The Mountain View March 2009

Pastor's Ponderings

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.
Psalm 121:1-2

March 2009

Pastor's Ponderings....

Raising the Preacher's Kids

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. –Proverbs 22:6

I've been thinking a lot lately about how much help Tracy and I have had raising our two boys. I hear the expression, "It takes a village to raise a child," but my experience has been, "It takes a church to raise a child," and that church has been the Mountain Vista United Methodist Church. I want to thank you, my church family, for all your help raising Shane and Scott. When we moved here, they were eight and six years old. So, for ten years, you have supported my children, taught them, prayed for them, admonished them, disciplined them, praised them, and loved them. Youth directors, Sunday School teachers, Vacation Bible School workers, Choir directors, Praise team leaders, Confirmation teachers, Christian Education Release Time teachers, Scout leaders, adult friends and mentors, and on and on, have made a positive, life-long difference in the lives of our sons. When people tell me what wonderful boys Tracy and I have—and I hear it a lot—I have to admit, I had A LOT of help! I will always be grateful beyond words.

Grace & Peace,
Pastor Steve

Lay Leader Message

Working At Cross Purposes

In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul writes about the parts of the body as an analogy for how members of a church work together; each exercising his or her Spiritual gifts to the benefit of all. Usually, this scripture is discussed in regards to how each member of a congregation or church has a unique role to fulfill within that congregation or church. I'd like to suggest that it may have a broader application to how members of different churches can and should work together for the greater good of all of Christ's kingdom.

In 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 Paul writes . . .

The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body - whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free - and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

This passage shows that there can be unity in diversity and that we all possess the same Spirit. Truly, God created a diverse world and diversity was God's intention in order to accomplish God's unified purpose.

When we read Paul's letter to the Corinthians, we should do so seeking its relevance in the 21st century. Paul was attempting to end divisions that were forming in the church in Corinth to ensure its continued unity and growth. Nevertheless, the divisions continued, not only in Corinth but throughout all of the church and in time the church split . . . and continued to split again and again.

So, now that we have many denominations and growing religious diversity, how do we look at Paul's letter? How do we apply it today in light of the fact that we do have all of these divisions? Do we look at it as a church? Or as a congregation? Or do we look at it more broadly?

We believe we are called to share our faith with others and if something we say or do touches the heart of another, we may draw them into our community of faith. If we do, we have the opportunity to help them grow in their walk with God by helping them to discover and discern their unique gifts. To become an integral part of the body serving an essential purpose.

But if in our outreach, our focus is on the correctness of our doctrine and the rightness of our beliefs, we will lose sight of our ministry and we will fail to help another individual begin their own ministry. Just as Paul encouraged the church in Corinth to discern their gifts and use them in concert with each other, we should encourage others to respond to that still small voice that they hear. We need to stop working at cross purposes against each other and begin working for "Cross" purposes with each other.

Given our differences as people, isn't it rather unrealistic to expect there is a "one-size-fits-all" church? Perhaps by finding the church and/or congregation that "speaks" to our own unique spiritual nature, we are better disciples and better servants. Don't we need to be nurtured in our own walk with God in a place where we can hear God speaking to us as individuals? We need a place where we are encouraged to explore and develop our spiritual gifts, just as we encourage others.

Doctrine or dogma must not overshadow the fact that we are all one in Christ. We cannot build the body of Christ by tearing down the faith of others. If we believe God is working in and through us in our own church, then we must trust that God is working in and through others in all of God's churches. When we encourage each other, respect and honor each other, build each other up, and give value to the work and service of all, we will be truly working as one body, ensuring its continued unity and growth. One body with many parts and many gifts to share.

With gratitude,
Steven

Praying for:

Dave Grierson
The Chauza Family
Ruth Elwell
Michael Felise
Scott Sill & Family
Bill & Stella Chapman
Russ Madsen
The Wilson Family
The Coates Family
Jim Wilder
The Anderson and Reynolds Families
Kelly Fayerweather and Family
Praying for all of those searching for employment and all in need of healing.

How can I repay the Lord my God for all God's Goodness to me? ~ 2 Samuel 24:24

MVUMC and TRINITY UMC Church Families

YOU’RE INVITED!

