Bishop John Shelby Spong, February 20, 2010

Valley Wesley is excited to announce that we will be co-hosting, along with Tempe First UMC, an event on February 20th, featuring author and speaker, Bishop John Shelby Spong. The event is being sponsored by the Arizona Foundation For Contemporary Theology. More details about the event coming soon!

From Bishop Spong’s website:

John Shelby Spong, whose books have sold more than a million copies, was bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark for 24 years before his retirement in 2001. His admirers acclaim him as a teaching bishop who makes contemporary theology accessible to the ordinary layperson — he’s considered the champion of an inclusive faith by many, both inside and outside the Christian church. In one of his recent books, The Sins of Scripture: Exposing the Bible’s Texts of Hate to Discover the God of Love (San Francisco: HarperOne, 2005), this visionary thinker seeks to introduce readers to a proper way to engage the holy book of the Judeo-Christian tradition.

A committed Christian who has spent a lifetime studying the Bible and whose life has been deeply shaped by it, Bishop Spong says he was not interested in Bible bashing. “I come to this interpretive task not as an enemy of Christianity,” he says. “I am not even a disillusioned former Christian, as some of my scholar-friends identify themselves. I am a believer who knows and loves the Bible deeply. But I also recognize that parts of it have been used to undergird prejudices and to mask violence.”

A visiting lecturer at Harvard and at universities and churches worldwide, Bishop Spong delivers more than 200 public lectures each year to standing-room-only crowds. His bestselling books include Rescuing the Bible from Fundamentalism, A New Christianity for a New World, Why Christianity Must Change or Die, and Here I Stand.

Bishop Spong’s extensive media appearances include a profile segment on 60 Minutes as well as appearances on Good Morning America, Fox News Live, Politically Incorrect, Larry King Live, The O’Reilly Factor, William F. Buckley’s Firing Line, and Extra. Bishop Spong and his wife, Christine Mary Spong, have five children and six grandchildren. They live in New Jersey.

Mission Trip to Ghana

Valley Wesley is excited to announce its first ever international mission trip! While details are still being finalized, a group of up to students and leaders will be headed to the continent of Africa during the summer of 2011 (postponed from 2010). Participation is based on those who get their deposits in before the available spots fill-up. If you are interested in the trip please e-mail Charla Lindley. Please check back here for updates!

The video below was created by Charla who went on what we hope will be a similar trip to Ghana with the Wesley Foundation from Mississippi State!

Have You Visited Our Student Lounge?

One of the best kept secrets about our newly remodeled facilities is our student lounge. Located in the Wesley building on the grounds of Tempe First UMC, the lounge is a great place for students to study, relax, nap, use a computer, connect to our wireless network, watch TV or a DVD, or just hang-out with friends. The lounge is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. You will only need to know the code to the keyless entry door located on the south side of the building. If you would like the code or have any questions please contact rob@valleywesley.com.

Wesley Welcomes a New Intern

Valley Wesley is excited to announce that Aaron Prillaman will join us as a full-time intern beginning July 6. In addition to his music and worship duties on Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings, Aaron will also be taking on administrative and development tasks. He will lead a weekly Bible study and will co-lead retreats and mission trips. We are excited about the many God-given gifts that Aaron will bring to our ministry team. Please join us in welcoming Aaron and his wife Lisa to our ministry!

Aaron’s Bio:

Aaron Prillaman has been playing guitar for 12 years. He began his
formal musical studies at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC under the instruction of Dr. Douglas James. During his sophomore year, Aaron was chosen to be the praise and worship leader of the Appalachian State University Wesley Foundation. There he gained valuable experience while completing a variety of duties. After completing a Bachelors of Music in Guitar Performance, Mr. Prillaman was accepted into the Masters program at East Carolina University where he studied with Dr. Elliot Frank. Aaron Prillaman was chosen to be a graduate assistant in the guitar department at ECU, where he taught various classes including functional guitar, beginner guitar class, and applied guitar.

In July of 2008, Aaron and his wife Lisa moved to Tempe so that he could pursue a Doctorate of Musical Arts at Arizona State University. In addition to classical guitar, he also enjoys playing electric guitar, and folk guitar. Aaron has performed extensively on all three instruments.

Connect With Us!

If you are not currently a part of our ministry but wish to receive more information about us then please fill out the form below (please indicate what year in school you will be for the 2009-2010 school year). Someone from our ministry will contact you soon!

Current students, and alumni please submit your contact information below so we can add or update your profile in our database.