The Mountain View December 2007

I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven on Earth.

My mom used to say that the only thing better than Christmas as a child was watching her children experience Christmas. The thrilling anticipation of giving something beautiful to someone else that you yourself have received is beyond compare. It is in moments like these that we experience the true meaning of Jesus' words, "it is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). As a child, who among us could have ever imagined that we would have more joy in giving a gift than in receiving a gift? It was heaven for me when the bright red, 10-speed bicycle with the Shimano Eagle gear shifter magically appeared under the glowing Christmas tree on Christmas morning. It was like going to the moon when I raced up the stairs so many years ago to find Major Matt Mason in his three-level moon station, accompanied by his alien friend, Callisto, complete with the Space Crawler, and flying Space Sled. It was all so magical, but not nearly as magical as looking forward to the joy on the faces of my two beautiful little boys on Christmas morning when their Christmas dreams came true.

Our Christian walk is like that. The only thing better than coming to believe and strengthening our relationship with Jesus Christ is inviting another person into that relationship and nurturing and guiding them along the way: praying for them; praying with them; attending to their needs when they are lonely, hungry, or ill; inviting them into a small support/prayer/study group so that they are connected for the long term.

While Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem, "the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn" (Luke 2:6-7). The beautiful, new baby was a miraculous gift of God's love to Mary and Joseph. But they realized very soon that the Gift was not only for them. The Gift would have to be given to others.

When the shepherds in the fields were told about the newborn, they said to one another:

Even the shepherds did not keep the Gift to themselves. They gave it away as soon as they left the manger.

Love is not love until we give it away. Rejoice in the Gift and the giving of Christmas.

In a recent article in the Tribune, Robert Kirby talked about children and the lists they create for Christmas. He talked about how extensive the lists become, growing over a period of time becoming an entire catalog. We probably all have had those experiences with our children in the days leading up to Christmas. I suspect if I were to be completely honest I would be guilty of the same thing.

My recent stay in the hospital has given me a new perspective on the whole issue of gifts. At times when I was quite sick I became aware of the presence of the Lord and felt the power of the prayers of the many people who were praying for my healing. At times it felt like I was nearing the end of life, then I would feel the gentle pull saying God still has something for you to do, although at this time I have no idea what that would be. It was that gentle pull and the prayers and loving support I felt from those praying for me that gave me the strength to continue fighting.

You may ask, what does this have to do with Christmas lists? It has a lot to do with the lists. It brings to focus the sense of values and priorities we live by. It points out how the values change. They are no longer focused on things; they become focused on life, relationships and the power of God and what that power means to us.

My recovery has been labeled remarkable by doctors, but seems slow to me. However, the main point is God has worked a miracle in my life and the recovery process. It has all been the work of God.

Christmas lists, yes, I have received the greatest Christmas gift, the gift of life both spiritual and physical. And there is power in prayer!

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine...
To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations...
(Ephesians 3:20) NIV.

A Church Conference was held on Sunday, November 11^th to gain approval for proceeding with the plans to build a second building on the Mountain Vista campus for the primary use of fellowship, gathering, and classrooms. A potluck lunch with fried turkeys provided by the Administrative Council just prior to the meeting. There were approximately 120 people (including children) who attended the pot luck and meeting. Cory Coward (Building Committee Chairman) started the meeting with prayer, and an intro to the presentation. Don Porter (Administrative Council Chairman) discussed the church's needs and the events leading up to the Building Committee being formed. Bob Chauza (Building Committee Co-Chair) presented the Building Committee's report.

The Building Plans are to build a second building that is directly to the east of the existing building. The new building will be 88 feet long and 54 feet wide, and will run from West to East. (4,752 sq. ft) The roof will be identical to the roof on the existing building. A rock wanes-coat (matching the rock on the current building) approximately 3 feet high will be applied to the front of the building. A covered walkway between the building will be provided. The outside walls will be 10 feet high with a 4/12 roof pitch. Interior rooms will consist of a large gathering/fellowship/social room, 5 class rooms, one storage room, and two bathrooms with showers. The gathering room will contain a kitchenette with sink for serving food. In addition, the plan also involves doubling the size and parking capacity of the church parking lot.

