The Vista
News and Events for Vista Ridge United Methodist Church
April 14, 2016
Pastor Mary Beth’s Musings
Those “Radical Sayings of Jesus”—they’ll mess with the way you live your life! They subvert our cultural conventions, rankling our deeply ingrained instincts toward self-preservation and security. But when we listen and let those radical ideas weave into our daily lives, something amazing can happen.
There are already a number of #giveradically stories circulating among the VRUMC folks this week. Buying lunch for a strapped friend, dog food for the Lewisville Animal Shelter, love bags for the homeless, gas to mow a lawn for an elderly neighbor. And the story is spreading of the “why” behind this— Jesus gave radically for us and so we #giveradically for others. If you’ve got a story to share— post it on Facebook or email me at marybeth@vrumc.org.
The Radical Saying this week is “Be a Servant,” coming from a conversation between Jesus and the disciples found in Mark 9:33-37. What’s important to note is who Jesus uses as an illustration of who the disciples are to serve. He takes a child and holds the child close in the midst of the circle of disciples. Children in that day were not valued or treasured in the same way we tend to value and treasure our own children. They were pushed aside, not seen, unimportant (unless they were contributing to the household) and were among the most vulnerable in society. They would NEVER be welcome in a setting where men were learning. That is who the disciples are to welcome and serve.
So the question for you and me might be, who are the most vulnerable, the least important in our society? Two recent heartbreaking stories about children who died from abuse remind us that many children are vulnerable. Many of our elders, living in nursing homes and memory care homes, might feel pushed aside, unimportant. The homeless. The refugee. The single mom. The special needs child.
Who will you serve? And how will you serve radically?
I’m praying for you. I hope you’re praying for me.
Glory to God!
Pastor Mary Beth
This Week: #giveradically
I usually think of giving in terms of service instead of money (because I usually don't have any) and I work diligently to give some kind of service to the church. But the money you gave me created a bit of a dilemma. What to do with it! I finally decided that a college student struggling to pay tuition and get that precious degree would be the thing to do. So, I fattened up the fiver quite a bit and I am going to send a little scholarship money to one of the nearby universities. I will probably ask that it be given to a music ed student since I remember those very hard years of my own struggle getting through school with little or no money. -- Martha Giles
This is one of many stories being told by our Vista Ridge family this past week. Just a reminder to post your story on social media (#giveradically) or send an email, marybeth@vrumc.org, about how you used the $5 given by Pastor Mary Beth and Brian Hardesty-Crouch during worship this past week. You also can write it on the #giveradically board in the narthex on Sunday.
Community Service Day Sign Up
Please sign up Sunday to participate in Community Service Day on Sunday, April 24! As part of our 24th church anniversary, we’ll be using our hearts and hands to help others in the community. After a short worship service at 9 a.m., teams will serve others in our community. Post your photos on social media along with #serveradically. Lunch will be held at noon. Select lunch choice on the sign-up sheet and order a church T-shirt to wear.
Life-Giving Moments: Amy Curtis
As part of living out our church’s mission statement of building life-giving relationships with God, with each other and with our community, several of our members and guests experience life-giving moments to share.
Canned Meat Donations for CCA Food Pantry
Pick up a grocery bag after Sunday’s worship service to support the CCA Food Pantry. As part of our 24th church anniversary on April 24, let's #giveradically and provide 2,400 canned meat items to feed the CCA angels in our community! Based on our average worship attendance, that’s only 10 canned meat items a person. Fill your bag and bring next Sunday as we gather at 9 a.m. for Community Service Day.
Volunteers to Work on Prayer Labyrinth
Vacation Bible School Registration
Children ages 3 through 5th grade are encouraged to register for this summer's Vacation Bible School, which will run June 13-17. Grab your surfboard and head to the beach to catch the Wave of God’s Amazing Love! Kids get ‘amped’ to learn God Creates, Helps, Loves, Calms and Sends. On this ride, kids remember that the Lord is great and awesome! Applications are available in the narthex or register online. Children of volunteers during VBS week can attend for free!
Women's Fellowship Social
All women of the church are invited to the Women’s Fellowship Social from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, April 30, at the home of Nelda Campeau. The group will explore the joys and stress relief of coloring and Bible journaling. Feel free to bring a snack, along with any adult coloring books, colored pencils or pens, or small scrapbooking materials, to share. For those wanting to explore Bible journaling, please bring your Bible. RSVP to Nikki Monkman-Lou, nlou.shoes@gmail.com.
Sunday School Teachers for Summer
Just 10 hours of volunteer time can make a difference! Short-term Sunday School teachers are needed this summer for the 9:45 a.m. educational hour. Lesson plans are provided and adults work together in each class. Ministry Safe training must be completed. Please inquire with Lisa Dominy, lisa@vrumc.org, with your interest.
American Express Now Accepted for Electronic Giving
American Express is now an option, in addition to Mastercard and Visa, for electronic financial giving. 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.
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