FEBRUARY 2011
Sue Faust
NEWSLETTER
Pastor’s Message . . .
I have an idea! It’s not a brilliant idea. It’s not even an original
idea. But I believe this idea could double our worship attendance,
and more importantly, it will build God’s Kingdom.
It’s not about seminars, or conferences, or programs. It’s not
something that’s going to cost the church financially. It’s far too
simple for that, so simple that the first disciples used this idea to
build the early church.
Here’s the idea:
I challenge each of you to bring a friend, neighbor,
or family member to church to worship.
It’s as simple as that!
The early disciples were notorious for bringing others to Jesus.
People were asking, “What is Jesus all about? Why would I want
to follow Him? Why should I follow Him?” So an invitation was
given - “Come and See.”
Today people are asking those same questions. They are looking
for someone- a specific someone and that is Jesus. And for some,
the only way they are going to meet Jesus is by a personal
invitation - “Come and See!”
Of course the invitation to come and see Jesus is open to everyone
every Sunday we gather to worship, but we have designated a
“Bring a Friend Sunday” as Sunday, February 13th. Invite
friends, neighbors, brothers, sisters, parents and children to “Come and See.”
Sincerely in Christ,
Pastor Kris
FEB. 2011 GREETERS
Matthew Faust
Jessica Faust
FEB. 2011 ANNOUNCER
FEB. 2011 ACOLYTE
Cameron Crum
 VALLEYS WEB SITE AND EMAIL 
You can access The Valleys Evangelical Covenant Church Web
Site at http://ValleysECC.net or www.valleysecc.net and our
email is valleysecc@verizon.net if you need to get in touch with
us.
FEBRUARY OFFERING TEAM is Team 2: Dennis Leitzel
-Captain; Janette Leitzel, Ken Breeman, Sandy Zimmerman.
Please tell the Captain if you are unable to be there for a Sunday
in your month. The Captain is responsible to get someone to
help with the Offering Team if a member of the team cannot be
there. On the 1st Sunday of the month Offering team is
responsible to bring the food baskets to the altar with offering
to be blessed.
LAY READERS FOR FEBRUARY 2011
Feb.
6 - Sue Faust;
Feb. 20 - Ron Zimmerman;
Feb. 13 - Donna Novinger
Feb. 27 - Christopher Maichle
If you cannot read on your scheduled Sunday, please call
Pastor Kris at church (896-3118) or her home (657-9563).
If you would like to read scripture, please see Pastor Kris or
the Church Secretary Donna Novinger. Thank you

 WE LIFT OUR
BROTHERS AND
SISTERS IN PRAYER...
Please remember our list of people and their families who continue
to need our prayers, thoughts, phone calls, and cards:
Members & Friends of The Valleys: *(new)
Leon
Shaffer* (Home); Tom Shoop* (Harrisburg Hosp.); Lanny Millette &
Family*; Gerry Wiest*; Gerry Hile*; Kim Stout*; Kathy
Casner*; Mandy (Gelnett) Stough*; George Graff*; Mike
Keller*; Dale Kopenhaver*; Peggy Berra; Bob Endy; Joan
Spring; Charles “Cappy” Reisch; Margie Zeigler; Aaron Johnson;
Darcy Kopenhaver; Jill Knorr; John Hane; Vickie Shoffler; Alan
Snyder; Steve Sobotor; Cathie Taylor; Justin McGarrity; Wayne
Orndorff & Linda Farrel; John Rampack; June Wiest & Family;
Nevin Maurer; Todd Rebuck; Sue Maichle; Daniel Pesich;
Minnie Baker; Walt Dobbin; Kay Hendershot; Baby Marissa
Faust; Carol Genett; Kelly Zeigler; June Harris, (SV); Arlene
Keiter, (Stonebridge Health & Rehab).
Our Shut Ins: Howard Hoover; Anna Portzline; Lydia
Peiffer; Mark Peiffer, (The Manor at Susquehanna Village Rm. 106);
Margaret A. ([Mrs. Irvin] Shoop, (Polk Assisted Living Rm. 305B);
Nancy Davis, (The Manor at Susquehanna Village, Rm. 115).
