Upload
michael-sindelar
View
218
Download
2
Tags:
Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
News & Events from Valley Evangelical Free Church.
Citation preview
Choices vs. Priorities. . . Pastor Mike Sindelar
S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1
It’s probably too late to sound the warning
for the coming of fall and another turn of
the calendar page. It’s already here. To go
along with that, it is doubtless too late to
sound the warning that a deluge of choices
for the coming season are coming your
way. That truck has likely already backed
up to your house, too!
For families with children at home, it makes
my head spin to think of the choices you
face between school, church, sports, family
and work. For empty-nesters, the choices
might be different in nature but no less
overwhelming. No matter how hard we try,
the tide of choices always beckons us to
live in the tyranny of the urgent. It doesn’t
seem to take long to find ourselves living at
breakneck speed, feeling out of control of
our lives and exhausted.
So how do you choose among the
abundance of choices? As a fellow
struggler on this topic, let me take a stab
at developing a matrix for our thoughts.
1. Recognize that choices are not
priorities. Priorities, those goals and
purposes of our lives, are the matrix
for weaving our way through the sea
of choices we confront. When
priorities serve as our guide, choices are
put in their proper perspective.
2. Priorities need to reflect the global
picture of our lives. A choice positions
itself right in front of us, demanding our
attention and looking only at the
immediate view of life. A priority looks
down the road at a desired future. It also
considers all the aspects of life that will
be affected by the choice.
3. Priorities bring balance. Choices may
seek the pleasure of the moment, the
short-term outcome, the path of least
resistance. A priority will frame our
choices in light of our responsibilities,
loyalties and wisdom.
4. Priorities bring our values to the surface
of our lives. Whether we have quantified
it or not, we all have values that we live
Cont’d on p.2
P A G E 2
Choices vs. Priorities (cont’d)...Pastor Mike
by. As we face choices this coming season, we need to
clarify our values and ask ourselves if the desired
direction of our lives is served by the choice we make.
5. As followers of Jesus Christ, our values and our
priorities are based on His desired outcome in our lives.
God’s Word is our priority guidebook! We should run
every decision through the matrix of Scripture. Jesus
Himself said, “Seek first the kingdom of God…” Other
biblical priorities include raising up our children in the
way of the Lord, building in a Sabbath rest,
intentionally growing in Christ and active involvement
in the Great Commission, to name a few.
As a church, we want to help you establish biblical and
godly priorities for your family. We want to be an active
partner in you fulfilling God’s purposes in your life. In the
rush of choices, the temptation is to minimize your
participation in God’s community of Believers. Make your
spiritual development a priority!
Finally, as a pastor I urge you to seek Biblical priorities in
the choices you confront. Jesus offers a greater choice
when He says, "Take my yoke upon you, and learn from
me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest
for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is
light.” (Matthew 11:29-30)
Finally, again as a pastor, we will be seeking ways to help
you manage your priorities this year. I often joke that my
goal is to get people to the church at least four nights a
week. That joke is no longer funny…as a church, we desire
to bring you the pathway of the Lord and to collaborate
with Him in walking in the ease, grace and rest of His ways.
May our priorities as a church and as families, reflect His
priorities for our lives in the coming season.
Looking forward to a year of God’s favor at Valley.
PRESCHOOLERS (2-5 year-olds) will be
getting an overview of Old and New
Testament stories. They will use colorful,
cool, teaching tools (gizmos) to tap into
their God-given desire to play.
Kindergarten-1st graders will spend two
quarters experiencing God's view of family
and work. Third quarter they will explore
the Ten Commandments.
2nd and 3rd graders will study Jesus
Christ's life and ministry. Third quarter
they will encounter God's presence and
power among the early Christian church.
4th and 5th graders will spend two quarters
studying Bible Champions. Third quarter
they will experience the fascinating life of
David, a “man after God's own heart.”
P A G E 3
Another fall is here and another year of opportunity lay ahead of
us. Out of all the ministries in the church, perhaps none of them
change more than the nursery. Kids grow and move on. New
babies are born. New families start attending. As a result, we
need to always be ready with workers to handle any number of
children on any given Sunday.
Nursery workers come in all
shapes and sizes. Some are
parents of young children and
are working with their own
children as well as the other
children. Some are parents of
older children who are missing
their own little ones and using
this as an opportunity to serve
with their older child. Others
are grandparents who love to
sit and snuggle, love on the
little ones, and read stories that
not only entertain but teach. Some are teens that are looking for
an opportunity to serve in their church and love little children.
