Teacher Appreciation Slideshow

Youth Sunday

The Loft - A New Beginning

The Loft
A New Beginning
The students have just recently named their new youth room "The Loft." One of our goals in student ministry is to create a fun safe environment for the students. You could call it a home away from home where they eagerly want to be each week. Not only will this place be safe, but it will also open up a door to unlimited spiritual possibilities as we see them grow in their faith. To be affective we need your help. Students want the latest in electronics and for us to effectively serve them we need to be up to par with their standards. Some may disagree, but the facts are out there. Students seek the fun and you pray that they find God along that journey. Our hope and vision is that they find both with an obvious emphasis on God. As we move into our new youth room, The Loft, we hope that you as a church can unite and help us create the most innovative youth room in Northeast Columbia. Here are a list of specific needs that we know will bring students into a safe environment with hope that they hear the good news of Jesus Christ and that the good news is lived out in their lives.

Specific Needs:

Nintendo Wii
XBOX 360
PS3
2 32' Flat screen Televisions
55' Flat screen Television
Surround Sound Audio

If you can provide any support or can provide any of the specific needs then please contact Matthew Phillips at matthew@blythewoodvillage.com or call the church office at 803-419-0989.

Village Student Ministries

Greetings,

We had a great service on Sunday as we all got to pledge and celebrate what God is doing and going to do in the life of VillageChurch. I was excited to take part in this service and hope that we have many more to come. My favorite part had to be the food and if you were there you know exactly what I am talking about. On Sunday May 3 we will be having our Parent Rally following the 10:45 am service. For those who have children in the Youth Group I highly suggest that you attend this meeting. There we will be going over in detail about Summer Camp and will be discussing issues such as "Teens and the Internet." The cost is $10 per family or $5 a person. Lunch will be provided, so please come and hear what is going on in the life of your teen.

Im out,

Matthew Phillips

Notes from Our Pastor

I can't brag on our y'all enough! I told y'all that we needed to have at least $75,000 for our capital campaign this year. Last Monday night our leadership team came together and they alone pledged $82,000! I was absolutely blessed and amazed and reminded that God's thinking is a whole lot bigger than mine! Sunday, the rest of the church had the opportunity to pledge. Our middle goal was to pledge $100,000. Our top goal was to pledge $150,000. You pledged $104,000 on Sunday! Combined with our leadership pledge, VillageChurch pledged over $187,000 for April, 2009-April, 2010! Once again you have smashed our top goal! This will enable our church to make our interest payments on the new construction for 2009, to do our landscaping, buy equipment and more! I am so proud of you and your willingness to step out on faith!

Drive by the property this week! They're roofing and walling in the building this week! It looks GREAT!

I am so blessed to be your pastor! I can't wait to see how God's going to use VillageChurch this year!

Sincerely,


Erik Estep
VillageChurch

Village Student Ministries

Greetings,

I just have three words, Ignite Ignite Ignite. Our last Ignite of the year is next Wednesday April 15 from 6:30-8:30. Whoever brings the most friends will win FREE CHICK-FIL-A. If you have not come yet then I highly suggest you make it out for the final Ignite of the school year. Do not forget that this Sunday is Easter. A day to celebrate our freedom in Christ and rejoice in the fact that we worship a risen savior. I want to encourage everyone to come worship with us this Sunday at VillageChurch at Lake Carolina Elementary. Do not forget because of Easter we have no youth activities. All activities will start back on April 15. Have a great week and I will see you on Sunday!

I'm Done,

Matthew Phillips

Notes from Our Pastor.

I like to act as though there aren't many things that scare me or make me nervous. But the fact is I definitely have some fears. Yet this Sunday gives me and you the opportunity to eliminate one of those fears. What fear is that? It is the fear of death. You see, this Sunday we're celebrating Easter which commemorates Jesus' victory over death! And through His resurrection we can look forward to a resurrection as well. Because of the resurrection we will be able to say like Paul did in 1 Corinthians 15: 55-56, "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?' The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.'"

Come celebrate Jesus' resurrection with me on Sunday. I'll look forward to seeing you!

Sincerely,

Erik Estep
VillageChurch

Walls are going up!

Village Student Ministries

Greetings to all,

I hope everyone is having a great week! I hope this cold weather will go on home and stay gone for a while so we can get some good spring time warmth around here. Speaking of warmth, this Wednesday we are going to be meeting at the house at 6:00 pm -7:30 pm. We are asking everyone to bring any old clothes that they do not wear so that we can give them to the Burmese Refugees. We will have the house set up like a Thrift shop and we are asking the students to be the employees. There we will gather all the clothes and sort them out by gender and size. We will pack them up and send them away to those who are in need. We also will have two quest speakers who have had to flee from the Civil War going on in Burma. They will tell us about their own devastation and what God is doing in Burma. I encourage everyone to come to this event. This will be a great time to serve, learn and hang out with each other as we help grow God's Kingdom. I will be looking for you on Wednesday and I hope everyone has a great week!

