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.
July 2008
Pastor's Ponderings....
Herding Cats
Have you ever heard the expression, "Working with some people is like herding cats!"? I got "hands on" experience of the "herding cats" part recently—one cat, anyway. I learned quickly that I have no training in the transportation of cats. A friend of mine was going to a rehabilitation center in the valley that accepts pets. He asked if I could bring him his kitty named "Spirit." I said, "Sure!" First mistake!
I have no one but myself to blame. Really, I knew better! I grew up having cats through my teens. While transporting Spirit, I had flashbacks of my mom driving one of our cats to the vet and having the cat jump on her head and burrow down in her hair. Well, that didn't happen to me, but everything else did. I've had dogs for a long time, so I thought, "What do you do with a pet you want to take for a drive? You just put them on a leash and load them in the car!" Second mistake!
The cat was extremely happy to see me—purring and brushing up against my ankle—UNTIL I put a leash on him. Why wouldn't he walk along with me when I pulled on the leash? I finally had to pick him up and carry him to the car. I put him in the passenger seat and rapped the leash around the headrest. I was just about to close the door when he made his break! For a split second, I thought he was going to hang himself. Then his head slipped out of the collar, and he took off to go hide under the nearest car! "How am I every going to tell my friend I lost his cat?" Fortunately, I had a few cans of Friskies. I tapped a can on the sidewalk, and after a few false starts, the cat allowed me to pick him up again. I got him back in the car and opened the can of cat food to give him something to do while we drove. Third mistake!
All he did was sit in the food and step in the food. Then, he tracked the food all around my car and in my lap. Soon he was in the back seat and on the floor and on the dashboard and in my lap—everywhere but on my head, thank goodness. He even honked the horn once at an intersection when he was in my lap with his paws on the wheel. People glared at me. I just pointed at the cat. "It wasn't me. It was the cat!" I don’t think they believed me. There was hair everywhere! There were claw marks down the glove compartment door.
When I finally got him to the care center, he did pretty well until I got him to the end of a very long hall, and he saw a man coming toward us in a wheel chair. That was when he went berserk. He caught a claw in my neck. Then he put a claw and a hole through the front of my shirt. Then he tried desperately to get away by getting traction on my arms. I got him back to the front desk, and he took another flying leap and slipped out of his collar again. Fortunately, there was no one behind the desk on whom he could land. In a flash he was behind the copy machine.
A visitor was walking by. I asked her if she could go get help. She said there was no one available. I said, "PLEEEEEEEEASE help!" She said, "You don't understand. It's dinner time, and all the staff are feeding the residents." I wanted to say, "You don’t understand. There's a wild animal loose in the care center, and he is liable to attack unsuspecting residents without warning!" Instead, I just said, "Please," again. I must have looked desperate enough that she finally went to look for someone. I saw her again as I left the center. She said to me, "Maybe next time your friend will think about having his cat in a carrier before someone tries to drive him somewhere." Now, THAT made my blood boil! You know why? Because she was so right.
When Spirit was finally on the bed with his owner, you would have never known there had been anything wrong at all. I said to one of the staff as I left, "I don't know why the cat couldn't understand I was only trying to help."
Have you ever known someone whom you were just trying to help, and all they did was scratch, bite, hiss, and treat you horribly? Sometimes, we just throw up our hands and say, "Forget it!" Other times, we realize that the more they scratch, bite, and hiss—the more lonely and afraid they are. Will taking the risk of reaching out to a hurting person sometimes mean getting scratched and bitten? Yes. Should we do it anyway? Yes.
Why would we do such a crazy thing? Because we are the hands and heart of God
in the world—the God spoken of in Psalm 42:16:
I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,
along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;
I will turn the darkness into light before them
and make the rough places smooth.
These are the things I will do;
I will not forsake them.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Steve
BEAUTIFUL FEET ?
Romans 10:15
It was a bright sunshiny day in June, a pretty month with green grass and comfortable temperatures. I had been out baling hay since quite early in the morning. Having finished up one field I moved to another field, which was on the other side of a pasture. Having moved the tractor and the baler I started to walk back to get the truck.
Rather than walk around the perimeter of the pasture I decided to take a short cut. As I said before it was a beautiful morning, I was enjoying the beauty of the day as I walked. I came up over a small rise in the pasture and to my chagrin there stood a large Holstein bull. The bull saw me and immediately raised his head in a position of high alert. He was about 200 yards away. My immediate reaction was to look for some kind of shelter to protect myself in case he should decide to charge. A quick look made me aware there was no cover for me in the pasture, the fences were too far away to be used for safety.
