D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 2

By Pastor Mike Sindelar

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 2

By Pastor Mike Sindelar

“For God so loved the world that He gave…”

My niece recently introduced her new boyfriend to our

family. We were all pretty impressed that he had the

courage to walk into a room full of Sindelars. Love certainly

has a way of getting us out of our comfort zone! Now that I

am seeing more and more of them on Facebook, it is clear

to see that they are a wonderful couple and seriously in

love. We are all excited for them in this stage of life where

love is exuberant and consuming.

For those who have a few more miles on the road of life, it

is understood that, as wonderful as they are, they are not

in themselves enough to sustain our relationships for the

long haul. Life has a way of molding, shaping, testing and

strengthening the love that takes root in those early days.

The depth of that love will be shaped by the events, people,

voices, messages and circumstances of life.

Not unlike our walk with Christ. Our identity in Christ,

resting in His opinion of us, should not be hard to figure

out. The concept is surrounded by amazing truths. Starting

with John 3:16 and the truths of God loving the world,

sending His Son and, because of His love for us, paying the

full penalty of sins. His love for us is seen in the way He

defends us, gives victory over those things that would stand

against us and leads us into His full life. Psalm 23 is another

well-read passage of truths regarding His abundant and

intentional love for us.

So why is it so hard for us

to simply dwell in that

love? If we know these

truths, and we do, why do we find ourselves struggling to

let His great love for us be the motivation and compass for

our hearts? Our r12 study of God’s Word has been taking

us into these very questions. I’m amazed at how critical it

has been to wrestle with our view of God and our identity

in Him.

The bottom line is that we can know the truths of God and

study His Word all of our lives but, we still find ourselves

listening to voices that cast a curtain over our

comprehension of God’s love for us.

Our r12 study and discussions this last week have surfaced

some observations. First, the words we speak are critical

to building others up. Our words are compared to gifts of

grace given to others. Second, properly placed expressions

of appreciation have deep impacts on our lives. Third,

parents play the leading role in our lives – as children or

adults – in shaping our identities. Dads, you take first

place in this role. In our small group discussion, several

comments in this area of love and identity began with,

“My dad…”.

As we enter the Advent season, it seems a good time to

practice what we are learning through r12. It means

leaning into the love of God. It also means going out of

our way to give gifts. Not tangible gifts, but gifts of words,

gifts of expressions of appreciation, gifts of grace.

Then the words, “For God so loved the world” will take

deeper root in our hearts.

I suffered through Physics, barely survived Chemistry, and got by

in Calculus. Math and science, to say the least, weren’t my

favorite subjects in school. But I always had an affinity for Algebra.

I liked how the complex formulas could be reduced in predictable

patterns. Familiar methods conquered the complexity of

intimidating equations. Figuring out a system of numbers and

letters was satisfying, maybe even reassuring.

In the last few years I’ve realized that I often approach ministry a bit

like Algebra. I have a tendency to think that I will be able to reduce

the complexity of ministry to a few predictable practices. I focus my

energy on developing methods I could apply to all situations or

groups of people. But I have been learning that ministry is not like

Algebra at all. Ministering to people—whether they grew up down

the street from me or a world away—is not a division of math or

even science. Ministering to people is an art.

Two events sponsored by ReachGlobal this fall drove that home for

me. The first was an event called Global Shift which prompted those

in attendance to consider how we do ministry in light of

globalization, increased partnership with Christians from the Global

South, and the biblical mandate for ministries of justice and

compassion. Statistically speaking, we have never had the chance to

work across national and ethnic lines to both speak out and live out

the gospel as we do today.

I was challenged to consider how this could impact the way we do

ministry, both at home and abroad. The U.S. is increasingly

multicultural and multi-lingual and virtually every city in Europe has

significant and diverse immigrant populations. Between migration

P A G E 2

for work or school, the global nature of the economy, and the

relative ease of transportation, we interact more frequently and

more substantially than ever before. We have an incredible

opportunity to not simply reach those in other cultures, but to work

with those from other cultures to reach other cultures. What better

way to demonstrate the availability and unitive force of the gospel

than to work in partnership with those people groups who were

once the aim of missions endeavors!

