Easter by discussing these questions:

1. What happened on the first Easter, and why do we celebrate the holiday?

2. Why do you think Jesus died on the cross? Why were his friends so surprised to see him again afterward?

3. How can we share the good news of the Easter message with other people?

 

FAMILY EXPERIENCE Use these simple activities to convey Easter’s message.

• Easter Peek-a-Boo—Teach babies and toddlers about Jesus’ resurrection by making a small figure out of LEGO toys. Place the figure in a cup and say that people put Jesus in a dark cave. Tilt the cup sideways so children can see inside it. Then tell children to cover their eyes with their hands as you remove the figure from the cup. Say, “Peek-a-boo!” and have children open their eyes to see the empty cup. Show the figure and say, “Jesus is alive!” Play several times to help little ones know that Jesus is alive this Easter.

• Hard-Boiled Hearts—After boiling some eggs, have family members decorate the shells with washable markers. As everyone works, ask: “How does the outside of the egg feel?” When the decorating is finished, read aloud Psalm 95:6-9. Say: “God wants our hearts to be soft toward him. But our hearts can be hard. What are some things that might make people’s hearts hard and closed toward God?”

Have family members crack their eggs and peel away the shells. Ask them to feel the inside of the egg and describe what it feels like. Say: “When our hearts are hard, God can crack away the hard outer shell to reveal something soft on the inside. What helps make your heart soft toward God?” Close in prayer, asking God to make your hearts soft like the inside of eggs, not hard like the shells. Then wash and eat your eggs for a snack.

   

MEDIA MADNESS  

 

MOVIES Title: Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax

Genre: Animation

Rating: PG (for brief mild language)

Cast: Voices of Taylor Swift, Zac Efron, Danny DeVito, Ed Helms

Synopsis: This environmental tale gets a modern adaptation, as 12-year-old Ted searches for an extinct tree to impress his crush.

Our Take: The film should appeal to viewers of all ages. Families can use the story of the treeless town of Thneedville to discuss ways to care for God’s earth.

MUSIC  Artist: Sidewalk Prophets

Album: Live Like That

Artist Info: This Christian band from Nashville gained fans with songs such as “The Words I Would Say” and “You Love Me Anyway” from their debut album, These Simple Truths.

Summary: The new album is filled with what’s been described as musical devotions. The title track is about people who impact our faith by how they live.

Our Take: Older children and preteens will enjoy singing along to these positive, uplifting lyrics.

GAMES, SITES & APPS  

Title Content Rating & Platform

Rhythm Heaven Fever  

This title’s 50 quirky games will have players bobbing their heads and tapping their feet. Players earn medals by completing rhythm-related challenges.  

E; Wii  

WeTopia In this city-building game, played on the Facebook social network, kids can donate virtual currency to real-world charities.

Because kids must be 13 to have a Facebook account, parents will have to share theirs.

Feel Electric!

This app, which features the cast of the PBS show Electric Company, helps children learn to express their emotions with words in healthy ways.

Free; best for children ages 5 and up.

This page is designed to help educate parents and isn’t meant to endorse any movie, music, or product. Our prayer is that you’ll make informed decisions about what your children watch, listen to, and wear.        

CULTURE & TRENDS • In Paul Tough’s upcoming book The Success Equation, he says failure is essential. “What kids need more than anything,” he writes, “is a little hardship: some challenge, some deprivation that they can overcome, even if just to prove to themselves that they can.” (New York Times)

• Kids with autism and other disabilities now can enjoy movies tailored to their needs. At Sensory Friendly Films, lights are brought up, sound is turned down, and movement and noise are okay. (autism-society.org/sensoryfilms)

QUICK STATS • About one-third of children ages 6 months to 23 months have a TV in their bedroom, despite doctors’ guidelines that toddlers have no screen time. (Wall Street Journal)

• Seventeen percent of scientists who say they’re atheists or agnostics attend church so their kids can make their own faith decisions and be “free thinkers.” (abcnews.go.com)

 

 

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1

Palm Sunday

2

3

4 Family Night Communion Service 6:15

 

5

6 Good Friday  

 

7

8 Easter Sunday  

 

9

10

11 Deuteronomy

31:8, verse for camp

scholarship

12

13 14

15

 

16

17

18 Psalm 68:20,

verse for camp

scholarship

19

20

21 Scholarship

Service Project 9am

22

23

24

25 Isaiah 48:17,

verse for camp

scholarship

26

27

28

29

30  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lesson 29 4/11/12 Judges

Judges 1:1-4:3

Basic Truth: Mankind is sinful and needs a savior. Memory Verse: Psalm 68:20

Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign LORD comes escape from death.

