W O R S H I P G R O W S E R V E

V A L L E Y C O M M U N I T Y B A P T I S T C H U R C H

THE ALLEY CRIER V August 2010

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Summer Bible Club 2010 — A Report

Over 425 children and 200 volunteers from middle school students to grandparents came on board for our High Seas Expedition this year, and what an amazing ride it was! The theme for our voyage was God’s Word and the amazing truth, comfort, and life-changing messages found there. One mother wrote to us about her five-year-old's experience, “Everyday she would tell us about the stories and God’s Word and what it meant. She was always excited for the next day. It was a pleasure visiting your church. A truly uplifting spirit!” Photos by Andrea Farrell

Continued on page 5

Moms’ Bible Study Wednesday Mornings, Beginning September 8, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., Room 206

We invite moms to join us for our third year of Moms’ Bible Study, led by Judy Aaron and other mentor

moms. It is designed to help moms with children of any age appreciate the joys and challenges of motherhood as we understand more about who God is as revealed to us in Scripture. As we build on this framework, we learn to live life in a way that is pleasing to God and points our children to their need for Christ.

We will discuss various topics relevant to moms by exploring God's Word and learning more about how we can apply this to parenting. The group discussion format provides a great opportunity to meet other moms and share parenting ideas and resources. If you are looking to be both challenged and encouraged in your faith and your ministry of motherhood, this class is for you!

Based on feedback from last year, we are offering an opportunity for deeper study for moms on the off-weeks from MBS. This study is called MBS- Understanding the Bible (UTB). The purpose of this study is to reveal the Bible as God's story and His plan to show His creation that He is Lord. See God's plan unfold as you study the geography, the history and the people of the Bible. This group will be using a book with minimal study between classes.

For information, contact Delanie Michaud at mbs@valleycommunity.cc. Pre-register for the class and also for childcare at valleycommunity.cc. ls

Worship Schedule beginning September 11/12: Saturday / 5 p.m. / Contemporary Service Sunday / 8 a.m. / Contemporary Service Sunday / 9:30 a.m. / Contemporary Service Sunday / 11 a.m. / Blended Service

Spotlight On: August 2 – August 6 Mission Expo – Mission Possible August 4 High School Summer Ignite Series Begins August 11– August 15 Middle School HEAT Week August 27 Middle School Volunteer Family Party August 31 The Gift (2010) Auditions

Adult Ministry

Rev. Tim Ponzani, D. Min., Executive Pastor, Adult and Women 860.673.6826 x107, tponzani@valleycommunity.cc Rev. Steve Aaron, Pastor of Family, Marriage and Men 860.673.6826 x132, saaron@valleycommunity.cc Heather James, Curriculum Coordinator 860.673.6826 x104, hjames@valleycommunity.cc Kelly DeCesare, Administrative Assistant 860.673.6826 x132, kdecesare@valleycommunity.cc

Cover Story

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Tuesday Night Bible Study Tuesdays , 7 – 8:30 p.m., Room 209

The Habits of the Heart (HOTH) Bible Study continues to meet on Tuesday nights and is open to new members. This summer, the group is viewing and discussing Ray Vander Laan's DVD series, In the Dust of the Rabbi. For more information contact BG Zeitz at bgz223@comcast.net or Rob Fortgang at rob@fortgangemploymentlaw.com. kd

Stephen Ministry

Life tends to slow down some in the summer, but often the same challenges remain. Unemployment, illness or sadness do not disappear because the sun shines brighter and days are extended. People may still need the care and support offered by a Stephen Minister.

If you, or someone you know, could benefit from speaking to a willing listener, please call Care and Counseling at 860.673.6826 x106 and speak with Pastor Steve Johnson. Stephen Ministers are available for both male and female care-receivers.

MEET A STEPHEN MINISTER

When Steven Muench and his family began attending Valley over 10 years ago, it was mainly for the children’s programs. It did not take long before Steve found his own niche.

