History of Spring Valley United Methodist Church

Please click here to read an updated History of Spring Valley written for 50th Anniversary celebration in 2007. (pdf document)

As written by member Don Bowen, late 1980's:

For more than three years, Richardson had been growing. Along the northern-most part of Dallas county, less than 20 miles from downtown Dallas, it had changed from a rural town to a growing suburban city. Within the space of three years, population had increased fourfold.

Central Expressway ended at Forest Lane, but Texas Instruments had already moved farther north, not far from Spring Valley Rd. Collins Radio had broken ground for facilities on Arapaho Road, east of the planned route for the expressway. More people moved into the area, following the job opportunities.

Growth was everywhere. Old churches expanded. New churches were formed. And among the new churches was Spring Valley Methodist Church. The year: 1957. More than a decade would come and go before the Methodist Church became the United Methodist Church.

On a rainy Wednesday afternoon in March 1957, Jack Gibson drove to Richardson to meet the small group of young suburbanites who were the nucleus of the new church. A graduate of Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University, recently ordained, Jack had been serving as an associate minister at White Rock Methodist Church in Dallas, Now, Bishop William C. Martin had appointed him pastor of Spring Valley Methodist Church. A brand new church for a brand new preacher.

Plans had been in the making for nearly three months. Since January, Bishop Martin, District Superintendent T. Lee Miller, and the group of organizers had met together many times, practicing that grand old Methodist tradition: discuss and deliberate, discuss and negotiate; make sure that all of the pieces fit together, including a name for the church. When Dr. Miller first heard the name "Spring Valley Methodist Church," he observed that it sounded more like a peaceful country church than a dynamic suburban one. But the name stuck, and everything came together: a congregation, a pastor, a name, a charter. But no place to meet, except in someone's home.

From the beginning they, like many Christians before them, had met in homes. Now they wanted a home for their church, something more than the old house they had rented which stood on property that belonged to Texas Instruments, along the portion of Floyd Road east of the expressway.

One of my most cherished memories of Spring Valley is the actual fellowship of knowing each person individually, having brought each one into the church. -Reverend Jack Gibson

March 24, 1957: Mr. Gibson held the first official service of the Spring Valley Methodist Church. Services were held at Richardson Heights Elementary School, on the northwest corner of Belt Line and Floyd in Richardson. Forty-two people joined the church that day. On May 19, the church was officially founded. One hundred and eleven members signed the charter.

Meanwhile the Dallas Board of Church Extension was looking for a site for the new church home. In April 1957, they selected a tract of land near the "Y" formed by Peyton Drive and Spring Valley Road in North Dallas, just west of the Richardson city limit. The Board gave the land to Spring Valley Methodist Church. This property served as a down payment for the first unit of the church building.

Services continued at Richardson Heights Elementary School, which was to be the last temporary home for Spring Valley Methodist Church. Ground breaking for the new building was in March, 1958. The charter closed on June 1 of that year, with 199 charter members. On December 7, 1958, 200 were there for the first worship service int he permanent church home.

When worship began at the present location, Coit Road, Peyton Drive, and Spring Valley Road were all two-lane blacktop roads, as were most of the other roads in North Dallas County in those days. Valley View Lane ran along the approximate route that LBJ Freeway would eventually follow. Due south of the church, just beyond Valley View Lane, was the HIghland Park Airport. On good flying days, especially on Sunday, one could stand outside the narthex, which was on the south side of the building, and watch small airplanes approaching or departing, depending on the direction of the wind. In a way, the church seemed to be isolated. In the country.

Bishop Martin, who spoke on that very first Sunday, could not help but notice the apparent remoteness of the new church as he looked out over the congregation, which almost filled the original sanctuary. Standing at the pulpit, he turned to Jack Gibson, who sat nearby and said, "Jack, I see all of these people but I don't see where they came from." Outside, open fields surrounded the church grounds.

