New Series: Prison Break—Escaping the Guilt

Guilt. Ever tried to live with it? It can be overwhelming. It can result in depression, ulcers, sleepless nights, inner conflict, turmoil, fear, anxiety and more.

This is not what God had in mind for us. Jesus said: “Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11:29-30)

Is this the kind of life you have now? If not, then you do not have the life God wants for you. It’s time to break free! Join us for a new series beginning in Dodgeville on Nov. 11, where we’ll talk about:

• Guilt-free God
• Guilt-free work
• Guilt-free parenting
• Guilt-free friendships
• Guilt-free relaxation

If you know of family or friends who need to escape from guilt, invite them to come along. You can find invitation cards in the lobby at church, or forward this newsletter to a friend. Learn more at hiddenv.com.

HVCC Money Giveaway Makes Big Impact with Recipients and Donors

A few months ago, HVCC did something you don’t typically see in church. We gave away money! Forty people in Dodgeville and Richland Center were handed envelopes containing cash to help someone in need. A total of $1800 was distributed. Here are just a few excerpts from stories of how God worked through those involved:

One woman used the money to purchase clothing and food for a mother and daughter that she cares for. “You would have thought it was Christmas for the little girl. The mother was very grateful. It made me feel so good to be able to participate in this and do something for someone else.”

Another woman used the money to purchase baby items for a co-worker who “works very hard and has very little.” After this woman dropped off the items at her co-worker’s desk, here’s what happened: “She called me to say thank you. She asked me why I did this for her, so I told her that our church gives us money periodically to use to help people that deserve it. She asked me which church I go to so I told her. I am hoping that someday she will join us.”

A father and his teenage son both participated in the giveaway. “My son decided to purchase several McDonalds food cards to give to people who appeared to be in need. He was very excited about having this opportunity to be Christ with skin on. He has always had a heart for homeless and needy people. He participated last year as well, and found that he really liked the experience of serving God in this way. He now has a job, and is planning to look for similar opportunities in the future using a portion of the money he earns.

“This past Friday I stopped for lunch at a McDonalds in Milwaukee, and an old lady came into the restaurant carrying a garbage bag full of cans she had collected. She had enough change for one item off the dollar menu. She was very happy to receive the card with $10 credit. She kept saying that no one has given her anything for a long time. It was very rewarding to see the gratitude in these people’s faces, and watch them look with wonder when I told them they God had made the money available for them. I am planning to keep a couple of these cards on me to use when a similar situation arises in the future.”

What could God do through you, with some money in your pocket, that you’ve designated to help someone in need? To find out, take the $20 Challenge: Set aside $20 in your pocket, and pray for God to show you how to use it to help someone in need. You’ll be amazed at what God will do. If $20 sounds like a lot, start with $5 or $10. When you read the stories above, it’s easy to see how big an impact you can make with small acts of kindness.

For more $20 Giveaway Stories, visit the Money Giveaway Stories page in the 'What is HVCC About' section of the website.

CSI (Christian Service Ignited) November Update

Here’s what’s coming up for our community service team for November and December. To participate, or if you have questions, contact the church office at 930-4822(HVCC), email hvcc@hiddenv.com, or email Greta Byers at gretabcg@mhtc.net, or RaeAnn Butteris at timnrae@hotmail.com.

November Community Leaf Raking This Saturday
CSI will be raking leaves Nov. 3 to make up for the lack of leaves two weeks ago. We will begin at 9 a.m. and be done around 11 a.m. with our mission.

November Thanksgiving Meal
This month we are also teaming with area churches for the community Thanksgiving dinner. To participate, sign up in the HVCC lobby. You can deliver meals, serve meals, bring food, prepare food, or help with cleaning up. This community outreach is held Thanksgiving Day at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dodgeville.

December Kindness Baskets
CSI has taken on the HVCC Christmas Basket Project. Last year, in cooperation with Iowa County Social Services, more than 60 baskets of personal and household items were given to area families in need. This year we are shooting for a record 100! Watch for the Christmas tree to appear soon in the HVCC lobby. It will be filled with paper ornaments listing items that you can buy and bring to church for this offering.

Please note: Because of this special project, CSI will not be gift wrapping at WalMart as originally planned. Contact us if you would like to help with decorating, preparing materials, or filling baskets for this kindness project.

Baptismal Service Postponed

This Saturday’s baptismal service has been postponed. A new date will be announced soon. If you have recently asked Jesus to be the leader of your life and you would like to be baptized, please contact the church office at 930-4822.

Amazon Income Goes to HVCC Benevolence

Every time you purchase from Amazon.com by clicking on an Amazon link on the HVCC website, we receive a small donation. This money goes into our Benevolence fund to help those in our church and community who need help the most.

Visit our website at hiddenv.com, where we have several pages that link to Amazon. The main one is the Hidden Valley E-Store — you'll find that under Already Connected at the top of the home page. You can also find Amazon links to individual books on the Small Groups page, under How Can I Grow->Resources for Growth, and under recommended readings for the current message series.

What Is the Benevolence Ministry?

HVCC’s Benevolence ministry exists to help people who get stuck between a rock and a hard place and need a little help to make it to the next step. Along with financial assistance we often offer practical budgeting help.

In recent months three single moms in financial crisis have been helped through your gifts to the Benevolence account. Because of your generosity, we have been able to help people with heating bills, groceries, gas money and other unexpected needs.

On the giving envelopes people use each Sunday is a line marked "Benevolence." If this ministry is something you wish to be a part of, feel free to join with us as we seek to be Jesus with skin on to the under-resourced in our church family.

Next Classes at HVCC

Our next Class 101, Discover Life in The Valley, will be Sunday, Jan. 27, at the church from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided. In this class, we explore the meaning of our salvation, the beliefs, values, and vision of Hidden Valley Community Church, and what it means to be a member.

Class 401, Discover How To Share Your Faith with Others, is scheduled for Sunday. Nov. 18 from 9-10:30am. Location TBD based on class size. This class offers helpful tools for sharing your faith with others in a way that is most effective for how God has made you.

To sign up for either of these classes, contact the church office at 930-4822 or email hvcc@hiddenv.com.