If a member of your family is hospitalized, please call the church office
(896-3118) or Pastor Kris (657-9563) to notify us. Thank you.
Note: Susquehanna Lutheran Village in Millersburg is now called The Manor
at Susquehanna Village. It is abbreviated as SV on our Prayer List. Polk
Personal Care. It is abbreviated as Polk PC.

**
If a service or activity has to be cancelled due to adverse
weather conditions during the winter, please check the
following TV stations - WHTM Channel 27 and WHP
Channel 21 to see if Valleys appears on their cancellation
display.
******************************************************
FOR THE YOUNG AT HEART
The Senior Citizens will meet on Thursday,
Feb. 3, 2011 at 11:00AM for their Feb.
covered dish meal and meeting at The Valleys.
Please join them for an afternoon of fellowship.

BIBLE STUDY 
Pastor’s Hours: Pastor Kris is in her office for your convenience
Mondays 10:00AM - 1:00PM;
Tuesday 10:00AM - 1:00PM
Thursday 10:00AM - 1:00PM
or any other time by appointment. Her home phone number is
657-9563 or you may leave a message at the church office (8963118) if she is unavailable at other times.
The February Monday Morning Bible Study to be
announced. This is open to everyone who would like to learn
more about the Bible. Join us and renew your spirit as you walk
with God.
READ YOUR BIBLE DAILY - RENEW YOUR SPIRIT!

CHOIR NEWS
UPCOMING MEETINGS AT VALLEYS
Elders Meeting will be held on Mon. Feb. 7th at 7:00PM.
Deacons Meeting will be held on Tues., Feb. 8th at 7:30PM
Council Meeting will be Wed., Feb. 16th at 7:30PM.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Choir practice is on Thursday evenings at 7:30PM (except
for the week of Council Meeting, then it is on Tuesday
evening) We can always use more Sopranos, Altos, and
Tenors! If you like to sing, please join us!
NURSERY ATTENDANTS FOR FEBRUARY 2011
FEB.
SERVICE CANCELLATION POLICY
****************************************************
613 20 27 -
Ann Hale
Sherry Byerly
Carol Cooper
Brandi Crum
We really need some more volunteers in the nursery. If
You would like to volunteer to be a Nursery Attendant, see
Sherry Byerly or Donna Novinger or phone the church
office at 896-3118. Thank you.
FLOWER SPONSORS FOR FEBRUARY 2011
FEB. 6 13 20 27 -
Ken Breeman
Alvin & Gloria Duttry
open
open
The cost for Altar flowers is $30.00. You may put it in your
weekly envelope. Please mark it “Flowers” so the Financial
Secretary can credit it properly. There are still a number of
open dates. on the Flower Sponsor sheet on the bulletin board!
27 - Brooke Croutheramel
28 - Boyd Dimpsey, Myra Hoffman, Tom Lauver,
and Michelle (Shoop) Hoy
FEBRUARY ANNIVERSARIES
Congratulations and Best Wishes for a very Happy Anniversary to
the following couples celebrating Anniversaries! May your
special
day be blessed with Love, Happiness and
flowers!
February 2011
Feb. 11 - Janet and Gary Noblit - 50 yrs. Golden Anniversary
14 - Angela and Robert Thompson - 7 yrs.
14 - Jennifer (Rickert) & Justin Rubendall - 3 yrs.
16 - Gloria and Alvin Duttry - 9 yrs.
17 - Laura and Clarence Roush - 49 yrs
If anyone’s birthday or anniversary was missed, please see Donna Novinger
or phone the church (896-3118) or email Donna at valleys@eccverizon.net
and it will be corrected. Thank you.
NEWSLETTER DEADLINE
March Newsletter articles are due by Sun., Feb. 16, 2011.
FEBRUARY BIRTHDAY WISHES
Congratulations and Best Wishes to everyone born in February.
May your day be filled with love, hearts and flowers.
February 2011
Feb.