All Levels Q: Why do we need a God who saves?

A: We all sin against God and would be forever separated from Him unless He saved us.

Grade 1-2 Q: How were the judges like the Messiah?

A: The judges rescued the Israelites who had no way to escape from their enemies. The Messiah rescues people who have been separated from God hand have no way to escape the punishment they deserve.

Grade 3-4 Q: How does God show His commitment to mankind?

A: Because God desires a relationship with the people He created, He will not allow us to continue in our sin. God punishes sin so we will repent and come back to Him.

Grade 5-6 Q: Why is the Bible still relevant today?

A: God is still sovereign. Mankind is still sinful. God still offers mercy to sinners.

Family Activities: 1. Identify some cycles of sin in your own family. Ask God to set you free from sinful patterns of behavior. Encourage family members to be accountable to each other and use God’s power to break the cycle.

2. Read about Gideon—Judges 6 & 7.

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Lesson 30 4/18/12 Samuel

1 Samuel 3-5, 7-8

Basic Truth: God communicates with mankind. Memory Verse: Isaiah 48:17

This is what the LORD says—your Redeemer, the Holy One if Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.”

All Levels Q: Why should we pay attention to what God says?

A: Everything God says is true and right—and for our good!

Grade 1-2 Q: How does God communicate with mankind?

A: God communicates with mankind through the Bible and through people who help us to understand God’s truth.

Grade 3-4 Q: Why does God communicate with mankind?

A: God wants us to realize that sin breaks our relationship with God. He also wants us to know how the relationship with God can be restored.

Grade 5-6 Q: Why is God the best King?

A: God is in control of everything that happens. He knows and is able to tell us what is best.

Family Activities: 1. Play charades using some familiar Bible verses. How accurate is communication without words? Thank God for giving us His WORD!

2. Practice saying the names of the Old Testament books of the Bible.

Lesson 31 4/25/12

The Kings

1 Samuel 9-13; 2 Samuel 5-7; 1 Kings 3, 6, 8, 11, 12 (selected verses)

Basic Truth: God is the highest authority.

Memory Verse: Psalm 95:3

For the LORD is the great God, the great King above all gods.

All Levels Q: How do we acknowledge God as our King?

A: If God is really our King, we must submit to His authority and obey Him!

Grade 1-2 Q: How can God be a King when He is invisible?

A: God is real even though we can’t see Him. He gives His commands to people through His written Word and through His prophets.

Grade 3-4 Q: Why should Israel’s kings obey God?

A: God is the highest authority and His ways are right. Disobeying God brings disaster!

Grade 5-6 Q: Why do we need to read God’s Word often?

A: Starting right doesn’t guarantee a good finish. Unless we constantly refocus on God, we are in danger of forgetting His commands.

Family Activities: 1. Play “King for an Hour” (or 15 minutes). What kind of king will you be? How much of your “authority” will be used for doing what you want?

2. Think of ways to honor and acknowledge God as your King!

P A G E 3 9

Nursery Coordination Have questions about nursery? Would you like to help? Contact: Stephanie Shaw - 215-256-8316 Deb Zender - 215-256-6824

Thanks to all of you for your willingness to serve in this much-needed ministry.

Telford Campus - NURSERY SCHEDULE for MAY-AUGUST

Nursery is offered during our Worship Service for Infants to age 3.