I'm outta here,

Matthew Phillips

Notes from Our Pastor

Greetings!
We are entering into year two of our capital campaign "Building on Faith, Giving in Joy." For the next several weeks my messages are going to be centered on how we can build on faith and give in joy. We're also going to be blessed by hearing testimonies from Gary Blight, Barry Slayden and others from our church on what VillageChurch means to them and how God's leading them to be a part of this campaign.

What needs to happen for this campaign to be a success? A few things. First, this campaign will be a success as we turn our attention from ourselves to our God. Anytime our focus moves to God we're in line with God's will. Also, this campaign will be a success as we realize that beneifts that come with teamwork! When our church is united behind one cause it's awesome to see what God can do. The great thing is we're going to see what our teamwork with one another and God has brought about as we watch our worship center go up before our very eyes! Finally, VillageChurch needs to pledge and give a certain amount of money for this campaign to be successful. At a bare minimum, we have to raise $75,000. That is a goal I believe we can easily achieve. But our next goal is $100,000. Most churches our size would be pleased to raise this amount of money for the 2nd year of their campaign. I believe this is a goal we can achieve. But our victory goal is $150,000. To reach this goal would be a great blessing to our church. It not only would take care of this year but would give us a head start into next year's campaign. Join with me in praying this campaign will be a success!


Sincerely,

Erik Estep
VillageChurch

Village Student Ministries

What is up,

I would like to thank everyone who came to the first Ignite. We had close to 120 in attendance for the first performance. How amazing would it be for God to double that number for next time. I hope that everyone had a great time watching their friends try to make homemade banana pudding, watch some great comedy, listen to some live music and sing along to songs about skittles. This is just the beginning and it only gets better from here, so please come out next time on Monday March 30 to the next Ignite. You will not want to miss out so please invite a friend. I also would like you to check out what we've got going on here at the VillageStudent Ministry, so take a second and scroll down to see what all you can be involved with at the Village. If you ever need anything I am on facebook and my e-mail is matthew@blythewoodvillage.com, so look me up. Also, join the ignite facebook group for all the information on ignite.

I'm outta here,

Matthew Phillips

March : Canned Goods Drive

March : Canned Goods Drive

This past Sunday our message focused on the church SHARING God's love. A practical way we want to do this in the month of March is by collecting canned goods for our local food bank to help those in need. The economic times have put a crunch on a large number of families and a simple way we can help is by providing some basic foods. Bring your canned goods to the school each Sunday during March.

"By this all men will know that you are My disciples, by the love you have for one another" (John 13: 35).

Notes from Our Pastor.

Greetings!
There are times when I wonder, "Are we really making a difference? Is this church making an impact in people's lives or are we just spinning our wheels?" God has affirmed me the past few weeks that what VillageChurch is doing makes a difference. Let me just share with you some different areas where God is moving. First, He's moving on our property! After months of wondering if anything was going to happen, we now have property that's been cleared! A trailer for the General Contractor will be set up in the next few days so they can begin construction of our new worship center. Next, our student pastor Matthew Phillips began a new youth service at Blythewood High School this past Monday. Numerous VillageChurch volunteers showed up to greet the students as they came to the service and to serve them dinner after the service ended. Finally, I've seen more affirmation that God's hand is on our church and mission as we've baptized 14 people in the past few weeks. Great things are happening. Pray that God will involve you in His work at VillageChurch!

Invite a friend to church with you Sunday!

Sincerely,

Erik Estep
VillageChurch

Church Property Update....More to Come...

Church Property Update....More to Come...

Notes from Our Pastor

Greetings!

If you haven't been by the church property in a few days, you'll want to drive by it before you come to church on Sunday! Lots of trees are coming down! Weather permitting, in the next 7 to 10 days, the cutting ought to be finished and then site work will begin: retention ponds and grading of property for starters. The change on our property is going to be rapid! We've been talking about this for so long it's amazing it's starting to happen. Just think...we will be worshiping in a new location in around 6 months!

Just as a reminder. Be praying that the building of our new facility will happen in a safe and timely fashion.

