valley free newsletter - october 2011
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News and Events from Valley Evangelical Free ChurchTRANSCRIPT
Seeing a Panorama of Praise...Pastor Mike
O C T O B E R 2 0 1 0
Everyone has a favorite way to
relax, to escape from the daily
routine and take a deep
breath. For me, taking the
motorcycle out on a beautiful
fall day ranks right up there as
one of life’s refreshing
pleasures. Weaving along our
rural roads and taking in the
beautiful panoramas offered at
every turn is revitalizing.
Taking in the fall colors, the
smell of golden fields of corn
being harvested and the image
of our valley’s and meandering
rivers is simply a good
investment in the health of
your spirit. These are
panoramas that prompt praise.
As we turn toward the
Thanksgiving holiday, our
hearts and thoughts awake to
the panoramas of praise that
surround our lives. We look at
our families with thanks to
God for the blessing of each
member. We thank God for
jobs, for provisions of all
kinds. We thank God for
walking with us, protecting us
and guiding us down the
meandering river of life.
Grateful hearts have eyes to
see panoramas of praise.
There has been another
panorama of praise revealed to
me over the last few weeks. The
Apostle Paul
opened my eyes to
it in his letter to the
church at
Thessalonica. When
he looked out over
the work of God, he
saw the church
being impacted by
the Word of God. He saw them
taking in the teaching, wrestling
with it and allowing it to shape
their lives.
Our marriage series, Embracing
the Plan, seems to be having the
same effect here at Valley. My
pastoral praise this year will
include a heartfelt thanksgiving
for God’s work among us and for
your thirst for God’s truth and
life. Looking out over the church
family at Valley is a panorama of
praise for me.
God has more panoramas of
praise for you, if you will but
open your eyes to them. Start
with the gift of salvation and the
vast panorama of blessing that
we have in it. Turn toward other
gifts that you have in Christ.
Consider the gift of
repentance, the power of God
at work in your heart, His
protection, His
leading when you
didn’t know
where to turn, His
wisdom and
courage to follow
Him in faith. Dig
deep and gaze on
the amazing
grace that sustained you in
your darkest hour. These are
panoramas of praise that God
gives only to you in the quiet
depths of your heart. They are
magnificent panoramas.
Added to the more visible
panoramas of praise, they
should burst our hearts with
gratitude this Thanksgiving.
Like a country road that offers
new panoramas at every
corner, so God is longing to
show you the fullness of His
work in your life. Ask Him to
show you His panoramas of
praise and then drink them in
with a heart of gratitude and
wonder!
And we also thank God
constantly for this, that
when you received the
Word of God, which you
heard from us, you ac-
cepted it not as the Word
of men but as what it
really is, the word of God,
which is at work in you
believers.
1 Thessalonians 2:13
P A G E 2 Our Adopted Country: Moldova
The Awana program is pleased to
announce our mission’s project for the
2010-11 club year. We have teamed up
with Awana International and their
Adopt-A-Club Program to sponsor a
country for this year. We will be
financially and prayerfully supporting
them and hopefully even sharing some
correspondence. The country that was
chosen for us is Moldova who
interestingly enough is a neighbor to our
friends in Romania.
All 3 clubs will be taking offerings over
the next few months. Our intention is to
bless the Moldovan Awana programs
and their leaders by helping them afford
the supplies needed for their clubs.
Our first Awana dinner and fundraiser
took place Wed. Oct. 20th and we have
already raised $321.16 for this effort.
We look forward to watching God bless
us and our brothers and sisters in Christ
in Moldova through this giving
opportunity. Please join us in praying for
this country and the precious kids who
will be learning about our Savior Jesus
Christ.
For more information about Awana
International and the Adopt-A-Club
program visit their website at
www.awanainternational.org.
Moldova Club Facts
Awana in Moldova began in
1999 when a group of Awana staff from
Canada visited Moldova. They recommended
the Awana program and made contact with
the Ukrainian headquarters. An Awana
missionary from the Ukraine provided
training and seven clubs were started.
Current clubs: 26
Translation: Romanian & Russian
What Clubbers Do For Fun... soccer,
volleyball, wrestling and sambo
Food: cakes, biscuits, juice and peanuts
How We Celebrate Birthdays: Friends come
with gifts and flowers. The one who has the
birthday prepares a nice dinner including the
cake.