Due to his giftedness in working with people as a math teacher, financial

planner and CPA, it was logical that Steven would gravitate toward a one-to-one ministry. The Stephen

Ministry was a natural draw for him. The interpersonal relationships that are the nature of this ministry were a means for him to become more Christ-like in his connections to others.

When you meet Steve at various functions at Valley, shake his hand and say, “Thanks for taking this on.”

Stephen Ministry is able to connect you or someone you know with a compassionate Stephen Minister to walk along side you as you work through a situation. Steve is one of many who are willing to listen. Call Pastor Steve Johnson at 860.673.6826 x106 and be on your way to finding resolution to your problem and freedom from a difficult place. rh

New Counselor at Valley

Olga Calvo is a licensed marriage and family therapist who works with children, adolescents, and adults. She has experience in individual, couples, and family treatment forms, with treatment orientation in family systems theory from a Christian perspective. If you are considering counseling, the average cost per session is $90, with health insurance not accepted at this time. If there are financial constraints, you can discuss fees and arrangements may be considered based on need.

Olga’s hours are by appointment; please contact Lynne Gucwa in the Care and Counseling Office, 860.673.6826 x108 for further information or to set an appointment. lg

I would like to thank everyone [at Valley] for their concern and love, cards and meals along with all of your prayers. My recovery from hip surgery has been amazing. We have a great and wonderful God.

Joyce Bridgman

Care and Counseling

Rev. Steve Johnson, Ph.D., Sc.D., Pastor of Congregational Care and Counseling 860.673.6826 x106, stjohnson@valleycommunity.cc Tom Desmond, Pastor of Visitation 860.673.6826 x142, tdesmond@valleycommunity.cc Lynne Gucwa, Administrative Assistant 860.673.6826 x108, lgucwa@valleycommunity.cc

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Is Yoga For Christians? By Dawn Werneck

Twenty years ago it was estimated that there were 10,000 yoga teachers in the United States. Although current figures are not available, demand for yoga classes these days is so high that there is a movement to get instructors registered and certified. It is almost epidemic. In fact, not knowing someone who practices yoga is becoming almost as rare as somebody who doesn’t use a computer. Yoga— everyone is doing it. It has been scientifically proven to be beneficial to us. We are told its purpose is to develop strength, flexibility, balance, calmness and controlled breathing. It relieves stress. Many top athletes swear by it. Grandmothers say that since starting it they haven’t felt so good in years. Doctors are recommending it, and it is fast becoming a common practice in our public schools. It has even gained acceptance in many churches. So why shouldn’t Christians do it? Shouldn’t we be taking care of our bodies? Doesn’t the Bible tell us that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit?

The word yoga is a Sanskrit word meaning union— to yoke. With whom? With Brahman, the impersonal force, god, or higher self. (Doesn’t sound like the Holy Spirit, does it?) The revered yoga authority, Yogi Swami Vivekananda explained yoga as, “The science of religion, the rationale of all worship, all prayers, forms, ceremonies and miracles.” 1 It was developed as an escape from endless reincarnation. Shiva, one of Hinduism’s three most powerful gods, was called Yogi Swara or the Lord of Yoga.

Let’s take a look at hatha-yoga, one of the most popular forms practiced today for those looking for relaxation and non-strenuous exercise. It consists of physical postures which bring about greater health, peace and the awakening of the chakras, the supposed psychic centers of human personality and power. Hatha-yoga is designed to suppress the flow of psychic energy through these channels forcing the kundalini force (serpent power) to rise through the central psychic channel in the spine and up through the chakras. Swami Vivekananda described this experience: ”It rises through the spinal column, passes through the various centers and at last reaches the brain, whereupon the yogi experiences Samadhi, or total absorption in the Godhead.” 2 Rarely mentioned are the warnings issued by some other yogis

