J U N E 2 0 1 2

Churched youth who view their mom as very religious – 48%

Churched youth who view their dad as very religious – 23%

Churched youth who have experienced fam-ily devotions, prayer or Bible reading in the home (in any form) – 27%

Learning from the Facts

I love research. For example, recent research has revealed that coffee has many health benefits

associated with it. That’s all I need to know. In fact, that’s all I know – they said coffee is good for you.

Why let the rest of the facts get in the way? Pass the coffee.

There are also times when I don’t care for research. In fact, when the research goes against my own

notions I would prefer to disregard the information!

In a recent sermon on the topic of our responsibility to raise our kids for Christ, I came across some

unpleasant information. It is quite an indictment on the church. This survey was of kids IN the church and

measures the parental involvement in the spiritual lives of our kids. Here it is…

Now I don’t like research anymore. These findings hit just a little too close to home.

If we add in the fact that most kids who leave the church following high school leave because of the

hypocrisy they see around them, well, it just gets a little too uncomfortable.

There is some local evidence that we need to consider. On June 10, we are going to celebrate the

graduation of an extraordinary group of seniors at Valley. We have some kids who have matured in Christ

and life. The more I interact with them, the prouder I am of who they have become.

More evidence that we need to consider: we have a group of young families who are passionate about

raising their kids in the grace and knowledge of Jesus. When I see the children of those parents in Sunday

School singing praise and learning about Jesus, I can’t help but trust that the Lord is going to do a great

work in their lives.

Yet, if I understand Deuteronomy 6 correctly, these things don’t happen automatically. As parents, and as

a church community, we need to be hyper-intentional about bringing Jesus into every aspect of these

young lives.

There are lots of tools we can employ in the task of raising godly kids. For example, one thing you can do

today is to simply go down the list of the research statements listed above. Determine today to take one

of those and turn it around in your home.

Churched youth who have experienced a family service project – 29%

Churched youth who have talked with mom about faith – 28%

Churched youth who have talked with dad about faith – 13%

[Quoted from the Faith@Home presentation by Mark Holmen]

Continued on page 2

by Pastor Mike Sindelar

P A G E 2

Learning from the Facts (continued from p.1)

As a church, we intend to do all we can to model, proclaim and encourage the gospel in the lives of our kids. We are also going to be more

intentional about giving parents the tools they need for this critical responsibility. We’ve already started. You may have noticed that our last

child dedication ceremony included the grandparents. They not only stood with the family, they also gave a blessing. It is a picture of the

extended family, the parents and the church community committing to instill the gospel in the kids. Another example is the recent gifting of

Bibles to two of our second graders. The presentation included a Bible that had the parents’favorite verses underlined. They also wrote

blessings to their kids on the inside cover. Together, we are committed to giving this precious gospel to our kids.

In the coming year, we are planning to incorporate training times for both parents and kids on how to practice the art of spiritual

development in the home. Topics will include: how to pray with your kids, how to help your child understand communion, how to pray

blessings over your kids, how to have family devotions, etc. The list goes on.

Our desire is to take seriously our value of family and to go deeper in the practice of it in our church community. We also pray that Valley

Free becomes known as a place where families can come to gain a solid foundation in this living faith we have been entrusted with.

Very cool. May it be so and may the Lord be blessed and praised in our families.

W e are excited to announce that Jared Carpentier has agreed

to assume the position of Interim Student Ministry Director

for the summer. Jared will begin his duties on Tuesday, May 29 and

will work church staff and the student ministry leadership team to

facilitate student ministry this summer. We are happy that Jared

will be leading this important ministry during a time transition. He

will do a great job for Valley Free and for our students!

We asked Jared to share about his background so that you might get

to know him…

I grew up in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, where I attended Coon Rapids Evangelical Free church since I was a child. I was brought up knowing much about God, declaring Christ as my savior when I was quite young. When I was 14, I invited my cousin to Youth Group. I found that this was one of the best decisions I could have made because he earnestly attended everything, therefore encouraging me to do the same. Two years later I went on a mission trip to Guatemala where I heard the voice of the Lord calling me into ministry. I was baptized along with 13 others in the pool at the restaurant that same night. I graduated soon after, but had no desire or influence to seek further studies, so I began working as a painter apprentice. While doing so, I stayed active as a youth leader in my church. It took a couple more years to feel God calling me back to school-and it was Crown College. I was fortunate to meet a friend at school that influenced me to work two summers at Camp

Shaminaeu as a Counselor and later as Summer Adventure director.

