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January 2012

staffDavid Mehrle, Senior MinisterBrian Ebersold, Children’s MinisterAndy Dickinson, Worship Arts Minister Kevin Tomeo, Student MinisterTawnya Nall, Administrative Assistant

The New Year is here and many of us are ready to make some decisions that will make this year different than last year. Too often we are not sure of what we really should do or how we can make the change in our lives. While many of us are looking at the fact that we enjoyed the holiday season and now it is time to get in shape again or we are looking at our finances and believe that we need to get a hold on what is being spent, I want to encourage all of you to find a way to challenge yourself in following four ways in the coming year.

Read your Bible - All things in your relationship with Jesus start here. I want to encourage you to find a plan and start using it to read a large section of the Bible in the coming year. We have many plans available at the Information Table or you can find one online or as an app for your mobile device or reader.

Serve - It is an amazing thing that happens when we start serving in ministry. It really gives us a chance to get to know people and the opportunity to feel more like a part of the church. When you serve, not only will you be blessing the lives of others but also you will be blessed.

Life Group - We are starting all new with our Life Groups and we want you to be a part of one. If there is anything that I can encourage all of you to do, that is sign up to be in a Life Group. The groups took a break this past fall and have done some training and regrouping. We are now ready to see what God is going to do in the lives of our people. If you want to grow or get to know others at Valley Mills, then you must get involved in a group.

Tithe - Make 2012 the year where you will start tithing regularly. I know that it can often be hard and does not always seem as if it matters. However, I am here to tell you that it will change your life when you start giving. So I want to encourage to give above and beyond. Maybe 2012 will be a chance for you to give in a big way to the ministry of your church.

All of these are ways that I know will help you as you strive to grow closer to God and as we, as a church, strive to become A Great Church. God has some cool things on the horizon for us and I want to encourage all of you to be in a place where you can see His blessings.

P.S. Last year we did a series called “Life Development Plan” which is available in DVD format at the Information Table. If you are looking for a way to decide what to do in life, grab a copy and it will help you create a biblical plan for your life.

adults/family

students

children

January kicks off our Upward Basketball season. We are looking for teens or adults to help us in the following ways:

concession standannouncementsrefereesgame officialsgreeters

If you would like to help in any of these ways, please sign up at the Information Table. Our first game is February 4.

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Upward Basketball & Cheerleading

Families are invited out for an afternoon of splishing and splashing. Spend an afternoon having fun with the family at the Plainfield Indoor Aquatic Center. The cost is $8.50 for adults ($3 if just watching) and $7.25 for kids. There is a price break if you are a Plainfield resident (make sure you bring an ID). Sign up at the Information Table.

Polar Bear SwimJanuary 15, 3 - 6 PM

.deW- begins January 11Come to .deW (Wed. nights from 6:45-8:15) for our weekly outreach program. These nights are designed to give you a place to invite your non-Christian friends to church and is a great first step for students into the Valley Mills Student Ministry. Events this month include:

.deW Bash (1/11)Duck, Duck, Rover (1/18) Iditarod (1/25)

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Kingdom starts again on January 8 and continues every Sunday night from 6-8pm. We will be studying the lives of David and Solomon as found in I and II Samuel and I Kings. During each night, we will worship together, receive a teaching from Scripture and have discussion groups led by loving adults that are designed to help you grow deeper in Christ.

KingdomSundays, 6 - 8 PM

Kids in grades 4-6 are welcome to register for this fabulous event! The cost is $35 before February 2. The special guest is “Alice” from Disney’s show “Good Luck Charlie”. You don’t want to miss out! Registration is available at the Information Table.

Winter Youth Retreat: 4-6 GradeFebruary 3 & 4, Hanging Rock Christian Camp

Everyone is invited to an afternoon of music and fellowship right here at Valley Mills on January 12 at 1 PM. Eldon Potts (singer/evangelist) will perform and discuss a mission opportunity to the Philippines. After the program, we will be enjoying a time of fellowship and desserts.

Afternoon FellowshipJanuary 12, 1 PM

We will be having a book discussion on the book “Weird: Because Normal Isn’t Working” by Craig Groeschel. The book is available in the library for purchase if you would like to join us.