1 -Hannah Klinger
3 - Robert Charles Guzman
8 - Riley Dunn
9 - David Berra, Ashlee Ryan Rickert
10 - Ann Hale
14 - Robin (Hatcher) Kreiner
15 - Elvin Lebo
16 - Kim Baker, Christine Campbell, Tom Degnitz
17 - George Graff
19 - Whitney Faust, Paul Strohecker
21 - Scott Hebert
22 - Andrew Snyder
23 - Zachary Allen Campbell
24 - Hannah Elizabeth Gonder
Bring a Friend Sunday
Sunday February 13th has been designated a “Bring a Friend
Sunday”. Invite friends, neighbors, brothers, sisters, parents and
children to - “Come and See.” If everyone brings one person we
can ’overflow’ the church.
YOUTH NEWS
The Youth Group is again participating in the SOUPER
BOWL OF CARING on February 6, 2011.“Vote” for the team
you would like to see win the Super Bowl by placing your
donation in the pot. All SOUPER Bowl donations will go to
the Upper Dauphin Human Services on Clearfield Street in
Elizabethville.
The Youth are planning a LOCK-IN on Fri., Feb. 11th from
7:00PM thru Sat., Feb. 12th 8:30AM. Alternate dates, in case of
snow, will be Feb. 25th thru Feb. 26th. The Youth are allowed to
invite one guest to the LOCK-IN. All youth attending the
LOCK-IN must have a permission form from their parents (see
Donna Novinger to get a permission form).
The Youth Group will meet on the Feb. 20th for their
regular meeting at 6:30PM unless otherwise indicated in
the bulletins and newsletters. If you are in 5th grade thru 12th
grade, please bring a friend and join us and share your ideas! WE
ENCOURAGE YOU TO BRING YOUR FRIENDS! Please see
Donna Novinger or Marie Herb if you have any questions.
CONFIRMATION CLASS
Confirmands and Mentors will meet following the morning
worship service on Feb. 6th. There is no meal.
you for your help!
GIANT GIFT CARDS
$25, $50 and $100 gift cards are available (our church
makes $5 for every $100 spent). The more cards purchased, the
more money will be made!.
Purchase as many gift cards as you wish. Use your Giant gift
card any time you shop. By doing our normal food shopping,
something we do every week, or purchasing gift cards for family
and friends we can help The Valleys raise money!
Stop by the table in the church narthex to pick up your gift
cards on Sundays before or after church!
FOOD BANK UPDATE
“.
CHILDREN’S CHURCH
There will be Children’s Church on Sunday, February 13th and
Sunday, February 27th.
If you would like to help with Children’s Church, please see
Marie Herb.
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MEALS-ON-WHEELS DRIVERS
are needed to deliver meals in the
Halifax area. Contact Jean Patton
at 896-8836 if you can spare a
few hours a month to deliver meals.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DIRECTORY ADDRESS CHANGES
If you have any address changes or phone number changes,
please call the church office (896-3118) or e-mail us at
valleysecc@verizon.net (please include a street address also if
you have a P O Box) or a new phone number.)
Pick up our updated 2010/2011 Directory (one per family
please). Having current information will help us to continue to send
information from The Valleys to our members and friends. Thank
. . . Whoever shares with others should do it generously. “Romans
12:8 Share your belongings with your needy fellow Christians” Romans
12:13.
There are so many families who are in need of help, let us
reach out in love to help our neighbors as Jesus instructed us.
Food items that are needed are peanut butter, jelly, canned
meats (Spam, ham, chicken, etc), canned tuna, mac & cheese,
and canned fruit. Also donations of soups, pastas, cake mixes,
cookie mixes, brownie mixes, canned vegetables, potatoes (can
or box) or any other food items are greatly appreciated.
Your kindness can change lives! Let us show love to our
neighbors by giving generously to the Food Bank.
On the first Sunday of the month, your food donations will
be blessed during our Worship Service at The Valleys and then
taken to the Upper Dauphin Human Services Center Food Bank.
Thanks to all of you for your continued support of the
Upper Dauphin Human Services Center Food Bank (20
Clearfield St. Elizabethville, PA) !
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FAMILY GAME NIGHT
Please join us for a Family Game Night on Sunday, February
13th at 5:00PM at The Valleys. Bring your favorite covered dish
(and the recipe), a favorite game, and join us for good food,
fellowship, fun, laughter and some surprises!
