Fall at Valley

Your Complete Fall Guide!

This fall, we invite you and your family to WORSHIP God, CONNECT people, SERVE others, and SHARE Jesus through out dozens of events and initiatives this fall. Each one is designed to equip disciples who can then impact the world for Christ! We encourage you to glance through this page and make your plans for the fall. We'll highlight a few things at the top. Then scroll through or just jump to the area you want using the menu bar.

FALL AT VALLEY: TOP THINGS TO KNOW

"Becoming Better Together"

This six-week Equipping Class for married couples will be led by Joe Funderburk, Pastor of Adult Discipleship. We'll explore how to tell what is happening in a relationship, evaluate its health, and determine its weaknesses or vulnerabilities. You’ll learn how to strengthen your bond, set boundaries, and intentionally navigate the most important relationship in your life! No cost. Use the Equipping Class form below to register.

Sermon Series: "Trailblazer"

Join Senior Pastor Rob O'Neal as we watch Abraham follow the trail God called him to walk ... and discern what kind of next step God wants from us as we try to follow God's plan for our lives. We will see that the road God is calling us to leads to blessing, salvation, and the eternal Kingdom. Our teaching series continues this weekend.

What's Your Next Step?

Let the conversations begin! As announced at the Annual Meeting, this fall we’re inviting every person at church to have a chat with a Valley leader and take a next step with Jesus. If you’re part of a group or serving at the church, your leader will be engaging with you soon about ideas for your next step. If you don’t have a group leader, no problem! Visit Connect Point after a worship service, or call us at 860.673.6826 and we will set up the conversation for you.

Midweek Ministry: Kids and Students

Valley Kids Club (for boys and girls ages 1-4) gather Tuesdays at 6:15 p.m.

Boys Club Registration GIRLS CLUB REGISTRATION

Valley Students Wednesday gatherings begin at 7 p.m. Our three groups are Root56 (grades 5-6), RIOT (grades 7-8), and Synergy (high school). No registration required.

Equipping Classes

Equipping Classes are temporary or seasonal, offering short-term opportunities for continued learning to discover God, explore Christian life, and find purpose. Consider attending a class as a first step toward connection, or as a supplement to your ongoing Community Group to explore a topic relevant to your faith journey.

How to Join

Unless otherwise noted, you can sign up for any class using this form:

For Men and Women

Intentional Grandparenting

SUNDAYS AT 9 A.M. | ROOM 206

Steve and Carmen Tate will facilitate conversations that encourage and equip Christian grandparents to leave a legacy of faith to their grandchildren. Based on a video study by the Legacy Coalition. (based on a video study by the Legacy Coalition. No cost.

OWLS (Older, Wiser, Loving Saints)

SUNDAYS AT 9 A.M. | EVERY WEEK IN THE LIBRARY

All Senior Adults are welcome to join the group at any time for our weekly Bible study, led by Pastor Skip Eggimann. No cost.

So, What Do You Believe?

SUNDAYS AT 10:45 A.M. | ROOM 206

If you have been to an introductory class such as "Alpha," "Starting Point," or even the membership class, and then asked, "What's next?" -- this is your Next Step. We will explore how Valley's affirmations of faith and closely held beliefs establish the biblical foundations of our faith. We will cover one affirmation a week for thirteen weeks. No cost.

Studying C.S. Lewis: "The Problem of Pain"

SUNDAYS AT 10:45 A.M | ROOM 332

Jeff Partridge's journey through the classic works of C.S. Lewis continues with "The Problem of Pain." Join us for a seven-week structured discussion as we explore the book with an emphasis on understanding Lewis' works in light of the Bible and our faith experiences. Book cost: $10 (optional)

Connect: Why Relationships Matter

TUESDAYS AT 6:30 P.M. | CAFE

Pastor of Adult Discipleship Joe Funderburk leads this two-week class, focusing on building relationships as we explore the "Connect" aspect of Valley's Engagement Wheel in closer detail. No cost.

Discovering your Story in God's Global Mission

TUESDAYS AT 6:30 P.M. | ROOM 206

Asher Sarjent, Pastor of World Outreach, looks at Valley's long, rich history of World Outreach in this eight-week class. We'll explore God’s heart for the nations and your place in helping fulfill the Great Commission. Book cost: $10.

