FROM THE CAMPUS PASTORS
In Philippians 1:5, the Apostle Paul thanks the Philippian church for their “partnership”. One of my friends from the tech industry likes to say, in his industry, “we are very careful to use the word ‘partnership’ because of the legal implications tying together parties ”
In God’s Kingdom, partnership means something deeper We are truly partners as the body of Christ, each of us utilizing our gifts, talents, and callings to expand the good news of Jesus in the world. Here at Valley Christian Schools, we get to experience the beautiful partnership between pastors, parents, prayer warriors, teachers, students, chaplains, alumni, local churches, Christian colleges, and parachurch ministries all working together to reach the Bay Area and beyond through Christian education.
This past fall, we celebrat ed over a hundred students coming to faith in Christ on Skyway We are partnering with local churches to bless parents Our junior and high school student chaplains are learning how to minister and pray for their peers on campus. All of this work is fueled by your prayers, and we want to say, “thank you!”
DR. STEVE DANG (VCHS ’02) CHIEF MINISTRY OFFICER SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI MINISTRIES
A LOOK BACKWARDS Convocation
On August 17, 2025, we brought our students, parents, staff, and alumni together for a night of prayer and worship Our VCS football field was filled with over 600 people worshiping together and praying for God to transform lives this school year We were blessed by a worship team made up of VCS Alumni, staff, and friends. After an encouraging message from Pastor Steve, we were led in prayer by some of our elementary, junior high, and high school students.
Spiritual Emphasis Week
(SEW)
See You At The Cross
On September 24, 2025, high school and junior high students were invited to come to school early and gather around the Conservatory cross to pray and worship together It was a powerful morning led by our Warrior Worship students and Student Chaplains
In the middle of October, our Spiritual Formation Team, along with our Student Chaplains, dedicated an entire school week to helping students examine their relationships with Jesus. We hosted daily chapels with worship led by Thrive Worship and Azusa Pacific Worship, with challenging messages from Diane Clemons and Amy Zielsdorf. SEW is about creating intentional space for students to reflect, worship, and respond to what God was doing in their hearts
Discipleship Track
Discipleship Track was created to provide our students an opportunity to take a next step in their spiritual formation by gathering together each week and learning more about what discipleship to Jesus looks like This fall, we have seen over 70 junior high students consistently showing up to our Prayer Chapel to grow in their faith
2025
Spiritual Retreat
In October, a group of 50 high school students gathered at Redwood Christian Camp in the Santa Cruz Mountains for a weekend of worship, reflection, relationship-building, and renewal in their relationships with one another and with Jesus. Students shared their testimonies with one another, and many have chosen to continue these meaningful conversations back on campus.
Christian Club Collab
VCHS is blessed with vibrant Christian clubs on campus, including: Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Institute of Bible and Theological Studies (IBTS), Let’s Talk, Sisterhood, Guy’s Breakfast, and more. In November, these clubs gathered together in the Prayer Chapel for a shared time of worship a beautiful display of unity under the umbrella of God’s family here at VCHS.
IMPACT TRIPS
At the heart of our mission program is a deep desire to lead students into lifechanging, cross-cultural experiences where they encounter Jesus Christ and are transformed by His love. These journeys are more than trips—they are spiritual formation milestones that shape hearts, strengthen faith, and ignite a lifelong passion for service.
This year, we have the opportunity to partner with ministries worldwide, including in Mexico, the Philippines, Spain, Rwanda, and beyond. As we prepare students to learn, serve, and love well, each destination offers new perspectives, meaningful relationships, and powerful glimpses of the work God is doing across the globe.
IMPACT TRIPS
We are excited to share new ways Valley Christian students are not only learning about Jesus, but actively practicing the mission of God’s kingdom. Students are using their gifts and training as Warriors to help others, while being formed into people who love others and serve the world.
