The Mountain View February 2009

Pastor's Ponderings

The Mountain View

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.

February 2009

Pastor's Ponderings...

Our Church's Treasure Box

A father and his son, Jeremiah, who is 12 years old, were here at our church two weeks ago. Jeremiah was sitting on the pew in the hall making a paper airplane when I came out of the 11:15 worship. Jeremiah was very proud of how his plane flew. His father said he needed to talk to me. We went in my office, and he began to tell me the story of how they left Orlando, Florida to go to California so Jeremiah could sing opera. He had had custody of Jeremiah since he was three months old. It was just the two of them. They had gone to California, and like so many people, just couldn’t find a way to break into the entertainment industry. So they began to make their way back to Florida. They stopped here in the Salt Lake Valley and were staying in a homeless shelter right next to the freeway at 7200 South. The father knew they needed to get out of there as fast as they could. There were people on drugs and people selling drugs. There was fighting and shouting and children that were being treated horribly by their parents. (Parents, of course, are at their wits' end when they are in circumstances like these.) The police told them to come to our church. I guess Mountain Vista a reputation of helping.

Jeremiah came in my office while his dad was talking with me. He wanted to show his dad the airplane he had been working on. His dad said, "Sing for the pastor." When this 12-year-old boy opened his mouth, I was stunned. It sounded like the voice of a thirty-year-old coming out of this little boy. He really sounded like an adult opera singer ("Figaro, Figaro…."). Then his dad said, "Sing Louis Armstrong for the pastor."

Jeremiah said, "Ah, Dad! Do I have to?"

His dad said, "Just a few bars, son."

Once again, I couldn't believe what I was hearing: "Hello Dolly, well Hello, Dolly! It's so nice to have you back where you belong," with all the raspy richness of Armstrong.

Jeremiah noticed that I have a lot of yellow Volkswagen cars in my office. He was very interested in them. He took a little gold race car out of his coat pocket and said, "Here. You can have this." I was pretty impressed. Over seven years in this office space, I have had many children in my office. Many of them see all my cars and say, "Can I have one? Can I have one?" Jeremiah never asked. He just gave me his car.

I gave Jeremiah and his dad a ride up to the Greyhound bus station in Salt Lake City, and paid for their bus tickets back to Florida from our church Love Fund. Do you know I wouldn't have been able to help them or a lot of other people over the years if it weren't for the Love Fund our church has. The money you donate in the little treasure box outside the front office is truly a treasure to many in need. The Love Fund helps people with food, clothes, lodging, and transportation. The love that comes from these gifts means a great deal to the people who don't have enough to eat or just want to get back home.

Proverbs 14:31 says, The one who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.

Thank you for the way you honor God by helping the needy.

In Christ's Service,
Pastor Steve

Lay Leader Letter

Happy Valentine's Day

My message this month is brief and to the point. It is a heartfelt Valentine to my congregation. Thank you for the love and friendship you have extended to my family and me over the past 4 ½ years. I have had the pleasure of belonging to some very close-knit congregations over the years but Mountain Vista and its members hold a very special place in my heart. You are a caring and loving group that extends friendship and fellowship to all who walk through the doors. As we officially open our new doors in a celebration on February 28th, let's make sure that the love we extend to each other and to all who enter remains our greatest strength and most important ministry.

Happy Valentine's Day to my wonderful church family.

With gratitude,
Steven

Praying for:

The Christensen Family
Ruth Elwell
Scott Sill & Family
Bill & Stella Chapman
Dave Grierson
Russ Madsen
The Wilson Family
Jim Wilder
The Coates Family
Michael
The Anderson and Reynolds Families
Kelly Fayerweather and Family

News from the Trustees

How about that new building? Isn't it wonderful?

The trustees are very busy not only with the new building but the existing one as well. We will be installing new carpet and tile in the existing building within the first quarter of the year. The carpet has been donated so we only need to find someone to lay it. If you have a contact for this please let us know.

