april 2015

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APRIL 2015 A monthly publication to keep you up to date and informed about what is going on in the life of

Village Bible Church.

Celebrate the Resurrection April 5, 2015. Great Expectations! The plans have been made, invitations are being given out, volunteers have been notified, and cookies are in the process of being baked. The choir is almost ready and pastor Mark continues to put the final touches on the sermon. This event celebrates the Greatest day in History. Easter has been commercialized, thereby giving merchants a good opportunity to sell new clothes, Easter egg dye, candy and Easter baskets. But, Easter is not about the Easter Bunny - it’s about the Resurrection. Never before or since has someone risen from the dead on their own power. Jesus had the power over death because He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. I heard a story once about a pastor who had to preach at a memorial service and needed some subject matter. He decided that he would look in the scriptures to see how Jesus did it. He found that whenever Jesus ran into situations where people had died, He raised them from the dead. He is truly the Lord of Life. The importance of the Resurrection is expressed well in the following scripture. I Cor. 15: 12 “Now if Christ is

preached, that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised; 14 and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain. 15 Moreover we are even found to be false witnesses of God, because we testified against God that He raised Christ, whom He did not raise, if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised; 17 and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied.” (NASB) The resurrection is so important because if Christ raised himself from the dead, then he has the power to keep His promise to raise us up, even from the grave when He returns. According to Romans 10: 9-10 “even in believing

the Gospel the resurrection is present. “9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10 for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.” (NASB)

How would you like to be used by God? God uses people to reach others. Many of God’s promises are conditional and if we meet those conditions, we can have expectations from God. By believing in prayer and praying, we can expect God to hear us. By inviting people to come, we are being obedient to the Great Commission and can expect that God will bless. By having a larger venue at the Woodlands, it shows we have great expectations from God. This celebration of the resurrection is a great opportunity to invite others to hear the message of the Gospel. One of the motives in having the service at the Woodlands is to have a neutral location. People who may not feel as comfortable attending a church may consider coming to a different venue. Over the last 22 years of having the service at the Woodlands, there is much momentum with the community realizing that it is a quality event that is worthwhile attending. Hope you are Investing in this service by: Planning to Attend; Praying for God’s Blessing; Volunteering to help; Inviting Others; and, having Great

Expectations from God!

Expecting with You! Pastor Levan

Happy Anniversary Wayne & Marla Dziubinski Ken & Betsy Fitzgerald Glenn & Joanna Johnson Paul & Mle’ Lewis Michael & Janet McDonald Randy & Lina Miller Roger & Elaine Stephens Carl & Donna Wetzel John & JoAnn Wise

04/23 04/08 04/17 04/19 04/06 04/13 04/23 04/26 04/03

If you would like your wedding anniversary included on this monthly list, call the church office and make sure Barbi has it added to the church database.

CHURCH DIRECTORY CHANGES Please note spelling correction from March newsletter: Peggy FEY Ron Cook email: [email protected] Candy Cook email: [email protected] Jan McCorquodale: Cell # 501-282-6792 George Vierling: 501-408-1308 Ken & Marion Wagner: 315-733-0021

EFCA NATIONAL CONFERENCE The EFCA National Conference is in Vista, CA, June 16-18 this year. If you are interested in information about being a VBC delegate, please contact Barbi Mirenda at 501-922-0404 or email her at [email protected]. See the EFCA website (www.efca.org) for more information about the various facets of the

Ministry Staff Dr. Mark D. Cain, Senior Pastor Rev. Mike Kelly, Executive Pastor Rev. Levan Hubbard, Pastor of Worship & Care Barbi Mirenda, Assistant to Pastor Mark Contributors for this issue: Jim Boyd

Sally Pippen

Dr. Mark D. Cain Jane Cain Jim Capezza

Gordon Shaw Jim Smith Bill Vickroy

Bob Cobb Pam DeMorrow Ken Fitzgerald Pat Glover Jerry Harris

Jeanne Walters Mike Walters Jane Weston

Roxie Harris Pastor Levan Hubbard Nancy Jones Mike Kelly Dick Leach Stephen Petro

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922-0404 922-0404 501-353-3040 922-0404

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Deadline for next issue: Due date for the May issue is April 16, at 5:00 pm. Information should be provided by e-mail to Linda Rogers at [email protected] or on digital media to [email protected] Church Office Hours: Monday – Thursday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Friday 8:30 am—12:00 pm 501-922-0404 501-922-3697 (fax) 100 Ponderosa Way Hot Springs Village, AR 71909

April 2015

GriefShare

VBC’c new wireless router is in place and the signal is strong throughout the entire building.