ESL Class

TUESDAYS AT 6:30 P.M. | library

This class is designed for adults for whom English is a second language. We help adults practice English and share the love of Christ and the Gospel along the way. Please use this special registration form to sign up:

Community Bible Study

Thursdays AT 9:15 A.M. | SANCTUARY

Community Bible Study is an organization hosted at Valley.Come be a part of the change that happens when we study God's Word in community! You'll participate in weekly small group discussions and enjoy our class teaching. This fall we will explore 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Ruth, Titus, 1 Samuel, and 2 Samuel. Children's classes and online groups are also available. Use this special registration form to sign up for this ministry:

Friendship Bible Study

MONDAYS AT 11 A.M. | STARTS SEPT. 18 ON ZOOM ONLY

Adults with disabilities and their caregivers are invited to join this interactive study of God’s word, facilitated by Mary Swank and Rebecca Wilhite. This Bible Study is part of Valley's Disability Ministry. To receive the Zoom link and password, email Mary at . No cost.

Parenting Together

ONE-NIGHT DISCUSSION AT 6:30 P.M. | SEPT. 26 IN THE CAFE

This session will help equip parents with ideas and advice about helping your kids grow spiritually. Free. Use this special registration form to sign up:

ESL Book Study

TWO THURSDAYS/MONTH AT 10 A.M. | STARTS SEPT. 28 IN THE CAFE

Sandy Martin leads this group, open to men and women who would like to practice their English-speaking skills through Bible study. The group is using Max Lucado's book, "Facing Your Giants." No cost.

Becoming Better Together

TUESDAYS AT 6:30 P.M. | STARTS OCT. 3 IN THE CAFE

This six-week class for married couples and led by Joe Funderburk, Pastor of Adult Discipleship. We'll explore "RAM" -- a relationship GPS that helps us understand what is happening within a relationship, evaluates its health, determines its weaknesses or vulnerabilities, and helps you learn how to strengthen, set boundaries, and intentionally run that relationship. No cost.

Family Discipleship

TUESDAYS AT 6:30 P.M. | STARTS OCT. 3 IN THE CAFE

This four-week class will feature conversation about what family discipleship looks like at home, and will explore simple practices that you can introduce into your family life as you seek to follow Jesus together.

Real-Life Discipleship

THURSDAYS AT 6:30 P.M. | STARTS OCT. 5 IN ROOM 204

This 10-week interactive class is a core study in discipleship at Valley, offered regularly as an Equipping Class. It's designed to help you develop the heart and vision of a disciple-maker by learning what a disciple is, how disciples grow, and how to be an intentional leader. Pastor of Adult Discipleship Joe Funderburk is the facilitator. Workbook cost: $20.

Studying C.S. Lewis: "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe"

SUNDAYS AT 10:45 A.M | STARTS NOV 12 IN ROOM 332

Jeff Partridge's journey through the classic works of C.S. Lewis continues with "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." Join us for a four-week structured discussion as we explore the book with an emphasis on understanding Lewis' works in light of the Bible and our faith experiences. Book cost: $8 (optional)

Just for Women

Precept Bible Study

TUESDAYS AT 9:30 A.M | STARTS sept. 19 IN ROOM 206

This Equipping Class for women, facilitated by LuAnn Turbiak, will explore the book of 1 Thessalonians. We'll learn the principles of exemplary Christian living, understand spiritual warfare, and uncover God's ultimate rescue plan. Book cost: $17.

Women's Step Studies

TUESDAYS AT 6:30 P.M. | ROOM 337
WEDNESDAYS AT NOON | ROOM 332

These two sessions cover the same curriculum but operate independently; we're offering on two separate days for your convenience. Move beyond your hurts, habits, and hang-ups to experience the forgiveness of Christ. Using Celebrate Recovery principles, you'll restore and develop stronger relationships with others and with God, and find the serenity you've been seeking. Each class runs through April. Cost: $20.

