The Vista
News and Events for Vista Ridge United Methodist Church
January 8, 2016
Pastor Mary Beth's Musings
• Dear God, I read the Bible. What does “begat” mean? Nobody will tell me. —Alison
• God, I bet it’s very hard for you to love all of everybody in the whole world. There are only four people in our family and I can never do it. —Frank
• Dear God, Are you really invisible, or is that just a trick? —Lucy
• “Did you really mean ‘Do unto others as they do unto you?‘ Because if you did, then I’m going to fix my brother.” —Darla
• Dear God, Maybe Cain and Abel would not kill each other so much if they had their own rooms. It works with my brother. —Larry
Children aren’t the only ones with questions about God. We’ve all had questions about God! But the good news is that God is not intimidated by our questions. God welcomes our questions, even when we toss them up as prayers in the midst of struggles. And though God might not respond to our letters with a handwritten note, God has given us lots of signs that point to God’s presence. The night sky out at Big Bend. When a baby smiles at you. A glorious sunset desert.
As we continue our journey of exploring 7 Big Questions, this Sunday we’ll ask the question, “Is There a God?” We could simply just say, “Yes, there is a God!” and move on to a song or a prayer. But we won’t, because we’ve all wrestled with the question and I’ll share with you why I believe there is a God. I invite you, as you prepare to come to worship this Sunday, to think about why you do, or don’t believe there is a God.
I’m praying for you. I hope you’re praying for me.
Glory to God!
Pastor Mary Beth
Meat Donations for CCA Food Pantry
CCA Food Pantry donations can be placed at the altar before worship on Sunday. VRUMC is responsible for stocking the canned meat shelves. During 2015, 9,183 items, as well as fresh produce from the community garden, were donated by VRUMC for CCA angels. All types of canned meat are accepted and delivered by volunteers to CCA on Mondays.
Auditions for Children’s Winter Musical
Kids Club will resume at 4 p.m. Sunday and will include auditions for a children’s musical, The Tale of Three Trees. All children 12 and younger are encouraged to participate. Rehearsals will be at 4 p.m. weekly, with the performance set for Sunday, February 28. Kids Club will meet weekly for both the musical participants and others who prefer Interest Groups.
Welcome New Members: John and Becky Schroeder, Willa and Greta
Welcome New Members: Arthur and Talent Chanyowedza, Eli and Zuvarashe
Brunch with the Pastor
Want to learn more about the church? Make plans to attend Brunch with the Pastor at 9:45 a.m. Sunday, January 10, in the Rehearsal Room behind the sanctuary. This meeting is especially helpful to new church members, those considering membership and those who are new to the United Methodist Church.
7 Big Questions Small Group
Want to delve deeper into the 7 Big Questions sermon series? Plan to meet at 9:45 a.m. beginning Sunday, January 17, to seek credible answers to challenging spiritual questions about God, faith, religion and the Bible. Those interested will gather in the Rehearsal Room.
Winter Clothing for Salvation Army
The Classic Women are collecting gently used winter items for the clients served by the Salvation Army. These include winter coats, sweaters, sweatshirts/hoodies, hats, gloves and shoes. Our local Salvation Army stocks a clothing room with items for all members of a family—infant to adult. All donated items are then provided free of charge to those in need. Place donations in the collection box in the narthex through Sunday, January 17.
Intro to Love and Logic Parenting Class
Vista Ridge UMC will host a class, Intro to Love and Logic Parenting, from 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, January 20, at Rockbrook Elementary School. The class is free and open to the public. Please share this information with friends and neighbors! Contact Bill Burden, bill@vrumc.org, to help provide refreshments.
New Electronic Option for Giving
Vista Ridge now offers an electronic option to make financial contributions and donations to the church. There is no charge to use this online giving opportunity. Use the link—https://cuffr.me/vrumc—and follow the steps with contact information and card number. A button to the link is also available below.
Chilly Trifecta Sign Ups
It’s right around the corner! The 2016 Chilly Trifecta is set for Saturday, February 6. This is a fun, churchwide evening for the entire family! Proceeds support Vacation Bible School. To make this evening possible, there is a need for yummy desserts, participants in the chili cook-off and those who want to showcase their talents. Sign up on the back Sunday’s worship attendance card or use the form below.
Vista Ridge United Methodist Church
Traditional Worship, 8:30 a.m. Sunday
Blended Worship, 11 a.m. Sunday
Email: laurie@vrumc.org
Website: www.vistaridgeumc.org
Location: 2901 Denton Tap Road, Lewisville, TX, United States
Phone: 972.315.5225