The Mountain View June 2008

Pastor's Ponderings

Lay Leader Letter

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.

June 2008

Pastor's Ponderings....

Prescription for Abundant Life

I have been listening to a set of positive thinking and living CD's given to me by Curtis Siex. The presenter on the CD's is a man named Ed Foreman who, among many other things, has been a Congressman for two states. He has a prescription for starting every day with a positive and hopeful attitude. First of all, he says, start when you go to bed the night before. Don't watch the news, and never leave the TV on when you go to sleep because what you hear will be taken in sub-consciously. Read something positive and uplifting. You'll awaken with those thoughts in your mind instead of the chaos of the world. The next part of the prescription: Get up early—no later than 6:30 a.m. When you wake up, immediately read something positive and encouraging. Mr. Foreman states that your mind absorbs new ideas much more readily as soon as you wake up than at any other time during the day because sleep has cleared it of the worry and to-do lists of the previous day. After reading something positive, put on some comfortable shoes, take a brisk walk, and watch the world wake up to a new day. Then have a good breakfast with whole grain cereals and fruits. If you follow this prescription for thirty days, it will become a habit.

I have been learning to follow this prescription for a couple of weeks now. The positive reading I have been doing is from the Bible—primarily the Psalms, Gospels, and Letters of Paul. These steps have been a great start to my day.

There are libraries of CDs and books with ideas for a better life. Many of them, like the one I spoke of above, are very helpful. Still, the best prescriptions for abundant life I know come from the instruction book: The Bible. Jesus says in the Gospel of John, "I have come that they may have life and that abundantly." Jesus never intended for us to just live, but to have abundant LIFE. One of the best prescriptions that comes to mind…

… do not worry about your life… Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them… Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?… See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field… will he not much more clothe you…? So do not worry… But seek first God's kingdom and God's righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself… —Matthew 6:25-34 (selected).

The motto of the movie Braveheart put it well: "Everyone dies. Not everyone really lives."

Live well… in God's beautiful plan for your life!

Grace & Peace,
Pastor Steve

REFLECTIONS

FAITH
Is it a noun or a verb?

…. Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, Move from here to there and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. Matt.17:20 NIV

The other day someone asked me the question, "What is faith?" The question stopped me in my tracks. I wasn't sure how to answer the question. Yet faith is a term we use frequently when talking about spiritual issues. I suspect we might even use it in casual terms without really thinking about what it means. Is faith a passive term or is it a verb indicating action on our part?

My Thesaurus lists the word faith as both a noun and a verb. My Strong's Complete Biblical Dictionary, lists the word faith as both a noun and a verb. Webster’s Dictionary lists the word faith as a noun.

If we go to the Bible we find that in many cases it is used as a verb, requiring an action. The Bible is full of examples where people were able to do things through faith. Abram and Sari, Joshua, the people of Israel crossing the Jordan, the Centurion, the blind man, and many other examples can be found in the Bible. The Bible tells us that all the miracles were accomplished through faith, but it also points out that the people not only had faith, they were expected to act on it.

A skydiver has faith that his parachute will open, but he/she must pull the ripcord. The driver expects his/her brakes to stop the vehicle, but he/she must step on the brake pedal.

Yes, faith is described as the foundation of our Christian walk and belief system, but we must act on it. As it is pointed out in James, faith without action is dead.

Peace
Duane
June 08

Congratulations to Pastor Debi Paulsen!!
Pastor Paulsen has been appointed to serve as lay Pastor at Tooele United Methodist Church!
Please send your prayers with Debi as she starts this wonderful new adventure.

"Set Sail with Broadway"—a Stellar Success
Thanks to all who participated and all who came to see the show. $10,000 was raised. $9,000 will go to our building fund, and $1,000 will be given to Family Promise to help homeless families.

Praying for:
Kelly Fayerweather and Family
Wendy Haden
The Coates Family
The Anderson Family
The Grover Family
The Long/Maness Family
The Porter Family
The Curtright & Reinhard families
All who are hurting

Building Plan approved!!

