Ministries

Children’s Ministry

Sunday School Teachers

Pre-K-K: Heidi & Chris Darling, Joel Clement, Marilyn Burney

1-2: Sooz Eland, Maureen Day

3-5: Cindi Hawkins

6-8: Lisa & Mike Wedge

9-12: John & Donna Hennesy

Jr. Church Teachers

Heather Woodward, Fran Roderick, Sheri Whitaker, Marilyn & Joe Burney, Bev & Keith Bedell, Pat Hannes, Julie & Jeff Johnson

Because of the increase in the number of children in Jr. Church, a second class with be starting soon. The second class will be taught by: Lisa King, Jacque & David Esmay, Candy & Mark Allen, Tara Woods

We are still seeking another team of two adults to teach, and three people to assist Lisa, Tara & Pat. We strive to have two adults in each class.

A third class is in the developmental stages for our special needs children. This is being organized by Cindi Hawkins. Parents will be expected to assist and/or teach on a rotating basis.

Parents are to pick up their children from Jr. Church at the end of the adult service. This is a safety precaution for our children.

Director of Christian Education

Rick Roderick

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Youth Group

Weekly Youth Group Meetings held at the New Suncook School in Lovell, Maine each Friday at 7 pm.

You can also email Pastor Jeff.

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Adults

Sunday School, Weekly Prayer Meetings, Weekly Bible Studies, and Vacation Bible School.

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Men’s Ministry

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 1Peter 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

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Women’s Ministry

Weekly meeting of Mom’s in Touch (a prayer group for local schools and students), monthly Women’s Ministry Meeting held the first Monday of each month at Valley Christian at 6:30 p.m.

Happy New Year to all the women at Valley Christian Church. It has come to our attention that many of you do not know what “ladies fellowship” is at VCC. Come to the next monthly women’s fellowship meeting (6:30 pm on Monday, February 7) and find out. You will get to know some of the women at VCC while we study God’s word, visit, and pray together, and find ways to serve God’s beloved daughters and sons at VCC, in the Valley, and beyond.

On the first Monday of each month all ladies at VCC are invited for a time of informal fellowship, a short devotion led by one of the ladies, and a service-centered activity. For example, in the past we have had devotions on prayer, the tongue, being more intimate with God, and the armor of God in relationships. We have written notes of encouragement, planned meals to take to the sick, and packed college care packages. We have laughed, sung, prayed, studied, and cried together. Come join us next month!

At the January 3rd fellowship meeting we studied Ephesians 6, how the “armor of God” passage is in the context of Paul’s instructions on relationships. We shared our thoughts and insights as to how God wants us to use his armor to fight the evil one who wants to destroy unity. We so often put up our own shields and breastplates, etc. to defend ourselves against criticism or difficult relationships rather than preparing to run by holding up our robes with the belt of truth and being ready with the gospel of peace (etc.). Let’s keep reminding each other to wear the armor of God instead of the armor of humans!

At our January 3rd meeting we also discussed what activities we would like to see occur in 2005. To start with, we are planning an evening “pamper ourselves”night in March, a Mothers’ Day brunch in May, helping with VBS meals in July, a September progressive dinner, a retreat in November, and a Christmas party in December. Many women have chosen to be a “secret sister” to someone during the year (see Jodi Evans for more information), and many women are planning other activities or service opportunities and inviting all who are interested to join them, such as shopping trips to Portland, visiting the Christian Book Distributors warehouse sale, and going to ladies’ brunches and retreats at other churches.

Join us in 2005 at our monthly Monday fellowships. And let’s continue to grow in our walk with God as we reach, teach, serve and send.

Serving Him in 2004,

Marilyn and Joany

Serving Him in 2005

Sue Budroe & Sooz Eland

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Discipleship

A discipler is one who will invest themselves in the life of another believer to train them in the way of Christ. If you would like to be discipled or would like more information on being prepared to disciple others, please contact Pastor Jeff.

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The Most Excellent Way

“The Most Excellent Way” is a loving group of men and women affected directly or indirectly by drugs or alcohol. In the Support Meetings, we grow in our faith in Christ with the encouragement of God’s Word and prayers of those who understand what we have been through. Thousands worldwide have been set free through these weekly meetings.

A confidential and intimate group gather every Thursday night at 6:30 pm to encourage and strengthen each other from an assortment of addictions. We accept one another just as we are - committed Christian or backslider, sober or stoned, reverent or obnoxious, clean or dirty. Anyone desiring freedom from addiction and compulsive behavior is welcomed into “The Most excellent Way.” Group Leader, Ric Eland has been leading the group for about 10 years and now has an up and coming backup leader in John Neal. This will free Ric to network with the other area group leaders in New England and focus on the groups started in Poland.