Thank you so much to those of you who came to clean out the shed. It was appreciated more than you will ever know…We will be scheduling another day to go through everything. All items are currently in the new building in the Youth room.

We are also asking for additional help to clean the church. Currently, we have 6 teams of 3-4 people. We would like to increase each team by at least 2-3 more. If you would like to help out keeping our church clean please contact the church office.

We are also in the process of writing a "Building Use Policy." We feel this is necessary as we continue to grow so that there is some consistency and direction in the use of the building. This we hope to publish by the end of first quarter.

If you have questions or concerns please feel free to contact any trustee member, or better yet come to one of our monthly meetings. We hold a meeting on the 1st Thursday of every month at 6:00 pm.

In God's Love,

Carole Molyneux
Trustee Chairman

Grand Opening - February 28 - 5:00 p.m.

Our Grand Opening has been changed to February 28. Please keep this date and the New Building Construction in your prayers.

Let's all work on ways to spread the word to all our church family – and let them know that they should plan on spending their very special evening of romantic celebrations with all of us, starting at 5:00 p.m., on Saturday, February 28, 2009! This should be an evening to remember.

EVENTS

Wednesday Night Services are thriving!
Join Jean Ann Nohavec, Mitch Lambdin and a guest speaker each week at 6:00pm for worship, music and Holy communion, followed by a light meal. Some of the speakers in February will be Jayme Palady, Cindie Selbo, Michael Wilson and Pastor Steve. On February 25, we will hold an Ash Wednesday service.

February 7, 9:30 am – noon
New Member Class

February 24 – United Methodist Day at the Legislature - A Multi-Faith Response to Poverty-
Crossroads Coalition of Religious Communities (CORC) invites you to participate in the 2009 Utah State Legislative Session. As a faith community, you have the power to influence lawmakers on the Hill. Meet in room 1112 of the State Office Building (behind Capitol) at 9:00 am – look for th CORC sign. Bring a picture I.D. and enter on the plaza level. Parking is very limited. Call Linda or Sarah at 364-7765 if you have questions.

February 25, 6:00 p.m. service
Ash Wednesday, beginning of Lent.

February 26- March 1
Men's Walk to Emmaus

February 28th at 5:00 pm
Mountain Vista’s Fellowship Hall Grand Opening Celebration

INTO THE FUTURE!!

March 5-8
Women's Walk to Emmaus

March 8-15, June 14-21, October 4-11, 2009
Family Promise 2009 Dates:

March 9th, 3:00 -8:00 pm
Red Cross Blood Drive at Mountain Vista

March 20 & 21
Lay Speaker Classes
Basic and Advanced (Lay Speakers Lead Bible Study). Lay Speakers must take a class every 3 years in order to stay "active" or "current".

March
The UMCOR depot in Salt Lake City grand opening.

April 5
Palm Sunday

April 12
Easter Sunday

April 25, 2009
The next Mountain Vista Auction.
If you are interested in helping contact Cindie Selbo 282-1268.

May 1-2
Annual Subdistrict Conference and Leadership Training Event.

Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. 1 Chronicles 29:13

GIVE THANKS!

Thank you all for the many wonderful, thoughtful and delicious Christmas gifts!
Love,
Lorraine and Raedell

FENCE PROJECT COMPLETED

The fence project was a huge undertaking, and with a lot of help during needed times, was very successful. There are105 posts total, with approximately 750 feet of fence. From the beginning with clearing the area, excavation, leveling, post holes and cement, to the final day of putting the pieces together, it is a beautiful thing to see the result of something that seemed so impossible in the beginning. Everyone worked hard, and at times laughed even harder. I love that people recall the laughter more than the difficult and hard work.

First and foremost, I would like to praise God for being there with us every day with his hands and guidance. A very special thank you to Scott Moulton, Chris Weis, Larry Brown, and Ron Murphy for their ongoing help and dedication to the project. I would also like to thank Jaime Palady, Steve and Aiden Woodward, and many many other people, both young and old, church members and neighbors who helped with this huge project. Looking at the fence now, we can all be very proud of our church family, and pulling together their dedication to our home in Worship of Christ.