And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. Matthew 16:17-19

EVENTS:

Family Promise - Last day: June 1
Helping homeless families. Transportation & cleanup help needed.
Blessings, Jane

June 6-8 Women's Spiritual Retreat at Pinecliff
Friday 4:30 p.m. through Sunday 12 noon
Cost $45, includes meals, registration, program materials and lodging. Retreat Leader: Rev Alane Currier Griggs. Registrar: Mary Ann Allison (801) 278-9223

**Date Change**
June 8, 1:00 p.m. Retirement Potluck @ Mountain Vista
To honor and thank Bob Nohavec for his time and commitment to our choir, we are planning a retirement "Roast" and potluck dinner, Sunday, June 8, 2008, at 12:30 p.m. Every one has a "Bob" story, so come and share yours! Please join us in thanking this wonderful servant and friend!!!

He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. ~ Psalm 40:3

June 13-15 Pinecliff Junior High Retreat Weekend (Grades 7-9)
An incredible weekend retreat for Mid-High Youth. Meet new friends, share your faith and have a week full of fun stuffed into this amazing weekend.
Cost is $60. Event Director Linda Hartney
Registrar: Lorraine: (801) 280-4148

June 14, Saturday - Father's Day Pinewood Derby
Scout Fundraiser
Where: Mountain Vista United Methodist Church
Time: 11:00 A.M. 'til last race! Cost: $10.00
Come on Dads!

June 19-21, 2008! - ROCKY MOUNTAIN ANNUAL CONFERENCE in Colorado
The theme for this year's Annual Conference is, "The Church for the Rest of Us."

June 20, 21& 22 – Family Camp Weekend at Pinecliff camp. Adults & youth 13 and older $45, children 6 to 12 $30, Children 5 and under are free, meals included in the cost. Call Rod & Luanne Holmes at 801-964-8062 or Lloyd Stinger at 801-964-2287

June 22, 3 p.m. Emmaus Gathering & Potluck!
All are welcome at Community of Grace Presbyterian Church 2015 E Newcastle Dr for music, prayer, fellowship and food.

Youth Mission June 30 – July 8th, 2008 - Mexico

INTO THE FUTURE!!

July 7-11 Pinecliff Elementary Camp (Grades K-6)
Campers will come to know and understand the God of creation. Explore God's presence in all aspects of life, meet old and new friends in singing, stories and sharing (5 days & 4 nights). Parents of Kindergarten and First Grade campers are welcome to attend as counselors. Cost is $130. Event Director Cory (801) 280-4136, Registrar: Kristin (801) 282-5378

July 11-19 Youth Works Mission Trip – SE Montana

Mountain Vista UMC Vacation Bible School 2008
July 14-18, 2008, 9 a.m. until noon
Aloha!! This year's Vacation Bible School takes place on Outrigger Island. On this tropical paradise, we will learn to know, speak, and live God's truth.

The curriculum is based on Psalm 86:11, "Teach me your way, Lord, and I will live by your truth."
Soooo…. Get ready to sail away!! SURF’S UP!

(We will need many helping hands for this tropical vacation. Save the week of July 14-18 to be Island Guides.)

Call Lesa for information: (801) 255-4324

CHRYSALIS - EMMAUS
Chrysalis Young Men: July 31-Aug 3 (date may change)
Chrysalis Young Women: Aug 7-10
“Chrysalis" is the name chosen for the youth and young adult version of The Walk to Emmaus.
Chrysalis "Flights" (for 15-18 year olds) are three-day events filled with music, praise and God's love.

Space is limited get your registration in early!

Chrysalis/Emmaus Gathering & Hoot Aug 17

Future Family Promise Dates!
September 14 – September 21 – Mt. Vista UMC at Hilltop House
November 16 – November 23 – Mt. Vista UMC at Hilltop House

Worship & Study
(see Calendar page)

Help Wanted

Sunday School Assistants
Mountain Vista Sunday school teachers are currently looking for a second adult volunteer to sit in with them while they teach.