IMPACT Jr. High
Our new junior high Mexico trip marks an exciting expansion of our IMPACT program, giving younger students the opportunity to serve and experience missions at a formative age Partnering with Door of Faith Orphanage in Baja a trusted ministry caring for more than 100 children students will engage in hands-on projects, outreach, and relational ministry. For many junior high students, this first crosscultural experience becomes a meaningful next step in practicing their faith.
Camino de Santiago, Spain
A new IMPACT Formation initiative expands our program to include experiential, faithlearning journeys that invite students to encounter God through church history, Scripture, and immersive cultural reflection These trips emphasize spiritual formation rather than projects, guiding students into places where Christians have sought God for centuries and helping them discover how their own stories fit within His One such journey includes hiking the Camino de Santiago, a historic pilgrimage that fosters deeper faith, community, and spiritual focus.
BEI and IMPACT Missions (Chiapas, Mexico)
A new collaboration between BEI and IMPACT brings mission opportunities into our A3 programs, integrating business innovation with Christ-centered service IMPACT BEI trips invite students to grow in their faith while exploring how creativity, entrepreneurship, and leadership can advance God’s Kingdom and foster sustainable change. On this inaugural trip to Chiapas, students will partner with Broken Rib Coffee to serve at an orphanage and work alongside local coffee farmers, learning how innovation and business development can cultivate lasting prosperity and dignity
WHERE IN THE WORLD ARE WE GOING?
Valley Christian has partnered with Baja Bound for many years, building nearly 15 homes for families in need This long-term relationship has allowed students to:
Provide safe housing
Support local outreach
Sponsor student education
This reflects the commitment to serving with compassion and helping families pursue stability, hope, and a brighter future
Madrid, Spain
Baja, Mexico
Chiapas, Mexico
Impact BEI trips aim to:
Help students grow in faith
Teach how creativity, entrepreneurship, and leadership can advance the Kingdom and create sustainable change
The first trip to Chiapas will involve students partnering with Broken Rib Coffee to:
Serve at an orphanage
Work with local coffee farmers to explore how business development can foster lasting prosperity and dignity
This experiential learning trip invites students to encounter God through: Church history
Scripture
Immersive cultural reflection
Key Focus:
Journeys focus on formation over projects
Students discover how their stories fit into God's story by stepping into historic Christian places
First Journey Example:
Hiking the Camino de Santiago will serve as a historic pilgrimage designed to deepen faith, community, and spiritual focus
Valley Christian has strengthened its partnership with Kids International Ministries in the Philippines and is preparing for a third trip.
Over the past few years, students have:
Supported feeding programs in vulnerable communities
Encouraged local youth groups and evangelism efforts
Grown through cultural experiences that reveal God’s work there and through the ministry partners
Manila, Philippines
Rwanda, Africa
Valley Christian's partnership in Rwanda supports Pastor Anna and local leaders who are committed to reaching remote villages with the gospel.
Longstanding support has led to:
Building churches and vocational schools
Providing ongoing care and educational support for students
Supplying medical insurance
Equipping pastors for ministry
Students on the trip will:
Participate in village outreach
Encourage vocational school students
Support children’s ministry and assist pastors
Engage in hands-on projects to further the partners’ work
SPIRITUAL FORMATION EVENTS
FEBRUARY
07 | Lunar New Year
11 | Winter Impact Trips Depart
26 | Encounter K-12 Community Worship Night
MARCH
6-8 | Spiritual Retreat
13-16 | Spiritual Emphasis Week
20 | VC Connect Staff Inservice
28 | Desi Dhamaal
APRIL
05 | Easter
06 | Spring Impact Trips Depart
25 | Warrior Celebration on Skyway
27 - May 1 | Culture Celebration Week
MAY
7 | National Day Of Prayer
21 | Baccalaureate
SPIRITUAL FORMATION EVENTS
ENCOUNTER
On February 26, we will gather as a VCS community to begin the Lenten season at an event called Encounter Led by our campus pastors, we will hear a message of encouragement, worship together, pray, and be reminded of the truth of who Jesus is as we step into Lent Students, parents, faculty, staff, alumni, and all members of the Valley Christian family are warmly invited to attend.