But I am the first to admit that this opportunity is also a challenge. It

can be cumbersome to work with others who don’t speak English as

a first language (or at all) and exhausting to work through

misunderstandings. Just the other day I was in the home of a young

European family and realized my body language was inappropriate

and maybe even offensive to them as hosts. If I had not become

aware of what I was doing, it would have had a negative impact on

our developing relationship.

But cultural frustration and misunderstanding can strike at an even

deeper level when we have to wrestle through culturally influenced

approaches to leadership, decision-making, teaching, learning or

scripture. There is no doubt that working in partnership with

Christians from other cultures to reach other cultures will take

intentionality, perseverance, humility and the power of God. But

with Christ at the center and the lost in focus, we can truly be

enriched by our differences rather than stuck by them.

The second event was a case study of ReachGlobal’s new ministry

initiative in Berlin. Berlin is a complex urban center with incredible

spiritual needs (often referred to as the “Atheist capital of Europe”

with around 63% claiming no religious affiliation whatsoever and

By Katie Dudgeon VEFC Missionary Serving in Madrid, Spain With ReachGlobal

about 1-2% evangelical) like many of the European cities in which

ReachGlobal works.

Immersed in a week of urban theology and vision casting, we were

exposed to new models of ministry in a city that is decidedly post-

Christian. Berlin may be one of the most prominent welcome mats

for post-Christianity in Europe, but Madrid is not far behind. The

political and religious influence of the Roman Catholic Church is still

strong among certain generations, but its spiritual impact is quickly

dissolving or absent among those under 40. I was challenged and

inspired to think outside of the ministry box and consider new ways

to relate to those who have no religious affiliation or are even

hostile toward organized religion.

Did I get answers to address the challenges I face in ministry right

now from these two events? No. Was I challenged to consider how

God might be working in new ways? Absolutely.

So join me in prayer as I figure out what it looks like to toss out the

formulas and pick up a paintbrush in Madrid. There is no answer

key to check, only a palette of colors to employ. Because ministry is

not a science—it’s an art.

____________________ 1 Approximately 61% of Christians in the world today hail from Sub-Sahara

Africa and Latin America, referred to as the “Global South.”

www.pewforum.org 2 Post-Christian is used to describe the shift away from Christianity in

particular areas of the world such as Europe, Canada and Australia where

Christianity and a Christian worldview once dominated but no longer

influence society and thinking like they once did.

Faith @ Home

10 Ways to Encourage Your Child’s Faith Through Serving Others this Christmas Season

1. Mix up a big batch of your favorite snack mix, trail

mix, etc. Put in small cellophane bags, tie with a pretty ribbon and have near the front door for when the mailman, UPS man, etc. comes by – then watch them smile!

2. Stack 8 birthday paper plates, 8 napkins, and 8 cups

– wrap in cellophane gathered at the top with a big bow. Tie on a tag that says, “Have fun celebrating Jesus’s birthday! “ Have the kids deliver these to several neighbors.

3. Be a “Secret Servant” to other family members:

Sneak in and make a sibling’s bed when they

aren’t around, Clear another’s plate from the table, Make a batch of hot cocoa and surprise the

rest of the family, Let a sibling go first when playing a game, Do a sibling’s chore before they get to it, etc.

4. Invite someone who doesn’t have anyone to spend

Christmas with, to spend the day with you and your family.

5. Deliver hot cocoa to a Salvation Army bell ringer. 6. Keep small gift bags in your car to give to homeless

people at intersections. 7. Offer to babysit someone’s children while they are

preparing for Christmas. 8. Pick out a missionary family overseas to send a care

package to for Christmas. 9. Write letters of love and encouragement to your

friends and family, as well as those who are lonely and hurting.

10. Shovel your neighbor’s driveway before shoveling

your own.

P A G E 3

P A G E 4

By Dustin & Jenny Veldkamp

I f you know anything about us Veldkamps, you probably know

that we LOVE to compete. We love to play games and we love to

win! We hate losing and we certainly never give up! And our girls?

Yes, they are watching and following right in our footsteps. You

should see them compete!

About 6 months ago, God laid it on our heart to direct this r12

campaign. We didn’t know why or how we were going to do it, but

we responded with obedience. We know now He wanted to speak

to US. That this is what it was going to take to open our eyes. We

were holding tightly to things of this world (health, family, house,

career), to our desires (financial stability), to our dreams (hobby

farm) and the list could go on and on. We didn’t realize how much

we valued and dreamt about these idols. When reading the

devotions, the statement that hit us was “if we control our life, the

best we can get is what this world has to offer from our hands”.