Sincerely,

Erik Estep
VillageChurch

Village Student Ministries

Greetings,

This coming week is a monumental week for our Church. We have the rare opportunity of putting on a program inside of a public high school. We are partnering with F.C.A. to put on a program called "Ignite." Our goal is for salvation to sweep through the northeast area schools. It begins Monday February 23 at 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm. I would love for all of those who are interested to come out and support our student ministry and church. Ignite will take place inside the Blythewood High School Auditorium. I am asking all our members to remember Ignite in prayer. You can pray in this way:

-That the Holy Spirit will move and salvation will fill the hearts of those in attendance.
- That the technicalities of a production would go smoothly
- That the Holy Spirit would communicate through me in a clear and applicable way to reach the students and those in attendance.

We will also be doing our service project on Saturday February 28 from 9:00 am-1:30 pm. If you drive an SUV or a Mini Van then we are going to need your help with transportation. Contact me at matthew@blythewoodvillage.com. We will have permission slips at church on Sunday for those coming. Continue to pray for Ignite and please do not miss ISO Groups this Sunday or your leader will hunt you down with a rabid fox. Have a great week!

Up and Out,

Matthew Phillips

It's Official... Trees Are Coming Down!

Notes from Our Pastor

I celebrated my 40th birthday this week which is absolutely unbelievable to me! I still think of myself being 20 years old (Emily thinks I still act like it). But my latest birthday is a reminder to me that the clock of life is constantly ticking. And with that in mind I'm reminded that we need to be making the most of of our opportunities as individuals and as a church NOW! Psalm 90:12 says, "Teach us to number our days aright." In light of that I hope that my preaching and my life will have a sense of urgency to it. And I hope that sense of urgency will be contagious for us. People need good news and we have the best message that there is: God loves us and has the power to redeem us. Let's make a difference together!

I look forward to seeing you Sunday!

Sincerely,

Erik Estep
VillageChurch

Village Student Ministry...

Hello All,

We had a great time on Sunday. I personally enjoyed watching everyone try to say "Unique New York" while laying on someone's stomach without laughing. That's what I got out of Sunday, but all in all it was a great time. Ignite is just around the corner and if you have not invited a friend to come then bad things could happen. Please get on the Ignite Facebook group and invite all of your friends to come. If we have to get a bus for all your friends then we can do so, but do not let transportation keep you from inviting. The excitement begins Monday February 23 at 6:30 at the Blythewood High Auditorium. Camp sign up has begun and we want everyone to go. The cost is $275 for camp and if money is a problem then you need to contact me because we have fund raising opportunities for you. Also, do not forget that Small Groups start this week. We will have a time where you can hang out and meet your new leaders and yes we will have pizza! The fun will begin at 4:45 and end at 6:00. On Saturday February 28 we will be meeting at the Lake Carolina Town Center at 9:00 am to go down town to feed the homeless people. We will not return until 1:30, so bring a snack to hold you over until we get back. If you are interested in leading a small group then please contact me. We are looking for some people who have a heart to serve the students and do so by co-leading a small group on Sunday evenings from 4:45 - 6:00 pm. That's a lot to soak in, so have fun with it and I will see you all on Sunday.

Matthew Phillips

Hey Moms! - - VillageChurch Playgroup

Playgroup schedule:

Thursday, 2/12 - - 10:30am - - Valentine's Party @ Watts House - - we'll decorate sugar cookies as our craft/dessert and have playtime & lunch.

Thursday, 2/19 - - 10:45am - - Columbia Children's Theatre - - Bunnicula: A hare-raising musical comedy mystery based on the beloved books by James and Deborah Howe.

Thursday, 2/26 - - 10:30am - - Celebrate National Pancake Day @ the Watts House - - I'll supply the pancakes and y'all bring your favorite topping (i.e. fruit, chocolate chips, whipped cream, syrup, etc... more details & sign up sheet later). In return, they would love a donation to Children's Miracle Network. Last year they raised $875,000 and this year they are aiming at $1million.

RSVP to participate: Susie Watts, swatts@sc.rr.com

Village Student Ministries

Hello Church Family,

I hope everyone enjoyed the super bowl. I will have to say that I enjoyed the Office episode that came on after the game more than the game. For those who watched, "Boom Roasted." We are in the process of finalizing youth camp and getting ready for ignite. Ignite will start on Feb. 23 from 6:30 - 8:00 at the Blythewood High School Auditorium. I encourage all church members to come and see what all the hype is about. If you want to get plugged in then I can definitely find a spot for you. I hope you have a great week and for more details on trips and events just scroll down and you can get all the information you need.