We are trying to meet the safety standards set by our insurance company. See Brenda Dummer if you would like to help out.

Chrysalis-- Volunteers are needed!

Volunteers Needed at Mountain Vista:
Pinecliff camp counselors needed
Elementary – see Cory, Jr. High – see Linda H

Vacation Bible School workers needed
See Lesa

Children's Church volunteers are needed! 11:15
Contact the church office if you can help 280-4148

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

Trinity United Methodist Church in Kearns is seeking a secretary, 25 hours per week. Pay based on experience. Qualifications: Proficient in Microsoft Office & detail orientated. Submit resume by May 27, 2008 to Rev. Handi Jo Dolloff-Holt at 4290 West 5415 South, Kearns UT 84118 or trinityumcpastor@qwest.net
Grace & peace, Rev. Handi Jo

Hilltop UMC in Sandy has 3 part-time job openings: a director of Mother's morning out, a Director of Children's Ministries and an Organist. Please contact Susie Johnson at susie.johnson@comcast.net

Christ UMC in Salt Lake City is looking for a Children's Choir director. This is a paid position. Responsibilities include rehearsal weekly and singing in church monthly, September through May. Please contact Steve at steve@christumcutah.net

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

REACHING OUTSIDE OUR COMMUNITY:
Mission Trips:

Youth Mission June 30 – July 8th, 2008 – Luke Peralez & Scott Reinhard will serve at Casa Hogar Orphanage in Mexico. Donations welcome.

Youth Works Mission Trip to SE Montana – Luke Peralez, Scott Reinhard, Jason Stevens, Jim, Andrew & Amber Cleveland will serve at the Cheyenne Reservation July 11-19. Donations welcome.

McCurdy School, Espanola, NM Oct 5-10. Contact Hugh & Marilyn Douglas 801-571-4870

Medical Mission in Kenya - November
Lorraine Wilkinson’s daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Art Milliman, will serve in Kenya on a medical team.
Monetary donations are appreciated.

Guatemala – Medical & Construction November 7-16. Contact: Scott & Jessica Patton 801-583-3327

Operation Christmas Child
National Collection Week
November 17-24, 2008
Yes, yes, I know it is only June and I am talking about Christmas. But it is never too early I always say.

Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan's Purse. Each year shoeboxes are filled with small toys, school supplies, etc. which is then sent to a needing child as a wonderful introduction to God's love.

Samaritan's Purse also provides relief efforts to disaster stricken areas. Currently, relief is being provided to Myanmar, China, Georgia, and Virginia.

Please add these mission projects to your daily prayers.
For further information go to www.samaritanspurse.org.

Save shoeboxes and small toys for October. Last year Mountain Vista collected over 100 boxes! The boxes are sent to children all over the world.

Thanks again, Lesa

Collecting:
Blankets for Africa – Due by July - See Lorraine
Soup labels for Redbird Mission (Please include the barcode and "label for education" mark.)

OUTREACH IN OUR COMMUNITY:

Collecting:
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
Newspaper for our Building Fund

CROSSROADS URBAN CENTER
Thrift Store: 1385 W Indiana Ave (850 S)
Pantry: 347 S 400 E
Foods for the month for June are rice and dried beans.
All food items needed!
Thrift store items for June are women’s clothing items.

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

July – Food Drive for Crossroads food pantry!
Help stock the shelves!
Items Crossroads is out of:
*RICE!
*Dry beans
*Canned fruit
*Peanut butter
*Macaroni and Cheese
*Beverages - juice, sports drinks, juice boxes
*Snacks - granola bars, raisins, chips etc.
*Canned meat - Spam, chicken, corned beef
*Canned/dry milk
*Hotel size SHAMPOO!, lotion, soap etc.

