The Mountain View December 2003

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.

Wow! You sure know how to appreciate your Pastor during Pastor Appreciation month in October! I was so touched by the cards, gifts, phone calls, and notes. The new grill you pitched in to buy for me is wonderful! The grill we had was 17 years old, and when balls of flame started to shoot out from underneath it last summer, I thought, "I don't think it's supposed to do that." Withy your giving spirit, you showed me God's grace: the undeserved love of God. I feel so undeserving of such generosity. But your givingness inspires me to want to give back. That's God's love. We don't love others out of a sense of duty or obligation or guilt or a sense of fear that we won't be loved unless we love others first. God's plan is that we love out of a sense of amazed gratitude for the goodness of God in our lives.

Speaking of gifts, where do we stand as Christians about this idea of gift-giving at Christmas? Granted, it has gotten out of hand because we live in a society driven by dollars, and we often "buy into" the idea that "More is better." But gift-giving does have scriptural basis. The Wise Men gave gifts to Jesus (Matthew 2:11). And remember the scripture that says, "You are the body of Christ" (1 Corinthians 12:27)? If we are representatives for Jesus (the body of Christ), when we give gifts to others, we are giving to Christ-a response of gratitude for the gift from God of granting us those special people in our lives.

Also, Jesus says in the Bible that when we've given to his family (all of God's children), we've given to Him (Matthew 25:40). When you give gifts this Christmas, remember to Whom you are giving. The intent of the gifts is certainly much more important than spending a lot of money or giving a large quantity of gifts. Don't allow the commercialism of Christmas to completely sour you on the idea of giving presents, so that you resent the whole process.

The first Sunday in Advent is November 30. To celebrate, please join us for a potluck supper at 6 p.m. followed by the Hanging of the Greens, scripture reading and carol sing.

Thank you to all who contributed to our first annual Advent Devotional Booklet.
Copies are available in the church foyer.

Santa’s Cookie Shop

and

Christmas Boutique

Saturday, December 13^th

9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Large Selection of Homemade

Cookies and Candies to Choose from.

Then Pay by the Pound.

Browse through the Christmas Boutique

COME JOIN THE FUN!!

Proceeds to go to the Building Fund!

Set up for the Cookie Walk will be Friday night, the 12^th, from 4 pm - 8 pm. Please bring all your favorite home-baked cookies on foil-covered baking sheets at that time. Any questions or for more information, please contact Peggy Robison, 280-2765, or Sharon Murphy, 969-3290.

Parents, bring your kids for a night of movies and entertainment while you go do what you want. This event is being sponsored by our Senior High Sunday School class. They are asking for donations with the proceeds going towards the building fund. Snacks will be served.

Kids, bring sleeping bag or blanket and pillow so you can be comfy watching the movie. Nursery care will be available also.

The Children/Jr. High Sunday School classes will be presenting a Christmas program during both worship services on December 14. They will be practicing each Sunday from 9:45-10:00 in the large Sunday School room. The dress rehearsal will be Saturday, December 13 at 5:00 p.m. Kids, be sure to come and be in the program!!

You are cordially invited to attend an elegant evening of Christmas music presented by

BELLS OF JOYFUL SOUND

and

JOYFUL SOUND

Wednesday, December 17

7:30 p.m.

Refreshments will be served following concert.

Last year was the first for a new tradition of holiday music here at Mountain Vista. We had standing room only, so come early for a good seat. The concert will be a mixture of sacred and secular music. Bring your family and friends for a delightful, dress-up holiday evening out.

Our choir will be presenting “Let Us Adore Him” for both worship services, Sunday, December 21.

Please join us Sunday evening, December 21, at 6:30 p.m., for caroling at surrounding nursing facilities. Afterward, we will come back to the church for hot chocolate. Everyone is invited to help spread Christmas joy through music to our neighbors.

It’s time to help Santa! This year we are adopting two families. One is a family of seven; the other a family of four. The requested items are posted on the office window (or being passed on a clipboard). Items are to be left in the office, unwrapped, by December 8^th, with the family member’s name clearly marked. Wrapping paper, ribbons and tags are also needed for later.

12/2 Donna Kasten	12/18 Dan Rodrigue
12/4 Linda Kreib	12/19 Carole Molyneux
12/7 Duane Haidle	12/22 Diane Lewis
12/7 Emily Peralez	12/23 Kimberly Baker
12/8 Terry Holzworth	12/28 George Heimuli
12/8 Ranae Montour	12/28 Jean Ann Nohavec
12/9 Jamie Nelson	12/30 Anita Murphy
12/14 Tom Kennedy	12/30 Camille Terry
12/18 Sarah Baker	12/31 Russell Madsen
12/18 Greg Beers

12/3 Phil & Pam Lynch

12/23 Steve & Diane Lewis

12/27 Donna & Randy Kasten

12/27 Ray & Nadeen Stransky

12/30 Bob & Patty Chauza

For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Romans 14:17

Although people may believe otherwise, life isn’t an emergency. We take our own goals so seriously that we forget to have fun along the way. We miss much of the beauty of life because we are so goal oriented and because we feel the task at hand is so important. Learning to take care of those things which are in our realm of control and allowing ourselves to not accept responsibility for things beyond our control requires confidence both in ourselves and in God’s grace and goodness. Take time to look at the beauty surrounding us, i.e.: the earth, the sky and the mountains, the inner beauty of the people we meet, the heart melting smile of a child as he/she responds to our greeting. As we enter this Advent season, take time to be aware of the beauty around us and remember all we have to be thankful for.