In the name of God, and in the presence of this congregation, I declare this church to be open for the worship of God and the service of men. -Bishop William C. Martin at the consecration service, December 1957

That unit had 6000 square feet of usable space, at a cost of $85,000. It included a sanctuary (which is now Wesley Hall), the church office, and a few classrooms where the children and youth went to Sunday School. Two adult Sunday school classes shared the sanctuary. The Wesleyan Class was one. The other class eventually became the Seekers Class. They sat on folding metal chairs because there were no pews in the sanctuary and no carpet. The entire stage area - the chancel, the altar, the pulpit and the choir loft - was on wheels and, during the next two decades, it was moved from one end of the sanctuary to the other, several times, in an effort to provide the best setting for worship. At first it was a cozy arrangement; but, before long, it became crowded. Membership had grown so much that they needed more space...

...especially the children. Those were the days of the baby boom, and sometimes children seemed to outnumber adults by a sizable margin. It is impossible to guess how many children have been baptized at Spring Valley, how many have received their first Christian nurturing there, how many youngsters have grown into adulthood, how many young people have enjoyed the activities of the church. And so, the first addition to the building was dedicated to the children of Spring Valley Methodist Church. Within five years, a 6300 square foot wing was added at the northeast corner of the original structure, providing classrooms, separated by accordion walls which could be pushed aside to provide a large space for special occasions - occasions like Vacation Bible School. Not far from the church, at the place where Spring Valley Road ended, just west of Hillcrest members had a farm which was the perfect place for Bible School. And, in addition to the church school program for children, a day school was established in facilities rented from the church. This school eventually became what is known today as Spring Valley United Methodist Preschool.

The growth of our church has been phenomenal and all indications are that it will continue... -Reverend Jack M. Gibson

At the same time, other things were happening at Spring Valley. Pews were installed. The church bought its first organ. The first paid choir director was appointed replacing a member volunteer.

In 1962, Jack Gibson received another appointment. In addition to serving as pastor of several churches he also served two terms as district superintendent.

Don Benton, formerly an associate at Highland Park Methodist Church was appointed to serve as pastor of Spring Valley Methodist Church now 435 members strong.

During the next fifteen years, while Don Benton was pastor at Spring Valley, a lot happened. Construction on LBJ Freeway began; and, by the time it was finished, it had crowded Highland Park Airport out of existence. Coit Road got wider, and so did Spring Valley Road, although all six lanes, reaching to Preston Road and beyond, would not be completed until the mid-1980s. Valley View Mall came into being, clearly visible from outside of the narthex on the south side of the building. Along with all of that progress came houses, apartments, and people to fill them, next door neighbors to Spring Valley Methodist Church. These new neighbors, as well as people from rapidly-growing suburbs such as Richardson and Plano, flocked to the church which, along with the mainstream of Methodism, became Spring Valley United Methodist Church. By the mid-sixties, membership had grown to 935. A decade later, the congregation numbered 2266.

We have set our sights high in our expectations for Spring Valley Methodist Church. Some of our hopes would seem like pipe dreams were it not for your sense of devotion of dedication in all of its endeavors. I am thankful for my opportunity to share your ambitions and your service. Together, we can make this a great church at every step of its growth. With a proper balance in our appraisal of our present reality as well as our future possibility, and undergirded by God's grace, our church can always be an effective witness in spirit and achievement for God and his kingdom. Reverend Don Benton, 1963

In the late sixties, the west wing, including upper Fellowship Hall (now called Asbury), and the underlying basement, was added followed by the education wing on the east side of the building, beginning with the ground floor which was completed first, leaving the upstairs unfinished for a while. As soon as the upstairs was usable, it was dedicated to the youth of the church, while the lower floor of the educational wing was devoted to Christian education for the children.