Sandwich Ministry

Wow, what a response to the emergency sandwich making call. We had not five hundred, but six hundred sandwiches taken to the soup kitchen on Monday the 18th of May. The few extra sandwiches were NOT wasted, they were taken to a shelter for men who are on parole, on their way out of the prison. They don't have cooking facilities there and the sandwiches make it so the men don't have to buy their own food. Much appreciated. Ray, the coordinator for dinners at the center commented again on the quality and quantity of sandwiches and volunteers.

Request: I need volunteers for July 21 and August 18, both Mondays that I will be out of town. Call Geniel at 233-8681 if you would take sandwiches to the center by 5 pm on those days.

Special thanks to Steven Woodward for making the sandwich voyage to Salt Lake on Monday May 18. Now he knows the thrill of driving a vehicle loaded with and smelling of sandwiches and serving them to the hungry folks downtown.

Next sandwich date: Monday June 16, you can bring your sandwiches to the church on Sunday the 15th. Sign up on the clipboard. Ladies and Gentlemen: Stock your sandwich-makin' groceries! Bravo for all you do to make good happen.

Sandwich Mission
Sunday, June 15: Make/bring sandwiches to church
Monday, June 16: Bring sandwiches to the church before 3:00. Deliver & Serve sandwiches, 5:00pm at St Vincent DePaul Center, 500 West 200 South
For any questions, contact Geniel Woodward 233-8681
"Oh yeah, these are the GOOD sandwiches! Where are you from? Yeah, the Methodists make good sandwiches."

Project Linus

Hello, I hope you and yours are well and able to enjoy the beginnings of spring!
Thanks to your generosity we've continued to grow and have delivered 867 blankets in 15 months! You're a great group. In May we'll deliver about 300 blankets to the Utah Foster Care Foundation's annual party. I'm trying to coordinate with the chapters in Utah and Davis county.
We collected many red/white and blue blankets for Camp Good Grief in May - Thanks for your efforts for these special children.

I've been in contact with the Victim's Advocate at South Jordan Police Dept. She loves our blankets and says " We have seen these children immediately drawn to the bright colors, patterns, and textures of your blankets, which have given them a source of comfort and security, during what the must feel is a very scary time". She will present Project Linus at a conference in June for Victim Advocates across the state. There will be 200 participants at the conference and they will be encouraged to contact Project Linus for blankets for their police departments.

As you can see, the need for blankets continues to grow. I've met with several companies - eBay and Waxie Sanitary Supply and made blankets with eBay and hope to make blankets with Waxie Sanitary Supply. As soon as fleece goes on sale again, I'll be shopping with T.D. Williamson with their $500 donation. I'll meet with some on their employees and we'll make blankets. I continue to search for cash donations from grants and community service funds.

"I just wanted to tell everyone of the volunteers you are wonderful people. You might not realize how happy a simple quilt can make a sick child. Well, you made my baby very happy list night."
from the mother of a child who received a Project Linus blanket.
Yes - you are the best! Hugs to you,
Kathy

Project Linus has 2 "Make a Blanket Days" each month - bring a pair of sharp scissors.
-North Valley- the 1st Monday from 10-2. Our Savior's Lutheran Church 2500 E. 3900 S
-South Valley – the 3rd Tuesday from 5-8pm South Jordan Library 10673 S. Redwood
-Mtn Vista's Women's Craft group works on blankets Wednesdays at 2:00 pm.

Love Fund – Provides one time assistance for families and individuals in need.
During May the Love Fund helped 5 families: provided food pantry and transportation help, medical assistance, rent assistance and overnight housing! Thank you for your generous support so that we can reach out to others in need.

SCOUT NEWS

Boy Scouts: Troop 1012 meets year-round.
Meeting schedule: Tuesday nights @ 6:30 p.m.. to 7:30 p.m.
Preparing for Father's Day Pine wood Derby
Court of Honors will be held on June 7th, 2008
Meeting place: Mountain Vista UMC in large meeting room.
Scoutmaster: Sheila Anderson - 280-6343 or sganderson3@msn.com
Asst. Scoutmasters: Dale Fayerweather & Lynn Anderson
Committee Chairman: Teeny Reynolds

Troop 1012 is looking for young men between the ages of 10 1/2 to 17 to join in the fun!
Website: http://troop1012.scoutdata.com
Note: Donations can be made to the Troop from this website.

