San Angelo, Texas, Sierra Vista United Methodist Church

notify the Sierra Vista office if
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<-------Information about activities for specific age groups can be found by clicking on the appropriate button on the stained glass window on the left.

UPCOMING CHURCH-WIDE EVENTS

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Wednesdays	*Liturgical Praise Dance*
Additional information on most of these activities can be found below.

FOOD TO GROW ON...Fall Study Opportunities
It is the time of year to consider what "soil" you are or want to be. We grow in faith and discipleship by studying the Bible and how it forms our understanding of God, the world, us and relationships all around. Many have said, "I just don’t know enough about the Bible." Here’s your opportunity.
10 week study of the GOSPEL OF JOHN	Led by Ricky Sanderford	Monday nights, beginning Sept. 8th 6:30 pm S-1
CHRISTIAN BELIEVER -- a 30 week study of the main beliefs that we as Christians believe about God , creation, end times, providence, and the like	Led by Ken Dahlberg & Pat Makins	Mondays, beginning Sept. 8th 6:30 pm LC 105
8 week evening study on “OUTRAGEOUS MERCY”; how can God demand justice & dispense mercy at the same time?	Led by Linda Sylva	Mondays, beginning Sept. 8th 6:30 p.m. Fellowship Hall
DISCIPLE BIBLE STUDY I CLASS, a 32 week survey of the Bible	Led by Ken Dahlberg & Karen Brewer	Thursday mornings beginning Sept. 4th 9:00 am
8 week INTRO TO THE BIBLE CLASS ON THE BOOK OF GENESIS	Led by Ken Dahlberg	Either Sundays or Thursdays, depending on interest
MAX LUCADO'S 3:16, a 12 week study of John 3:16’s message of love, hope and the promise of life	Women’s Bible Study Group	Tuesday mornings, beginning Sept. 2nd 9:30 am LC 105
These are not exclusive. If you have a subject or area of interest for study and can get a few friends to join you, let me know. We can work out a time and place. If we clear away the thorns, break up the rocks, make the soil deeper than a veneer, then we can become good soil and better disciples of Christ (Matt.13:1-4). I am looking forward to learning from you. Ken

JOB OPENING FOR DIRECTOR OF FAMILY AND CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES

Applications will be taken for immediate employment as the Director of Family and Children’s Ministries at Sierra Vista UMC. This position requires experience in Christian or Children’s Education with formal training preferred. It must be a person committed to Christ with a love for children and their families and a desire to serve in team ministry. This person needs strong skills in organization, vision, planning, and curriculum development, and with computer training. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the ability to plan, secure leadership for and insure implementation of a variety of Children’s Programs and Family Ministries programs throughout the year. For more information regarding this position and to obtain an application please go by the church office or call 944-0918.

HERE I AM, LORD!!!
Sierra Vistans on the Mission Field.

Dear Sierra Vistans,

On August 1st, I will travel to southern Sudan with 11 other team members for a 2 week stay with the Didinga, a subgroup of the Dinka ethnic people who live in a primitive and remote region along the border with Uganda and Kenya. William and Eunice Laku, leaders of the Nagishot Church, are building a boarding school called City on a Hill, to educate and mentor children from all the tribes of the area. Our mission is to participate in the planning and foundational work for this project. We ask for your prayers for our safety, health, and that our efforts bear much fruit for City on a Hill. For more info, go to www.xanga.com/ramirezhere. We will be updating our progress and posting blog entries from the village via a satellite phone.

Thanks for your prayers and support,
Trey Mims
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Dear Sierra Vista,

For many that don’t know, I’m soon to embark, with 35 other 20-somethings, on the World Race. The team will travel through more than 10 countries in less than 12 months. We’ll devote our time and our talents to caring for orphans in southern Africa, rescuing prostitutes from the slave trade in Thailand, visiting refugee camps in Cambodia and much more. The trip has a competitive edge: the team will race from location to location and rewarded for the races they win. However, the majority of our time will be spent focusing on serving the local people and building relationships with them. For more information on the World Race you can visit www.theworldrace.org. You can also subscribe to my blog and follow me throughout the year at www.nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org. I thank you, Sierra Vista, for supporting me throughout my life and helping form a closer relationship with the Lord.

Natalie Montgomery

UPCOMING EVENTS

COME DANCE FOR THE LORD OF THE DANCE!
Liturgical Praise Dance has begun. We meet on Wednesdays at 5:30 pm in the Auditorium. This is for Anyone ages 10 and up. The session will last around 1 hour. We will meet every Wednesday this summer and may extend the sessions into the Fall. If you think you can't dance on your feet you can dance from a chair. Just come and Praise GOD with us. It will renew your spirit. For more information contact Cheryl at ballerina@butterflyent.com or 942-1256.

