Valley Free Newsletter - April 2011

A Radical Change of Seasons . . Pastor Mike Sindelar

A P R I L 2 0 1 1

The headline read Study Finds Religion May

Be Heading for Extinction in Parts of World i.

The article continues to explain that in nine

countries, secularism has taken such a hold,

that the trend leads toward a country with no

religion in the future. For example, in the

Czech Republic, 60% of the people surveyed

indicated no religious affiliation whatsoever.

Secularism, the rejection of religion and all of

its influences, seems to be winning the day.

Another headline getting attention lately

concerns that of a popular pastor teaching

that the traditional doctrine of Hell, that

those who reject the offer of salvation

through Jesus Christ would spend eternity

away from God in a place of torment, is not

valid. He claims that God would never allow

for such cruelty. His remarks denying the

doctrine of Hell have caused quite a stir in

both the secular and Christian media.

When we put these two headlines into the

mix with all the other major headlines of the

day, the world stage is as complicated as we

have known in recent days. Just when we

think that it can’t get any worse, more

devastating headlines appear!

But wait! This season of confusion and

uncertainty also coincides with another

season, a season that is soon upon us as

followers of Jesus! The coming season of Easter

holds out another headline. “He is Risen!” and it

trumps all other headlines! The resurrection of

Jesus says that the world will one day be put

back in order. It says that despite the

overwhelming nature of current crisis, Jesus will

restore and reign over the world soon. The

resurrection says that justice, God’s justice, will

prevail.

The resurrection also says that in the midst of

darkness and overwhelming circumstances, we

have both a hope and an anchor for our souls.

We need not fret or become disillusioned when

darkness seems to rule the day. The

resurrection says that God is truth and He is the

standard for all things.

As God’s people , we also have a calling, in light

of the resurrection, to proclaim this truth with

all of its grace and liberating forgiveness to a

world that knows nothing but bad headlines!

We look forward to a season of Easter, of hope

and celebration of our Risen Lord!

_______________________________________ i http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/03/23/losing-religion-

study-finds-religion-extinct-parts-world/?test=latestnews

P A G E 2

Mexico Missions Trip Report. . . Mel Swanson Our mission trip to Children’s Haven

International in Reynosa, Mexico was a

week well spent. We (Peter Larson, Kjell

Plath and Mel Swanson), left at 6:00 AM

on Saturday, February 19 and drove to

Pharr, TX, arriving about noon on Sunday,

Feb. 20th. Children’s Haven has an office in

Pharr where volunteers can help sort

donations, staff a thrift store, fix things,

do construction work etc. When we

arrived, we were met by Van and Shirley Sindelar and John

and Marty Weller, our informal welcoming committee. We

were given a tour of the facility there and met the group from

a Lutheran church in Clearwater, MN with whom we worked

at the orphanage. The trip to the orphanage, which was just

across the Mexican border was uneventful (a good thing). We

had a tour there and an introduction to the projects planned

for us to do. We were housed in a dorm style building with

two rooms each with double rows of bunk beds that could

handle large groups.

The orphanage has a spacious campus with a concrete block

wall (about 8 feet high) around it. The children are housed in

what we would call single family houses (casas), each with a

house parent couple and most with a mix of ages and genders

of kids, just like a large family. The campus also has a dining

hall, a gymnasium building, an elementary school, an office

building and some storage buildings. We worked primarily on

“Casa 3”, one of the houses that is currently unoccupied and

being renovated, which will make it almost like a new building

when completed. We worked on plumbing some bathrooms,

which included a lot of cutting and chipping concrete and

digging trenches, then installing PVC drain pipes in the floors

and walls for showers, toilets and sinks, then filling around the

pipes and pouring new concrete. Some of the guys did electrical

wiring and hanging sheet rock. Kjell spent quite a lot of time

making hangers for eaves troughs. We also cleaned a plugged

drain going to the septic tank and did a little repair on the tank

and a few miscellaneous projects. We pretty much accomplished

what they wanted us to do.

