The Vista
News and Events for Vista Ridge United Methodist Church
December 31, 2015
Pastor Mary Beth's Musings
“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.”
—Albert Einstein
I live with a 3-year-old, so every day has its own set of questions. “Why do the leaves fall off the tree?” “Where does the sun go at the end of the day?” “Why is Sandy (our dog) old?” “Where was I when you and Daddy got married?” “Why did Jesus die on the cross?”
Everyone has questions. Who am I? Does God exist? What happens when I die? We seem to be built to ask. And just when we think we’ve got it all figured out—just when we think we’re safe from all those pesky doubts—something inside of us cries out for more answers to more questions.
This Sunday, we’ll begin a new sermon series, 7 Big Questions, in which we’ll seek credible answers to challenging spiritual question about God, faith, religion and the Bible. Based on material produced by ExploreGod.com, the series will look at these questions:
Does Life Have a Purpose?
Is There a God?
Why Does God Allow Pain and Suffering?
Is Christianity Too Narrow?
Is Jesus Really God?
Is the Bible Reliable?
Can I Know God Personally?
Those are really, really big questions and I know as well as you that we can’t possibly go as deeply as we might like during a Sunday morning worship service. So there will be some other ways to continue the conversation. This Sunday I’ll be in the Rehearsal Room at 9:45 a.m. for anyone who’d like to keep talking. Or join me for lunch at Rosa’s after the 11 a.m. service. On January 17, a small group will begin meeting at 9:45 a.m. weekly to really dig into the questions.
God isn’t intimidated by our questions or even by our doubt. When we ask questions, we learn, we grow, we deepen our faith. Let’s do it together, starting this Sunday.
I’m praying for you. I hope you’re praying for me.
Glory to God!
Pastor Mary Beth
Tornado Update by the North Texas UMC Conference
Following is information provided by the North Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church regarding relief efforts and financial assistance opportunities for North Texas residents devastated by the destructive tornadoes on December 26.
FUMC Garland, Blue Ridge UMC, St. Paul UMC, Farmersville UMC, and FUMC Rowlett have members with destroyed or damaged homes. Information collected indicates that Rowlett has 200-plus homes that were completely destroyed, with a total of more than 1,000 homes affected.
Online Donations
On December 27, Bishop Michael McKee issued a prayerful e-mail that included an online donation opportunity. Thus far, more than $20,000 has been collected. More is needed and will go directly to helping those affected by the storms. Donate at www.northtexasumc.org/TornadoDonation.
FUMC Rowlett is a distribution center for donations. Their Family Life Center is overflowing.
WANTED Items
- Prayers (most of all)
- Gift cards
- Professionals (offering their services so families can get their glasses/contacts, hearing aids and dentures replaced.
UNWANTED Items
- Clothing (they have lots)
- Furniture (there is no place for these families to put it)
- Water (they have plenty)
Volunteers Needed
There is a dire need for Early Response Teams (ERTs) to assist in the hard-hit Rowlett area. ERTs fill a specific need in the early days after a disaster to clean out flood-damaged homes, remove debris, place tarps on homes, and otherwise help to prevent further damage while providing a caring Christian presence.
ERT training will be Saturday, January 9, at FUMC Garland. Please use this link for more information and to register.
"We are not in a sprint, this is a marathon," stressed Bishop McKee, referring to United Methodism's plans for longtime support.
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.
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. Please RSVP to Laurie Kunke, laurie@vrumc.org.
Winter Clothing for Salvation Army
The Classic Women are collecting gently used winter items for the clients served by the Lewisville 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.
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.
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.
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