Make an Impact

When Hezekiah took over the kingdom of Judah he was 25 years old. He had seen what his father’s sins had done to the land and it’s people - the impact had been huge, and he wanted no part of it. He was determined to change things and call the nation back to God. When you consider the mess he inherited, you might conclude that very little could be done about it in one man’s lifetime. It’s a really amazing story. Hezekiah made an impact for God that was astonishing.

How often are you asked about a class, a series of meetings, or maybe a program or something and your reply is, “ Oh, it was OK.”  Sometimes this is really just a consolation that I give because whatever I’ve been asked about is just mediocre. Sometimes I just come out and say it was terrible.

Sometimes though, you find something that is fresh and alive.  The people involved are enthused, motivated, and productive. Looking behind things, you always find a leader who excels and truly values excellence.

When you take a close look at Hezekiah’s life, you can see that it’s saturated by several elements.  He is known as one of the most outstanding kings of Judah.  There is  no question of his sincerity and devotion to God.  In fact, the name Hezekiah means “Yahweh is my strength.”  He truly does excel as a leader and completely reverses things in the kingdom he has inherited. But three characteristics of his leadership really stand out. These three things are imperative for making an impact - working wholeheartedly, having a single-minded focus and a fighting spirit.   This is a guy I want to be like. 

Things can get done and continue without these elements, but people who produce lasting fruit have all three. I don’t know about you, but I want to produce things that last. I want to make an impact for God! I think it’s going to take a wholehearted, single-minded, fighting spirit.  I’m ready!  What about you?

Ben Pitney :: lead pastor

Adult Classes:  

Finance:

Crown Biblical Financial Study - This small group study is a 10 week in-depth study of what scripture teaches about money and possessions. Graduates have confirmed that marriages are being strengthened and individuals are finding their way out of debt. They are also becoming consistent savers, generous givers, and prudent consumers. Most importantly, people are entering into a closer relationship with Jesus Christ as they learn to apply His Word. The next orientation meeting will be on August 10 during the 9:00 a.m. service. Cost is $55 for an individual; $65 for a couple. For more information, please contact Thom Dusek at thomb.1@cox.net or (520) 370-6059.

BILD:   

Participating in the Mission of the Church - When we grasp the ultimate purpose of Christ for our lives, we will be filled with meaning and purpose. This study examines Christ’s plan for Christians to participate in the mission of the Church. The next class starts August 10 during the 10:45 a.m. service. Cost is $8. For more information, please contact Sharon Huebner at (520) 762-0395 or sharich25@aol.com.

Marriage:

I Promise – Marriage should be a safe place where your relationship grows deeper naturally. This 6 week study will help you to develop a marriage where you both have the freedom to be open & secure without fear of being criticized, blamed or judged by each other. This class will begin in September. For more information, please contact Tim Sheaffer at tim@vailchristian.com or (520) 722-1220.
    
Parenting:

Parenting Your Teenager - A Biblical Look at Parenting – Raising teenagers can be one of the most daunting experiences that parents face. This study looks at real life stories of parents and teens and addresses topics such as identity, rebellion, controlling your teen’s anger and teaching your personal faith. The class will be held on Wednesday nights from 7:00-8:30pm. It is a six week course beginning this Fall. Cost is $5. Contact Tim Sheaffer at tim@vailchristian.com or (520) 722-1220.

Register online at www.vailchristian.com/
classreg.html or contact Tim Sheaffer at tim@vailchristian.com for more information.

Community Groups: If you are interested in starting or joining a Community Group, or if you just want some more information, contact Tim Sheaffer at tim@vailchristian.com or Trent Schlecht at tanks@cox.net. You can also visit the Community Group page on our website at
www.vailchristian.com.

Strategic Service Teams: SST’s are volunteers gathered together to serve within and outside the church. Volunteers are vital to Vail Christian and we look to them to facilitate environments and potentially lead people in a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Contact tim@vailchristian.com for more information. View our list of service teams and contact information at www.vailchristian.com/
serviceteams.html.