John 3:16: "Findca atât de mult a iubit
Dumnezeu lumea, ca a dat pe singurul Lui Fiu,
pentru ca oricine crede în El sa nu piara ci sa
aiba viata vecinica."
Prayer Requests:
freedom and economic improvement
faithful adopt-a-club sponsors
our workers Vasile and Vera Florea
SHARE THE LOVE OF CHRIST ON THANKSGIVING DAY A great family service opportunity!
On Thursday, November 25th, Thanksgiving Day, Love INC and the churches of our area will be showing the love
of Christ to our neighbors by serving a free Thanksgiving Dinner for people in need. St. John's Lutheran Church in
Chaska
will host this annual event. Individuals or families can help with preparation on Wednesday, Nov. 24th, from 5-7
pm or with hosting and serving on Thanksgiving Day from 11 am - 2 pm.
You can sign up to help beginning Nov. 1st at loveincecc.org.
...Jan Schmit, Commander
For every shoebox filled another
child has the opportunity to hear
the gospel of Jesus Christ…and
their family does too!
2. Volunteer at the Valley Free
Relay Center (November 15-21).
Sign up in the foyer to greet
people from Chaska and the
surrounding communities who
will be dropping off boxes at our
church building. We are one of
135 relay centers in the upper
Midwest.
Through Operation Christmas
Child, there are many
opportunities for the Valley Free
family to bless kids across the
globe! Decide today to make a
difference in a child’s life!
1. Pack a shoe box (or two, or
five…you get the picture). Fill a
shoebox with hygiene items (soap,
toothpaste, toothbrush etc.),
school supplies and toys for a boy
or girl. See brochures in foyer for
more details!
3. Volunteer at the
Processing Center in
Bloomington on
December 4— 6-10pm .
We have reserved 75
spots to help process
shoeboxes for shipping
overseas. Must be age 13
or older. Sign up in the
foyer.
Questions? Contact Candace
Wisely at 952-401-7994 or
P A G E 3
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
Grab a Shoe Box...Bless a Child! ...Candace Wisely
P A G E 4
Healthy Living: Grapefruit ...Linda Kozicky, RN, Parish Nurse
Grapefruit provides healthful
Vitamin C, Potassium and Dietary
Fiber. One-Half of a Grapefruit has
only 37 calories. It can be a healthy
snack that is quite portable for
breakfast, lunch or for an anytime
refreshing snack.
The peak season for grapefruit is
winter. Which means we can enjoy
it at it's freshest during our coldest
months.
But, I CAUTION anyone and
everyone who heads south for a
vacation, heads south to avoid the
cold Minnesota winter or
even those on business trips-if you
take ANY kind of medication--
BEWARE! Those medications may
be effected dangerously by fresh
grapefruit juice.
It was discovered that grapefruit juice
binds with the same enzymes in our
intestines that help break down dozens
of medications. This caused them to
pass from the stomach and enter the
bloodstream more quickly, which in
turn causes blood levels of that
medication to rise faster, and in some
cases higher than normal. The effect
grapefruit juice has on these enzymes
can last over 24 hrs. So, taking your
medication several hours after
consuming grapefruit juice won't make
it safe. This interaction cannot only be
dangerous, it can be deadly.
Here are just a few of the categories of
medications that are affected:
Calcium channel blockers for high
blood pressure or angina
Statinsfor high cholesterol
Immunosuppressents to prevent
organ transplant rejection
Neurological or pyschological
medication
Benzodiazepines for anxiety
Antihistamines
Antivirals
Antiepileptic
Anticoagulation
Antibiotics
Antifungal
So, I encourage including grapefruit as
part of a healthy living diet, but if you
take any medications, always read the
information pamphlet that comes with
your medication, or ask your
pharmacist if the medication you are
taking has adverse interactions with
grapefruit juice.
Get ready for next year! CruX Student Ministries enjoyed
our first annual Fall Retreat this October at the Gospel Mis-
sion Camp. It was a great time of football, food, games, bon-
fires, skits, music, messages, and turkey's wondering into
the building...I'll let your imagination run with that one!
