The Mountain View November 2002

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.

Acts 2:42-47. They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

It was wonderful to attend the Christ-centered small group training sponsored by NavPress in Salt Lake City on Saturday, October 19. Thanks to Tracy Broeder, Doug Kreib, Ranae Montour, Nancy Peralez and Jim Wilder for joining me in this all-day seminar.

I want to share several important learnings from the training because these ideas are critical for strengthening the compassion ministry of our church.

To grow larger, a church must grow smaller through small groups. Small groups give us a close connection with 2 to 11 other people. We're reminded regularly of what we can do to help in their lives and they in ours.

Chances are very high that a person will not stay involved in a church if he or she is not involved in a small group. As our church grows, we are not able to know everyone, but we can still have a number of friendships through our small groups.

Small groups can gather around as many topics or activities as our imaginations can inspire: hiking, biking, golf, reading, Bible Study, prayer, cooking and on and on. Do you have a snall group idea? Let us know.

As you can see, small groups are very important at the Mountain Vista United Methodist Church. IN fact, it is my prayer that we are quickly becoming not just a church WITH small groups, but a church OF small groups in which every single participant has deeper friendships and commitment with a circle of special people through a small group.

If you're not in a small group, why not? If you're not finding the small group to meet your needs and those of others you know, start one! Let us know your ideas.

If you need more information about our small groups, please call the church office at 280-4148.

Annual Cookie Walk & Christmas Boutique

Saturday, December 7, 2002
9:00 a.m.
until the cookies sell out

Cookie bakers and boutique item makers, please contact Peggy Robison 280-2765, or sign up on the lists at church by December 1.

Merry Christmas!

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS
are not just for adults and youth. Children ages 4-11 are invited to participate in several activities lead by talented adults at Mountain Vista United Methodist Church.

Sheri Sturdevant will be leading arts and crafts. Sheri's experience working with the youth of today is teaching art in the Granite School District to junior high students. You can see many creative things around the church that help adorn our building.

Tracy Reinhard will help children create music. Children will sing both sacred and secular songs, play both rhythmic and melodic instruments, listen, move and create music in many different ways. Tray is a music specialist in six elementary schools in the Salt Lake School District.

Nancy Peralez, Anita Murphy and Stephanie Cafarelli have all been involved with Christian Education through Vacation Bible School, Sunday School, etc. They will share stories with the children on Wednesday night and share their enthusiasm and love for Christ.

TO:	Bible Study
WHEN:	Every Thursday
TIME:	9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
PLACE:	Jennifer Coe's House (8929 Sunspring Dr.)
	Our study is called "Success God's Way. We will have discussions and listen to a tape. It is SO good! If you have kids, they are welcome to come and socialize with each other.

Each month we want to spotlight some special people in our church who teach Sunday School. These special people take time each week to prepare and lead a class. We hope that this will encourage you to get to know more of the leaders in our church and to come to Sunday School. Sunday School begins each Sunday morning at 9:45 a.m. with the exception of the first Sunday of the quarter when we have our Sunday brunch.

Our first teacher to spotlight for this month is Jennifer Coe. Jennifer teaches with Anita Murphy in the Kindergarten/First Grade class located next to the sanctuary in the children's quiet room. She move to West Jordan about 18 months ago from the Chicago, Illinois, area and has been attending Mountain Vista for the past year. Jennifer works for Rocky Mountain Data Control from her home part time which gives her more time to do things with her family like hiking, biking and skiing. Her family members are: her husband, Rob, who works for Frito Lay, and her tow sons, Josh, a third grader, and Nic, in kindergarten. Jennifer enjoys teaching the Kindergarten/First Grade class because the children are so eager to learn at this age. She also remembers going to church as a child and how much fun he had in Sunday School. Jennifer invites all children to come to Sunday School as we continue to learn about Moses from his birth to leading God's people to the promised land.

Come and be a part of a support group at Mountain Vista United Methodist Church!

The purpose of the women and men's support groups (Circle of Friends) is to create an atmosphere of acceptance and confidentiality that encourages men and women to share the joy and pain of their everyday lives. Men and women are encouraged to have a daily devotion time with God and to share with the group ways in which God helps and challenges them in their faith walk. Diversity of thought within the basic belief system of Christianity is respected and support is given to men and women who may just be starting their faith walk. The "Circle of Friends" provides time to form close, long-lasting friendships and to develop a more person relationship with God.

Presently there are five support groups meeting on Monday evenings from 7-8 p.m. and Wednesday evenings at 6:45-7:45 p.m. following the Wednesday evening worship. Babysitting is provided on Wednesday evenings. If you are interested in belonging to one of these support groups, please contact Tracy Reinhard at 282-5742. If you are interested but cannot attend Monday or Wednesday evenings, let Tracy know. She would be happy to start up other groups on different days if there is an interest.

Calling All Mountain Vista Children, Youth and Adults to Perform
"Wise Guys and Starry Skies" in December.

Sunday, November 3 at 9 a.m. , during the Sunday School hour, practices will be held each Sunday for about 20 minutes to learn the production of "Wise Guys and Starry Skies," directed by Tracy Reinhard. Our director is calling all children, youth and adults who enjoy singing and acting to help out with this production. Tracy is also looking for volunteer to assist in building some palm trees, cardboard camels, and a black backdrop with twinkle lights. Please contact Tracy at 282-5742 if you are interested in helping.

I had to put my socks back on because you completely "knocked my socks off" with the surprise birthday party you threw for me a week ago Saturday. Thank you for all the great gifts, cards, cake, food, decorations, and especially the kind words, hugs, smiles, and handshakes that make me feel so appreciated and loved. God's love working through the people of the Mountain Vista United Methodist Church never ceases to surprise me!

All events taking place on church property MUST have a building usage form filled out and approved. Please contact the office for a copy of the building usage policy and form.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Board of Trustees

Sunday Services (Oct. 6, 13, 20)
First Service: 35 worshippers
Second Service: 106 worshippers