CHILDRENS DRAMA CHOIR… directed by Michelle Cooper,
is a Choir of singing and drama designed for children in
Kindergarten thru 6th Grade. This Choir will share with the
Congregation at various times throughout the year in Worship.
Come and join us on the 1st Sunday of every month during
Sunday School and also on the 3rd Sunday of every month
during Church for an hour of singing, drama, and fun!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Pastor Kris will be away Jan. 31st thru Feb. 4th
Feb.
Feb.
Feb.
Feb.
Feb.
Feb.
Feb.
Feb.
Feb.
Feb.
Feb.
Feb.
Feb.
3-
Senior Citizens Covered Dish Meal & Meeting at
Valleys 11:00AM; Choir, 7:30PM
6 - Conf. & Sun. School, 9AM; Church, 10:15AM; SOUPER
BOWL OF CARING donations collected by Youth
Group following church. NO Fellowship Meal this
week. Mentors & Confirmands meet after church. N0
Youth Group Meeting in evening
7 - Bible Study, 10AM; Elders, 7:00PM; Dartball - St.
John‘s at Valleys, 7:30PM
8 - AARP Driver Safety Classroom Course, 12:30-4:30PM;
Deacons, 7:30PM
10 - “In It Together” Discussion Group, 1:00-2:00PM;
Choir, 7:30PM
11-12 - Youth Group LOCK-IN, 7:00PM Friday night thru
8:30AM Saturday morning
13 - Conf. & Sun. School, 9AM; Church - Bring a Friend
Sunday - 10:15AM; Family Game Night, 5:00PM - bring
your favorite covered dish and the recipe. (Child. Ch.)
14 - Bible Study, 10AM; Dartball at Faith UM, 7:30PM
15 - AARP Driver Safety Prog., 12:30 to 4:30PM; Choir 7:30PM
16 - Council Meeting, 7:30PM
17 “In It Together”, 1:00 - 2:00PM;
Halifax Community Circle of Prayer Meeting at Zion
Stone Church, 7:00PM
20 - Conf. & Sun School, 9AM; Church, 10:15AM; Youth Drama Choir; G. S. Valentine’s Day Dance,
3:00 - 5:00PM; Youth Group, 6:30PM
21 - NO Bible Study 0r MOW; Dartball - St. Christopher
at Valleys, 7:30PM
Feb.
Feb.
Feb.
24 27 28 *
*
*
*
*
“In It Together”, 1:00 - 2:00PM; Choir, 7:30PM
Conf. & S. School, 9AM; Church, 10:15AM (CC)
Bible Study, 10AM; Dartball - Lykens UM at
Valleys, 7:30PM
Weight Loss Group, Mondays, 5:30PM; G. S. Leaders, 1st Mondays, 6PM
G. S. Troop 775 3rd Mon, 6 to 8PM
G. S. Troop 463 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 6 to 8PM
G. S. Troops 728 & 737 1st, 3rd, & 5th Wed. evenings, 6 to 8PM
G. S. Troop meets 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 6:30 to 8:30PM
 ADULT SUN. SCHOOL PREVIEW FOR DEC. 
FEBRUARY is the last month of the quarter. We are studying the
theme “ASSURING HOPE”. For FEBRUARY, the topic is
“JESUS, THE PROMISED SERVANT-LEADER” The
scriptures used this month are from MARK. Here is a listing of
the readings, topics, discussion leaders and ideas/questions that
make up our sessions for the month. Please join us.
FEB. 6 - SCRIPTURE - MARK 8:27-9:1
TOPIC - JESUS IS THE MESSIAH
DISCUSSION LEADER - TO BE ANNOUNCED
FEB. 13 - SCRIPTURE - MARK 9:2-13
TOPIC - THIS IS MY BELOVED
DISCUSSION LEADER - ANN COOPER
FEB. 20 - SCRIPTURE - MARK 10:35-45
TOPIC - JESUS CAME TO SERVE
DISCUSSION LEADER - DONNA NOVINGER
FEB. 27 - SCRIPTURE - MARK 13:14-27
TOPIC - COMING OF THE SON OF MAN
DISCUSSION LEADER - REV. KRIS HECKARD
The FEBRUARY lessons teach us about Jesus. Each of
these lessons brings a unique way of understanding Jesus and
his teachings. By understanding what they mean we can refine
our relationship to God. SEE YOU IN SUNDAY SCHOOL!
