December 2001

Pastor's Ponderings…

"Unto Us a Child is Born"

Luke 2:1-7  In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, 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.

Many thanks to Warren Parkin for sharing the message on Thanksgiving weekend while my family and I visited Tracy's family in Goodyear, Arizona. I talked to Warren today about what he shared at worship. I really liked his idea that the birth of Jesus reminds us that we have tremendous opportunities to be "born again," so to speak. Now, I know that term, "born again," is a loaded term. So, let me explain. When in this life, we have deaths along the way, God reminds us over and over again that we can be reborn, no matter what the extent of the "death" we have suffered.

• Have you grieved over the death of a dream? How has God given birth to new dreams in your life?
• Have you suffered the loss of a job? How has God brought new job opportunities to life?
• Have you grieved over the death of a relationship? How has God brought new life to other relationships in your life-even your relationship with God through Christ? And sometimes even brought resurrection to the relationship that has died!
• Have you suffered the loss of a family member or friend to physical death? How has God brought new life through the support of family and friends; the faith in resurrection and everlasting life; and peace in knowing your loved one is at peace?

May this Christmas Season be a powerful reminder for you and for me of something that we would do well to remember all year long. A character from the first book in the Harry Potter series says it well: "Death is simply the beginning of the next great adventure." With God, death is never an ending. Death is the beginning of something new and unexpected. Something that is not always easy, like childbirth. But something—also like childbirth—that can bring fulfillment that no one and nothing can ever take away.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, the everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. —Isaiah 9:6

Jesus is the Reason for the Season

A Blessed Occasion
(Click on pictures to enlarge)

On Sunday, November 4 at both worship celebrations, we were privileged and blessed to experience the Consecration Service and first ever worship services in our brand new church home. What a day it was as our District Superintendent, Rev. Glenda Ulmer, shared the significance of the furnishings in the sanctuary and consecrated them to the service of God, along with the building, the land, and most importantly, the Church... that is, all of us: The People of God.

It was an unforgettable day as over 250 came to share in the celebration: LDS friends who helped us in the project, friends, and neighbors from here and far away, and even 2 dozen surprise guests from 6 hours away—Cedaredge, Colorado, where Pastor Steve served before coming to Mountain Vista. Some of the workers who served tirelessly through this process were honored with special gift crosses. Our Building Chairperson, Mike VanVoorhis, took us through a short history of our church.

Pictures from the first service.

Not only was the church building initiated, 15-month-old Cole Hartney was initiated into the Body of Christ through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. What a joy it was to watch Cole smile and giggle at the congregation as his Mom, Linda, sang beautifully, "You are a Masterpiece."

Along with the music of the Mountain Vista Choir, "And the Church Shall Rise"; Duane Haidle, "Angels Up Above My Head"; and Tracy Reinhard, "Upon This Rock," the music of the Holy Spirit was beautiful and clear and shining on the faces of everyone present.

God has been abundantly good to the Mountain Vista United Methodist Church, and the best is yet to come! God is Good! All the Time!

December Birthdays and Anniversaries

We would like to print the birthdays and anniversaries of our church family each month. Please let us know your birthday and anniversary so we can remember you on your special day. Celebrating in December are:

Birthdays

December 8 - Terry Holzworth
December 9 - Jamie Nelson
December 11 - Sarah Benson
December 13 - Carol Edblad
December 13 - Clark Edblad
December 18 - Sarah Baker
December 19 - Carole Molyneux
December 19 - Daniel Shegogue
December 23 - Kim Baker
December 28 - Jean Ann Nohavec
December 30 - Camille N. Terry
December 30 - Toya Chaffee

Anniversaries

December 27 - Randy and Donna Kasten
December 27 - Ray and Nadeen Stransky
December 30 - Bob and Patti Chauza

We apologize if your birthday or anniversary is not included in the newsletter. To update the information, please contact the church office. Thank you.

Christmas Cookie Walk

Our church is sponsoring a "Christmas Cookie Walk" an Saturday, December 8th. A "Cookie Walk" is a bake sale where cookies are sold by the pound. The buyer walks around a long table filled with plats of cookies, choosing his/her own assortment and placing them in a box which will be weighed when the buyer is done.

This fundraiser originated at the United Methodist Church of the Pines in Minocqua, Wisconsin. In this northern Wisconsin town, 165 miles northwest of Green Bay, this is an annual event for this church.

Tables stretched end to end will display hundreds of Christmas cookies of every description. Make sure you come early to get the best selection of cookies. A similar fundraiser at the Sunrise Methodist Church in Colorado Springs, sold out 100 dozen cookies in 45 minutes. Two years ago, our church raised over $800.

When will this take place? On Saturday, December 8, at 8 a.m. until the cookies are sold out. The doors will open to a crowd of hungry cookie eaters.

How can you help? If you are interested in contributing cookies or helping on the day of the sale, please contact Tracy Reinhard, 282-5742, for more information or sign up on lists at church by December 2nd.

We are in need of lots of cookies, with lots of different textures and color. We don't want all brown cookies. We are asking people to prepare a minimum of 5 dozen cookies. Pull out your favorite Christmas cookies, bar cookies, fudge, candy, and bread recipes. We will take all kinds of cookies that you are willing to bake. Please bring your cookies on cookie trays if you have them or in tupperware containers with your name on them, Friday, December 7th between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the church. People will be waiting to collect all the cookies and set up the night before the "walk."

Do you have any of these items that we can borrow? Please bring them to the church, Friday, December 7 between 3-8 p.m.
    *Serving holiday platters and plates
    *Long table cloths (Christmas colors if possible)
    *Tupperware containers for the cookies
    *Measuring scale that measures to the nearest 1/2 pound and can weigh up to at least 10 pounds of cookies!

