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The Greatness of God . . . Pastor Mike Sindelar
D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 0
W ho am I, O Lord GOD, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? And yet this was a small thing in your eyes, O Lord GOD.
II Samuel 7:18b-19a
The great King David had
noble intentions. He wanted
to build a house for the Lord.
As David surveyed the
situation, he concluded that
if he, the King, lived in a
beautiful palace, then why
should the Lords dwelling be
a tent? David determined to
build a new temple for the
Lords presence. Sounds
good and noble. Even his
advisor, the prophet Nathan,
said it was a good path.
The response from God was
slightly different. Gods
concern was less about the
house (He would build it
later) and more about what
He was doing for His people.
God graciously reviewed His
redemptive purposes with
Israel, His work in the Kings
life and His promised
blessings for Davids family
future.
Gods plan and activity is
always bigger than we
imagine. His directions will
often lead us to places we
could not have anticipated.
Time and again, His promises
and blessings overwhelm us
when they come into focus.
When King David understood
the path God was etching out
in his life and future, he
responded with humility,
meditation on the works of
God and a profound sense of
worship.
As the calendar turns over to a
new year, it is naturally a time
of reflection on where we have
been. There is also a sense of
curiosity, mixed with
intentionality, to look over the
fence into the year that lies
before us. As we do so, we do
well to take the posture of
King David as seen in II Samuel
7:18-29.
Yes, we need to see the
activities, the blessings, the
directions and circumstances
that have shaped our lives. But
we need to see behind them
and consider the work of God
in both the past and the
future. What is He doing in
our lives? What is He
teaching me? What is He
calling me to? What promise
and blessing does He want to
lead me into? How is He
portraying His greatness in
my life? How is He leading
not only me, but His people?
As this frames our
meditations and planning,
we see Gods greatness and
our life in relation to Him.
Like David, we then align our
desires, our plans, our lives
with what He is doing rather
than our own finite wisdom
and ideas. In that place, that
condition of the heart, God
shows Himself strong,
mighty, merciful and
gracious. As David
concluded, Therefore you
are great, O Lord God. For
there is none like you
May the greatness of God be
seen in our lives this coming
year, may our plans and
efforts be led by His Spirit
and may the meditations of
our hearts be overwhelmed
with the fullness of God!
P A G E 2
Answers in Genesis Presents: NOT ASHAMED Romans 1:16-17. . . .Jim Bentson
We live in interesting and chaotic
times. We also live in skeptical times,
where much of the world thinks of
truth as a fleeting thing, relative to the
situation and one's particular
viewpoint. That lack of a solid
foundation of truth leads to doubt and
hopelessness. Perhaps the words from
a Beatles song communicates fairly
well the hopelessness of lives without
Christ.
He's a real nowhere man, sitting in his
nowhere land, making all his nowhere
plans for nobody. Doesn't have a point
of view, Knows not where he's going
to -- Isn't he a bit like you and me?
But we, who have faith in the Lord
Jesus Christ, have access to the an
absolute, reliable, and eternal truth
The Word of God. This truth has been
revealed to give us a sure hope, to
enrich our minds, and to change our
hearts into Christ-likeness. Is our faith
in Jesus Christ and His Word
reasonable? Or is it that we try to mix
the Biblical worldview and the many
God-less worldviews together? If we
do that, just what do we have?
Compromise? A weakened witness?
I Peter 3:15 tells us:
But if questioned, how do we answer
the propositions of evolution and
other ingrained worldly thinking?
Isn't evolution a proven scientific fact?
Therefore, isn't the creation account
as given in Genesis unreasonable?
Since our faith is in Jesus, we should
consider what he said about these
things.
When questioned by a particular
Pharisee, Jesus said:
This tells us that when considering the
redemptive work of Jesus on the cross
as recorded in the Bible, we need to
consider the authority and
truthfulness of the entire Word of
God. If we cannot have confidence in
Genesis 1:1, can we have confidence
in John 3:16? After all, Jesus also
said:
Valley will soon be sponsoring an
Answers in Genesis (AIG) conference
I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will
you believe if I speak of heavenly
things? (John 3:12)
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the
hope that you have.
I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter,
nor the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law
until everything is accomplished. (Matthew 5:18)
that is designed to help us find
reasoned answers to the skeptical
questions of our time in a way that
your family can understand and enjoy.