Along with increased membership and added facilities, the staff grew too. Jon Fleming, who later became president of Texas Wesleyan College, was once an associate minister at Spring Valley United Methodist Church. So was Winston Fletcher, who became known for his work as a minister in the Fair Park area of Dallas. Also Norman Williams. Walter Purkey, a young engineer and a member of the church was Spring Valley's first "home grown" preacher. Dr. Betsey Turecky, founder of the chaplain program for the Dallas County Community College District was a member of Spring Valley which she became a local preacher.

While at Spring Valley, Don Benton developed a strong professional staff. In 1967, Don Barnes returned from three years as a Methodist Missionary in Chile to become program minister, a position which he ably filled for more than ten years. Since then, Dr. Barnes has served as pastor of a number of area churches as well as district superintendent of the Paris-Sulphur Springs District. In 1968, Cletus Beights joined the Spring Valley ministerial staff as minister of evangelism.

But the professional staff was not restricted to preachers. The first youth director was Georgie Ann Burgess, later Georgie Ann Davis. Others followed including Joy Anderson and Robyn Wynn. Madele Hares became the children's director and was in charge of the Spring Valley Day School. Dr. Benton also set up a business office with a professional business manager.

Music is an important part of worship, and has always been a strong part of the Spring Valley tradition. In 1964, Tom Merriman, of TM Productions, which produces jingles, commercials and other programming material for radio and television, became choir director. Under his baton, the Chancel Choir took on near-professional proportions. Later, Joe Figg, choir director for Richardson High School, led the choir. His wife Nora, was church organist.

The new organist and director of children's choirs was Margaret Mulvey. In addition to adding a professional flair to the music program, Margaret developed the handbell choirs, and during the 1970s, under her direction, Spring Valley's youth handbell choir traveled all over the United States to participate in national handbell conventions. the handbells continue to provide music for worship services at Spring Valley United Methodist Church.

During the next eleven years, Jim Harmon directed the Chancel Choir and the youth choirs at Spring Valley. In addition to Mr. Harmon's choir activities, he and Jim Pledger, organized the Spring Valley Players, a group whose membership varied, comprising singers of all ages, most of them from the church, which presented Broadway-style musical comedies. Over a period of several years, this group presented Oklahoma!, Music Man, Bye-Bye Birdie, Guys and Dolls, Sound of Music, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Fiddler on the Roof, The King and I and others. Many of these were performed in professional theater settings such as the old Haymaker Theater (used to be in Olla Podrida) and the theater at the University of Texas at Dallas.

One of the most cherished traditions of the Spring Valley United Methodist Church is the Christmas Eve candlelight service which Dr. Benton inaugurated. Initially, this service was held as midnight approached; however, its popularity made it necessary to hold additional services earlier in the evening.

The Body of Chirst - the Church - is faced today with many new and varied responsiblities. Yet its essential responsibility is still the same. It is to proclaim, by precept and example, the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ. This is not the role of one but the task of all who call themselves by the name of Christ and who are members of His Body. -Reverend Don Benton

Long ago, when all Methodist preachers were circuit riders, the Methodists invented Sunday School to encourage Christian education during those times when the preacher was somewhere else. Sunday School at Spring Valley continues to encourage Christian education and promote social awareness. AS the church grew, so did the Sunday School. Today, there is a complete program, starting with toddlers, who awareness is just beginning to bud; the children, who receive the foundation for Christian growth; and the youth, who are molded into responsible Christians ready to take their place in an adult world. For those who are already adults, there are classes to suit every age and need. The adult Sunday school program serves singles of all ages and circumstances, as well as couples. From small discussion groups to large lecture classes, adults explore the Bible, Christian living in the modern world, our relationship with others, the church and its mission, and other topics that are relevant to all people. Classes are as active in the church's outreach programs as they are with the internal affairs of the church. Spring Valley Sunday School offers limitless opportunities for Christian growth.

