valley free newsletter - november 2010
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News and Events from Valley Evangelical Free ChurchTRANSCRIPT
Christmas in the Land of Shadows . . . Pastor Mike
N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 0
The 1993 movie,
Shadowlands, moves through
the life of C.S. Lewis as he
experiences the depths of
loss and grief when his wife,
Joy Davidman Gresham, is
taken by cancer. As the story
unfolds, Lewis is taken by
surprise as his heart gives
itself away unaware in
profound love for the
American woman. As the
shadow of cancer overcomes
her life, Lewis is led on an
unwelcome journey through
grief in the ‘land of shadows’.
As grief consumed him, Lewis
saw life on this earth in a
new way. “Beyond every door
I hear your voice saying to
me, ‘this is only the land of
shadows. Real life hasn’t
begun yet.”’ Not much has
changed from the time of
C.S. Lewis to our day. Life,
and all of its twists and turns,
can still be aptly called ‘the
land of shadows’.
It is no coincidence that a
major theme of the
Christmas season is light.
One of the great promises
and assessments of Scripture is
found in Isaiah 9, a
foundational passage for
Christmas. The people who
walked in darkness have
seen a great light; those
who dwelt in a land of
deep darkness, on them
has light shined. We see
it again in the Christmas
story of Luke 1, “whereby
the sunrise shall visit us
from on high to give light
to those who sit in
darkness and in the
shadow of death, to
guide our feet into the
way of peace.” The
shadows of life are many
these days. I don’t know
exactly what they are for
you, but uncertainties,
fears and heartache are
all part of a shadowy
landscape of life.
The message of Christmas is
that the shadowland of life is
not the ultimate reality. As
Lewis concluded, ‘real life has
not begun yet’. Christmas says
that the Light of the World has
come. Christmas says that the
light of the gospel has the
power to overcome the
shadows. Like the repressed
light of an eclipsed sun, the
shadows will soon be
overcome by the powerful,
pure and consuming light of
God.
Perhaps the Apostle Paul
was overcome with this idea
when he considered the
(cont’d on page 2)
P A G E 2
Christmas in the Land of Shadows (Cont’d). . . Pastor Mike
An Update. . .Jan Schmit, Commander
December 2010 Local Missions Project
December 1-15 the VEFC Awana clubs
will be collecting new hats, mittens
and scarves to help supply a local Gap
Ministry of Love Inc. of Eastern Carver
County.
Awana clubbers will be dropping off
their donated items in baskets around
the Christmas tree in the Education
Wing. The Valley family is more than
welcome to join us in this effort to bless
those in our community.
Awana Store Needs
Our T&T store could use some restocking for
our last shopping spree of 2010. The
clubbers will have a chance to spend their
earned shares at the Awana Store on Dec. 8th.
During this shopping time we really
encourage the kids to think about other
people in their lives and consider this an
opportunity to do some of their own
independent Christmas shopping. We would
welcome your new or gently used items.
Some items we have had requests for
include: Silly bands, games, puzzles,
notebooks, small electronic toys or games,
hair care kits, fleece blankets, gift cards, mp3
players…for a more complete list visit the
Awana webpage at http://
www.valleyfree.org/
index.php/ministries/awana
There are have “Awana Store” drop off boxes
in the Worship Center foyer and also in the
office workroom. Thank you in advance for
your generosity!
Because Kids Matter to God !
power of the gospel message, “For
God, who said, “Let light shine out
of darkness,” has shone in our
hearts to give the light of the
knowledge of the glory of God in
the face of Jesus Christ.”
My prayer as we move into the
Christmas season is for all of us to sink
deeply into these truths. That Jesus,
and the light of His glory, would rule in
our hearts, dispelling the shadows and
moving us ever deeper into the vast
wonder of His grace and truth. My
prayer is also that, as containers of
this marvelous light of the gospel, that
we might let that light shine in the life
of others. May His light of life be so at
work in us, that those around can’t
help but be invited and drawn to our
Lord and Savior.