While we have many wonderful workers it’s always nice to
have a few more to add to our list. This avoids anyone from
becoming burned out and also shows that the church as a body
is in agreement on the importance of children’s ministry.
Perhaps you aren’t comfortable being a leader in a nursery. We
are always looking for assistants as well. This year they are
needed greatly in the infant nursery as we have had several new
babies lately (and a few on the way) that just need to be cuddled
and loved on. We’re looking for workers from ages 9-90 to be
assistants in our nurseries. We are looking for leaders as well.
There are many blessings for those who work in the church
nursery. Besides hugs and crayon drawings, the Bible has
specific promises about God’s presence when children are
welcomed and loved in Jesus’ name. (Mark 9:36-37)
Serving helps the church over all by allowing church goers to
focus on worship, rather than worrying about their children. 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.
Service is essential for our own spiritual growth. You may have
never looked at it this way, but a growing Christian is always a
serving Christian. The first (and sometimes lasting) feelings a
child will have toward church is formed in the nursery
department.
The church nursery is the first contact young families will have
with our church. Our friendly greeting and exceptional care for
their children can make a great first impression for our church.
If they don’t feel like their children are safe, they will not
return – and rightly so. At one point this last year I had a mom
tell me that their first impression with our nursery, as well as
their child’s positive reaction upon picking them up, was a big
decision in their decision to return to Valley.
Your service in the church nursery is also a powerful
opportunity for prayer. Imagine how God might begin to
change and work in this upcoming generation if every time you
worked in the nursery you would take a few minutes to pray for
these children.
I will be passing the job as Nursery Director to Amy
McGowan. She has graciously accepted to take on this task as I
move on to other areas. We will be working together this fall to
set up the new schedule so feel free to talk to Jan Schmit, Amy,
or myself if you’re interested in serving. Even if you do two
Sundays a year, you and the children will be blessed.
Thank you!
Nursery News...Janis Soule, Nursery Director
P A G E 4
allow Jon’s legacy to continue to be written through these
motorcycles that are being used to impact lives for eternity. In
His graciousness, He continues to turn our grief into a blessing
for pastors around the world.
Plans are underway for the 2011 Jon “Just Get ER Done”
Memorial Motorcycle Ride which will take place Sunday
September 25th, leaving once again from Fireman’s Park in
downtown Chaska to explore another beautiful route. We hope
that you’ll be able to join us for the bike ride and/or dinner as
we celebrate Jon’s life while raising funds for a cause that
reflects two of the passions of Jon’s heart – motorcycles and
Jesus!
___________________________________________________
Jon is the son of Valley members, Dave & Cindy Just, and he
grew up in the ministry of Valley Free Church. Jon died in a
motorcycle accident in 2004 at the age of 23.
Our hearts are filled with gratitude as we have watched God
use your precious financial gifts to the 2010 Jon “Just Get ‘ER
Done” Memorial Motorcycle Ride. We serve a BIG GOD!
Amazingly, over $17,500 was raised which was enough for
NINE motorcycles to be purchased for indigenous pastors -
eight bikes in Africa (divided between Kenya and Uganda) and
one in Peru!! These motorcycles are crucial in enabling these
pastors to reach remote tribes and people groups with the
love of Jesus.
We have also been reminded this past year that we serve a
loving God who cares about the details of each of our lives. On
May 29, 2010, Jon would have celebrated his golden 29th
birthday. That day was a difficult one for us as we wondered
how we might have celebrated that milestone with Jon. But,
God graciously knew we were in need of a “God sighting” and
provided us with an incredible way to remember that special
birthday - those nine motorcycles from 2010 bring the grand
total to 29!
We are truly humbled that God would
P A G E 5
P A G E 6
I work with a variety of people of all ages at ReachGlobal. My
co-workers and I strategize about the ENGAGE process, how
we can better prepare missionary candidates for their field of
service. You know, as I just wrote that statement, I thought to
myself, “How in the world could we ever improve on what
God is already doing in someone’s life to prepare them for
ministry?” But the reality is, followers of Christ need guidance
no matter who they are and especially those thinking about
overseas missions. I have the privilege of walking with them
as they take those steps of obedience. They have so many
questions and we discover what God is leading them through.
They are raising their ministry partners for prayer and financial
support. Some are very successful and full of joy and
gratefulness as they see God meet their needs and build their
support. Others struggle with figuring out what their priorities
are, who they should talk with or where to go. Inevitably, it is
an incredible journey as God takes them through some
significant trials along the way. God is building in them a
stronger faith and character because they will need it.