But Sunday School is only one activity. Years ago, WSCS grew into the United Methodist Women, which provides enrichment in living for the women of the church. The Women's Sewing Circle is an exercise in outreach. Among their ongoing projects is making layettes for newborn children at Parkland Hospital. The Fall Bazaar is a tradition at Spring Valley. This gigantic affair features handcrafts, foodstuffs, antiques, and other items of interest, provided by the women of the church. For early risers, the Thursday Morning Bible Breakfast combines fellowship with a learning experience. Especially for the mature members of Spring Valley, there is the XYZ club. For the youngsters, vacation Bible school is an annual event. The MYF, also called United Methodist Youth, provides activities for teen-agers. For modern mothers, the church operates the Mother's Day Out program. People of all ages can be part of the clown ministry, a truly different way to witness. And, in keeping with the tradition of a Wednesday night service, Spring Valley presents Midweek Horizons which, in the 1970's, was called Wednesday Night Live. These and many other activities have played an important role in Spring Valley's unique history.

To be sure, Methodists know how to have fun. Sunday School classes maintain an active social calendar. Churchwide, there are breakfasts, luncheons, and dinners, receptions for newcomers - more activities than one person can attend. And who can forget that fun time in early September, when we all get together to celebrate the end of summer, the beginning of the new Sunday School year, the time when vacation ends? A picnic, entertainment, square dancing, a chance for Sunday School classes to recruit new members, a time for fellowship, this festive time has been variously called Roundup, Spring Valley Bar-B-Que, Together Again, and Buffalo Roast. This happening had its origins in the early 1970's. While Don Benton was pastor.

While he was there, Mr. Benton earned the Doctor of Ministry degree from Perkins School of Theology, and the membership of Spring Valley was the beneficiary of his studies. His learning experience, which he shared from the pulpit, provided the congregation with new insights into the Christian experience

One of the traditions of Methodism is the mobility of its preachers. In 1977, in keeping with this tradition, Dr. Benton was appointed to serve as senior minister at Lovers Lane United Methodist Church in Dallas. Bob Langley, a Methodist minister from Denison, Texas, who had formerly served in several Metroplex churches, became senior pastor of Spring Valley United Methodist Church.

"Spring Valley is at an enviable stage in its development. It now is large enough to maintain a complete program, yet not so large as to be impersonal. The accomplishments in our twenty-two year history are phenomenal. Much remains to be accomplished in the years ahead as God calls us forward. Past accomplishments were realized through the dedication of our people. If we are to continue to be successful, renewed dedication is required. Together and by the grace of the same God, we have a great future." -Reverend Bob Langley

That year, when Bob Langley joined the staff as senior minister, was the twentieth anniversary year for Spring Valley United Methodist Church. In those twenty years, the church had found its purpose: outreach. Block Partnership, Breadbasket, C. C. Young Home - these are just a sample of the dynamic, creative local programs in which the membership of Spring Valley has played an active part, and continue to do so, today. Mr. Langley brought others, among them, the Heifer program and Visionaries.

Today's Spring Valley youth follow the tradition of mission outreach, which began in those years of the not-so-long-ago. Youth choirs spend spring breaks on trips, singing at Methodist churches throughout the southern part of the United States. And, during the summer, Spring Valley young people form work groups, traveling to areas of the country where the economy is less vital than in Dallas, there helping to build, renovate, paint, repair, and clean up churches and church property. They take with them not only tools, but also music and good will. They give of their youth, of their vitality, of themselves.

Initially, Mr. Langley's pastoral staff included Jim Pledger, who had been an associate at Spring Valley for three years. However, in 1978, Mr. Pledger received his first appointment as pastor of a Methodist church in Wolfe City, Texas. Art Renfro, who now serves the conference in another church, was an associate to Mr. Langley until 1981. John Rosenburg joined the staff as associate pastor in 1979. Mr. Rosenburg, newly ordained, would spend seven eventful years at Spring Valley before he accepted his first appointment as pastor of another church in the area.