You will be better equipped to help
those who are searching for something
to believe in.
It will be an exciting time learning from
an experienced communicator of
God's truth with some very interesting
subjects.
_________________________
About the speaker, Jim
Gardner...
As a lecturer and
adjunct speaker for
the Institute for
Creation Research
and Answers In
Genesis, Jim has
taught extensively
on the subject of creation vs. evolution
in the United States and
internationally in churches, schools
and colleges since 1993. Eight trips for
field work to Grand Canyon in the last
10 years have provided outstanding
training on the subject of Grand
Canyon and the global flood.
Additional field trips to the Grand
Circle, Yellowstone, Yosemite and
Glacier National Parks, Chichen-Itza,
Machu Picchu, Cuzco and Angkor Wat
have provided firsthand experience in
geology and archeology.
P A G E 3
Is the Bible True? New Archeological Discoveries and Historical Evidence
Carlos Fernandez, FaithSearch International Evangelist, shares the reasons that lead him from doubt to faith. As a ReachGlobal missionary, Carlos proclaims the Gospel with evidence in churches, colleges and high schools in his native Peru.
8:45 AM Sunday Morning Studies - Carlos Fernandez Testimony/Ministry 10:00 AM Worship Service - The Reliability of the Bible
Admission is FREE Attend any or all sessions.
Childcare is available during all sessions, with a DVD presentation being shown during the Worship Service and 6 PM Sunday session.
Resource books from Answers in Genesis and Canopy Ministries will be available for sale in the foyer.
For more information, contact Jim Bentson at 952-448-4697 or check out www.answersingenesis.org/go/chaska
SATURDAY, JANUARY 15
7:00 PM - Aliens, UFOs and Incredible Creatures
Is interstellar space travel really possible? What about
space travel at the speed of light? What are the physics
involved? Are UFOs real and if so, what are they? Are
there really aliens, extraterrestrials or other life out there?
What about those incredible creatures that we see coming
out of Hollywood? Could they be rooted in reality?
SUNDAY, JANUARY 16
8:45 am - Those Terrible Dinosaurs (Arrive early, as this
session will begin promptly at 8:45)
Where did dinosaurs come from? When and why did they
become extinct? Are there dinosaurs alive today? We will
discuss the theories developed by man versus the
historical reason recorded in the Bible.
10:00 am - Consequences of the Path You Choose
There are 2 paths in life. Evolution is a faith based belief
system that teaches that man is the god in control of his
own life, while creationists believe that God created the
universe and all living things out of nothing. You can
choose to believe either one, but there are consequences
that come with the choice you make.
6:00 pm - Why Question Biblical Authority?
This lecture deals with the compromise that Christians
make in trying to add millions of years to the Bible and the
different ways they try to do that. The day-age theory,
Progressive creation, Theistic evolution and the Gap theory
are dealt with in some detail. What are the consequences
of compromising with the religion of evolution?
7:30 pm - Fossils, Grand Canyon and the Flood
Is evolution true science while creation is just religion? Is
the fossil record evidence for evolution? Where do fossils
come from and how do they form? Does it really matter if
the flood was local or global?
Answers in Genesis prepares Christians to defend and
share their faith with boldness and confidence. To find
out more about AIG go to www.answersingenesis.org.
P A G E 4
BUSY! . . .Mary Lou Menning, Sparks Director
BUSY! That word describes our
lives most of the time, but never
more than at this season of the
year. It is also descriptive of Valleys
Awana club during the month of
December. Cubbies have been
busy decorating Christmas
ornaments for their parents.
Sparkies have been busy learning
about Jesus death and resurrection
and making a Hosanna wall where
they wrote down why they are
thankful for
Jesus.
T&Ters have
been busy
shopping at
the Awana
store and making snowflake
decorations. Leaders have been
busy building relationships with
their clubbers as they listen to them
recite their verses. Secretaries have
been busy keeping records and
ordering awards because the
clubbers have been busy passing
lots of sections as they memorize
Gods Word. Clubbers have been
busy bringing their friends to club.
We have 175 children who are part
of Awana: 41 Cubbies, 70 Sparkies,
and 64 T&Ters. WOW!
Our club has
also been busy
being generous.