In college I was blessed to meet the most amazing woman in the world, Nicci Christine Stultz, to whom I am engaged to be married to this August.

I love the sport of rock climbing, being by far the most incredible physical challenge I have come by yet. I also love outdoors, but comically bugs annoy me so it creates a hindrance. I have a passion for hunting, and a deathly fear of spiders.

I have a desire today to be a youth worker because of my youth pastor from my junior and senior high years. Overall, I am overwhelmingly thankful that God has brought my life from no direction three years ago, to now being fully guided by His love. Throughout my upbringing, I have realized that life is consistently and fervently giving over one's own desires for Christ's, one of my favorite verses being John 3:30. I have been very blessed to work with Valley Free Church and I cannot wait to see what God has in store for the summer!

Interim Youth Director Joins VEFC Staff by Pastor Mike Sindelar

Update By Jayme Wisely

God is good…all the time!

T he Light on the Hill campaign is just another example of God’s goodness to our church body. Over the past several weeks we have been

participating in a capital campaign to remodel our church facility. The campaign’s namesake highlighting our physical location in

Chaska and our intent to continue to be a light for the community we serve as we continue to share the love of Christ.

The objective of the remodeling project is to update our facility and make it more appealing for regular attenders and visitors. The capital

campaign has been underway for just over three months and has raised a total of $161,000. The generosity of our congregation has been

humbling to the design team that is now transitioning from the design phase to construction decisions. During the next couple of weeks the

team will make priority decisions based upon the greatest needs for our facility and the ongoing receipts of donations to the campaign. The

team will announce the initial projects and timing in June, once the priorities have been identified and approved by the Elder Board.

I want to personally thank everyone who has made a commitment to prayerfully and financially contribute to this campaign. Your

dedication to the long-term health of our church is an awesome reminder of the goodness that God has showered upon our church family.

If you so desire, you may continue to make contributions to the Light on the Hill campaign throughout the calendar year to help finance the

construction process. As we committed to the congregation, we will not take out construction loans which would affect our debt structure,

so we are reliant upon gathering the donations sooner than later to fund the construction costs. Thank you again for your support in

making Valley a valuable ministry facility in our community.

BEGINS JUNE 3!

SUNDAY Worship serviceS begin AT 9:00am

No Sunday School

Nursery for 2 & 3 YEAR OLDS will be

combined in the Toddler 2's room

P A G E 3

P A G E 4

S peaking of God’s power, Ephesians 3:20-21 addresses God as,

“the one who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask

or imagine.” That’s incredible! I’m a dreamer, so I can imagine quite

a bit, yet this passage says that God has the ability to blow me

away, by doing things so big that I couldn’t even dream them up.

Wow!

This is something the Lord has been working over at the CruX of our

student ministries. In youth group we recently asked the question,

“When was the last time you were blown away by God?” The

answer of “never” or “a long time ago” was far too common among

us. The reality is, we serve a big and powerful God who is simply

waiting to blow us away. But it doesn’t happen by us simply sitting

around waiting for it to happen. It takes initiative from us to get off

of our couch, out from behind the computer, and do seemingly

crazy things that God can bless.

So this is exactly what CruX did for the 30 Hour Famine on

May 12-13. We got out of the house, stepped out in faith, and saw

God work. Thirteen of us spent the day together, fasting, praying,

worshiping, serving, and fundraising— all with the expectation that

God would blow us away. And that He did. As we served in North

Minneapolis we saw God’s heart for the broken. While we washed

cars in the Valley parking lot, we saw God provide by sending us

cars to wash and neighborhood kids to help wash them. When we

went door to door seeking donations, we saw God’s grace in using

those who have much by giving to those who have little.

We are fast approaching a $10,000 total raised by these students,

over the last few years, in an effort to feed starving children around

the world. It’s accurate to say God has blown us away. Why would

He choose to use us to bless the nations, because He is good. We

expected Him to blow us away as we got off our butts to put His

words into action, and He delivered.