Of course, part of the purpose of our trip was to spend time with

the kids. There was a language barrier, but it was a fun challenge

to communicate with the kids in spite of the language

differences. We were fed genuine Mexican food and it was very

good. We ate breakfast in

the dining hall with just our

group. Lunch was also in the

dining hall, but with the kids

and their house parents. We

were encouraged to spread

out and eat with the kids.

Suppers were provided in

smaller groups in the

“casas”. That provided

additional opportunities to

get to know some of the kids. There were also a few chapel

services that we participated in or attended.

Friday morning, we packed up, loaded the vans and had warm

farewells from the kids and staff before heading back to Texas.

We had a bit of a delay with US security coming back, but we

encountered no security risks. Fortunately, we had no weather

problems on the long drive in either direction. God answered all

our prayers for safety and a God-honoring trip. Thank you for all

your prayers on our behalf.

P A G E 3

While at the gym recently, I had an encounter with a gentle-

man who had just lost his grandson. I walked into the locker

room within seconds of him receiving the news. As he wept,

those of us around him sat in silence, wondering what the

proper response was. The loss was devastating, the pain was

real, and the words were few.

After feeling the pain of this loss for a few days I started to

think about the absurd number of children that lose their life

prematurely every day. According to World Vision, approxi-

mately 24,000 children around the world die each day from

preventable diseases related to hunger and malnutrition.

24,000! Each lost life is met with the pain, silence, and bro-

kenness that I experienced at the gym during those sobering

moment a few weeks ago.

The book of James says that pure religion includes looking

after orphans and widows (James 1:27). Our world is filled

with orphans and widows. We, as Christians, have a responsi-

bility. I’m proud to say that our students at CruX are starting

to understand how a little step of faith, obedience, and sacri-

fice can make a huge difference! Over the last four years,

CruX Student Ministries has done the 30 Hour Famine – a time

when we engage our community in service projects, come up

with creative ways to raise money, and abstain from food for

30 hours in an effort to help those around the world who lack

the necessary food and water to live.

Seven Six Seven Five &

Five One ($7,675.51) .

Four years, multiple

service projects to

our community,

and one-hundred

and twenty hours

later, we’ve effec-

tively raised

$7,675.51 to help

provide life sustain-

ing resources to

those in need.

Praise God for our

youth! They are

rockstars, striving

to take the Bible

seriously, while making a difference in their world by putting

their faith into action.

. . .Jan Schmit, Commander/Children’s Education Director

Our sweet young Cubbies have been taking

a close look at the reason Jesus came to

earth. The verses and lessons have done a

fabulous job of preparing them and their leaders for the

Easter season. These are big concepts for little people and

sometimes we need to help them process what they are

learning.

Last Wednesday, the Cubbies’ lesson was on the crucifixion

of Jesus, and as you would expect, it created some dialog in

the small group time. Here’s a sample of what was said:

Cubbie boy: “Boy, I sure don't want to die on a cross.”

Adult leader: “Billy, you don't have to, Jesus did that for

us.....”

Cubbie girl: “I don't

either want to

either (die on the

cross). (Pause) I'm

going to Disney next

week.”

Oh, the mind of a 4yr old!

Our kids are hiding God’s precious Word in their hearts and

we watch with great expectation for what the Holy Spirit will

teach them through it.

March Cubbies Verses:

Hosanna, Blessed is He who comes in the name of the

Lord. Mark 11:9

He will save His people from their sins. Matthew 1:21

The Lord has risen. Luke 24:34

The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the

Lord. John 20:20

During the month of March our Sparkies

had the privilege of hearing Pastor Cristi,

from our Romanian sister church, speak on Eph. 6:1 Children,

obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. They may

have been surprised to find out that the truths of God’s Word

translate from one language to another quite easily. They

were pleased to find out from him that God gives each of

them a gift for obedience: happiness and long life. Some,

however, may have been hoping for a new toy - we can work

through that easily enough.

