Valley Presbyterian Church

You are invited to "Points of Light", a very special concert in our sanctuary, next Thursday November 16th from 7-9 pm. Come listen to the songs that Maryliz Smith has created around individuals and their stories, where she highlights the unique gifts they each bring to the world. After the performance, we will discuss and use the inspiration provided by the songs and the stories within the songs to think about our own unique gifts, perspectives, and life stories with Pastor Jenny. For an engrossing interview with Maryliz Smith, visit https://lnkd.in/gtbkkiWx. Here is an excerpt to inspire you: What was the inspiration behind Points of Light? Maryliz Smith: I have always been amazed at the uniqueness of every person I have ever encountered. A fingerprint, a voice, a heartbeat. We each have our distinct signature that some might call one’s essential self. Mark Nepo calls this essence “an unencumbered spot of grace.” Martha Graham describes it with these words: “There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and there is only one of you in all time. This expression is unique, and if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is, nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open…” We often co-mingle with one another without paying much attention to these distinctions. Or if we do, it is often because of the friction caused by reason of our differences. To pay tribute to these distinctions is to pay tribute to this “life force,” to this “unencumbered spot of grace.” And, in turn, to be seen and heard deeply by another human being."