"...An essential ingredient of the church is Christian fellowship. If that fellowship is to be most meaningful, we must know one another...This is a day when many people fall into the trap of letting the pressures and demands of life take precedence over God and the fellowship of Christians. Let us not fall into this trap, but let us instead be renewed in faith and strengthened in fellowship to answer faithfully the call of God in our church today." -Reverend Bob Langley

Fellowship and sharing are important to Bob Langley. While at Spring Valley, he opened his home to the congregation, frequently inviting small groups there so that they might get to know one another on a more personal basis. Host families for new members, already a tradition at Spring Valley, received new emphasis; and dinners honoring new members provided opportunities to build lasting friendships. Making new members welcome is still important.

Three years after he came to Spring Valley, Mr. Langley had an opportunity to return to Arkansas, where he grew up. In 1981, he took a church at Pine Bluff, Arkansas, not far from his home town. The Bishop appointed Dr. Bruce Weaver to serve as senior minister of Spring Valley United Methodist Church.

"...as I looked at the north window during the service, I could not help but ask, 'O God, what lies ahead? Will we simply lay down our tools and bask in your reflected glory? Or will we truly be your disciples and witness to your love in this community?' Only time will tell. However, I believe in miracles. This is a new beginning for greatness in Spring Valley UMC. Aren't you glad to be a part of this church? I am!" -Dr. Bruce Weaver

In 1981, the church was on the brink of change. Many sensed it, a few talked about it, but nobody knew exactly what changes the future might bring. Dr. Weaver, who had in years past served in several Metroplex churches, had been most recently in Wichita Falls. He came to Spring Valley with a strong sense of community purpose. But, to him, there is a larger community, larger than our city, larger than our conference, larger than our own nation. The world is our community. On one occasion, Dr. Weaver traveled with a group of ministers to Kenya, in Africa, and Somalia, at a time of famine and crisis. During his ministry, the church heard first hand accounts from missionaries and native ministers from foreign lands, as well as those who had received help from domestic Methodist institutions, such as the Methodist Home in Waco, Texas. Local outreach expanded, too. What better way is there, than giving of yourself and your resources to usher in a new year,the twenty-fifth year of service to your fellow man?

When you're 25 years old, life has hardly begun. The whole world is out there before you, ready for you to conquer. Being 25 is a time to celebrate, because you have survived history; because you have met the challenges of the past; because more challenges are there. It is a time to rejoice, a time to share. Friends, all of those who have been a part of your life, come. They celebrate with you. And they wonder how you will face what the future will bring.

In 1982, Spring Valley United Methodist Church observed its twenty-fifth birthday, commemorating that time when a small group of people, most of them young suburbanites, met for the first time under the banner of the Spring Valley Methodist Church. The church honored its founders, who had worshipped together in their homes, in an old rented house, in a school auditorium and, finally, in a sanctuary of their own.

The twenty-fifth anniversary party, which took place on the church grounds in May of 1982, was a tribute not only to the original 42 members, whose efforts made Spring Valley United Methodist Church a reality, but also to the present membership, which keeps the church alive. Hundreds of people were there, including many of the 199 charter members, and others who had at one time or another been members at Spring Valley. Most of the charter members have moved away from Richardson and North Dallas, but they came anyway; and all but one of the former pastors were there. Some families were even reunited for the occasion.

The common bond that brought everybody together was Spring Valley United Methodist Church.

But, during that twenty-fifth year in the service of God, Spring Valley had other concerns. Some 2500 members of record put a strain on the facilities, never mind that perhaps a third of them were active. It had been 10 years since the last expansion, although some 700 members had joined the Spring Valley family during the period. There had been times in the 1970's when Spring Valley held Easter services at the Richardson High School Auditorium in order to handle as many as 1300 worshipers. Something had to be done.

So the challenge of the future was there. To serve God, to be a driving force in the community, to be a vital, dynamic witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to demonstrate His presence in the world, Spring Valley had to grow as the surrounding area grew. But growing meant planning for the future. Now, the future had arrived.