Sometimes, we think that missionaries or missionary
candidates have it all together. After all, they have made the
ultimate sacrifice. They are giving up their own desires for
God’s complete control of their lives and even to the point of
moving to another culture because of a deep desire to share
Christ. I continually see God at work in peoples live to get
their attention. Sometimes it’s obvious what the Lord is
working on and sometimes they are blind to it altogether.
More accurately, we are all in the ENGAGE process with God.
God continues to lead us through difficult times to learn to be
more like His son, Christ. He leads us right to them, if we like
it or not! We go through these sufferings because He loves and
wants the very best for us and to prepare us for greater things.
This year for Women’s Bible Study, we’re going to look at the
“fruit of the Spirit”. Paul is pretty clear to the folks in Galatia
BETH MOORE
. . . Sandy Sindelar, Women’s Minisries Coordinator
that they need to get their lives firmly planted on God’s grace,
the grace that gives us complete freedom in Christ and a life
filled with the Holy Spirit. Have you ever been around someone
that just radiates the “fruit of the Spirit” on a regular basis?
What does that look like?
Here’s what Galatians 5:22 & 23 says:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such
things there is no law.
I heard someone use the expression the other day, “this side of
glory”. Isn’t that just where we are? We want to follow God
wherever that might be, however we need to change, to be more
like him. All this takes place “this side of glory” to be ready for
our home for eternity. A life surrendered to Him today as He
works in us, pleases God. It’s living beyond yourself and
choosing to submit to His character. In the process, those who
don’t know Christ will see the “fruit of the Spirit” in us. What a
powerful way to let other’s see who God is, by surrendering our
lives to His Spirit.
We will meet every other Tuesday evening this fall beginning
October 4 at 6:45pm. I hope you can come. Let’s pray for a
great year as we walk together in His Spirit. Please invite your
friends to join us. Questions? Contact Sandy Sindelar at
P A G E 7
According to the Vision Council of America, approximately 75%
of Americans wear corrective eyewear. Why? To correct
blurred, confused, or poor vision. There are many reasons why
we need sight, none more integral than:
1. We like to see. If you are near a beautiful mountain
landscape, you enjoy seeing it. Vision brings you joy.
2. We need to see. If there is danger in the road ahead, you
need to avoid it. Vision brings you safety. If there is a task
to be done, you need to see what you are doing. Vision
produces.
The problem is, so often in the Christian life our sight is blurred,
confused, and poor. Although God is gracious enough to offer
us His Word to help clear our view, it’s not a guarantee that all
obstructions will be gone. It seems that far too often we are left
saying, “What is God up to? Where is He taking us? Why did He
allow this to happen? I don’t understand where I am to go, or
what I am to do.” Sounds familiar doesn’t it.
Rather than allowing frustration and doubt to creep in at those
moments, we need to heed the words of God to his servant
Habakkuk, “Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be
astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would
not believe if told” (Habakkuk 1:5). In this wonderful little book
of the Old Testament, Habakkuk is without vision and
understanding. He’s left saying to God, “None of this makes
sense! Why are you not doing something! Why do you idly
stand by as wrong is done!” God’s response, “I am doing
something.”
How encouraging is that! As we approach this upcoming
ministry season we do not know what God has in store. We do
not know who will fill the seats, or who will volunteer, or how a
particular event will make an impact. When our lenses are
scratched, our sight blocked, and our vision is blurred, there is
only one response, trust in the LORD, for He is up to something.
He is Up to Something . . .Pastor Andrew Peterson
...Candace Wisely
Now is the time to be collecting treasures for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. Goodies like small toys, school supplies and hygiene items are of great value to the children who receive these gifts. Just remember no liquids like glue, shampoo, conditioner etc…can be shipped in these boxes. Each box is delivered with the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Greatest Gift of All! As a church family we have 3 ways of participating this year: 1. Filling shoeboxes (last year we filled 125 boxes!) 2. Serving in our church as we are a Relay Center during the
week of November 14-20 (We will need volunteers for 2 hour shifts during this week.)
3. Serving on December 3 from 6:00-10:00 pm at the local collection Center (50 spots are reserved for VEFC!)
Questions? Contact Candace Wisely at 952-401-7994 or [email protected].
P A G E 8
From Ethiopia with Love . . . Dan & Karee Koepp
The past three months have been a
whirlwind in the Koepp household
with many changes and excitement
with the addition of Yoseph
Anthony to our family. Many of
you have heard our adoption story
and prayed with us as we have
been on this adventure. We are so
very grateful for your support and prayers as we
have witnessed the wonders that God has planned for us as a
family. We await the future wonders that He will provide as we
continue on this journey.
