As we discussed the unity we found with one another amidst our diversity, one pastor shared that her church has chosen to identify themselves as a “Purple Church.” Considering this was a term that most of us had not heard, she said: “Our church is made up of many who identify as red and many who identify as blue. We are very diverse politically, socially, and theologically. There is so much happening in our world on which many of us disagree. Our goal as a church is not to agree; but instead, to demonstrate for the world a better way to disagree.” For this pastor, the color purple represents the coming together of two polarized groups—the red and the blue—to bring about the Kingdom of God through their unity in Christ.

When Paul was imprisoned, he wrote what many scholars today refer to as the “Captivity Letters”—Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. As the Colossians faced many disagreements in their church and community, Paul wrote: "¹² As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. ¹³ Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. ¹⁴ Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony (Colossians 3:12-14).”

Paul did not need the early church in Colossae to agree; that was not his mission. In order to follow Christ’s Great Commission and make disciples of all nations, he needed them to show the world a better way to disagree. He needed the tie that binds—their unity in Christ—to be stronger than the many subjects that so easily divided them. According to Paul, the best method to achieve that goal was by “clothing themselves” with a set of certain behaviors. The Greek word for clothe literally means “to sink into.” When we sink into something, we become submerged under it, immersed within it, and engulfed by it. When we sink into something, we disappear into that substance that surrounds us. In order to achieve unity in Christ, Paul exhorted the Colossians to sink into, and be totally engulfed by, the likeness of Christ. This required these early Christians to clothe themselves with compassion and kindness, humility and patience, forgiveness and love.

Like early Christians, we too are living in a divided world. Our nation is as polarized as it has ever been. Are you red or blue? Are you vaccinated or un-vaccinated? Are you in-person or virtual? What is your opinion about this matter, or stance on this issue? As a society, we too are surrounded by contention and conflict. As a result, emotions run high, opinions run deep, and divisions run far and wide. As a church, how will we respond? Will we follow the example of the world, or be the example for the world? Maybe one of the things our world needs most is not for Christians to agree, but rather to demonstrate a better way to disagree. Maybe what the mission of Christ needs most is not a red church or blue church, but a purple church; a sacred space of diverse perspectives and viewpoints that welcomes all to speak, listen, agree, disagree, and share; a loving community that ensures the tie that binds—unity in Christ—is stronger than that which seeks to divide. If this can be accomplished by a group of Christian pastors who met for a week in Durham, NC, it can most certainly be achieved by Christians who gather in Vinton, VA.

Travis' sermon this week is "An Uncomfortable Question," and the scripture reference is Acts 8:26-38. Morning worship is at 8:45 and 11:00 AM, with virtual options. If you choose to worship virtually, you may access our livestream through our website or FB live. Sunday School is at 9:50 AM, and we have classes for everyone.

September 8th: "Steelin' Away" Youth Steel Drum Band rehearsals will begin (4:30 - 5:15 PM); Children's Choirs will also begin (6:15 PM). NOTE: Please call Chris Monroe ASAP if you want to play with the Youth Steel Drum Band!

September 19th: Handbell rehearsals and Youth Choir will begin (both at 5:00 PM); "Pandemonium" Adult Steel Drum Band rehearsals will also begin (6:00 - 6:45 PM).

    he turned to me and heard my cry.

    out of the mud and mire;

    and gave me a firm place to stand. -Psalm 40:1-2

Prayer: “In the leaving, in the letting go, let there be this to hold onto at the last: the enduring of love, the persisting of hope, the remembering of joy, the offering of gratitude, the receiving of grace, the blessing of peace.” -Jan Richardson, Circle of Grace

Plan to join us at 6:15 PM Wednesday, September 8th for our next Ministry Matters meeting. We will be discussing and/or voting on the 2021-22 Proposed Budget, as well as proposed changes to the Policies & Procedures Manual, the Bylaws, and the Employee Handbook. Please click on each of the above for the proposed updates.

Our 7-session fall Bible study on Elijah (by Priscilla Shirer) begins September 8th in the Disciple Center. Plan to join us 10:00 - 11:30 AM each Wednesday, September 8th - October 20th. The participant's study guide is $16.99/each. You can sign up by calling the church office at 540-343-7685. Questions? Contact Susan Jones at 540-890-4887.

4:30pm- Steel Drums (contact Chris Monroe ASAP if you plan to play)

In person - 179

Online - 149

In person - 114

Online - 136

Sunday School - 210

Christian sympathy is extended to Connie Ferguson in the death of her son, Jerry Ridenhour, on April 4th; to Brian & Kimberly Settles and family in the death of his step-father, Ken Gray, August 28th; and to Michelle & Steve Dean in the death of her mother, Mary B. Williams, August 31st.

Are you interested in leading one of these projects or serving in this way? Contact Whitney for more details or to sign up! Sign ups will be available in the church office or through this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040C4DAFA92AAAFC1-valley

The Children's Ministry is in need of Children's Worship volunteers. Thanks to all those who regularly help out! If you're interested in helping, but don't know what is required, please contact Sarah. Otherwise, please sign up here (dates available through September). In addition, the Nominating Committee needs substitutes for children's Sunday School teachers. If you can be available as a substitute teacher, please contact Jennifer Sink or Sarah Hurt. Thanks so much!

For the month of September, we will be reading The Library Book by Susan Orlean. This book will help you gain new appreciation for librarians and the libraries they serve. The Library Book is a book for book lovers.

Brimming with her signature wit, insight, compassion, and talent for deep research, The Library Book is Susan Orlean’s thrilling journey through the stacks that reveals how these beloved institutions provide much more than just books—and why they remain an essential part of the heart, mind, and soul of our country. It is also a master journalist’s reminder that, perhaps especially in the digital era, they are more necessary than ever.

You don't have to access the app to give online. Our new website also utilizes Subsplash Giving, so you're welcome to give through the website with the same process and security. Just click here and then click on "Give" in the main menu.

If you or your class/circle/group would like to help people impacted by hurricanes Henri or Ida, or Afghan refugees, please click here for an opportunity to show the love of Christ by creating hygiene kits. We will collect completed hygiene kits at the Missions Tables through September 12th, when they will be delivered to Lynn Haven Baptist Church.