By Pastor Andrew Peterson

Blowing Us Away

F lorina is a beautiful, full-of-life nine-year old girl. Since

coming to the kids program sponsored by our sister-church

in Romania, her life has been consumed with a genuine joy in

the Lord. Those around her see the life of Jesus in her life.

You would never know she is a poster child to describe the

reason a church in the neighborhood of Razboieni is such a ray

of light and hope. She is also an example of the Holy Spirit

doing amazing things in our midst without our ever knowing it. You

just never know. Hold on. This is an amazing story.

Two years ago, 7-year old Florina travelled to Italy with her mother,

Mihaela. Her mother’s sister, Clara, also travelled with them. The

trip was an expedition of hope as they sought medical treatment

that would halt the progression of cancer in her mother, Mihaela.

One morning during their stay in Italy, the three of them were

interrupted by an intrusion of gun-toting mafia men into the home.

During the invasion, the men abducted Florina.

For a week, Mihaela and Clara had no idea where Florina had been

taken. Their desperate pleas at the police station were met with

hopelessness. The police had too many missing children to deal

with. They couldn’t give time to Florina’s disappearance.

Frantic to do something, Clara and Mihaela hired a private

investigator to look for Florina. He soon found her. Florina had been

taken to a home where abducted children were being held. They

were being forced to beg on the streets during the day. The women

who managed them were prostitutes who worked the nights. No

one knows the depth of the abuse Florina suffered in her captivity.

It was discovered, however, that Florina was about to be sold for

$80,000 to a group of men from another part of the world.

Some time later, without hope of a medical solution for Mihaela’s

cancer, the trio returned to Pitesti and their home in the Razboieni

neighborhood. Mihaela died months later, leaving Florina with her

last relative, Clara (Florina’s father died when she was two). Both

aunt and niece were left to sort out their new life together.

No one at the church knew this story. They only knew Florina was a

regular participant in the kids’ program. She is full of life and God

was doing an amazing transformation in her heart as she continued

to grow in the grace of Jesus.

Florina By Pastor Mike Sindelar

P A G E 5

Aunt Clara, like the rest of us, faced the same choice of life or

bitterness. She chose bitterness.

One evening, Clara accompanied Florina to worship. She pulled

Pastor Cristi aside before the study and told him that she hated God

and everything He stood for. But she stayed for the Bible study!

Later, she approached Cristi again. This time the story was changed.

Clara had seen the love of Jesus in the joy of Florina. She knew she

needed that life. God had been using Florina and the ministry team

in Razboieni to turn her heart to God. “First of all, I saw how happy

and enthusiastic Florina was, every time she came from your

program. Second, I listen to you with how much passion you talk

about your God and I started to think, why…. After all this I changed

my mind about God.”

Cristi and his wife, Cami, spent three hours in the mall visiting with

Clara and Florina. Clara shared her story. She said that she has

experienced a new freedom in Christ because she had accepted

God’s forgiveness for her attitude towards Him. According to Cristi,

Clara cried like a baby for the three hours they were together. Clara

is overwhelmed with the thought of God’s love for her.

We’re all overwhelmed. God is amazing! We pray, we obey, we step

out in faith to lead others to a living worship of our Lord. But we can

never imagine the life stories that are being redeemed, without our

realizing it, right before our eyes.

Pray for Clara and Florina to continue to walk in the blessing of

God’s love. Pray for the thousands of people in Razboieni who have

yet to hear about this amazing love. Praise God for the new church

plant in a neighborhood that desperately needs to know the hope

of Jesus.

Florina (far right) playing with Pastor Golas’ kids

Florian and Aunt Clara

P A G E 6

BRIAN HORNER—Southwest Christian High School

COLLEGE: Northwestern College, St. Paul FAVORITE VERSE: Isaiah 40:31—But those who hope in the Lord, will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles: they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. FAVORITE CRUX MEMORY: Sky Zone, human jungle gym, all-nighters, Mighty Ducks marathon, and many more...

ALEXIS JOHNSON—Chaska High School

COLLEGE: North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota MAJOR: Pre-Med FAVORITE VERSE: Psalm 118: 24—This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. FAVORITE CRUX MEMORY: All of the SMT retreats, but my favorite was probably the John Bear Grease one in Duluth.

