'I Have a BLESS Story to Share'

We're thankful for these Valley attenders from Avon and Bristol who spent a few moments with us to record their simple BLESS moments.

Do you have a BLESS story to share? Email us or call 860.673.6826 x110.

 The BLESS Mindset: An Introduction

A Guide to Sharing Your Faith

We know God calls on all who follow Jesus to help grow His Kingdom, but for some people the process can be daunting: Where do I start? How do I do this?

That’s where BLESS will help. Showing God's grace and mercy to our neighbors, Valley Community Baptist Church wants to create and foster relationships with people who don’t know Jesus, and then let the Holy Spirit do His work.

The goal as a church is that BLESS develops from a method into a mindset, and that we can consistently celebrate BLESS victories each week as we share the Good News.

Do you have a BLESS story or "win" to share? Email Valley Communications Director Mike Guersch with the news, no matter how small. Then check the box on the right of this page to read through the BLESS stories and wins, letter by letter!

What the letters represent

   BEGIN WITH PRAYER

   LISTEN AND BE AWARE OF OTHERS' NEEDS

   EAT WITH YOUR NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS

   SERVE OTHERS IN BIG OR SMALL WAYS

   SHARE YOUR STORY

 Begin with Prayer

The BLESS strategy begins with simple prayer for a person who is not a follower of Jesus. This is an easy "win" because all it takes is a little time on your part. If you don't already have a "B" card, pick one up at your Welcome Desk; there's room on the back to list your "Focus on Five" people to pray for. We also have chalkboards at each service area representing just a portion of the people we're praying for. When you've prayed for somebody, drop us a quick note if you'd like, and we can build up our BLESS stories as we go. Email Mike Guersch with your wins and we'll record them on the site.

 Listen and Be Aware of Others' Needs

Here's another easy step: Just listen. Get to know someone who's not a follower of Jesus and find out their story. You won't know what to ask or how to approach a deeper conversation without getting to know someone first. Just spending time counts as a good BLESS story. When you've had a good "listening" time, send a quick email to Mike Guersch so we can share your stories on the site.

 Eat With Your Neighbors and Friends

Here's something you have to do every day. The simple idea here is to occasionally do so with someone who's not yet a Jesus-follower. Jesus was constantly eating with people. And He practiced "holy hospitality." When you take the time for an "E" moment or story, take just a minute more to let us know so we can celebrate. Email Mike Guersch and we'll add it to the list in the gray box above! 

Serve Others in Big or Small Ways

If you're not sure how to serve someone, try the "B" and "L" steps first in the BLESS method. Many times God will reveal what's exactly needed either through prayer or just listening to the person you're trying to bless. Even a random act of kindness is serving someone! Have a "Serve" moment to share, big or small? Email Mike Guersch and we'll add it to the growing lists in the gray box above!

 Share Your Story

This can be a challenging one for many Christians. But it doesn't have to be difficult. Here are three simple talking points to consider before you share your story: 1) What was your life like before you came to know Jesus? 2) How did you actually do that? How did you come to know Jesus? 3) What happened in your life after you came to know Jesus? If you actually write down the answers to these questions – if only for yourself – it will help when you share your story!