THANKS, again and again to everyone...,
Wendy

Dear Mountain Vista Blanketeers,

Thank you so much for the wonderful blankets you made for Project Linus. Each blanket was so carefully made and was so colorful – the children will love them!

Sincerely,
Kathy
Project Linus

TO: MVUMC and TRINITY UMC Church Families

YOU’RE INVITED!

WHAT: Show GOD's LOVE and our support for a week of hosting and providing for families without a place to live at this time

WHO: Families sponsored by FAMILY PROMISE-Salt Lake

WHERE: Hilltop United Methodist Church/House- 985 E. 10600 S.

WHEN: March 8-15, 2009

HOW Needed: Breakfast Hosts 6-7 am weekday, Weekend am, midday and afternoon 8 am-5 pm, Prepare & deliver meals 6 pm, Evening Hosts 5-8:30 pm- help with delivered meals, etc., Overnight Hosts (preferably a male and a female) 8:30 pm-6 or 7 am (Fri. & Sat. nights hosts stay until 8 am), Transport Volunteers on Sunday July 15 at 1:30 pm, food items, telephone support, and much Prayer.

RSVP: Jane C. Tago, 282-0765, for more information and/or sign-up at Mountain Vista UMC.

Lay Speaking Classes Scheduled

Lay Speakers are active, supportive members of the United Methodist church who are eager to serve through the church. Local Lay Speakers serve their local churches while Certified Lay Speakers serve in their own churches, in other churches and through district or conference projects and programs. (A Lay Speaker is not required to preach!) Basic and Advanced classes are offered several times each year in Utah. These classes equip Christians to become better leaders. Each course is 10 hours and is held on a Friday and Saturday. There will be two classes offered at Christ United Methodist Church (SLC) on March 20-21, 2009. (Friday 6:30-10 pm, Saturday 8:30 am – 5 pm) The Basic Course will be taught along with an advanced Course – "Lay Speakers Lead Bible Study." Classes are open to Local and Certified Lay Speakers and non-lay speakers who are interested. The cost of the Basic course is $25 (includes the book). The cost of the Bible Study Class is the cost of the books ($17) plus $10 payable on Friday night. Lunch will be provided on Saturday. Persons wishing to take an advanced course must order the books prior to the class. Please call or e-mail Cheryl Elliott Brown at 568-0108 to reserve a place in either class and to get information on how order the advanced class books. PLEASE NOTE!!! All Lay Speakers must take a lay speaking course at least once every three years in order to maintain their standing as a Lay Speaker. Lay Speakers who have not taken a class since 2006 must take a class this year.

How can I repay the Lord my God for all God's Goodness to me? ~ 2 Samuel 24:24

help wanted

Volunteers Needed at Mountain Vista:

Get Involved: Share in the responsibility of maintaining our church. Many opportunities are available. Sign up to be a Sunday school teacher, bring refreshments, altar flowers, clean facilities, serve as ushers, get on a committee, plan events. The list goes on. Join in!
Check the clipboards or Contact the church office if you can help 280-4148

Dear Congregation,

We need your help. If you are the last person to leave please check to make sure all the fans and lights are turned all the way off.

Also, please check all the doors in the church building to make sure they are locked and latched securely. Your help in this is necessary to provide safety for all.

Thank you.

Centanary UMC is seeking a secretary, 15 hours a week. If interested, please send resumes to centenaryumchurch@msn.com with JOB/SPRC in the subject line or mail to: Centenary UMC, Secretary Position C/O SPRC, 1740 S. 500 E. SLC, UT 84105

MISSION WORK
You are one of God's children; I see the resemblance!