JOEL LARSON—Chaska High School

COLLEGE: St. Cloud Tech MAJOR: Plumbing FAVORITE VERSE: Mark 12:30-Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. FAVORITE CRUX MEMORY: District Blitz with Sean McDowell, putting popcorn in Skin’s nose and licorice in his mouth at a lock-in while he was sleeping!

MOLLY LARSON—Norwood Young America High School COLLEGE: Concordia College, Moorhead MN MAJOR: Chemistry and Biology/Pre-Med FAVORITE VERSE: Jeremiah 29:11— For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. FAVORITE CRUX MEMORY: My favorite memories are of all the intense games we have played like scatter and broomball.

SEAN MALONE—Southwest Christian High School

COLLEGE: Moody Bible Institute (Spokane, Washington) MAJOR: Bible Exposition FAVORITE VERSE: 1 John 1:9—If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. FAVORITE CRUX MEMORY: It’s a tie between Districts 2009, SMT Retreats at the Brandts’ Cabin and Grand Marais, and 30-Hour Famine 2010.

MONICA OHNSORG—Chanhassen High School COLLEGE: Hope College – Holland, MI MAJOR: Bio-Medical Engineering FAVORITE VERSE: Psalm 143:8—Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. FAVORITE CRUX MEMORY: Being a clown in Razboieni, Romania during a mission trip.

KATIE SCHMIT—Chaska High School COLLEGE: North Dakota State University MAJOR: Elementary Education, Human Development and Family Science FAVORITE VERSE: Romans 5:3-5: Not only so, but we[a] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. FAVORITE CRUX MEMORY: Climbing the mountain in Romania...for sure!

NATHANIEL WISELY—Southwest Christian High School

COLLEGE: Northwestern College, St. Paul MAJOR: Business Finance/Accounting FAVORITE VERSE: Philippians 4:12-13: I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. FAVORITE CRUX MEMORY: Noah’s Ark the summer before 6th grade & hanging out with Skins,

Andy Custer, and Shoe. Because of these guys, wanted to come to CruX the following fall.

KARI SWANSON University of Wisconsin (River Falls) DEGREE in Business Administration and Management CAREER PLANS: Residential Director, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana

KYLE LARSON University of Minnesota (Duluth) DEGREEin Outdoor Recreation CAREER PLANS: Internship in Montana

P A G E 7

P A G E 8

M y wife, Beth, and I live in

Shorewood and have

three sons: Daniel (20),

Brian (18), and Kevin (16).

During the 10 + years we have

been at Valley, I have been

involved on and off with the

following ministries: men's group, youth group, AWANA, Sunday

school teaching, nursery, greeting, short term missions, and life

group ministry.

One of the ways God called me to minister for Him was through a

Valley Men's retreat that I attended shortly after we started

attending Valley. Through that retreat God opened my eyes to the

special group of guys here at Valley and I wanted to learn more

about them, enjoy more time with them, and grow in the Lord with

them. God used that experience to lead me into the Men's Group

(which has included many Men's Bible study and fellowship

outings/service adventures, like BWCA trips, and short term

mission trips).

Another way He called me was through giving me a desire to be

involved with AWANA where I got to know many of Valley’s great

teachers, leaders, families and children. Through my time in

AWANA, God helped me to see again that He had placed me and

my family into a loving and devoted Christ centered church family.

I have received many blessing through my involvement here: Christ

centered friendships, encouragement, love, support, witnessing

others following Jesus, opportunities to study and share God's

Word on a regular basis, and seeing my boys desiring to spend time

in youth group and having fun as they learn to be disciples of

Jesus... are just some of the blessings that come to mind.

Thought you might enjoy knowing some interesting facts about

me. My step-mother is married to my wife’s father thereby making

my wife my step-sister! Also, I really enjoy sharing recreational

activities with others as a fun way to build relationships. A few of

my favorite sharing activities are: playing Ultimate Frisbee, wally-

ball, and teaching windsurfing.