Perspective that the experience can lead to disturbed mental states like those brought about by psychedelic drug use or a psychotic episode. One may argue that it sounds like raja-yoga (better known as Classical Yoga) but the yogi who introduced it, Swami Swatmarama, emphasizes many times (in the Hathapradipka) that there is no raja yoga without hatha yoga and no hatha yoga without raja yoga. He tells us that hatha yoga is a preparatory stage of physical purification that the body practices for higher meditation.3

The question is, can you sign up for a yoga class telling yourself that, as a Christian, you will back out the moment you see or experience something that makes you feel uncomfortable? I have known Christians who started practicing yoga and backed out the moment they realized they were participating in a spiritual exercise because they saw people lighting candles. I know of another Christian who waited to leave until she saw theoretically immobile objects flying around her living room. Yes, it might be possible to start yoga without getting involved in the spiritual aspect if you

could ignore the fact that the exercises themselves are worshipful poses to Hindu gods. The poses are actually named after them. The other issue is that it is very seductive (2 Cor. 11:14 —Satan disguises himself as an angel of light). It looks and feels good. Church-goers are doing it and the ads for the local yoga class don’t say anything about religion. (How do you think yoga gets into schools and Jesus doesn’t?)

If you still have doubts as to whether yoga is compatible with Christianity, check out the internet, both Christian and secular sites. The Christian ones go into more depth about the spiritual dangers. Many of the secular sites (not all) are open about the spiritual side of yoga, but promote it as enlightenment rather than spiritual death. The Bible (1 John 4:1) tells us to test the spirits to see whether they are from God. This includes checking out any kind of activity that might have a spiritual component to see whether it lines up with the Word of God.

1 Swami Vivekananda: Raja Yoga, New York: Ramakrishna-Vivekanada Center, (1955) P.58

2 Ibid p.55

3 Swami Sivananda Radha, Hatha Yoga: The Hidden Language, Secrets and Metaphors, Timeless Books (2006) quotes Yogi Swatmarama’s 15th Century Hatha Yoga Pradipika.

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14

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Summer Bible Club 2010 — Report Continued from page 2

Another mother sent me an email relating a conversation she had with her four-year-old, Adam, after his first few days. Adam said, “Mommy, I can show God’s love to Luke (his baby brother).” The mother was curious to see where this was going and said, “Oh really. How can you do that?” Adam then said, “It’s the little things. I can push him in his swing for you and you can sit and watch.”

This year was our first Family Camp experience for the evening program which included all the great fun of Summer Bible Club as the families traveled the seas together each night making crafts, singing songs, playing games (even water games!), and being a part of the Bible stories each night. The feedback from the families was very positive. Several families loved the chance to play with their children and get to know each other better. Some families had assistance from their teenagers who also loved the family experience. One family wrote, “We loved being with our girls. They were excited to have us there to experience it with them. Our kids loved ‘eating out’ each night at church, too. What fun and every mother’s dream!“

Our Mission Project during the week was to support the ministry of Stephen and Laura Payne and inspire the children to bring in donations (their pennies, nickels,

dimes, and quarters) to contribute to their work with Wycliffe Bible Translators. Their ministry includes Bible translation all over the world, but one specific project is to record the Bible for the people of Senegal who have a very high rate of illiteracy. The children got to see pictures and hear about Bible translation and the people of Senegal, and they brought in over $2,100 for this ministry. It was exciting to see their reaction each day to the amount of money that was raised and the news that the Valley World Outreach Committee decided to match their contribution this year. This provided over $4,200 for this amazing project.

With God’s Word as our guide during our High Seas Expedition, we had the opportunity to give Bibles to the children (and some teenage helpers) who said that they did not have one at home. We gave away 125 Bibles during the week. One nine-year-old boy even started asking by the second night where he could get God’s Word. It was amazing to see God at work in this way and experience the excitement of the children and their parents when they got to take home a Bible. One parent called her sister and said that her daughter was carrying around her Holly Bible and wants them to sit down and read some of it everyday. Listening to the music from camp and reading God’s Word together sparked a need in this parent to come back to God herself as she began to see what she was missing in her life. God’s Spirit is having a ripple effect on the families even after our voyage is complete. Ahoy!