How can you help even more? We need people to help put up posters all around the valley, at your workplace, nearby grocery stores, etc. We also need people to set up tables at 3 p.m. on Friday, December 7. On the day of the "walk," we need babysitters, cashiers, greeters, people to weigh the cookies, decorate tables, replenish cookies on trays, help with children's table to decorate individual cookies, and clean-up (take down tables at noon on Saturday).

There will be a "Cookie Bake Night Out" for any adults (no kids please) who would like to come on Thursday, December 6 at 7 p.m. and Friday, December 7 at 3 p.m. to make additional cookies for the "walk" at the church. Call Pam Lynch at 265-8581 for more information.

In addition to our "cookie walk," we will be having a Christmas Boutique with homemade items donated by the member of our church. If you enjoy doing crafts and would like to donate some items to sell at the boutique, please bring these by on Friday, December 7th between 3-8 p.m. Please include a price tag on the items you are selling.

We will be offering an area for the children to keep busy while parents shop at the boutique and select cookies. Children will be able to purchase individual plain sugar cookies for 50 cents to decorate and eat.

We look forward to seeing everyone there. Come early, not late, or you'll be caught with just the crumbs.

Thanks

Sheri Sturdevant and Shirley Grierson would like to thank those who came to their aid for the removal and return of the furniture in Sheri's apartment. The help was invaluable, without the assistance of those who gave their time and effort, the chore would have been overwhelming. Again, thanks to all. It is heartwarming to have such a supportive church family so willing to help out to those in need.

Sub for Santa

This year our church is participating in the Sub for Santa program. We are sponsoring the two families listed below.

Family No. 37
Single Mother
    Dream Wish - Washer and Dryer

Girl - 2 years old
    Clothes size 12-18 months
    Shoe size - Toddler 5
    Wish list - Toddler bed with rails
    Traditional toys for this age

Boy - 3 years old
    Clothes size 5T
    Shoe size 11
    Wish list - Scooter
    Traditional toys for this age

Family No. 38
Single Mother

Twins (Boy and Girl) 20 months old
    Clothes size 4T
    Shoe size 7 (Especially need shoes)
    Wish list - clothes and toys for this age
    Toddler beds with rails

The Sub for Santa programs has several recommendations. Please give only new toys and clothing. Avoid violent toys and include safety equipment such as helmets. For the adults, gift certificates are great but please do not give cash. For the larger items, several families could combine their funds to make wishes come true.

Please put items in a bag and mark with the number of the family. Items need to be delivered to the church by Monday, December 10th. The Sub for Santa program requests that the gifts not be wrapped. Please include the wrapping materials so they can be wrapped later.

Sub for Santa needs volunteers to inventory the items on December 11. Volunteers are also needed to wrap gifts on December 12th and 13th. For more information, you can contact the church office at 280-4148.

Youth Leadership Conference

Well, the youth returned safe and sound from YLC in Estes Park. They worked on legislation issues, and took classes on how to raise funds, how to create a positive environment and various other themes. We will be having a lock in soon for the youth, to develop these ideas, as well as write a mission statement and of course have some fun. The dates will be forthcoming. Thank you to Hilltop's Youth leaders who were wonderful, and shared the bus and YLC experiences with us. We are looking forward to Up With Youth next!

December Meetings and Events
Link to Calendar Page

Potluck and Hanging of the Greens

We'll be having a potluck-actually a "POT BLESSING" because it's always good-after the 11 a.m. worship celebration on Sunday, December 2. Please bring a dish to share and your own tableware. Drinks will be provided.

Following the Pot Blessing, we'll have the "Hanging of the Greens," decorating our new worship area with Christmas items of all kinds. See you there!

When Jesus Looks, What Picture Does He See?

When Jesus looks upon my life,
What picture does He see?
Does He see His own reflection,
Or does He just see me?

Does He see His likeness,
The product of His hand,
Or just another Christian,
Who never took a stand?

Does He see a child of God,
A child that He set free?
Living life to honor Him,
Or does He just see me?

What about the other folks,
I meet along the way.
Do I show them Jesus,
To brighten up their day?

When someone looks into my eyes,
Can they truly see
That calm and gentle peace of God,
That dwells inside of me?

When I reach out and shake a hand,
Is He right there in my grip?
Can they feel that strength from God,
That steadies when I slip?

When folks are in my presence,
Do they know His Spirit's there?
Can they see that He's the one,
Who guides me everywhere?

When other people think of me,
What is on their mind?
Do they think of Jesus Christ,
So gentle and so kind?

I try to be like Jesus,
Every single day.
Spreading love and kindness,
All along my way.

I'm afraid that I have failed,
I could not pass the test.
Deep inside my heart I know,
I haven't done my best.

I have had to fight my flesh,
Since the day that I was born.
It's always causing trouble,
And being such a thorn.

That's why His Spirit dwells in me,
He's helping me to learn.
In every situation,
Where I need to turn.

He knew I'd never pass the test,
That's why He took my place.
He gave His life to save my soul,
He suffered my disgrace.

Now I try to be like Him,
I must present Him well.
So other folks will want His gift,
And turn their backs on hell.

Other folks should see the joy,
That Christ has given me.
They should want to have it too,
Especially since it's free.

They should begin to ask me,
What is it they must do.
Just how it is they go about,
Getting Jesus too.

Then I get to tell them,
This wondrous gift is free.
It only takes a humble heart,
A prayer on bended knee.

Someday when I'm face to face,
With the Lord who set me free.
Will He see His own reflection,
Or will He just see me?