Other themes they have visited are:

Rejoice always – Philippians 4:4

Know God’s Word so we can make good choices Prov.

1:1-6

How Timothy’s life was a great example to model

ourselves after what we can do to be a good example to

others. 1 Tim. 4:12

BINGO! The T&T program does a great job

finding creative ways to motivate their

clubbers.

Bible Bingo is just one way they do that. This month clubbers

had a chance to use their memory skills by finding answers to

questions on their game cards based on verses from their 1st

handbook. And, of course,

fabulous prizes were awarded

for each winner.

Another motivator was the

Candy Bar Contest. It used

brackets, like in a basketball

tournament, to determine

which candy bar moved on to

the next round. Votes were

P A G E 4

Handbook Group

Forest Animal Theme Night

Pastor Cristi Speaks to our Sparkies

Florin Engages our T&T’ers

P A G E 5

Please raise your hands in praise as

the Building Beds Ministry con-

structed and delivered 20 really

beautiful beds in the last 4

months. After a busy, hectic,

stressful day most of us take for

granted that we can climb into our bed

and sleep in cozy com-fort. And now the people and kids that

we delivered beds to can enjoy that same feeling. They no

longer have to sleep on the floor or the couch out in the living

area. It is a nice thing to cut some wood and put it together

with nails and screws and call it a bed. But there are no words

to describe the feeling you get when you see the look on peo-

ple’s faces as they watch their brand new bed put together

right before their eyes.

We are now looking towards the future of this ministry to

faithfully continue the work we’ve begun. Volunteers from the

Love INC furniture warehouse have stepped forward to help

Valley and the Building Beds Ministry get the last remaining

requested beds delivered and assembled. We very much ap-

preciate their time.

Our next goal is to purchase more lumber and begin construc-

tion to fulfill the bed orders that have already been coming in.

Please contact Gary Kozicky at 612-803-4954 or

[email protected] if you are interested in helping with the

Building Beds Ministry. Watch the Sunday bulletin for updates

and meeting dates and times.

Thank you again to everyone who has donated their time, tal-

ents and resources to make a difference for so many.

Please continue to

pray for us to reach

our financial support

goal of $1000, which

will enable us to

build 26 beds. We

have already re-

ceived $400! Praise

God!

Build-A-Bed Ministry ...Gary & Linda Kozicky

earned by passing sections which then determined which

confection of choice moved to the next round. Candy bars

were given to the clubbers who had followed theirs to the

finals.

Who knew learning God’s Word could be so tasty?

Why do we memorize? The T&Ters found 2 Timothy 3:14-17 to

be especially helpful in answering that question. Do you

recognize it?

Florin & Pastor Cristi with our Sparkies

The Leader Gang with Florin & Pastor Cristi

Moldova Car Fund (Over $1,488.00 collected to date)

Cubbies End of the Year Ceremonies – April 13th

7:15 – 8:00 in Fellowship Hall - Family and friends are welcome to attend Sparks & T&T End of the Year Ceremonies – April 20th 6:00 – 8:00 in the Worship Center - Family and friends are welcome to attend Leader Appreciation Dinner –April 27th 6:00 – 8:00 in Fellowship Hall

P A G E 6

immune system by decreasing stress hormones and increasing

immune cells and infection fighting antibodies.

There ain’t much fun in medicine,

but there’s a lot of medicine in fun.

Laughter protects the heart, improves function of blood

vessels, increases blood flow which can help protect you

against heart attack and cardiovascular problems.

Your sense of humor not only enriches your life, it also

promotes physical, mental and spiritual health.

Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the face.

Humor is the prelude to faith,

and laughter is the beginning of prayer.

Laughter adds the surprises

that make life interesting.

What soap does for the body,

laughter does for the soul.

A person who belly laughs doesn’t belly ache.

