The Mountain View October 2007

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.

October 2007

Pastor's Ponderings....

"Decisive Love"

This year I have had the privilege of officiating at nine weddings. Whenever I perform a wedding, I can't help but look at my own marriage and reflect. As when I preach, I find myself not only talking to the couple, but I find God is also speaking to me in the scriptural message. One of my favorite things to do at a wedding is read part of the "Love Chapter," 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, and ask the couple to put themselves in the place of the word, "love" each day as they prepare to be the best marriage partner they can be:

"I will be patient, I will be kind. I will not envy, I will not boast, I will not be proud. I will not be rude, I will not be self-seeking, I will not be easily angered, I will keep no record of wrongs. I will not delight in evil but rejoice with the truth. I will always protect, always trust, always hope, always persevere."

You realize right away that things like patience, selflessness, trust, hope, and perseverance are not easy. They do not come naturally. We don’t usually FEEL like doing these things. That is when we know that love is NOT a feeling. LOVE IS A DECISION. I tell couples you don’t fall in love and then get married. You get married and spend the rest of your lives learning how to love. You decide to love when the other is not easy to love; when the other does not deserve the love—the way God loves us.

Grace and Peace,
Pastor Steve

REFLECTIONS

Are We Too Religious?

This sounds like a real heretical statement. Most sermons focus on getting closer to God and leading a better life. The question that arises here is what do we mean by religion? Is religion a part of the Christian walk? Is it a set of doctrines and practices that we assume will lead us into that eternal kingdom when we die?

One of the definitions that Webster gives for religion is; an institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs and practices. He goes on to say it is a system of beliefs and practices held to with ardor and faith. What are we to do? Isn't faith the cornerstone of our belief system?

Eugene Petersen, in his introduction to the book of Hebrews had this to say; "religion—the well intentioned efforts we make in an attempt to get it all together for God—can very well get in the way of what God is doing for us." If we are not careful we can use our religious beliefs to discourage fellow sojourners.

Example, just recently there was a statement issued by the Pope saying that there are no true Christians outside the Catholic Church. I find myself somewhat offended by that statement. What about the judgments made by religious leaders about other faiths? The street preachers who attempt to disrupt the semi-annual LDS Conferences by passing judgment on the LDS people, all supposedly in the name of Christ. Is this an example of religiosity that Christ condemned in the Pharisees?

There are many other examples of religiosity, but the question is, are we so ensconced in our own belief system and religious practices that we are no longer open to the leading of God's Spirit and His work here on earth? Does our impatience and sense of self-importance cause us to attempt to push God out of the way?

These are troubling but important questions. As sojourners in this Christian walk our mission is to live in responsive obedience to God's action revealed in Jesus. Our part in this action is the action of faith. God did not ask us to judge one another, He just asked us to have faith in Him.

Peace,
Duane

THE LAST ONE OUT:
If you are the last one leaving the building,
please check that ALL the lights are off and
ALL the doors are locked and latched. Thank you!

Lay Leader Letter

Hello Church Family,

My Family and I are in the process of selling our home and moving. I work in Layton but one of the decisions to stay in this area was because we love you. We decided to move close to a freeway on ramp to cut my commute, less entry stairs and close to our parents. I am also going to go back to seminary within the next year. We found the right place and several things confirmed this decision. We prayed a lot, and are clear God is with us on this one. He opened some doors that wouldn't have opened any other way so, we are trusting in Him.

In seminary one of the first classes you are encouraged to select is "Biblical Interpretation." One of the first things you are shown is two ways of looking at scripture. Both ways are $3 dollar words to describe the style. The first is called "exegesis" \ek-suh-JEE-sis\ The word exegesis can mean explanation, but as a technical term it means "to draw the meaning out of" a given text or let tell you something. The other called "eisegesis" (ahy-si-jee-sis) it means to read one's own interpretation into a given text or to make it fit an idea.

If we look at Psalm 14:1 "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good." Using the first "exegesis" could discern if you say: "there is No God," you are a fool or only a fool would say "there is No God." The second eisegesis could be used to "the Bible says there is No God." About right now you may be saying or discerning, "Cory, this means what to me Pal!"

