valley free newsletter - may 2012
DESCRIPTION
News & Events from Valley Evangelical Free ChurchTRANSCRIPT
And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your
soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.
Luke 10:27
A Stewardship of Grace
The month of May tends to sneak up on you. Perhaps it is the joy of the
spring with the fresh air, or the landscape coming alive with a lush, deep
green beauty. Maybe it’s getting out and enjoying life on the warm
evenings. Yet May seems to be one of the busiest months of the year.
As our Life Group was planning our meeting schedule for the month, we
realized that every weekend was full of activities.
As I look at the landscape of May, I realize that this season is a
celebration of relationships. At Valley, we have a child dedication
scheduled – a celebration of new life, of family and of community.
Mother’s Day is part of the schedule – a time to remember just how
important our moms are in our lives. Later in the month, we celebrate
our children’s ministry at Valley with Children’s Education Sunday. It is a
celebration of the year with our kids, of our community of families and
of God’s on-going work in our kids and families.
Community and Family are two of our values here at Valley. Each is worth investing in and celebrating.
In fact, our value of generosity also plays into the depth of our relationships. While we usually think of
generosity in terms of resources, it can also be a measurement of both community and family. The
Scriptures make it clear that the generosity of our love for one another is a clear indicator of the health
of our relationship with the Lord.
Maybe that is another reason that the busyness of May is not so much a burden. It is a culmination of a
season of relationships. God is blessing us with ministry to children, investing in the next generation.
We celebrate the connectedness of family and community.
This grace in relationships is not to be taken for granted. None of our values happen automatically.
Community, family and generosity are all motivated and realized only because we give ourselves away
for the sake of others. As God’s grace reigns in our own lives, we are prompted to joyfully invest in the
lives of others.
May the community of Valley Free grow in this grace of generosity in our families and our community!
M A Y 2 0 1 2
Worship
Word
Generosity
Mission
Community
Family
P A G E 2
Special thanks to the F3 small group for giving a spring clean-up to the playground. Everyone pitched in, clearing debris, leaves, branches, raking the sand, and giving all the toys and equipment a good scrub! Thanks to the Chock, Plath, Ranzau, Schmit, and Weber families. The playground is open for business!
Life Group in Action
S ummer is fast approaching and with it comes a transition in our
student ministry. Andrew Peterson is concluding his time with
us as our pastor of student ministries on June 10. In preparation for
this transition, we have been developing plans for the future of the
ministry. We have sought outside counsel from Glenn Olson, the
Free Church district consultant for youth ministry. We have also met
as a leadership team, including youth leadership, college leaders
and adult leaders, to seek the Lord on the future steps. At our most
recent gathering, we had a wonderful time meeting Glenn Olson
and talking about the dynamics and steps involved with a transition
like this. The Lord was in the discussion!
As our discovery process has unfolded, it has become evident that
we need to look at two major steps in the process.
First, we will be looking at interim steps to make sure that youth
ministry continues over the coming months and that we build on
the strong program we have today. Accordingly, we will be hiring an
interim student ministries director. This will be a part-time,
temporary position to lead us through the summer and possibly into
the school year. We will begin our search for this person quickly.
Second, we will be looking to fill the position of a full-time student
ministries director. We have been encouraged to take our time with
hiring this person to make sure that it is a good fit for our students
and church family. Pastor Mike and the elders will be working with a
small group to refine the job description and review potential
candidates. Our desire is to have this person in place early in the
school year.
Your prayers for the student ministry and the process of transition
are much appreciated! We have seen the Lord at work in our
discussions and we depend on Him for His leading into the future!
Dates to Remember!
June 3 – Celebration and commissioning for Andrew and Brittany Peterson. We will be praying for Andrew and Brittany during the worship service on this Sunday and then enjoying a time of testimony and farewell at a gathering later in the day. Plan to join us in celebrating their ministry at Valley Free.
June 10 – Graduation Sunday. We are very proud of our graduating seniors this year and will dedicate our worship service to God’s blessing in and through them here at Valley.