Up and Out,

Matthew Phillips

Village Student Ministries

Happy Super Bowl Week,

We had a great group on Sunday! I hope you will encourage your students to keep coming or use my philosophy which is just make them come. You might be surprised how much that pays off in the long run. Do not forget that we will be participating in the Souper Bowl of caring this Sunday at the end of the 10:45 am service. Come to me before the service for directions if you plan on participating (all you do is hold a bucket). Also, we have no Sunday evening activities because of the Super Bowl. Please bring your volunteer application if you received one last week filled out and we can schedule a time to get together. We will have sign ups for our youth I.S.O. Groups at the resource table on Sunday and we will have camp sign up coming very soon. If you have any questions then just email me at matthew@blythewoodvillage.com. I hope you have a great week!

Until Then,

Matthew Phillips

Notes from Our Pastor

Greetings!

Two major projects will be getting under way at VillageChurch in February. First, our worship center will be under construction! Trees will be going down, a building pad will be put up...just exciting to think about. Second, our capital campaign steering committee will be introduced to you. We'll be doing a one year campaign which will enable us to purchase media equipment and furniture for the worship center and landscape the property among other things.

Let me share with you a few basic things I believe we're going to see because of these 2 major projects this year. We're going to see more people become followers of Christ than we've ever seen before. Our baptisms will increase dramatically. Our church will grow exponentially. Our youth group will minister to more youth than anyone else in our area. Lives will be changed all over Northeast Columbia. Pretty neat to think about, isn't it! Get on board and dream big dreams!

God bless,

Erik Estep
VillageChurch

Notes from Our Pastor

Sunday was an incredible day at VillageChurch! The 2nd service was packed and 11 people demonstrated their allegiance to Christ in believer's baptism! The baptism was particularly special because it was the first time we've been able to celebrate a baptism together. Normally we head out to the lake for baptism and have a crew that stays behind to tear down and some head on to other commitments. But Sunday we all were able to see some tangible signs of lives being touched and changed. I'm starting to get in the habit of anticipating great things happening each week at VillageChurch! Make it your prayer that God will do great and mighty things through your life and the life of VillageChurch!

Notes from Our Pastor

A couple of men who had the opportunity to go to Africa to sell shoes. The first man refused to go. He said, "No one wears shoes there!" The second man was excited to go. He said, "No one has shoes there!" Simply put, one man saw opportunity while the other man did not.

I've been convicted lately of all the opportunities God's put before me that I've just not paid any attention to. I'm asking God to open my eyes this year to the opportunities He puts before me. It was fun to drive into my neighborhood this week and see each house as an opportunity for me to minister. I had a guy walk into the church office. He was curious about our church. I talked to him and found out he's moving next week. So I took the opportunity to lift his family up in prayer as they move.

2009 is a new year. Ask God to open your eyes to the opportunities He puts before you to serve Him!

A Note to Village Kid Parents

Dear Parents,
We thank you for giving us the opportunity to work with your child in our TeamKid Club. TeamKid is a discipleship club for children in first – fifth grades. TeamKid combines recreation activities, creative Bible story presentations, Bible verse memorization, and application to life. It is designed so that children learn biblical principles and develop skills that will help them make wise decisions in life.
This year’s theme is God’s Way =My Way. Our TeamKids will be learning how to do their very best for God each day. Every Sunday, each child will collect points for attendance, bring their Bible, offering, first-time friend, and memorization of the previous week’s Bible verse. Points will only be given upon arrival. With the exception of the memory verse, points will not be given after 11:55.
To help motivate the children to accomplish these expectations, we have set up team and individual reward systems. At the end of each month, the grade level team with the most total points will get to attend Games first for the entire next month. At the end of each quarter, children who have memorized 50% or more of the memory verses will receive a special individual treat. We ask that you support and encourage your TeamKid(s) to participate to their fullest ability.
By establishing these habits, we hope to help our TeamKids run life’s race to the glory of the Lord.
Please feel free to contact Jeana at 803.419.0989 or jeana@blythewoodvillage.com if you have any questions or comments regarding TeamKid.

In Christ,
Jeana Reidl and Beki Miller

P.S. Please do not let your child/children bring cell phones, electronic games, toys, etc… to TeamKid. Thank you!

Village Student Ministries

Greeting,

I hope that everyone enjoyed their winter break, but now it is time to get back into the swing of things. This Sunday is an important Sunday for our Student Ministry. We are going to be unveiling our plan of action for the Spring and Summer. This meeting is for anyone who is interested in helping with our student ministry and for all the parents of students. Also, do not forget that we will be having a Baptism service as a part of the 10:45 am service on January 18. Several of our students will be getting baptized so you will not want to miss out on this spiritually encouraging service. I hope everyone has a great week and I will see you all on Sunday!

Im out,

Matthew Phillips