Valetta Presbyterian Church
4319 Middle Line, Merlin. ON. N0P 2L0
************************************************************
Clerk of Session: Robert Ivison H: 519-682-1090 E: [email protected]
Interim Moderator: Rev Shirley F. Murdock
H 519-956-9902 C:519-333-9166 E: sfm/[email protected]
Music Director: Jayne Broughton Worship Service:1030
*******************************************************
Help our Monetary Mission Project with a donation to our Local community needs.
180th Anniversary of Valetta Presbyterian Church gathering:
Valetta Presbyterian Church, a long-standing faith community in the rural farming area of Chatham-Kent and part of the Essex-Kent Presbytery, celebrated its 180th anniversary this past June as members, neighbours, and friends came together in a strong show of community spirit. Our Interim Moderator, Reverend Shirley Murdock, organized the anniversary service.
As the congregation and guests arrived, pipers from Branch 642 of the Royal Canadian Legion Pipe Band welcomed them. The service opened with a moving pipe-and-organ duet of “In Christ Alone,” and then Reverend Nancy Carle led a joyful singalong of old familiar hymns, accompanied by guest pianist, Dr. David Carle.
Following the hymn sing, Reverend Shirley Murdock offered a warm welcome to the congregation and guests as the anniversary service began. Reverend Gordon Brown, who is a fifth-generation member of the Valetta community, shared a fascinating history of the church with the congregation. Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff brought greetings and congratulations on behalf of the municipality and presented a commemorative plaque to the Clerk of Session, Robert Ivison. Reverend Lisa Aide, Moderator of the Essex-Kent Presbytery, conveyed greetings from both the Presbytery and the General Assembly.
During children’s worship, Reverend Lillian Wilton told the story “Balloons and Stones,” after which everyone joined in singing, “I’ve got the Joy, Joy.” Reverend Chuck Congram delivered a sermon titled “Where Does Peace Come From?” – a message well-suited for our times. Reverend Mike Maroney led the congregation in a “Covenant Renewal,” followed by the children of the church distributing stones inscribed with the word “PEACE.”
The congregation also celebrated the creativity and dedication of Sunday School students with the presentation and unveiling of seasonal signs they had created. A beautifully quilted banner, crafted as a lasting addition to the sanctuary, was also presented and dedicated during the service.
Following the dedication ceremony Reverend Shirley Murdock led the congregation in Sacrament of Holy Communion, and then Reverend Nancy Carle brought the service to a meaningful close with a solo performance of “Peace I Leave With You.”
The celebration continued with a wonderful reception featuring an abundant cold meal, along with delicious cakes and squares shared among members, guests, and friends.
Sunday July 26 is the last Sunday we will be gathering until September. We will be having a lunch following church put on by the Church Help.
Church will Resume Sunday, September 6 at 1030 am