May 2014 VBC Family Newsletter
A monthly publication to keep you up to date and informed about what is going on in the life of Village Bible Church
Senior Pastor Sabbatical: “Away For Spiritual Sharpening” by Pastor Mark D. Cain
If the axe is dull and he does not sharpen its edge, then he must exert more strength. Ecclesiastes 10:10 Every wise workman takes his tools away from the work from time to time that they may be ground and sharpened; so does the only-wise Jehovah take his ministers oftentimes away into darkness and loneliness and [sabbatical?], that he may sharpen and prepare them for harder work in his service. –adapted, Robert Murray McCheyne, ~ 1835 One of my deeply embedded ministry axioms is that Purpose Determines Program. Over the last several months I’ve tried to clearly communicate the purpose of my sabbatical. While there are many ways to describe the purpose, one way is, it is for spiritually sharpening my life so that I might return to VBC renewed and prepared for the ministry God has for us in the future. Understandably, you are also interested in the program. “What,” several of you have asked, “will I be doing?” Broadly, the ten weeks are shaping up like this: Week 1 – Family re-connecting. Many sabbatical-taking-pastors say it takes at least one week, and often two, to de-compress from ministry life and self-expectations. For example: For 34 years I’ve known what a ‘normal Monday’ feels like – transitioning from the previous day’s sermon and pastoral work (often, 4 pages of notes in my spiral notebook!) to the meetings, reports, responsibilities and sermon for the week ahead. I’ll need help in unplugging from that 3 decade lifestyle habit; and I know a kindergartener and second grader who will help! Weeks 2 – 6 – On site at the Resource Center for Pastoral Excellence at Samford University, in Birmingham, AL. This will involve a multiplicity of disciplines, all aimed at my renewal and multi-faceted health: Time with a fitness trainer to attend to the body; a nutritionist to evaluate my diet; a professional Christian counselor who specializes in counseling pastors; one on one meetings with various faculty, administrative personnel and local pastors. And much “non-pressured time” in the campus library to read, dream, think, journal, pray and plan. Jane will be joining me for at least 1 week of this time, but much of it is by design “intentional spiritual solitude.” Weeks 7-9 – Pacing myself through books and VBC related projects that I have accumulated in my ‘someday’ pile. I have several options of locations for these weeks. Week 10 – Planned re-entry to ministry to be back in the pulpit July 13. I am a thankful man. I have much to be thankful for. As I start my sabbatical May 1, I thank the VBC Board of Elders who championed this time of renewal for me. Pastors Mike and Levan have willingly accepted extra duties, and Terry Christiansen in the office is offering support. Barbi Mirenda, my Administrative Assistant, has already done much to help the sabbatical become a reality through countless emails, research and detail work. She will continue to monitor some of my areas in my absence. The VBC Congregation: I’ve not heard a single criticism from you – what a gift. And to Jane – her full support, (years of) prayers, and insightful wisdom on “what I need” to maximize this time. She is releasing me to spend some of the time in solitude, then adjusting her schedule to spend much of the time with me. I am an abundantly blessed man. Gratefully Yours, Pastor Mark
Financial Report—General Fund Results as of March 31, 2014 Planned Giving Actual Giving Result (We received LESS than we planned)
$246,297 $222,193 $(24,104)
Planned Expenses Actual Expenses Result (We spent MORE than we planned)
$246,721 $248,975 $ 2,254
Actual Giving Actual Operation Expenses Operating Surplus (Deficit)
$222,193 $248,795 $(26,602)
But you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. Deuteronomy 8:18
In Loving Memory Rick Grover:
March 24, 2014
Memorial: March 29, 2014
When one of VBC members goes home to be with the Lord, we send out a mass email to the congregation. If you DO NOT have email and would like to be contacted please call the church office, 922-0404 and ask for Barbi, and she will place you on the contact list.
Rebecca Coplin to Show Her Documentary on Israel and Petra Thursday, May 15, 6:30 PM in the VBC Fellowship Hall A number of VBCers have requested that Rebecca share her 12-day trip to Israel and Petra. She reports the trip was lifechanging and has prepared a presentation, with many slides, for an informal gathering for those interested.
Happy Anniversary Carroll & Vicky Weyrich
5/3
Dick & Judy Anderson
5/4
Dale & Cheryl Kastner
5/12
Jim & Rose Mary Smith
5/13
Mark & Terry Christensen
5/22
Randy & Linda Houck Larry & Judy Schultz
5/24 5/24
Chuck & Laura Hulbert
5/26
Randy & Laurie Reek
5/31
If you would like your Wedding Anniversary included on this list, call the office and make sure Barbi has it included in the database.