The highly touted “New York Minute” often interferes with our ability to slow down and enjoy the moment we are in. Because in that quiet moment we MIGHT JUST HEAR THE VOICE OF GOD quietly reassuring us of His presence, His love and His grace in our lives.

Last fall we had a few requests for food or help with transportation. We were able to assist them and then we began to plan ahead. This year has been quite remarkable. The Love Fund box comes out and people have responded very generously. We have helped twelve families, not only with food from our limited pantry, but perishables, gas and bus fare, totaling $525.00. We even furnished an apartment and clothed a family of five. What an outstanding year! Winter is here and the need continues. Currently we have a balance of $3.50. The box will be out again. Thank you for your generous support.

Early in the month we went to a dance at Christ U.M.C. in Salt Lake City. It was a lot of fun, and we met a lot of new people, and renewed old friendships.

A big THANK YOU is in order for Nancy Peralez and Jim Wilder, who were the adult chaperones for the Youth Leadership Conference (YLC). They, along with Luke Peralez, Melissa Lambdin, Shane Reinhard, Scott Reinhard, Rick England, Nicole Murphy, Monika Aune, and Melody Wilder, left town on the 7th, headed for Estes Park, Colorado. A good, educational time was had by all!

On the 12th Scott Reinhard shared a wonderful Bible lesson with us all about the importance and need for commandments. His teaching abilities make us wonder if there isn't a genetic trait for education!

On the 19th we celebrated Luke Peralez and Brittney Rennermann's birthdays. We also did our planning for December.

Youth Birthdays in December include Kayla Fayerweather (12-12) and Michelle Oakley (12-29).

Dinner is being served every Wednesday night following the Praise Worship. It is from 6:45 until 7:30, with Youth following from 7:30-8:30 p.m.

We are looking for an additional two Youth Leaders. This can be a couple, or two individuals. Attendance every week is not a requirement; in fact, one reason we would like a couple more leaders is to accommodate schedule conflicts with all the leaders. No Experience Necessary! See Patty Lambdin for more details, or call her at 566-3697.

December 3	We will be doing a service project at the Utah Food Bank.
December 10	We will be going to Marv Jensen Fitness Center for an evening of Basketball, Swimming, Walleyball, Racquetball, etc. BRING A FRIEND!!! We need a count by December 7th of who is going Cost is $4.00 per person
December 17	No Youth. All youth and their familites are encouraged to attend the Joyful Sound Christmas Concert at 7:30 p.m.
December 24	Christmas Eve. NoYouth meeting.
December 25	Christmas!
December 28	We will be going bowling, at Shepherd's All Star Lanes in West Jordan, at 2:00 p.m. We will inform Youth by the 10th as to the cost.
December 31	New Year's Eve. No Youth meeting.

If we have not yet received your Youth emergency form, please get one from a Youth leader. We need to have one on file for you to attend any of our activities off church grounds. If you bring a guest, remember to pick one up ahead of time for them as well.

All Youth in grades 6-12 are welcome to attend Youth Group on Wednesday evenings from 7:30 until 8:30. See Manny and Nancy Peralez. Pastor Steve and Tracy Reinhard, or Mitch and Patty Lambdin if you have any questions.

If you shop at Albertson's, even occasionally, you can help the Youth Group out by getting a store card from Patty Lambdin. Each time you make a purchase, just have them scan your card. Albertson's will pay our Youth Group 2% of the total purchase amount from your card. This is an easy way to help our Youth Group out. Thanks for all of you who support the Youth of our church with your card when you shop at Albertson's.

MOUNTAIN VISTA UNITED METHODIST WOMEN

UMW Reading Program – Your Window to the World

The following are new books for the 2004 Reading Program that can be found in our church library:

South Valley Sanctuary – Trial Size Mission project
Every quarter we gather trial size personal hygiene items to help the women and children at South Valley Sanctuary. Toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo are just a few examples of the items needed. Please place your items in the tub marked “Trial Size Mission” located in the narthex. If you are interested in going to deliver and / or tour the South Valley Sanctuary in December, please contact Tina Whaley at 260-1481.

UMCOR – LAYETTE KITS
Many women around the world do not have even swaddling clothes to welcome their newborn into the world. The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) strives to fill the need. We are targeting to put together 25 kits by Christmas. As we think about how our baby Jesus was brought into this world, lets share our abundance with others. Each kit needs the following NEW items:

CHURCH WOMEN UNITED

Church Women United is a racially, culturally and theologically inclusive, ecumenical Christian Women’s movement, celebrating unity in diversity and working for a world of peace and justice. The Metropolitan SLC unit will be holding their Advent program on December 12, 2003 at 1 pm followed by a Tea. It will be held at Rowland Hall-St. Mark’s School, 720 Guardsman Way. Please bring a holiday treat (commercially packaged) for boxes given to the elderly who receive a monthly food box from Life Care, a program for elderly shut-ins through the Utah Food Bank. Commercially prepared items such as a box of candy or box/tin of cookies would be greatly appreciated.

This is the hilarious story of a group of hoodlum, ruffian children who take over the church Christmas pageant. Put on by children for the entire family!

Join us as we explore the idea that even the most unlikely person can be touched by the story of Jesus' birth!

Following the pageant, everyone is invited to a birthday celebration for Jesus. Gifts of swaddling clothes (unwrapped) will be delivered to the needy children in our community. For questions Barbara Hurley at 571‑5777.

KITCHEN NEEDS

The kitchen is currently in short supply of the following items:

Decaffeinated coffee
Plastics forks
8 oz. Hot/cold drinking cups

For the Sunday Bulletin: Information due Wednesday of each week.
For the Mountain View: Articles due the 3rd Tuesday of every month. Articles on disk or e-mailed (mtnvista@aros.net) preferred.