until January 17th worship will be online only at 10:30am. 

Most Recent Covid-19 Update


Christmas is not closed or cancelled this year. Keep reading. 

Given the new state wide extension of the partial shutdown, and the Bishop’s and Michigan United Methodist Church recommendations, we have decided to continue online only worship until January 17th. This decision will allow a few weeks to pass after the holiday gatherings and help us create a continued safe plan for in-person worship in these fore-coming winter months.

We again met as a lead team this week and after much discussion and prayer we were united, supportive, respectful, and still laughing with one another even in our differences. I continue to be proud of our team and pray for this same kind of spirit for our whole church. I hope you’ll join me in those prayers for much love and grace with one another. 

We believe God can transcend buildings to our homes and the technology we worship through. God is also so much bigger than a pandemic and can help us build community no matter what. We’ve seen that re-energized community and spirit the last few weeks online. Worship has been engaging, “Valley-ites” have been participating in worship videos, and powerful community is forming through the comments and engagements like never before. It’s really awesome to experience. If you’ve not been online in worship lately we’d love to see you over on our Facebook page or YouTube channel this Sunday at 10:30AM. 

That leads us back to this: Christmas is not closed or canceled. A lot of others things might be, but Christmas with Valley isn’t. We are working on a very special “Christmas at home” online experience for you and your families. I AM SUPER EXCITED ABOUT IT and can't wait for you to experience it! It’s going to be unique, powerful, filled with Christmas spirit, and a great way to gather with those you love and whoever you’ll be with on Christmas Eve to celebrate the birth of Jesus. It will also be a great way to invite and reach out into the community so more people can connect with the love of God this Christmas. 

Christmas Eve online worship services will be live-streamed on our facebook and YouTube pages at 5pm, 7pm, and 11pm. Worship from the comfiness of your own family room as one church in lots and lots of homes! 

We’re in your corner and we really are in this together. For God. For People. For a Change. If there is any way we can be supportive or in prayer for you please don’t hesitate to let us know. If you’d like to connect and talk, or if you have any questions, feel free to let me know. I want to be available to you and we genuinely care about you. 

Blessings, keep on keeping on, and see you Sunday at 10:30!

Matt

IN-person WORSHIP. 

Sunday's 10:30AM.

(all you need to know and how to be prepared)

We'll also be online on Facebook and YouTube. 

We've worked hard to be ready for you, your friends, and the community. Things will be different, but it will still be sacred and safe. Here's everything you need to know. 


  • VALLEY KIDS - Will not resume immediately, but we're working accordingly on plans and ideas through summer and fall. 
  • MASKS - Please have everyone in your household wear a mask to church. Cove your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
  • HAND SANITIZER - There will be hand sanitizing stations and bottles available in various places.
  • PHYSICAL DISTANCE - Please keep at least 6 feet between households. We will not be shaking hands or giving hugs. But you can do an energetic air-high-five or air-hug!
  • WORSHIP AREA - Chairs and seating will be spaced apart. Please still observe the 6 foot rule when finding your seats.
  • COFFEE CORNER - We will not be providing coffee or doughnuts, but you are more than welcome to bring your own.
  • RESTROOMS - If you, or someone in your household, absolutely must use the restroom still observe the social distancing rules. 


If you are not feeling well, have a fever, are coughing or sneezing, or at high risk for Covid-19 please stay home and worship with us online. 


We understand that many families will continue to worship from home...So Host a Watch Party!

Lead others by leading a watch party on Sunday morning! We've shared some tips below. 


Inviting someone to a Valley at Home watch party is simple...just ask them!


A personal invitation goes a long way. Say you’d love for them to join you! Something like, “We’re hosting a Valley watch party this weekend! Our family would love to invite you to come over for breakfast and worship. Would you like to join us?”

Here's some tips to host your very own watch party...

1. Before

Take a minute to describe what the service will be like - sharing that helps people feel safe. For some, it will be natural to stand during the worship music. For others, it might not be so comfortable. Tha's okay. Inviting everyone to sit down and sing might be a better way to engage. The more natural and authentic you are the more natural and authentic the group and experience will be. 


2. Worship

Begin worshipping on time, and make sure you allow the kids to join in! Turn up the volume and give everyone space to spread out during worship so that everyone is comfortable singing. 


3. Service

Engage in the service the same way that you would if you were at a service in person. When people are invited to pray, bow your head and pray. If the worship leader says, "sing it out", then sing it out. If you're asked to raise your hand or engage with the message then engage. when it's time for the offering and connection card, take out your phone and model engagement while inviting others to do the same. This breaks down the wall between entertainment and worship.


4. Valley Kids

If children will be a part of your watch party, make sure it's engaging for them as well. Invite them to sing and dance (and join them too!). Ask questions, have someone read a Bible story to the younger kids, or have some activities ready for them. Think creatively and ask someone to help you if you need it. 


5. Pray

After the service is done ask if anyone needs prayer. If they do, pray for them and pray as a group! 


6. Gathering

Hang out for a little bit after service. People may get another cup of coffee or revisit the snacks you have out—this is a great sign that they’re feeling connected and are enjoying your gathering. As people leave, invite them back again for next week’s VALLEY AT HOME gathering.