BAPTISM
At the end of the school year, students have the opportunity to be baptized at Valley Christian in front of their friends, classmates, teachers, families, and community Our campus pastors walk students through this important decision, disciple them, and partner with families along the way. It is a beautiful celebration of what God has done throughout the school year.
BACCALAUREATE
Baccalaureate is a special worship service held at the end of the school year, where we gather as a Valley Christian community alongside our seniors and their families to celebrate all that God has done in the lives of our graduates It is an evening of praise, reflection, celebration, and a message of hope and encouragement. Baccalaureate will take place at Church on the Hill on May 21.
SPIRITUAL EMPHASIS WEEK
Spring Spiritual Emphasis Week will take place March 13–16 on both the junior high and high school campuses Students will explore the parables of Jesus stories that uniquely speak to the heart while revealing what the Kingdom of Heaven is like Throughout the week, students will gather daily for chapel, participate in additional activities before school and during lunch, and be invited to take meaningful next steps in their relationship with Jesus.
HIGH SCHOOL CHAPEL - WINTER
STRENGTHS TO SURRENDER: REAL STRENGTH BEGINS WHEN SELF-SUFFICIENCY ENDS
THEME: Each winter, we intentionally invite our student chaplains into the planning process and develop a series shaped by both students and staff. This year, our entire high school community participated in StrengthsFinder, reflecting on the unique abilities and tendencies that shape how we live and relate to others. God has given us all strengths, but they were never meant to be the source of our identity or the fuel for our personal ambitions. Our gifts, talents, and abilities are invitations to trust in God and not just our platforms In the Kingdom of God, strengths only become powerful when they’re surrendered to Him When we place our strengths in God’s hands, He does immeasurably more with them than we could ever do on our own for our purposes
1 Identity Before Ability: Chloe Diepenbrock
2 Formed, Not Just Gifted: Sidney Mulkey
3. One Body, Many Strengths: Jen Gerlach
4. Strengths for Calling and Mission: Mark Weiner
KEY VERSE: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21)
JUNIOR HIGH CHAPEL - WINTER
HIGH SCHOOL AND JUNIOR HIGH CHAPEL - SPRING
Kingdom Stories
Stories have a way of reaching us in places information never could. They slip past defenses, stir our imaginations, expose our motives, and invite us to see the world in a new way. Jesus knew this. When He wanted to show the beauty, surprise, and upside-down nature of God’s Kingdom, He didn’t give lectures; He told stories
In the parables, Jesus reveals what God is like, what His Kingdom is like, and who we are called to become They help us recognize ourselves, awaken our longing for God, and call us into a different way of being in the world.
THEME: This series, Kingdom Stories, invites our students to listen again to the stories of Jesus The parables show the beauty and surprise of the Kingdom in ways only a story can They speak directly to our hearts and invite us into a life transformed by Jesus
PRAYER REQUESTS
1. Pray for open and receptive hearts. Ask God to help our students listen deeply to the stories of Jesus, allowing these parables to speak to their hearts and awaken a genuine hunger for His Kingdom
2 Pray for spiritual formation and transformation. Pray that as students engage this series, they not only understand the meaning of the parables but experience real change in how they love, forgive, serve, and live out their faith on campus
3. Pray for the beauty of the Kingdom. That God would use this series to cultivate a unity and shared vision of Kingdom culture on our campus
ELEMENTARY MINISTRIES
CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP AND BIBLE STUDY
BIG IDEA: In elementary school, we focus on establishing the foundations of faith, which include God’s love for us, His purpose for our lives, and how we live out our faith in the world. We break down our lessons according to “Today’s Total Truth,” making them more applicable. This semester, Principal Gabe Guven and Pastor Anna Messersmith are talking about who God is and how we can be His disciples during chapel and Bible studies.