A New Season of Student Ministry By Pastor Mike Sindelar
A mong the many critical events of American history, the civil
war battle of Gettysburg stands as one of the most pivotal
moments in the shaping of our country’s future. The battle is
legendary for its violence, its strategy and the unbelievable
dedication and sacrifice of the men who fought those three days.
The battle is also known for the leaders and their leadership. These
living illustrations of leadership have been studied for decades. The
shining examples and the sad failures all serve to teach us valuable
lessons today as we live out our Christian lives.
Pastor Mike will be leading a group from Chaska in April 2013, to
study the leadership lessons of Gettysburg . The group will be
participating in a four-day course of leadership on the fields of
battle at Gettysburg. Presented by the organization “If Properly
Led”, this leadership training weaves together the lessons of the
battle and principles of leadership woven through Scripture.
GETTYSBURG and the ar t o f Leadership By Pastor Mike Sindelar
P A G E 3
Unfortunately these things are all too common in life. While they can
be found in every community, they seem to have manifested
themselves very obviously in Norwood Young America (NYA). As I
write this, we are still feeling the effective from two teen suicides in
NYA over the past few months. Tragic.
We struggle to find the right words to say and wrestle through the
questions of why this happens. While seeking solace in a variety of
ways is a good step, there really seems to be nothing more powerful
for healing than prayer. The book of James makes this clear, “Is any
one of you in trouble? He should pray” (James 5:13).
The Cross: a Visible Reminder By Pastor Andrew Peterson
We would very much like to
have a delegation from Valley
Free participate in this training
(and adventure!). The group
will also include local civic and
government leaders. An
informational meeting will be
held on May 21. You are
welcome to come and hear
about this unique equipping
opportunity.
Would you like to learn more?
Please contact Pastor Mike at
[email protected] for details on the informational meeting and
for more information on the trip itself. Don’t wait to find out more!
Spaces are limited and will fill fast.
This is precisely why CruX responded to this tragedy teaming up
with others to lift up NYA, Central High School, and one another in
prayer. On April 1, 2012, about 60 of us joined together to deal with
our pain at the foot of the Cross. Our intent - walk around the
school praying and reflecting on God’s love displayed through Jesus
on the Cross. Little did we know that as we covered the school in
prayer, a cross would literally show up, giving us a visible reminder
that Jesus saves!
P A G E 4
As we are celebrating the resurrection
from dead and the power of our great
Savior I want to give you a reason to
pray for.
Anca is 26 years old and almost two
years ago she receive Christ in her
heart and decided to follow Him. She
is coming from an orthodox family and
I would say that she is having a very
controlling and manipulating parents.
Because she knew her parents attitude, for more than a year she
was hiding the fact that she is coming with us to the church every
Sunday morning and joining us in almost all the Bible study
meeting that we had as a church.
A few months ago her parents found out about her decision and
started to persecute her every day. Forcing her not to leave the
house, not only for church but for almost everything, controlling
her calls from friends, and finally for about two weeks now, her
By Cristi Golas, Romanian Pastor
parents exploded like never before. They were accusing her that she
is taking drugs or she is crazy because she is saying: “I love Jesus
more than anything!”
They are asking her right now to give up coming to church and give
up this religion. They called Gianina, a sister from our church, and
talked very bad with her. Also they want to call police to the church
that we destroyed her. They want to go to her work (she is a dentist
assistant) and ask the boss not to receive her anymore.
I think this girl, Anca is paying a price for her faith right now, in 2012,
Eastern Europe, when nobody expected. She is in love with Jesus,
helping us with the kids in Razboieni, serving everybody whenever
she can, and facing persecution from her orthodox family.
The resurrection is having a special meaning for her this year and
actually the real meaning….
She is an example for me, and I just want to share this with you and
in the same time to ask you to join us in prayers for Anca as we are
celebrating Christ!
He is Risen...For HER!
Reserve your
tickets
on-line at
valleyfree.org
beginning
May 7!
