Christmas in the Land of Shadows . . . Pastor Mike

N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 0

The 1993 movie,

Shadowlands, moves through

the life of C.S. Lewis as he

experiences the depths of

loss and grief when his wife,

Joy Davidman Gresham, is

taken by cancer. As the story

unfolds, Lewis is taken by

surprise as his heart gives

itself away unaware in

profound love for the

American woman. As the

shadow of cancer overcomes

her life, Lewis is led on an

unwelcome journey through

grief in the ‘land of shadows’.

As grief consumed him, Lewis

saw life on this earth in a

new way. “Beyond every door

I hear your voice saying to

me, ‘this is only the land of

shadows. Real life hasn’t

begun yet.”’ Not much has

changed from the time of

C.S. Lewis to our day. Life,

and all of its twists and turns,

can still be aptly called ‘the

land of shadows’.

It is no coincidence that a

major theme of the

Christmas season is light.

One of the great promises

and assessments of Scripture is

found in Isaiah 9, a

foundational passage for

Christmas. The people who

walked in darkness have

seen a great light; those

who dwelt in a land of

deep darkness, on them

has light shined. We see

it again in the Christmas

story of Luke 1, “whereby

the sunrise shall visit us

from on high to give light

to those who sit in

darkness and in the

shadow of death, to

guide our feet into the

way of peace.” The

shadows of life are many

these days. I don’t know

exactly what they are for

you, but uncertainties,

fears and heartache are

all part of a shadowy

landscape of life.

The message of Christmas is

that the shadowland of life is

not the ultimate reality. As

Lewis concluded, ‘real life has

not begun yet’. Christmas says

that the Light of the World has

come. Christmas says that the

light of the gospel has the

power to overcome the

shadows. Like the repressed

light of an eclipsed sun, the

shadows will soon be

overcome by the powerful,

pure and consuming light of

God.

Perhaps the Apostle Paul

was overcome with this idea

when he considered the

(cont’d on page 2)

P A G E 2

Christmas in the Land of Shadows (Cont’d). . . Pastor Mike

An Update. . .Jan Schmit, Commander

December 2010 Local Missions Project

December 1-15 the VEFC Awana clubs

will be collecting new hats, mittens

and scarves to help supply a local Gap

Ministry of Love Inc. of Eastern Carver

County.

Awana clubbers will be dropping off

their donated items in baskets around

the Christmas tree in the Education

Wing. The Valley family is more than

welcome to join us in this effort to bless

those in our community.

Awana Store Needs

Our T&T store could use some restocking for

our last shopping spree of 2010. The

clubbers will have a chance to spend their

earned shares at the Awana Store on Dec. 8th.

During this shopping time we really

encourage the kids to think about other

people in their lives and consider this an

opportunity to do some of their own

independent Christmas shopping. We would

welcome your new or gently used items.

Some items we have had requests for

include: Silly bands, games, puzzles,

notebooks, small electronic toys or games,

hair care kits, fleece blankets, gift cards, mp3

players…for a more complete list visit the

Awana webpage at http://

www.valleyfree.org/

index.php/ministries/awana

There are have “Awana Store” drop off boxes

in the Worship Center foyer and also in the

office workroom. Thank you in advance for

your generosity!

Because Kids Matter to God !

power of the gospel message, “For

God, who said, “Let light shine out

of darkness,” has shone in our

hearts to give the light of the

knowledge of the glory of God in

the face of Jesus Christ.”

My prayer as we move into the

Christmas season is for all of us to sink

deeply into these truths. That Jesus,

and the light of His glory, would rule in

our hearts, dispelling the shadows and

moving us ever deeper into the vast

wonder of His grace and truth. My

prayer is also that, as containers of

this marvelous light of the gospel, that

we might let that light shine in the life

of others. May His light of life be so at

work in us, that those around can’t

help but be invited and drawn to our

Lord and Savior.

May the Light of Christ shine in your

hearts and homes this season!

P A G E 3

To God be the glory for allowing

Valley Free to be a part of His

plan to reach children (and

families) with the message of His

redeeming love! As a church we

gave 129 shoeboxes filled with

toys, school supplies and hygiene

items (18 came from our

children’s Sunday school classes).

In the course of Collection Week,

we collected 925 boxes filling 64

cartons. Boxes from our area this

year are primarily going to India.

Let’s pray that the gospel

message be understood and

received by children (and their

listening family members) as

ministry partners distribute them.

More fun is to be had as we have

33 volunteers signed up to go to

the Processing Center on

Saturday, December 4th from 6-

10pm.

Operation Christmas Child Report ...Candace Wisely

Save the Date!

January 15-16, 2011

God's amazing creation reveals

the Creator's handiwork,

character, and glory. As the

Psalmist says: “The Lord made

the heavens. Splendor and

majesty are before Him;

strength and glory are in His

sanctuary”. Psalm 96: 5-6.

