Download - Valley Free Newsletter - April 2011
A Radical Change of Seasons . . Pastor Mike Sindelar
A P R I L 2 0 1 1
The headline read Study Finds Religion May
Be Heading for Extinction in Parts of World i.
The article continues to explain that in nine
countries, secularism has taken such a hold,
that the trend leads toward a country with no
religion in the future. For example, in the
Czech Republic, 60% of the people surveyed
indicated no religious affiliation whatsoever.
Secularism, the rejection of religion and all of
its influences, seems to be winning the day.
Another headline getting attention lately
concerns that of a popular pastor teaching
that the traditional doctrine of Hell, that
those who reject the offer of salvation
through Jesus Christ would spend eternity
away from God in a place of torment, is not
valid. He claims that God would never allow
for such cruelty. His remarks denying the
doctrine of Hell have caused quite a stir in
both the secular and Christian media.
When we put these two headlines into the
mix with all the other major headlines of the
day, the world stage is as complicated as we
have known in recent days. Just when we
think that it can’t get any worse, more
devastating headlines appear!
But wait! This season of confusion and
uncertainty also coincides with another
season, a season that is soon upon us as
followers of Jesus! The coming season of Easter
holds out another headline. “He is Risen!” and it
trumps all other headlines! The resurrection of
Jesus says that the world will one day be put
back in order. It says that despite the
overwhelming nature of current crisis, Jesus will
restore and reign over the world soon. The
resurrection says that justice, God’s justice, will
prevail.
The resurrection also says that in the midst of
darkness and overwhelming circumstances, we
have both a hope and an anchor for our souls.
We need not fret or become disillusioned when
darkness seems to rule the day. The
resurrection says that God is truth and He is the
standard for all things.
As God’s people , we also have a calling, in light
of the resurrection, to proclaim this truth with
all of its grace and liberating forgiveness to a
world that knows nothing but bad headlines!
We look forward to a season of Easter, of hope
and celebration of our Risen Lord!
_______________________________________ i http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/03/23/losing-religion-
study-finds-religion-extinct-parts-world/?test=latestnews
P A G E 2
Mexico Missions Trip Report. . . Mel Swanson Our mission trip to Children’s Haven
International in Reynosa, Mexico was a
week well spent. We (Peter Larson, Kjell
Plath and Mel Swanson), left at 6:00 AM
on Saturday, February 19 and drove to
Pharr, TX, arriving about noon on Sunday,
Feb. 20th. Children’s Haven has an office in
Pharr where volunteers can help sort
donations, staff a thrift store, fix things,
do construction work etc. When we
arrived, we were met by Van and Shirley Sindelar and John
and Marty Weller, our informal welcoming committee. We
were given a tour of the facility there and met the group from
a Lutheran church in Clearwater, MN with whom we worked
at the orphanage. The trip to the orphanage, which was just
across the Mexican border was uneventful (a good thing). We
had a tour there and an introduction to the projects planned
for us to do. We were housed in a dorm style building with
two rooms each with double rows of bunk beds that could
handle large groups.
The orphanage has a spacious campus with a concrete block
wall (about 8 feet high) around it. The children are housed in
what we would call single family houses (casas), each with a
house parent couple and most with a mix of ages and genders
of kids, just like a large family. The campus also has a dining
hall, a gymnasium building, an elementary school, an office
building and some storage buildings. We worked primarily on
“Casa 3”, one of the houses that is currently unoccupied and
being renovated, which will make it almost like a new building
when completed. We worked on plumbing some bathrooms,
which included a lot of cutting and chipping concrete and
digging trenches, then installing PVC drain pipes in the floors
and walls for showers, toilets and sinks, then filling around the
pipes and pouring new concrete. Some of the guys did electrical
wiring and hanging sheet rock. Kjell spent quite a lot of time
making hangers for eaves troughs. We also cleaned a plugged
drain going to the septic tank and did a little repair on the tank
and a few miscellaneous projects. We pretty much accomplished
what they wanted us to do.