P A G E 5
BUT, WE NEED YOUR HELP! There are many opportunities
to be a part of this year’s VBS team. Areas of service include
Registration, Decorating, Supply Coordinator, Praise Dance
Team, Bible Lesson teachers, Crafts, Snacks, Karaoke Leader,
Games, Missions Leader, Group Leaders, Nursery Workers,
Photographer, Drama Team, Prayer Warriors, and Office
Assistant. Think about your gifts and talents. What area on
that list is a good fit for you? Pray and ask God where He
would have you serve. Sign-up online at
www.valleyfree.org and I will be in touch and let you
(Cont’d on page 6)
By Mary Lou Menning
PRAISE! Where kids get down and lift God high!
A ccording to the Westminster Catechism, what is the
chief and highest end of man? If you took
catechism classes as a child, the answer is familiar. The chief
and highest end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him
forever. But ask the man or woman on the street why they
exist and their answers are uncertain, vague, self-centered,
and even hopeless. The answers they receive from the
culture are the same. Existence on this planet is about
looking out for number one, making as much money
possible, having fun, working hard to get ahead, earning
fame and fortune, becoming someone important. The world
is all about bringing glory to oneself.
Over the last year, the board has worked very hard to come
up with the purpose for why this church family at the corner
of Engler and 41 exists. The answer: We exist to bring glory
to God by calling all people into an abundant life with Jesus
Christ. Focus on the first part of that answer: We exist to
BRING GLORY to God. In an effort to communicate that
purpose to the young members of our congregation and
community, this summer’s VBS ogram will focus on that very
topic. “PRAISE! Where kids get down and lift God high!”
will teach kids that they exist not for their own glory, but to
give God glory and praise. We hope to show kids what it
means to have a high view of our amazing God. Each day
will focus on an attribute of God, such as His greatness,
authority, providence, power and love. In fun and creative
ways, the kids will have a chance to praise God in response.
Written and produced by the Go Fish Guys, this VBS is filled
with solid Biblical teaching, exciting games, crafts, delicious
snacks and awesome music from Go Fish along with Denver
and the Mile High Orchestra. This year’s VBS will be held
Sunday-Thursday, July 22-26 from 6:00 to 8:45 p.m.
July 22-26/ 6:00-8:45pm Ages 4 years to completed 6th grade $15/child or $45/family of 3 or more
Registration begins June 1st www.valleyfree.org
Dust off your dance moves and join the
Praise Team!
By Mary Lou Menning
PRAISE! Where kids get down and lift God high!
depend on the Bible as the standard for moral choices. Beliefs
that are embraced in childhood are not likely to change
throughout life.
Do you see the importance of reaching children while they
are young? We have a HUGE opportunity to point kids to
Christ through VBS. I pray that you will join the VBS team in
whatever way possible to help build God’s kingdom and lay
up eternal treasure in heaven. Through your gifts of time and
donations, you will help to fulfill the purpose of Valley. You
will bring glory to God by helping children grow in their
relationship with Jesus.
P A G E 6
know about the responsibilities in that area. We need LOTS of
volunteers to make this happen and I’d love for you will be
one of them.
George Barna, in his book Transforming Children into Spiritual
Champions, draws these conclusions from a series of studies
he conducted. If a person does not trust Jesus Christ as Savior
before reaching the teenage years, the chance of them doing
so at all is slim. By the age of 13, spiritual identity is largely set
in place. Only 3 percent of the nation’s 13-year-olds have a
Biblical worldview, which serves as the foundation for their
decision making. Young people are more likely to base
decisions upon feelings or what others expect, rather than
Registration Coordinator Karaoke Leader
Decorating Team Missions Leader
Sound/Video Technician Group Leaders
Supply Coordinator Nursery Workers
Praise Dance Team Photographer
Bible Lesson Teachers Drama Team (1 girl, 2 boys)
Craft Team Prayer Warriors
Snack Team Office Assistant
Games Leader
Opportunities are available in the following areas:
SIGN-UP on-line at www.valleyfree.org!
