The Mountain View February 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.

Someone divorced after 40 years of marriage. Someone who is disabled in the prime of life. Someone who just got out of jail. Someone struggling with their sexuality. Someone who has had an abortion. You and me. This is the body of Christ? YES!! Wounded, broken, hurting, helpless, shattered people. We are the body of Christ.

I am very thankful this passage does not say, "by his health we are healed," or "by his wholeness we are healed."

Jesus was the wounded healer. We are his body. In our woundedness, we can bring healing to others. In our brokenness, we can give wholeness to someone else who is hurting.

In Christ,
Pastor Steve

8:15 a.m.	Traditional Worship Service
9:45 a.m.	Casual Informal Worship Service
11:15 a.m.	Contemporary Worship Service

The story is told of a person who was conversing with God. He asked God, "How long is a million years in your time?" God answered, "A minute." Then the man asked God, "How much is a penny worth to you?" God answered, "A million dollars." The man then asked God to loan him a penny. God’s reply was, "in a minute."

Have you ever wondered why God doesn't seem to hear you when you are praying? Especially when we feel we are in a desperate situation. There is a strange silence. Nothing is happening. Where did God go? What happened to His promises?

If we look at the Old Testament we can find the same situation. The people of Israel had been praying for the promised Messiah for many years. In fact from the time of the last prophet, Malachi, there seemed to be no response to their prayers for about 400 years.

In Luke 2 we are told of an old priest and a widow who rarely left the temple because they were awaiting the promised Messiah. They prayed, fasted and trusted God. Little did they know that God had been preparing an answer to their prayers for thousands of years. A Messiah coming from generations that would include people from all walks of life, from a murderer, a prostitute, kings and patriarchs. It all came together in God's time and in God's place.

An apparent lack of response was overwhelmingly overcome with an answer to meet the needs of all people. Sadly though, many people even to this day do not recognize the fulfillment of a promised Messiah.

When we feel God is silent and not hearing our prayers, could it be that God has been preparing an answer that is on its way? God has promised us that He is faithful and that He hears our prayers. God has not changed. It may not be the answer we want, but it will be the answer we need. The Messiah didn't come as a king or a general in charge of an army. He came in a way that shows He is aware of the needs people in all walks of life.

We serve a great God!

The Christian Life Center

Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 9:00 a.m.-Noon
1^st and 3^rd Saturday 9:00 a.m.-Noon (by appointment only)

The Christian Life Center is a ministry offered by this church. Its purpose is to help people deal with the troublesome issues of life. It is provided at no cost to you. Dr. Haidle has a new office phone number: 565-7538 and a new email address: wdhdle@msn.com.

Dear Church Family,

Many of us attended the Conference leadership for the Utah Sub district recently. One of the workshops was a about Men and Church. It was really about why there aren't many men in church in the traditional Christian faiths. They shared some staggering figures. The ones that really got me were only 15% of American men attend church with their family yet 80% believe in God (in Europe the Number is 5%). I walked away from church at 18 and didn't return until I was in my thirties. My reasons included my priorities in life, "Christians are weak pushovers," "they only want my money," "I don't need organized religion" and my usual, I was too hung-over.
I am grateful that many of the Christian Men in my life put up with me. I look back now and laugh (I cry too). This is what God gave me instead of what I had before I truly met Jesus and it has broken down many of my old paradigms. These are the blessings I count, it is not exhaustive....

Ice fishing with Tom, Dave, Bob & Zacory and more...
A friendship with my Father
Budgeting and planning to give more to church with my wife
A motorcycle & people to ride with (even the tough guys)
A week camping trip annually with my kids
Donuts and coffee on Saturday
A solo bike trip to Denver
Good friends who are honest
He gave me my Marriage back (I was really screwing that up)
Leadership positions
Follower-ship positions
A fresh Career .............