Of course, part of the purpose of our trip was to spend time with
the kids. There was a language barrier, but it was a fun challenge
to communicate with the kids in spite of the language
differences. We were fed genuine Mexican food and it was very
good. We ate breakfast in
the dining hall with just our
group. Lunch was also in the
dining hall, but with the kids
and their house parents. We
were encouraged to spread
out and eat with the kids.
Suppers were provided in
smaller groups in the
“casas”. That provided
additional opportunities to
get to know some of the kids. There were also a few chapel
services that we participated in or attended.
Friday morning, we packed up, loaded the vans and had warm
farewells from the kids and staff before heading back to Texas.
We had a bit of a delay with US security coming back, but we
encountered no security risks. Fortunately, we had no weather
problems on the long drive in either direction. God answered all
our prayers for safety and a God-honoring trip. Thank you for all
your prayers on our behalf.
P A G E 3
While at the gym recently, I had an encounter with a gentle-
man who had just lost his grandson. I walked into the locker
room within seconds of him receiving the news. As he wept,
those of us around him sat in silence, wondering what the
proper response was. The loss was devastating, the pain was
real, and the words were few.
After feeling the pain of this loss for a few days I started to
think about the absurd number of children that lose their life
prematurely every day. According to World Vision, approxi-
mately 24,000 children around the world die each day from
preventable diseases related to hunger and malnutrition.
24,000! Each lost life is met with the pain, silence, and bro-
kenness that I experienced at the gym during those sobering
moment a few weeks ago.
The book of James says that pure religion includes looking
after orphans and widows (James 1:27). Our world is filled
with orphans and widows. We, as Christians, have a responsi-
bility. I’m proud to say that our students at CruX are starting
to understand how a little step of faith, obedience, and sacri-
fice can make a huge difference! Over the last four years,
CruX Student Ministries has done the 30 Hour Famine – a time
when we engage our community in service projects, come up
with creative ways to raise money, and abstain from food for
30 hours in an effort to help those around the world who lack
the necessary food and water to live.
Seven Six Seven Five &
Five One ($7,675.51) .
Four years, multiple
service projects to
our community,
and one-hundred
and twenty hours
later, we’ve effec-
tively raised
$7,675.51 to help
provide life sustain-
ing resources to
those in need.
Praise God for our
youth! They are
rockstars, striving
to take the Bible
seriously, while making a difference in their world by putting
their faith into action.
. . .Jan Schmit, Commander/Children’s Education Director
Our sweet young Cubbies have been taking
a close look at the reason Jesus came to
earth. The verses and lessons have done a
fabulous job of preparing them and their leaders for the
Easter season. These are big concepts for little people and
sometimes we need to help them process what they are
learning.
Last Wednesday, the Cubbies’ lesson was on the crucifixion
of Jesus, and as you would expect, it created some dialog in
the small group time. Here’s a sample of what was said:
Cubbie boy: “Boy, I sure don't want to die on a cross.”
Adult leader: “Billy, you don't have to, Jesus did that for
us.....”
Cubbie girl: “I don't
either want to
either (die on the
cross). (Pause) I'm
going to Disney next
week.”
Oh, the mind of a 4yr old!
Our kids are hiding God’s precious Word in their hearts and
we watch with great expectation for what the Holy Spirit will
teach them through it.
March Cubbies Verses:
Hosanna, Blessed is He who comes in the name of the
Lord. Mark 11:9
He will save His people from their sins. Matthew 1:21
The Lord has risen. Luke 24:34
The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the
Lord. John 20:20
During the month of March our Sparkies
had the privilege of hearing Pastor Cristi,
from our Romanian sister church, speak on Eph. 6:1 Children,
obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. They may
have been surprised to find out that the truths of God’s Word
translate from one language to another quite easily. They
were pleased to find out from him that God gives each of
them a gift for obedience: happiness and long life. Some,
however, may have been hoping for a new toy - we can work
through that easily enough.
