Christmas, End of Year, and New Year Valley Vineyard Family Details

December 21, 2022


Dear Vineyard family and friends,

I want to share with you what has been resonating in my soul as we get closer to celebrating Christmas and also a few church family details as we end and start a new year.

Luke 2:8-11 (ESV) says, “And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

As I’ve read this Scripture a couple times this season the word “behold” has been shimmering for me.  In that word I find an invitation for you and me this season.  The word behold here means to stop, look, lean into, pay attention, to not be distracted.  In the midst of all that we have to finish before Christmas, in the midst of all the travels, in the midst of all the anxiety of getting together with family, in the midst of hard economic days, in the midst of so much change, lets BEHOLD Jesus.  I pray that we would be able to let go of all the distractions and not just take time, but space in our souls, to behold the good news of Jesus for us today.  He is near and He is here.  He wants us to encounter his hope, peace, joy, and love.  I invite you to pause and take time to tell Jesus, I desire to behold you today.  Then wait to experience his presence and hear his response as you lean into his heart.

Here are a few logistical details as we get ready to celebrate Christmas and the New Year:

1. Eve of Christmas Eve Service: Join us this Friday December 23rd at 7 PM for our annual Candlelight Service.  We will not livestream so that our volunteers can take a break.  Invite your family and friends.  This is a great event to have someone who does not yet know Jesus to attend.

2. No Christmas Day Service: We will not meet on Sunday morning so that our staff and volunteers can spend time with their families. Here is a great resource to experience on Christmas Day: Click here

3. End of Year Giving: We are $100,000 away from our goal of ending the year well.  You can mail your donation by check, by giving online through our website at valleyvineyard.org, or via Zelle under [email protected].  We will also have the offering boxes available during the Candlelight Service.  Please note that the church office will be closed Christmas week (12-25-12/31).  In order for your gifts to be tax-deductible they must be postmarked and/or given by December 31, 2022.

4. New Year Family Brunch: We will gather on Sunday, January 1st at 11 AM to do something different and special.  We will gather at our usual service time, but we will meet in the Fellowship Hall to eat together, worship, and spend time reflecting over the past year and anticipating 2023 with hope.  RSVP and let us know what dish you will bring. Click here to RSVP.

5. Leroy’s Appreciation Lunch: After the service on Sunday, January 8th we will gather in the Fellowship Hall to honor and celebrate Leroy for his 25 years of serving our church family.  RSVP will be required by January 4th.  Click here to RSVP.

6. Next Gen Vision Meeting: After the service on Sunday, January 15th we invite parents of children and youth, volunteers, and those interested in investing in the next generations in this next season to come to our lunch.  We will pray and together discern what the Lord is desiring for us to be involved and invest in the lives of the younger lives in our community. RSVP is needed by January 10th. Click here to RSVP.

7. Vision Sunday: Do not miss our January 22nd Sunday service.  We are excited about having our first Vision Sunday where we will be sharing the vision and goals for 2023.   We will also be presenting the staff team that the Lord has helped us put together. After the service we will continue with a “working lunch” where you will be part of the process of shaping the future.  We will look at how we ended 2022 financially and our budget for 2023.  We will also have space for you to share your thoughts and concerns as we navigate times of transition. No need to RSVP for this event since we are hoping and planning for the majority of people who call Valley Vineyard their home to attend.

Wow, as you can see there is so much anticipation and life as we look toward the next season.  Everyone is important and needed to continue building in what the Lord is preparing for us next.  It is awesome to be part of our church community where we are grateful for those who have been here a long time and we also care about those who will be visiting us for the first time this Candlelight Service.  

May you and your family have a significant Christmas and blessed New 2023 Year,

Jimmy Reyes
Lead Pastor