The Preliminary Cost Estimate for the new building & parking is $596,130. The estimate was provided by Gough Construction, who would be our general contractor for the building. The funding plan is as follows:

The recommendations of the Building Committee were to proceed with designing the building, and to work with the finance committee to conduct a Capital Campaign and to include a separate request for building support in the 2008 stewardship drive. There were many questions asked, and much discussion following the presentation. Don, Cory, and Bob responded to the questions. A vote was taken, and there was a unanimous decision to accept the recommendations and continue the efforts of the building committee. A final building church conference will be held once the building plan details have been generated, and just prior to breaking ground. If things go well, this could be as early as March 2008!

Did you know that if you own stock that has appreciated in value, you can donate it to the church (or other non-profit charity), take a deduction for the full market value, and not have to pay tax on the capital gains? For example, let's say you bought stock for $500 and it is now worth $1,000. If you sell it and donate the money to the church, you would have a $500 capital gain and a $1,000 charitable deduction. If you donate the stock directly, you still get the $1,000 deduction, but you avoid the $500 capital gain. One restriction – you have to have owned the stock at least one year. With the current push to raise money for the new building, this might be a good source for funds to help out. For more details, contact Jerry Selbo at 282-1268.

The Trustees have been busy as usual trying to keep up with the upkeep of a very busy place. Yard care, painting, carpet cleaning etc

We are looking for a few new people to join the Board of Trustees. Duane Jordan & Ken Pitts have moved, while Jane Lugar and myself rotate off the Board this year.

What do we do? What don't we do!! The Trustees are responsible for the upkeep of the building and property and everyone knows how busy this little building is lately! We always have our "Honey Do" list for each meeting. If you have thought about it or have ay questions please don't hesitate to contact any of us on the board.

Just a reminder also. If desiring to utilize the building, a request needs to be made out. The forms are just outside the office door. All requests need to go through one of the Trustees for approval.

Karyn and I moved back to Utah in 1996 and at that time I was still a very worldly man. As most of you have heard I was an Alcoholic, but God kept nudging me. Occasionally I’d get a wild hair and we would go to church. We went to several and I kid you not every time we went to church we heard the MONEY sermon. On one Sunday the members had made pledges but not kept their commitments so, the pastor gave them a Money sermon. We went to another church and they were funding something and they got the Money sermon. We quit going for a long time. After all I thought they are only after my Money.

Around 2000 we went off and on to a small church that consisted of an older congregation. They were different, they were just happy to have us. I used to mow the lawn. It seemed like the only place I could find peace. I could feel God's presence. I felt a joy and peace I hadn't experienced since I was a little kid. I would bring my drinking buddies with me to do things and they felt the same peacefulness I felt. I'd say, "Hey I going up to the church.” We'd do something or fix stuff and I'd always have couple guys going with.

I look back now and realize that it wasn't really the place but it was the Heart that made that experience and closeness. I had put away the ME centered world and had opened myself up to let Christ in. Each one of my friends also forgot themselves and experienced Jesus. When you genuinely experience Jesus it changes you. When you look out to others you can’t look into yourself.

I look at MONEY differently since meeting Jesus and mowing lawns. After giving my life to Christ in 2001, getting sober, attending Christian seminary, serving as a camp director, and many different ways, I've learned some crucial things. The first thing is this: "I've done a lot of things with Christ and the only thing I've ever been good at, is being Forgiven." The second: "I know that the MONEY comes from God." I decided that my MONEY serves me and I serve JESUS. MONEY and THINGS are tools to let me introduce people to Jesus. To let them experience "the peace of God, which transcends all understanding." (Philippians 4:7)

So I am asking you to take a look at where you're at in your Money relationship. Do you and Jesus serve money or does your MONEY serve you and you serve JESUS? (Luke 16:13). Do you spend more money and time at the movies, at work, Cabala's, the spa, hair salon or the Jazz game than for Christ? Then you may have to re-evaluate your priorities. A guy going to the mountains, fishing or skiing, ETC… isn't Worship and isn't serving God. This is my Money sermon.

