“The Stephen Ministry at Spring Valley helps others who have hit a “bump in the road” or that “unclimbable mountain” in their lives. I am honored to lead in this ministry and give love and spiritual support to those who are hurting. Even as I do, I receive so much in return. I visit those I work with once a week for as long as they need care. The amazing thing for me is when that visit is over, I leave feeling the joy and love of God in my heart”

“A dear friend invited me to the Beacon Sunday School class. Three Sundays later, I was considered a “member” of the class. After Sunday School, we went to the worship service where I found a welcoming feeling of family. My love of crafting, painting and sewing naturally led me to the United Methodist Women’s Craft room, where I joined “The Craft Ladies”. We get together on Monday mornings to create a variety of handmade items with all proceeds going to support missions. The music, the sermons, the prayers, the crafts, the missions and the friends, all convinced me to become a member of Spring Valley. ”

““The most impactful and uplifting weekly, recurring experience in our busy lives is attending and participating in the traditional worship service in our main sanctuary, dominated by a huge stained-glass window at the front of the sanctuary, along with the blessings of incredible organ music accompanying our diverse choir. All of this serves as a back drop to and complementing a down-to-earth, insightful, and relevant sermon delivered by our Senior Pastor, Rev. Paul Gould. This inspiring weekly experience provides us with the grounding and renewal we need, through our relationship with Jesus Christ, to face the challenges of the week ahead.””

“We first came to Spring Valley during a rough time. We needed a church and Spring Valley was there for us. The members of our church surrounded us with love and truly became the body of Christ for our family. Since then, Spring Valley has continued to nurture and strengthen our families’ relationship with Christ in many ways. We are particularly grateful for our adult Sunday school class ‘The Community Class’ and our children’s and youth programs. Each person in our family has a safe yet fun place where we are all challenged to know ourselves, know God, and grow in our commitment to following Christ. ”

“Our Sunday School Class, the “Come As You Are” class, continues to touch and bless us each week. Our class is very diverse with a LOT of different opinions that are expressed freely. But we all have a heart for God, a love of people, a passion for God’s word, a habit of praying, and respect and love for each other. We love our Sunday School Class and its loving spirit. Bob calls our class “his free therapy session”!”

“We visited Spring Valley for the Christmas Eve service about 8 years ago. As members of another large church in the area, it didn’t take long for us to realize that SVUMC going to be our new home. It was the perfect size for our growing family and an environment where we could make a meaningful difference with our time and gifts. The church and it’s loving members have become a critical component in raising our children and supporting our marriage.”

“I’m thankful for the impact our church has had in the lives of children in foreign countries. Through our association with Sisters of Sierra Leone, we were able to contribute toward the cost of medical care for a teenage boy named Jeremiah, who needed to travel to India from Africa for life-saving surgery. In Guatemala, through our church’s relationship with Salud y Paz, we were able to fully sponsor a child at the Susanna Wesley School for a full year. That included not only tuition and school supplies, but also food and medical care. What a blessing for these two children and for so many others we reach through outreach. ”

“As United Methodists, faith and good works go together. SVUMC offers people of all ages opportunities to live out their faith in service. We’ve seen our son’s faith grow through his service as an usher, preparing and serving food at Austin Street Shelter, and participating in children’s ministries service projects.
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““Every summer we look forward to Worship Arts Camp at Spring Valley UMC because it’s been such a positive experience for our family. In just one week, children learn music, dance, and drama skills that bring bible stories to life. By the time they take their final bow, kids from inside and outside the church community have built trusting and lasting friendships with each other and our church member volunteers.””

“It has been said that you are born to family but you choose your friends. That’s true but I can testify that you can choose another family, your church family, and Spring Valley United Methodist Church is my church family.
Like a family it has been instrumental in growing my faith in several areas, especially through Bible studies. Under the roof of Spring Valley, I have grown from being a participant to a facilitator. By leading Bible studies, I’m challenged to not only read my Bible, but to prepare lessons that will challenge the participants and myself to live out our faith.
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