Other themes they have visited are:
Rejoice always – Philippians 4:4
Know God’s Word so we can make good choices Prov.
1:1-6
How Timothy’s life was a great example to model
ourselves after what we can do to be a good example to
others. 1 Tim. 4:12
BINGO! The T&T program does a great job
finding creative ways to motivate their
clubbers.
Bible Bingo is just one way they do that. This month clubbers
had a chance to use their memory skills by finding answers to
questions on their game cards based on verses from their 1st
handbook. And, of course,
fabulous prizes were awarded
for each winner.
Another motivator was the
Candy Bar Contest. It used
brackets, like in a basketball
tournament, to determine
which candy bar moved on to
the next round. Votes were
P A G E 4
Handbook Group
Forest Animal Theme Night
Pastor Cristi Speaks to our Sparkies
Florin Engages our T&T’ers
P A G E 5
Please raise your hands in praise as
the Building Beds Ministry con-
structed and delivered 20 really
beautiful beds in the last 4
months. After a busy, hectic,
stressful day most of us take for
granted that we can climb into our bed
and sleep in cozy com-fort. And now the people and kids that
we delivered beds to can enjoy that same feeling. They no
longer have to sleep on the floor or the couch out in the living
area. It is a nice thing to cut some wood and put it together
with nails and screws and call it a bed. But there are no words
to describe the feeling you get when you see the look on peo-
ple’s faces as they watch their brand new bed put together
right before their eyes.
We are now looking towards the future of this ministry to
faithfully continue the work we’ve begun. Volunteers from the
Love INC furniture warehouse have stepped forward to help
Valley and the Building Beds Ministry get the last remaining
requested beds delivered and assembled. We very much ap-
preciate their time.
Our next goal is to purchase more lumber and begin construc-
tion to fulfill the bed orders that have already been coming in.
Please contact Gary Kozicky at 612-803-4954 or
[email protected] if you are interested in helping with the
Building Beds Ministry. Watch the Sunday bulletin for updates
and meeting dates and times.
Thank you again to everyone who has donated their time, tal-
ents and resources to make a difference for so many.
Please continue to
pray for us to reach
our financial support
goal of $1000, which
will enable us to
build 26 beds. We
have already re-
ceived $400! Praise
God!
Build-A-Bed Ministry ...Gary & Linda Kozicky
earned by passing sections which then determined which
confection of choice moved to the next round. Candy bars
were given to the clubbers who had followed theirs to the
finals.
Who knew learning God’s Word could be so tasty?
Why do we memorize? The T&Ters found 2 Timothy 3:14-17 to
be especially helpful in answering that question. Do you
recognize it?
Florin & Pastor Cristi with our Sparkies
The Leader Gang with Florin & Pastor Cristi
Moldova Car Fund (Over $1,488.00 collected to date)
Cubbies End of the Year Ceremonies – April 13th
7:15 – 8:00 in Fellowship Hall - Family and friends are welcome to attend Sparks & T&T End of the Year Ceremonies – April 20th 6:00 – 8:00 in the Worship Center - Family and friends are welcome to attend Leader Appreciation Dinner –April 27th 6:00 – 8:00 in Fellowship Hall
P A G E 6
immune system by decreasing stress hormones and increasing
immune cells and infection fighting antibodies.
There ain’t much fun in medicine,
but there’s a lot of medicine in fun.
Laughter protects the heart, improves function of blood
vessels, increases blood flow which can help protect you
against heart attack and cardiovascular problems.
Your sense of humor not only enriches your life, it also
promotes physical, mental and spiritual health.
Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the face.
Humor is the prelude to faith,
and laughter is the beginning of prayer.
Laughter adds the surprises
that make life interesting.
What soap does for the body,
laughter does for the soul.
A person who belly laughs doesn’t belly ache.
