The Vista
News and Events for Vista Ridge United Methodist Church
May 12, 2016
Pastor Mary Beth’s Musings
In the 2003 film, Bruce Almighty, Jim Carrey plays a guy who complains about God too often and is given almighty powers to teach him how difficult it is to run the world. Upon meeting God (Morgan Freeman), Bruce learns of a filing cabinet that contains his entire life—all his words, thoughts, actions, choices. (Watch the clip here.)
You might call it the “God File.” You might even know someone who has been told that indeed, God is keeping track of everything we do and say and in the end, on Judgment Day, what’s in their God File will determine which “direction” they go. And some might believe that to be able to go in the “right direction,” my God File needs to be filled with good deeds, doing the right thing, saying the right thing.
And then we come across a very Radical Saying of Jesus:
“Not everybody who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’
will get into the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 7:21
What does that mean? This Sunday as we continue our look at The Radical Sayings of Jesus, we’ll dig into this very challenging teaching. But here's some good news, as expressed by the father of Methodism, John Wesley:
We are passively justified by the saving acts of Jesus.
But we are sanctified by how we respond to the saving acts of Christ.
Thanks be to God! I’m praying for you. I hope you’re praying for me.
Glory to God!
Pastor Mary Beth
Life-Giving Moments: Cassandra Williams
Taking communion each Sunday is another reminder to me of the sacrifice Christ made for me. I feel renewed. I also enjoy partaking of this meal with our little group each week. I feel like we're a family and we have this unspoken closeness. It is special. --Cassandra Williams
Did you know that Holy Communion is served at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays? It's held following the 8:30 a.m. worship service every week, unless we have Holy Communion during worship (typically the first Sunday of each month). The table is open to anyone wanting to partake in the Lord's Supper. Consider staying a few minutes after 8:30 a.m. worship on Sunday to participate, or come a bit early and join in this Holy Meal that represents the greatest expression of God’s love for His people.
CCA Canned Meat Goal Exceeded; Donations Being Accepted Sunday
A big thanks to everyone who took part in our 24th church anniversary challenge of donating 2,400 canned meat items to the Christian Community Action (CCA) Food Pantry. Along with the canned meat donations from our preschool families, our final count of items totaled 2,558!
Our church helps fill the canned meat shelves for CCA year-round. This Sunday, May 15, is our regular second Sunday emphasis for donations. Please leave any canned meat donations at the altar before worship.
These donations help feed the 600-plus families in our neighborhoods who depend on the CCA Food Pantry for assistance. This is just one way that Vista Ridge is building life-giving relationships with our community!
Appreciation Car Wash on Sunday
The youth will provide complimentary car washes on Sunday, May 15, in appreciation of the congregation’s support of Team 316 for their mission trip to Virginia Beach. Leave your vehicle to be washed and pick up after worship.
Vista Tots Parent Gathering
Parents and their Vista Tots (ages 4 and younger) are invited to gather at 9:45 a.m. Sunday, May 15, for Donuts and Coffee on the Playground. Enjoy a special time visiting with Children’s Ministry Staff and other parents with young tots.
Family Choir for Graduation Sunday
The Chancel Choir is seeking individuals for a Family Choir to sing during worship on Graduation Sunday, May 29. All are welcome to join in recognizing our high school and college graduates. Rehearsals are from 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays. The choir will work on the special song, Praise His Holy Name, at 7:45 p.m. May 18 and 25.
Graduation Recognition Sunday
Please notify the church office if you have a high school or college graduate this spring so he/she can be recognized during worship on Sunday, May 29. Please email Laurie Kunke, laurie@vrumc.org, by Monday, May 16.
Volunteer Training for Refugee Assistance
Those wanting to work with Refugee Services of Texas are invited to volunteer training from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 22, at the church. Volunteers will be trained on shopping for housing items, airport pick up and mentoring refugees. Please RSVP to marybeth@vrumc.org.
Supply Donations for Vacation Bible School
Supplies are needed to help make this year’s Vacation Bible School (June 13-17) a success. Select an item to purchase from the surfboard in the narthex, or consider a cash/check donation to support the program. Registration for VBS is available in the narthex or online at www.vistaridgeumc.org.
Electronic Financial Giving Available
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
Contemporary 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