May the Light of Christ shine in your
hearts and homes this season!
P A G E 3
To God be the glory for allowing
Valley Free to be a part of His
plan to reach children (and
families) with the message of His
redeeming love! As a church we
gave 129 shoeboxes filled with
toys, school supplies and hygiene
items (18 came from our
children’s Sunday school classes).
In the course of Collection Week,
we collected 925 boxes filling 64
cartons. Boxes from our area this
year are primarily going to India.
Let’s pray that the gospel
message be understood and
received by children (and their
listening family members) as
ministry partners distribute them.
More fun is to be had as we have
33 volunteers signed up to go to
the Processing Center on
Saturday, December 4th from 6-
10pm.
Operation Christmas Child Report ...Candace Wisely
Save the Date!
January 15-16, 2011
God's amazing creation reveals
the Creator's handiwork,
character, and glory. As the
Psalmist says: “The Lord made
the heavens. Splendor and
majesty are before Him;
strength and glory are in His
sanctuary”. Psalm 96: 5-6.
Our God is truly a God of
wonders. Plan on joining us for
a week of giving God His due
glory and honor as we celebrate
His creation. We will hear
messages about God's creation
on Saturday evening, Sunday
morning during the Sunday
School hour as well as during
the worship service, and again
Sunday evening. The speaker
will be Jim Gardner of Answers
in Genesis and Canopy
Ministries. We are also
planning a mid-week showing
of a creation-related video,
possibly one titled “God of
Wonders”. Start thinking who
in your life you could invite.
“In the beginning, God
created the heavens and the
earth” Genesis 1:1.
Answers In Genesis Conference ...Jim Bentson
P A G E 4
Healthy Living From Around the World: Hummus ...Linda Kozicky, RN, Parish Nurse
Hummus or Garbanzo Beans is a
primarily Middle Eastern food that is
gaining popularity in the U.S.
What exactly is Hummus? It is
garbanzo beans (chickpeas) that have
been soaked for about eight hours,
cooked slowly for about one to two
hours and then mashed. Tahini
(ground sesame seeds), olive oil,
lemon juice, salt and garlic are then
added to produce Hummus.
At 220 calories, 15 grams of protein,
40 grams of carbohydrates, and 15
grams of fiber, garbanzo beans by
themselves are low in fat, low in
calories, high in fiber, and are
considered to be part of a heart
healthy, blood sugar stabilizing,
digestive health food diet.
Prepared Hummus is higher in calories
(435) and fat (21 grams) but is still
considered part of a healthy diet, since
the fat is heart-healthy olive oil.
Hummus, when served with pita bread
forms a complete protein and is a great
idea for a sack lunch!
Prepared Hummus can be found in the
refrigerated deli section of most grocery
stores. Garbanzo beans are also available
canned which makes preparation of
soups, salads or hummus faster and
easier.
Try this salad recipe taken from the book,
The Worlds Healthiest Foods by George
Mateljan:
Greek Garbanzo Bean Salad
1. In a bowl mix
together 1-15
oz can garbanzo
beans, 2 Tsp
extra virgin
olive oil, 2 cloves minced garlic, sea
salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently
until well mixed.
2. Combine chopped romaine lettuce
with 2/3 cup minced green onion, 1
diced tomato, 2 Tsp fresh lemon juice
and 3 Tsp fresh minced parsley.
Optional: Add feta, gorgonzala or
goat cheese.
3. Mix all ingredients for a quick and
delightfully healthy salad.
December Sermon Series
December 5—
Jesus has put a new song in our hearts and on our tongues. Because of Him we are free to worship and extol the name of the Lord. December 12—
Birth, Life, Death, Resurrection...EVERYTHING about Jesus’ life displays humility. Luke 1:51-52.