For those who love to laugh till you cry, may I suggest checking

out “Harvey Corman and Tim Conway” on You Tube!

A joyful heart is good medicine, but

a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Proverbs 17:22 NIV

Can laughter really improve your

health?

Laughter by definition is a

humorous awareness of the ridiculous or absurd; an indication

of amusement and a quality or condition of being merry or

cheerful.

Dr. Michael Miller from the University of Maryland School of

Medicine says, ”we don’t know yet why laughing protects the

heart but the recommendation for a healthy heart, may one

day be exercise, eat right and laugh a few times a day.”

Smile-it’s free therapy.

Research found that 30 minutes of laughter daily raised HDL

cholesterol levels (the good kind) 26 %. In another

measurement, C-reactive proteins ( a marker of inflammatory

cardiovascular disease) decreased 66%.

Laughing for 10-15 minutes

can burn up to 40 calories.

Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hope, connects you to

others and keeps you grounded, focused and alert. A good,

hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving

muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes. Laughter boosts the

Healthy Living: Laughter is the Best Medicine . . . Linda Kozicky, R.N., Parish Nurse

The LORD rules over the floodwaters. The LORD reigns as king forever. The LORD gives his people strength. The LORD blesses them with peace. Psalm 29:10-11

P A G E 7

F 1 CruX at District Blitz in Duluth

SA 2 CruX at District Blitz in Duluth

SU 3 8:45 am

10:00 am

CruX at District Blitz in Duluth Sunday School/Sunday Morning Studies Worship Service NO CruX

M 4 7:00 pm Men’s Bible Study

TU 5 7:00 pm Elder Board & Deacons Meeting

W 6 6:00 pm 6:00 pm

Awana Club Night Missions Outreach Team Meeting

TH 7 7:00 pm 8:15 pm

Easter Choir Rehearsal Worship Team Rehearsal

SA 9 7:30 pm Men’s Monthly Breakfast

SU 10 8:45 am

10:00 am 6:00 pm

Sunday School/Sunday Morning Studies Worship Service CruX

M 11 12:30 PM

7:00 pm White Cross Men’s Bible Study

TU 12 6:45 pm 7:00 pm

Women’s Bible Study Elder Board Meeting

W 13 6:00 pm Awana Club Night (Cubbies End of Year Ceremonies)

TH 14 7:00 pm 8:15 pm 7:30 pm

Easter Choir Rehearsal Worship Team Rehearsal Web Team Meeting

SU 17 8:45 am

10:00 am 6:00 pm

Sunday School/Sunday Morning Studies Worship Service—PALM SUNDAY CruX

M 18 7:00 pm Men’s Bible Study

W 20 6:00 pm Awana Club Night (Sparks & T&T End of Year Ceremonies)

TH 21 7:00 pm 8:15 pm

Easter Choir Rehearsal Worship Team Rehearsal

F 22 7:00 pm Good Friday Service

SU 24

10:00 am 6:00 pm

NO Sunday School/Sunday Morning Studies Worship Service—EASTER SUNDAY CruX

M 25 12:30 pm

7:00 pm White Cross Men’s Bible Study

T 26 6:45 pm 7:00 pm

Women’s Bible Study Elder Board & Deacons Meeting

W 27 6:00 pm Awana Club Night

TH 28 7:00 pm Worship Team Rehearsal

Men will be challenged to fight for radical gospel transformation in their lives. Register online at

http://fightclubmn.com. Open to men 18 years and older.

We need your “used” Christian books and DVDs (for adults or kids) to expand our church library!

If we can’t use an item, we’ll donate it to the public library. DONATIONS MAY BE LEFT IN THE MARKED

BOX IN THE FOYER—Thank You!

952-448-6144

Fax: 952-448-5119

150 Engler Blvd

Chaska, MN 55318

Guys, Guns, & Grub

Ladies Dessert

Peruvian Dinner

Romania Teams Reunion