12 WEEK BIBLE STUDY - MAX LUCADO 3:16

John 3:16 - Timeless and powerful, these words proclaim a message of love, a source of hope and a promise of life. One sentence, softly spoken nearly 2,000 years ago, is just as relevant today as when Jesus first spoke it.

The Tuesday Morning Women’s Bible Study Group will begin a 12 week study of Max Lucado’s book 3:16 beginning September 2nd.

For more information, call Laurie Franklin by August 15th.

CURRENT NEEDS

STOCK CERTIFICATES FOR SALE
When you receive this newsletter, we will already be on one of the two Youth Mission Trips this summer. We should have 40 youth participating in both the Jr. & Sr. High Mission Trips. They will be contacting you by phone (or if they see you at church) for a donation. No donation is too small. We hope you will help support us this summer. Your donations will be going to pay for travel, lodging, food, supplies and help for several organizations. We will be working at C2K in Dallas and with the Gleaning Network of Texas in Austin.

When we return, you will receive a Stock Certificate, a thank you note from them and me, and a chance to hear about our trips. Please pray for us.

DO YOU HAVE "VINTAGE" SIERRA VISTA PHOTOS?
We’re looking for a “blast from the past” with vintage photos from the Sierra Vista family. All photos should be labeled on the back , BUT PLEASE DO NOT USE A MARKER. They will be returned to you. Please identify who is in the photo, especially if it is different than the owner. Color and black & white photos will both be used. Please drop them off at the office or give them to Cathye or Roy Moon. These photos will be used in a future presentation that is sure to be a big hit. Stay turned for more information . . . .

WHY THE SHOPPING CART?
Does anyone ever wonder why there is a grocery shopping cart in the Narthex? It is there to be filled with groceries donated for Project Dignidad. What is Project Dignidad? Project Dignidad is an ecumenical ministry that provides food in emergency situations to individuals and families in our community.

I challenge the people of Sierra Vista to fill that grocery cart each week with peanut butter, tuna fish, flour, rice, beans or any canned good you have in your pantry. If everyone would just bring one food item from their pantry each week when you come to church we could fill the basket every week!

So, do it now, set out a canned good to take to church with you this Sunday! Thank you!

YOUR EVANGELISM COMMITTEE NEEDS YOU!!!
The Evangelism Committee is looking for folks to be greeters and other to assist visitors at our Welcome Center at both Sunday services on a limited schedule. Call Shawn Floyd or the Church Office, 944-4041, if you would be interested.

SPONSOR-A-BELL
Would YOU (individuals or groups) like to buy a handbell in memory or honor of someone special? We’re trying to fill out our 4th and 5th octaves. The time has come to return the borrowed set we’ve been using. The sound of bells will be a blessing to our worship for many years to come!

High Bells		Low Bells
C #7	$180	B 3	$490
D 7	$180	A #3	$550
D #7	$180	A 3	$550
E 7	$180	G #3	$600
F 7	$180	G 3	$600
F #7	$180	F #3	$750
G 7	$180	F 3	$750
G #7	$180	E 3	$820
A 7	$180	D #3	$895
A #7	$180	D 3	$895
B 7	$180	C #3	$990
C 8	$180	C 3	$990
Port-A-Bell Cases
4th Octave		$625
5th Octave		$650

HANDBELL UPDATE - 06/24/08
We have received $9,374 in our Handbell Fund, and it continues to grow! Our balance is now $3,300.

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FOLLOWUPS

JR. HIGH MISSION TRIP MOMENT
by Sherrod Wilder

I had a lot of fun on this Mission Trip. I mean, making new friends was really fun. I got to work in 3 gardens helping pull weeds around plants, and by putting down fertilizer. Then, at the Food Bank, I got to put frozen bread in banana boxes. The 2nd and 3rd days, I got to put black beans in bags, (thousands and thousands of pounds of black beans in bags!!!) It was so much fun.

SR. HIGH MISSION TRIP
by Scott Motl

Well, this being my last trip as a youth in Sierra Vista, I’m sure I will remember this mission trip forever. Not only because it was my last, but also because of the people I experienced it with and because of the people we helped. So, instead of writing a novel, I’m just going to put some phrases down that define each day for me.