But, if we let God control, the possibilities are literally endless and

eternal! Why wouldn’t we want that?

So on November 14, we went on a

spontaneous (and very rare!) date,

so that we could peacefully talk

through this. We took poker chips

with us (much to the confusion of

our waitress!) and one by one we

took turns writing on the chips

exactly what we were going to surrender to the Lord. And yes, we

left some blank as we know there will be plenty more things we

need to surrender as the enemy will continue to battle. Then we

pushed the chips to the middle and together we said “We’re All In!”

We put them in a jar and now have that jar on our dresser to have

as a daily reminder of our total commitment to the Lord. We still

have dreams, but they no longer have control over our thoughts and

actions. We understand that if they don’t happen, it’s okay and that

God has something so much bigger in store for us. We want our

lives and our children’s lives to reflect God’s image and His will. God

has the biggest and best blessings waiting for us…and He has them

waiting for YOU too! It is with open hands and an open heart that

we surrender to the Lord. Now is when we put our life in the

dealer’s hand. And our girls? We pray that they WILL watch and

follow in our footsteps! Let the excitement begin!

We Veldkamps have surrendered. We’re not

competing in this world any longer. Yes, we are

giving up…we are giving up our life to Jesus Christ.

We are giving up control. We are ALL in! Will you

help us live it?

Have you surrendered? Are you ALL in? We would love to hear

your story!

R12 Update: 11 groups with 121 adults, all the Sunday school

classes and CRUX all committed to this journey.

r12 Daily Bible Reading Plan

Week 6 Week 7

In preparation for David & Jonathan Romans 12; 1 Sam 18: 1-16; Sam 19:1-10;1 Sam 20:1-17; 1 Sam 20:18-42

In preparation for Joseph Romans 12; Gen 37:1-3; Gen 39:1-23; Gen 45:1-28; Gen 50:15-26

r12 Campaign at-a-Glance

Date Focus Read

(r12 book) Small Groups

Week 6: Dec 2-8 Serving in Love Section 4 Session 5

Week 7: Dec 9-15 Supernaturally Responding... Section 5 Session 6

We had a fabulous Thanksgiving Dinner at the McGowans’ Home!

A huge thanks to the McGowans, and all the other people who gave up time and energy to make this event great!

12/16 Christmas Party

12/23 NO CruX

12/30 CruX is moved to Monday 12/31 followed by a

New Year’s Eve Overnighter

Party!

WANTED Adults (including

CruX parents) from Valley to disguise themselves and “hide” with the masses at Eden Prairie Center.

Students from CruX will be trying to find

and identify you!

To volunteer, email Jared Carpentier at

jaredc@valleyfree.org and attach a “normal” picture of

yourself for identifying

purposes!

DATE Saturday, December 15

PLACE Eden Prairie Center

SCHEDULE

5:45 pm—Hiders arrive at and mix in with the shoppers 6:00 pm—Students arrive and begin searching for hiders. 7:00 pm—Searching ends and everyone meets at the Food Court to find out who won! Then, go see “The Hobbit”, if you want. theater.

P A G E 6

O peration Christmas Child expects to deliver the 100-millionth shoebox this year since the inception of the project in 1993. Each box is

a gospel opportunity, a chance for a child to hear of the redeeming love of our Lord Jesus Christ. Each box opens the door for a local

ministry to connect with a child and build a relationship with potential for

eternal impact.

Each box is a gift and many hands are necessary to bring that eternal hope

to a child:

Hands which purchase items at the store

Hands to assemble boxes

Hands that deliver to a collection site

Hands that process the boxes and prepare for shipping

Hands that deliver to airplanes,

ships, trains

Hands that carry cartons of boxes to ministry connections in foreign

countries

Hands that hand a box to a child

Each set of hands that represents a heart that desires to give the greatest gift

of all, is preciously important.

Valley families contributed 123 shoeboxes this year

We received a total of 1067 as we served as a Relay Center in our area

Thank you to each who served as Relay Center volunteers

during Collection Week

Thank you to Bob Borner for use of his trailer and to all

who helped load it with cartons

Thank you to the more than 50 volunteers who took part

in the joyful fun at the Processing Center on December 1

Thank you to each Valley

person for giving your

hands and your heart to

this project.

by Candace Wisely

Here is a sneak peek at the lighting being added to the worship

center and hallways. Ever notice how we have bright spots and dark

spots within the

Worship Center? Have

you ever planned where

to sit by whether or not

you had enough light to

read your Bible? That

will soon be solved by

adding diffused light to

what we already have.