I guess why am sharing this is there seems to be a trend to make scripture fit our thoughts or views. Some people or preachers have a "name it and claim it" message. Some say God doesn't want you to be poor—you should have material things. Some challenge folks by sharing a message of you must not have enough faith. I have heard people justify alcohol and drug use because of scripture 1 Tim 5:23. We the Methodists are not excluded from the kookiness, making the Word of God fit our point. One year I heard some folks use the passage of the separating of sheep and goats in Matthew 25:31-33 to discourage traditional Christian Baptism. It isn't our place to judge. We use the love scripture to love everyone. But it also warns us to watch out for and stay away from kooks. So I encourage you to read God's story, his Word, his interaction with people. And let him do the talking. Let the Spirit guide you.

YBIC
Cory

Top Chef—Mountain Vista Edition!
Saturday, November 10th at 6:30 p.m. * FUNdraiser! *

Ever watch "Top Chef" on TV? If not, you should sneak a peek sometime. It's a "reality" show, which takes several chef wann-a-bees and makes them compete over a several week period. There are different competitions; sometimes dessert, sometimes ethnic, etc.

What I'm proposing is this: A "Top Chef" competition at Mountain Vista UMC, as a fundraising/fellowshipping event. Or, as Pastor Steve suggested, "Heaven's Kitchen." It could be held on either of the first two Saturday evenings in November.

Basic premise, which could be massaged, is this: Every "chef" would get the same box of basic ingredients; they could add to them, at their own expense, as they wish, but they MUST use everything in the box. The boxes would be delivered at say noon or 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, by a person who would then stay and observe/help/etc. The prepared food would need to be back at the church by 6:00 p.m., where the plates would be created. Each chef would have to prepare enough for eight full dinners.

Diners would be seated at tables of eight. Every person at a table would get a plate from a different chef, allowing each table to see and possibly sample each chef’s creation. Every diner would be given one vote.

I think it could be a very fun, relaxing, and growing evening!

The fundraiser aspect of this would work something like this: Each diner would pay per plate to attend the evening, and receive a gourmet meal. The chefs would be asked to pay an "Entry Fee" which would cover the cost of the food. After expenses, and before any additional donations, this could feasibly raise around $1000 in one evening. And, as I said, it would also make for a fun evening!!

What I would need is this:
8 people who want to be chefs
64 people who want to be diner’s/guests
8 people to help plan, purchase food, deliver food, and oversee the preparation (Only rule here is that chefs, to be fair, can't be involved with the planning or food selection)
6-8 people to help setup the sanctuary prior to the evening
6-8 people to help clean up after the event.
So, what do you think? Let’s get cooking!!!
Mitch Lambdin
mcl3086@comcast.net

NOTICE: Please use a purple "Facility Use Form" to schedule activities at Mountain Vista. The forms are located in the file basket outside the office. This will help insure that 2 groups are not trying to meet in the same room at the same time! Also check the Facility Use book in the office to see if the room and time are already scheduled. Thank you.

Events

Family Promise- Salt Lake (formerly Salt Lake Interfaith Hospitality Network)
Abundance of the Heart Annual Breakfast Fundraiser
October 3, 2007 at 7:30 a.m.- 8:30 a.m.
Little America Hotel—500 South Main Street
Event is Free
RSVP by September 28, 2007 to Naomi @ 961-8622
Thanks again for your help!

Christian Caregivers Class
Trinity UMC
Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. Beginning October 16
Call Judy @ 969-9561

Crossroads Urban Center Annual Bazaar
Saturday, October 6 — 9:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.
Christ United Methodist Church
2375 East 3300 South
Cost: $1.00 donation or a can of food.
Holiday Boutique, Used Books, Silent Auction, Sweets & treats, Crafts and Treasures! Lunch will be served.
Drawing tickets $1.00

Project Linus Baby Blanket ministry
Make a Blanket Day
October 18 (Thursday) 5:00-8:00 p.m.
South Jordan Library
10673 S Redwood Rd

Project Linus is a 100% volunteer organization that makes blankets for children in critical care or traumatic situations. You are invited to help make blankets and learn about Project Linus. No sewing skills are needed, but do bring sharp scissors. If possible bring a 1 Ľ - 2 yd. piece of fleece. School-age children are welcome if accompanied by an adult. For more information contact Kathy 302-8096 or morrowchey@att.net.