Many thoughts went through my mind, none of which offered a great deal of hope should he charge. At times like this it is easy to pray, but for what do you pray? My feet having proved trustworthy in the past had never been fast nor seen as beautiful. If it became necessary to run I would need to have prayed, "Lord you pick em' up I’ll lay em' down" since I knew I couldn't outrun him on my own. Thankfully the bull chose to ignore me and went back to grazing. I heaved a big sigh of relief when I reached the fence on the other side of the pasture.
I don't think much about my feet, but Paul tells us that our feet are beautiful, when they are used for spreading the Gospel, and to bring glad tidings to people. The good news can be, reaching the safety of the fence, or becoming aware of the good news of the Gospel. Carrying the Gospel can make our feet beautiful!
Peace
Duane
July 08
It is with a humble heart and deep gratitude and appreciation that I am writing
to God's holy people at Mountain Vista.
I leave you with these words from the apostle Paul.
When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to God, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from God's glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to God in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:14-21.
As I embark on this journey, I go having experienced the love of Christ, though
it is too great to understand fully. I am being made complete with all the
fullness of life and power that comes from God through you. Your presence, your
prayers, your encouragement and your love are the reason I am on this path.
Because of you, my life has been blessed beyond measure.
From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.
Please continue to keep me in your prayers as I continue to lift you up to a
truly awesome God!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Debi
CELEBRATE!
Welcome New Members
Scott Moulton
Lyndsey Hardcastel
Patracia Park-Bitterman
Baptisms
Scott Moulton
Lyndsey Hardcastel
Quincey Hardcastle,
Makinsey Hardcastle
Graduates
Dennis Frye
Melisa Rimmer
Births
Rebekah Paige Wilson
Congratulations to:
Brandee Fox, the new secretary at Trinity UMC!
Melissa Pharmer, our newest childcare provider at Mountain Vista UMC!
Debi Paulsen, the new lay pastor at Tooele UMC!
Bob Nohavec, newly retired choir director.
BUILDING COMMITTEE
Here's what's going on for the Building Committee.....Appraisal is done! Contracts are signed by all parties! The loan is just awaiting the Appraisal and the Contract. The Redline engineering drawings are back from West Jordan for corrections, the corrections are being resubmitted and then will go to West Jordan planning/ building Committee. When we get our building permit we are within 3-4 weeks from digging.
Keep praying Please!!!
YBIC Cory
Praying for:
The Coward Family
The Palady Family
Tracy Reinhard
The Siex Family
Duane Haidle
Joe Bokum
Kelly Fayerweather and Family
Wendy Haden
The Coates Family
The Anderson and Reynolds Families
The Grover Family
All that are hurting.
GIVE THANKS!
Thank You!
Thanks to all from Jean Ann and I for a most enjoyable "roast" last Sunday
afternoon. It was a blast! We were humbled by your kindness and thoroughly
entertained by those of you who took the stage, front and center, to express
your innermost and previously well-concealed feelings.
A special thank-you to Debi and others who planned the event and to Jerry for
his skill in preparing the "mass choir" for the final number. I was thrilled to
be given the opportunity to jump in at the last minute and direct this most
excellent choral organization.
This event will forever reside in our memories (or at least until we no longer
have the capacity to remember anything)! Thanks again.
Bob Nohavec
Thank you from Family Promise
We cannot thank you enough for your recent service. We fully recognize the dedication that it takes to serve as a coordinator and the challenges you face, and we know that your work may go under-appreciated and under-recognized at times.
Please know that you and your volunteers are a vital part of our program. Without you, we would not be able to succeed in our efforts to love and help homeless families. We are so grateful that you are willing to take the time to serve families by offering care, meals and countless other forms of support. Your compassion and concern has helped these families immensely during their times of need.
Thank you again for your wonderful service because it truly helps homeless families achieve lasting self-sufficiency. It is a privilege to share in this ministry with you.
With great appreciation,
Rev. Jennifer Hare-Diggs
Executive Director
Tony Milner
Program Director
Please welcome New Beginnings Presbyterian Congregation! They will be worshiping in Mountain Vista’s Sanctuary Sundays at 3:15 starting in July. New Beginnings Praise Team will continue to practice on Saturdays 9-11:00.
West Jordan 4th of July Parade
Mountain Vista will have a float in the Parade! Donations of bright colored crepe paper, flowers or other Hawaiian theme items to decorate the float are needed.
We will be decorating our float July 3rd, 5pm at the Dummer’s. Bikes, wagons, strollers, motorcycles and pedestrians are all welcome. Volunteers to help decorate or participate in the parade please contact Brenda Dummer dummerbl@yahoo.com.
