Our September 2007 Men’s Retreat, was a great success. We are all looking forward to the next one, in 2008 (dates still to be determined). We had three speakers who spoke to us about our theme verse for this year’s retreat, which was from Math. 6:33, 34; or “The Power of Godly Priorities”. Pastor Bob, spoke first about knowing the true meanings of the verses in Mathew 6: 33 and 34. Elder Ric Eland, then spoke about; “Perseverance”. Finally, Pastor Jeff spoke about ‘Straight A’s”, from the story of the three wise men in Math. 2:1-12. from these three sessions we learned how God wants us as men to prioritize our lives and then persevere in right living. We also had great fun playing a card game called, “stupid”, socializing, playing wiffle ball, Frisbee and just being together. Judy, as always, kept us well fed. Thank you, again, to the Gagnon’s for letting us use their home and their hospitality.

We have just recently started a NEW men’s discipleship program called, “One to One Discipling”. There are about twenty men committed to the program. It is a nine lesson study, where one man disciples another. It was put together by Multiplication ministries, and developed from the contributions of men such as; Dr. Bill Bright, of Campus Crusade for Christ, Dr. Robert Luther, Dr. John McArthur, Pastor of Grace Community Church, Dr. Gene Getz, Dr. Dennis Beatty and “The Navigators”, of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Anyone interested in more info on this should see Bill Kugel or email him at wkugel@roadrunner.com.

The men at VCC are currently meeting at the church every Monday night at 6:30pm-8:00pm, to pray, and study in an informal setting, where we share our thoughts and ideas together in light of scripture and today’s world. We are currently going through a study of Galatians. We share leadership from study to study. Currently I am leading the study. Please, come and fellowship with us as we get to know each other and draw closer to our purpose as Men and search out the freedom of grace, through the study of God’s word.

If you would like to show your appreciation for what our Pastor does for us, and lift him up in prayer with another man by the laying on of hands with the Pastor before he begins services on Sunday morning, please add your name to the sign up sheet at the back of the church. Pastors have a lonely mission at times, they need to know us as men appreciate what they do for us and that we care about them as brothers, too. So please, sign up. If you have any questions, please see Bob Budroe (who is championing this ministry) or email him at papaab@fcrinc.net.

Do you like an, “all you can eat”, breakfast…I sure do! There is no cost (donations however, are appreciated to offset the expense). Do you like getting together with other men to be challenged or reminded about how God sees us…and we should see Him, through a message given from another brother from God’s word? Well, the Men’s Ministry at Valley Christian does, too. We meet here at church; the second Saturday of every month, at 8:00am (7:00am, if you want to help cook, a willing heart is all the experience needed). Any questions should be directed to Marc Johnson (who does a wonderful job in coordinating this ministry) or email him at mycalebears@roadrunner.com.

I have recently talked with Karl Meyers about his desire to start a home fellowship. Karl loves God and wants to share his love with others through a study and fellowship setting in his home. Karl lives in Jackson, NH, with his wife Kathy and two children. If you have a similar desire to fellowship around the study of God’s word and enjoy small group comradery of other Christian’s brothers and sisters, please contact Karl at karl241m@yahoo.com.

As Men’s ministry coordinator, I have seen that in order to serve our men in the way our Lord would want me to, that first I needed a team of like minded men to get things rolling, to plan and pray about where God was leading us; First, Bill Kugel, has been with me almost from the beginning and I couldn’t begin to calculate the help he has been to me and our church; Austin Woodward, was also instrumental in the early months in helping to form the path and foundation for the future; Karl Meyers, became our third member and his deep love of God and family has been an inspiration to us; Then Associate Pastor and now Interim Pastor Jeff Johnson became our fourth member and gave us a fresh perspective and for me, a kindred spirit, who helped keep us focused; Last but not least Bob Budroe recently came on board as an administrator for men’s ministry, a position that will always be needed. I believe as we start a new year God is showing me that we have done all the planning that was needed. Now God is leading me to stop meeting and start doing. I will still need to enlist the help of many good men with a strong desire to further the mission of our church and see men discipled to be followers of Jesus Christ and all that can mean for themselves, their families, the church, the community, the nation and even the world. As you can see we have the makings of an active group. If God is urging you to start a new ministry (or help support an existing one) with men through our church, please contact me so we can get together and see how I may help in getting what God has put on your heart started. If you just have a need, contact me and I will try to help or enlist the help of my brothers to meet your need.

Remember the words of 1 Peter 3:8,9:

Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous, not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.

For more info; call (207) 935-2840, (207) 329-7910 cell, or (603) 356-4130 ext. 327, or email me; Bob Aiken, Men’s Ministry Coordinator, bobdeb@fairpoint.net.

Help me to help you, let me know how I can help you, pray for you and further our experience together as men in seeking the wisdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I look forward to hearing from you.

In His service,

Bob Aiken

VCC Men’s Ministry Coordinator