Special Announcement:
Father's Day Pine wood Derby Fund raiser - June 14, 2008
Where: Mountain Vista United Methodist Church
Time: 11:00 A.M. 'til last race!
Cost: $10.00
Sign up sheet & Rules posted on bulletin board for Scouts.
Hotdogs & hamburgers will be available to purchase.
All proceeds for benefit will go towards the Boy Scout Troop.
Can't think of a gift for you dad this year? This would make a great gift.

Cub Scouts
Bring any friends age 7-11 (1st –5th grade) to Cub Scout meetings on Tuesdays @ 7 p.m.
Committee meetings will be on the 3rd Monday at 7:00 p.m. in the kitchen or office.
Pack meetings will be on the 4th Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary.

Cub Scouts - Pack 4012 Tuesdays 7:00 p.m., Aug.– June
Kristin VanStaveren (282-5378) – Cub Scouts

Girl Scouts:
Girl Scouts - Troop 2120 Mondays 7:00 p.m., Sept.– May
Meeting Mondays @ 7:00 p.m. Girls kindergarten through high school are welcome!
Brandee Fox (573-3515)

YOUTH

Jason’s office hours: Mon: 1pm to 6pm, Tues: 1pm to 6pm,
Wed: 2pm to 8pm, Thurs: off, Fri: 1pm to 6pm

Sunday:
11:15 am - 12:00 pm - Sr. high Sunday School
11:15 am - 12:30 pm - Jr High Sunday School
Wednesday:
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm - Worship Service (Led by High School Praise Team)
7:00 pm - 7:30 pm - Youth Activity Lesson (Jr. and Sr. High)
Thursday:
4:45 pm - 5:45 pm - Youth Praise team practice for Sunday Service (Jr. High)

Pinecliff Junior High Retreat (Gr 7-9) June 13-15
An incredible weekend retreat for Mid-High Youth. Meet new friends, share your faith and have a week full of fun stuffed into this amazing weekend.

Camp books and registration forms are in the back of the sanctuary. Cost is $65 Director Linda Hartney

Peak Performance Camp June 14-21
Sponsored by Good Shepherd Lutheran Church - See Jason for more information.

Youth Mission June 30 – July 8th, 2008
with Christ UMC to Casa Hogar Orphanage in Mexico. Open to youth currently in grades 10th-12th - limited spaces available
Spanish classes 1st Sunday of each Month 10:30 CUMC Youth Room.

SUPPORT YOUTH MISSION TRIPS:
~Youth Missions Stock:$10 a share will get you dinner and a slide show at CUMC & a letter from your missionary. For more information just talk to Luke Peralez or Scott Reinhard.

YOUTH WORKS MISSION TRIP TO SE MONTANA - Cheyenne Reservation Contact Barb at 801 969 7478

Chrysalis!
Gathering June 22, 3 p.m. @ Community of Grace
Gathering & Hoot Aug 17

CHRYSALIS IS COMING! GOD'S AMAZING GRACE FOR YOUTH

Who? If you are entering 10th-12th grade in the fall, don’t miss this event!
When? Thursday evening through Sunday afternoon…
YOUNG MEN'S: JULY 31-AUGUST 3 (date may change)
YOUNG WOMEN'S: AUGUST 7-10
What? An intense experience of God’s grace in music, message, small-group fellowship, food, special gifts, and worship.

Jerry Selbo is directing the Young Men's event. Janice McGaha and Melissa Rimmer are directing the Young Women's event. We hope to have lots of participation—both staff and weekenders—from Mountain Vista.
Please call or e-mail the office (280-4148, office@MtnVistaUMC.org) to say that you want to help or to get registered

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.