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We exist to bring glory to God by calling all people into an abundant life with Jesus Christ

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to the Christmas calendar, to prepare our hearts for the coming

King, Jesus.

Don’t you wonder what Zechariah thought about for those

months of silence? I can only speculate, but I wonder if their

thoughts wouldn’t match up with our thoughts today?

They must have spent much time marveling at what God had

already done. Who wouldn’t if an angel delivered the heavenly

message personally? They must have thought about the

privilege of playing a role in God’s cosmic plan for all of

humanity and history. Who wouldn’t be overwhelmed with the

grace of that? They must have wondered at how they would see

the power of God in the next season of their life. Who wouldn’t

after seeing an elderly woman and a young virgin both given the

promise of children?

But most of all, I wonder if their hearts weren’t just full of

pure, heaven-sent worship. Who wouldn’t after seeing an angel

choir and complete strangers coming to worship the child, the

promised Messiah?

I don’t suppose we can eject entirely from the pandemonium

of the shortened shopping season. Could I, though, urge you –

no, beg you – to join in the blessing of waiting on the Lord this

Christmas? Find a time to retreat and pray. Find a time to read

the Christmas story to your kids. Find a time to withdraw and let

the Spirit fill your heart with pure Christmas worship.

You have permission to skip the rush. It’s ok to wait.

If previous Christmas seasons weren’t frantic enough, this one

already has the feel of an Olympic sprinter poised for takeoff in

the starting blocks. If previous seasons didn’t frustrate you

enough, this one has major indicators of impending stress and

frazzled nerves. Why? It’s all due to the late Thanksgiving date

and the six fewer days of Christmas shopping this year. Teams of

retail experts are trying to find ways to pack more shopping into

fewer days. The world is in a panic.

The first Christmas certainly had its moments of stress and

anxiety. Dealing with an unplanned pregnancy, riding a donkey

across rough terrain and giving birth in a cave full of gawking

animals certainly don’t make for a quiet, contemplative season.

But the Christmas story includes the gift of waiting. Amidst the

circumstances and stress, we see pictures of waiting, anticipation

and contemplation. The classic image of waiting is that of

Zechariah. His moment of doubt with the angel’s message

brought a month’s long time out without the ability to speak.

Talk about a time of contemplation! Then the expectant mothers,

Elizabeth and Mary, had nine months to ponder the work of God

in their lives and in their world. We’re told later that Mary,

seeing all that surrounded the events of Christ’s birth, “pondered

them in her heart.”

Then there are the prophets, Simeon and Anna. They waited

with anticipation for years to see God visit His people and reveal

the promised Messiah.

Waiting is ok. In fact, waiting and contemplating are key

ingredients to the Christmas story. That’s why Advent was added

By Pastor Mike Sindelar

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A s a police officer of 18+ years for the Chaska and

St. Paul Police Departments, I’ve seen first-hand the impact

on officers’ lives that comes from handling traumatic situations,

and the effects of hyper-vigilance. Police officers work odd and

inconsistent shifts, suffer a high divorce rate, and frequently feel

detached from their families and communities. For 10 hours each

day, we have to be ready to respond to an emergency at a

moment’s notice, and can’t let our guard down. The result is a

constant release of adrenaline into our systems, which is not

healthy for extended periods. The average police officer’s life

expectancy is about 15 years shorter than that of the general

population, and the rate of reported suicides is about double.

As police departments go, Chaska PD is healthy. However, all of

our officers have to deal with the stresses of the job, and those

stresses can increase to levels difficult to handle. I’ve held broken,

dying children in my arms, trying to keep them alive – and failed.

Those experiences don’t just go away, and they can happen again

right now. Not every officer has what I enjoy: a loving family, a

church family that God chose for us, and a personal relationship

with God. A chaplain that is committed to ministering to our

department members can fit some of the needs of our officers

when they struggle.

In answer to an unsaid prayer, Pastor Greg Snow, from St. John’s

Lutheran Church in Chaska, contacted Chaska PD with an offer to

minister to our department. In February of 2012, my chief tasked

me with creating a chaplaincy program along with Pastor Snow –

and I was happy to do it. Our department is a family, and I want

the best for every member.

