In our theme “let me tell you about my Jesus,” this week I want to look at the verse: “I am the true vine.” – John 15:1

Joh 15:1  “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.

Joh 15:2  Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.

Joh 15:3  Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.

Joh 15:4  Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.

Joh 15:5  I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

Joh 15:6  If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.

Joh 15:7  If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

Joh 15:8  By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

Joh 15:9  As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.

This verse is fairly well known, but as I pondered it, I found it contains some very profound implications. First off, from a grammatical perspective, the verb “am” is a linking verb thus connecting the pronoun “I” to the predicate nominative “vine.” What this essentially does, it says that they are equal. Secondly, ponder with me the idea that Jesus is a vine, and in this case the metaphor refers to grape vines. He is not an oak tree that has a strong sturdy stem/trunk. He is a vine that needs supporting. However, as a vine, He can produce great quantities of fruit. This comes at a cost though. The last part of verse 1 and in verse 2 elucidates the cost. The branches that do not produce are cut away. OUCH! I have done some pruning of some tomato vines – the suckers, with the idea that doing so will produce better and more fruit. The suckers that are pruned are thrown into the compost pile. Think about this in the spiritual context which this parable is all about. Those individuals that do not produce true fruit will be “cut off,” cast aside. Thinking about the church, God is going to do some pruning to make it more fruitful. Lastly, I want to focus on the word “pure” as in pure vine. The placement of this word is interesting for it infers that there are or were impure vines. From the grape vine context, we know that there were wild grapes in the country of Israel that the Jews new about all too well. The city of Jerusalem was to be the “vine”
of the ancient nation of Israel. It was supposed to be the source of pure devotion to God Almighty with that culminating in the building of the Solomonic temple. This temple was to be the crown jewel of Israel’s devotion and worship of the LORD. That was not to be for in a matter of a few years, the nation was divided, soon conquered, and the temple destroyed. So, the use of the word “pure” to describe Himself, Jesus is making a bold statement about Himself and His spiritual leadership. Jesus further describes His leadership as being the source of spiritual sap that provides the spiritual nourishment that leads to the true fruit of the believer. So, are you tapped into the sap, or will you be cut off?

Last spring VCS hosted a Golf Tournament Fundraiser at the Krooked Kreek golf course. That fundraiser generated $20,791 in profit. PTL!

The Fall Festival Fundraiser held on Oct 24 th raised $22,755 in profit. PTL!

These fundraisers could not have happened with your help. Thanks.

The annual Christmas Community Bake Sale is slated for Thursday, Dec. 15th. You should have or will have received a flier on this event.

If you have ordered Christmas greenery through the VCS fundraiser, it will be ready for pick up at the school tomorrow, 11/18, 3:00-4:30pm.

Wanted: One or two more individuals that could sub teach when needed. A bachelor’s degree is needed.

Operation Christmas Child was a huge success. The students and staff packed 97 boxes. These boxes will be transferred to New Richmond next Monday. Pray with us that God would multiply our efforts in spreading His Word.

The Christmas program is on Dec. 15 @ 6:30pm here at the school. The program will consist of two parts, “A Celebration of Nine Lessons and Carols” and “Believe!” For the first part of the program, I am asking all students to wear a white button-down collared shirt, black slacks/pants, and black shoes. Those of you who were at the program last year saw how professional the students looked when performing.

VCS is now hosting a ski club with Mrs. Jonelle Maddock as the club sponsor. The club will meet on Thursdays, beginning Dec. 8. The participant will be responsible for equipment, lift ticket, and transportation to and from Trollhaugen.

The next regularly scheduled VCS Board meeting will be on Dec 6th . Please forward to me any items for the agenda by Nov. 22nd .

I was reminded a couple of days ago that VCS has a RightNow Media account that you can join for free. If you do not know about that organization, use this link to check it out: https://app.rightnowmedia.org/join/valleychristianschoolosceola

The snow on the ground reminds me that I need to remind you that should the school need to be closed due to poor weather conditions, look to KARE 11, the school’s Facebook page, and group emails for any notices.

Each year the Wisconsin Department of Instruction issues a “report card” of the school. To see the school’s latest “report card,” check it out the attached files. The results shown are for those students/families (gr. 3-8 and gr. 10 Soc. Studies) who participate in the Wisconsin School Choice program.

Lastly, at the beginning of the school year many of you brought in reams of paper which made a mountain, more like a giant ant hill. Thanks! The reams of paper have been a great blessing to the teachers and staff. However, that pile has dwindled down to a half a dozen reams. If you would like to replenish the pile, just stop by the office with a ream of paper.

Continue to pray for God’s holy fire to rain down daily burning away the dross of sin.

Pressing forward for His glory,
Ron

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