P A G E 7
P A G E 8
By Ron Schmit
I went to Wally's a couple of weeks ago to pick up some baseball
gear for my son, Philip. We had everything ready, but he
wanted to browse some more. After a bit, he approached me with
a basketball net. He asked if he could buy it with his own money
for a friend of his who doesn't have a net on his rim. I said that
was a great idea and was very proud of him for thinking of his
friend and that little act of generosity.
"We're all set, Les!" I called to the shop owner in the back He
came up to the counter, looked at our items and pushed the net
across the counter to us. "Happy Easter", he says with a smile.
That was a pretty cool moment. Philip had decided to do
something nice for someone, and within just a few minutes,
someone did something nice for him! What a lesson in generosity
he learned...what a confirmation of God's faithfulness to us.
Les rang up the rest of our items and sent us on our way with a
wave and a smile. Les is such a class act. It's people like him that
make this a great town and a great place to raise a child.
M y name is Brenda Gillaspey. I live in the rural Belle Plaine
area with my husband, Mark, one dog and one cat. We
have two adult children, both residing out of state. Jessica is
recently engaged, and lives in Seattle. Zach has been working in
Wyoming for almost four years. A few days a week, you will find
me at a veterinary clinic in Prior Lake, where I work as a Veterinary
Technician.
Mark and I have been attending Valley for about two and a half
years. I was asked to share a Sunday school class with Pam &
Peter Larson, teaching K – 1st graders and am in my second year at
that position. I take the fall and spring portion of the year.
Larsons teach their half out of the middle of the year. I have
taught Sunday school classes for over 20 years and the benefits
are the children themselves! Building relationships, listening to
their stories and watching them grow in faith and stature is ‘why I
do it’. They easily teach me as much or more than I teach them.
Just last year I also joined the Nursery ministry here at Valley. A
couple Sundays a quarter, holding babies or playing with toddlers
and missing a worship service is a very minor sacrifice on my part,
compared to the huge benefit that Nursery is to young parents! It
is also a place where I have gotten to know other adults as we visit
and share our lives with one another. As with most volunteer
experiences, where we step out to give to someone else, we are
blessed in return!
Giving as of
April 24th Thanks, Bren
da, and all our
other faithful volunteers!
We couldn’t do it
without you!
1 T 6:30 pm 6:45 pm
Missions Team Meeting Women’s Bible Study
3 TH 7:00 pm Worship Team Rehearsal
6 SU 8:45 am 10:00 am 6:00 pm
BABY DEDICATION Sunday School/SMS Worship Service CruX
7 M 12:30 pm 7:00 pm
White Cross Men’s Bible Study
10 TH 7:00 pm 7:00 pm
Worship Team Rehearsal Web Team Meeting
12 SA 7:30 am 1:00 pm
Men’s Monthly Breakfast 30-hour Famine Begins (CruX)
13 SU 8:45 am 9:00 am 10:00 am 6:00 pm
Sunday School/SMS 30-hour Famine “Break-fast” (CruX) Worship Service CruX
14 M 7:00 pm Men’s Bible Study
15 T 6:45 pm Women’s Bible Study
17 TH 7:00 pm Worship Team Rehearsal
20 SU
8:45 am 10:00 am 12:00 pm 6:00 pm
CE SUNDAY Sunday School/SMS Worship Service CE Picnic—Firemen’s Park CruX
21 M 12:30 pm 7:00 pm
White Cross Men’s Bible Study
24 TH 7:00 pm Worship Team Rehearsal
27 SU 8:45 am 10:00 am 6:00 pm
NO Sunday School/SMS Worship Service NO CruX
28 M MEMORIAL DAY
29 T 6:45 pm Women’s Bible Study
31 TH 7:00 pm Worship Team Rehearsal
See bulletins for weekly updates/changes to this calendar
P A G E 9
Register NOW at www.loveincecc.org.
Click on Upcoming Events
952-448-6144
Fax: 952-448-5119
150 Engler Blvd
Chaska, MN 55318
Save the Date! May 12 & 13
5/12 - afternoon service projects
and evening worship
5/13 - "Break - Fast" at 9am before church
...and