Patsy Webb, Associate Director of Children's Ministry

Lois Hales, Children’s Ministry Director 860.673.6826 x115, lhales@valleycommunity.cc Patsy Webb, Associate Director 860.673.6826 x126, pwebb@valleycommunity.cc Mary Swank, Nursery Coordinator 860.673.6826 x124, swank@valleycommunity.cc Heather Desmond, Administrative Assistant 860.673.6826 x117, hdesmond@valleycommunity.cc

Children’s Ministry

One mother wrote to us…, “She [my daughter] was always excited for the next day. It was a pleasure visiting your church. A truly uplifting spirit!”

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meeting together with their friends, the girls have lessons that build a foundation to their faith and specifically help them think about how God uniquely uses women. They memorize scripture and do service projects and other fun things to help them grow. Each girl is given a sterling silver bracelet in her first year and has the opportunity to earn charms for it by doing projects. This year, we have changed the project requirements, and the girls will be given many choices as well as the option to design their own project. This club is also a great place for girls to bring their friends who might not have a church home. Several times during the year, they are encouraged to bring friends to guest nights. If you want to know more about P31, you may contact the team leaders, Lara Swanson, gleeswans@att.net or Stephanie Boeshans, stephiboe@aol.com. Boys’ Brigade is a club that develops boys into servant-leaders for Jesus through the leadership of adult male role models and age-appropriate activities geared for boys. They start each week with group games in the gym, then break into classes by grade for Bible teaching that will lead them to Christ and encourage them to grow in character. The boys are encouraged to grow to be young men who have seven points of valor: honor, courage, chivalry, purity, loyalty, obedience and dedication.

Each year they have the opportunity to earn badges for their shirts by completing various lessons and memorizing Bible verses. They do fun service projects, as well, such as building benches or picnic tables to give to local Christian camps. Social outings with dads and special nights with moms are included in the program throughout the year. Overall, this is a great time for boys to learn how to be godly men by being around godly men. If you want to know more, contact either Marler Beebe, jmbbl@comcast.net or John Klimzack, jklimczak@onebeacon.com. lh

Mothers of Pre-Schoolers — MOPS Starting September 13, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m., Room 206

Plan to take a break and join us for the first MOPS meeting of the fall session! MOPS is an encouraging time to connect with other moms over a light breakfast and creative activities, listen to topical guest speakers and

Children’s Weekend Communities Move Up Weekend of September 11 and 12

All the children will be moved up automatically to the next grade by class. The 9 a.m. classes from this year become 9:30 a.m. classes and the 10:30 a.m. classes become 11 a.m. classes. Parents will need to complete a registration form only if there is a change in information such as address, phone numbers, or allergies or if they desire their child to be in a class at a different hour. Postcards will be sent to confirm that your child is registered and will include information regarding the location of the class. If your child has never been registered for a Community, please complete a registration form. These forms are located at the Children’s Welcome Desk and online through the church Website. lh

Why Have Your Child Join a Tuesday Club?

There are three clubs held at the church on Tuesdays that provide an opportunity for your children to grow in their faith through interaction with other Christian adults. Those clubs are Young Explorers for preschoolers, P31 for elementary girls and Boys’ Brigade for elementary boys. Each club has a slightly different feel, but all have the primary focus of helping children discover what it means to follow Jesus. Now is the time to register your children for these clubs.