I attended a Love In The Name of Christ meeting to introduce my

program ideas to several area pastors, and began the process of

creating policy and a training program. Four men

expressed interest in becoming Chaska Police Chaplains,

and our corps was born. Besides Greg Snow, Mike Eder

of the Chaska Moravian Church, Scott Crook from Cross

of Grace, and our own Mike Sindelar have joined the

Chaska Police Department family, and have been trained

in many aspects of police work and how to relate to cops

(because we tend to be weird). Of course, they bring

with them expertise in counseling and spiritual matters.

The chaplains completed a field training course,

designed to teach them about the situations our officers

face, and to allow the chaplains to get to know our

officers, and vice-versa. Mike Sindelar and Greg Snow

attended a 3-day training class in Iowa with 2 other

officers and me. The class focused on stress in law

enforcement, including line-of-duty deaths, planning

police funerals, and preventing officer suicide. They were able to

share what they learned with the other chaplains, and have been

planning training courses for our officers.

Our chaplains are ready to be called at any hour to respond to

assist at tragic events, including death notifications, fatal crashes,

etc. They support the families involved, both spiritually and simply

by being present to answer questions. This allows the officers

more time to conduct necessary investigations without leaving the

family members alone. Chaplains will assist the family by

contacting other family members, friends, and/or clergy.

Chaska Chaplains continue to ride along with Chaska police

officers, providing a ministry of presence and the ability to provide

confidential counseling. They are prepared to respond to assist at

the scene of community-wide tragedy, whether natural or

intentional. They will visit with sick or injured police department

employees and family members. If the time comes, and I pray that

it never does, the chaplains are ready to help tell our families that

we will not be coming home.

Please continue to pray for each of our chaplains. Support them in

their efforts to support our community. It’s a big job – one that

God has laid on their hearts.

Chaplaincy Corps By Mike Duzan

Our own pastor, Mike Sindelar, received his chaplain’s badge in a special presentation by Chaska’s Chief of Police, Scott Knight.

Anonymous

A while back when I served in the toddler nursery with my daughter, she noticed many of the markers were dried up. She

was a real marker lover as a little girl (and actually still is). She systematically went through the box, testing each one, and threw

away several, with the comment, we need to buy new markers for this room, Mom. Okay, I thought, we can do that. And I forgot. But she didn’t. She received money back for some clothes she

sold and chose to buy a set of markers for the classroom.

Context . . . we talk about giving, but don’t force it. When it feels like you don’t have much (though it’s not an accurate picture) one tends to hold tightly to what you have. What she did

was a beautiful expression of God moving in her heart. I cried with joy...in front of her. She commented that she doesn’t want

anyone to know (but I want you to be encouraged about what God is doing in our children’s hearts!) . . . and just in case you’ve noticed a different set of markers in the toddler nursery!

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I t’s hard to believe that I’m approaching having served at Valley

for a year already! Over this year it’s been my joy to learn who

my students are, and also who Valley Free is as well. I thought that

it’d be appropriate for my end-of-the-year article to describe these

characteristics.

Valley Free is a welcoming family. Just last week in Sunday School I

asked my students to describe a significant event in their stories as

Christians and I was privileged to hear many stories of how you all

as a congregation have come alongside each other in tough times

and been Jesus to each other.

Our Valley family is service-minded has an army of behind-the-

scenes servants. From family service project nights to families

helping out with Operation Christmas Child to people posting

service opportunities on our Facebook page, it’s been evident to

me that our congregation is very ready to give back.

Our Valley family is full of genuine people. Do I need to say more

about this? We all experience this on a weekly basis. We can share

our struggles freely here and offer grace abundantly.

And now a couple qualities that stand out to me about our youth

here at Valley:

Our youth are all about positive peer pressure. Students pressure

each other at Crux, but for the right reasons. Whether it’s talking

in front of the group, volunteering for a game, or affirmation to

share in a small group, I see a lot of positive peer pressure that

helps students get out of their comfort zone, which in turn helps

them discover who they really are in Christ.