As Disciples of Christ we don't have a 10% obligation. It could be more! The widow gave everything she had and Jesus said she gave more than anyone (Luke 21). Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously (2 Corinthians 9:6-11). We are here to serve others for Christ not our selves For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:8-10) John Wesley said these two things: "When I have money, I get rid of it quickly, lest it find a way into my heart." And "Make all you can, save all you can, give all you can." I still have a lot to learn.

P.S. It's time to build our church person by person, brick by brick, and Dollar By Dollar.

The traditional Luminary is in honor of someone's life whether they are here or have passed away. We all have someone in our life that has touched us. So with the memory of how they have touched our lives, or maybe it is just someone who needs a light to shine for them, let's light up the sidewalk on Christmas Eve!

The Luminaries are a donation of $5.00 or more, they will be lit before the first Christmas Eve service. If you wish you may take your luminary home with you that evening. Contact Brenda Dummer for more information.

Each family is invited to bring a poinsettia to decorate the sanctuary for the month of December. Thank you for the "loan" and please take your poinsettia home after Christmas.

These are powerful songs glorifying the most significant event in the history of the Earth, according to Christian beliefs, and I would like for all of you to come take part in them. We are practicing hard (Sat 5:30 p.m.) working on a Christmas show. Contact Jayme at j_lpal@q.com

The Rocky Mountain Youth Ministry Institute!
December 1, 7:00 a.m.— 4:00 p.m.
at Mountain Vista United Methodist Church

Training for all who work with youth. Based on a summary of Wesley's Quadrilateral and our use of these sources (Scripture, Tradition, Experience, and Reason) in the decision making process. The Module will help direct us to use these sources as the basis of programming, relationship building, and discipleship. Module 1 is not required before taking Module 2. All modules include safe sanctuary modeling as well. Cost of the module is $25 to cover the all day training, materials, and lunch! To register for this event or for more information please contact Nancy Cox, events@rmcumc.com

Charge Conference Potluck!!!
Sunday December 2nd

Potluck & Meeting at 12:30 p.m.**

Meet District Rep. Rev. Glenda Ulmer

Come get charged up and filled up!!!

It is time once again for our annual Christmas Cookie Sale. Formerly known as a "cookie walk," this is a bake sale where cookies and candies are sold by the pound. The buyer walks around a group of tables filled with platters of cookies, candies, pastries, breads, choosing his/her own assortment and placing them in a box, which is weighed when the buyer is done. There will also be a variety of crafts available and a wall hanging to be raffled.

We are in need of lots of donated cookies and candies. We are asking people to donate in multiples of at least 3 dozen per type of cookie or candy. The sign up clipboard will be available outside the office area. We would like all kinds of cookies (no chocolate chip, please) with different textures and colors. Cookies/candies that sell best are "pretty" and small to medium in size and not gooey ones that stick to everything else in the box or cake like products. Pull out your favorite recipes for cookies, candies, breads, etc. and get to planning. Please bring your goodies to the church on a cookie platter or in a Tupperware container (remember to put your name on all containers), Friday, Dec. 7th between 4-7 p.m. so we can set everything up the night before. If you have craft items to donate, bring them at this time also.

How can you help even more? Come to the event on Saturday and tell all your friends, neighbors, and relatives about the event so they can come and buy all the cookies/candies they will need for the holidays. These boxes of goodies are a great idea to take to the office, give to neighbors, and relatives.

Gift certificates will be available for purchase in early November. A $5.00 gift certificate gets your friend one pound of goodies. Hopefully when they come in to redeem it, they will also add to it.

We look forward to seeing you on Dec. 7, to deliver and Dec. 8, to buy, making this event a great success!