As we reflect on what has brought us to today, we cannot help
but feel David’s awe that he shares in Psalm 40:5…Many, O
Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you
planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and
tell of them, they would be too many to declare.
We have experienced so many wonders, that it is hard to know
where to begin. In 2001 we were first prompted by God to
explore adoption. At the time we simply desired to have a
family, but God had started to reveal His plan that we would
someday grow our family through adoption. As we welcomed
four biological children into our family, God continued to grow
our adoption desires by telling us that our family was not
complete. Our problem was we had our own preconditions
before we were willing to fully commit to God’s plan. That is
when He reminded us of His faithfulness. God took care of our
preconditions and cleared the path for us to follow Him. At
that same time, He opened our hearts to orphans and the
needs in Ethiopia leading us to our agency, All God’s Children
International. It was finally time for us
to take this leap of faith.
We started the paperwork in February
2010 and not until April did we actually
start the waiting process. Then after
almost 10 months of waiting, we
learned about Yoseph on February 24,
2011. We have been so blessed by
God’s provision throughout the
waiting process. There were
numerous changes in the
program in Ethiopia and
many decisions that needed
to be made, but God
provided us the answers and
ultimately led us to our son,
Yoseph. We prayed that
when we were matched
with a child that we would have confidence and know that the
child was chosen by God for our family. God reminded us even
in the small details that this is His plan. Yoseph was born on
January 16, 2011 which means he was likely conceived in this
world on April 23, 2010. This is the exact day that we received
approval from our agency on our adoption request. God
aligned so many details, big and small, for us to be united as
Yoseph’s forever family.
From the time of Yoseph’s referral in February to his
homecoming, we also faced a lot of challenges with changes in
the court process in Ethiopia, scrutiny by the US Embassy, and
travel difficulties. But throughout it all, we were sustained by
God’s faithfulness and the prayers of so many supporters. God
moved mountains, endless paperwork, and financial hurdles so
that Yoseph could be in our arms forever on Father’s Day and
was welcomed home by his excited sisters and brother June 24,
2011. God has performed many wonders throughout our
journey and He is continuing to share more wonders every day.
We still can’t even fathom what this means in God’s future
plans for Yoseph or us. But what we can be assured of is that
God’s plan is great and we just want to submit to His plan, fulfill
it, and praise Him for it. We encourage everyone to listen and
follow God’s will in your life. It may
mean caring for widows and orphans
or something completely different.
Like us, you may find yourself on a
rollercoaster ride with joyous highs
and terrifying lows. But the thrill of a
wild ride makes God’s blessings all the
more evident and awesome. By
following God and His heart, you will
be blessed beyond measure.
TH 1 7:00 pm Worship Team Rehearsal
SU 4 10:00 am Worship Service—Teen Challenge Choir
W 7 6:30 pm Missions Outreach Team Meeting
TH 8 7:00 pm Worship Team Rehearsal
SA 10 7:30 am Men’s Monthly Breakfast
SU 11 10:00 am 12:00 pm
6:00 pm
Worship Service Get Connected—food, fun, fellowship CruX
M 12 7:00 pm Men’s Bible Study
TU 13 7:00 pm Elder Board Meeting
W 14 SUNDAY SCHOOL REGISTRATION DUE TODAY
TH 15 7:00 pm 7:30 pm
Worship Team Rehearsal Web Team Meeting
SU 18
8:45 am 10:00 am 11:45 am
6:00 pm
Sunday School Worship Service Fishing Free-For-All (Men Only!) CruX
M 19 7:00 pm Men’s Bible Study
W 21 6:30 pm Missions Outreach Team Meeting
TH 22 7:00 pm Worship Team Rehearsal
SU 25
8:45 am 10:00 am 12:00 pm
6:00 pm
Sunday School Worship Service Jon Just Get ‘Er Done Motorcycle Ride CruX
TH 29 7:00 pm Worship Team Rehearsal
F 30 7:00 pm The Movie “Courageous” Opens (Eden Prairie AMC Theater)
See bulletins for weekly updates/changes to this calendar
P A G E 9
Where do
YOU fit in?
picnic... no need to bring anything to eat, it’s all provided!
kid’s activities... including Bouncy House, face painting, carnival & yard games
lawn chairs... feel free to bring them
952-448-6144
Fax: 952-448-5119
150 Engler Blvd
Chaska, MN 55318
Register online at valleyfree.org or pick up a form
in the foyer!
PLEASE REGISTER BY 9/14
With Dr. David Jeremiah
Begins Sept. 12th / / 7:00 pm