Our youth are hungry to go deeper. The questions our students ask

during small group and teaching time are very thoughtful and

searching for how the gospel fits into every aspect of their lives: if

that doesn’t get you excited nothing will!

Our youth are discipleship-minded. This mindset has been

enforced from previous years of older students forming

relationships with younger students. As middle-schoolers become

high-schoolers they’ve continued this awesome cycle and I don’t

see it stopping anytime soon!

We serve a Great God and he is doing wonderful things here at

our Church. 2013 was a great year! Thank you for accepting me

into the family here so well, and for all your support during my

first year as Youth Director—I’ve learned so much from so many

here!

By Cory Jackson

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“We exist...to bring glory to God by calling all people into an abundant life with Jesus Christ.”

I love how Paul begins his letter to the Thessalonica church in 1 Thessalonians (as well as most of his letters) with thanksgiving for the

acts of their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. It’s not easy to act in faith and definitely not easy, at least for most of us, to share our faith.

As I read 1 Thessalonians, I wonder how Paul would begin a letter to us. Would he be thankful for our acts of faith? Would he praise

God for how we are noticed or recognized in the Chaska and greater Carver county community? Would he identify people coming to

know their Lord and Savior through Valley? Would he highlight how we go out and share our faith with others, helping them to see their

place as children of God?

“And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia

and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, for they themselves

report what kind of reception you gave us.” 1 Thessalonians 1:7-9

Paul gave thanks for how the Thessalonica church had become a model for other believers. They acted their faith out and it was

noticed. It encouraged others and was easily recognizable. Through their faith, others were able to come into an abundant life with

Jesus Christ. That is the desire of our leadership team for Valley as well. We want others to seek us out for our faith and want to join us

in worship and ministry to see what it is all about. We want others to identify with us through baptism and membership to give glory to

God as a corporate body. We want to share with anyone the good news of Jesus Christ. That is what we exist for and I cannot wait to

hear Paul’s thanksgiving that he will give to Valley Free.

We Exist to Bring Glory to God... By Dan Koepp, Elder Board Chair

By Judy Cass Build-A-Bed Ministry

W here did you sleep last night? In a nice comfy, warm bed with a mattress to your liking?

Through a previous job, I learned about children that don’t have a bed, that’s right,

right here in Carver County some children are sleeping on the floor, by necessity, not by choice.

The Build-a-Bed Ministry is a Gap Ministry for Love INC started at VEFC in September, 2010, by

our parish nurse at that time, Linda Kozicky, and her husband Gary. Since then we have been

averaging a need of 2+ beds per month.

When Love INC has a request for a bed or beds, they contact Peter Larson, the coordinator from

VEFC. Peter purchases the lumber and LOTS of screws with the money that the Valley

congregation donates. A volunteer carpenter Bob Engelhart, takes the lumber and cuts the pieces for the beds. Then that’s where our VEFC

volunteers enter, taking the sections of the bed to the home and assembling it there for the child. Love INC provides mattresses and

bedding for us to make up the bed and have it ready for the child to crawl into and have a great night of sleep.

This ministry is spreading the gospel through meeting a need, a bed, and giving out literature about the Gospel and Salvation and YOU can

be a part of it! Bob would like other individuals to help him cut the lumber to specified measurements. Peter is always happy to have

others help him to assemble the beds. What a joy to see the face of the child that will have a bed to sleep in and be able to share with the

family the love of Jesus. I ask that each of you consider if the Lord wants you to donate financially or help with the construction of the

Build-A-Bed Ministry. We feel blessed when we hear the heart-warming stories of the families who have received a bed for their child.

Contact Peter Larson at 952-466-5885 for more information or to volunteer.

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The sun comes up. There’s a new day dawning. It’s time to sing

your song again. Whatever may pass and whatever lies before

me, let me be singing when the evening comes.

