Thank You and an Invitation

I wanted to say a big "THANK YOU" to so many of you who have stepped in to ministry areas recently. Of course, a big "THANK YOU" to many of you who have served for some time. Some of you are transitioning in areas of ministry also. I have really been impressed to see individuals joining the team to help with ministry needs.

I also want to offer an invitation for some of you who may not yet become involved, to join us in the mission. There are opportunities to teach in Children's Sunday School, Children's Church, music, nursing homes, hands on ministry of helps with things around the church, organization, etc. Please prayerfully seek God's direction for where He might be leading you to serve Him and His church. We never have a sign out saying, "No Help Wanted".

One of purposes as a church is to help followers of Christ get involved in serving Him (Eph 4:11-12). This includes training and providing opportunities to invest one's life in things that outlive this world.

Again, thank you to all of you who serve the Lord through the ministry of Valley Grace, and those of you considering joining with us on mission. We are looking forward to what God is going to do through us.

Seven Characteristics of People With a Heart for the Lost

What are the seven characteristics of people who care about lost people? Thom Rainer lists the following:

1. They are people of prayer. They realize that only God can change a heart and bring conversion. Salvation is a work of God.
2. They understand the urgency of salvation -- that people without Christ are headed to an eternity separated from Him, with no possibility of change once they have stepped out of this life.
3. They are people who spend time in God's Word in order to understand God's heart for lost people and Christ's love for the lost.
4. They are compassionate people. They are moved with compassion as Jesus was, for those who are lost.
5. They love the communities where God has placed them. They realize they are called to make a difference in their places of employment, their schools, their recreation, as they coach teams, etc.
6. They are intentional about their evangelism. They pray for opportunities to share the gospel and look for the opportunities that God creates.
7. They are accountable to someone for their evangelistic activities. Life can be filled with a lot of good things, but we must not neglect the most important elements as well.

Thom Rainer has entitled his post, "Seven Characteristics of Highly Evangelistic Christians" (you can read the complete post here). This is a good reminder to be about the business of Jesus since He has called all of us to be involved in reaching those around us for Him.

Weekend Reflection ~ 3/28/2010

Great weekend, thanks for all who contributed!

• Spring clean up was a great success. Much was accomplished and looks so much better in preparation for Palm Sunday. Terrific breakfast sandwiches! Good fellowship as well.
• Palm Sunday - great job. Thanks to Chuck & Erika for their leadership with the program, Choir for your participation, those who helped with costumes, lighting, sound, construction, support and those who invited friends to come. Please pray that there may be some who consider the claims of Christ and become a follower of Him.
• Communion Service - thanks to the Deacon Committee for their preparation and their help. Neat time to reflect on Christ's provision for our salvation: past, present & future.

Well done, church! Christ was honored!!

Reflections on Sunda 3/21/2010

* Praise Band did a great job of leading and great hymns reminding us of who God is.
* Message: "What to do When Facing a Crisis" (Dan. 2:1-23) - Pray, Don't Panic.
* Super job by youth and parents on Spaghetti Dinner. Thanks to all who helped.
* Terrific show from youth with the Youth Praise Band, Special Music, and Disney Show. Absolutely superb!
* Thank you Lord for a great day!

Jess Smith & Matt Shank ~ Engagement

We want to wish Jess Smith and Matt Shank God's best as they plan their wedding for this summer. Their desire is to honor Christ as they establish a new home.

Shawn McBride Event ~ Follow up

Thanks to everyone who made the Shawn McBride event a success. Praise Band did a tremendous job! Thanks to those who helped with the refreshment time. Here is an audio link to his message: Part 1 & Part 2 (tape had to be flipped so it is broken into two parts). We will try and get it all on one CD and make it available. It will be pretty close to 80 minutes. If you are interested in a CD copy, contact the church office. The above two parts are in mp3 format which you can download.

Engagement Congratulations!

We want to wish God's best to Ryan Martin and Reanna Tuczynski on their engagement. They are planning a fall wedding. Please continue to pray for Ryan and Reanna as they plan their wedding and join their two lives together for the glory of Christ!