Summer 2019 promises to be a season of renewal for the LVPC Family!
The theme for the summer is "A Long Obedience in the Same Direction." The Christian life is about pressing on to follow after Christ, year in and year out. But we need rest, encouragement, and renewal along the way.
God built the principle of "sabbath" into creation. One day in seven is to be a day of rest. Likewise, the Law provided sabbath years (one in seven), and the Jubilee (one in fifty years).
Jesus would take his disciples away to quiet places for rest, reflection, renewal.
In this spirit, the Session has granted Pastor Davidson a season of Sabbatical for Summer 2019, with pastoral renewal activities funded by a grant from the Lilly Endowment (May 19 - August 18).
The congregation, under the care of the Session and pulpit supply Rev. Jim Bailiff, will engage in exciting renewal activities as well, also with funding from the grant!
Watch this page for developing details!
Adult Sunday School for Congregational Renewal 
The sabbatical theme, "A Long Obedience in the Same Direction," comes from the title of a book by beloved Presbyterian pastor, theologian, and author Eugene Peterson, on the fifteen psalms of pilgrimage (or "Psalms of Ascent," Psalm 120 - 134). Pastor Grady and the congregation, though separated for the season, will take a spiritual journey through these Psalms, one per week, throughout the 15 weeks of sabbatical. Adult Sunday School, taught by pulpit supply Rev. Jim Bailiff, will introduce one Psalm per week, using Peterson's book as a starting point. Each class participant will receive a copy of the book. Eugene Peterson completed his earthly pilgrimage on October 22 of last year.
Congregational Renewal Event #1 -- Teen Challenge Sunday -- June 9
On June 9 in 10:00 a.m. Worship service, the men and women of Teen Challenge will be our special guests leading us in music and in testimony about the ministry of Teen Challenge.
Congregational Renewal Event #2 -- Lookout Valley Senior Impact Hymn Sing -- July 7.
Martin Luther said: “Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise.”
There are over 369 references to singing in scripture, so come ready to declare the command in Psalms to “Sing praises to God, sing praises!”.
This morning's event (10:00 a.m. worship service) will be hosted by Ron Whittemore, with accompanist Marji Elzey. “What an honor to return to Chattanooga, TN after so many years. God used the people and places of this wonderful city to impact our lives in tremendous ways from 1980-85, a time when I taught choral music at The McCallie School, sang in the First Presbyterian Church Choir under the leadership of Glenn Draper, and witnessed the birth of our two children (Scott and Courtney) in East Ridge. My wife, Kathie, and I love this city and are excited to be with you to share in the service on July 7th!”
Ron is a longtime emcee/worship leader at The Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in Asheville, NC, where he leads the popular Hymn and Carol Sings each year. Seniors fill the auditorium to capacity, nearly 500, to attend these annual events. “Our morning together will focus on the joyful singing of traditional hymns and choruses, with inspiring scripture and readings, in addition to interesting stories behind some of our most beloved hymns and hymn writers, and even a story or two about the ministry of Billy Graham.”
Wear your red, white and blue! This holiday weekend will also feature some favorite patriotic hymns of God and Country.
Congregational Renewal Event #3 -- Operation Christmas Child "Full Circ
le" speaker and presentation -- July 28, 10:00 a.m. Come hear Livia Young tell her story of how a simple shoebox gift changed her life when she was a child in an orphanage in Romania. Livia describes and introduces herself to LVPC with these words: I grew up in Romania with no parents. I lived in an orphqnage for 10 
years where the environment was negative, my daily nutrition was insufficient, in addition to not having the proper hygienic care on a daily basis. Unfortunately, the orphanage was a place where love and care were rare things to receive. That is what I alsways wanted, to be loved, accepted and known. Therefore I grew up in desperation longing to know what it feels to be loved. I currently reside in Georgia, working with Chick Fil A on the Logistics team. I finished my MBA in October last year and with my free time I like to train for long bicycle - - 62 miles. I also enjoy the freedom to go out and speak with Operation Christmas Child. I love to show God's grace and love that He had on me through my testimony. It is the highlight of any speaking engagement to see the audience react and experience God's love and miracles performed in my life knowing that God does this for everyone.
This event will include a congregational dinner. Call the church for details.
Congregational Renewal Event #4-- Tour the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, NC. (Date TBA) 
The final renewal activity for the congregation will be a 3-day / 2-night trip to Charlotte to tour the Billy Graham Library, "a 40,000 square foot experience where you'll discover the life and legacy of America's Pastor." The Library is designed to reflect Billy Graham's journey from a farm boy to an international ambassador of God's love.