Our missions
project for
December was
to collect hats,
mittens and
scarves for
The School
Locker, a Gap
Ministry of LOVE Inc. We collected
44 hats, 39 pairs of mittens and 6
scarves. Clubbers also gave an
offering of $100 toward the same
ministry. WOW!
At the end of club on December 15,
everyone gathered in the
Worship Center to sing
Christmas carols and focus
on the real reason for
Christmas. We also enjoyed
the annual Christmas cookie
party afterwards. The entire
front of the Worship Center
was filled with clubbers and
leaders. The back rows were
full of parents who had come
to join in the celebration. So
many people attended that it
was Standing Room Only
around the walls and out into
the foyer. WOW!
A little over 2000 years ago, a tiny
baby was born, unnoticed by all but
his parents and a few shepherds.
His name was Jesus, the Promised
Savior, who left the splendor of
heaven to live in this dark, dirty
world for 33 years. He died on the
cross to take the punishment for
our sin. Because of His sacrifice, we
were spared the consequences of
our sin eternal separation from
God. WOW!
But, He didnt stay dead. Three
days later, Jesus rose from the
grave, triumphant over death.
Because of the resurrection, we
have HOPE! Hope of a relationship
with God, hope of salvation, hope
of heaven. Life is worth living,
songs are worth singing, and
holidays are worth celebrating.
WOW!
P A G E 5
atmosphere is one of hard work,
joy and fellowship as teams work
together to ready shoeboxes for
their final destinations. Please
pray for the hearts of the young
recipients as they eagerly receive
these shoeboxes of gifts to also
be equally receptive to the life
saving message of the gospel of
Jesus Christ. Pray each child
chooses to join with the local
ministry partners to do the 12-
week follow up discipleship
program and for family members
to also come to know the Lord
Jesus Christ as Savior!
Nearly 30 Valley Free members
embraced one more opportunity
to be a part of the Operation
Christmas Child ministry on
Saturday, December 4th. Having
one of the seven OCC Processing
Centers in the country in the
Minneapolis area is a unique
opportunity. A Processing Center is
where shoeboxes filled with toys,
hygiene items and school supplies
are examined, sorted and
prepared for shipping to many
countries around the world. The
...Candace Wisely
During our
Winter session
for Women's
Bible Study we
will offer a
study on the
life of Jonah. God interrupted Jonah's
life for a greater purpose than his own
comfort. This study caught my
attention, because those interruptions
come around in my own life and often
times I don't really like them. I like to
keep my nice schedule, there is security
in it and then along comes something
that is not part of the plan!
I am Jonah.
I want to serve God
as long as it is convenient.
I desire to do His will
until it is a tad uncomfortable.
I want to hear His Word
as long as its message
is one Im supposed
to pass on to someone else.
I dont want to have
my plans interrupted.
Oh yes. I am Jonah,
and I suspect that in
one way or another, you are too.
Jonah: Navigating a Life Interrupted
What do we do when God interrupts
our lives? Many times, like Jonah, we
run! In this 7-session Bible study, the
author, Priscilla Shirer, redefines
interruption and shows that
interruption is actually God's invitation
to do something beyond our wildest
dreams.
Women's Bible Study will begin
Tuesday, January 18 and meet every
other Tuesday evening at 6:45
pm. Come join us as we uncover what
God intended for Jonah and for
you. See you there!
Jonah: Navigating a Life Interrupted...Sandy Sindelar
P A G E 6
Prevention Against Influenza: What Can I Do? ...Linda Kozicky, RN, Parish Nurse
The single best way to protect against the flu is to get
vaccinated each year. The seasonal flu vaccine protects
against three influenza viruses that research indicates will be
most common during the upcoming season. The 2010-2011
flu vaccine will protect against 2009 H1N1, and two other
influenza viruses. (an H3N2 virus and an influenza B virus).
The viruses in the vaccine change each year based on
international surveillance and scientists' estimations about
which types of strains of viruses will circulate in a given year.
About 2 weeks after vaccination, antibodies that provide
protection against influenza virus infection develop in the
body, so it helps to get vaccinated early in the season.
Yearly flu vaccination should begin in September or as soon as
vaccine is available, but you can receive the
vaccine throughout the influenza season, into December,
January, and beyond. This is because the timing and duration
of influenza seasons vary. While influenza outbreaks can
happen as early as October, most of the time influenza
activity peaks in January or later.