Denver and the Mile High Orchestra
Thursday, October 11 at 7:00 p.m.
Christian music's premier big band plays a variety of music styles including swing, ... fresh big band sound for the new big band era! $5 donation at the door with a love offering for DMHO Presented by People for Christ Ministry
For More Information: Phone: 801-814-4645
Email: sbrownson@calvaryslc.org
Venue: Calvary Chapel
Address: 460 W. Century Dr. (4500 So.)

"It Happened in Utah"

Musical Fundraiser at Mountain Vista UMC
October 12, 13 and 19, 20
7:30 p.m.

See Pastor Steve Play Elvis!

This month, MVUMC will host four fun-filled evenings featuring a colorful musical entitled, "It Happened in Utah."

It's an off-beat, yet meaningful musical story—great for all ages, guaranteed to make you laugh. And it gets better—all proceeds from ticket sales will go to our church building fund.

Here's the story line… a "tough guy" from New Jersey moves to Utah and meets a local girl. As they travel along the Utah trail lessons are learned and eyes are opened.

And did we mention that Pastor Steve plays "Elvis," the "King of Therapy," and Calypso Calvin, in a bouncy, rhythmic Caribbean number. Yes, it's all happening at Mountain Vista.

Written by Alex Bennett, who, along with others put on last year's fundraiser, "Midnight Train to Nashville," the show features ballads, country, 50's, Latin, light rock, and "gangster blues."

Aside from the guaranteed light-heartedness, the musical story carries a meaningful theme as the unlikely couple discovers that love is the common thread that unites us all.

Song titles include, "Up In Millcreek Canyon," "At the Great Salt Lake," "Salt Lake City Blues," "The Mystery," "Utah Bound," "Out of Gas" and "Something Lost, Something Gained."

In addition to Pastor Steve and Alex, performers include April Hiller ("Country Girl Suzette" of "Midnight Train to Nashville"), Steven Woodward, Emily Duffin, Mary Werner and Don McCullough.

Refreshments will be made available during intermission by "Identity," the Mountain Vista youth group.

Don't miss the fun. Bring your friends, family and neighbors and whoever else you can find. The shows are on Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30.

6th ANNUAL TRUNK OR TREAT PARTY!
Sunday, October 28, 2006
5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

It's that time again—to be preparing for our Annual Trunk or Treat Bash!

In order to make this a success, we need help from all participants. If you are able to assist with any of these activities, please sign up on the clipboard (yes, another clipboard) in the hallway in front of the church office. Thanks!

Trunk or Treat
5:00 p.m. – Potluck
6:00 p.m. – games
6:30 p.m. – Costume parade (all ages from 0 - 99 yrs)
7:00 p.m. – Trunk or Treat
7:30 p.m. – Costume prizes
8:00 p.m. – Clean up

We need help with the following:
Donations of Decorations, Set up of Potluck, Bring Potluck, Games, Bring Candy, Clean up Potluck, Clean up church

Last year we had over 100 people attending—we will also have a Donation Bucket with 100% of the proceeds going to the Mt Vista Building Fund!!!

COMING SOON
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD 2007

Watch for up coming details on how our church family can make a difference in the lives of many children. Shoeboxes are here and we are gearing up. October 14 will be kick off Sunday. Posters and fliers will be available and a Christmas tree in place. Yes, a Christmas tree in October!!! Look for more information to come.

Dinner for Eight: Fall is here. Time to share dinner and fellowship with others. See the clipboard.

Prayer Shawls! Help put God's arms around someone!
Call Betty for information 255-8247

INTO THE FUTURE!

Church Women United
A multi faith gathering of Christian Women
Mark your calendar and plan to attend CWU’s World Community Day 2007 Celebration
When: Friday, November 2, 2007
Time: Morning (approx. 9:30 – 1:00, including lunch)
Where: Wasatch Presbyterian Church
1626 South 1700 East
Theme: "Embracing Justice Under God's Tent"
Written by Rev. Kristina Peterson and Rev. Kathleen Clark
Registration: $1 Lunch: $4.00
Community Outreach: Requested to bring 1 or more Bath Towel(s), which will be given to The Rescue Mission
Offering: Used for CWU National Programs: Checks need to be made payable to: Church Women United
This is a wonderful ecumenical gathering and an opportunity to learn and grow spiritually and personally. Hope to see you there.

FAMILY PROMISE - November 11–18.

Church Charge Conference
December 2nd — 7:00 p.m.

Cookie Walk coming December 8th!