In the midst of the fun and
games, God had a powerful
message for us...YOU ARE PER-
FECT! Initially that may sound
misleading. We are sinners
right? Yes, you, I, and every
Becoming Who You Are...Pastor Andrew
youth that heard this mes-
sage is a desperate sinner.
However, the joy and hope
in the faith we have is that
because of Jesus Christ we
are viewed by God as per-
fected! What an amazing
truth and life giving message God speaks in Colossians 1:21-
23...check out that verse. Allow the truth that Jesus died for
you, in your place, so you might receive perfection, to
amaze you and draw you into worship of our wonderful
God and Savior.
P A G E 5
The nurseries continue to be a
busy place every Sunday. If you
ever have the urge to color with
crayons, shape play-
dough into a variety of
shapes, build towers
taller than you, or just
want to snuggle with a
little one... come on
down! We are still
looking for volunteers of
all ages, so, I’d like to
cover two more reasons
to serve in the church’s
nurseries:
First, your service in the church
nursery allows parents to focus
on worship, rather than on
their children. In a very real
sense your ministry makes it
possible for our church to fulfill
it’s ministry. It also gives moms
and dads a needed break.
However, many of our moms
and dads with young children
are the ones that volunteer
week after week. Often, those
of us who do not have children
yet, or have grown children
decide not to serve and are
thereby missing out on a
tremendous blessing and on
blessing others...the parents of
those young children. By
volunteering you give these
moms and dads a chance to
have some time to focus on
worship. You also play an
important role in the overall
ministry of the church. As we
dedicate children in our church
we all promise to be a part of
that child’s life, to show Christ’s
love, and to stand alongside
and to help the parents as they
raise the child. Working in the
nursery gives you the
opportunity to fulfill that
promise.
Secondly, the first (and
sometimes lasting) feelings a
child will have toward church is
formed in the nursery
department. A positive
experience in our church
nursery is essential. Jesus said,
Let the little children come to
me...for the kingdom of Heaven
belongs to such as these.
(Matthew 19:14 NIV). His
Nursery News: Blessings ...Janis Soule words are being fulfilled in
American society according to
new data from the Barna
Research Group of Ventura,
California. The company's
nationwide surveys have
determined the probability of
people accepting Christ as their
Savior in relation to a person's
age. The data shows that if a
person does not accept Jesus
Christ as Savior before the age
of 14, the likelihood of ever
doing so is slim. The study
points out that children and
adolescents are most impacted
evangelistically by family
members, peers and their youth
group (e.g. Sunday school, faith-
based youth activities, etc). In
fact the years prior to age 12 are
when a majority of children
make their decision as to
whether or not they will follow
Christ.
Thanks to all who help either
through serving, or by donating
of supplies and/or talents. You
are greatly appreciated!
November 7 and 14 – When Marriage Gets Complicated: This mini-series will focus on bringing clarity to God’s perspective on di-vorce and remarriage. November 21 – Celebrating Life, Strength and Grace: To conclude our fall focus on marriage, we will dedicate the entire worship service on the presence of the Lord at His table. This will be a wonderful time to bring our hearts, with all our cares, struggles and joys, before the Lord. November 28 – Telling the Stories of Thanksgiving: You are the sermon for this worship service! As is our tradition, Thanksgiving Sunday will be a time where the microphone is open for you to share your testimonies of God’s work in your life. Be thinking ahead of how you might share a brief praise or testimony with the church family.
P A G E 6
When Marriage Gets Complicated
When Marriage Gets Complicated
Celebrating Life, Strength and Grace
Telling the Stories of Thanksgiving
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]. _________________________________________________________
CARPENTERS Those who are gifted in a trade worthy of Jesus are needed to design and/or build bunk beds for Valley’s Gap Ministry. Contact Linda 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].
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]. _________________________________________________
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 leaders. This is a 2 hr. weekly commitment that has the opportunity to reap eternal rewards. Contact Jan at [email protected].
IT PROFESSIONALS
GOOD LISTENERS
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 church. Submit a sample of your writing ……just kidding! Contact Lanell at [email protected]. _________________________________________________
LANDSCAPERS Have you noticed that the shrubs are overtaking the rose bushes? Don’t wait for a church work day. Contact [email protected]. Loren will set you up with the tools you need. _________________________________________________
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].
MUSICIANS / WORSHIP LEADERS
WEB DESIGNERS
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.