Pleasant Valley Church

Please Note:  George Knight has been rescheduled for Sabbath February 20, 2010

WINTER WEATHER ALERTS HERE:   An alert will be posted here, and on the church phone, if there is a postponement or cancellation of events at PVC due to weather.

Welcome to Pleasant Valley Church!

Our vision as a church is "to be a congregation centered in giving glory to God for His amazing gift revealed in the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ." Our goal is to share with our community the hope, peace and love we are finding in a relationship with Jesus Christ. This will not only impact Portland, but the whole w orld with the good news of Jesus. We want our church to be a place where people from all walks of life and at all points on their spiritual journey can get to know God i n a deeper way.

In that regard, we'd like to invite you and your family to join us . At PVC, you'll enjoy solid, practical Bible teaching, authentic, God-centered worship, and a variety of programs and small groups designed to meet the spiritual needs of your entire family. Please take a few minutes to explore our website and then stop by some Saturday Sabbath for a visit- we'd love to meet you!

We meet every Saturday Sabbath. Our First Worship service is at 9:10 a.m., our Second Worship service is at 11:40 a.m. At 10:35 a.m. our education hour begins with something prepared for every age group, from 0 thru 100! This website will help you along with the info you need.

This Week's Treasure Text

What to Expect at Pleasant Valley Church

As you drove to PVC, you probably noticed the neighborhood is rapidly changing around us. PVC is transitioning from a country church to being an active participant in our expanding community. We want to reach out to our neighbors in service and with the hope that is found in Jesus Christ.

The first thing you'll experience at PVC is a lot of people and activity. You'll feel the friendliness as you see people talking and laughing together. PVC is a vibrant and growing church with friendly people! You'll be met at the door and warmly welcomed because we want you to feel as at home and comfortable as we do. You're important to us and we want to make sure you know it. 

After you enter the church, you'll see and hear lots of children. We love kids and place a high value on their safety and the quality of ministry they receive. Eve ryone involved with children at PVC must go through a thorough screening process. Our children's classes and programs are designed to be safe places where parent s are comfortable leaving their kids, and where kids have a good time and want to come back for more.

You'll notice that our worship services are intentionally planned to praise God and exalt Jesus Christ. The music varies from week to week, led by different worship teams, but always honors our heavenly Father and the great gift of Christ.. The messages are Christ-centered, relevant and practical. Whether you want to learn more about Christ, or if you've already chosen to follow Him, the services will meet your spiritual needs.

There are several study and discussion groups for adults and young adults, too, between the worship services.  Kids classes are jam-packed with learning, music and activities that focus on God's love and salvation through Christ. On Wednesday evenings, PVC is energized with life: there are kids clubs for ages four to 14 (P athfinders, Adventurers and Eager Beavers); youth leadership training; and a Bible study and discussion group.

We are focused on providing enrichment events and activities to educate and enhance the lives and health, as well as marriage and families, of those in our community. Some of the programs offered at PVC throughout the year include: "Love & Respect," "Jesus Matters," "Financial Peace University," "8-Steps to Wellness," AARP Driver Safety Program, "In the Footsteps of Paul," Vacation Bible School, and more.

The PVC family of faith is made up of people from a variety of backgrounds, occupations and ethnicities. They come from surrounding communities, as well as Beaverton, Tigard, Tualatin, Oregon City, Portland, Vancouver and Camas.

Our desire is to help each one discover the meaning and purpose in their lives, and to become fully devoted followers of Christ. God loves you and has an amazing plan for your life...here and now, and for eternity. Come to PVC and discover His plan for you!

WINTER SAFETY TIPS

Winter storms and extreme cold
Heavy snowfall and extreme cold can immobilize an entire region. Even areas that normally experience mild winters can be hit with a major snowstorm or extreme cold. Winter storms can result in flooding, closed highways, blocked roads, downed power lines, significant property damage and hypothermia.

Before winter storms and extreme cold:

Add the following supplies to your disaster supplies kit:

• Rock salt to melt ice on walkways.
• Sand to improve traction on walkways, driveways and other surfaces.
• Snow shovels, snow blowers, de-icers and other snow-removal equipment.

Prepare your home and family:

• Prepare for utility outages by storing a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.