Our GriefShare group, which began March 3, meets each Tuesday at VBC from 9:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m. This is a special weekly seminar/ support group for people grieving the death of someone close— spouse, family member, friend. It is a place you can be with people who understand how you feel and the pain of your loss. At these meetings you will learn valuable information that will help you through this difficult time in your life. The group leaders are all people who have been trained to help people in sorrow. Each one has personally walked through the dark times of grief. They know it hurts and they want to help.

You may bring your wireless devices and connect to the internet through VBC Guest which at this time does not require a password.

Informational brochures are available in the Welcome Center. For more information contact: Bob Cobb, 915-9119, or Village Bible Church, 922-0404.

Discover VBC

God continues to bless VBC with many new people and Pastor Mark would like to get

to know you

better. He wants to meet with a small group of up to 6 in his office during LIFElink time (10:50-11:45 am). This single session meeting will take place on April 26.

10:50 AM Lifelink hour on Sunday, April 12 and April 19. We will be holding another Discover VBC! Class on Sunday, April 12 & 19 during LIFElink Bible study time for anyone who wants to know more about VBC or is considering membership. If you are interested in attending this session, pre-registration is requested.

Please communicate your interest for a time of mutual fellowship via the communication card in your Sunday bulletin, or contact Barbi Mirenda, [email protected] or call her at 922-0404

This class, designed for those who are interested in becoming members of VBC, as well as those who just want more information, will provide “everything you’ve always wanted to know about VBC, but were afraid to ask.”

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April 2015

2015 TEEN CHALLENGE OF ARKANSAS FAITH PROMISE BANQUET April 23, 7pm, Hot Springs Mountain Valley Retreat Center RSVP to Christine at 501-624-2446 or [email protected] Jim Boyd at 501-922-6669 Ken Fitzgerald at 501-922-9393 CREATIVE SPARK VISUAL ARTS MINISTRY APRIL 7, 14 & 21 1:00—3:00 PM - ROOM 201 CREATIVE SPARKS MINISTRY INVITES UP TO 12 PEOPLE TO JOIN A 3 WEEK SESSION OF “PAINTING GOD’S CREATION IN WATERCOLOR,” WITH CYNTHIA SCHANICK. TOTAL COST IS $30.00, WHICH IS DUE APRIL 7. SIGN UP BY CALLING THE CHURCH AT 922-0404. TUESDAY EVENING

HOLY LAND STUDIES

“That The World May Know ~ Faith Lessons” Ray Vander Laan Series Begins April 7, 2015 For Men & Women Jim Babka & Ted Wood Instructors Fellowship Hall 6:00—7:00 P.M. (No book, no fee)

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April 2015

Holy Week Service “The Wonder of the Cross” Wednesday Evening April 1, 6:00 PM In lieu of a Maundy Thursday or Good Friday Service, we will have a Holy Week Service on Wednesday evening April 1, at 6 PM. “The Wonder of the Cross” will be the theme for serving Communion, and songs by the congregation and choir. A Devotional will be presented by Pastor Mark D. Cain applying the thought, “What should the Cross Mean to You?”

Please mark you calendar, plan to attend, and invite your guests to this important service.

Easter Service At the Woodlands April 5 For the twenty second year, Village Bible Church will have two Easter services on Sunday, April 5. The choir is preparing some new music and Rebecca Seewald will again be our guest soloist. Pastor Mark D. Cain will present a message entitled, “When Past Performance DOES Guarantee Future Results.” The Service Times are 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM with a cookie fellowship between services. Please plan to attend and continue to pray for this day asking the Lord to direct you to some people to invite. The new Creative Visual Arts Ministry will have artwork with a Cross theme displayed at both the Wednesday Evening and Easter services to enhance the atmosphere of the season.

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April 2015

You should come to our Newcomers Coffee, scheduled April 30 at 10:00 a.m. We have a great time getting to know each other.

