Make a Choice
 
As God leads us to press forward with new and revolutionary vision, I have found the need to be very clear about certain things: we have launched an effort to raise money; we have called it ³Revolution;² It began with an idea we called ³Uprising.²  But here¹s the deal - this is not really about money!

It must be about passion for the Lord. It¹s the next step in the life of VCC.

The biggest challenge we may face, right out of the blocks is, everyone has to choose. This may sound a bit harsh but there are only two choices. It¹s not a revolution if there are more. The choices are, whether to fight against the Revolution or engage and become part of it. You can try to ignore it, but its influence will eventually force you to choose one response or the other.

If you lean toward fighting it, why? Is it out of a desire to stay in a place that is safe?  Or is it because you feel like you need to protect what God has blessed you with?  God doesn't ask us to protect Him and His things, He can take care of Himself. Instead, He asks us to serve through love and obedience to His principles.

The only reasonable response is to surrender to the radical commitment and life transformation that marks the Revolution and the Revolutionaries. This vision, after all, is a movement of people who want more of God and are willing to do whatever it takes to make Him the center of their lives.

It is a goal of mine to recognize the presence of God and align myself with whatever He chooses to do. Face it, no matter how brilliant or devoted you are, you cannot fight God and win. Maybe you have fought or are attempting to fight God. Trust me, the smart money is on those who recognize when and how God is at work and then grab on. The Revolution presents us with spiritual opportunity. Why not see it for what it is and choose to participate in what God is doing?  There is so much that we can learn.

Whether the lessons relate to passionate worship, enthusiastic outreach, grateful and continual spiritual growth, energetic service, wise and generous stewardship, uplifting fellowship, or shared family experiences with God, there are undoubtedly great benefits from engaging in the Revolution.  Make a choice. Honor God with purity, devotion and passion for Him.

Ben Pitney :: lead pastor

October 25 - Make a Difference Day

"In 2006 we had been attending Vail for about a month when we heard Make a Difference Day announced. While landscaping at Corona Foothills, Noel connected with a number of church people we hadn’t met before.  It was the first time that we really felt like part of Vail, and in spite of the hard work, he had a lot of fun.  In 2007 Noel led the Acacia Elementary Make a Difference Day team.  Again we connected with people that we hadn’t met before, and enjoyed laboring together with new acquaintances and old friends.  We both are excited to be part of a church that reaches out to its community, and offers love and help not only to church families, but to the greater Vail community. We are once again looking forward to Make a Difference Day, as a chance to genuinely make a difference in the Sunnyside area, and also as a chance to interact with new (and familiar) faces."

- Noel and Jessica Howard

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.

World Vision: Zimbwawe - Update

Praise God! The government edict banning all humanitarian organizations from Zimbabwe has been lifted, and World Vision: Zimbabwe is now at 100%.

Thank you for your continued faithful support of your sponsored child and the Limpopo ADP.  In the next weeks and months, you should begin to receive updates about your child again; you can also feel free to send your child letters and small gifts.  If you are interested in sponsoring a child, new sponsorship will become available in the next few weeks; please contact meghan@vailchristian.com for more information.

This Month’s Passage:
1Peter 1:13-25

Scripture meditation is an important act of communion with God. Psalm 1:2 tells us "But [the blessed man's] delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night." To meditate means to contemplate, to reflect upon, or to think on - when we contemplate God's word, we draw closer to His heart and His understanding. We challenge you to commit yourself to reading this month’s passage of Scripture once a day. As you read, pray for God to give you understanding and wisdom regarding the text, and ask Him to reveal to you how these verses apply in your life. Join with us in this meditation, and prepare for God to challenge your heart.

Rocky Point Mission Trip
November 6-9, 2008
 
It's not just a service project or a vacation with a purpose.  The Rocky Point Mission Trip is investing in the Kingdom...so that people far from God will be filled with life in Christ.  You can be a part of it.
 
You will foster community by reconnecting with old friends and making new friends.  You will have the chance to tell your story, to get some new stories and, perhaps most importantly, live out your story for others to see. 
 
You will extend your resources into a community full of needs. Think beyond the monetary. You will extend yourself into the life of a family waiting in Mexico.
 
You will take new ground for the Kingdom in Mexico. We¹ve learned that our mission is to glorify God.  Quite simply, a life that glorifies God is one that makes God recognizable. To a family in Mexico God is made visible in an 11' x 22' stucco structure with an asphalt roof, a cement floor, and a set of keys.
 
Its time to reach farther. Join us November 6-9 as we take the Revolution South of the border.

- Tyler & Donita Vogt

Baptism Event: The next baptism event will be December 7th. 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.

Men's 4x4 Trip: This fall the men of VCC are invited to join the 4-wheeling community group on another camping and 4-wheeling adventure. On October 10-11 we are going to breakout the 4x4¹s, tents and sleeping bags, a bunch of camp chairs, and start a big campfire by the river near Aravaipa Canyon. Aravaipa Canyon is located about 50 air-miles northeast of Tucson, is noted for its desert stream, majestic cliffs, and bighorn sheep. If you are interested in going on this trip contact tim@vailchristian.com.

Adult Classes:  At VCC we offer classes for adults on Sunday mornings and also during the week. These classes address the areas of finances, faith, marriage and parenting. Be checking our website at www.vailchristian.com for detailed class offerings and upcoming start dates.

Events for Children:

Kids Night Out
December 12 from 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Cottonwood Elementary Gymnasium
Ages 3 - 12 · Cost: $5 per child

Register for these events online or stop by the children's information table.


Events for Students:

High School Service Projects
December 4 and 6
Join us as we visit sick children at UMC and bring them Christmas gifts!

Middle School Service Projects
December 11 and 13
Join us as we visit sick children at UMC and bring them Christmas gifts!

Middle School Winter Camp: "Avalanche"
January 23 - 25
Cost: $95
Deposit: $25 due by January 4th

Meet at Purple Heart Park at 3:45 p.m. on Friday, January 23. We will return to Purple Heart Park at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 25. It'll be a great weekend of worship, teaching, games, concerts, activities and more in Prescott, Arizona! This weekend we'll be talking about who you turn to and what you do when your world comes crashing down.

High School Winter Camp: "Next Level"
February 26 - March 1
Cost: $110
Deposit: $25 due by February 8th

Meet at Purple Heart Park at 10 a.m. on Thursday, February 26.  We will return to Purple Heart Park at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 1. We're headed to San Diego for Sea World, Belmont Park and kayaking in the ocean!  This trip we'll focus on taking our relationships with God and each other to the next level!

For more information, 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.

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.