God of wonders beyond our galaxy

You are Holy, Holy

The universe declares Your Majesty And You are holy holy

Lord of Heaven and Earth Lord of Heaven and Earth

O ur family night out was a huge success due to the combined efforts of many people. A big “Thank You” to Ron Schmit for

sharing his passion and knowledge of the universe during our time together. We appreciate everyone who came out and participated in this educational, fun and full of fellowship event. We will look for additional opportunities to view the night sky together when the clouds are at bay.

P A G E 9

P A G E 1 0

Registration opens June 1. Register on-line or download the forms at valleyfree.org

Volunteer positions are still available.

Contact Mary Lou Menning at 952-467-1927 for more information.

Supply list coming soon! Watch the bulletin for a list of needed items for crafts, snacks, and decorations.

PRAISE! Where kids get down and lift God high!

Sunday, June 3, - 2-5p.m.

Swansons’ Home 2116 Grimm Road, Chaska

July 22-26/ 6:00-8:45pm Ages 4 years to completed 6th grade $15/child or $45/family of 3 or more

Registration begins June 1st www.valleyfree.org

SU 3

9:00 AM 2:00 PM 6:00 PM

WORSHIP SERVICE FAREWELL OPEN HOUSE FOR ANDREW & BRITTANY PETERSON CRUX

M 4 7:00 PM MEN’S BIBLE STUDY

TU 5 7:00 PM BEAUTY FOR ASHES DIVORCE CARE

TH 7 7:00 PM WORSHIP TEAM REHEARSAL

SA 9 7:30 AM MEN’S MONTHLY BREAKFAST

SU 10 9:00 AM WORSHIP SERVICE—GRADUATION SUNDAY

M 11 7:00 PM MEN’S BIBLE STUDY

TU 12 7:00 PM BEAUTY FOR ASHES DIVORCE CARE

TH 14 7:00 PM

CRUX NOAH’S ARK TRIP WORSHIP TEAM REHEARSAL

F 15 CRUX NOAH’S ARK TRIP

SU 17 9:00 AM 6:00 PM

WORSHIP SERVICE—COMMUNION CRUX

M 18 7:00 PM MEN’S BIBLE STUDY

TU 19 7:00 PM BEAUTY FOR ASHES DIVORCE CARE

TH 21 7:00 PM WORSHIP TEAM REHEARSAL

SU 24 9:00 AM 6:00 PM

WORSHIP CRUX

M 25 7:00 PM MEN’S BIBLE STUDY

TU 26 7:00 PM BEAUTY FOR ASHES DIVORCE CARE

TH 28 7:00 PM

CRUX CAMP OF THE MASTER CAMPING TRIP WORSHIP TEAM REHEARSAL

F 29 CRUX CAMP OF THE MASTER CAMPING TRIP

SA 30 CRUX CAMP OF THE MASTER CAMPING TRIP

See bulletins for weekly updates/changes to this calendar

P A G E 1 1

You are invited to a time of

spiritual refreshment and fellowship...

Summer Ladies Bible Study

Ephesians: “The Christian’s Riches in Christ”

Wednesdays from 9:30-11:00am

Starting June 13

VEFC Sun Room

Childcare provided.

We will use a Three Question Approach

to examining each week’s passage.

Each lesson stands alone, so come as often as you can.

No need to be concerned if you are gone from time to time.

Questions? Contact Candace Wisely @952-401-7994 or

Candace.wisely@visi.com

Ladies Night Out at the Arboretum! June 21 - 6:00 pm

Watch the Sunday bulletins and web site for more details

Beginning Monday, June 4—7 p.m. VEFC Conference Room “That The World May Know” Video Series

A video series that transports us to the lands of the Old and New Testaments. We’ll discover the fascinating geographical and historical backdrop for scriptural events that puts them in context. Teacher and historian Ray Vander Laan reveals the Bible’s intriguing cultural context and its significance to modern believers, illuminating life-changing faith lessons that will help guide you on the journey through life.

952-448-6144

Fax: 952-448-5119

office@valleyfree.org

150 Engler Blvd

Chaska, MN 55318

Co-ed Softball Begins Soon! Sign-up in the foyer!

Games are played on Monday evenings

beginning June 11 through July 30.

First practice is Monday, May 30—7:00pm Lion’s Park in Chaska

Contact Dan Bentson for more information

952-250-4408

Reserve your tickets at www.valleyfree.org