Project 168 is a challenge for the VCC community to pray. There are one hundred and sixty-eight hours in every week – Project 168 calls the members of the VCC community to pray during one of those one hundred and sixty-eight hours every week.

• Pray for our families, that we would find time for relationships as we launch into a hectic new school year.
  
  
• Pray for our children as they strive to learn.
  
  
• Pray for our students, that God would keep the passion and clarity of purpose found at camp burning in their hearts throughout the chaos of life.
  
  
• Pray for our teachers, that God would help them to communicate effectively despite numerous distractions.
  
  
• Pray for the new staff at Empire High School, that they would have the strength and stamina to embrace the challenges inherent to teaching at a high-tech school.

VCC Community Rewards: Coordinator: Donita Vogt ­ 731-0734 or donitavogt@aol.com.

Many grocery stores offer fundraising programs to churches, schools, and other youth organizations. When using gift cards or "club cards" stores will contribute a percentage of your purchases to your organization. VCC has registered to participate in these programs. Funds raised will be allocated for use by the children and student ministries. Please visit the table in the courtyard or contact Donita Vogt for more information.

The VCC Women's Book Club meets the last Monday evening of every month. We have a great time eating, getting to know one another, and of course discussing great Christian books (usually novels).  If you are interested in finding out more, contact Cynthia Dusek at cjdusek@cox.net.
 
Upcoming books:
 
August: The Yada Yada Prayer Group
by Neta Jackson
September: Some Wildflower in My Heart
by Jamie Langston Turner

Baptism Event: The next baptism event will be August 24. If you are interested in being baptized, please contact tim@vailchristian.com. Students and children please contact julie@vailchristian.com.

VCC Softball Teams – The softball season is getting ready to kick off, so if you want to be a part of a VCC softball team now is the time to sign up! The season runs from September 5 - November 7; teams play on Friday nights. Contact Nicole Bateman at bateman5@cox.net, or Luis Camacho at luisecam@hotmail.com in order to join a team. Cost is $15 per person.

Student Sunday: Our students have had a fantastic summer! They have been challenged by great speakers, formed lasting relationships, and made important decisions. On August 17, we will highlight our student arena and give our students a chance to serve in the main services. Be sure to join us as we show our summer videos and hear from our students and youth coaches.

Rose Canyon Picnic: We are headed up Mt. Lemmon to Rose Canyon on September 14 at 2:00 p.m. for an all church picnic. We will provide the meat and drinks. Please bring a picnic side dish and/or a dessert of your choice. Load up the family and some chairs, and meet us up there. We look forward to seeing you!

Parenting Presentation Event: This event is an opportunity for parents to share the joy of their child with the church family and commit to raising their child to know and love Jesus Christ.  It will be on Sunday, September 21.  To sign up for the event, please contact Julie Biagi at julie@vailchristian.com.

Trailhead...Begin the Journey October 19 during the 10:45 service (BBQ October 26). This class will walk you through our core values, our vision, our mission, and perhaps most importantly: opportunities for you to join the journey. Visit the kiosk in the courtyard or email tim@vailchristian.com for more information.

Student Summer Events:














































This summer I was reminded just how painful playing paintball can be.

I found myself shaking atop the Leap of Faith.

Luckily I managed to fall into the raft and not out of it on the Animas River in Colorado.

I officially played the game Twister on a tarp full of condiments.

These bonding activities and God being powerfully at work made this a summer of true transformation in our youth group.

Students were awakened to God's character and grace in ways that demanded repentance and life commitments.

Our students opened up to each other, encouraged one another and left camp decidedly determined to be a radical community dedicated to one another and to making an impact for Christ.

I am so excited about the personal decisions that were made this summer as well as the youth group commitments to discipleship, service and community.

I look forward to letting students tell their testimonies, showing camp videos and sharing information about our upcoming service projects on
Student Sunday!



Children's Summer Events