Broadway play in May

WORSHIP AND STUDY
See October Calendar

MISSION WORK

TO: Mountain Vista UMC 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: November 11–18, 2007

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

RSVP: Jane C. Tago, 282-0765, for more information &/or sign-up at Mt. Vista United Methodist Church call Tonya Woolsey, 969-0635.

Sandwich Mission

Sunday, October 14: Make/bring sandwiches to church
Monday, October 15: Deliver & Serve sandwiches, 5:00 p.m. at St Vincent DePaul Center, 500 West 200 South
For any questions, contact Geniel Woodward.

CROSSROADS URBAN CENTER

Thrift Store: 1385 W Indiana Ave (850 S)
Pantry: 347 S 400 E
Foods of the month for October are small jars of peanut butter, canned fruits and vegetables.
Thrift store items for October are warm clothes.

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

GIVE THANKS! GIVE THANKS! GIVE THANKS!

Blood Drive
Thank you to all who donated blood at the Mountain Vista Blood Drive! And thank you to Patti Chauza for coordinating!

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Chrysalis weekends!! The Walk to Emmaus weekends will be:
Men February 21–24, 2008
Women February 28–March 2, 2008
Applications are now being accepted!

Would you like to be on the email prayer chain? Let the office know!

If you would like to advertise in this newsletter, please contact Jerry Selbo, 280-1268 or the Church office. The fee goes to the Building Fund. Thanks!

SHOPPING NOTICES

Oasis Christian Superstore in West Jordan has closed.
Christian Gift & Bible Draper store has closed.

Christian Gift & Bible Midvale will remain open.
7200 South State St, Midvale
(801) 233-8383

LifeWay Christian Store has moved from Salt Lake to
6336 South State Street in Murray
293-3231
Grand Opening Celebration October 6-27

Thousand Villages has moved!
1941 S. 1100 East, in the building just north of the Post Office.
In addition to parking on the street, there is a parking lot off of Ramona Avenue. Enter through the back door and down the hall to enter the store.

HELP WANTED

Volunteers Needed at Mountain Vista:

Sunday School Teachers: Time to sign up on the clip board in the hall. We need primary and back-up teachers. Curriculum is already here.
Thank you to everyone who works with our children!

ALSO NEEDED:
A/V system operators – Contact the office
Worship Leaders, Acolytes & Ushers needed
See Clipboards in front of office.
Cleaning Crew Volunteers: 3 new people needed
Contact the church office if you can help 280-4148

Mothers Of PreSchoolers – MOPS – Because Mothering matters! For information contact Vanessa at 548-1279 or Cindy at 280-2509. We need Mentor Moms, Child Caregivers & Teachers, Moms & Kids! This is a rewarding ministry.

Child Care Workers Needed
Trinity United Methodist Church Seeks Loving childcare workers for all Sunday morning services. Services are at 8:00, 9:30, 11:00, & 12:30

Applicants must be 18 years of age
Background check & references required
Pay Rate: $7.50 per hour
Contact Church office for application
801-968-6891 or trinityumcoffice@qwest.net

SCOUT NEWS

Girl Scouts — Troop 2120 Mondays 7:00 p.m. Sept.– May
Boy Scouts — Troop 1012 Tuesdays 6:30 p.m. year-round
Cub Scouts — Pack 4012 Tuesdays 7:00 p.m. Aug.– June

Boy Scouts: Come join our Scout Troop 1012, bring a friend, and have fun-filled adventure every Tuesday! Boys from 10 ˝ to 17 years are invited to join the fun! The Boy Scouts have been active all summer with hikes, campouts, service projects and fun!

Entertainment Book Fundraiser
Boy Scout Troop 1012 has the 2007/2008 Entertainment Books for sale from now until Dec. 5th. They make great gifts and will save you, your family and friends money. The cost of the books is $20.00, 50 % of the profit will be going back to the Troop. Please Sheila if you have any questions.

Thank you,
Sheila Anderson
sganderson3@msn.com

Thank you for the Camping Equipment Donations!

Cub Scouts: Committee meetings will be on the 3rd Monday at 7:00 p.m.
A brand new year full of fun activities. Bring any friends age 7-11 (1st –5th grade) that would be interested in the Cub Scout program. We are looking for additional leaders for this coming year. Come join the pack and help guide the boys to becoming wonderful young men. This is a very rewarding experience.