Four large chandeliers

will replace four of the

large canned lights,

which will bounce light off the ceilings and walls, helping to even

out the “hot spots” of light. We will also be replacing all of our

current light bulbs with energy efficient LED bulbs. This will save

money in electricity as well as soften the spotlight effect of our

canned lights.

As anyone on the worship team can tell you, there is not enough

light on the stage. Not unlike the rest of the worship center, it

matters where you stand as to whether or not you will have enough

light to read the music. To solve this, we will be adding 20 more

canned lights above the stage. Foyers and hallways will receive an

upgrade as well.

Historically, financial campaigns only collect about 80% of the

funds pledged. People forget, budgets get tight. But here at

Valley, the Light on the Hill campaign has collected 98% of the

pledged funds. And the remaining 2% is steadily being paid on a

regular monthly basis. Praise God for the faithful givers of

Valley Free!

Worship Center Renovations Get the Green Light

W hile everyone else was busy gorging on turkey, Greg

Swanson was at the church. Not to worship, but to work!

Actually he was using his work as a form of worship.

He pulled up carpet to reveal a hole in the floor that was 12’x4’x5’,

originally planned as a baptistery. Now filled with four and a half

feet of foam sheets and six inches of concrete, the floor will no

longer creak as you walk towards the stage.

By Lanell Plath

P A G E 7

I hope you’ve had a chance to check out what the church’s new library has to offer. If not, don’t forget

that our cold Minnesota winter is on its way and how very nice it would be to have some good reading

material or wholesome movies to cuddle up with. With December upon us, I want to feature a few of the

Christmas movies we have available for you to enjoy.

The first is fun for the whole family! Sit down and travel with everyone’s favorite vegetables to London.

Veggie Tales: The Star of Christmas is a fun filled adventure which teaches that it’s the true story of God’s

love that shows us how to love one another, not only at Christmas time but throughout the year.

Not sure you want to spend your evening with a tomato named “Bob” and his host of veggie friends?

Consider borrowing Christmas Child. This is appropriate for a more adult audience, however it is still

family approved. Christmas Child is Max Lucado’s holiday story about Jack, a man who finds himself

disconnecting from his job and family, but a detour through a small town leads him to discover his past

and face his future.

Or perhaps you’re looking for something centered around our Savior’s birth. You can travel to Israel with

Ray Vander Laan, a historian and teacher, to Israel. This non-fiction DVD uncovers fascinating truths

about the events surrounding the birth of Jesus. Look for The True Christmas Story: Herod The Great,

Jesus The King from Focus on the Family.

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and

especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Galatians 6:10

I love this town, it reminds of the town we came from. As our

group of Chaska residents heard the compliment, I’m sure a

small wave of affirmation rose up in each of us. We do live in a

nice town that feels small and family oriented.

In that same conversation it was also noted, by ministry

experience, that the issues of our culture have landed in our

‘nice, little town’ as well. The focus of our conversation went to

the issue of poverty and economic hardship. Several examples

were given of families and groups in our midst that are

experiencing very difficult times. “We drive by them every day

and don’t see them” said one of the pastors in our group.

At Valley Free, we see these same issues. The hardships not only

manifest in the community around us, but right here in our

church family. Though overwhelming at times, as Christians we

need to be aware and responsive to the needs around us.

How does Valley Free respond? How can you be part of the

Lord’s generosity in these situations?

Helping Hands – Though you can give to this fund at any time, we

encourage the Valley family to financially support those in

need around us when we celebrate communion every

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Called to be Generous

month. This fund is used primarily to support church

attenders/members in difficult times. Your financial gifts,

above and beyond your regular giving, go directly to help our

families.

Love INC – Valley Free is partnered with this local ministry for the

purpose of helping families in need in our area of Eastern

Carver county. Being part of our missionary family, Love INC is

supported monthly through your giving to the missions Faith

Promise. We occasionally take special offerings for Love INC as

well. There are also many opportunities to give of your time

and talents to this ministry.