The Bells of Joyful Sound will be present on Sunday morning at all services, December 9, to enhance the worship service at Mountain Vista with their musical offerings.

Mountain Vista had been the sponsor of this interdenominational Christian community bell choir from the fall of 2002 until this past fall, providing rehearsal and storage space for the ensemble. Now, the Bells rehearse at Granger Community Christian Church in West Valley City.

We're pleased to again have them as a part of our Advent worship celebration and eagerly look forward to their inspirational musical offering.

The Mountain Vista Chancel Choir, under the direction of Dr. Robert G. Nohavec, will present their annual Christmas cantata at all three worship services on Sunday, December 23. This year's offering will be "Come, Let Us Worship The King" by Russell Malden.

"We're indeed blessed to have such a nice group of dedicated musicians singing in the choir," said Dr. Nohavec. "In my experience, churches feel fortunate to have 10 percent of their membership as choir members. Here at Mountain Vista, we have about 20 percent who participate. It certainly results in a more inspirational offering of music, and we're grateful for the contributions of those involved."

We're looking forward with great anticipation to this musical presentation of the story of our Savior's birth.

December 24th
Christmas Eve Services

Christmas Eve Services at 5:00 and 7:00 p.m.
Come for readings of the Christmas story from Luke and sing Christmas carols with your church family.

Confirmation Class is coming– Starting on Sundays in January – Sign up on the Youth board or talk to Jason.

Multi-Cultural Celebration
January 6^th First United Methodist Church in Salt Lake City

Come celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord with a festival of Christmas trees from different ethnic groups. There will be food and entertainment to help create a "culture of love" rooted in the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Feb. 17-24, includes Presidents' Day
June 8-15
Sept. 21-28- Wonder if this will be at Hilltop House or MV!?

Walk to Emmaus dates:
Men's Walk - Feb. 21-24, 2008
Women's Walk - Feb. 28 - March 2, 2008

The Wednesday night book club will NOT be meeting in December. We will resume January 23^rd at 5:30 PM.

The books we are reading over the next few months are as follows.
Jan. - "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls
Feb. - "When Elephants Dance" by Tess Uriza Holthe
Mar. - "The Good Earth" by Pearl S. Buck

Couples Bible Study
You're invited - Couples Bible Study - 2^nd and 4^th Sundays of the month, 4 p.m. in the large meeting room at the Church.

This is a one-hour Bible study focused on growing in our faith and enjoying fellowship. No homework, just come and share and learn. Also, don't worry if you can't be there every meeting – join us whenever you can – each chapter focuses on a separate topic! Right now we're using a study called "Faith is the Answer, But What are the Questions?" Contact Peggy and Don Porter for more information: 849-0814.

CROSSROADS URBAN CENTER
Thrift Store: 1385 W Indiana Ave (850 S)
Pantry: 347 S 400 E

Foods of the month for December are canned meats and dinners (stew, soup, chili).
Thrift Store items for December are winter coats and new underwear.
Please bring items to the church and they will be delivered to Crossroads.

Sunday, Dec 16: Make/bring sandwiches to church
Monday, Dec 17: Deliver & Serve sandwiches, 5:00 p.m. at
St Vincent DePaul Center, 500 West 200 South

"Oh yeah, these are the GOOD sandwiches! Where are you from? Yeah, the Methodists make good sandwiches."

Sub for Santa - Watch for information on the families for this Christmas. Tags will be placed on the Christmas tree.

Love Fund – Provides one time assistance for families and individuals in need. Please keep those in need in your prayers – God knows them by name.

During October and November the Love Fund provided food pantry, bus tokens and school lunch money to 2 families, totaling $150.00. Thank you for your generous support so that we can reach out to others in need.

Family Promise - Several times a year Mountain Vista hosts families in need at Hilltop House for a week. Providing meals, fellowship, overnight hosts and transportation for several families. The next hosting will be in February. Contact Jane Tago to get involved.

Because of the generous support of MVUMC and it's members, Cub Scout Pack 4012 was able to sell $4,650 in product for our popcorn fund-raiser.
Thank You, Thank You from Cub Scout pack 4012!

