Mountain Valley Ministries

05/28/2022

04/26/2022

Congratulations to Elaine (McConnell) and Christopher Zimmer who were united in marriage in Newcastle, CA on Sunday, April 24, 2022. Wishing you much happiness.

04/14/2022

The Triduum, the three sacred days of prayer, are upon us. I am certain the Body of Christ will grow, but my prayer is that each of us will grow spiritually and our faith will strengthen during these very sacred days.

I encourage us all to open our hearts to the story that we hear these three sacred days. We are participants in this story. We are given the commandment to love. We witness the meaning of that love as our Lord is lifted high upon the cross. On Easter we once again remind ourselves that death has no power over God, and through Christ death has no power over us.

Let us walk together, and with our Lord, these three very sacred days.

(Thank you Fr. Cliff)

04/04/2022

Congratulations to Donna (Piparo) and Devin Darby who were joined in marriage on April 2 in Kelsey, CA. God bless and Godspeed!

03/03/2022

"Don't Fear The Reaper"

I was at my desk working the other day and, as usual, had a satellite radio on low in the background. Realizing that I am a baby boomer and grew up in the 1960s it should come as no surprise that I was listening to 60s-70s soft rock. I refuse to acknowledge these classics from my early life as "golden oldies."

One of the songs played caught my attention and memories. The song is Don't Fear The Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult. The song caught me in a pensive mood and, weirdly enough, focused my thinking from the scattered mode that I was in. Let me explain.

When we were young we felt that we were indestructible. Death was somewhere "way down the road" and we didn't think about it. There were exceptions of course. Those of us who had combat duty in the Armed Forces and those of us serving in law enforcement spent everyday with death tugging at our elbow. I'm guilty of both of these exceptions.

Death wasn't something that was openly discussed except on those occasions when the reaper reached out and took one of us. While mourning our lost brother or sister deep down we were glad that it wasn't us that the reaper picked, and we felt guilty because of that.

I successfully completed my law enforcement career suffering only bumps and bruises physically. Mentally the jury is still out. I don't worry about the reaper taking me on the streets of Los Angeles County anymore.

As I got older I found that the reaper had actually grabbed me while I was serving in Vietnam. It took the form of a dioxin then in great use called Agent Orange. Along with thousands of other soldiers this sinister substance stayed dormant within us for years and then started exerting its influence as we grew older.

The reaper has become more of an influence upon me over the years. Some of this is natural; some is not. I have become old (71) which, frankly, has surprised the hell out of me. As you get older you realize that "way down the road" is now "just up the street." Add to that the struggles of dealing with my old Vietnam friend Agent Orange. Congestive heart failure; diabetes, circulation issues and a few other fun obstacles have become huge issues in my life affecting me and my long-suffering love Gail.

I'm having trouble right now dealing with the reality and stress coupled with the administrative B.S. of the V.A. It was in this mindset that I heard this rock song and caused me to think.

I don't fear the reaper. Jesus Christ is my Lord and savior. He has promised me eternal life for my soul and I believe Him. While I am apprehensive and fearful for Gail and others who rely upon me to be a partner in life I am not apprehensive or fearful for me. I know where I am going and I am at peace with it.

I guess the point of all this rambling is that it's normal to be fearful of the bumps and bruises of life. If you are baptized and accept Jesus Christ as your savior then, at the end of your day, you will be fine. There is no reason to "Fear The Reaper."

God bless.

Rev. Jack

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dy4HA3vUv2c

Official Audio for "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" by Blue Oyster CultListen to Blue Oyster Cult: https://BlueOysterCult.lnk.to/listenYDSubscribe to the official B...

02/26/2022

Once again a thug dictator has decided to invade and commit war against a neighbor. This hasn't happened in Europe since World War II. May God shed his grace on the people of Ukraine and lead this conflict to a peaceful resolution.

12/12/2021

As we head into the Christmas season we look back and see that we've had another difficult year. It's important that through all the craziness of the politics and the division raging in America we remember the importance of the true meaning of Christmas: For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth and is baptized shall be saved. This is a Christmas gift that is unparalleled in human history. My hope is that you turn to your family and your friends. Embrace the relationships that you have. Steel yourself to go through the challenges that meets this nation. And trust in God to help us come out the other side stronger with faith and patriotism and love for each other. Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and God bless you all.
Reverend Jack

11/23/2021

Hate and violence. We are flooded with examples of people shouting and supporting hate instead of conversation and consideration and with senseless violence. The terrorism of gossip and threat to life.

Traditionally we look to our government officials to enforce our laws and to provide public safety. It seems today that our officials are more blatantly caring for each other than for the people they are supposed to serve.

I have tried to avoid "controversial" subjects here but, in good conscience, I cannot ignore the increasing threats to my family, my neighbors, my nation and our way of life.