Key Verse: “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52)
EVENTS
Spiritual Emphasis Week | March 16-19 – This year, the elementary’s focus is the same theme as junior high and high school, highlighting the parables in class and during chapel
Fifth Grade Girls Bible Study – Pastor Anna leads a weekly optional Bible study that allows students to dive deeper into community by reading the Bible, engaging in group discussions, playing games, doing crafts, and serving others Students walk away with a deeper understanding of God, as well as a closer community
PRAYER REQUESTS
1 Pray for the Holy Spirit to plant seeds of faith in our little ones that will last a lifetime
2 Pray for all the students participating in the 5th Grade Bible Study to grow in their faith
3. Pray for unity amongst our campuses and families as all students learn about the Sermon on the Mount at the same time.
4. Pray for the Holy Spirit to fill our local churches and ministries as they serve and minister in Jesus’ name.
BIBLICAL UNITY
"We LOVE like Jesus, CELEBRATE all cultures, CULTIVATE true community, and RECONCILE for His glory." – Dr. Steven McGriff, K-12 Director of Biblical Unity
Valley Christian Schools celebrates diversity and encourages everyone to seek knowledge about it to understand the rich tapestry of God’s kingdom on Earth We recognize our differences, such as gender, culture, ethnicity, faith, and identity, while honoring our commonality: that we are all made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27) Appreciating both our similarities and differences helps us foster a deeper understanding and love for everyone
This winter and spring, we will highlight Asian culture with a Lunar New Year celebration on February 7 and South Asian culture through “Desi Dhamaal” on March 28 These student-led events welcome the entire VCS community Additionally, during Cultural Celebration Week from April 27 to May 1, high school culture clubs will invite students to explore various aspects of their rich cultures, including food, music, dance, and customs
Jesus calls us to love those who are different from us, practicing self-abandoned love as He demonstrated in His community. He teaches us to love others as we love ourselves (Matthew 22:37–39) and even to love our enemies (Matthew 5:43-48)
VCS is dedicated to embracing the diversity within God’s Kingdom as outlined in our Biblical Unity Statement, equipping students to respect diversity and embody Jesus' radical love for every person As Maya Angelou said, “Diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and all the threads are equal in value, no matter their color.”
“We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we all must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value, no matter what their color ” – Maya Angelou, American Poet
PRAYER REQUESTS
Pray for all members of our community to enjoy and learn about another culture different than their own.
DESI DHAMAAL AT VALLEY
LUNAR NEW YEAR AT VALLEY
WELLNESS
“IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL”
Our Wellness team at Valley Christian Schools is committed to supporting students, staff, and parents in an effort to help our community flourish Whether through therapy, wellness check-ins, crisis intervention, therapy dog visits, clubs, or socialemotional learning workshops, our wellness vision is to offer care for students, families, and staff who need it
KINDNESS CREW
The Kindness Crew is an initiative that empowers fourth and fifth-grade students to be agents of change They participate in special discussions and activities to proactively build a loving, positive, and supportive atmosphere throughout the school.
WARRIORS CHILL
Our newest club provides a quiet, calming environment with instrumental worship music in the background The chill space invites students to be still, relax, and regroup away from the hustle and bustle of the lively school environment The room is equipped with plush bean bags and opportunities to bead, create art, or work on a puzzle.
The program has shown significant positive impact. The number of students indicating “I am well” jumps from 46% at check-in to 75 6% at check-out, a 30% increase So far, we have had 388 student visits, engaging 185 different students, or 27% of the student body Each chill time opens and closes with prayer, and we look forward to seeing these numbers continue to grow this next semester.
WARRIORS UNITED
Warriors United is a lunch club for junior high students dedicated to providing a space for fun, music-filled time, featuring games and intentional conversations where everyone can feel included and valued
WELLNESS PARENT EDUCATION
This past semester, we hosted three events for families: a session on “Wise Parenting in a Digital World,” a book club called “The Yes Brain,” and invited the San Jose Police Department to discuss trends they are seeing regarding online safety for children We are pivoting to a digital format this next semester to offer greater access and availability to our sessions
HIGH SCHOOL INITIATIVES
Wellness editions of Navigate encourage students to consciously address stressors, anxieties, emotional upsets, relational skills, thoughtful decision-making, and consider the importance of their values
Additionally, representatives from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) spoke with AMSE students, and wellness tips and reminders were posted in classrooms, hallways, and bathrooms We also added mental health resources to the Counseling Center lobby and provided guidance to the Mental Health Club.
