“Who stole my church?” That question is the title of a recent book by pastor and author, Gordon MacDonald. The question (and the idea for the book) came out of a conversation MacDonald had with a friend who felt betrayed by the church he had invested in for most of his adult life. From his perspective, so much about that church had changed that he felt like a stranger in the place he’d always thought of as his spiritual home.

His complaint could be summed up in the following way – the church’s priorities had been shuffled so that, as MacDonald puts it, “lost and broken people, rather than found and supposedly fixed people became the primary target audience.” It was in reflecting on the changes that accompanied this new way of thinking that the friend said, “Our church has been stolen out from under us. It’s been hijacked.”

MacDonald immediate response to the complaint was: “You need to think about the fact that any church that has not turned its face toward the younger generation and the new challenges of reaching unchurched people in this world will simply cease to exist. We’re not talking decades–we’re talking just a few years.”

His extended response was to write the book, in which he portrays himself as the pastor of a fictional church which is facing these challenges. He presents a cast of church members, all of whom, though fictional, represent personalities and points of view found in churches today. In a series of Tuesday evening discussions, pastor and parishioners confront the academic, social, theological and practical aspects, as well as the very real human reactions which are part of this complex issue. MacDonald’s disclaimer is that he leaves a number of issues hanging without resolution, but that he is concerned with one primary issue: “How do people face change when it threatens their comfort zone?”

That question in turn raises a number of other questions for me, especially as we stand on the threshold of our fourth century of existence as a church. What changes confront Great Valley in the culture outside, not in the last 300 years, but in the last 30? What changes have taken place inside our own church culture in the last 10 years? In the last 3 years? What is the congregation’s understanding of those changes, both inside and outside ones? What is the level of frustration or of acceptance of such changes? What are the implications of ignoring or resisting change? What are the implications of embracing change?

The list could go on, but I find myself asking one question, above all others, of myself and of the community of faith which is Great Valley Presbyterian Church: “How does your relationship with Jesus Christ affect the way you deal not only with change, but more importantly, with those who bring changes which threaten your comfort zone?”

I urge you to formulate an answer to each of these questions, especially the last one. And I encourage you to read Gordon MacDonald’s book as a way to gain insight into the changes and challenges which confront the church of Jesus Christ in this generation. (Gordon MacDonald’s book, Who Stole My Church? – What to Do When the Church You Love Tries to Enter the 21st Century, is published by Thomas Nelson, Nashville, copyright 2007, and is available through Amazon, CBD, and Mustard Seed.)

Pastor Dan

In February, we will be discussing This I Believe, a collection of essays written by prominent people from a diverse cross section of life expressing their fundamental beliefs, personal creeds or quirky individual mission statements. Curator Jay Allison writes a short introduction of each remarkable writer that enhances their story.

In March, we return to Milford, that delightful town created in the imagination of Jan Karon, to join Father Tim as he goes on a spur of the moment adventure initiated by a mysterious, unsigned note saying simply “come home.” In response, the newly retired priest returns to his birthplace, Holly Spring, Mississippi where long-buried secrets await him. You can be sure there will be a lively discussion about “Home to Holly Springs”.

Our April book selection is “The Case for Christ “, a classic work undertaken by Lee Strobel when he was still an atheist. As he researched the evidence that he believed would prove Jesus Christ was a fraud, he discovered to his surprise that he came to the opposite conclusion!

Written in the style of an award-winning journalist, this book is eminently readable and a great source of information for those who believe, but haven’t looked at the empirical evidence recently. Those who do not yet believe will find it a fascinating read, too.

Call Kathy Stewart at 610-738-4441 for further information.

As we begin this new year, like most people we commit to having a new resolve. Yet, how do we focus on what is in God’s heart for us? Just like the rest of the world, we face the onslaught of too many things clamoring for our time and attention.
In our hearts, though, we hear these words, “I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.” Psalm 40:8
Challenging words from a couple who live in the difficult setting of inner-city Newark, New Jersey. As one of the many missionaries supported by Great Valley Presbyterian Church, the Ingersolls share their struggles as well as their victories with us on a regular basis. We are privileged to be part of their team.
They have undertaken a program called “Pray for Newark” that endeavors to have all the street and all the people of Newark prayed for daily. In 2008, nearly a third of the street were adopted in prayer and they saw God work powerfully. At times the murders in Newark were reduced as much as 40%.
As you read these words, pray with them for the city of Newark. Petition the Lord on their behalf to bring pastors and leaders who have a vision to restore order and integrity to their city.
As David and Carol write, “God responds to the prayers of His people and we cannot wait to see what he has in mind for this year!”