The Cub Scouts are looking for gently used scout uniforms and donations toward new uniforms. If anyone can help sponsor, please contact Cory Coward 280-4136.

Girl Scouts: Meeting Mondays @ 7:00 p.m.
Girls kindergarten through high school are welcome! Come join the fun, friendship and service!! We will be working on making decoration for our entry in the Festival of the Trees!! The proceeds got to Primary Children's Hospital.

For more Scout-related information, please contact:
Brandee Fox (573-3515) - Girl Scouts
Kristin VanStaveren (282-5378) – Cub Scouts
Sheila Anderson (280-6343) - Boy Scouts

YOUTH

Youth Leadership Conference 2007
November 2 - 4, 2007
YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch
$149 - Registrations postmarked by October 22, 2007
$169 - Registrations postmarked by October 26, 2007
$179 - Registrations received after October 30 or at the door
Registration forms on the Youth board.
"iGod Are You Plugged In?"
Based on Romans 12:2 -- Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will.

RMC Youth Events get a Rejuvenation!
(from Loren Boyce, Associate Director of Mission and Ministry)

A look back over the past 30-something years reveals a vital conclusion: Times have changed and so have our youth and their needs. So in order to meet the changing needs of our youth, the CCYM (Conference Council on Youth Ministries) has put together a NEW plan of what Rocky Mountain Conference Youth events will look like.

Up With Youth has had a great run and lots of youth have found meaning and direction to their lives from the great speakers and musical experiences over the years. We celebrate all of the past CORE teams and Conference leadership, but most importantly the YOUTH that made Up With Youth a great success.

With the change in times comes a need to refresh and renew our event options. Beginning in the FALL of 2008, come find new vigor as REJUVENATION comes our way. Rejuvenation '08 will be an ALL YOUTH event (6th - 12th grade) in FALL of 2008. Rejuvenation will be such a NEW and exciting model of youth events that we can offer Rejuvenation only every other year. In 2008, 2010, 2012, etc. look for Rejuvenation.

(I am glad you asked: on the odd years...2009, 2011, 2013, etc., we will look forward to a more regional approach to youth ministry as District/Sub-District/Cluster events will be highlighted to improve our connection, foster our friendships, and to find ways to meet the needs of youth where they are!)

Back to Rejuvenation: Speakers who come from a "middle of the road" United Methodist perspective and great worship will be supplemented with Large Group and Individual Destinations (think SPLAT/Youth '07) as well as Youth Group options in half-day mission projects. Rejuvenation will be a traveling event that will occur in ALL the districts of our Conference. We are looking way outside the Denver metro area for 2008!

This November 2, 3, and 4 will be our last FALL YLC. Beginning in the Spring of 2009, YLC (Youth Leadership Conference) will have a new look. YLC will be a SPRING ALL YOUTH (6th-12th grade) event with leadership based workshops for youth. Also ADULT workshops will be offered in the area of leadership, youth group development, and programming. In addition to these options YLC will feature legislative-based training ( e.g., Roberts Rules, conference leadership, etc.). BUT: how YLC will really differ—other than the time of year—is in its makeup. YLC, beginning in Spring '09, will be limited to 5 youth (3 Senior High and 2 Junior High) and 2 Adults from each church. With this new configuration YOUR CHURCH will choose which youth and adults to represent you; which representatives to be trained; and which group to come back to your church and share the learnings. This change will offer concentrated ways for your church youth ministry leadership to be trained and to provide that training to the whole youth ministry department AND still serve the needs of those who are chosen to represent you. These great options are provided in ADDITION to the great United Methodist speakers and some wonderful worship bands. Come and be a part of YLC in Spring of 2009. Mark it down!

More information about these two events can be found at YLC this November. Or call Loren Boyce, Associate Director of Mission and Ministry, 303-325-7054 or loren@rmcumc.com for a faster breakdown. Hope to see ya at YLC!

College Students
Wesley Young Adults
Contact Terry Haven at 554-6570 or terryh@utahchildren.org to get on the mailing list for upcoming events.

Due Dates for Sunday Bulletin and Newsletter
For the Sunday Bulletin: Information due Wednesday of each week.
For the Mountain View newsletter: October 20th, November 13th and December 17th.
Articles on disk or e-mailed (office@mtnvistaumc.org) preferred.