Inclement Weather In case of inclement weather, you may check the following information sources for VBC service schedules or cancellations: KARK TV, Channel 4 ~ Fox 16 KLEZ 101.5 (Village Radio Station) KVRE 92.9 (Village Radio Station) Our Website: vbcchurch.com or VBC Answering Machine: 922-0404
Her presentation will include a description of places she saw, and also many interesting facts she learned through the guide of her group, who is a Jew and very knowledgeable of both Scripture and his homeland. Page 2
May 2014
Discover VBC! Class
Church Directory Changes Address Changes: Ken & Marion Wagner Masonic Care Community ACF #326 2150 Bleeker Street Utica, NY 13501
[email protected] Jim & Claire Boyd 12 Divino Lane, HSV Howard & Janie Hart 13800 Park Central Blvd #524 New Berlin, WI 53151 Grace White Country Club Village 1925 Malvern Ave. #302 Hot Springs, AR 71901 501-209-1995
E-mail Change: John & Joann Wise
[email protected] New: Tom & Darlene Gavos
[email protected] Keith & Inge Schilder
[email protected]
Phone Number Changes Jim & Merv Brunskill Add cell Jim: 214-755-1222 Merv: 214-755-3539 Nancy Rumbach 226-5802 Ray & Trudy Holmes 226-3015
Village Bible Church is placing an increased emphasis on officially joining the church. The New Testament calls us to a high commitment to the Body of Christ on Earth—that is, the local church! Church membership is the outward expression reflecting our inner commitment to the Gospel message. Membership is much like believers’ baptism or the marriage ceremony as outward expressions of our inner beliefs. This class, designed for those who are interested in becoming members of VBC, as well as those who just want more information, will provide “everything you’ve always wanted to know about VBC, but were afraid to ask.” We will be holding another Discover VBC! Class on Sunday, May 4, and Sunday, May 18, for anyone who wants to know more about VBC or is considering membership. If you are interested in attending this session, pre-registration is requested. Sign up at www.vbcchurch.com(“About US”), or on the communication card in the bulletin or call the church office during regular work hours (922-0404) to reserve your spot today.
Happy Mother’s Day Proverbs 6:20-22 NAS My son, observe the commandment of your father And do not forsake the teaching of your mother; (21) Bind them continually on your heart; Tie them around your neck. (22) When you walk about, they will guide you; When you sleep, they will watch over you; And when you awake, they will talk to you.
Georgia Riddle New cell no. 501-282-7067
If you are moving, or have an email or phone number change, please contact Barbi Mirenda, 922-0404 so I may update our records accordingly.
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May 2014
Dear Church Family, Thank you for the many ways you encourage me during my foot surgery and recovery. Craig and I appreciated your prayers that God has answered. We have enjoyed the meals, cards, calls, visits and flowers you provided. Thank you. You are a very kind, loving and generous body of believers. God Bless each of you. Zee Zee and Craig Volz Dear friends, I want to thank you for your cards, emails and prayers for my family and myself. I know that my strength is coming from the Lord, and your prayers have gotten me through the past two months, when Rick was diagnosed with cancer. I am blessed to be a part of the VBC family. Linda Grover
I want to thank you for your cards and prayers while I was going through some health challenges. Your thoughts and cares couldn’t have been more inspiring and appreciated, but your prayers really lifted my spirit. Thank you for being a loving and caring Christian community church. Judy Schulz
The display of your love and prayers for me has been overwhelming during my recent hospital stay! I believe our Body (VBC) operates in the way God designed—we are truly members of that Body, and when one member hurts, the other parts of that Body rush to its rescue. Thank you for your cards, food, and especially for your prayers! Rebecca Coplin
Our family would like to thank you Village Bible Church for all your prayers, cards, phone calls, flowers, for attending his service and the love you poured out towards us in the loss of my father, Rev. Ben Kimbrough. We appreciate it so much and love each of you. God Bless you...Robin and John Fisher & Mrs. Shirley Kimbrough Pastor Stephen Graham from Oklahoma City, OK has written, “ In our world we have so few places where we can cry out loud. But living in this world demands that one becomes acquainted with grief — grief that cannot be explained away or denied.” “The strong word of the Cross is that God participates with us in our suffering. Our God has come down in Christ to live with us, to share our human plight, to bear our burdens, to fight our battles with us, and to comfort us in our sorrows. He is not a far-away, untouchable God. He has drawn near to us in Christ.” “Your grief is holy. It is your friend to help you deal with the hurt over the loss of someone you have grown to love. As your relationship with them gradually grew, you cannot suddenly take it all back as if to pretend it never existed. Grief time is the time of giving your feeling a chance to catch up with what your mind already knows.” If you are grieving the death of a loved one, GriefShare is here for YOU. We meet from 9-11 am on Tuesday mornings in Room 110. Brochures about it are available in the Welcome Center. For more information or to register, call Bob Cobb, 915 -9119 or Village Bible Church office, 922-0404. Page 4
May 2014
Vacation Bible School June 9-13, 8:30-Noon Please join us for Vacation Bible School, scheduled for June 9-13, from 8:30 am until Noon. Our theme this year is VBC’s “International Spy Academy.” Student “Agents” will: ● Uncover counterfeit gods and recognize the only true God—the God of the Bible. ● Find that God is unique-one God in three Persons ● Crack codes to discover attributes of God. ATTENTION ● Collect clues to reveal how to become a child of God. All VBS International Spy Academy ● Discover that God is not distant but personal, wanting to be their first love. Pre-registration begins NOW for those entering kindergarten and first through sixth grade. This is the perfect time for grandchildren visits and reaching out to your neighbors. Sign up by calling the church office,
922-0404, or visit our website: www.vbcchurch.com or fill out the registration form below and return to the church office.