The list goes on and on. I have had the chance to do many things in my life that some people only dream of: hunting in Alaska, flown an F-15 past the sound barrier, drove up the Al-Can Highway when it was still dirt, and ran untamed rivers. What I realized in all this is the real tough guys pray with their wives, cry when their kids are sick and when Dad or Mom dies. The real tough guys don't hold on to it, they give it to Jesus. A brave and courageous man earns the right to tell you, don't hold on, give it to Jesus.

Courageously Yours,
Cory COWARD

None of that takes more courage or is as exciting as praying with Karyn. Real Men

EVENTS:
Crossroads Urban Center – Coalition of Religious Communities (CORC)
Learn about our issues for the upcoming legislative session and how easy it is for you to make an impact! It only takes 5 phone calls or 14 e-mails to impact our legislators! Visit www.crossroads-u-c.org/CORC

Thursday February 1st: Faith Day on the Hill: United Methodist Day at the Legislature. Meet in Room 4112 of the State Office Building at 9:00am. Bring a picture I.D. and enter on the plaza level. For more information call Linda Hilton at 364-7765 ext. 133

CORC encourages all United Methodists to commit to social justice by visiting the legislature on this special day Feb 1st and participating in the legislative process. On the spot training and materials provided.
Since parking is an issue, we recommend taking TRAX or parking at 300 W and N Temple and then taking the #23 bus to the door of the East Building on Capitol Hill. TRAX and this parking lot will cost but the #23 bus is in the downtown "freefare" zone. Call Linda at 364-7765 if you have questions or need directions. If you cannot attend this 2/1/2007 CORC Day join others on 2/6, or 2/15. On each date we meet at 9am in the State Office Building.

Dr. Marcus Borg - February 2-3, 2007
Christianity for the Heart and the Head
Dr. Marcus Borg, New Testament scholar, theologian and writer will be at Christ UMC February 2nd and 3rd.
Friday 7:30-9:00 pm: Two Visions of Christianity Today: Seeing the Difference, Building Bridges
Saturday 9:00 AM-3:00 pm: Seeing the Christian Life Again.
For more information: www.christmethodistchurch.net

Valentine’s Day Dinner & Dance: The Wesley Bell Ringers at Christ United Methodist Church invites us to join them in a four course dinner with entertainment, free babysitting and plenty of parking, on Feb. 10 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person or $30 per couple - adults only. Purchase tickets by Feb. 2. See flyer on bulletin board.

Sunday, February 11, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. Second Annual Ensemble Concert "Jubilant Praise" at Hilltop United Methodist Church. A freewill offering will be taken to benefit the music program, and a dessert reception will follow!
985 East 10600 South, Sandy, 801-571-5777

Youth – CAMP UTABA – Winter retreat
February 17-19 (Sat 5:45 am –Monday 3:18 pm)
Youth grades 7-12

WALK TO EMMAUS!
Men’s Walk - Feb 22-25,
Women’s Walk - March 1-4, 2007

Mothers Of PreSchoolers - MOPS
MOPS Meeting 2 Friday mornings 9:30-12:30
February 2nd & 16th at Trinity UMC,
4290 West 5415 South in Kearns.
For information contact Vanessa at 548-1279.

INTO THE FUTURE!

UP WITH YOUTH – April 13-15

Family Promise IFN Hosting Families
April 29- May 6: Mountain Vista United Methodist Church hosting at Hilltop House

UMC Women’s Spiritual Retreat at Pine Cliff June 8-10

Jr. High Camp at Pine Cliff June 15-17
Flathead Camp in Montana June 15-22

Family Promise IFN Hosting Families
July 8- July 15: Mountain Vista UMC at Hilltop House

Our Wednesday services have been such a blessing. Thank you to all our speakers and supporters. There will continue to be communion each Wednesday and special guest speakers on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month. On the 2nd Wednesday we will have a prayer meditation and on the 4th Wednesday there will be a book club discussion.