Contact Jo McKeand (922-8269) and/or Rosemary Miller (922-9094) to sign up.

TEEN CHALLENGE LADIES’ GUILD GAME DAY “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2Timothy 4:7

RACE TO THE FINISH Game Day Fundraiser

This popular, annual event includes snacks, lunch, door prizes, a silent auction and entertainment provided by Teen Challenge students. Teen Challenge Ladies’ Guild appreciates your support.

Tuesday, April 28, 2015 10:00 am—2:00pm$10 per person (Tables for 4, 6 and 8 may be reserved if all seats are paid for at one time) Send check(s) made payable to: Teen Challenge Ladies’ Guild Jo Knight 7 Laredo Lane, HSV 71909 (Must include stamped, self-addressed return envelope.) Questions: Call Jo at 501-922-3368 Page 6

April 2015

CREATIVE VISUAL ARTS MINISTRY

Village Bible Church’s new Creative Visual Arts Ministry Meets the second Monday of each month at 3:30 p.m.

For more information call Jane Cain, at 984-2536 or Camiel Kannard, at 226-5046.

“Christianity without the cross is nothing.” William H. Thomson

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER! The 64th annual National Day of Prayer, May 7, 2015, will have profound significance for our country. It is an unprecedented opportunity to see the Lord’s healing and renewing power made manifest as citizens are called on to humbly come before His throne. The theme for 2015 is Lord, Hear Our Cry, emphasizing the need for individuals, corporately and individually, to place their faith in the unfailing character of their Creator, who is sovereign over all governments, authorities, and men. To further highlight the theme, the chosen Scripture for this year is I Kings 8:28 : “Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day.”

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April 2015

To all our VBC Family: Thank you for your prayers, caring and love. Thank you, Pastor Levan for your visits, phone calls and especially your prayers. And, thank you for the beautiful plant. We love all of you, Gaila & Ed Falls

In case of inclement weather, you may check the following information sources for VBC service schedules or cancellations: KVRE 92.9 (Village Radio Station) KARK TV, Channel 4 KLEZ 101.5 (Village Radio Station) Our website: vbcchurch.com or VBC Answering Machine: 922-0404.

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April 2015

You know it’s better to give than receive. But, when your budget doesn’t let you give as generously as you’d like, don’t despair! You can easily brighten someone’s day for little or no money, with just an investment of a little time. Here’s how: A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I. J. K. L. M. N. O. P. Q. R. S. T. U. V. W. X. Y. Z.

Ask someone to lunch at your house. Bake a special treat for an elderly acquaintance. Call an old friend who has been out of touch. Deliver groceries or medicine to a shut-in. Encourage someone who is having a bad day. Fix your family’s favorite meal Give outgrown toys and clothing to charity. Hug a friend; tell her why she’s special to you. Invite a friend over for coffee and conversation. Just do it—when you see a need, try to fill it. Kneel down and pray for your family, friends and government leaders. Lend a favorite book or movie to someone who would enjoy it. Make a collage of photos in someone’s honor. Nominate a deserving student, teacher, waitress or other worker for an award. Offer to organize someone’s recipes, junk drawer or closet. Pick up flowers for someone in the hospital. Quench co-workers’ thirst—treat them to a big thermos of hot cocoa. Read nostalgic poems and stories at a retirement center or nursing home. Send greeting cards to friends and family marking birthdays, anniversaries and more. Take a walk with a friend. Use every opportunity to find and deliver sincere compliments. Volunteer at a soup kitchen or food pantry. Write that long-overdue letter or chatty email. Exemplify extra effort in caring and sharing. Yield the choice of movie, restaurant, book club selection to someone else. Zip through your day with a smile for all you meet.