WHAT: Show GOD's LOVE and our support for a week of hosting and providing for families without a place to live at this time

WHO: Families sponsored by FAMILY PROMISE-Salt Lake

WHERE: Hilltop United Methodist Church/House- 985 E. 10600 S.

WHEN: March 8-15, 2009

HOW Needed: Breakfast Hosts 6-7 am weekday, Weekend am, midday and afternoon 8 am-5 pm, Prepare & deliver meals 6 pm, Evening Hosts 5-8:30 pm- help with delivered meals, etc., Overnight Hosts (preferably a male and a female) 8:30 pm-6 or 7 am (Fri. & Sat. nights hosts stay until 8 am), Transport Volunteers on Sunday July 15 at 1:30 pm, food items, telephone support, and much Prayer.

RSVP: Jane C. Tago, 282-0765, for more information &/or sign-up at Mt. Vista UMC.

help wanted

Volunteers Needed at Mountain Vista:
Get Involved: Share in the responsibility of maintaining our church. Many opportunities are available. Sign up to be a Sunday school teacher, bring refreshments, altar flowers, clean facilities, serve as ushers, get on a committee, plan events. The list goes on. Join in!

Check the clipboards or Contact the church office if you can help 280-4148

EVENTS

Wednesday Night Services are thriving!
Join Jean Ann Nohavec, Mitch Lambdin and a guest speaker each week at 6:00 p.m. for worship, music and Holy communion, followed by a light meal. Contact Jean Ann if you would like to be a speaker or provide a dinner for Wednesday nights.

February 26- March 1 - Men's Walk to Emmaus

March 1st, 2:00 p.m. - Nohavec Open house: celebrating 20 years in their Park City home!

March 4th 1:00 p.m. - Quilting workshop - Rotary Cutting and Strip Piecing

March 5-8 - Women's Walk to Emmaus

March 6-7 - Youth Event: 30 hour famine. Churches all over Utah are uniting to fast and pray for support of the massive hunger crisis in Africa. Event will be at Southeast Baptist. Please come and join the cause!

Saturday, March 7, 7-9:30 p.m. - "Spring Fling" Adult Dance at the LDS Stake, 90th S, 2901 W. Ballroom dancers will perform. Richard Stevenson and Bob Nohavec will provide live music.

March 8-15 - Family Promise
Help families in need. See the clipboard or Jane Tago to help.

March 9 - Red Cross Blood Drive 3:00-8:00 p.m. at Mtn. Vista. Give the gift of life.

March 15, 3:00 p.m.- Emmaus Grand Gathering
Ogden Community UMC at Washington Terrace

March 20 & 21- Lay Speaker Classes
Basic and Advanced (Lay Speakers Lead Bible Study). Lay Speakers must take a class every 3 years in order to stay "active" or "current". Contact Cheryl 568-0108 or layspeakers@comcast.net

March 22 - One Great Hour of Sharing.

INTO THE FUTURE!!

Holy Week:
April 5 Palm Sunday
April 9 Maundy Thursday
April 10 Good Friday
April 12 Easter Sunday

April 25, 2009 - Next Mountain Vista Auction
If you are interested in helping contact Cindie Selbo 282-1268.

May 1-2 - Annual Subdistrict Conference and Leadership Training Event on Friday and Saturday.

Family Promise date changes: June 14-21, August 23-30 and November 22-29, (Thanksgiving week)
These dates for hosting will be at Hilltop House.

WORSHIP AND STUDY

Bible Study
Monday 6:30 pm Bible Study @ Mtn Vista
Wednesday 9:00 am Women's Bible Study @ Linda's 566-4053
Saturday 8:00 am Men's Bible Study @ Mtn Vista

Emmaus 4th Day Reunion Groups
Monday 7:30 pm Women's Circle of Friends @ the Reinhard's
7:30 pm Women's Reunion @ Mtn Vista
Friday 7:00 am Men's Reunion: @ Jim's Family Restaurant (7609 S. Redwood Rd.)
Saturday 8:30 am Women's Reunion @ Espresso Connection (4465 S. Redwood Road)

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

MISSION WORK
You are one of God's children; I see the resemblance!

