Valton Friends has a diverse
range of backgrounds with theology. While we are Christian in our beliefs, we
allow room for God to work in each of our lives differently. Since we believe
that all Christians are called to ministry in some form, we try to emphasize
lives that reflect the Christ-centered testimonies we are called to have. We
try to put emphasis on what God's will is for our lives as believers.
The service will be familiar for many from Protestant backgrounds, except for a
few minutes of silent prayer time, and a part of the service after the sermon called open worship. Valton
Friends is programmed, which means we have a service that consists of times of
hymns, scripture reading, a message, and prayer. Leading up to prayer, we ask
for requests if anyone would like to share, and then spend several minutes during
which others may pray aloud, or the community is in silent prayer. Following
the message, open worship is a time set aside to meditate, pray, and listen to
God’s voice in response to the message. Out of the silence a
word can be spoken by a congregant as they feel led. No one is expected to say
anything. In our busy, noisy world it is important to pay attention to this
practice. The quiet is a refreshing time. This was the way early Friends found
God’s radical calling on their own lives, and we believe He still speaks to
this day. As a response, we offer up our prayers and our reflections so we can
allow God to work through them in our own hearts. The word given may or
may not have anything to do with the sermon. It is all dependent on how God is
working on each person during that service. There are times of complete
silence, and there are times when God has laid a word on many people for that
day.
Valton Friends celebrate Christmas and Easter, Baptism of the Holy Spirit over water baptism, and Communion through Open Worship. We have time set aside for youth education and share a fellowship meal with each other after worship once a month. We also have a weekly community Bible Study.
Come as you are. Come simply to experience God and worship with others.
All are welcome.