FEBRUARY ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS
FEB. 6 - To be announced
13 - Ann Cooper
20 - Donna Novinger
27 - Rev. Kris Heckard
Note to Teachers: Please see Dave Novinger or Boyd
Dimpsey if you need to switch Sundays with another
teacher.
DARTBALL NEWS
Valleys played at St. John’s Lutheran (SJ) on Jan. 3, 2011 to
begin the 2nd half of the Dartball season. In the 1st game SJ took the
lead 2 to 0 when teammate Ryan Henninger hit a HOMERUN in
the 2nd inning. In the 4th inning SJ scored 2 runs for a 4 to 0 lead.
Valleys hit 2 runs in the 7th and SJ hit 1 run giving them 5 to 2
lead. Valleys hit 1 run in the 9th but came up short and St. John’s
won the 1st game 5 to 3.
The 2nd game SJ took the lead 3 to 0 in the 1st, increased their
lead 6 to 0 in the 3rd. Valleys had 1 run in the 4th, but SJ had 1 run
in the 5th with Valleys still behind 1 to 7. Valleys hit 2 runs in the
6th but SJ had 3 runs in the 7th for a 10 to 3 lead. Marie Herb
(Valleys) got a HOMERUN in the 8th but St. John won the 2nd
game 10 to 4.
Faith United Methodist (FUM) played at Valleys on Jan. 10th.
Valleys took the lead 1 to 0 in the 3rd inning. In the 4th inning
(FUM) took the lead 3 to 1 as teammate Howard Bahner hit a
HOMERUN. FUM increased their lead 9 to 1 by the 8th inning.
Valleys hit 2 runs but just couldn’t get any more and Faith won the
1st game 9 to 3.
The 2nd game Valleys took a 1 to 0 lead in the 1st inning but
FUM came back with 2 runs and Valleys tied the score 2 to 2 in the
3rd. Valleys took the lead 6 to 2 in the 4th but FUM shortened the
lead 5 to 6 in the 5th. FUM took the lead 7 to 6 in the 7th but
Valleys tied the score 7 to 7 in the 9th. Faith won the game in the
11th inning 8 to 7.
Valleys played at St. Christopher Lutheran (SC) on Jan. 17th.
Valleys took the lead 1 to 0 when teammate Donna Novinger got a
HOMERUN (throwing left handed) in the 2nd inning but SC came
back with 4 to 1 lead in the 3rd. SC hit 1 run in the 5th for a 5 to 1
lead. Valleys had 1 run but SC had 2 more runs in the 7th giving
SC a 7 to 2 lead. Valleys only hit 1 more run in the 9 th and St.
Christopher won the 1st game 7 to 3.
The 2nd game Valleys again took a 1 to 0 lead but SC took a 6
to 1 lead in the 5th; increased it 8 to 1 in the 7th and had an 11 to 1
lead in the 8th to win the game 11 to 1.
THE VALLEYS ECC - IN IT TOGETHER
No matter who you are or where you are on the journey of faith, The
Valleys ECC - In It Together is for you. This is a relational study
and dialogue that encourages new friendships and helps us to
discover how relevant God’s Word is for us in our lives today. We
will begin the second week in February with a 12 week discussion
series. Our study and discussion will be based on outlined material
from James W. Moore’s book, “Moments That Take Your Breath
Away.” Designed to fit the busiest of schedules, there are two
options offered for study and discussion - (1) Beginning February 7th
on Facebook, Monday Thru Thursday at your convenience, or (2)
in-house at the Valleys ECC beginning on Thursday, February 10th
from 1:00 - 2:00PM. No homework! Just show up and get involved!
Instructions for Facebook. You must set up a Facebook account.