Day 1: They’re not in Kansas anymore!
Day 2: Scrape! Piggy Back Rides...
Day 3: Prime! Prime! Prime!
Day 4: Prime & Paint!!, JOSH HAMILTON GOD-AIDED WALK OFF HOME RUN!!! (I Called That!...)
Day 5: Paint & Finish!; Jesus...the re-gifter!
Day 6: Water slides!

I will remember so many things just by reading these phrases to jog my memory, and I couldn’t have asked for a better group to experience it all with. I’m going to miss all of you guys Thanks!!

YOUTH MISSION TRIPS UPDATE
The thank you notes have been written and will be mailed soon to all of you wonderful people who gave to our Mission causes this summer. We have received money from so many of you, and are hoping others of you will still give to our Mission causes. We still have around $2,000 that we’re hoping to collect to finish paying off the bills we incurred on this trip. If you haven’t donated to the Mission Fund, we would be blessed if you did! Contact Joy or Tina with questions, and if you bring a donation, a big HUG & a KISS will come your way!

God Bless You,
Joy and Tina

“JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT”

TOTALLY
AWESOME

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ONGOING AND EXTENDED EVENTS

*Sierra Vista Church Committee Officers 2008*
Steve Van Hoozer	Church Council
Bruce Fletcher	Trustees
Bill Holubec	Permanent Endowment
David Lupton	Finance
Ricky Sanderford	Lay Leadership
Mary Dean	Staff Parish Relations
Bethi Young	Child Development Center
Susan Schultz	Evangelism
Tracy McIver & Sherry Turner	Missions
Beverly Nevins	Hospitality
Jeany Coughran	Worship
Gary Booth	Music
Fred Dietz	Mission Advancement
Lynn Young	Children’s Council

PERMANENT ENDOWMENT COMMITTEE
Our walks in the Christian faith are filled with many individual steps. Some of the steps taken are straightforward, steps we get pleasure from and relish. The birth of a child or the making of a new Christian friend are steps that many of us have enjoyed. At the same time, we have also experienced other steps in our lives that are more difficult to bear, and many of us have also faced steps that are simply confusing. As Followers, we are asked to seek God’s guidance to lead us through the periods of our walks that we are now facing individually. Specifically, in Micah 6:8, we are called “to act justly and to love mercy/and to walk humbly with [our] God.”

Part of this walking humbly with God is taking care of what He has given us. Psalm 24 speaks to the idea that God owns all our possessions: “The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it.” This Christian perspective calls us to continue to walk humbly with Him by seeking His will in justly managing His possessions. The Church calls this stewardship; it is a way we serve God, and it is a part of the Christian walk that can prove both challenging and confusing. Some in our congregation are currently facing this very step.

To help members with this challenge of stewardship, a committee for Sierra Vista’s Permanent Endowment Fund was formed in January. The Permanent Endowment Fund is a service to those who love the Church and who desire to expand the Church’s witness and mission; it is a Fund whose goal is to turn any contributor’s gift into a lasting legacy. With this enduring goal in mind, the Permanent Endowment Fund is designed to supplement the customary stewardship responsibilities of individuals; it is not intended to replace regular annual giving for the Church’s established programs, and only interest earned from the principle is used for the work of this fund.

Additionally, the Permanent Endowment Fund Committee believes its role should be to help members of Sierra Vista with this step of stewardship in their Christian walks. Toward this end, the Committee will sponsor a seminar on estate planning in the latter part of October. The seminar, “Putting Your House in Order,” will outline how to leave a plan for your loved ones and how to continue your humble walk with God by carefully stewarding your part of His kingdom.

CHURCH CONTRIBUTIONS DRAFTED
For those who signed up to have their church contributions drafted, please contact the Church Office at 944-4041 if you need a new packet of bank draft cards.

If you would like to sign up for bank draft, please contact the Church Office, 944-4041.

CHECK OUT THE LIBRARY
The church library has moved to N-3 (the old nursery). It is located off the south end of the Narthex in the door that says “Step Up”. In that foyer are books for you to take and share with others. To the right, you will find the library. Books on praying are being “highlighted” for the Lenten Season.

To check out a book:
1) Remove the card from the book pocket
2) Sign & date card
3) Place card on computer desk
4) When you return the book, place it on the computer desk

Take advantage and enjoy your church library!

