The Mountain View January 2006

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.

Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like some running aimlessly; I do not fight like someone beating the air. –1 Corinthians 9:24-26.

I read the story this week of the husband and wife who arrived at the automobile dealership to pick up their car. They were told the keys had been locked ion the car by one of the mechanics. When they went to the service department, they found a mechanic working feverishly to unlock the driver's side door. The woman watched from the passenger side, and instinctively tried the door handle. sEh discovered that it was unlocked. "Hey!" she announced to the technician. "It's open!" The technician replied, "I know. I already got that side."

I have heard it said that no one on their death bed ever says, "I reflected too much about my life along the way!" How often do we really stop and think about what we do in life and why we do it and what difference it makes and if the choices we make are the best ones? I pray that for you and for me, 2006 will be a year of discovery–a year in which we contemplate more fully God's mission and purpose for our lives as individuals and as a church. As we reflect on our purpose as God's People, we won't be just "beating the air." Instead we will be going all out for the prize of the amazing joy that comes in serving God and God's people.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace, as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13 NIV

Over the years I have attended worship services in many different churches. At times I have heard about the Grace of God, but had never taken time to try to understand what the term means. What does it mean for us as Christians? I honestly believe I have heard more sermons on judgment and sin than I have on grace. Certainly that seems like a negative approach to the Gospel of the Good News.

Last spring I attended a Walk to Emmaus weekend and heard more about grace that weekend than I had ever heard before. Just recently our Sunday school class started a study on the book of Romans where Paul talks about God's grace. I have come to realize that a change in attitude is necessary for me to fully experience the grace of God. I must begin to exhibit the same grace to others that God has shown me.

This presents a paradox; I feel I must discriminate between things I don't feel right about and other things I see as good. In his recent book, Our Endangered Values, Jimmy Carter made a statement that really caught my attention. He wrote, "Our problem is not in defining sin, it is in understanding grace."

When we pray the Lord's Prayer, one of the phrases we use is, "forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." That is a heavy-duty statement! It is kind of scary to think that we are praying for God to treat us like we treat others. Have you ever thought about that?

As we enter this Christmas season maybe we should think of God's grace to us through the Christ child. May our horizons be enlarged to help us to show grace (forgiveness) to others.

As Jabez (I Chronicles 4:10) prayed asking that God would enlarge his territory, may our prayer be that God would enlarge our understanding and demonstrations of grace.

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. Call the church office or Dr. Duane Haidle for an appointment.

Broadway tryouts will be held on Sunday, January 8. From 3:30-4:00 everyone will be taught a song and dance. Then you will sign up for a 10-minute slot. Everyone is guaranteed to be in the show — this is just to see where you would fit the best!!! Rehearsals will begin the next Tuesday night and they will continue every Tuesday night from 7-9 p.m. and every Sunday from 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Thanks to all who participated in the 5^th annual "Cookie Walk." It was a great success; we even got a little news coverage on Fox 13 that evening. All proceeds are going to the building fund, and so far that is $2600.00, which also included the sale of cookbooks, calendar girl calendars, and chances for the wall quilt. The wall quilt was won by Debi Paulsen. This was all made possible by generous donations of goodies and crafts from various people, and of course the people who came and bought goodies and crafts. Thank you all!

Just when we thought it wasn't going to be ready for the Cookie Walk, our cookbook miraculously came together. Thanks be to God!!

Cookbooks are still available. They are $10 and you can get them from the office. Thanks!

(Cookbook Correction: The cheesecake recipe by Don and Peggy Porter—bake original portion of cheesecake for one-half hour (instead of 2 hours!)

In December’s newsletter, we suggested posting your holiday card to church members on our church bulletin board and giving a donation to the building fund (in lieu of spending money on stamps!). A total of $80 was given. We will do this again next year, so keep this idea in mind!! Following are the cards we received:

May the spirit of the first Christmas brighten your home and your heart. Merry Christmas to all! Doug, Linda and Elizabeth Kreib	To Our Mountain Vista Family: May the wonderful blessings of Christmas be with you throughout the New Year. Russ, Sherryl and Liana Madsen
Wishing you His love in your heart, His peace in your soul, and His joy in your life always. Best wishes during the holidays. Bob & Patti Chauza	May your Christmas be filled with the music of gladness…the melody of praise…the lyrics of love. Have a wonderful Christmas Season. Jane Tago and Family
To our Church Family: May your Christmas be joyful, peaceful and bright and filled with the love of that first holy night. The Murphys – Ron, Anita, Nicole, Dean and Danielle	In every home, in every heart, the lights of friendship glow; and once again it’s time to greet the friends it’s nice to know. Happy Holidays to our wonderful church family! Duane & Shirley Haidle
Wishing you a Joyful Season! Kurt, Vicky, Sam and Ben	To our Church Family, May your holiday season be bright. The Peralez Family
To my church family: May the peace and joy of Christmas be with you through the Year. Lorraine Wilkinson	Merry Christmas!!