REACHING OUTSIDE OUR COMMUNITY:

UMCOR
March is the grand opening of the UMCOR depot in Salt Lake City. We will be a hub for UMCOR relief supplies to be shipped all over the west and many places overseas.
Volunteers needed! Call Brian 635-7080

Collecting:
Soup labels for Redbird Mission (Please include the barcode and “label for education” mark.)
Eyeglasses in good condition for future Mexico, Central and South America Mission trips
Donations for Pakistan Mission trip – Pac My Bags

Let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.
1 John 3:18 NRSV

OUTREACH IN OUR COMMUNITY:

Love Fund – Provides onetime assistance for families and individuals in need. In December & January we helped eight families with gasoline or transportation, four others with housing, more with food pantry.
Thank you for replenishing the love fund.

Collecting:
Clothing for Crossroads Thrift Store
Canned goods for Crossroads food pantry
Trial size shampoo & lotion for South Valley Shelter.
Box Tops for Education for local community services
Pop Tops for SLC Ronald McDonald House
Aluminum cans for our Choir Music
Recycle paper for our Building Fund
Blankets for Project Linus
Lap quilts for the Veteran's Hospital

CROSSROADS URBAN CENTER
Food Pantry: 347 S 400 E
Crackers, especially saltines & canned meats.
All food items needed!

Thrift Store: 1385 W Indiana Ave (850 S)
Kitchen items including small appliances

Please bring items to the church and they will be
delivered to Crossroads.

Sandwich Mission
Sunday, March 15: Make/bring sandwiches to church
Monday, March 16: Bring sandwiches to the church before 3:00.
Deliver & Serve sandwiches, 4:45pm at St Vincent DePaul Center, 500 West 200 South
For any questions, contact Lesa Stone 598- 1767.

"Oh yeah, these are the GOOD sandwiches! Where are you from? Yeah, the Methodists make good sandwiches."

If you have any questions regarding the Sandwich ministry and how you can become involved, please contact Lesa Stone at 598- 1767.

Kids

Acolytes needed for all services! Contact Linda Hartney for information.

Angel Choir (ages 3-8) Angel Choir Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. Contact Robin Smugala.

LIVE B.I.G. Sunday school classes 9:45 Join the fun! (Teachers needed, contact Lindsey Hardcastle)

Pinecliff Elementary Camp – Grade K-6, July 20-24 - $130

SCOUT NEWS

Girl Scouts:
Girl Scouts - Troop 2120, Mondays 7:00 pm, Sept.– May
Girls kindergarten through high school
Brandee Fox (573-3515)

Cub Scouts:
Cub Scouts - Pack 4012, Tuesdays 7:00pm, Aug.– May
Boys age 7-11 (1st –5th grade)
Kristin VanStaveren (282-5378)
Tigers
Wolves Mike VanStaveren 1st, 2nd Tuesday small room
Bears Chris White 1st, 2nd Tues Kitchen
Webelos Jim Goodrich 1st, 2nd Tues Large room
Pack Mtg. whole church last Tues of each month, 7 pm.
Cub Scouts Annual Cake Auction is Tuesday, March 31. Come see all the creative cakes and support our scouts.

Boy Scouts:
Boys 10 1/2 – 17, Troop 1012 meets year-round, Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. (no meeting the last Tuesday)
Court of Honors 1st Tuesday of the month every 3 months.
March & June.

The Troop will be working on the following Merit Badges: Astronomy, Camping, Climbing, and Hiking.
Check out the website http://troop1012.scoutdata.com
Sheila Anderson: sganderson3@msn.com.

Boy Scout Father's Day Pinewood Derby
June 20th @ Mtn. Vista Time: 11:00 a.m.. to 3:00 p.m.
So father's can start preparing their cars and get ready for a great day racing against other father's!

YOUTH

Youth Event: 30 hour famine. Churches all over Utah are uniting to fast and pray for support of the massive hunger crisis in Africa. Event will be March 6-7th at Southeast Baptist. Please come and join the cause!

Youth Serving Breakfast
Come Palm Sunday, April 5 to serve breakfast for the entire congregation!