We arrived at Dhaka International Airport just as the sun was

rising. The air was a smoggy pink in a totally strange land -- but

Dhaka is not strange to God! We didn’t know and were not able to

anticipate all of the sights, sounds and experiences that were

ahead. With a desperate, yet confident, dependence we

anticipated the song God would plant in our hearts in Bangladesh.

Bless the Lord O my soul…O my soul. Worship His holy name. Sing

like never before…O my soul. I'll worship Your holy name.

We have a “song” now that we have never “sung” before.

Missionary families to Bangladesh with origins from across the

globe were gathering for a 5 day conference. Eating, playing and

worshipping together, this is a time of respite for the families. A

place where their children can roam free throughout the centers

lush green courtyards, scooter down the vast hallways and enjoy a

game of cricket with other kids, just like themselves. The adults

get the opportunity to be fed spiritually from outside speakers,

comparing ministry highs and lows and just enjoying each other’s

company. They are the most welcoming crowd of people you will

ever meet, but maybe that is part of the job description.

This was the busiest time of our trip. Our mission was to lead

worship each morning, then hold a 4 hour VBS style program for

the kids. Arlene and Lanell, along with Jacob and Hosanna Thomas

were the worship team. Another mission team from Toronto

planned out the children’s time each day and our team came

alongside them to help. Mel transformed himself into King David

and Nehemiah to teach the Bible stories, Arlene led games, Lanell

the singing and we all helped out with crafts. The days were

By Arlene Borner, Mel Swanson and Lanell Plath

Bangladesh...A Short Term Mission

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sometimes long, but we all thoroughly enjoyed the children.

You're rich in love and You're slow to anger. Your name is great

and Your heart is kind For all Your goodness I will keep on

singing, Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find.

In the days before and after the conference, our hosts took us to

several ministry projects around Dhaka and Rajshahi to witness

first-hand the work God is doing in Bangladesh.

Bible correspondence courses for Hindus and Muslims, a training

center for young men to learn about God while studying a trade

(welding, motorcycle mechanics, home electrical, mobile phone

repair), a center that rescues women from the streets to

rehabilitate them, teaches them to sew, cares for their children

and finds them employment. A music school, an elementary school

in the slums and a medical clinic in rural Bangladesh. Each ministry

leader using the passions and gifts that God gave them to develop

relationships with Bengali’s and share the good news of God’s love

for them.

And on that day when my strength is failing. The end draws near

and my time has come. Still my soul will sing Your praise

unending. Ten thousand years and then forevermore.

There were many days when it felt like we couldn’t complete our

mission on our own strength. Jet lag kept us up at nights, yet God

renewed our strength each day to match the energy of the kids.

Satan planted seeds of doubt, “You’re not good enough”, but God

sent reassurances that He would use our obedient hearts for His

glory. We were in a strange land. A place where we couldn’t speak

their language and they couldn’t speak ours. A land without street

signs for navigation. A culture completely foreign to us where

staring is accepted and personal space a luxury. There was no

choice but to rely on God and the hospitality of our hosts.

Bless the Lord O my soul…O my soul. Worship His holy name. Sing

like never before…O my soul. I'll worship Your holy name.

By the end of our trip we were full. Full of rice and hot tea, but

mostly full of God’s goodness. Memories of a chorus of voices from

around the world worshiping together. Eyes closed, hands raised

high, lives totally surrendered to God. Memories of missionary kids

that knew the Bible stories better than we did. Little faces that will

never be forgotten. Memories of a sunset boat ride on the Ganges

River and seeing God’s greatness from our airplane window as the

Himalayas jutted high above the clouds.

_____________

If you would like to hear more from the Bangladesh Mission Team,

join them Sunday, January 5, during the Sunday School hour for a

full presentation.

I think God enjoys defying expectations. Most of the leaders that

God chose did not expect to fill the role they ended up filling

(disciples, Paul, David, Esther, etc). My own experience with this

began a year ago. I set out to be a dorm Bible study leader for

Intervarsity and ended up washing the feet of the homeless and

preaching to octogenarians.