• Winterize your home by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic. Protect pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic. Allow faucets to drip a trickle during cold weather to avoid freezing. Clear rain gutters, repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall and damage structures during a storm.

• Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk from the improper use of alternate heating sources.

• Learn how to quickly shut off water valves in case a pipe bursts.

• Know what you need to do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors or employees.

• Hire a contractor to check the roof to determine if it can sustain heavy amounts of snow.

During a Winter Storm

If you are indoors:

• Listen to your radio or watch television for weather reports and emergency information.

• Eat regularly and drink ample fluids, but avoid caffeine and alcohol.

• Conserve fuel by keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily close off heat to some rooms.

• If the pipes freeze, remove any insulation or layers of newspapers and wrap pipes in rags. Completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they were most exposed to the cold (or where the cold was most likely to penetrate).

• Ensure that there is proper ventilation if using kerosene heaters to avoid a build-up of toxic fumes. Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least three feet from flammable objects.

If you are outdoors:

• Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight and warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Wear mittens, a hat and cover your mouth with a scarf. Change wet clothing frequently.

• Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack — a major cause of death in the winter. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside and take breaks as needed.

• Watch for frostbite. Symptoms include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.

• Watch for signs of hypothermia. These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and exhaustion.

• If symptoms of hypothermia are detected:
  • Get the victim to a warm location.
  • Remove wet clothing.
  • Put the person in dry clothing and wrap their entire body in a blanket.
  • Warm the center of the body first.
  • Give warm, nonalcoholic, noncaffeinated beverages if the victim is conscious.
  • Get medical help as soon as possible.

Vehicle safety tips: Winter storms and extreme cold
In severe weather, drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive, travel during the day, don't travel alone, and keep others informed of your schedule and route. Stay on main roads, avoiding back-road shortcuts.

The best way to avoid or minimize potential problems is by preparing in advance.

Prepare your car for winter by checking the following:

• Antifreeze levels — ensure they are sufficient to avoid freezing.
• Battery and ignition system — should be in top condition and battery terminals should be clean.
• Brakes — check wear and fluid levels.
• Exhaust system — check for leaks and crimped pipes for carbon monoxide prevention.
• Fuel and air filters — replace if needed.
• Heater and defroster — ensure they work properly.
• Lights and flashing hazard lights — ensure they work properly.
• Oil — check level and weight. Heavier oils congeal more at low temperatures and do not lubricate as well.
• Thermostat — ensure it works properly.
• Windshield wipers — replace wipers if needed, and maintain proper washer fluid level.
• Tires — make sure they have adequate tread. Always carry chains.
• Gas — maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season.

Build a winter emergency kit to keep in your vehicle that includes the following:

• Shovel
• Windshield scraper and small broom
• Flashlight
• Battery powered radio
• Extra batteries
• Water
• Food/snacks
• Matches
• Extra hats, socks and mittens
• First-aid kit with pocket knife
• Medications
• Blanket(s)
• Tow chain or rope
• Road salt and sand
• Booster cables
• Emergency flares
• Fluorescent distress flag

If severe weather traps you in the car:

• Pull off the highway. Turn on hazard lights and hang a distress flag from the radio antenna or window.

• Remain in your vehicle, where rescuers are most likely to find you. Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter. Be careful — distances are distorted by blowing snow. A building may seem close, but be too far to walk to in deep snow.

• Run the engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. When running the engine, slightly open a downwind window for ventilation and periodically clear snow from the exhaust pipe. This will protect you from possible carbon monoxide poisoning.

• Use road maps, seat covers and floor mats for insulation. Huddle with passengers and use your coat for a blanket.

• Take turns sleeping. One person should be awake at all times to look for rescue crews.

• Drink fluids to avoid dehydration. Do not eat snow.

• Be careful not to waste battery power. Balance electrical energy needs — the use of lights, heat and radio — with available supply.

• Turn on the vehicle's inside light at night so work crews or rescuers can see you.

• If stranded in a remote area, stomp large block letters in an open space spelling out HELP or SOS and line with rocks or tree limbs to attract the attention of rescuers who may be surveying the area by airplane or helicopter.