Youth Cleaning Crew – March 20, May 8 and June 26.
Be one of the teams that help keep our church a nice place to be.

Pinecliff Jr. High Retreat Weekend – Grade 7-9 June 12-14 $65

Youth age 14-17 needed at Annual Conference June 17-20 as a Sub-District Equalization Lay Member. Contact Mary Ann Allison (801) 278-9223

Sweden Mission! August 1-14, 2009! Grades 9-12
This is an evangelical and relationship building effort.

YOUTH
Sunday:
9:45 am Sr. High Sunday School – Karyn
11:45 am Jr. High Sunday School – Geniel
1:00 pm Young Women's Dance Ministry – Samantha 598-1344
6::30 pm Jr. High Praise Team – Jayme 613-5431

Wednesday:
7:00- 7:30 pm - Youth Activity Lesson (Jr. and Sr. High) - Jason

For Sr. High Praise Team, Confirmation Class and other Youth activities contact Jason Stevens 598-1151

Jason's office hours: Mon: 1pm to 6pm, Tues: 1pm to 6pm, Wed: 2pm to 8pm, Thurs: off, Fri: 1pm to 6pm
jstevens4584@gmail.com 598-1151

If there are any parents or youth that DON'T receive e-mails about youth activities, please send me your e-mail address!

History of the Lenten Season
from The Upper Room

Lent
Wednesday, February 25, 2009, marks the beginning of the season of Lent, the forty days leading up to Easter (April 12, 2009). Lent has historically been observed by Christians as a time of self-examination and preparation. The forty days of Lent exclude Sundays, which are considered "little Easters."

The season of Lent comes to us with calls for prayer, fasting, and giving alms. During Lent we hold side by side the awareness of our sins and the promise of forgiveness, the call to repentance and the freedom of the resurrection.

During Lent we repent of, turn away from, those things that block our relationship with God and with others. Through prayer, fasting, and giving of ourselves and our resources, we turn our attention to God, to the good news of Christ's life, death, and resurrection.

The word Lent comes from the Anglo-Saxon word lenten, which means "spring." Lent began as a time of preparation for converts to Christianity (Easter was the traditional time of Baptism in the Early Church). So persons who were going to be confirmed would go through a period of prayer and fasting in preparation for their entry into the Christian faith. The season evolved into one which all Christians observed -- preparing themselves for the observance and remembering of the crucifixion, death, and resurrection of Christ.

Palm/Passion Sunday
The Sunday before Easter is Palm/Passion Sunday. In the "Palm" portion of the service, we remember Jesus' joyous entry into Jerusalem. Palm branches are handed out by children, festive hymns are sung which remind us of this triumphant story. (See Mt. 21:1-11, Mk. 11:1-11, Lk. 19:28-40.)

In the "Passion" emphasis of this Sunday, we look forward to the events of Holy Week, to the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus. The origin of passion is the Latin pati meaning "to suffer." Passion refers to the suffering of Christ between the night of the Last Supper and Christ's death. This story is told in Mt. 26:14-27:66, Mk. 14:1-15:47, and Lk. 22:14-23:56.

Since some members of the congregation may be unable to attend services during Holy Week, Palm/Passion Sunday helps Christians remember both Jesus' entry into Jerusalem and also the coming passion and death of Christ.

Rocky Mountain Conference Information

Lay Speaking Classes Scheduled
Lay Speakers are active, supportive members of the United Methodist church who are eager to serve through the church. Local Lay Speakers serve their local churches while Certified Lay Speakers serve in their own churches, in other churches and through district or conference projects and programs. (A Lay Speaker is not required to preach!) Basic and Advanced classes are offered several times each year in Utah. These classes equip Christians to become better leaders. Each course is 10 hours and is held on a Friday and Saturday. There will be two classes offered at Christ United Methodist Church (SLC) on March 20-21, 2009. (Friday 6:30-10 pm, Saturday 8:30 am – 5 pm) The Basic Course will be taught along with an advanced Course – "Lay Speakers Lead Bible Study." Classes are open to Local and Certified Lay Speakers and non-lay speakers who are interested. The cost of the Basic course is $25 (includes the book). The cost of the Bible Study Class is the cost of the books ($17) plus $10 payable on Friday night. Lunch will be provided on Saturday. Persons wishing to take an advanced course must order the books prior to the class. Please call or e-mail Cheryl Elliott Brown at 568-0108 to reserve a place in either class and to get information on how order the advanced class books. PLEASE NOTE!!! All Lay Speakers must take a lay speaking course at least once every three years in order to maintain their standing as a Lay Speaker. Lay Speakers who have not taken a class since 2006 must take a class this year.