A big thanks to our January Guest Speakers Cheryl Elliott and Mitch Lambdin. Thanks to Lorraine Wilkinson and Jerry Selbo and Corey Coward for treating us to some great Grub!
We invite you to sign up to speak or bring a light meal for the Wednesday evening service. The Sign up sheet is hanging in the hall by the kitchen. Or just come and enjoy the fellowship. You will be blessed.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalms 118:1

2nd Wednesday Prayer Service
Reminder: the second Wednesday of the month we will spend the evening praying. If you have special prayer requests email them to office by noon Wednesday.
We only need the name of the person to pray for and the type of prayer: healing, comfort, guidance, relationship with God, safe travel or discernment.
You are all invited to join the prayer team. Bring a pot luck item and join us for dinner if you desire.

4th Wednesday Book Club
The book we are reading in Feb is "Twelve Extraordinary Women" By John MacArthur.
We will be reading "A Case for Faith" by Lee Strobel in March.
Contact Debi for book purchase information.

Jason here. I sure hope that you all had a great break over the Christmas and New Year season. I pray that God is continually revealing His glory and love to you. This last week God hit me with the knowledge that resolutions and re-commitments don't need to be made at the first of a New Year. New Years is a holiday God doesn’t celebrate. He desires commitment and life-changing decisions from us every hour of every day. Our God is in the business of transformation, grace, and renewal.
That's all the preachin' I got today. I'll leave the rest to Steve-o.

Our weekly youth night has kicked up again starting January 9th. We meet every Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m. here at the church. Also the high school CERT (Christian education release time) class kicked back up on January 2nd. I'm really excited to announce a retreat coming up in February. It is going to be at Camp Utaba which is up Ogden canyon (about an hour ½). The theme of the camp is "Who Am I?" and we'll be teaming up with a youth group from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. We have registration forms available in the hallway. This is a camp you won't want to miss!!

We'll keep you guys up to date on upcoming fundraisers and future events. Once again, thank you everyone for your support and prayers. We couldn't do it without you. GOD BLESS!!
Jason and Sam
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Youth – CAMP UTABA
February 17-19 (Sat 5:45 a.m. –Monday 3:18 p.m.)
Youth grades 7-12
Winter retreat – Who Am I? If we really want to know who we are, we need to get to know who GOD is!!! When we spend time getting to know God and the boundless love that He has for us, we find out more and more about who we are and who we are made to be! Meet at Good Shepherd 8575 So. 700 E, Sandy 5:15 AM!

Up With Youth 2007 Goes Global!
April 13-15 at YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park, Colorado.
This year "Going Global with God." is the theme that we have chosen for "Up With Youth 2007." It's going to be fun and exciting, as we become closer with God and the world community. We would like to focus on spreading the good news through fellowship and mission work. We hope our hard work on getting really good entertainment grabs you enough to come. We will send you a postcard telling you more about this event. So make plans this April 13-15. Send in your Papers before March 13 and get 3 full days of fun for the low, low price of $149. After that it's $159. If you have any questions at all E-mail us at upwithyouth2007@hotmail.com. -- Up with Youth Core Team.

Jr. High Camp at Pine Cliff June 15-17

Flathead Camp in Montana June 15-22

Chrysalis Weekends
Young Men's Flight August 2-5, 2007
Young Women's Flight August 9-12, 2007

Weekly Youth Activities
Sunday
Jr./Sr. High Sunday School 11:15 a.m.
Confirmation Class 1:00 p.m.
Monday
Girl Scouts 7: 00 p.m.
Tuesday
Boy Scouts 6:30 p.m.
Youth Group– Identity 7:30 p.m.
Thursday:
Out of Zion (Youth Praise Team) 5:00 p.m.

CERTS: Sr. High students meet on "B" days, during 8th period

God and Church program for 6, 7 & 8th graders is scheduled to start in late Feb. This program is for boys and girls. Please contact Dave Elwell 268-3226 for additional information.