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“Agents” (AKA—Workers), a debriefing meeting to affirm all aspects of this year’s VBS will be held on Saturday, May 10, at 9:00AM. See you there!! Questions? Call Lindi Kelly, 501-9841841.
May 2014
Mercy Ministry Thanks You What a great saying… “Pictures are better than words.” You can see by these pictures the quantity of food that was gathered to feed needy area families. We thank the people that picked up and packed cartons of food plus the people from VBC who gave generously. The next Mercy Ministry activity will be the Thanksgiving food boxes. Your continued prayers and support for this and all Mercy Ministry programs are appreciated.
You’ll Be Glad You Came!
In Christ Service, The Mercy Ministry Team
“After the Bible, there are two things that have impacted our lives more than any other. Those two things are The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman and the series by Ray Vander Laan That the World May Know. We cannot overstate our excitement that LIFElink is offering this course and our encouragement for others to take advantage of it! They will never regret it. It will change their lives!” The preceding words of wisdom are from Craig and Zee Zee Volz. Come join us on Sunday, May 18 during LIFElink hour. You, your spouse, and everyone else in your life who loves you will be glad you came! Just ask Craig and Zee Zee!
Who Is This? Can you guess who this is? One of these cuties is a VBC attendee. Call Barbi at 922-0404 with your guess. Answer and winning guess will be featured in the next months issue. If you would like to be the mystery person, please bring in a picture of yourself to Barbi in the office, and it will be featured in an upcoming issue.
Last months correct answer was submitted by Linda Vickroy. That was IRV LARSEN on the left with his brother.
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May 2014
May Sermon Series LIFE and LIGHT In the Gospel of John, the author states that, “In Him [Jesus] was life, and the life was the light of man. During the month of May, Pastor Mike will be preaching a three-part series on the biblical relationship between LIFE and LIGHT. On Sunday, May 4, the message, “Finding light in a darkened world” will explore the revelation of truth and light from God’s word. On the 18th, we will examine the idea of illumination within, “Responding to the light.” Finally, on the 25th, we will survey the Scripture with regard to, “Shedding Light” - the Great Commission of multiplication. We look forward to seeing you there.
Weary of fumbling around in the dark trying to make sense of it all? The Word of God sheds helpful light upon our path. Be sure to join us during the month of May as Pastor Mike leads us through a helpful 3-part series on Life and Light.
Ministry Staff Dr. Mark D. Cain, Senior Pastor Rev. Mike Kelly, Executive Pastor Rev. Levan Hubbard, Pastor of Worship & Care Barbi Mirenda, Assistant to Pastor Mark Terry Christensen, Administrative Assistant Contributors for this issue: Pastor Mark D. Cain Jim Capezza Rebecca Coplin Lindi Kelly Pastor Mike Dianne Reynolds Amy Thomason Zee Zee Volz Doug Wilson
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922-0404 922-0404 501-353-3040 922-0404 922-0404
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Deadline for next issue: Due date for the next issue is May 16, at 5:00 pm. Information should be provided by e-mail or on digital media to
[email protected] Church Office Hours: Monday– Thursday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Friday 8:30 am—12:00 pm 501-922-0404 501-922-3697 (fax) 100 Ponderosa Way Hot Springs Village, AR 71909
May 2014
Applying the Bible to daily life.
MAY 1 | National Day of Prayer 4-9 | Mission Trip to Wycliffe, Dallas, TX 8 | Newcomers Coffee, 10:00am 11 | Mother’s Day 17 | Take a Hike, Petit Jean State Park 26 | Office Closed—Memorial Day
Village Bible Church 100 Ponderosa Way Hot Springs Village, AR 71909 Phone: 501-922-0404 Fax: 501-922-3697 E-mail:
[email protected] Website: vbcchurch.com
Or current resident Village Bible Church 100 Ponderosa Way Hot Springs Village, AR 71909
Nonprofit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Hot Springs, AR. Permit No. 185