June 30 – July 8th, 2008 –
Youth Mission to Mexico
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
July 14-18, 2008, 9 a.m. until noon
Mountain Vista UMC Vacation Bible School 2008
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
INTO THE FUTURE!!
CHRYSALIS - EMMAUS
Chrysalis Young Women: Aug 7-10,
*Chrysalis Young Men: Aug 14-17 *** new date
“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!
www.utwte.org
Chrysalis/Emmaus Gathering & Hoot: Aug 24 (new date)
AUGUST 11 - 15, 2008
CUMC VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
at Christ United Methodist Church
2375 East 3300 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84109
"POWER LAB"
DISCOVERING JESUS' MIRACULOUS POWER
Mark your calendars for Power Lab, our 2008 Vacation Bible School! We will be
Fizzing with Fun and Excitement learning how Jesus gives us POWER to be
thankful, help others, be brave, live forever and tell others about God. You
won't want to miss one minute of the fun with Chadder and his Science
Adventures.
Contact: Cindy Larson 599-8237 or Cindy@ChristUMCUtah.net
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)
Sermon Series based on the book: Your God Is Too Small, by J. B. Phillips
Help Wanted
Helpers needed July 5th, 1:00pm to help Bill & Laurie Bruce load their moving
van. They are heading to Arkansas! Call the office if you can help.
We Need Painters!
Mountain Vista and Hilltop UMC are collaborating to paint the church in Eureka,
about an hour south of here. Actual painting will take place on Tuesday, the
15th of July. We are going to go down on Saturday, the 12th to do some prep
work, like pressure washing and scraping. If you have a pressure washer you
could donate for a day, or if you’d like to help out for a few hours, contact
Jerry Selbo at 282-1268. Lunch will be provided.
Fencing Builders Needed
The 2-rail fence along the east side of our lot needs to be covered with vinyl
fencing according to West Jordan City.
Volunteer installers needed. Please contact the office or building committee
with information.
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:
Vacation Bible School workers needed See Lesa
Children’s church volunteers are needed! 11:15
Lawn Mowing help for July, August and September.
New Cleaning volunteers are needed.
Contact the church office if you can help 280-4148
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
Collecting:
Blankets for Africa – Due by July - See Lorraine
Save shoeboxes and small toys for October.
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
Clothing for Crossroads Thrift Store
Canned goods for Crossroads food pantry – JULY FOOD DRIVE!
Aluminum cans for our Choir Music
Recycle paper for our Building Fund
Blankets for Project Linus
Love Fund – Provides one time assistance for families and individuals in need.
During June the Love Fund helped 1 family with medical needs. Thank you for your
generous support so that we can reach out to others in need. The fund is at
$52.68.
Sandwich Mission
Sunday, July 20: Make/bring sandwiches to church
Monday, July 21: 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 Lesa Stone 255-4324 for July and August.
"Oh yeah, these are the GOOD sandwiches! Where are you from? Yeah, the
Methodists make good sandwiches."
CROSSROADS URBAN CENTER
Thrift Store: 1385 W Indiana Ave (850 S)
Pantry: 347 S 400 E
Foods for the month for July are small jars of peanut butter and canned or
powdered milk.
All food items needed!
Canned goods for Crossroads food pantry – JULY FOOD DRIVE!
July – Food Drive for Crossroads food pantry!
We will be competing with the other Christian churches in the valley. When we
turn in our donations to Crossroads, they will record the pounds donated, divide
the total weight by our average weekly attendance during July. The congregation
with the most weight per person wins the Golden Dehydrated Celery Cup! But the
real winners are those who use the pantry to meet their needs!
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.
Thrift store items for July are towels & wash cloths.
Please bring items to the church and they will be delivered to Crossroads.
Hello Blanket Makers,
We have had a great response to these announcements and have been able to make
many more blankets due to your help.
Project Linus has just delivered the 1000th blanket to a child in critical care
or traumatic situation. Thank you to everyone who helped make a blanket. Please
consider making a blanket or coming to "Make a Blanket Day" the third Tues. of
each month at the South Jordan Public Library. We meet from 5-8, come spend a
little or a lot of time and learn to make a blanket. For more information call
Kathy 302-8096 or e-mail: morrowchey@att.net.
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
-Mountain Vista's Women’s Craft group works on blankets Wednesdays at 2:00 pm.
Kids
Acolytes needed for all services! Contact Linda Hartney for information.
Angel Choir (ages 3-8) Angel Choir will break for the summer and reconvene after
Labor Day. Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. Thank you! Robin Smugala
LIVE B.I.G. Sunday school classes 9:45 Join the fun!