STAFF SUPPORT & DEVELOPMENT
We presented at staff meetings across campuses, reminding staff of the supports we offer them at VCS, how to address mental health safety issues, and the effective use of social-emotional learning in classrooms We brought our popular Wellness Cart, with snacks and drinks, to classroom teachers and staff across campuses.
PRAYER REQUESTS
1 Pray for our Wellness team, including Jane Bahou, Abra Martinez, Sara Dries, and C J Clark, as they care for students on all our campuses
2 Pray for our programs as they are in early stages
3 Pray for our students, staff, and families to be well
LOCAL IMPACT OUTREACH
Service Learning Justice
As part of our Justice class, students are learning how to use their God-given gifts to serve others, pursue justice, and love their neighbors in tangible ways This semester, our focus has been on addressing food insecurity through partnerships with local agencies, including the Reaching Out Center at Cathedral of Faith and the Stand4 food pantry
During class time, students travel to these sites to pack food and support the ongoing work of these ministries. Both organizations have expressed deep gratitude for the help, especially during daytime hours when volunteers are often limited It has been encouraging to see students serve with joy, think creatively, and seek ways to be more effective in their work and pursuit of biblical justice
Students are also discovering that service takes many forms In addition to pantry work, they have used their writing and artistic gifts to create cards and letters for seniors in convalescent homes and for patients in hospitals. We pray that this type of service encourages students to continue to grow in their faith.
Altogether, students have completed nearly 200 hours of community service, and many have shared how meaningful it has been to leave campus and see firsthand how they can make a real impact in our community
Community Outreach Fellowship
Valley Christian JH students continue to experience what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our community Through a wide range of service opportunities organizing campus resources, supporting nonprofit fundraisers, packing groceries at Cathedral of Faith’s Reaching Out ministry, teaching coding and PE at Lairon and Shirakawa elementary schools, and serving veterans through Open Doors to Future Possibilities students are learning that it truly is better to give than to receive.
One of the most impactful experiences has been serving hot meals to unhoused neighbors at Martha’s Kitchen Many students share that looking into the eyes of those they serve is life-changing, deepening both their compassion and their faith
Debbie Buron and Kristin Annab are grateful for these opportunities to walk alongside students as they learn what it means to love like Jesus and care for every person God places in their path
ALUMNI MINISTRIES
Over 1,400 alumni connected with us this past year through reunions, alumni dinners, campus visits, Convocation and Homecoming
Once a Warrior, Always a Warrior is more than a tagline—it is our passion. Each of you has helped shape the legacy of VC, and we are honored to call you part of the VCS Alumni family.
Celebrating our alumni events this past fall.
Cities visited: Boise
Boston Providence Waco
Austin College Station Reunions celebrated: ’80s ’00 ’15
Alumni events to look forward to. Alumni Dinners:
February 19 | LMU Alumni Dinner
February 22 | Phoenix Alumni Dinner
Encounter - Community Worship Night | February 26
The Warrior Celebration | April 25 (tickets available March 2)
Homecoming | Fall 2026
Alumni Baseball Game | Winter 2026
Upcoming Reunions:
As we wrap up the school year, Mark, Steve, and Vanessa look forward to continuing our connections with you and are already excited to begin planning for the fall!
Alumni Ministries Team
PASTOR STEVE DANG (’02) SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT CHIEF MINISTRY OFFICER AND DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI MINISTRIES
VANESSA (MAKINSTER ’03) GALANTE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI MINISTRIES
MARK LODEWYK VICE PRESIDENT OF MINISTRY RELATIONS
FOLLOW US @VCHSALUMNI ON INSTAGRAM FOR ALUMNI UPDATES
MINISTRY RELATIONS: PARTNERS IN THE GOSPEL
Students graduate from Valley Christian, but they do not graduate from the Kingdom of God. We intentionally build partnerships with local churches and ministries to build a strong network, working together for God’s kingdom.