UMCOR Utah Appointment Announcement
February 18, 2009—The Rev. Sam Dixon, the United Methodist Committee on Reliefs (UMCOR) top executive, announced today that the Rev. Brian Diggs is joining the organization, directing the ministry of the newly opened Western Jurisdiction Office in Salt Lake City, Utah. "I am very happy that Brian is coming on board," said Rev. Dixon. "His ties to the community, experience with the United Methodist Church and commitment to UMCOR's values will be a great benefit to the organization as we expand our reach through the Western Jurisdiction office."

The Western Jurisdiction Office will primarily serve as a material resources depot to store UMCOR supply kits. The facility will provide new opportunities for kit ministry in the Western Jurisdiction and will help reduce shipping costs and efficiency when areas affected by disaster are in the western part of the US or in Asia. UMCOR supply kits help care for the most vulnerable people during times of crisis. They help sustain everyday life by providing basic necessities to people who lack ready access to essential supplies. Ms. Kathy Kraiza, executive of UMCOR Sager Brown in Baldwin, LA will oversee the operations of both depots.

Rev. Diggs is a life-long United Methodist and has served as the pastor at the First United Methodist Church of Salt Lake City for ten years. While there, he has helped develop urban and global outreach ministries. As he prepares to transition, he said, "I am so excited to be a part of what UMCOR is doing around the world and what we are about to begin here in Salt Lake City." He continued, "I believe that this depot will flourish given the strong commitment of United Methodists here and Utah and across the nation."

The Western Jurisdiction Office is ready to put volunteers to work painting and cleaning as they prepare the 25,000 square foot warehouse for business. They expect to begin accepting kit donations in mid-March. Those interested in volunteering can contact Rev. Diggs by phone or email.
Phone: 801-973-7250
Phone/Fax: 801-973-7290
Email: WestDepot@UMCOR.org

DS Appointment Announcement
Bishop Stanovsky has announced her intention to appoint the Rev. Steven K. Goodier as the new Utah/Western Colorado District Superintendent, effective July 1, 2009. Steve will follow Rev. Glenda Ulmer, who is completing an 8-year term as District Superintendent.

Steve was ordained elder in 1979 and has served appointments to local churches including Eagle-Gypsum, East UMC in Colorado Springs, Grace UMC in Denver and currently as Senior Pastor of Christ UMC, Salt Lake City. He also served in extension ministry with Life Support System Publishing. His wife, Beverly, is a Diaconal Minister, also serving Christ UMC. The district office is expected to move from Grand Junction, Colorado to Salt Lake City, Utah.

Please hold the Utah/Western Colorado District, Christ UMC and these clergy persons and their families in your prayers during the months ahead.

Christ UMC Appointment Announcement
Rev. Marti Zimmerman will be the new Senior Pastor at Christ UMC. Marti has been serving at Smoky Hill UMC in Denver.
More information to come.

Annual Conference Information
Annual Conference June 17-20 at the Two Rivers Convention Center in Grand Junction, CO. Visit www.RMCUMC.org, and select News, then Annual Conference, then the 2009 date (http://rmcumc.org/COI/ac/ac2009/ ) The hotels page has a map and a listing of hotels with special rates for our Conference.

Announcements

-GO GREEN! Green Fiber Recycling – fill the bin with flattened cardboard, magazines, catalogs, books, junk mail, newspapers and all paper items. Green Fiber pays Mountain Vista by the pound! $$$

Parents and Leaders, Please tidy/clean all rooms your children or group use and check all lights, doors and bathrooms before leaving. No food or drinks on the new carpet.

Side building doors must be locked with a key.

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.
Going Green: Newsletters will be emailed unless regular mail is requested.