The Vista
News and Events for Vista Ridge United Methodist Church
October 12, 2017
Pastor Mary Beth’s Musings
“Be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:18b-29, NRSV)
There were so many things that I appreciated about the Youth Sunday worship on October 1 that I can’t really name them all. But as we’ve been preparing for worship this Sunday, I’ve recalled how Jordan Perkins, our preacher, talked about music and worship. He reminded us that our musicians, whether the choir, the band, the Carillon or a soloist, aren’t just “killing time” when they offer their leadership through music. Music prepares us to worship. The purpose of music in worship, whether it’s a chorale by Johann Sebastian Bach or a praise song by David Crowder, is to make space in our spirits for God to enter in. And as our own Daira Curran has said, “it prepares us to hear The Word.”
This Sunday, our amazing Music and Arts Ministry will be leading worship. There will be almost every style of worship this Sunday, from Handel to Houghton. Saxophone, clarinet, piano, choir, drama, storytelling—all kinds of art expression will guide us into worship and make space for God to enter in and prepare us to hear God’s Word.
I am grateful to our staff musicians, Ian Gill, Daira Curran and Anton Mordasov for their extraordinary talent. (And by the way, VRUMC is extraordinarily blessed to have these three on our staff!) I’m grateful to the performing groups for all their preparation and rehearsal leading up to this Sunday. And I’m grateful to Vista Ridge UMC that this is a place where indeed, music has been and still is, an integral part of who we are and why we are here!
I’m praying for you. I hope you’re praying for me!
Glory to God!
Pastor Mary Beth
Vista Kids Family Pirate Campout Loads of Fun for All Ages
The closing on the sale of our 4.2 acres of land has been finalized. The developer and new land owner will construct 32 single-family homes on the site.
New Small Group Study on October 17
75022 will begin a new study at 7 p.m. Tuesday, October 17, at the Sykes’ home in Flower Mound. The six-week study is Christianity, Cults, and Religions by Paul Carden. The study will be facilitated by Stephen Greenwade. Anyone interested is invited to attend. The study helps create a better understanding of all kinds of Christian and non-Christian religions and cults. For more information, contact Laura Sykes, txbsgolf@gmail.com.
Sisters in Christ Book Study
Sisters in Christ will begin a new book study, Half Truths by Adam Hamilton, on Wednesday, October 18. The book study will include a short video and discussion time focusing on five popular phrases, including “everything happens for a reason” and other things the Bible doesn’t say. The group meets at 9:30 a.m. weekly. Cost of the book is $13. Contact Barbara Sepdham, sepdham@hotmail.com, with your interest.
Fall Recital with John Morrow at 6 p.m.
Join us at 6 p.m. Sunday, October 22, for a fall recital with John Morrow, who will entertain with a mix of classical, musical theater, jazz, hymns and spiritual favorites. Morrow is principal organist at McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church in Norman, OK. He also is a pianist, singer and conductor. The 45-minute recital, hosted by the Music and Arts Ministry, is free and a reception will follow.
All Saints Sunday
Vista Ridge UMC will remember family members who have passed away this year during All Saints Sunday, October 29. Please list loved ones on the back of your worship attendance card or email laurie@vrumc.org.
Sermon Podcasts
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