For those who love to laugh till you cry, may I suggest checking
out “Harvey Corman and Tim Conway” on You Tube!
A joyful heart is good medicine, but
a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
Proverbs 17:22 NIV
Can laughter really improve your
health?
Laughter by definition is a
humorous awareness of the ridiculous or absurd; an indication
of amusement and a quality or condition of being merry or
cheerful.
Dr. Michael Miller from the University of Maryland School of
Medicine says, ”we don’t know yet why laughing protects the
heart but the recommendation for a healthy heart, may one
day be exercise, eat right and laugh a few times a day.”
Smile-it’s free therapy.
Research found that 30 minutes of laughter daily raised HDL
cholesterol levels (the good kind) 26 %. In another
measurement, C-reactive proteins ( a marker of inflammatory
cardiovascular disease) decreased 66%.
Laughing for 10-15 minutes
can burn up to 40 calories.
Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hope, connects you to
others and keeps you grounded, focused and alert. A good,
hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving
muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes. Laughter boosts the
Healthy Living: Laughter is the Best Medicine . . . Linda Kozicky, R.N., Parish Nurse
The LORD rules over the floodwaters. The LORD reigns as king forever. The LORD gives his people strength. The LORD blesses them with peace. Psalm 29:10-11
P A G E 7
F 1 CruX at District Blitz in Duluth
SA 2 CruX at District Blitz in Duluth
SU 3 8:45 am
10:00 am
CruX at District Blitz in Duluth Sunday School/Sunday Morning Studies Worship Service NO CruX
M 4 7:00 pm Men’s Bible Study
TU 5 7:00 pm Elder Board & Deacons Meeting
W 6 6:00 pm 6:00 pm
Awana Club Night Missions Outreach Team Meeting
TH 7 7:00 pm 8:15 pm
Easter Choir Rehearsal Worship Team Rehearsal
SA 9 7:30 pm Men’s Monthly Breakfast
SU 10 8:45 am
10:00 am 6:00 pm
Sunday School/Sunday Morning Studies Worship Service CruX
M 11 12:30 PM
7:00 pm White Cross Men’s Bible Study
TU 12 6:45 pm 7:00 pm
Women’s Bible Study Elder Board Meeting
W 13 6:00 pm Awana Club Night (Cubbies End of Year Ceremonies)
TH 14 7:00 pm 8:15 pm 7:30 pm
Easter Choir Rehearsal Worship Team Rehearsal Web Team Meeting
SU 17 8:45 am
10:00 am 6:00 pm
Sunday School/Sunday Morning Studies Worship Service—PALM SUNDAY CruX
M 18 7:00 pm Men’s Bible Study
W 20 6:00 pm Awana Club Night (Sparks & T&T End of Year Ceremonies)
TH 21 7:00 pm 8:15 pm
Easter Choir Rehearsal Worship Team Rehearsal
F 22 7:00 pm Good Friday Service
SU 24
10:00 am 6:00 pm
NO Sunday School/Sunday Morning Studies Worship Service—EASTER SUNDAY CruX
M 25 12:30 pm
7:00 pm White Cross Men’s Bible Study
T 26 6:45 pm 7:00 pm
Women’s Bible Study Elder Board & Deacons Meeting
W 27 6:00 pm Awana Club Night
TH 28 7:00 pm Worship Team Rehearsal
Men will be challenged to fight for radical gospel transformation in their lives. Register online at
http://fightclubmn.com. Open to men 18 years and older.
We need your “used” Christian books and DVDs (for adults or kids) to expand our church library!
If we can’t use an item, we’ll donate it to the public library. DONATIONS MAY BE LEFT IN THE MARKED
BOX IN THE FOYER—Thank You!
952-448-6144
Fax: 952-448-5119
150 Engler Blvd
Chaska, MN 55318
Guys, Guns, & Grub
Ladies Dessert
Peruvian Dinner
Romania Teams Reunion