(Teachers needed, contact Brenda Dummer)
Pinecliff Elementary Camp July 7-11 (Grades K-6)
Cost is $130
Vacation Bible School – July 14-18,
9-noon – Take a Trip to Outrigger Island! Call Lesa for information: (801)
255-4324
Don't let the summer vacation pass by without planning a "trip" to Outrigger
Island. What could be better than learning and celebrating together God's Truths
in a Tropical Paradise!!
Schedule your flight and pack your bags for a week of fun, fellowship, and
learning.
Boy Scout News & Updates: Troop #1012
Court of Honors held on June 14, 2008 - Congratulations to the following boys:
Congratulations to the following boys on their Advancements:
Kyle Goodrich - BoyScout Rank
Joey VanStraveren- BoyScout Rank
Brandon Sleight - New Member
Cullen McQuillen- New Member
Congratulations to the following boys on their Merit Badges:
Christian Mickelsen- Personal Management, Personal Fitness, Camping and American
Heritage
Jordan Andrews - Composite Materials and American Heritage
Justin Anderson - American Heritage, Music, Painting, and Reading
Dillon Fayerweather - Cooking, American Heritage, Music, Painting, Reading,
Composite Materials and Model Design & Building
Pinewood Derby for Father's Day Results:
Everyone was a winner but the final runners taking the first 3 places are:
Lynn Anderson - 1st Place
Steve Reinhardt - 2nd Place
Dale Fayerweather - 3rd Place
The Father's day pinewood derby was a lot of fun. The dad's had a great time. Don't worry dads for those of you who missed out on this. You can participate next year. The Troop will continue to do this since everyone had a great time.
Next year the Race will take place on June 20th, 2009. This gives you Dad's a heads up and a year to start building your cars.
So mark your calendar in advance and be ready to race. I will post this again
when the date is closer to Father's Day!
Thank you!
Troops Agenda for July 2008.
The Troop will be working on a word called, "Teamwork" and that there is no "I"
in this word. I believe with adding this into the Boy Scout program this will
teach each of the boys with
many challenges they will face throughout their lives. I as a Scoutmaster, also
promise I will be making this a fun learning experience and mix things up so
they're also achieving advancements. So come check out the Troop and the fun.
Many times the boys don't even realize they're working on their advancements or
merit badges because I love to take and add some exciting twists to things so
the kids have fun and enjoy each and every meeting.
Any boy between the ages of 10 1/2 to 17 come enjoy of evening with the Troop.
Place: Mountain Vista United Methodist Church
Time: 6:30 P.M. Tuesdays
Check out the website : http://troop1012.scoutdata.com
If you have any questions you can contact me via email @ sganderson3@msn.com.
Scoutmaster: Sheila Anderson
Asst. Scoutmaster: Dale Fayerweather
Asst. Scoutmaster: Lynn Anderson
Asst. Scoutmaster: Mike VanStravern
Committee Chair: Teeny Reynolds
Senior Patrol Leader: Christian Mickelsen
Boy Scouts: Troop 1012 meets year-round.
Cub Scouts
Cub Scouts - Pack 4012 Tuesdays 7:00 p.m., Aug.– May
Boys age 7-11 (1st –5th grade)
Kristin VanStaveren (282-5378) – Cub Scouts
Girl Scouts:
Girl Scouts - Troop 2120 Mondays 7:00 p.m., Sept.– May
Girls kindergarten through high school
Brandee Fox (573-3515) - Girl Scouts
YOUTH NEWS
Hello Mt Vista!!
Wow where to begin. God has been keeping the youth pretty busy. We have so many retreats and missions this year. Scott Reinhard and Luke Peralez will be representing Mt Vista as they travel to Casa Hogar, Mexico. They will be gone from the end of June to the beginning of July. Please keep them in your prayers. Also, the Cleveland family and myself will be representing Mt Vista as we travel to a Cheyenne Reservation in Montana. We will be gone for a little over a week in Mid July. We are expanding God's care and love beyond our boarders and comfort zones. I'm excited to see how they turn out.
We recently went bowling. We had 'friendly competition' between some of the
lanes. We had a great time and a great turnout. Also some of our youth attended
the Jr. high Pinecliff camp. I would encourage you to ask them how it was. I will
continue to keep everyone posted on dates and future summer information. If you
haven't received any emails from me and would like to for youth events, please
e-mail me so I can place you on my e-mail list.
J_Train007@hotmail.com
Thanks everyone and continue to have a blessed summer!!
Jason ><>
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)
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 WOMEN’S: AUGUST 7-10
YOUNG MEN’S: AUGUST 14-17 (*NEW DATE*)
Where? Park City Community Church
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.
Chrysalis/Emmaus Gathering & Hoot Aug 24 * NEW DATE*
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.
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