Young Explorers is a club for four-year-olds and Kindergarteners to help them get a jump start on faith. Using fun, hands-on activities to explore Bible truths, the children will grow in faith and friendships. To get involved in leading some explorers in a faith journey, contact Patsy Webb. P31 Girls Club is a great time for our young girls to learn from women who serve as role models and adult friends. While having fun doing amazing projects and

Children’s Ministry Fall Schedule Saturdays – 5 p.m. — Nursery, 2’s and 3’s Class, and Kids Worship (4’s through Grade1) 6:45 p.m.— Nursery, Preschool, Elementary Communities Sundays – 8 a.m. — Nursery, 2’s and 3’s 9:30 a.m. — Nursery and Communities for all ages 11 a.m. — Nursery and Communities for all ages

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Please note: The deadline for submissions for the

September Valley Crier is August 6. The deadline for the October Valley Crier is

September 3. Thank you.

Cort Heine, High School Director 860.673.6826 x103, cheine@valleycommunity.cc Mark Woof, Middle School Director 860.673.6826 x103, mwoof@valleycommunity.cc Susan D’Apice, Administrative Assistant 860.673.6826 x103, sdapice@valleycommunity.cc

Student Ministry

much more. It is a non-denominational Christian group welcoming all moms, so invite your friends to join us.

At the same time, your birth to Kindergarten-aged children, the MOPPETS, will benefit from age-appropriate curriculum designed to teach basic Bible concepts with music and craft activities. Pre-register online or by contacting Catherine Finch at avonmops@comcast.net. cf

Middle School News

West Virginia Impact Week Post-Trip Presentation Sunday, August 1, 10:30 – 11:40 a.m., Room 305

Students who participated in the West Virginia mission trip are encouraged to bring their families and supporters to this presentation. We will share stories and highlight some of the work projects we completed. Come join us to hear about how God moved in our lives and in the lives of those we served. sd HEAT Week Wednesday, August 11 to Sunday, August 15

Please pray for our students and leaders as they serve at Camp Wonposset and other local areas for this five-day trip. sd

Middle School Date to Remember

Volunteer Family End-of-Summer Party — Friday, August 27, 6 – 9 p.m.

High School News

High School Dates to Remember Honduras Mission Trip — July 24 – August 4

Summer Ignite Series:

1. World Cup Soccer — Wednesday, August 4 7 – 8:30 p.m.

2. Popcorn and a Movie — Wednesday, August 11 7 – 8:30 p.m.

3. Messy Mini-Olympics — Wednesday, August 18 7 – 8:30 p.m.

4. End-of-Summer Pool Party — Sunday, August 22; check the Web for more details.

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2010 – 2011 Elders Office of Senior Pastor Rev. Jay Abramson, Ph.D., Senior Pastor x107 Rev. Tim Ponzani, D. Min., Executive Pastor x107 Gail Brundage, Administrative Assistant x107 Adult Ministry Rev. Steve Aaron, Pastor x132 Heather James, Curriculum Coordinator x104 Kelly DeCesare, Administrative Assistant x132 Congregational Care and Counseling Rev. Steve Johnson, Ph.D., Sc.D., Pastor x106 Tom Desmond, Visitation Pastor x142 Lynne Gucwa, Administrative Assistant x108 Children’s Ministry Lois Hales, Director x115 Patsy Webb, Associate Director x126 Mary Swank, Nursery/Childcare Coordinator x124 Heather Desmond, Administrative Assistant x117 Student Ministry Cort Heine, High School Director x103 Mark Woof, Middle School Director x103 Susan D’Apice, Administrative Assistant x103 Support Ministry Rev. Kevin Haskins, Church Administrator x111 Walter Berry, Facilities Manager x102 Ken Green, Lead Premise Keeper x140 Todd Borelli, Food Service Manager 860.673.6826 Karin Cahill, Administrative Assistant x133 Dolores Lanza, Financial Specialist x135 Erin Mitchell, Graphic Designer x112 Sandi Harty, Publications Specialist x101 Lisa Serpliss, Receptionist x100 Val Prado, Receptionist x100 World Outreach and Assimilation Rev. Doug Christgau, Pastor x130 Pat Weisbrich, Administrative Assistant x122 Worship Arts Susan Hart, Director x119 Jairo Sousa, D.M.A., Associate Director x120 Phyllis Butta, Administrative Assistant x121 Young Adults Rev. Jamie Sipsma, Pastor x132 Kelly DeCesare, Administrative Assistant x132 Visit online for individual email addresses.