"Each generation has its own needs, and contributes in its own way to the continuing life of the Church. The 'new generation' seeks to build in the past while looking at the future..." --Dr. Bruce Weaver

According to Dr. Weaver, one of the most moving events during his Spring Valley ministry was the all-church conference held in May of 1982. For nearly two years, a group of forward-thinking people had taken a close look at the church and its mission. On that Sunday morning in May, they made a presentation to the congregation. The issue in question? A new sanctuary. A building program to round out the master plan that had been drawn up nearly 25 years ago.

It was a bold move, making that presentation. Prices were up. Interest rates were high. Yet, area economy sagged. People moved away, looking for jobs. Others came here from elsewhere, looking for jobs. Pledges were down. Energy costs - the price for heating and cooling and lighting - were at a record high. The existing building needed repairs. These were anxious times for the Administrative Board, the Committee on Finance, and the church trustees. Even the congregation felt the tension. But they watched the presentation. And they listened.

A new sanctuary. Another building program. A large financial obligation. Indebtedness.

It took courage to even think about it. It took faith to go through with it. But the congregation said "Yes," and Spring Valley was on its way once again.

The congregation of Spring Valley United Methodist Church was standing at the leading edge of faith.

Surely it must have been the same for that small congregation, in 1958, when they committed $85,000 for their very first church home.

On a chilly, windy Saturday in February 1983, a hardy group of well-wishers watched as Bishop John Russell turned over the first shovel of dirt for the new sanctuary. This was no ordinary hand shovel, painted with ceremonial gold paint. Bishop Russell, wearing a hard hat, climbed into the cab of a huge piece of modern earth-moving machinery and, under the watchful eye of a skilled operator, scooped up yards of dirt with one flick of the controls. Immediately, several hundred others used their own shovels to break the hard ground in preparation for the building program. But the original shovel, which had been used on all former occasions, was used to signify the formal ground breaking. It was a ceremony to remember.

Eighteen months later, on September 9, 1984, Dr. Weaver preached the first sermon in the new sanctuary. After the sermon, 30 adults joined the church, the largest number of adults to join Spring Valley at one time since March of 1957. Bishop Russell consecrated the new sanctuary on September 23.

The strength of every church lies in the congregation. The story of the inception and building of the sanctuary is only one example of the stuff Spring Valley folk are made of. Through the years, thousands of people have come and gone through the doors of the church. Most have made contributions in their own way. Many have somehow gone beyond the ordinary in their zeal for the church. Sunday School teachers, members of the choir, members of the Administrative Board and the several who have served as chairmen of that body, leaders and members of the various committees - worship, finance, evangelism, outreach and so forth - ushers, trustees, workers for the church bazaar, the United Methodist Women, the Bible Breakfast, all of the special programs, the lay leaders, conference delegates, and others. They make the church move. In a church like Spring Valley, the opportunities for service are almost without limit. At one time or another, the church has a need for every kind of talent. Neither space nor memory will reveal all of the names of all of the people who have made Spring Valley what it is today. Only those few lay people who helped this church from the very beginning are included in the sparse records that survive in the church archives. Even the whereabouts and circumstances of some of the charter members is unknown. But Spring Valley owes special thanks to its laity, the very foundation of the church.

But, if the laity is the foundation, the craftsmen are the professional members of the church staff. While Dr. Weaver was senior pastor, John Rosenburg continued as associate pastor, making extraordinary contributions to the life of the church. Mr. Rosenburg's creativity and warm spirit infused Spring Valley with a galvanizing spirit of love and service. Originally, Dave Metz was youth director. Later, Paulette Dalke, an ordained minister who had previously earned advanced degrees in the field of science and was at that time attending Perkins, served as an associate and youth director. Madele Hares continued as director of the day school. Patty Wheaton was director of children's activities. Ms. Margaret Mulvey is the church organist. Ms. Ann Ables joined the Spring Valley staff as director of music ministries, shortly after earning her degree at SMU. The Chancel Choir, under Ms. Ables has performed such distinguished works as the Mozart Requiem, the Brahms Requiem, Music by Gabriel Faure, and works by George Frederick Handel, among others. Opal Peyron is children's minister, offering the benefit of years of professional children's ministry experience to a growing and dynamic children's program. These, along with the secretarial and clerical staff, see to the day-to-day operations of the church.

