*|FNAME|*, here's the latest from Vail Christian Church...
The Tyrany of Christmas I would love for us to refocus our hearts back to Jesus this Christmas. Advent Conspiracy, a movement to change the way we think about Christmas, believes that this is the approach God had in mind for Christmas. They say “it’s a season where we are called to put down our burdens and lift a song up to our God. It’s a season where love wins, peace reigns, and a king is celebrated with each breath.” But somehow the season imposes its tyranny on many of us. Instead of being able to give out of thoughtfulness and love, we often give because it is "expected."
Think about this quote from an unknown author. The ideal tyranny is that which is ignorantly self-administered by its victims. The most perfect slaves are, therefore, those which blissfully and unawaredly enslave themselves. I think that might be me! I think this could be all of us! It’s time to refresh our giving with a truth from Scripture. “Each one of you should give just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, because God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) Can we give cheerfully this Christmas? Can we give differently? If we can, we emulate the great Gift of Christmas. What if I said just give one less gift than you would normally give. We all have one of those gifts we give to someone just out of obligation. Just don’t! It’s a bit radical, I know, but I think Christ followers should take advantage of Christmas and the miracle that can continue to change the world. Christmas can still change the world! That would be radical.
Nothing can be bought or made that compares with simply spending time with someone. I say, reject the Christmas rush and the mall. Instead, spend that time in meaningful ways with those you love and need your love. Put on a coat and take a winter walk with your spouse; encourage stories of “the good old days;” do something fun with your children; make something! Those memories will last far longer than any gift. The love and care you give to others is everything, costs nothing, and will always be treasured. God’s gift to us is a relationship built on love. The key to that relationship is Jesus Christ. I think that’s classic Christmas.
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Student Ministries:
Avalanche - Middle School Winter Camp Join us for a weekend of awesome worship, various games and late-night fun with friends! Come experience an avalanche of God's grace! January 22-24, 2010 Register Online at: www.vailchristian.com/wintercamp
Elevate - High School Winter Camp Join us for a weekend of snow, awesome worship and hanging out with your friends! Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your faith to a new level! February 25-28, 2010 Register Online at: www.vailchristian.com/wintercamp For more details on Student Events, contact Julie Biagi, Director of Children and Students. |
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Baptism is an outward sign of the inward reality that Jesus Christ has become the Lord of your life. Out next baptism event is coming up on January 10th! If you have been thinking about being baptized or would like to know more about what this symbolic act is all about, contact Tim Sheaffer. |
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A Trailhead is where you begin a journey. When you're ready to begin the journey toward discovering full life in Jesus Christ with Vail Christian Church, The Trailhead Class is the place to start. Sunday, December 13, 2009 during the 11:00am service. Contact Connection Pastor Tim Sheaffer for details! |
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Kid's Night Out: Back by popular demand! Kid's night out is an event for kids in our community that gives you, the parent, precious time for going on a date with your spouse or finishing your Christmas shopping. Take advantage of Kid's Night Out this December! Friday, December 11th - 5-10pm |
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Life was never meant to be lived alone, rather God designed us to seek community so we can learn, grow and enjoy the richness of life. At Vail Christian Church, we strongly believe this. That is why we say that we are a church of community groups, not a church with community groups. If you'd like more information about community groups, contact Connection Pastor Tim Sheaffer. |
This year, Vail Christian Church will be holding two Christmas Eve Gatherings! First will be our Family Christmas Gathering where we encourage you to bring your kids and the whole family to enjoy a time celebrating the holidays together with Christmas Carols, our tradition of story time with the kids and communion. Later that evening we will hold a Candlelight Communion Service with contemplative music, scripture, prayer and of course celebrating the Lord's Supper together. Thursday, December 24th |
Kid's Night Out is coming! Bring your kids to this Friday Night Event while you get to do some Christmas shopping, go out on a date or even take a nap! We provide games, snacks and a great time for your kids and you reap all the benefits! Friday, December 11th - 5-10pm |
books . . .