Boy Scout troop #1012 is meeting the hour before Youth group: from 6:30-7:30 on Tuesdays!
Boys from 10 ½ to 17 years are invited to join the fun! Come help us get rolling again.

Host Families for Exchange Students are needed for the 2007/2008 school year. Applications are on line at: www.youthforunderstanding.org
Opening your hearts and your homes is very special, it makes the world a much smaller place. And having friends all over the world comes in handy when traveling! You can select and correspond with your “new family member” as soon as you are approved. Students come with their own insurance and spending money. They speak "school English" and are here to perfect their skills. Students need their own bed, a ride to school and a family to welcome them. Families are provided support from area representatives.

COLLEGE STUDENTS!!
Meet and mingle with other United Methodist Students.
The Wesley Foundation United Methodist Campus Ministry plans to have mixers and service projects at Christ United Methodist Church, 2375 E. 3300 S.
To get on the mailing list contact Terry Haven at 801-486-7993 or terryh@utahchildren.org

The Walk to Emmaus is a spiritual walk, not a physical walk. There is no hiking or marathon walk involved. Bring your slippers and Bible, not your walking shoes.

The Walk to Emmaus is a spiritual renewal program intended to strengthen the local church through the development of Christian disciples and leaders. The program's approach seriously considers the model of Christ's servanthood and encourages Christ's disciples to act in ways appropriate to being "a servant of all."

The Walk to Emmaus experience begins with a 72-hour short course in Christianity, comprised of fifteen talks by lay and clergy on the themes of God's grace, principles of Christian discipleship, and what it means to be the church. The course is wrapped in prayer and meditation, special times of worship, music and daily celebration of Holy Communion.

The Walk continues after these 3 days, with 4th day reunion groups and quarterly gatherings. You will meet with Christians from all over the state.

Walk to Emmaus gets its name from the story in Luke 24:13-35, which provides the central image for the three-day experience and follow-up. Luke tells the story of that first Easter afternoon when the risen Christ appeared to the two disciples who were walking together along the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus.

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

The Upper Room, a ministry unit of the General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church, sponsors the Walk to Emmaus and offers it through local Emmaus groups around the world. The Walk to Emmaus is ecumenical; Emmaus seeks to foster Christian unity and to reinforce the whole Christian community.

Men's Walk Feb 22-25, 2007
(The last weekend of February each year)

Women's Walk March 1-4, 2007
(The first weekend of March each year)

If you are interested in attending an Emmaus weekend please call the office at 280-4148.

"...then their eyes were opened and they recognized him," Luke 24:31

Prayer is the practice of the presence of God. It is the place where pride is abandoned, hope is lifted, and supplication is made. Prayer is the place of admitting our need in humility, and claiming dependence upon God. Prayer is the needful practice of the Christian. Prayer is the exercise of faith and hope. Prayer is the privilege of touching the heart of God. There is another benefit of prayer. PEACE.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus," (Phil. 4:6-7).

Prayer is the practice of the presence of God.

What's Different About Intercessory Prayer?
Standing in the GAP
Intercession is not just praying for someone else's needs. It is praying with the real hope and real intent that God would step in and act for the good of some specific other person(s) or other entity. It is casting our weakness before God's strength, and having a bit of God's passion burn in us. It is trusting that God will act, even if it's not in the manner or timing we seek. God wants us to ask. Even at its earliest, the young church was praying for people: for safe travel praying that people might know Christ through other peoples' witness, praying for healing and health, for rescue, for wisdom, for spiritual growth, for marriages -- asking God to bring benefit or blessing to people other than themselves. The others were not always beloved; they prayed for their political leaders, some of whom were out to kill them. But they knew their God was merciful and was intimately involved with what was going on in the world. And they knew that they were called by God to share in that involvement.