Vaccine effectiveness: the ability of a flu vaccine to protect a
person depends on the age and health status of the person
getting the vaccine and the similarity or "match" between the
viruses or virus in the vaccine and those in circulation. There
of course are no guarantees that you won't get the flu.
The "Flu Shot"-an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus)
that is given with a needle, usually in the arm, is approved for
use in people older than 6 months, including healthy people
and people with chronic medical conditions.
The "Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine" a vaccine made with live,
weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu (sometimes
called LAIV for "live attenuated influenza vaccine" or Flumist)
is approved for use in healthy people 2-49 years of age who
are not pregnant.
Side Effects: Different side effects can be associated with the
flu shot and LAIV. The flu shot can cause soreness, redness or
swelling where the shot was given, low grade fever, aches
that usually begin soon after the shot and usually last 1-2
days.
The viruses in the nasal-spray vaccine (LAIV) are weakened
and do not cause severe symptoms often associated with
influenza illness, but may cause runny nose, wheezing,
headache, vomiting, muscle aches, fever.
Talk with your primary care doctor to see if getting the
influenza vaccine is right for you and your family.
MEXICOMEXICOMEXICO MISSIONSMISSIONSMISSIONS
TRIPTRIPTRIP 201120112011
February 19February 19February 19---26, 2011!26, 2011!26, 2011!
ContactContactContact
Mel Swanson for more Mel Swanson for more Mel Swanson for more info.info.info.
ServingServingServing an orphanage an orphanage an orphanage
through construction through construction through construction projects and activities projects and activities projects and activities
with the kids!with the kids!with the kids!
P A G E 7
Classifieds 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].
Use your creative skills in electronic media to share life at Valley Free with the world. Contact Lanell 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
IT PROFESSIONALS
creating new promotional literature for the 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]. 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].
SU 2 10:00 am Worship
M 3 12:30 pm 7:00 pm
White Cross Mens Bible Study
W 5 6:00 pm Awana Club Night
TH 6 7:00 pm Worship Team Practice
SA 8 7:30 am Mens Monthly BreakfastPerkins
SU 9 8:45 am 10:00 am 6:00 pm
Sunday School Worship CruX
M 10 12:30 pm 7:00 pm
White Cross Mens Bible Study
TU 11 7:00 pm Elder Board Meeting
W 12 6:00 pm Awana Club Night
TH 13 7:00 pm 7:30 pm
Worship Team Practice Web Team Meeting
SA 15 7:00 pm Answers in Genesis Conference: Aliens, UFOs, and Incredible Creatures
SU 16
8:45 am 10:00 am 6:00 pm 6:00 pm 7:30 pm
Sunday SchoolAIG Conf: Those Terrible Dinosaurs WorshipAIG Conf: The Consequences of the Path you Choose AIG Conf: Why Question Biblical Authority? CruX All-Nighter AIG Conf: The Fossils, Grand Canyon, and the Flood
M 17 12:30 pm 7:00 pm
White Cross Mens Bible Study
W 19 6:00 pm Awana Club Night
TH 20 7:00 pm Worship Team Practice
SU 23 8:45 am 10:00 am 9:00 pm
Sunday School Worship CruX
M 24 12:30 pm 7:00 pm
White Cross Mens Bible Study
W 26 6:00 pm Awana Club Night
TH 27 7:00 pm Worship Team Practice
SA 29 All Day All Day
CruX Student Ministries Team Retreat Womens Scrapbooking Day
SU 30 8:45 am 10:00 am All Day
Sunday School Worship CruX Student Ministries Team Retreat
M 31 12:30 pm 7:00 pm
White Cross Mens Bible Study
GOOD LISTENERS
MUSICIANS / WORSHIP LEADERS
WEB DESIGNERS
Be a VOLUNTEER And reap the BLESSINGS!
150 Engler Blvd
Chaska, MN 55318
952-448-6144
Fax: 952-448-5119
JANUARYS FOCUS: 15 oz. canned
PEAS and CORN
15oz cans ONLY! Thank you!
Tuesday, January 18
Meets every other Tuesday 6:45 pm
See you there! (See page 5 for details)
ALL-NIGHTER: January 166:00 pm
SMT RETREAT: January 29-30
Bountiful Basket Food Shelf