Hey Men, Do You Have A Strategic Life Plan?

Thomas Jefferson, said: "Never fear the want of business. A man who qualifies himself well for his calling, never fails of employment."

The apostle Paul put it this way in Ephesians 4:1: "Lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. He has given each one of us a special gift according to the generosity of Christ".

Having a Strategic Life Plan can help you walk worthy of the calling God has for you. Look at these key components:

Skills and Abilities: The most common mistake men make is choosing to do something simply because they have the ability to do it. The accountant who was good at math or the computer programmer who was a childhood whiz might be frustrated, having discovered that their careers are not fulfilling or meaningful.

Think about the happiest times in your life and the periods when you felt most fulfilled. They are better indicators of your calling than just knowing what you have the ability to do.

And certainly, circumstances alone are not good predictors of God's calling. Many men have responded to circumstances and at about age 45, they have realized that their God-given passions are not being utilized in their work.

Personality Traits: How do you relate to other people, projects and ideas? Are you analytical and logical or expressive and outgoing? Do you like to build it or tear it up? Are you supportive and encouraging, or do you thrive when you are working on a project in isolation?

There is no right or wrong answer here; understanding your uniqueness will help identify your best work environment. Your unique, God-given personality characteristics must be embraced in satisfying work

Values, Dreams, Passions: Are you motivated by position, status, titles and money or by the constant search for new knowledge? Are you moved by the outdoors and your surroundings? What are you drawn to, even when money is not an issue? What is it that when you are doing it, time just flies by?

What God calls you to do does not stamp out who you are.

As Olympic contender Eric Liddle said in the movie Chariots of Fire: "God made me fast and when I run, I feel His pleasure."

Ben Pitney
Lead Pastor

Baptism Event: The next baptism event will be March 16. If you are interested in being baptized, please contact tim@vailchristian.com. Students and children please contact julie@vailchristian.com. You may also register online.

Students: Check out our Spring events online or grab a student calendar!  Ladies we're having a spa day!  And guys, there's paintball, racing or video game tournaments.  Don't miss the fun! Contact Julie Biagi for more information at julie@vailchristian.com.

Winter Camp - February 21 - 24! Middle School and High School students are heading to California for amusement parks, camping and more! You don't want to miss this! You can register and pay online. Contact Julie Biagi at julie@vailchristian.com if you have any questions.

Upcoming Children's Events:

"Heroes" - There will be a day camp for elementary students on March 12-14 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. At Purple Heart Park. Register online or at the children's information table. Contact Julie Biagi for more information at Julie@vailchristian.com

Kids Night Out - Parents, enjoy a night out while your children do the same! Children ages 3-12 are welcome on Friday, April 11 from 5-10 p.m. at Empire High School to join us for games, crafts, movies and pizza! Contact Julie Biagi for more information at julie@vailchristian.com.

Trailhead...Begin the Journey April 6 during the 10:45 service (BBQ April 13). 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.

World Vision: Remember to communicate with your sponsored child through letters! Your sponsorship shows your child that he is loved and cared for by God, and God's love gives all children great worth. Your letters are an important way to reinforce that message of hope. If you would like more information on VCC's partnership with World Vision in Limpopo, or if you would like to sponsor a child, please contact meghan@vailchristian.com.

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.

Mission Project: Men, grab your tools and help us with a building project in Rocky Point Mexico. We are going to build a home in three days or less. If you have a son, aged 12 or older, we encourage you to bring him. We are headed out on February 15 and returning on February 17. The trip is $75 for men and $25 for younger men ages 12-16. Registrations are due by February 4. Contact tim@vailchristian .com for more information.

Classes Starting in February:

Crown Financial – The small group study is a 10 week in-depth study of what scripture teaches about money and possessions.   The class will have an orientation meeting on February 10 during the 9:00 a.m. service and will start on February 24.  Cost is $55 for an individual; $65 for a couple.

BILD – Passing On Your Beliefs – Part of the First Principles of Family Life series, this class examines the breakdown of family life and ensures that our families are following the framework of God’s design.  The class starts February 10 during the 10:45 a.m. service.  Cost is $7.

Sign-up sheets for classes are located at the information table in the back of the auditorium. You may also register online.  For more information, please contact Tim Sheaffer at tim@ vailchristian.com.

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, February 17.  To sign up for the event, please contact Julie Biagi at julie@vailchristian.com.

Palm Sunday Picnic: March 16, from 1:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Purple Heart Park. VCC will provide the meat and the drinks. Please bring a side dish or something sweet. There will be activities and games for children and families.  We hope to see you there!

Church Softball Teams: If you would like to play on one of Vail Christian's softball teams, a new season is starting Feb. 29! This is a co-ed league that plays on Friday nights. All skill levels are welcome! Contact Luis Camacho at luisecam@hotmail.com or sign up on Sunday mornings.

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. You can also visit the Strategic Service Team page on our website at www.vailchristian.com.

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 that our Church as a whole might be strengthened to be a resource to the local community, and the world. “Lord, we want to be useful”.
  
  
• Pray for those who serve in the military and their families. “Lord, protect them”.
  
  
• Pray for youth ministry, and those who minister to our teenagers. Pray that they might clearly share Christ in the joyous celebrations and in the painful places in life. "Lord, have mercy."
  
  
• Pray for the Lord to empower us as brothers and sisters in Christ to do His work. “Lord, unite us”.
  
  
• Pray for the Christian church, in its various forms, to proclaiming the Good News that comes to us in Jesus Christ. “Lord, make us bold”.
  
  
• Pray for marriages and future marriages of our church. Ask God for courageous leadership and deep obedient love to permeate our families. “Lord, give us courage”.