(adapted from an article by Karen Ann Bland, Gove, Kansas)

FINANCIAL REPORT General Fund Results as of February 28, 2015 Planned Receipts Actual Receipts Result (We received less than we planned) Planned Expenses Actual Expenses Result (We spent less than we planned) Actual Receipts Actual Operating Expenses Giving vs. Expenses (We spent more than we received)

$

$ 162,527 $ 136,119 (26,408)

$ 169,022 $

$ 152,908 (16,114)

$ 136,119 152,908 $ (16,789)

Thank you for your faithful giving. “Freely you have received, freely give” Matthew 10:8 NIV

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April 2015

APRIL LIFElink STUDY OPPORTUNITIES BEGINNING APRIL 12 Course

Facilitator

Women’s Study: The Book of Hebrews The Minor Prophets Salvation, Before & After Men’s Small Group The Church Jesus Built John 1 Discussion Group Sermon Based Discussion Group

Jane Cane Jim Neal/Dale Kastner Jim Smith Jim Capezza/Jerry Thompson Pastor Mike Roger Stephens Pastor Levan

Room 110 103 FH 109 111 Upstairs Parlor 101

VBC HIKING Next hike scheduled for Saturday, April 25 at Petit Jean Mountain. Contact Jerry/Roxie Harris: [email protected] Or Mike/Jeanne Walters: [email protected]

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! April 22 QUARTERLY CONGREGATIONAL MEETING & POTLUCK: POTLUCK AT 5:00 P.M. MEETING AT 6:00 P.M. Page 10

April 2015

Creating a new Paradigm Village Bible Church is different than any other church. That is by design! We do not strive to be like other churches in worship nor feel a peer pressure to sing certain types of music. When a person comes to VBC it is only natural for them to compare our service to the one with which they are familiar. Whether it was the church they attended as a child or the one they came from in another city. Our service is often judged by the criteria of their past experience. Looking at the varied church backgrounds in our congregation, we will never be able to compete with what God has used in another person’s life during their greatest times of spiritual growth and experience. So we have decided to purposely not compete. My chosen alternative is to create a whole new paradigm when it comes to public worship and particularly when it comes to music. A paradigm can be described by several familiar terms including a model, a pattern, a prototype or a template. In other words, changing how we look at things or restructuring our perspective vs. just adding new facts to the old model as they accumulate. Changing our paradigm causes a level of discomfort for most everyone at times as there will be times when the music will be unfamiliar. Remember when you were in school and a new concept was introduced? Maybe fractions in math or you fill in the blank. For a while it seemed you would not be able to get it, but when you did, think how often you have used that knowledge since learning it. It may have been difficult in the beginning and, yes you may have resisted, but it was well worthwhile. I can identify with unfamiliarity and adjusting to a new paradigm. I once was involved in a 5th quarter after the local football game in cooperation with some other local churches. Initially, I was a little uncomfortable. When the music started, the lights were dimmed and the music was a little “wild” for my “reserved” taste. I was also concerned that some of my fellow pastors may see me there. The message of the Gospel was always clearly given and I was truly blessed. I saw teenagers give their lives to Christ and others surrender their lives to ministry. Lives were truly changed. Having teenage children, I was more open to appreciate the music. One day I realized, “This is God-honoring so relax Levan, and enjoy what God is doing.” Today, we sing some of those same songs in our services and they are very meaningful to me. Creating our own model includes creating our own repertoire of music that honors God and creates a new familiarity and preferences for our people. This allows for new worship experiences with songs that are new and old. Usually the choir will learn a new song first. Then it is introduced to the congregation. Often this new song will be used as a monthly theme helping us learn the lyrics. When it is brought back in a few weeks or months, there is a sense of familiarity to it much like hearing a hymn from the past. That familiarity helps those present accept it as “ours.” Hopefully, new guests will come to the church for the first time and experience the presence of God in the services and sense God’s hand in planning the service. The more often they come, the more they become familiar with the music and the repertoire becomes their own. It is my desire that the worship ministry have a personal impact on individuals in the congregation and that the Holy Spirit can use the elements of worship in promoting individual worship in our people. It would be thrilling to know that new songs and old hymns will ring in our hearts throughout the week and be a source of encouragement to all who attend. Pastor Levan

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April 2015

Applying the Bible to daily life.

APRIL 1| Holy Week Service at VBC 5| EASTER at the Woodlands 22| Congregational Mtg & Potluck 28| Teen Challenge Ladies Guild Game Day 30| Newcomer’s Coffee

Village Bible Church 100 Ponderosa Way Hot Springs Village, AR 71909 Phone: 501-922-0404 Fax: 501-922-3697 E-mail: [email protected] Website: vbcchurch.com

Or current resident Village Bible Church 100 Ponderosa Way Hot Springs Village, AR 71909

Nonprofit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Hot Springs, AR. Permit No. 185