Pizza, Popcorn and a Movie

Friday, January 20, 2006
7:00 p.m.

“The Bible vs. The Book of Mormon”

$1.00 admission

Both the Bible and the Book of Mormon declare themselves to be ancient, historical, and reliable rules of faith—the very word of God. These claims have historically been taken on faith. But is there any evidence to support them one way or the other? Is it even possible to 'test' a rule of faith? More to the point, is there any basis for placing one's faith in the Bible or the Book of Mormon? It's an important question. It's an eternal question. This presentation puts the Bible and the Book of Mormon to the same tests. History, archaeology, textual criticism, and other disciplines combine to shed light on what is true...and what is false. Truth never fears investigation. Faith need not—and should not—be blind. Discover for yourself which of these books is worthy of being called 'scripture' and which is worthy of your trust.

Friday, January 27, 2006
7:00 p.m.

“The Lost Book of Abraham:
Investigating A Remarkable Mormon Claim”

$1.00 admission

This award-winning new documentary film investigates the story behind a volume of Mormon scripture called the Book of Abraham. The story is that Mormon founder Joseph Smith translated it from an ancient Egyptian papyrus scroll he purchased from an antiquities dealer in 1835. The Lost Book of Abraham visits prominent Egyptologists and other scholars—both Mormon and non-Mormon—to learn the truth behind this fascinating episode in Mormon history.

As a follow-up to anyone interested, the 8-hour Bridges program will be offered at a later date.

Thank you so much for supporting the youth's sausage, biscuit and gravy breakfast. A total of $468.50 was raised!!

We had a fun December. We helped finish the decorating of the church for Christmas, went sledding at the Smugala's house and went Christmas Caroling at Silver Pines. We meet every Sunday after church for lunch and then do a fun activity, service project or Bible study. Sr. High is grades 9-12 and Jr. High is grades 6-8.

Just a reminder, the dates for the God & Country program are January 8, 15and 22. The medals will be awarded at all three services on Scout Sunday, February 12. If you weren't able to participate this time, another session is planned for later in the year. This is for boys and girls, grades 1-5. Please contact Dave Elwell, 860-1076, for more information.

The Gospel of Luke relates the story of the risen Christ appearing to two who were going along the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus. Two friends were walking together sharing their hearts' deepest concerns. The risen Christ joined them and explained the scriptures as they walked. This experience on the road was a heart-warming experience. The illuminating climax of the experience was when Christ took bread and said the blessing, then broke it and gave it to them. The two had their eyes opened and they recognized him as the risen Christ and they rushed back to Jerusalem to tell the others. (Luke 24:13-35) This story provides the image for Walk to Emmaus, a spiritual renewal program intended to strengthen the local church. This 72-hour experience takes a New Testament look at Christianity as a lifestyle. It is designed to strengthen and renew the faith of Christian people, and through them their families, congregations and the world in which they live. Emmaus is open to members of any denomination. The Men's Walk is February 23-26 and the Women's Walk is March 2-5. Both will be held at Hilltop UMC. Please contact Tracy Reinhard, Cory Coward or the church office if you are interested or have questions.

Don't forget the Sandwich Mission. Every third week of the month we make and serve sandwiches as an outreach mission.

The dates for January are:
Sunday, January 15: make/or bring sandwiches, 2 p.m.
Monday, January 16: serve sandwiches, 5 p.m. at St. Vincent DePaul Center, 500 West 200 South. (Usually finished by 6:30 p.m.)

Hilltop is creating a service directory for members. This directory is used to connect people who need work done or services performed with people who are qualified. In the past the directory was only members of Hilltop; however, we would like to include members of other Salt Lake area United Methodist churches.

A sample of service listings are: realtor, babysitting, plumber, electrician, attorney, scrapbooking, cosmetics, handyman, roofer, consulting, counseling, piano/singing lessons, etc. A form will be available on our website: hilltopumchurch.org. If you have suggestions or comments please email or call Marna Bratsos, 571-5777.

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.