Articles
VINEYARD NOTES
07/22/10
VINEYARD NOTES
Dear Family,
The summer has been a very active time, especially in terms of reaching out with the love of Jesus. Mission: Reseda has been impacting neighborhoods, Nadine and her team had a powerful time at the prison last Sunday, and we are sending teams to minister in Africa and Baja in the next few weeks. The men are getting excited about the men's retreat this weekend in Santa Barbara, Donna and team are getting ready for VBS, and Annette is gearing up for the Summer Sizzle. Dan Keenan and team have taken the lead with the youth ministry and they are praying for great things. Last week, the kids that went to the Anaheim conference were powerfully touched by God.
The best part is that the presence of the Lord has been strong in our services. It's not by our might or power, but by the Spirit of God moving in and on us that the kingdom advances. It's His presence with us that distinguishes us and draws the attention to Jesus. Therefore, I'd like to to ask you to keep praying for a greater move of God. It's also vital that we actively respond to His Spirit. As I was studying Jonah, I was struck by the great move of the Lord to capture the city of Nineveh through the hesitant willingness of one man. Can we believe together that God has something great in store for our city? We have a big God and He has a big love for the Valley.
I'd also would like you to pray for the finances of the church. Summertime brings a great deal of activity into our lives. Along with ministry opportunities, there are also vacations, visits from family, and summer trips. Presently, my daughter is visiting from Philly with my beautiful grand-daughter. I'm excited about what God is doing, but when I see my grand-daughter I just want to stay home and bounce her on my lap. It's hard to find time for everything, so historically, attendance and giving go down in the summer and this summer is no different. We recently had a meeting of the Valley Vineyard Board and several members suggested I encourage you to pray and examine your giving over the summer.
I also want to give thanks to the Lord for your generosity. The giving in May and June to the Oaxaca and Africa trips has been extremely generous, about $25,000. These gifts allowed us to treat hundreds of patients in Oaxaca and send six college students to South Africa to work with a Christian AIDS education program in their public schools.
Coming Events:
Friday, 7/22 Men's Retreat
Saturday, 7/23 Africa Team flies out
Monday, 8/2-7 Vacation Bible School
Wed, 8/4 Converse Starts Up (Youth on Wednesday evenings)
Sun, 8/8 Baja Team Departs
Wed, 8/18 Family Camp- Gaviota Bch
Sat, 8/28 Women's Summer Sizzle
Mon, 9/6 Beach Blowout & Baptism @ Zuma
God bless you all,
Bill Dwyer, Senior Pastor