“Weird” Book DiscussionFebruary 4, 10 AM

This is a journey into deeper spirituality for High School students at Hanging Rock Christian Camp featuring great preaching, worship and a chance to get closer to Christ. Pick up and fill out both registration forms at the Student Information Table. Cost is $60 until Jan. 25 (pay $40 to Hanging Rock and $20 to the church office). Price increases to $70 after Jan. 25.

“Ruminate” Youth RetreatFebruary 17-19, Hanging Rock Christian Camp

All men are invited to join us for preaching, teaching, worship, and fellowship at Hanging Rock Christian Camp. This will be a great opportunity to get to know other men at Valley Mills and have a lot of fun. There will be paintball, skeet shooting, workshops, and more. Register at the Information Table or at valleymills.org beginning January 8. The cost of the event is $35 by February 12.

Men’s RetreatFebruary 24, 6 PM - February 25, 4 PM

adult/familyMen’s RetreatRegistration begins Jan. 8

Jan 12, 1 PMAfternoon Fellowship

February 4, 10 AM“Weird” Book Discussion

find links at valleymills.org

Ask us on:

Jan. 8 - KINGDOM resumesSundays, 6 - 8 PM

Jan. 11 - .deW resumesWednesdays, 6:45 - 8:15 PM

student ministry7th-12th grade

children’s ministrybirth - 6th grade

Wed. Nights, begins Jan. 11, 6:45 - 8:15 PM

Jan. 15, 3 - 6 PMPolar Bear Swim, Plainfield Aquatic Center

January at a Glance

Have Questions?

other

Jan. 5 & 19, 6:30 PMQuilting Group

Jan. 16 & 17, 6 PMNutrition & Fitness Class Registration

Jan. 11 & 25, 7 PMA Comfort Place (grief/loss ministry)

Jan. 24, 6:30 PMWrapped In Prayers(crochet ministry)

Saturdays 8 AMHoly Yoga

Discipleship OpportunitiesWEDNESDAY NIGHTS, 6:45 - 8:15 PM SUNDAY MORNINGS

8 AM

Study on 1 Kings Conference Room

9 AM

Revelation Classroom 1

Genesis Conference Room

Not A Fan: Becoming a Completely Committed Follower of Jesus Classroom 3 (upstairs) - starts Jan. 15

10:45 AM

God’s Promises to Abraham Conference Room

BIBLE STUDIESMondays, 7 PM

Women’s Bible Study1 & 2 Timothy Conference Room

Men’s Bible StudyBook of Acts Classroom 2

Thursdays, 6:30 PM

Women of Encouragement 2nd & 4th Thursdays Conference Room

Spiritual ParentingAll of us struggle with making the right decisions when it comes to raising our kids. This class will give us some direction and be a platform for conversation between you and others who are trying to raise their kids with God as a guide.

Book of JohnCome and join this small group as they finish up the book of John and get ready to study another topic. It is a great group of young adults who are wanting to learn together.

Growing in GraceThis Bible study will lead you through scripture and challenge you to give up guilt and anxiety, let go of legalism, and rediscover the joyous reality of Christ in you.

Life GroupsWe want you to connect at a deeper level and find a place to belong. The best way to do this is to get involved in a Life Group. It will help you discover more of who God is and what His word has to say to us as well as give you the chance to connect in a community with new people. Life Groups are the place for you to connect and belong to what is happening at Valley Mills and in your own faith journey. More information on how to register will follow in the coming weeks.

church address5555 Kentucky AvenueIndianapolis, IN 46221

phonephone: 317.856.3766

Valley Mills c h r i s t i a n c h u r c h

v a l l e y m i l l s . o r g

offi ce hoursMonday-Friday8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

worship timesSunday9:00 a.m. | 10:45 a.m.

staffDavid Mehrle, Senior MinisterBrian Ebersold, Children’s MinisterAndy Dickinson, Worship Arts Minister Kevin Tomeo, Student MinisterTawnya Nall, Administrative Assistant

Series Begins January 15