We must pray that God will guide us back to courtesy, care for each other and respect for each other and for our society. Communism abolished open faith in God at all levels and enriched leadership and impoverished the public. We cannot, we must not go down this path to ruin again.

We can disagree without villifying each other. We can return to objective journalism that reports facts and allows each of us as individuals to form our own opinions. We can stop butchering each other in chaos and lawlessness.

May God protect us all and lead us back to safety and prosperity.

Rev. Jack

09/29/2021

Congratulations to Nichole (Sierra) & Tyler Reader on their wedding in Foresthill, CA on Sunday September 26. God grant you love and blessings.

09/06/2021

Offering our congratulations to Sabrina (Madrigal) and Martin Reyes, Jr. on the occasion of their marriage on Sunday, September 5, 2021 in Cameron Park, CA. They were originally scheduled to be married at Lake Tahoe however the wildfire that caused the area to be evacuated precluded that. We were honored to step in and help.

05/31/2021

A Prayer for Heroic Service

O Judge of the nations, we remember before you with grateful hearts the men and women of our country who in the day of decision ventured much for the liberties we now enjoy. Grant that we may not rest until all the people of this land share the benefits of true freedom and gladly accept its disciplines.

This we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

05/28/2021

May God Bless those who gave the full measure of sacrifice for us and for our nation.

04/25/2021

Please extend congratulations to Desiree (Dunbar) and Richard Dimitroglo whom I had the privilege of joining in marriage yesterday in Loomis, CA. Wishing them joy, health and freedom.

Rev. Jack

03/21/2021

Something to think about.

We are wise to watch carefully our government leaders but when I hear these 'woe to the church in America' warnings, I am encouraged that God is greater than any opposition

03/14/2021

When you think that you're going through life alone on your own strength of character, ponder this quote from "GOD IS MY CO-PILOT":

"They who had scorned the thought of any strength except their own to lean on learned at length, how fear can sabotage the bravest heart. And human weakness, answering to the prod of terror, calls: "Help us, O God." Then silence lets the silent voice be heard, bringing its message like a spoken word, "Believe. Believe in me. Cast out your fear. Oh, I am not up there beyond the sky, but here, right here in your heart. I am the strength you seek. Believe... And they believed."

I spent years doing dangerous things and credited my living through them with skill, training and a great deal of luck. Now I know better.

God bless,

Rev.Jack

12/12/2020

Christ is the reason. Everything else is manmade applesauce.

12/12/2020

Times are stressful. Remember what is most important. God bless

08/30/2020

Take a moment to listen. And remember: it's not who you are. It's who you know.
Rev. Jack

https://youtu.be/S6L9J2MHBAc

Provided to YouTube by Sony Music Entertainment Jesus Was A Country Boy · Clay Walker A Few Questions ℗ 2003 BMG Music Released on: 2003-09-09 Producer: Jimm...

07/22/2020

In your darkest hour when the demons come call on me brother and we will fight them together. No soldier serves without damage. You are not alone.

Found on Google from ncregister.com

07/22/2020

A Great Explanation

A sick man turned to his doctor, as he was preparing to leave the examination room and said, "Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side." Very quietly, the doctor said, "i don't know." You don't know? You, a Christian man, do not know what is on the other side?

The doctor was holding the handle of the door--on the other side came a sound of scratching and whining. As he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness.

Turning to the patient, the doctor said, "Did you notice my dog? He's never been in this room before. He didn't know what was inside. He knew nothing except that his master was here, and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear. I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I do know one thing...I know my Master is there and that is enough."
Author unknown.

07/14/2020

Just in case anyone wonders where I stand:
The 7 year tribulation will be worse by far than anything anyone could imagine. If you think this is our last Pandemic or "natural" disaster you are sadly mistaken. Read the book of Revelation. As a Christian, I’ve heard about the corruption and debauchery of the end-times most of my life. It appears the book of Revelation is unfolding right before us. We shouldn’t be shocked either, given the state of immorality in our world. Every day, the boundaries of sin seem to be pushed further and further. The line between right and wrong has slowly been erased by society, television, and pop culture. Witchcraft, spiritualism, “New Age” belief systems are being celebrated and exalted, even among some professing to be Christians. We have been removed further from the world God created and intended. We need to take this time to re-evaluate ourselves. We need to prepare and repent. Jesus will return just as His Word tells us. This is a fantastic wake up call, and I am taking it seriously. I want to go Home to my Father, when my time is up.
Until the Lord calls me away from this world to the next, I want to make it clear that I believe in Jesus Christ as the true Lord and Savior. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God, was sacrificed on the cross, died for our sins, and rose again. He loves us all dearly (far more than we deserve) and forgives our sins if we repent. His Word says "whoever believes in Me, will not perish but have everlasting life”.
This is the best challenge I have seen on Facebook, so if the Holy Spirit moves you, and you’re not embarrassed, just copy and make this your status update.
Can I get an Amen for being a believer in the Father, Christ Jesus, and the Holy Spirit?