"The church is not a product of the human mind or human hands. The church is of God. For nearly 2000 years, the church has not survived because of the perfection of its leaders but because God is able to use human beings even with our shortcomings and limitations to do his will." --Bishop John Russell

In 1985, with the new sanctuary complete, Dr. Weaver announced the 'Former Pastor Series'. He invited the three previous pastors of Spring Valley to share the pulpit. In July, Don Benton was there from Lovers Lane United Methodist Church. In September, Jack Gibson, who was then district superintendent of the Dallas South District, delivered the sermon. And, in October, Bob Langley returned to the Spring Valley pulpit for a Sunday. Bruce Weaver later said that having these three distinguished ministers preach once again at Spring Valley was one of the high points of his ministry at Spring Valley.

At conference time in 1986, Dr. Weaver was appointed District Superintendent of the Dallas-Denton District. John Rosenburg took Buckingham United Methodist Church, and Dr. Paulette Dalke received an appointment to Savoy-Virginia Point Charge near Sherman, Texas. Dr. Don F. Renshaw came to Spring Valley as senior pastor.

A native Texan, Dr. Renshaw had been pastor of a number of area churches and had just finished a term as the district superintendent of the Paris-Sulphur Springs district. Serving with Dr. Renshaw are Dr. Paul Stauffer, associate pastor, and David Howeth, youth minister. In 1987, Reverend Don Coke joined the ministerial staff as associate pastor. This team brings both youth and maturity to Spring Valley. With a focus on the Christian mission, Dr. Renshaw brought with him encouragement and... enthusiasm! And he found enthusiasm in return, a special kind of vitality which he called "The Spirit of Spring Valley."

"It's increasingly evident to me that the phrase 'the spirit of Spring Valley' is not merely a catch slogan, but a genuine attitude of mission and purpose. Throughout our church's life, there is evidence of a positive concern and commitment that we become the servant congregation we are capable of being..." --Dr. Don Renshaw

Almost immediately, the church launched the Labor of Love, a special time when members of Spring Valley go out to share their skills and their talents with other Methodist institutions. On Labor of Love Sunday, everybody comes to worship in blue jeans and ball caps, shorts and sneakers, work clothes of every description. After church, they mobilize in teams, going wherever there is a need - in the homes of the needy, or in local Methodist establishments - for carpentry and cleaning, lawn care and landscaping, painting and repairing - putting outreach into action. It happens every year - a Spring Valley tradition.

Another tradition, begun in 1986, is Spring Valley's Brush Arbor Days, a series of special Sunday night activities during the month of August, which hark back to days long gone, when Methodists worshipped out of doors during the hottest month of the year, trying to beat the heat of dog days. Nowadays, Spring Valley beats the heat with air conditioning, but the spirit of the Brush Arbor remains.

An active Sunday School program, an enthusiastic and creative congregation, a capable and innovative ministerial staff, meaningful worship, a strong outreach program, a sense of purpose: Is this what that small congregation saw when they banded together to form this church? Is this the "Spirit of Spring Valley"?

Not long ago, Dr. Don Renshaw made this observation: "...my perceptions of Spring Valley are summed up as follows: There is nothing this congregation cannot accomplish as it functions as a self-conscious community of faith, seeking clarity and direction in God's purpose and will, and offering God's love and grace to all within our sphere of influence. We must mobilize our wide variety of talent and skill into a missional focus, expand our varied ministries to attract every interest and dimension of commitment and capitalize on the willing spirit of our people. So shall we claim, in God's name, a bold new future...and so shall we fulfill His claim upon us, as we touch, influence, and serve all those who shall be given to our charge."