Food Shelf Donations – Every month, we collect specific food items

that are then given to the local food shelf. Collected items are

communicated through the bulletin, newsletter and

church e-mails.

LifeGroup Ministry – Our small groups are urged to consider service

projects that they do together for the support and blessing of

others. One LifeGroup is considering adopting a family on an

on-going basis in order to be a blessing.

It is our desire that each of us, as members of God’s family here at

Valley Free, would take seriously our calling to serve one another

and to live generous lives. Join with us in extending God’s hand of

blessing to those around us!

By Pastor Mike Sindelar B

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SU 2 9:00 AM 10:30 AM 6:00 PM

SUNDAY SCHOOL, SMS & WORSHIP WORSHIP CRUX

M 3 7:00 PM MEN’S BIBLE STUDY

W 5 6:30 PM KIDS’ CHRISTMAS PAGEANT REHEARSAL

TH 6 7:00 PM WORSHIP TEAM REHEARSAL

SA 8 7:30 AM MEN’S MONTHLY BREAKFAST—Perkins

SU 9 9:00 AM 10:30 AM 6:00 PM

SUNDAY SCHOOL, SMS & WORSHIP WORSHIP CRUX

M 10 7:00 PM MEN’S BIBLE STUDY

W 12 6:30 PM KIDS’ CHRISTMAS PAGEANT REHEARSAL

TH 13 7:00 PM WORSHIP TEAM REHEARSAL

SA 15 8:30 AM 6:00 pm

KIDS’ CHRISTMAS PAGEANT REHEARSAL CRUX LEADER HIDE ‘N SEEK

SU 16 9:00 AM 10:30 AM 6:00 PM

WORSHIP (KIDS’ CHRISTMAS PAGEANT) WORSHIP (KIDS’ CHRISTMAS PAGEANT) CRUX CHRISTMAS PARTY

M 17 7:00 PM MEN’S BIBLE STUDY

TH 20 7:30 PM WORSHIP TEAM REHEARSAL

SU 23 9:00 AM 10:30 AM

WORSHIP WORSHIP

M 24 4:00 PM CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE

TH 27 7:00 PM WORSHIP TEAM REHEARSAL

SU 30 9:00 AM 10:30 AM

WORSHIP WORSHIP NO CRUX

M 31 6:00 PM CRUX STUDY & NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY

See bulletins for weekly updates/changes to this calendar

P A G E 9

M y husband Adam and I have two

dogs, Scruffy our miniature

schnauzer and Jasmine (Jaz) our boxer

puppy.

Where do you live?

Chaska, MN

How long have you been attending Valley? Four years

What Valley ministry are you involved in? Bread Ministry

How long have you volunteered in this ministry? Two years

How were you called into this ministry?

I 've always had a passion for helping people in need as well as

sharing God's word, particularly with those that do not know Him.

Adam and I were part of the original team that helped start the

bread ministry and volunteered to be leaders when we became

aware of the need. We have a great team of people and are

excited that a loaf of bread, or dessert, can open a door to share

the Gospel.

What blessings have you received from your ministry?

People that have simply needed staples have received them. Food

has been provided for special events where otherwise there

wouldn't be food. Donuts are often used by the Sunday Morning

Studies group. It has been a great outreach tool and has opened

several doors in our community.

Share something unique about yourself (experience or hobby):

Adam and I met in Washington DC on a youth trip, even though we

lived twenty miles apart our entire lives. We started dating August

20, were engaged August 20 and married August 20. God has

blessed us with many other things on the 20th as well (we closed

on our house, I got my job offer and our schnauzer was born).

We're excited to see what God has planned for us on 20ths in the

future.

952-448-6144

Fax: 952-448-5119

office@valleyfree.org

150 Engler Blvd

Chaska, MN 55318

40 jars

Peanut Butter

DECEMBER’S COMMITMENT

Want to go Somewhere Warm this Winter? Valley is considering a short-term mission trip this winter (probably one week in February) to either an orphanage in Mexico, or possibly to Jamaica or Haiti. Contact Mel Swanson with questions or to let him know you are interested at 952-448-2679 or melswanson@ymail.com. After we find out who is interested, we will meet to plan the trip.

The Church Office will be CLOSED from Christmas Day through New Year’s Day (in case of emergency call Pastor Mike)

NO Sunday School on December 16, 23 & 30