Spring is just around the corner and with it comes another Good Neighbor’s home repair project under the oversight of Good Works Inc. The ministry, based in Coatesville, repairs homes and restores the hope of Jesus Christ to low-income families and individuals in Chester County.
Great Valley volunteers have completed over a half dozen homes in the years we have been a Good Neighbors Church. This year the leadership team of Carlo Pittounicos and Brian Gilbert will be joined by volunteers.Ted Wray, Dick Ford, Mike and Sue Trope, Nathan Welle, Betty Orr, and others.
Lunches will again be provided by a team of volunteers led by Linda Pittounicos, with assistance from Gwen McDonald and Rhonda Schuck.

It is not too late to register your interest in being a part of this ministry of compassion.
Contact Ted Wray (610-647-2795) or any on the leadership team.
Be watching the bulletin for details as the home is assigned and work gets underway.

When I got that phone call from Jonathan Schuck 7 years ago, I will admit that I was a bit stunned. Irene and I had just become members of Great Valley and the thought of me serving as Elder was intimidating to say the least. Jonathan was very kind and gracious and asked me to prayerfully consider the nomination.

As Jonathan suggested, Irene and I prayed. There were questions, many questions. What qualifications does this position require? How much time would it take out of my non-church life? What would it be like to work with 11 other Elders, many of them I hardly knew? What role will I play? I can say today that the answers to those questions I had, came back in the form of rewards and greater blessings than I could ever imagine. In my two consecutive terms as Elder, I grew to know and love the hearts that provided the lifeblood of Great Valley. You will not find a more diverse group in the context of upbringing, faith journey, occupation, passions, not to mention age and gender. This diversity provided fresh and insightful discussion that in turn led to decisions that determined our path as a body of Christ in this valley. Finally, this group of servants was bound together by their love for the Lord and an earnest heart to serve Him.

During this term, I saw Great Valley approve and construct our new Fellowship Hall and kitchen. I saw Great Valley start a preschool which today is overflowing with little ones, leading many young parents to consider their spiritual health. I saw Great Valley participate in a fellowship with the New Wineskins and ultimately separate from a denomination that continuously and consistently placed itself on a perilous slope of spiritual depravity. I saw a body of believers coming together in faith to make a stand for the essential tenets of our faith. I witnessed dozens of young people affirm their faith after having been through one of Betty Orr’s legendary Confirmand Classes. I visited shut-ins with Dan to bring the sacrament of Communion into their solitary lives. I’ve examined potential new members and had the privilege of hearing their testimonies which humble me every time. And most recently, I’ve seen a softening of hearts as we explore new ways of worship at Great Valley.

These are but a handful of blessings I can pour out at the blink of an eye but there was much more, so much more. It’s even more amazing when we consider how fast the years go by and how much was accomplished in that span of time. So I encourage anyone and everyone who is approached for a role in the body at Great Valley, whether as an Elder, Deacon or Sunday school teacher, to take heart in the assurance that your investment in time and heart will be paid back to you ten-fold. But for now, this Elder will rest and find refreshment and other ways to serve, and then…

Whether you are in the Great Valley Youth Group (6th through 12th grades) … or just looking to stay in touch with this active bunch, this article will give you a feel for what we're up to in the Spring of 2009.

A typical Sunday evening looks something like this:

• 5:30 to 6:10 PM Games (usually in the gym, but we'll push the brain every once in awhile as well)
• 6:10 to 6:20 PM Large group gathering around a video or activity or performance
• 6:20 to 7:00 PM Small groups by age and gender (MS boys, MS girls, HS boys, HS girls)
• 7:00 to 7:30 PM Large group singing/prayer time

We have selected the Gospel of John as our primary material for study on Sunday evenings this semester (see total Spring Schedule below). This gospel gives us both discipleship truths to consider, and evangelical material to share with friends who join us at youth group. A high school bible study will be starting in March that will provide a greater doctrinal emphasis for the more mature in our midst.

Games include Thunderball, Human Size Foosball, Capture the Flag, Oreo sculpting, Shoe Name Game, Blind Polygon, Tennis Baseball, Log Roll, Bunko, Dodge Ball (all varieties), Chariot Riding, the Newspaper Game, just to name a few! That should tell you all you need to know about our games!

We strongly support Philadelphia Homeless Run Sandwich Making on the Thursday before the 3rd Saturday of each month, and will take on other service activities this summer.

Special activities this semester include Games Nights for Middle School and High School, our annual ski retreat, Gals/Guys Nights Out, Cookouts, and a variety of spontaneous events.

For a complete overview of events check out our Youth Ministries page on the website.

Our leaders are Rhonda Schuck and Sally Farrell (MS girls), Lynne Shack (HS girls), Jon Shuck (MS boys) Jim Shack (HS boys), and Beth and Bill Nields (logistics and studio support). A great group … and a group for which Mr. Shack is very grateful.

Please keep us in your prayers … for safety, spiritual growth, kindness, peace, patience … and that we would know more of Christ (not just intellectually, but relationally as well).

Are you interested in helping as a leader? We could use you in a variety of ways! Give Jim Shack a call during the week (610-644-1995) or just catch him on a Sunday morning. The current group of leaders would love to welcome you into our crazed club!