Name Phone Bill Jefferis, Church Chairman 860.673.5538 Jay Abramson, Senior Pastor 860.673.6826 Timothy Ponzani, Executive Pastor 860.673.6826 Bob Bourgeois 860.677.0643 Mitch Boggan 860.651.7646 Bill Hedden 860.658.4892 Glenn Mason 860.651.3125 Kip Mentzer 860.379.1408 James Rooney 860.651.4083 Dick Topazian 860.676.2133

Name Phone

Bill Baldwin 860.626.1980 Geena Becker 860.242.8697 Fred Berger 860.361.6225 Bob Brundage 860.673.1637 Duane Campbell 860.658.4151 Linda Carmon 860.673.6892 Susan Celentano 860.658.1532 Jenny Getz 860.677.4867 David Giramonti 860.618.2446 Lucia Haskins 860.944.4669 Penny Hedden 860.658.4892 Jack Herklotz 860.675.3102 Ruth Hutchings 860.482.7676 Linda Johnson 860.673.1632 Jonathan Luiz 860.666.1118 Kevin Searles 860.688.9452 Dave Serpliss 860.236.8466 Donna Stockwell 860.586.8793 Pauline Topazian 860.676.2133 BG Zietz 860.651.8819

2010 – 2011 Deacons

The Valley Crier is published monthly for members and friends of Valley Community Baptist Church P: 860.673.6826 F: 860.675.4689 Email: office@valleycommunity.cc Web site: www.valleycommunity.cc Converge Worldwide Magazine, Converge Point: www.scene3.org/content/view/8432/68/

**Articles for The Valley Crier should be submitted prior to the next month’s deadline. All articles may be edited for content, grammar and space requirements. Email your articles to the sponsoring ministry’s administrative assistant.

2010 – 2011 Staff Listings

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Upcoming General Events

August 7 10:00 a.m. Christian Writer’s Group

August 21 & 22 Food Care

Upcoming Ministry Events August 2 8:45 a.m. Mission Expo Begins

August 8 11:45 a.m. Deacon Interviews for Baptism 12:00 p.m. Ramadan Luncheon

August 14 6:45 a.m. Faithful Hands meet

August 22 12:00 p.m. Honduras Team Reunion

August 27 6:00 p.m. MS Volunteer Family Party

August 31 7:00 p.m. The Gift Adult Auditions & September 1

Trips/Specials

July 24 – August 4 HS Honduras Mission Trip

July 31 – August 7 Family Short-Term Mission Trip

August 2 – 6 Mission Expo — Mission Possible

August 11 – 15 MS HEAT Week

August 2010 Calendar Listings

Regular Weekly Schedule * Sunday

9:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship, Communities 10:30 a.m. Blended Worship and Communities

Monday 6:30 p.m. NAMI 7:00 p.m. Valley Players Rehearsal

Tuesday ** 6:00 p.m. The Book of Acts Study 6:30 p.m. College & Career Women’s Study 7:00 p.m. HOTH 7:30 p.m. Summer College Bible Study

Wednesday 7:00 p.m. HS Summer Ignite Series

Thursday 10:00 a.m. Women’s Summer David Study 7:00 p.m. Divorce Care Group 7:30 p.m. Mosaic Bible Study

Friday 10:00 a.m. Friday Friends Bible Study 7:00 p.m. Men’s Basketball

Saturday 5:00 p.m. Contemporary Worship 6:15 p.m. Dinner 6:50 p.m. Communities * The regular schedule is limited in the summer. ** Regular Tuesday dinner, clubs and courses will resume in the fall.