REACHING OUTSIDE OUR COMMUNITY:

UMCOR
March is the grand opening of the UMCOR depot in Salt Lake City. We will be a hub for UMCOR relief supplies to be shipped all over the west and many places overseas.

Collecting:
Soup labels for Redbird Mission (Please include the barcode and "label for education" mark.)
Eyeglasses in good condition for future Mexico, Central and South America Mission trips
Donations for Pakistan Mission trip – Pac My Bags

Let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. 1 John 3:18 NRSV

OUTREACH IN OUR COMMUNITY:

Love Fund – Provides onetime assistance for families and individuals in need. In December & January we helped eight families with gasoline or transportation, four others with housing, one family with housewares and more with food pantry.

Thank you for your wonderful response to the family that lost everything in a fire! And thank you for replenishing the love fund.

Collecting:
Clothing for Crossroads Thrift Store
Canned goods for Crossroads food pantry
Trial size shampoo & lotion for South Valley Shelter.
Box Tops for Education for local community services
Pop Tops for SLC Ronald McDonald House
Aluminum cans for our Choir Music
Recycle paper for our Building Fund
Blankets for Project Linus
Lap quilts for the Veteran’s Hospital

CROSSROADS URBAN CENTER
Food Pantry: 347 S. 400 E.
Individual sized drinks and snacks for the homeless – raisins, granola bars, crackers, etc.
All food items needed!

Thrift Store: 1385 W. Indiana Ave. (850 S.)
Bathroom items – towels, rugs, shower curtains.

Please bring items to the church and they will be delivered to Crossroads.

Sandwich Mission
Sunday, February 15: Make/bring sandwiches to church
Monday, February 16: Bring sandwiches to the church before 3:00.
Deliver & Serve sandwiches, 5:00 pm at St. Vincent DePaul Center, 500 West 200 South
For any questions, contact Lesa Stone 598-1767.

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

Sandwich Ministry

I would like to thank everyone who has given of themselves to help with the Sandwich Ministry at St. Vincent DePaul's.

With the state of the economy, the numbers of individuals and families in need has significantly increased. So much so that I would like to increase the number of sandwiches we take from our church by adding to additional volunteers to the clipboard. The need is definitely there at least through these cold winter months.

In the last quarter of 2008, 133 loaves filled with sandwiches were taken and given to those in need. Not to mention the 15 volunteers who were there to serve.

Our prayer is that as this New Year begins that the situation for many will improve and they will find through the grace of God the stability that they are looking for as they search for jobs and for homes.

In the mean time, we at Mountain Vista United Methodist Church will be there to help in any way that we can. Thank you again for your loving support of this ministry.

If you have any questions regarding this ministry and how you can become involved, please contact Lesa Stone by phone or at sean-stone@comcast.net.

Kids

Acolytes needed for all services! Contact Linda Hartney for information.

Angel Choir (ages 3-8) Angel Choir Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. Contact Robin Smugala.

LIVE B.I.G. Sunday school classes 9:45 Join the fun! (Teachers needed, contact Lindsey Hardcastle)

SCOUT NEWS

Girl Scouts:
Girl Scouts - Troop 2120, Mondays 7:00pm, Sept.– May
Girls kindergarten through high school
Cookie sales are coming! So start planning your order today.
Brandee Fox (573-3515)

Cub Scouts:
Cub Scouts - Pack 4012, Tuesdays 7:00pm, Aug.– May
Boys age 7-11 (1st –5th grade)
Kristin VanStaveren (282-5378)
Tigers
Wolves - Mike VanStaveren 1st, 2nd Tuesday in small room
Bears - Chris White 1st, 2nd Tuesday in Kitchen
Webelos - Jim Goodrich 1st, 2nd Tuesday in Large room
Pack Meeting - whole church last Tuesday of each month, 7 pm.