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Fellowship Ministry

To promote unity, fellowship, relationship building, and Christian growth in the church family through the use of planned events for members and guests of Valley Christian Church.

The Fellowship Ministry is about serving you, the church body, as an outreach and as a means for us to get to know each other on a more personal basis. We are willing and able to help most any time that another ministry asks for help. We try to plan at least one fellowship a month throughout the year.

If there is anyone who has a heart for serving and would like to work with the fellowship ministry, please see me. We are always anxious for new ideas and extra hands.

Glad to be able to serve Him,

Alyce Davidson

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Evangelism Ministry

The purpose of the Valley Christian Church Evangelism Team Ministry is to encourage our church body to evangelize and to provide evangelistic opportunities for the body. The purpose of the Valley Christian Church Evangelism Team Ministry is to encourage our church body to evangelize and to provide evangelistic opportunities for the body.

We, as an evangelism team, realize that this is best accomplished by our setting the example both in servant hood and in lifestyle. We recognize that prayer is our greatest priority and that we rely upon the Holy Spirit’s power and strength to accomplish His task.

This evangelism ministry is open to all and we are currently looking for people who are interested in serving on the evangelism team.

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Library Ministry

VCC has opened up a lending library full of books, videos and audio tapes as a way to minister to the needs of our members. There are a variety of sources for all age levels.

The library has a somewhat different look now that I’ve got all the videos and audio book tapes organized together in one spot to give us more bookshelf space. Not only are they better organized, but we have some new ones. Come on in and check it out.

Also new for the teens of VCC is a brand new set of Trailblazer Books. These are thrilling adventure stories called “overcomer books” introducing young readers to Christian heroes of the past. These would also make great reading books for family time. We’ve now got Mask of the Wolf Boy, Assassins in the Cathedral, (Uganda); Race for the Record, (Philippine Islands); Ambushed in Jaguar Swamp (Lenqua) and The Mayflower Secret (New World). Here’s what I pulled off their site www.trailblazerbooks.com:

The award-winning TRAILBLAZER BOOKS are action-packed historical fiction introducing young people to great Christian heroes. Each page-turning book portrays a significant period in a hero or heroine’s life and ministry as seen through the eyes of a young person eleven to about fifteen years old. A page in the front of each book explains exactly what is fiction and which events and characters are historical, and a “More About” chapter at the end provides a brief biographical overview of the Christian hero’s whole life. As authors, we want kids to learn about pioneer missionaries and other important people in Christian history . . . and have fun doing it.

— Dave and Neta Jackson

On this site you can:

  • meet the authors
  • use historical timelines to find out what other important events were happening in the world at the time of each Trailblazer story.
  • write to the authors
  • Authors can be arranged to come to school or homeschool group for a 1-2 day writing seminar.

By the looks of the borrowing activity already for these books I guess I’ll be on the hunt to search the world for more Trailblazer adventures. Stay tuned…

Read a book, share a thought… Sue Budroe

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Music Ministry

“Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands; serve the LORD with gladness: come before His presence with singing.” (Psalm 100:1-2)

Did you get that? That part where it said, “If you can sing in four part harmony and span three vocal octaves, then come worship the LORD with song”?  Me neither!

All you need to participate in the choir here at Valley Christian Church is a heart that loves the Lord and a willingness to serve. Consider this your formal invitation! There are generally two outreaches each year (Christmas and Easter), so when you hear the call go out for help with either of those, answer and jump on board! It is such a blessing to grow closer to the Lord and each other as we serve Him in the work of the fellowship!

Also, if you have a song you would like to share in the morning worship, please feel free to contact me. We’ll be glad to find a place in the service for whatever the Lord lays on your heart.

God bless you as we seek His face together, to the praise of His glory!

Heather Clement

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Missions

September 2006

“THE PLUNGE”

The plunge. That vivid experience that happened to me just over 3 years ago was not quickly forgotten. Eyes bulging with stark terror, arms flailing in desperation, my body was plunged into the depths of the Amazon river due to an overzealous teen trying to initiate me to the Amazon region. Although I do not know how to swim, I “clawed” my way back to the dock.

The plunge. It happened to Dani, my wife, less than one week after handing in her last test that completed one year of Bible college. She was thrown into many unfamiliar waters as soon as she stepped onto American soil. Culture shock to the extreme was celebrating the 4th of July fireworks at Sea World after being in the US for a total of 6 hours! But my wife’s ever looming doctrinal exam threw a wet blanket on anything that wanted to be festive for the following long two weeks. My wife did a beautiful job on that fateful day, and we give all the credit to the Lord for sustaining us through that difficult time through the many prayers of our brothers and sisters in Christ. THANK YOU!