Our Model Intercessor
Jesus was the prime example of an intercessor. He interceded in prayer that God bless and protect His followers. At the cross, He prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." His whole life, His whole reason for being born, was to be a living intercession, Jesus Christ is our model for intercessory prayer. Jesus stands before God in the GAP between God and us, just as the Old Testament priests did:
1 Timothy 2:5 – There is one God. There is one Man standing between God and men. That Man is Christ Jesus. NLV
Romans 8:34- Who then can say we are guilty? It was Christ Jesus Who died. He was raised from the dead. He is on the right side of God praying (interceding) to Him for us. NLV
Hebrews 7:25- Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf. NLV

I love this verse from Epaphras who describes himself as the 'prayer wrestler.'

Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. Colossians 4:12 NIV

DOING IT YOURSELF
Each of us can be prayer warriors and "Wrestle in prayer" stand in the GAP for each other. Please join us the second Wednesday of each month to specifically intercede in prayer for the people of this congregation and our beloved as well as our not so beloved. We encourage you to use the prayer request form to request prayers or if you prefer send an email to the church office. Please be in prayer for this ministry.
Yours in Christ,
Debi Paulsen

Girl Scouts Mondays 7:00 p.m.
Cub Scouts Tuesday 7:00 p.m.
Boy Scouts Tuesday 6:30 p.m.

For more Scout information, please contact:
Dave Elwell – Cub Scouts
Sheila Anderson – Boy Scouts
Brandee Fox – Girl Scouts

Feb. 4th is the last day to order Girl Scout Cookies!!!

Feb. 6th 7:00 p.m. Blue and Gold Ice cream Banquet/ Arrow of Light ceremony for Brandon Elwell. The entire family is invited. Leaders come at 6:30 p.m. if possible to help set up. Cub Scouts will receive their pinewood derby cars at this meeting. Wolf-Prayer and Flag, Tigers- Skit

SCOUT SUNDAY Sun Feb 11th - Flower Fundraiser.

March 6th Pack Meeting - Cake Auction.

SATURDAY MARCH 17th 1:00 p.m. PINEWOOD DERBY!
1,2 & 3rd prize ribbon for each den. 1,2 &3rd trophy for pack winners. Certificates and patches.

SCOUT_A_RAMA Kick off is Saturday March 10th.
April Pack meeting will be an Award Ceremony meeting for Webelos, Bobcats, Bears and Wolves.

God and Me program will start the first Sunday of Feb (4th) at 1:00pm. Steve Woodward will be leading this. The Parents will be responsible to pick up the mentor and student manuals. The pack will provide the awards for boys. Keep in mind that this program is for both boys and girls, grades 1,2 and 3.

God and Church program for 6, 7 & 8th graders is scheduled to start in late Feb. This program is for boys and girls. Please contact Dave Elwell 268-3226 for additional information.

Boy Scout troop #1012 is meeting the hour before Youth group: from 6:30-7:30 on Tuesdays! Boys from 10 ½ to 17 years are invited to join the fun! Bring a friend.

THANKS - Thank you from the Girl Scouts for all the help with their Gift wrap fundraiser!! We raised 281.00! Thank you!

Mountain Vista Sandwich Ministry is alive and well. A special thank you to Brandee Fox and the Girl Scouts: Joy, Kere & Caitlan Schippers, Amanda & Aimee Fox, and Katie Coward for handling the bulk of sandwiches - 300! and taking the sandwiches downtown. Many other kind people in the congregation helped serve and make the January sandwich day a success. Thank you all. God is smiling.

In February we will serve downtown on Monday the 19th. That means Sunday the 18th is sandwich-making time! Geniel Woodward will have clipboards to send around on Sunday the 11th and 4th so we can coordinate between the people who bring made sandwiches, people who assemble them at the church, and people who bring ingredients. Sandwiches Rule!

Sandwich Mission
February dates are:
Sunday, Feb. 18: Make/bring sandwiches to church
Monday, Feb. 19: Serve sandwiches, 5:00 p.m. at St Vincent DePaul Center, 500 West 200 South.
For any questions, contact Geniel Woodward.
The Girl Scouts will be helping make sandwiches every other month, contact Brandee Fox.