Thank you for all the filled shoe boxes!
These shoe boxes are sent all over the world to let children know they are precious to God.

Volunteers Needed at Mountain Vista:
Sunday School Teachers: Time to sign up on the clip board in the hall. We need primary and back-up teachers for Jr. High & 4-6 graders. Curriculum is already here. Thank you to everyone who works with our children!

Angel Choir!
Angel Choir is for all children ages 3 years thru 2^nd grade. The goal of the children's choir is for all children to feel welcomed and loved, and to learn to praise GOD through song. The Angels practice Wednesdays 4:30 p.m. They sing at the 11:00 Sunday service every 4-6 weeks and at holiday times. Contact Robin at 302-9252.

Boy Scouts - Troop 1012 Tuesdays 6:30pm , year-round
Cub Scouts - Pack 4012 Tuesdays 7:00pm, Aug.– June

Boy Scouts
Come join our Scout Troop 1012, bring a friend. Boys from 10 ½ to 17 years are invited to join the fun!

Ages: 11 to 17 – 2^nd & 4^th Sundays
Ages: 7 to 11 – 1^st & 3^rd Sundays
Time: 1:00 p.m. in large meeting room

Scouts are encouraged to come and learn. Make a commitment to "Duty to God"
For additional information go to www.praypub.org/DutytoGod.htm

Pack meeting will be on the 3^rd Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. Bring any friends age 7-11 (1^st –5^th grade) to Cub Scout meetings on Tuesdays.

Meeting Mondays @ 7:00 p.m. Girls kindergarten through high school are welcome! Come join the fun, friendship and service!! We will be working on making decoration for our entry in the Festival of the Trees!! The proceeds go to Primary Children’s Hospital.

For more Scout-related information, please contact:
Brandee Fox (573-3515) - Girl Scouts
Kristin VanStaveren (282-5378) – Cub Scouts
Sheila Anderson (280-6343) - Boy Scouts
http://troop1012.clubspaces.com/

Hello Mtn. Vista!!! Wow this year God just continues to keep doing awesome things with our youth. I encourage you to talk to them so that they can tell you personally. In the meantime, here are some things that have recently been very exciting. We just returned from our annual Youth Leadership Conference (YLC) in early November and it was a blast! The theme was iGod. We talked about how we let God into our lives so that others can see a transformation in us. A transformation that's incredibly contagious!! The key note speaker (Ray Buckley) was phenomenal!! He has a great life story that kept the youth interested (which was a miracle in itself).

The theme verse was Romans 12:2:
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Since we have gotten back, our desire is to let God continually transform our hearts and minds so that we DON'T float along the pattern of this world. We have had some awesome conversations in our youth groups and Sunday school about what that personally looks like for us. Also the Wednesday night service has been going great!! We are having great prayer, worship, and fellowship together. I desperately want to encourage everyone to come join us on Wednesdays. There is a popular misconception that this service is just for the youth. This service is for ALL!!! We always love to see new faces. I also ask that you guys continually pray for our youth and for those of you who do, thanks so much. Take care everyone!!
God Bless!
Jason ><>

Youth Ministry would like to invite the youth from 6^th grade through 12^th grade to come to Identity. Learn and grow in who you are as individuals in Christ.

The Youth will meet at 6:00 p.m. in the sanctuary to hold the Midweek Service. Identity will be held on Wednesday nights @ 6:45, after the service. Check the weekly bulletin or contact Jason.

Confirmation Class is coming– Starting on Sundays in January – Sign up on the Youth board or talk to Jason.

Tentative date for the Youth Mission with Christ UMC to Casa Hogar Orphanage in Mexico 2008 is: June 30 – July 8th.

Due Dates for Sunday Bulletin and Newsletter
For the Sunday Bulletin: Information due Wednesday of each week.
For the Mountain View: Articles due the 20th of every month. Articles on disk or e-mailed (office@mtnvistaumc.org) preferred.