December 19—
God is an everlasting God spanning all of time. Your great,
great, great grandkids will worship the same God you worship today! What legacy are you leaving? Luke 1:50
December 24—
God remembered His people, had a plan, and sent His Son to redeem them. Luke 1:54
December 26—
Mercy...God shows mercy on those He loves. His greatest act of mercy, sending His son Jesus!
P A G E 5
During the months of October and November the Children's Sunday School classes at Valley collected school supplies, personal hygiene items and toys for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. On November 21, the children gathered in the lower level to pray for the children that would be receiving these gifts. We are privileged to be part of a ministry that is bringing the love of Jesus to so many needy children throughout the world.
Shoeboxes, Hats, Mittens, Scarves! ...Audrey Bentson On Sunday, December 19, our children will be singing “Happy Birthday Jesus,” by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Children's Choir, during the worship service. The children are invited to bring a birthday gift for Jesus----a hat, pair of mittens, or a scarf that will be donated to The School Locker, a Gap ministry of Love, INC. This should be a very special time for our church family and we hope all of our children will be able to participate in this wonderful celebration!
W 1 6:00-8:00 pm Awana Club Night
TH 2 7:00 pm 8:15 pm
Christmas Choir Rehearsal Worship Team Practice
SU 5 8:45 am 10:00 am 6:00-8:00 pm
Sunday School Worship Service—A New Song CruX
M 6 12:30 pm 7:00 pm
White Cross Men’s Bible Study
W 8 6:00-8:00 pm Awana Club Night
TH 9 7:00 pm 8:15 pm
Christmas Choir Rehearsal Worship Team Practice
SA 11 7:30 am Men’s Monthly Breakfast—Perkins
SU 12
8:30 am 8:45 am 10:00 am 6:00-8:00 pm
Christmas Choir Rehearsal Sunday School Worship Service—A Humble Song – Christmas Choir Performance CruX
M 13 12:30 pm 7:00 pm
White Cross Men’s Bible Study
T 14 7:00 pm Elder Board Meeting
W 15 6:00-8:00 pm Awana Club Night
TH 16 7:00 pm 8:15 pm
Christmas Choir Rehearsal Worship Team Practice
SU 19
8:30 am 8:45 am 10:00 am 6:00-8:00 pm
Christmas Choir Rehearsal Sunday School Worship Service—An Everlasting Song—Christmas Choir Performance CruX
M 20 12:30 pm 7:00 pm
White Cross Men’s Bible Study
W 22 NO AWANA
TH 23 7:00 pm Worship Team Practice
F 24 5:00 PM Christmas Eve Service—A Redeeming Song
SA 25
SU 26 NO Sunday School 10:00 am 6:00-8:00 pm
Worship Service—A Desperate Song CruX
M 27 12:30 pm 7:00 pm
White Cross Men’s Bible Study
W 29 NO AWANA
TH 30 7:00 pm Worship Team Practice
P A G E 6
families or individuals. You can also
sign up to sponsor dinner packages
for $30 each.
Sign up online at
http://www.loveincecc.org/
christmas_dinner.html.
For more information call
(952) 448-2508.
Your family can share the love of
Jesus this Christmas by providing food
for families in need. Love INC is
coordinating giving Christmas Dinner
packages to local families. Gather with
others at 9 AM on Saturday,
December 18 to wrap and deliver
food packages. All ages of adults &
children are welcome. Each volunteer
will deliver food packages to two
Give the Gift of Christmas Dinner!
Home in Jamaica - a Valley Free
mission. Our display will be
open before and after church
and most Mondays 12:30-3:30
p.m. If you have a favorite
sweater you just can't part
with, but don't wear anymore,
bring it to us and we'll make
you a pair of mittens out of it!
The ladies of White Cross invite
you to come to the Sun Room to
see what we have done with the
sweaters you donated to our
wool mitten project The ladies
have made mittens - sized for the
whole family. The mittens are for
sale for a suggested donation of
$20. 100% of the proceeds will
go to Robin's Nest Children's
Mittens for Robin’s Nest...Shirley Sindelar
We need cutters, assemblers, and painters to complete the project and deliver the beds
by December 18! Please call Gary Kozicky at 952-448-9873 to join in this gap ministry for
Love INC families in need.
