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.

June 2002

Pastor's Ponderings…

Give Thanks in all circumstances
1 Thessalonians 5:18

Corrie Ten Boom and her sister, Betsie, were in the nightmare conditions of the German prison camp during World War II. Corrie was read to give up hope. Betsie on the other hand could not be diverted from her constant faith in God's goodness. One day while Corrie was reading out loud from the Bible which they had miraculously been able to get past the guards a number of times, Betsie stopped her. 

Corrie read, "Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus."

In Corrie's book, The Hiding Place (p. 180), we read the conversation:

"That's it, Corrie! That's His answer. 'Give thanks in all circumstances!' That's what we can do. We can start right now to thank God for every single thing about this new barracks!"
I stared at her, then around me at the dark, foul-aired room. "Such as?" I said. 
"Such as being assigned here together."
I bit my lip. "Oh, Yes, Lord Jesus!"
"Such as what you're holding in your hands."
I looked down at the Bible. "Yes! Thank You, dear Lord, that there was no inspection when we entered here! Thank You for all the women here in this room who will meet You in these pages."
"Yes," said Betsie. "Thank You for the very crowding here. Since we're packed so close, that many more will hear!" She looked at me expectantly. "Come!" She prodded.
"Oh, all right. Thank You for the jammed, crammed, stuffed, packed, suffocating crowds."
"Thank You," Betsie went serenely, "for the fleas and for—"
The fleas! This was too much. "Betsie, there's no way even God can make me grateful for a flea."
"Give thanks in all circumstances," she quoted. "It doesn't say, 'in pleasant circumstances.' Fleas are part of this place where God has put us."
And so we stood between piers of bunks and gave thanks for fleas. But this time I was sure Betsie was wrong.

What are the "fleas" in your life that are causing you to resist giving thanks to God in all circumstances? Because of those nagging, biting distractions to fulfillment in your life, are you refusing to give thanks in any circumstances? Allow God to cleanse you of those distractions. Even when the problem does not go away, it does not need to be a distraction in your relationship with God and with others. Allow God to restore to you a sense of peace in the knowledge that God may even be using those annoyances—large and small—to push you to make changes and deal with conflict and turmoil in creative and positive ways. 

Peace,
Pastor Steve

Bazaar!

The Arts, Crafts and Antiques Bazaar was a successful event with sales of $1,318.25. Portions of this amount will go towards our library and to other special projects. Thank you to all who participated, either buying or selling and to the youth who sold refreshments.

Special thanks go to members of the committee: Jane Cordes, Rhonda Nelson, Jean Ann Nohavec, Carol Molyneux, Marlene Reeves, Betty Ross and Lorraine Wilkinson. Thanks also to Lois Sigafus and Peggy Robinson who helped us during the event.

United Methodist Women

All women are welcome to come join in fellowship, study and mission. Currently Ruth and Martha Circles meet monthly. If you are interested in forming a new circle at a time more convenient for you, please contact Tina Whaley at 260-1481. Both Circles are studying "Women in Leadership."

Ruth Circle - June 18th - 7 to 9 p.m.
Martha Circle - June 19th - 1 to 3 p.m.

Utah/Western District
Dates to Remember in 2002

June 21-23 — Utah /Western Spiritual Retreats

July 20 — Peaks and Plains - A Day Apart - Estes Park UMC
July 26-28 — School of Christian Enrichment - Mount Pleasant, Utah

August 22-25 — School of Christian Mission - Iliff School of Theology - Denver, Colorado

September 14-15 — Utah/Western Annual Meeting - First UMC - Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Retreat Leader - Judy Anne Mayne
Pine Cliff Camp and Retreat Center
Cost $45 per person - Registration Deadline is June 16th. 
(Includes dinner Friday; breakfast, lunch, dinner Saturday; breakfast Sunday; program materials and accommodations.)

The Mountain Vista Day Spa

You are cordially invited to indulge yourself in the Mountain Vista Day Spa on June 23, 2002, open from 9:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Each person will be pampered with one or all of the following choices: a 15 minute chair massage, a 10 minute foot massage, a 20-30 minute hot towel facial. These services are being offered through Barb McClellan's Seed Money Fundraiser. A $10 donation will buy all or your choice of treatments. Pay ahead to reserve your appointment or pay at the door for available openings. Come prepared to be spoiled and relaxed! Call Barb McClellan with questions @ 969-7478.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

HEY KIDS!!!! Join the Amazon Outfitters: our expedition with the one true God!!!
July 15-19
9:00 a.m. - noon
For ages 4 years through 6th Grade
Mark your calendars now so you won't miss out on this exciting journey!

ELEMENTARY CAMP

For Grades 1-6 at Pinecliff near Coalville, Utah.

July 8-12 or July 22-26
Cost: $120

A camp for elementary youth. Meet new friends. Explore God's presence through music, crafts and recreation (5 days and 4 nights). Registration forms are available at the church. A minimum $25 deposit must accompany registration. Please contact Nancy Peralez, 964-6084, for more information.

Ticket sales as of May 22nd were $5,750. Wal Mart has kindly matched $1,000 of our ticket sales! And it's not over, yet! Ticket sales are expected to be very good for the weekend of May 24th and 25th. Great job, everyone!!

The church's office hours are 9 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday. Pastor Steve is available in the office Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to noon, with Monday as his day off.

Article Due Dates

For the Sunday Bulletin: Wednesday of each week.
For the Mountain View: the 21st of each month.