Thrift Store: 1385 W Indiana Ave (850 S)
Pantry: 347 S 400 E
February food of the month – milk - canned, powdered or shelf.
February thrift store item of the month – anything for the bathroom - towels, washcloths, rugs, shower curtains.
Please bring items to the church and they will be delivered to Crossroads.

GIVE THANKS
Mountain Vista UMC donated 1157.3 pounds of food to Crossroads Urban Center last year! Thank you!

Remember Our Troops
The Griersons send boxes of "special" items to our troops as moral support. We can all help fill the boxes. Just ask Melinda!

COLLECTIONS –Save these items:
Aluminum Cans – For Mountain. Vista's Choir
Pop Tabs from Cans - For The Ronald McDonald House
"Box Tops for Education" - For local community services.
Soup Labels – For Red Bird Mission
Christmas cards – Linda Kreib will make gift tags for next year's cookie sale

Thank-you, to all the sisters, and brothers, Pastor, brother & sister Pitts and a very special thanks to the sister in charge of the Christmas program, for making our Christmas a very merry one indeed. You are all truly God's sweet angles here on earth. May God bless each and everyone of your unconditional, Loving efforts, to help the needy children, here in Utah. We really do appreciate your Loving kindness, and generosity.
Love,
Sharon, Tia & kids

HELP WANTED

Our church cleaners are growing weary. Most of the teams have been cleaning for several years and could use a break. We are looking for 6 more teams of 3 people each, who can work about 1 hour cleaning, typically on Friday evening or Saturday a.m. The teams work on a rotation, so if we have 12 teams you only clean once every 12 weeks! If this is something you can help with please contact Debi Paulsen or Carole Molynuex or the church office.

Wanted: volunteers to help folding and labeling newsletters on the Friday before the last Sunday of the month. Contact the church office if you can help.

Children’s church volunteers are needed! 11:15
We are going to have a "one room schoolhouse" kind of children's church to accommodate all ages. We need 2 people per session & would like to have volunteers sign up for a month at a time. They can show a video, read a Bible story, sing songs, play games, do a craft, have a treat. We have lots of resources and idea books.

Director of Children's Ministry
Park City Community Church is currently accepting resumes for the position of Director of Children's Ministry. This position is responsible for coordinating the children's ministry programs, including Sunday school, nursery and children's message for church services, special programs, vacation bible school and elementary youth program. The successful candidate will be computer literate and will have previous experience in children's and/or youth ministries. Resumes may be faxed to (435) 649-0163 or forwarded to bkaylor@parkcitycommunitychurch.org

Crossroads Urban Center Needs Volunteers
We have an urgent need for volunteers. Help is needed on Monday afternoons to do intake in the pantry from 1-5 p.m.

We also need people to help answer the phone one half-day per week as we have lost our full time receptionist and do not have funds to hire anyone. If you know of anyone have them contact Rachel at 364-7765 x120.

Our food co-op is looking for volunteers to help for a couple of hours each month with clerical duties. Anyone who is interested should contact Jana at 364-7765 x127.

Finally, if you can help pass the word we would greatly appreciate that too. Volunteering here will make a difference and make you feel good! Thanks, Linda Hilton

Nursery Volunteers
MOPS – Mothers Of PreSchoolers is in need of nursery volunteers 2 Friday mornings a month in their Moppets program. Contact Vanessa at 548-1279.

Hospice Volunteers
Two Hospice organizations are looking for volunteers to provide visits and companionship to terminally ill patients in assisted living facilities or in their own homes. Free training is provided.
- 1st Choice Home and Hospice - Tracy at 801-637-1012
- Silverado Hospice - Karen Griffith 608-7014

Due Dates for Sunday Bulletin and Newsletter
For the Sunday Bulletin: Information due Wednesday of each week.
For the Mountain View: Articles due the 16th this month. Articles on disk or e-mailed (office@mtnvistaumc.org) preferred.