“The plunge” was more than just the daunting doctrinal debut but also a diversified road trip that would have many any travel agent proud. My wife’s first time in America started off with putting 7,000 miles of road behind us in the last two months and slipping in and out of 14 different states and 10 different churches. From theme parks to cottonfields. From Georgia to Chicago. From air-conditioned luxury hotels to leaking tents. From the top of the St. Louis Arch to hidden river caves. It truly has been a cultural roller coaster ride.

Three years ago someone pushed me in to initiate me, but the amazing thing to me is that my wife “willingly” took the plunge. Although floundering at many times in her English, she continues to stay afloat. I am so proud of her, and also of all of you. My wife testified of her gratefulness around 4 days before the test. She said, “I know I need to be strong and continue on because of all those people who are behind me and praying for my doctrinal exam.”

Eyes bulging and arms flailing? Yah, at times, but it is so much easier taking “the plunge” because of YOU and YOUR prayers.

Serving Him,

Ben and Dani Jacobs

Update on Brazil: Pastor Ben reports he’s been blessed with a lot of “firsts” in his “first” year of ministry after language school. “I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost” was said in Portuguese as Alessandra was plunged beneath the water. Eu te amo! The first time he ever said the words “I love you” in Portuguese was, I suspect, for Daniele, his fiancé! For his first communion, he prayed that God would bless the grapes instead of the juice. (Hey, God knew what Ben wanted to say!). His first discipleship was with two girls. One quit because she got embarrassed about the idea of praying in front of people and the other girl quit too but the first girl just prayed out loud for the first time in his Sunday School class. The response of “Yes, Pastor Ben, I believe I would like to accept Christ as my personal Savior” was of course his favorite “firsts”. Many fumbled and often time funny words have rolled off his lips at many of his “firsts”: giving his first Sunday school lesson, first discipleship, first sermon, and many more. Sometimes it was very difficult, discouraging, humiliating, and very frustrating, but always, ALWAYS, very rewarding. He said he appreciates those who have allowed him to reach this goal of completing his “firsts”, and thankful for those who have pledged with their prayers and support to allow him to go back for “seconds”. www.bdjbrazil.cjb.net

Poland: Pastor Irek reports that although they got way less Operation Christmas Child boxes this year, (sounded like a political thing) he was able to use the money sent from the Sunday School class here to buy the kids in church nice gifts.

The “problem” he was having when Ric was there has been given to God and there is some positive progress. God’s timing, you know. But please continue to pray for: “that” problem, Irek and his family as with anyone with teens, there are “growing pain” problems. www.geocities.com/Heartland/Flats/1141/tarnow.html

David King (SEND International) Joan King writes: “Thank you for your prayers on our behalf. David is home, he had 5 wks in Far East Russia and 3 wks in Kashakstan, returning 12/15. We are preparing to leave for conferences in the eastern part of the states plus one in FL. Dave send me (us) the most current update with our schedule. I will be on their mailing list for future updates. Tell the children that their prayers are being answered in many ways, so keep praying!! “Perhaps we can come to Valley Christian and visit your class in the Spring (April, May or June).” http://users.adelphia.net/~djking39

Who are Lottie Moon and Annie Armstrong? We usually only hear about them during Christmas and Easter. Through gifts to Annie and Lottie offerings, missions personnel are enabled to share the good news of Jesus Christ through the North American Missions Board. Every dollar goes to direct support of missionaries and their ministries. These women rallied churches to give more, pray more and do more for reaching people to Christ. Is this on your heart??

So much more could be said but for now, please pray that those in the missions field here in the States and overseas can reach those unsaved and pitiful, through God’s word and His heart’s desire. Remember as always, please keep The Greens, (Littleton, NH,) and Jeff and Julie Johnson (Uzbekistan) in your prayers.

May God bless VCC as a body, Love, Sooz Eland

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Building Ministry

This team of volunteers is constantly working to take care of the current needs at Valley Christian Church as well as look into plans for the future.

The Building Committee oversees the building and maintenance at Valley Christian Church. Currently we have completed many projects bringing the building up to town standards. Periodically we have work days that include major cleaning and fixing of minor needs throughout the building. If you notice a need, please see me. Thanks to all who work hard to keep our building safe and clean.

Don Grody

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For more information…

For more information regarding these ministries please call Valley Christian Church at 603-356-2730.

For general information or to ensure your email is forwarded to the right person, please email us.

Thanks and May God Bless You!

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