Our God is truly a God of

wonders. Plan on joining us for

a week of giving God His due

glory and honor as we celebrate

His creation. We will hear

messages about God's creation

on Saturday evening, Sunday

morning during the Sunday

School hour as well as during

the worship service, and again

Sunday evening. The speaker

will be Jim Gardner of Answers

in Genesis and Canopy

Ministries. We are also

planning a mid-week showing

of a creation-related video,

possibly one titled “God of

Wonders”. Start thinking who

in your life you could invite.

“In the beginning, God

created the heavens and the

earth” Genesis 1:1.

Answers In Genesis Conference ...Jim Bentson

P A G E 4

Healthy Living From Around the World: Hummus ...Linda Kozicky, RN, Parish Nurse

Hummus or Garbanzo Beans is a

primarily Middle Eastern food that is

gaining popularity in the U.S.

What exactly is Hummus? It is

garbanzo beans (chickpeas) that have

been soaked for about eight hours,

cooked slowly for about one to two

hours and then mashed. Tahini

(ground sesame seeds), olive oil,

lemon juice, salt and garlic are then

added to produce Hummus.

At 220 calories, 15 grams of protein,

40 grams of carbohydrates, and 15

grams of fiber, garbanzo beans by

themselves are low in fat, low in

calories, high in fiber, and are

considered to be part of a heart

healthy, blood sugar stabilizing,

digestive health food diet.

Prepared Hummus is higher in calories

(435) and fat (21 grams) but is still

considered part of a healthy diet, since

the fat is heart-healthy olive oil.

Hummus, when served with pita bread

forms a complete protein and is a great

idea for a sack lunch!

Prepared Hummus can be found in the

refrigerated deli section of most grocery

stores. Garbanzo beans are also available

canned which makes preparation of

soups, salads or hummus faster and

easier.

Try this salad recipe taken from the book,

The Worlds Healthiest Foods by George

Mateljan:

Greek Garbanzo Bean Salad

1. In a bowl mix

together 1-15

oz can garbanzo

beans, 2 Tsp

extra virgin

olive oil, 2 cloves minced garlic, sea

salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently

until well mixed.

2. Combine chopped romaine lettuce

with 2/3 cup minced green onion, 1

diced tomato, 2 Tsp fresh lemon juice

and 3 Tsp fresh minced parsley.

Optional: Add feta, gorgonzala or

goat cheese.

3. Mix all ingredients for a quick and

delightfully healthy salad.

December Sermon Series

December 5—

Jesus has put a new song in our hearts and on our tongues. Because of Him we are free to worship and extol the name of the Lord. December 12—

Birth, Life, Death, Resurrection...EVERYTHING about Jesus’ life displays humility. Luke 1:51-52.

December 19—

God is an everlasting God spanning all of time. Your great,

great, great grandkids will worship the same God you worship today! What legacy are you leaving? Luke 1:50

December 24—

God remembered His people, had a plan, and sent His Son to redeem them. Luke 1:54

December 26—

Mercy...God shows mercy on those He loves. His greatest act of mercy, sending His son Jesus!

P A G E 5

During the months of October and November the Children's Sunday School classes at Valley collected school supplies, personal hygiene items and toys for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. On November 21, the children gathered in the lower level to pray for the children that would be receiving these gifts. We are privileged to be part of a ministry that is bringing the love of Jesus to so many needy children throughout the world.

Shoeboxes, Hats, Mittens, Scarves! ...Audrey Bentson On Sunday, December 19, our children will be singing “Happy Birthday Jesus,” by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Children's Choir, during the worship service. The children are invited to bring a birthday gift for Jesus----a hat, pair of mittens, or a scarf that will be donated to The School Locker, a Gap ministry of Love, INC. This should be a very special time for our church family and we hope all of our children will be able to participate in this wonderful celebration!

W 1 6:00-8:00 pm Awana Club Night

TH 2 7:00 pm 8:15 pm

Christmas Choir Rehearsal Worship Team Practice

SU 5 8:45 am 10:00 am 6:00-8:00 pm

Sunday School Worship Service—A New Song CruX

M 6 12:30 pm 7:00 pm

White Cross Men’s Bible Study

W 8 6:00-8:00 pm Awana Club Night

TH 9 7:00 pm 8:15 pm

Christmas Choir Rehearsal Worship Team Practice

SA 11 7:30 am Men’s Monthly Breakfast—Perkins

SU 12

8:30 am 8:45 am 10:00 am 6:00-8:00 pm

Christmas Choir Rehearsal Sunday School Worship Service—A Humble Song – Christmas Choir Performance CruX

M 13 12:30 pm 7:00 pm

White Cross Men’s Bible Study

T 14 7:00 pm Elder Board Meeting

W 15 6:00-8:00 pm Awana Club Night

TH 16 7:00 pm 8:15 pm

Christmas Choir Rehearsal Worship Team Practice

SU 19

8:30 am 8:45 am 10:00 am 6:00-8:00 pm

Christmas Choir Rehearsal Sunday School Worship Service—An Everlasting Song—Christmas Choir Performance CruX

M 20 12:30 pm 7:00 pm

White Cross Men’s Bible Study

W 22 NO AWANA

TH 23 7:00 pm Worship Team Practice

F 24 5:00 PM Christmas Eve Service—A Redeeming Song

SA 25

SU 26 NO Sunday School 10:00 am 6:00-8:00 pm

Worship Service—A Desperate Song CruX

M 27 12:30 pm 7:00 pm

White Cross Men’s Bible Study

W 29 NO AWANA

TH 30 7:00 pm Worship Team Practice

P A G E 6

families or individuals. You can also

sign up to sponsor dinner packages

for $30 each.