May June-July-August 1st Sunday Teen Helper Teen Helper Emily Harmer Infants Infants Beth Schwartz Mike & Robin Lukens 1 Yr. Olds 1 Yr. Olds Pam Stoneback Jeremy & Betsy Moyer 2 & 3 Yr. Olds 2 & 3 Yr. Olds Ray & Catherine Worner Kevin & Heather Landis

2nd Sunday Teen Helper Teen Helper Steven Reifsneider Rachel Kriebel Infants Infants Peg Schwartz, Lyndsay Landis Helpers Needed 1 Yr. Olds 1 Yr. Olds Elizabeth Saunders Darlene Grafton 2 & 3 Yr. Olds 2 & 3 Yr. Olds Stephanie & Tony Shaw Deb & Brianna Zender

3rd Sunday Teen Helper Teen Helper Casey O’Brien Evan Slone Infants Infants Jane Reagan Justine Mann, Becca Coale 1 Yr. Olds 1 Yr. Olds Helpers Needed Jane DiTullio 2 & 3 Yr. Olds 2 & 3 Yr. Olds Jason & Heidi Cox Brian & Krista Landis

4th Sunday Teen Helper Teen Helper Morgen Knott Morgen Knott Infants Infants Dave & Christine Brown Pearl Shelly 1 Yr. Olds 1 Yr. Olds Kaity Krasinski Helpers Needed 2 & 3 Yr. Olds 2 & 3 Yr. Olds Matt & Andrea Moyer Sharon Kearns

5th Sunday Teen Helper Teen Helper

Infants Infants Tammy & Becky Bankert Tammy & Becky Bankert 1 Yr. Olds 1 Yr. Olds Bob & Deb Zender Bob & Deb Zender 2 & 3 Yr. Olds 2 & 3 Yr. Olds Kent & Christine Hamaker Kent & Christine Hamaker

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Hello everyone, We’re just about to wrap up Missions Month but that certainly doesn’t mean we’ll stop being on Mission. In fact, as we’re inspired by the Sunday morning testimonies of Karin Andrew, Roger Bostwick, Dwayne Moyer, Chad & Amy Sensenig, and Dave & Susan Griffith as well as the current sermon series, may we all continue to be sensitive to the Lord’s leading. Dave & Susan Griffith will be amongst us any day now, along with their 50 French friends, the members of the Tournus Choir. Thanks to all who are hosting. We’re looking forward to a great time together. Missions Month will culminate May 6th with a commissioning of our congre-gation. As always the Missions Committee would like to invite anyone interested in missions to join us. We extend a special invitation to those from the Bux-Mont and Quakertown Campuses. Meetings are the first Tuesday of each month at 7PM in the Telford Campus Coffee House. Feel free to contact me with any questions with regard to Missions at Penn Valley at 215-723-8487 or mbishop@bishopsfencing.com. PRAY - GIVE - GO Mike Bishop Elder of Missions

P A G E 4 2

Pastor, Honorine & Thomas handing out the medicine.

25 Hand in Hand children were baptized in March - 2 from our class!

The new school building, showing the roof construction. The children are showing their medicine.

www.Facebook.com/GO2Ministries

NEWS Everyone at GO2 would like to thank you for your diligent prayers. Please continue to pray:

Pray for the continued adoption of the Circles of Grace by Springboard Churches/Partners and individuals. We’re trying to engage two-to-three peo-ple per circle; pray that God would raise up these people.

Pray for workers for the harvest field – that God would raise up church plant-ers to work with us.

Pray for the continuing development of the mobile apps to support the Circles of Grace prayer map.

Pray that 50 Grace Brethren churches to become our partners in the Decade of Multiplication, with a goal of 100 Grace Brethren churches from these 50 partners by 2020.

Pray for our Grounds4Good coffee venture, that more individuals and groups would want to purchase it.

Pray for developing partnerships with other ministries which will help solidify Go2’s financial status.

Pray for a renewed sense of church planting energy among the Districts of the FGBC.

Pray for the health of all Grace Brethren churches.