MOPS/MOMSnext

TWO MONDAYS EACH MONTH at 9:30 a.m. | room 206

MOPS and MOMSnext is an organization hosted at Valley. It's a community of moms who encourage, support, and love each other like family. We feature guest speakers and several kinds of activities. The class is open to moms who are pregnant/adopting to those with kids in sixth grade. The annual cost is $60. Childcare is available for kids 5 and under for an additional fee. Use this special registration form to sign up for this ministry:

Just for Men

Men @ Dawn

TUESDAYS AT 6 A.M. | FELLOWSHIP HALL

Todd Fitzsimons leads this Bible study in the book of Romans, based on a book by J.D. Greear. Light breakfast will be served. No cost.

Men @ Night

TUESDAYS AT 6:30 P.M. | ROOM 110

Rob Caiaze and Ken Stenton lead this Bible study in the book of Genesis, based on curriculum from Arvind Balaram. The class will complement the fall sermon series about Abraham. No cost.

Men's Step Studies

TUESDAYS AT 6:30 P.M. | ROOM 204
WEDNESDAYS AT NOON | ROOM 313

Community Groups

Find the Right Community Group

Community Groups are the primary way to connect at Valley; you can sign up at any time!

Fill out the Connect to Community form below to let us know who you are and what you're looking for, and we'll reach out to you with ideas.

connect to community

What is a Community Group?

Community Groups are the primary ongoing groups for disciple-making at Valley. They meet regularly to connect relationally, for intentional spiritual growth and development.

New Community Groups form in September and January, meeting weekly either at church or in homes. All Community Groups take a break for the summer.

Why Community Groups?

Belong: God designed us for relationships, and groups give us a place to know others and to be known ourselves. Life is full of highs and lows, and communities create authentic relationships, so you don’t have to walk through these alone.

Become: Wherever you are in your journey of faith, communities will give you space to ask questions and consider your next step. We’ll grow together in what it means to follow Jesus.

BLESS: The overflow of life-giving relationships is impact on our communities. Together, we will consider the opportunities in our lives to make a difference and impact our world for Christ.

Care Groups

Care Groups are ongoing or short-term opportunities for people to gather and cope with the various trials and hurdles of life. Each Care Group is Christ-centered with the goal of providing comfort, encouragement, healing, and hope. See the details under each Care Group area for details and how to sign up.

Celebrate Recovery

Weekly Gatherings

EVERY THURSDAY AT 7 P.M. IN THE VENUE

Celebrate Recovery is a biblical, balanced program that helps people overcome hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Celebrate Recovery is based on God's Word. Please join us at 6:15 p.m. for pizza and fellowship. Our program begins at 7 p.m., with large group time, then a break-out time in smaller groups. CR is free; no registration is required.

DivorceCare

DivorceCare Details

13-WEEK SESSION BEGINS MONDAY, sept. 18 at 7 p.m.
valley simsbury headquarters (3 mill pond lane, simsbury)

Those who have experienced separation and divorce will tell you that it was one of the most painful and stressful experiences they've ever faced. It's a confusing time when you feel isolated and have lots of questions about issues you may never have encountered before. This 13-week Care Group will help. We meet at Valley Simsbury Headquarters (3 Mill Pond Lane in Simsbury)

Cost is $15. Registration is required:

GriefShare

GriefShare Details

MONDAYS at 6:30 P.m.

GriefShare is a 13-week care group at Valley designed to help people who are mourning the death of a family member or friend. Often, others want to help you cope with your loss but simply don't know how. GriefShare is a group of people dealing with loss that meets weekly to share experiences and tackle tough challenges together.

Cost is $20. Registration is required:

Friendship Community

Friendship Community Details

Thursdays at 6 p.m. in Fellowship Hall

This growing group is part of our Disability Ministry at Valley. Friendship Community is for adults with diverse abilities. For more information or to register, email Mary Swank at or call Valley Care at 860.673.6826.

Hearts With Hope

Hearts With Hope Details

SECOND THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH at 6:30 p.m.

Hearts With Hope is a care group for moms who have lost a child. This group meets on the second Thursday of each month in Room 209. Come ready to share, if you're willing, and listen as others share their stories. There's no cost, and no registration is necessary.