I expected the dorm Bible study. It was my senior year at

Northwestern University and I finally felt comfortable with the

routine of leading a small group Bible study. My curriculum was

planned and the year seemed manageable. Yet rather than allow

me to coast, God had other plans. He started gently; a friend

wanted to start a Bible study at a local homeless shelter and asked

if I would attend. I agreed to help out for a couple weeks, though

more for her safety than a ministry opportunity. My focus was the

dorm and I did not want to make a long-term commitment.

Homeless ministry was quite

different from Intervarsity.

Tangential topics were

common in Bible study, but

never before had I witnessed

a study of John shift to

theories about aliens causing

9/11. Though sometimes disjointed, the study was genuine. When

we reached John 13, we took a gamble and asked to wash the feet

of the attendees as a tangible illustration of serving others. For a

population that would wear their shoes and socks for weeks at a

time, feet were a source of insecurity, so we had no expectations.

God did something crazy that day and nearly everyone allowed us

to wash their feet and pray with them. On top of that, the

attendees then decided to wash our feet and pray for us. I realized

that God wanted me to move beyond transient “help at a soup

kitchen day” relationships and so I kept leading.

Next, God invaded Mather Pavilion retirement home, where I

volunteered leading a cooking class for the residents. One day, my

roommate Jens asked me how I met the residents spiritually. All I

could muster was “love and support,” to which he asked if I would

consider starting a church at Mather. He is part of a movement to

empower laypeople to start ministries, so I should have seen it

coming. I did not have a seminary degree or worship skills, so I was

uneasy. Yet God nudged me and I decided to try. We rallied a few

students and began a weekly service. God provided so many

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residents that we needed to

switch to a larger room. It turns

out that he had been preparing

for this much longer than we

had. The service was a chance to

build friendships, to pray

together, and to train college

students to lead worship and

give sermonettes.

God showed me the messiness and joys of unconventional ministry

this year. I worried about spreading myself too thin with ministry,

but it seemed that his nudges were accompanied by an

inexplicable synergy. Homeless ministry and Mather served as a

rallying point for my small group, and Christians and non-Christians

got involved in supporting both.

God also showed me the magic of discipleship. The pattern was

always: try something uncomfortable, learn it with his help, and

train others to replace you. Asking others to join me helped

immensely and made ministry sustainable. Though I’ve since

graduated, it brings me joy to watch younger leaders running small

group, homeless ministry, and the church at Mather.

Overall, I have learned that sticking to convention can distract me

from God’s priorities. I am not advocating more programming or

“odd” ministries, but rather listening to him for where to serve. By

following his nudges, I experienced him defying expectations.

Ultimately, that was the most transformative for me and the most

glorifying to him.

By Daniel Weber

Daniel is the eldest son of Bill & Rhonda Weber. A Chaska High School Graduate, Daniel is currently attending medical school at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.

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S ince 2007, Valley Free has served

as an Operation Christmas Child

Relay Center. This year, from the

Minneapolis Processing Center, boxes

will be sent to India, Zambia,

Madagascar, Kenya and one limited access country. Each child

who receives a box will also hear the gospel message of salvation

in Jesus Christ and receive a booklet in their own language telling

of "The Greatest Gift." We are privileged to be part of the chain of

hands that facilitate this work. Please pray for each child's heart to

be opened to the eternal life saving message of the gospel.

In 2013, the VEFC church family...

Donated 125 shoeboxes!

Transported 1,359 boxes (93 cartons) from the VEFC

Relay Center to the OCC Processing Center!

Had 13 volunteers serving in the Relay Center for a total of

40 hours!

Sent 25 volunteers to serve at the Processing Center on

Thursday, December 5!

By Candace Wisely

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Valley's Upcoming Commitments

DECEMBER: Peanut Butter

JANUARY: Canned Peas & Corn

FEBRUARY: Canned Soup

150 Engler Blvd

Chaska, MN 55318

Phone: 952-448-6144

Fax: 952-448-5119

office@valleyfree.org

www.valleyfree.org