Forgotten God
Francis Chan
Calling the Holy Spirit “Forgotten God” may be a bit of an overstatement. But some Christians seem to show little evidence that they have any theology of the Spirit while others seem to emphasize the Spirit at the expense of other biblical doctrine. In this new book Francis Chan says, “From my perspective, the Holy Spirit is tragically neglected and, for all practical purposes, forgotten.” Chan asks this pro-
vocative question: “What if you grew
up on a desert island with nothing but the Bible to read?” If you had nothing but Scripture to guide you, would your understanding of the Holy Spirit be far different from what it is today?
music . . .
Chris Tomlin: Glory In The Highest
This fall, Chris Tomlin released a highly anticipated Christmas album! Recorded over two nights in Nashville, Tomlin gathered a community of worship leaders and artists to lend their voices to the special live recording. Featuring
familiar classics including "Angels We
Have Heard On High," and "O Holy
Night," and "Joy to the World," to which he wrote a new refrain, and four new sure to be long-time seasonal favorites, Chris desires people to experience these
familiar carols as songs of worship.
websites . . .
kiva.org is a revolutionary way to encourage and stimulate entrepreneurship all over the world! They
are not asking for donations, rather they create an opportunity for you to become an investor in entrepre-
neurs who have great ideas for small businesses in thier hometowns yet lack the capital to get their idea off the ground. That’s where kiva comes in.
As the investor, you choose where you want to invest your money, and how much you’re willing to invest in their idea. The capital you invest launches people in these countries to learn how to provide for themselves and stimulates their own economy. It’s creating trade, not aid. Plus you as the investor get your money paid back to you! It’s a win-win! Visit kiva.org for more details.
messages this month . . .
What is it about Christmas that brings back feelings of being a kid, traditions and family? Fruitcake and Christmas trees, carols and family feasts are all things that most of us remember from our childhood. Somehow in the commercialism of Christmas we lose sight of why we celebrate this miraculous holiday.
This December Lead Pastor Ben Pitney will teach on “Christmas Classic” and how we as followers of Jesus can bring meaning and depth back to the Christmas season.
Sometimes between life at work and life at home, we need some encouragement or a reminder of what God is doing in our lives. That’s why the Vail Christian Church Podcast is a must have on your iTunes subscriptions.
It’s free to download, and when you 
subscribe with iTunes, each week’s
message is automatically downloaded
to your Mac or PC. Put it on your mp3
player, listen in the car on the way to
work or listen at home while you’re
making dinner.
We hope you take advantage of this
amazing resource!
Download each Sunday’s teaching from our podcast.
Lead Pastor: Ben Pitney
ben@vailchristian.com
Connection Pastor: Tim Sheaffer
tim@vailchristian.com
Lead Worshiper: Chris McLaughlin
chris@vailchristian.com
Director of Students & Children: Julie Biagi
julie@vailchristian.com
Administration & Children: Meghan James
meghan@vailchristian.com
Assistant To The Pastor: Sherri Van Fleet
sherri@vailchristian.com
Accounting: Jennifer Bertrand
jennifer@vailchristian.com
8000 S. Kolb Rd., Ste. 190
Tucson, Arizona 85756 (map)
Voice - 520.722.1220
Fax - 520.722.1253
Mon. - Thurs. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Sundays: 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 a.m.
Empire High School
10701 E. Mary Ann Cleveland Way
Tucson, Arizona 85747 (map)
Middle School: Meets Wednesdays 7:00-8:30 p.m. at:
· 9216 E. La Palma Dr. - Rita Ranch - Map
Dave Allardice, Susan Rodriguez, Nathan Porterfield and Kaitlyn Dusek
· 10143 Canyon Meadow Dr.
- Rita Ranch - Map
Gene and Cecilia Wright,
Nason & Rachel Simpson
and
Sunday mornings during the 9:30 service. For more information, contact julie@vailchristian.com
High School: Meets Wednesdays 7-8:30 p.m. at:
· 10535 E. Heartleaf Willow Dr. - Rita Ranch - Map
Mike and Sherri Van Fleet
· 9519 E. Ashford Dr. - Rita Ranch - Map
Matt Johnson and Mikelle Cronk
· 9039 E Autumn Sage – Rita Ranch - Map
Erica McLaughlin and Mat Miller
and Sunday mornings during the 11:00 a.m. service. For more information
contact julie@vailchristian.com.
Our children's programs meet during our regular
service times at 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 a.m. We offer programs
for nursery, preschool, and elementary school aged
children. For questions, contact julie@vailchristian.com.