Christmas Care Packages for our
Freshmen in College! We need these items donated by
DECEMBER 10!
To help with postage, write “College Care Pkg” on your check memo line
and put in the offering. See display in foyer for more info or call
Linda Kozicky at 612-803-4954 LEAVE DONATIONS IN CHURCH
OFFICE WORKROOM
P A G E 7
Classifieds SNOW REMOVAL
Seasonal opportunity. Must be able to do heavy lifting. Responsible for sidewalk clearing one week per month throughout the winter season. Contact Ron at [email protected]. ______________________________________________
CHILDCARE Calling all Grandparents/Parents/Babysitters!Requirements include loving arms to hold babies, must be able to read books aloud and dispense snacks. Some floor play required, depending on the position. Contact Janis at [email protected]. _______________________
MEALS TO GO Do you consider yourself an amateur gourmet chef or a
professional lunch packer. Both are needed on an occasional basis to provide meals for new moms or recovering hospital patients. Contact Linda at [email protected] _________________________________________________
The Awana program needs handbook listeners. This is a 2 hr. weekly commitment that has the opportunity to reap eternal rewards. Contact Jan at [email protected]. ________________________
WRITERS Have a way with words? Share your talents by submitting newsletter articles on church events or join our team in creating new promotional literature for the
IT PROFESSIONALS
GOOD LISTENERS
church. Submit a sample of your writing ……just kidding! Contact Lanell at [email protected]. _________________________________________________
COFFEE BARISTA Short term volunteer position. Literally serve your fellow man. See Gary at [email protected] for more information. ________________________
Want an opportunity to put all those music lessons to good use? Practices are Thursday night and Sunday morning. Contact Doug at [email protected]. ________________________
COMPUTER OPERATORS Can you type? Able to push the enter button to advance PowerPoint slides? You are just what we need! Contact Adam at [email protected]. ______________________________________________________
Use your creative skills in electronic media to share life at Valley Free with the world. Contact Lanell at [email protected]. ___________________________ Do you compute? It may not be a spiritual gift, but your talents are in high demand in this technical age. Contact Jeremy for more information at [email protected].
MUSICIANS / WORSHIP LEADERS
WEB DESIGNERS
Greetings. . . Jim Bentson
We will soon be making a new weekly schedule for the “official”
greeters at Valley's front door. We could always use a few more
smiley faces to join in the fun. Greeting valley's people and
visitors is most certainly a pleasurable experience and a very
important one. Please consider volunteering for this ministry.
Whether you are on the greeting list or not, greeting others,
especially new or infrequent visitors, is a ministry that we all can
be a part of. It can make a real difference in the life of others.
To volunteer please call the church office @ (952)448-6144 or
Jim Bentson @(952)448-4697
Greetings in the Lord to the people of Valley: Grace and peace
to you.
Have you ever noticed how almost every letter in the New
Testament starts and/or ends with a greeting? Greeting our
brothers and sisters in Christ must be an important part of our
lives together in God's kingdom!
Isn't it a blessing when you enter a place where most
everybody is a stranger, but you are warmly welcomed?
Perhaps you are given a smile and a handshake. Or perhaps a
conversation is started, or a question is answered. Suddenly
you may begin to believe that you belong here.
150 Engler Blvd
Chaska, MN 55318
952-448-6144
Fax: 952-448-5119
December 11—4-9 pm—Eden Prairie Mall Contact Pastor Andrew for more info. Adults invited.
ATTENTION all KIDS (and their parents)! Bring NEW… HATS, MITTENS, & SCARVES on DECEMBER 19!
Donations will go to The School Locker ,a Gap ministry of Love, INC.
DECEMBER’S FOCUS: 15 oz jars of Peanut Butter
PLEASE NOTE: 15oz Jars are the best size for our use.