The Vista
News and Events for Vista Ridge United Methodist Church
July 20, 2017
Pastor Mary Beth's Musings
This week’s Road Trip will take us with Paul from Antioch all the way to Ephesus where he encounters a group of 12 disciples. In an odd conversation with these 12 men, Paul discovers that while they have been taught about Jesus, who Jesus was and what he’s done, they do not have the full story. So Paul baptizes them in the name of Jesus Christ. It’s his first act in the city of Ephesus where he then taught and preached and lived for 2 ½ years.
Now what’s interesting about this particular Road Trip story is not just that first encounter but what happens next. Luke says this:
“...everyone living in the province of Asia—both Jews and Greeks—heard the Lord’s word.”
That’s not just because Paul was teaching. I believe it’s because these 12 men who, by the power of the Holy Spirit are given the gifts of prophesying and speaking in tongues, tell their friends, and they tell two friends, and so on and so on. The early church in Ephesus begins to make a difference in the lives not only of those who follow The Way, but also in the broader community.
That’s what we’re here for, my friends. As a community of faith, we are here to make a difference in the lives of those who choose to walk through our doors and be part of this community that’s building life-giving relationships with God and with each other. But we’re also here to make a difference in our community, building life-giving relationships with our neighbors at Ballantyne, Evergreen, Elmcroft, Vista Ridge Estates, Coppell Greens, Market Street, Rockbrook Elementary, Arbor House, Vista Ridge Nursing and Rehab, Liberation Coffee, Starbucks, Marcos Pizza, and all the places we go as we live and share the good news of God’s love in Jesus Christ for ALL people.
I’m praying for you. I hope you’re praying for me.
Glory to God!
Pastor Mary Beth
Check your email for your second quarter giving statement. Contact Carolyn, carolyn@vrumc.org, if you did not receive it or have any questions.
Interim Pastor: Rev. Pat Beghtel Mahle
Rev. Pat Beghtel Mahle (Pastor Pat) is a retired elder in the North Texas Conference. She spent her childhood on a farm in rural Indiana surrounded by five sisters and a brother.
Her first degree was in medical technology. She received a Master of Divinity from SMU Perkins School of Theology. Afterward, she studied Clinical Pastoral Education at Parkland Memorial Hospital and served as chaplain there for six years. She also studied Church and Family systems in Bethesda, Maryland, with Dr. Ed Friedman.
Pastor Pat has served as Associate Pastor at Cochran Chapel, Solo Pastor at Argyle Electric, and Senior Pastor at Holy Covenant in Carrollton. She served on conference staff for two years and as District Superintend for eight years. In retirement, she has served as Interim Pastor at Flower Mound and Sachse and Associate Pastor to Senior Adults at First UMC, Plano. She has been married to R. Jerry Mahle for 50 years and has a son, daughter and two grandchildren. Pastor Pat likes to read, paint, ride bikes, travel and preach.
Donations Needs for Back to School Clothing Drive for CCA Angels
Classic Women are collecting items for Christian Community Action to help prepare the angels they serve for the new school year. Visit the display in the narthex and select one or more tags from the clothesline. Purchase the items and return the donations and tags to the basket. Needed items are new underwear, socks and backpacks for boys and girls, along with Old Navy gift cards. Sizes from toddler through adult are needed. Old Navy gift cards can be purchased at the Faith Funds table. CCA will use the cards to pay for the other clothing selected by CCA angels. Leave donations in the narthex through Sunday, July 30.
Youth Mission Trip Celebration Luncheon on Sunday, August 6
Join the youth for a Youth Mission Trip Celebration Luncheon at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, August 6. The youth will tell stories about their mission trip to Jacksonville, Florida. Everyone is invited to attend. The generous support of the congregation through their Team 316 support allowed 27 youth and adult leaders to make improvements to a home and spread God’s love during the week. RSVP your attendance here.
There are a few openings for the Vista Ridge Discovery Preschool this fall. Email preschool@vrumc.org or pick up a flyer in the Welcome Center.
Sermon Podcast: Tales from the Road (Week 7)
Vista Ridge United Methodist Church
“Best Place to Worship”
Lewisville Leader Readers’ Choice Winner 2016
Traditional Worship, 8:30 a.m. Sunday
Contemporary Worship, 11 a.m. Sunday
Email: laurie@vrumc.org
Website: vistaridgeumc.org
Location: 2901 Denton Tap Road, Lewisville, TX, United States
Phone: 972.315.5225