Rev.Gail

07/04/2020

After postponing their wedding for months it was my honor to marry Cassandra (Hernandez) and Marc Abrea at a vineyard on the Sacramento River yesterday. With a small wedding party present and family and friends watching on Zoom it was an elegant ceremony enjoyed by all. Congratulations and best wishes.

06/11/2020

With the distressing upheaval going on in our country today the words of Isaiah 41:10 comforts me:

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

05/18/2020

Please remember what Memorial Day is all about. Remember the men who came before us and who sacrificed everything for us. And Thank God that such men lived.

04/29/2020

Some people think that George Carlin was just a comedian. And he was a good one. But his grasp of our society was also without peer. His comments below are as true today as when he first uttered them.

SOMETHING TO PONDER: George Carlin

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete.

Remember to spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

And always remember, life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by those moments that take our breath away.

George Carlin

04/18/2020

Faith is joyful

04/17/2020

Love and trust and respect are, unfortunately, thicker than blood quite often. Terry & Janice - you are family.

04/12/2020

"Wherever two or more are gathered in My name I will be there"

He is with us in good times and in all times. Even when we are at home.

Happy Easter. God bless you and give you strength and confidence.

12/25/2019

"I bring you glad tidings of great joy for into you is born this day, in the city of David, a Saviour who is Christ The Lord."

This is as true today as it was on that first Christmas. Remember the reason for the season. God bless you all and Merry Christmas.

12/08/2019

Today is the second Sunday of Advent. We light the first purple candle and the 2nd purple candle.

The following prayer is appropriate:

Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

God bless you and best wishes for a happy and joyous Christmas season.

Rev. Jack Climer

12/02/2019

Today is the first Sunday of Advent, which is also the first Sunday of a new liturgical year for the Church. The Advent season includes the four Sundays that precede Christmas. It is a time of preparation for the coming of the Lord. In this season, we recall two central elements of our faith: the final coming of the Lord in glory and the incarnation of the Lord in the birth of Jesus. Key themes of the Advent season are watchful waiting, preparation, and justice.

In this new liturgical year, the Gospel of Matthew will be the primary Gospel proclaimed (Lectionary Cycle A). In today's Gospel, we hear Jesus speak about the need for wakefulness, for watchful waiting, for the coming of the Son of Man.

10/01/2019

A wonderful vow renewal ceremony was conducted at The Ridge Golf Club in Auburn on Saturday last wherein I reconfirmed the wedding vows of Shenyang Mao Hinesley and Andrew Hinesley of Honolulu, HI.
Andrew is a decorated US Army veteran of several tours in Afghanistan.
Wonderful people and wonderful families.

09/22/2019

Congratulations to Jaimie (Vogel) & Michael Starnes, married today at beautiful Bass Lake, CA. A beautiful bride and a very nervous groom.

05/28/2019

Wishing God's blessings and peace for Veronica Mayorga and Kip Gatto of Seattle, married on Saturday at the Lake McClure, CA Boat Club. A beautiful couple and a beautiful day.

04/21/2019

He is risen! God’s promise to us has been fulfilled. Today we have come together to celebrate the greatness of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior and to enjoy the togetherness of our friendships.
After man had destroyed Him Christ was laid to rest in a tomb. All though that He would be seen no more.
On the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone that sealed the tomb had been taken away. Mary ran to Simon Peter crying “they have taken our Lord out of the tomb and we do not know where they have laid him.”
While Simon Peter examined the tomb, finding Jesus’ linen cloths and face cloth folded there, Mary Magdalene wept outside the tomb. As Mary Magdalene look into the tomb she saw two angels in white sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and the other at the foot. They said to her “woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” “They have taken my Lord from here and I know not where they have laid him,” she replied.
Having said this she turned and saw Jesus standing there but she did not know it was Him. Supposing he was the gardener she asked “sir, if you have carried him away tell me where you have laid him and I will take him away.” Jesus then spoke to her whereupon she recognized him exclaiming “rabboni”, which is Aramaic for “teacher.”
Jesus said to her “do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father but go to my brothers and say to them I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.”
Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples and said “I have seen the Lord” and that he had said these things to her.
On this most holy day we celebrate our New Life in the Risen Christ; through the death of Jesus the weight of our sin has been lifted from us; through His glorious resurrection we have become sons and daughters of God. Let us rejoice. Alleluia!

Gail, Terry & Janice join me in wishing to all that the Grace of God be with you all now and forever.
Rev. Jack