GO2CP

News from The Baileys

Dear Prayer Warrior, I just wanted to send out a quick note – as promised – to all of you who prayed for my recent trip to Brazil. I can’t tell you what an encouragement you guys were to me – once again. Many of you took the time to write me a quick note saying you were praying and that was SO… encouraging. Others of you, I know you’re pray-ing – even when I don’t hear from you. To all of you, I say thank-you from the bottom of my heart.You’ll re-member that I especially asked for prayer as I was dealing with some sensitive issues with both missionaries and national church leaders – issues which ultimately affect the crucially-important element of unity in the Body of Christ. I asked you to specifically pray for: · True heart-unity among brothers. · That all of us would sensitive to the Spirit and walking in truth. · That God would fill us with His peace as we continually remember that the battle is the Lord’s. I guess the best way to sum it up is that you prayed and God answered – blessed be the name of the Lord! I felt that the Lord was leading us the entire time as we dealt with a number of sensitive and emotional issues. I felt His peace in very tangible ways. I was able to sleep well, stay positive, energized and be ‘all-there’. I have no doubt it was because you were praying. As far as ‘heart-unity’ among brothers is concerned I can say that progress was definitely made. We were able to lay down some guidelines for better communication and cooperation among the members of the mis-sionary team. We were able to pray together, pray for each other and folks indicated their blessing on and desire for the success of the ministry of the other. I remember also that in the meeting with Brazilian national church leaders the atmosphere was so positive and the fellowship so real that one of the most influential leaders commented to me something to this effect, “I see this as an historic meeting. We’ve never been able to interact this way - on this level - the national church and the mission.” Powerful stuff, the power of God unleashed through prayer – your prayer! We also received word yesterday of church who has decided to give a much-needed offering to keep a key national worker on the field in Latin America. This is something else to rejoice about and another answer to prayer. We serve a powerful, prayer-answering God who delights in responding to the prayers of His people. All of this is a great reminder and encouragement to me – and I trust to you as well - that we belong to and serve the God of Ephesians 3:20, 21, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” May your life and mine continually reflect the truth of a quote attributed to William Carey, considered by many to be the pioneer of the modern missions movement, “Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God”. Thank you – dear team of prayer warriors. Rejoice with us. You have come through again, God is blessing our team (you, us and Him!) and I believe He was glorified. May He bless you richly today where you are. Your teammate in ministry, Steve Steve Bailey Latin America Regional Director & Director of Member Care

Network Sermon Calendar TELFORD CAMPUS

BUX-MONT CAMPUS

QUAKERTOWN CAMPUS

APRIL 22 Gospel Rhythms - Story-formed & Listen MAY 6 Gospel Rhythms - Celebrate & Bless MAY 13 Gospel Rhythms - Eat & Recreate MAY 27 Grace House Commissioning Sunday

Meets every 1st, 2nd & 4th Sunday at 10AM at the Quakertown Train Station

THE MISSION OF GOD’S PEOPLE APRIL 15 People Who Know The Story They Are A Part Of

22 People Who Care for Creation and the Nations

29 People Who Walk in God’s Way

MAY 6 People Who Represent God to the World

13 People Who Attract Others to God

20 People Who Bear Witness to the Living God

27 People Who Proclaim the Gospel of Christ 29 People Who Walk in God’s Way

JUNE 3 People Who Send and Are Sent

10 People Who Live and Work in the Public Square

17 People Who Praise and Pray

24 People Who Believe & Live in the Whole Gospel Message

Penn Valley Life is edited by Michelle Kane and is a publication of

BUX-MONT CAMPUS

WORSHIP SITE: Blair Mill Inn

3855 Blair Mill Rd., Horsham, PA OFFICE: 267-532-2450

Sunday Worship 10:30AM - Worship Service & Action Kids

QUAKERTOWN CAMPUS WORSHIP SITE: Quakertown Train Station

15 Front St., Quakertown, PA The Gathering every 1st, 2nd & 4th Sunday

at 10AM

TELFORD CAMPUS 320 N. 3rd St., Telford, PA 18969 215-723-5890 fax 215-723-7152

HOME OF GRACE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Sunday Worship 9AM - Prayer

10:15AM - Worship Service

COMING SOON - 422 CAMPUS

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