Boy Scouts:
Boys 10 1/2 – 17, Troop 1012 meets year-round, Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. (no meeting the last Tuesday)
Court of Honors 1st Tuesday of the month every 3 months.
March & June.
The Troop will be working on the following Merit Badges:
Astronomy, Camping, Climbing, and Hiking.
Check out the website http://troop1012.scoutdata.com
Sheila Anderson: sganderson3@msn.com

YOUTH

Hello Mtn. Vista!!

Jason here. God has some very exciting things in store for our youth this year. I'm incredibly blessed to be a part of it. Our Wednesday night youth times have been fantastic in terms of attendance. We've had some new jr. and sr. high kids join us recently. I encourage that if you see a youth that looks unfamiliar with you, be proactive and introduce yourself.

YLC plans are still in the works, the conference is Feb 27th - Mar 1st. We are in need of a female chaperon. If you are interested please contact me!

The youth group at Mt Vista is in need of more adult involvement. I'm currently looking for an adult to teach confirmation this year. If you are feeling any tug or need to serve, this is a great way! I'm also always in need of drivers for events and activities.

I can't do it without you!! Please pray about being an active participant with this amazing group of kids. Thanks and God Bless!!

Jason
Mountain Vista UMC Youth Director

Jason's office hours: Mon: 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm, Tues: 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm, Wed: 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Thurs: off, Fri: 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm
jstevens4584@gmail.com 598-1151

If there are any parents or youth that DON'T receive e-mails about youth activities, please send me your e-mail address!

YOUTH
Sunday:
Sr. high Sunday School – Karyn Coward
Jr. High Sunday School -
6:30–7:30 pm – Jr. High Praise Team - Jayme

Wednesday: Starts Jan 14
7:00- 7:30 pm - Youth Activity Lesson (Jr. and Sr. High) - Jason

Youth Leadership Conference - YLC
Coming February 27-28th, and March 1, 2009
Where: YMCA of the Rockies - Snow Mountain Ranch - Winter Park

Sweden Mission! August 1-14, 2009! Grades 9-12
This is an evangelical and relationship building effort.

Albertson's Community Partners
Albertson's cards must be relinked at the web site www.albertsonscp.com before February 28, 2009 for Mountain Vista Youth to continue to receive funds from Albertson's. Albertson's donates $ per year.

Please encourage everyone who has a card to relink and to continue using it when they shop at Albertson's. Thank you! Our number is 49000110895.

EMMAUS:

Walk to Emmaus is designed to strengthen, inform and renew active Christian leaders within the Church. It is a spiritual walk, a weekend filled with speakers, prayers and music. The Walks are a time commitment from Thursday evening through Sunday evening. Space is limited, please contact the office if you are interested in attending.

The Walk to Emmaus is a spiritual renewal program intended to strengthen the local church through the development of Christian disciple and leaders The program’s approach seriously considers the model of Christ's servanthood and encourages Christ's disciples.

The Walk to Emmaus experience begins with a 72-our short course in Christianity, comprised of fifteen talks by lay and clergy on the themes of God’s grace, disciplines of Christian discipleship and what it means to be the church. The course is wrapped in prayer and meditation, special times of worship and daily celebration of Holy Communion. The Wasatch Front Emmaus Community, made u of those who have attended an Emmaus weekend, support the 72-hour experience with a prayer vigil, by preparing and serving meals, and other acts of love and self-giving. The Emmaus Walk begins Thursday evening and concludes Sunday evening. Men and women attend separate weekends.

If interest, please pick up an application at the office as soon as possible. There is limited space for each weekend and they can fill up as early as mid January or before!

Men's walk February 26- March 1
Women's walk March 5-8

Emmaus 4th Day Reunion Groups
Monday 7:30 pm Women’s Circle of Friends @ the Reinhard’s
7:30 pm Women’s Reunion @ Mountain Vista
Friday 7:00 am Men’s Reunion: @ Jim’s Family Restaurant (7609 S. Redwood Rd.)
Saturday 8:30 am Women’s Reunion @ Espresso Connection (4465 S. Redwood Road)

While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and walked with them.
-Luke 24:15

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.