Sign up online at

http://www.loveincecc.org/

christmas_dinner.html.

For more information call

(952) 448-2508.

Your family can share the love of

Jesus this Christmas by providing food

for families in need. Love INC is

coordinating giving Christmas Dinner

packages to local families. Gather with

others at 9 AM on Saturday,

December 18 to wrap and deliver

food packages. All ages of adults &

children are welcome. Each volunteer

will deliver food packages to two

Give the Gift of Christmas Dinner!

Home in Jamaica - a Valley Free

mission. Our display will be

open before and after church

and most Mondays 12:30-3:30

p.m. If you have a favorite

sweater you just can't part

with, but don't wear anymore,

bring it to us and we'll make

you a pair of mittens out of it!

The ladies of White Cross invite

you to come to the Sun Room to

see what we have done with the

sweaters you donated to our

wool mitten project The ladies

have made mittens - sized for the

whole family. The mittens are for

sale for a suggested donation of

$20. 100% of the proceeds will

go to Robin's Nest Children's

Mittens for Robin’s Nest...Shirley Sindelar

We need cutters, assemblers, and painters to complete the project and deliver the beds

by December 18! Please call Gary Kozicky at 952-448-9873 to join in this gap ministry for

Love INC families in need.

Christmas Care Packages for our

Freshmen in College! We need these items donated by

DECEMBER 10!

To help with postage, write “College Care Pkg” on your check memo line

and put in the offering. See display in foyer for more info or call

Linda Kozicky at 612-803-4954 LEAVE DONATIONS IN CHURCH

OFFICE WORKROOM

P A G E 7

Classifieds SNOW REMOVAL

Seasonal opportunity. Must be able to do heavy lifting. Responsible for sidewalk clearing one week per month throughout the winter season. Contact Ron at ron.schmit@gmail.com. ______________________________________________

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 janiD731@aol.com. _______________________

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 glaz@chaska.net _________________________________________________

The Awana program needs handbook listeners. This is a 2 hr. weekly commitment that has the opportunity to reap eternal rewards. Contact Jan at jschmit@valleyfree.org. ________________________

WRITERS Have a way with words? Share your talents by submitting newsletter articles on church events or join our team in creating new promotional literature for the

IT PROFESSIONALS

GOOD LISTENERS

church. Submit a sample of your writing ……just kidding! Contact Lanell at lplath@valleyfree.org. _________________________________________________

COFFEE BARISTA Short term volunteer position. Literally serve your fellow man. See Gary at glyaz@chaska.net 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 doogiejohn@yahoo.com. ________________________

COMPUTER OPERATORS Can you type? Able to push the enter button to advance PowerPoint slides? You are just what we need! Contact Adam at kandawestland@gmail.com. ______________________________________________________

Use your creative skills in electronic media to share life at Valley Free with the world. Contact Lanell at lplath@valleyfree.org. ___________________________ 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 jeremy@silverlane.net.

MUSICIANS / WORSHIP LEADERS

WEB DESIGNERS

Greetings. . . Jim Bentson

We will soon be making a new weekly schedule for the “official”

greeters at Valley's front door. We could always use a few more

smiley faces to join in the fun. Greeting valley's people and

visitors is most certainly a pleasurable experience and a very

important one. Please consider volunteering for this ministry.

Whether you are on the greeting list or not, greeting others,

especially new or infrequent visitors, is a ministry that we all can

be a part of. It can make a real difference in the life of others.

To volunteer please call the church office @ (952)448-6144 or

Jim Bentson @(952)448-4697

Greetings in the Lord to the people of Valley: Grace and peace

to you.

Have you ever noticed how almost every letter in the New

Testament starts and/or ends with a greeting? Greeting our

brothers and sisters in Christ must be an important part of our

lives together in God's kingdom!

Isn't it a blessing when you enter a place where most

everybody is a stranger, but you are warmly welcomed?

Perhaps you are given a smile and a handshake. Or perhaps a

conversation is started, or a question is answered. Suddenly

you may begin to believe that you belong here.

150 Engler Blvd

Chaska, MN 55318

952-448-6144

Fax: 952-448-5119

office@valleyfree.org

December 11—4-9 pm—Eden Prairie Mall Contact Pastor Andrew for more info. Adults invited.

ATTENTION all KIDS (and their parents)! Bring NEW… HATS, MITTENS, & SCARVES on DECEMBER 19!

Donations will go to The School Locker ,a Gap ministry of Love, INC.

DECEMBER’S FOCUS: 15 oz jars of Peanut Butter

PLEASE NOTE: 15oz Jars are the best size for our use.