Senior Adult Luncheons

Senior Adult Luncheon Details

THIRD THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH AT NOON

We're back! Valley Seniors and their friends are invited to join in for fun, food, and fellowship. Donations are appreciated but not required. Our first lunch is September 21 at noon in Fellowship Hall. Please RSVP by contacting Mary in the Care Ministry office at 860.673.6826 or

Coping With Cancer

Coping With Cancer Details

FIRST THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH, AT 6:30 P.M.

This Care Group is for people fighting cancer as well as family or friends assisting someone dealing with cancer. Get encouragement, support, and tips to help you in your cancer journey. Our next gathering is October 5 in Room 206. The Care Group is free, and no RSVP is required.

Faithful Hands

Faithful Hands Details

SECOND SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH, AT 7 A.M.

Faithful Hands is a group of men that serves single mothers, widows, or any other person needing help by providing practical handyman services. The group meets in Room 206 for an hour on the second Saturday of each month to connect with members, build relationships, and review the list of work items. They then spend two hours with their care receivers, assisting with household and/or yard work, building relationships as they serve. Our next gathering is October 14. For more information, contact Valley Care at 860.673.6826.

Nourish and Nurture

Nourish and Nurture Details

FIRST AND THIRD FRIDAYS OF EACH MONTH, AT 9 A.M., FAMILY ROOM

For many women, the early weeks and months of motherhood can be challenging and isolating. The group provides education and encouragement with the goal of healthy moms and healthy babies! Lactation Consultant Julie Tower will facilitate the group, which is open to all moms with babies up to one year old (breastfeeding, combo-feeding, bottle-feeding) and expecting moms. No registration is necessary. For more information, contact Julie at .

For Kids (Infants-Grade 4)

Valley Kids Church

Valley Kids Church is a great way for your child to come to know and follow Jesus! All of our environments, including our Nursery and Family Room, are sanitized and staffed by trained, background-checked volunteers dedicated to providing an amazing interactive experience for your child.

You don't need to register in advance; just head to the Valley Kids Welcome Desk when you arrive at church, and we'll get you signed in.

Saturday at 5 p.m.: Our Family Room is open for your use.

Sunday at 9 a.m.: Valley Kids Church for infants-Grade 4.

Sunday at 10:45 a.m.: Valley Kids Church for infants-Grade 4.

Valley Kids Clubs

Welcome to Valley Kids Clubs, a weekly gathering of boys and girls in Grades 1-4 where friendship, faith, and fun activities abound. School can be pressure-packed and sports teams can be ultra-competitive. Where can kids go to just be KIDS, meet in a safe space, and grow in faith -- all in a friendly environment? Led by Valley staff and trained, background-checked volunteers, we welcome all kids from our neighborhoods, regardless of your church or faith background. Over the years, thousands of kids have called Tuesday nights at Valley their treasured “club time.” Come check it out any Tuesday night this fall. The cost is $45 for the entire September-May program.

Parent-Child Dedications

Parents,declare your intention to raise your child in the ways of the Lord -- and receive a promise of support from the congregation. The Dedication class is October 1. Dedications will take place at worship services October 21/22. To sign up or get more information, email Michele at

For Students (Grades 5-12)

Sunday Morning Classes

Middle School (Grades 5-8)

Sunday morning middle school classes will take place at both the 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. services, in Room 305. No registration is required.

High School (Grades 9-12)

Each Sunday at 9 a.m., high school students will gather in the Café for “Foundations.” This weekly gathering will focus on building our faith on the foundation of a personal relationship with Jesus. Students will learn from Scripture and be challenged to develop a personal time with God. We’ll highlight specific verses, explain those verses, apply them to our lives, and respond with action. No registration is required.

Wednesday Night Gatherings

Our popular Wednesday night student programs have resumed! The gatherings begin at 7 p.m. and no registration is required. We can't wait to see your kids grow in faith, make new friends, and have a ton of fun along the way.

Root56: Weekly gathering for students in Grades 5 and 6

RIOT: Weekly gathering for students in Grades 7 and 8

Synergy: Weekly gathering for students in Grades 9-12. Sites alternate between all groups gathering together at church, or with their group leaders offsite.