COLLEGE PARTNERSHIPS
We are committed to strengthening relationships with Christian colleges and universities across the country
We are currently partnering with:
Azusa Pacific University
Biola University
Westmont College
Grand Canyon University
Wheaton College
Calvin University
We’re incredibly thankful for these connections and excited for VCS Warriors to have options to further their studies in Christian education
CHURCH PARTNERSHIPS
We are grateful to see continued growth not only in the number of churches we partner with, but in the depth and quality of those relationships. One of our key goals is to connect families and students with local churches in thei r communities It’s a joy to witness families finding church homes for both youth group involvement and weekend worship
VCS ALUMNI AT 2025 HOMECOMING GAME
FOLLOW US ON social media
Visit or pray for a local church near you
North San Jose/Milpitas
Echo Church
Christ Community Church of Milpitas
New Beginnings Church
Resonate Church
First Church San Jose
West San Jose/Santa Clara
Vive San Jose
Crossroads Church
Awakening Church
Garden City Church
Neighborhood Christian Center
St. Volodymyr Catholic
East San Jose
New Evergreen Valley Church
Rohi Christian Church
Family Community Church
Immanuel Baptist Church
South San Jose
Westgate: South Hills
Menlo Church
Cathedral of Faith
Church on the Hill
Gateway City Church
Hillside Church
Holy Spirit Church
Willow Glen
Willow Glen Bible Church
Foxworthy Baptist
Vertical Church San Jose
Willow Glen United Methodist
Southridge Church
Campbell
Bethel Church
Campbell Church of Christ
Central Christian Church
Community Christian: Campbell
Center Set Church
The Home Church
St Lucy Church
Bold Church
Eden Church
Los Gatos/Saratoga
Calvary Los Gatos
Saratoga Federated Church
Venture Christian Church
Noel Presbyterian Church
Immanuel Lutheran Church
Westgate Church
Visit or pray for a local church near you
Los Altos/Palo Alto/Menlo Park
Bridges Community Church
Abundant Life Fellowship
Crosspoint Church
Vive Church
Menlo Church
New Community Baptist
Lord’s Grace Christian Church
Woodside Priory Catholic
St. Francis of Assisi
Cupertino Creekside
New Life Church Cupertino
St Andrew Armenian
Valley Church
Abundant Life
Milpitas
Ark Baptist Church
Good Shepherd Community
Grace Alliance
New Vision Church
St James Orthodox
San Jose Christian Assembly
Morgan Hill/Gilroy
West Hills
South Valley Community Church
Morgan Hill Bible Church
Community Christian: Morgan Hill
St Catherine’s of Alexandria
St John’s Episcopal
Grace Hill Church
Ministerios Generacion Josue
Gilroy Presbyterian Church
Fremont/Newark/Union City
Forerunner Christian Church
Harbor Light
New Life Valley Church
Pathway Bible Church
St. Joseph Catholic
3 Crosses
Haven Christian
San Francisco
Cornerstone SF
Reality SF
Greek Orthodox Cathedral
San Francisco Chinese Alliance
MISSION STATEMENT
Valley Christian Schools’ mission is to provide a nurturing environment o ering quality education supported by a strong foundation of Christian values in partnership with parents, equipping students to become leaders to serve God, to serve their families, and to positively impact their communities and the world.
VISION STATEMENT
A world where every student pursues their personal Quest for Excellence™
FOUNDING STATEMENT
Valley Christian Schools supports the homes and churches of students in providing an education that is grounded in the Judeo-Christian values of the Bible, as reflected in the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. Valley Christian Schools is committed to a Quest for Excellence™ in all of its educational programs, and provides a comprehensive kindergarten through twelfth grade curriculum with a rigorous college preparatory program. Firmly founded on Christian values, Valley Christian Schools challenges youth to aspire toward lives of character, service, and influence while pursuing their individual Quests for Excellence