After setting up your account, in the Search box, type Valleys ECC In It Together. This will take you to the group page. To the right
of the screen check - Request to be a member. The notice will be
received by Pastor Kris and she will add you to the Group. If you
need any assistance, please see Pastor Kris.
Postings will begin on Monday, February 1st. Topics of Discussion:
Week 1:
Week 2:
Week 3:
Week 4:
Week 5:
Week 6:
Week 7:
Week 8:
Week 9:
Week 10:
Week 11:
Week 12:
It’s not the number of Breaths we take, but the
number of moments that take our breath away.
Moments we know we are standing on Holy Ground.
Moments when we say “Ah.”
The Moments when God meets us with loving
kindness.
Moments when we move forward, trusting God.
The Moments when God gives us strength to rise
above bitterness.
Moments when Faith overcomes doubt.
Moments when God redeems our troubles.
The Moments of responsive gratitude.
The Moments when the Holy Spirit uses us.
The Moments when we truly celebrate life.
The Moments when we realize that God Really does
Love Us.
It’s time again for the Lifeline Pregnancy Care
Center Baby Bottle Campaign. To participate, just pick up
one of the empty baby bottles on the table in the narthex
(please put your name and phone number and how many
baby bottles you take) and take it home. Fill it with your
spare change (dollar bills and checks are accepted too), and
return it to The Valleys by February 20th
Money will be counted on the 21st, and only bottles returned
by that day will be included in the total money that our church
donated. Receipts will only be given for personal checks.
Lifeline encourages the participation of children in helping to fill
the bottles, however, they have asked that you please check
what is being put into the bottles, as last year there were
several play-money coins that jammed up the coin counter at
the bank.
Monies this year will be used to help meet the ever-rising
budget. As soon as Lifeline receives necessary permits and
inspections, the ultrasound machine will be purchased. At that
time the Nurse Manager and Physician will begin. The
physician will be volunteer, but the Nurse Manager will be a
paid position. The salary has already been budgeted, as well
as training for the sonographer, and supplies for the operation
of the machine. The total operating budget for Lifeline PCC for
2011 is $102,955
A reminder that Lifeline PCC serves the local communities,
encompassing upper Dauphin, lower Northumberland, and
eastern Schuylkill counties.
Your participation is truly appreciated, and Lifeline extends its
thanks to you in advance.
NOTE: Please return bottles even if they are not filled.


Please see Marie Herb if you have any questions.
Valentines to give your children
Acceptance - Teach kids that you love them for who and what they
are. Give this gift with a kiss.
Self-confidence - Help children understand that they can trust



themselves. Give this gift with a hug.
Life without needless fears - Don’t let your kids see you as a worrier.
Give this gift with laughter.
Appreciation - Help children acquire a spark of gratitude and enjoy
all of life. Give this gift as they go out the door.
Faith - Introduce your children to God, the best friend they’ll every
have. Give this gift by taking them to church every Sunday.
Be a disciple
A girl returning home from Sunday school expressed disappointment
with the class’s reaction after the day’s lesson.
“We were taught to go into all the world and make disciples of all
nations,” she said, “but we just sat!”
- Source unknown
Encouraging words
 I am made in God’s image, and he doesn’t make any junk. God loves
me and wants me to live a fulfilled life.
 Communing with God constantly brings light, direction and blessings
from him.
 Life is astonishingly wonderful. Even the rough spots often turn out
to be pluses. Hard lessons make me wiser, kinder and more fruitful.
 When I feel box-in or blocked, I can know that in God’s good time,
he will help me be victorious.
Bible Quiz
First Corinthians 13 is a popular Scripture reading at wedding
ceremonies. The so-called “love chapter” provides an extended definition
of what Paul calls “the greatest” gift (verse 13).
Which of the following characteristics of love isn’t found in
1 Corinthians 13?
A. Love is patient.
B. Love rejoices in the truth.
C. Love believes all things. D. Love is childlike.
Answer: D
HALIFAX COMMUNITY CIRCLY OF PRAYER
Everyone is invited to join in a community prayer meeting. The
meeting occurs on the third Thursday of the month at 7:00PM.
The February 17th meeting will be at Zion Stone Church on
Million Dollar Rd.