Our church library has the best selection of books covering a broad range of subjects. Thanks to the Ott’s, a software package has been provided that will sort books by: title, author, publisher, year published and other library identifications. Just ask Pat Towler how many books we have by authors of A & B last names. She has entered almost 200 books and that is only 1/8 of the existing library! Besides the library there is a closet of resource books as well as tapes and videos. These have not been sorted as yet, but are available to everyone! Come to the church library and find the treasures. Archeology sounds fun to me! Any questions, contact Penny Fritz.

PRAYERS FOR MILITARY
Our military prayer chain is going strong. Please stop by the table in he Narthex for the most current list of names and addresses of "Sierra Vista affiliated" Military.

Prayers of THANKSGIVING!!!

Scott Smith has returned safely from Iraq!
Kevin Ford has returned safely from Iraq!
Joey Trejo has returned safely from Iraq.
Steven Jacoby has returned safely from Afghanistan.
Kevin Bruce has returned safely from Iraq...KEEP PRAYING...HE'S GOING BACK!
Juan Gonzalez has returned safely from Iraq.
Daniel Jones has returned safely from Egypt.
Steve Schultz is safely back in the states.
John Adams will be in Germany with his family by Christmas.
James Foster arrived safely back home on December 1st.
James Stultz and the men in his Platoon have returned safely from Iraq!
Josh Nelson has returned safely from Iraq!
Glenn Kerr has returned safely from Iraq!
Chris Poteet has returned safely from Iraq!
Phillip Poteet has returned safely from Iraq!
Shelley Brotherton … (daughter-in-law of Joyce Brotherton) … has safely returned from Iraq!
Matthew Eubanks ... (son-in-law of Bill and Lynette Ott) ... has returned safely from Qatar!
Steven Kling ... (son-in-law of Doug and Maggie Altom) ... has returned safely from Afghanistan!
James Stultz and the men with him were not seriously injured when an explosive device blew up the front of their Humvee!

PROJECT DIGNIDAD GROCERY LIST

Flour	Peanut Butter	Pasta
Canned Meat	Soups	Canned Fruit
Ramen Noodles	Toddler Size Diapers	Ziplock Bags
Plastic Grocery Bags

Would you be willing to add a few of these items to your grocery list to donate to Project Dignidad? This ecumenical ministry provides food in emergency situations to individuals and families. Sierra Vista has supported this ministry through donations for many years. The recipients of these donations are very grateful. Baskets labeled “Project Dignidad” are located in the Narthex. Items collected will be delivered to Project Dignidad each week. Thanks so much for your help!

PLEASE HELP US UPDATE OUR MEMBERSHIP FILES

We are trying to update the membership files to get our records current and to make a Sierra Vista “yellow pages,” and we need your help. Please contact the Church Office at 944-4041, or e-mail Ann at adodgen@sierravista.org, with your current information; i.e. where you work and your work phone number. Also, if you have a new home address, phone or cell number, or e-mail address, please let us know. Even if you think we have everything correct, please send the information in to us so that we can double-check. Thank you for your help with this project.

SAVE YOUR SODA CAN TABS!
Remember to continue saving your soda can pull tops. We are in partnership with Verizon to collect them. 24 pounds of pulls will help a family of 4 spend a night in the Ronald McDonald House. Thanks for all your support through the summer and fall.

WHAT'S THE STORY ON LIFE GROUPS?
The first of the year is always a good time for NEW BEGINNINGS. As the Life Group coordinator, I want to apprise you of a wonderful opportunity that many of us have shared over the years. There are presently four life groups in our church. Each group meets on a regular basis 2 to 4 times per month depending on the desires of the group. The groups have from 6 to 18 members and vary in age from the 30’s to the 70’s.

Some groups meet every week. Others less often. All presently break for the summer but meet once a month during that time for fellowship. Food is an important part of the fellowship whether it is offered by a host, or pot lucks, or just coffee and dessert. Three mixed groups meet in the evenings, a woman’s group meets during the day.

It is free rein for anyone in the group. All are encouraged to participate and because of the friendly atmosphere, it is difficult not to get involved. It is fun and at the same time it is serious. We share problems and prayer concerns. And since everything shared in the group stays in the group, members become very close. In effect, the groups are like a family – sharing with each other, praying for each other, and caring for each other. What a blessing to belong to such a group.

Four groups are not enough. We all know that the best way to assimilate new members of Sierra Vista (and for that matter long-term members) is to offer them the opportunity to participate in a small group. I am looking for persons to start new groups - leaders and members. It’s a wonderful growth experience, it’s fun, and it’s healing.

Pray and lets talk about it. Bring a mate, bring a friend, bring yourself.

Jeany Coughran

BUILDING OR ROOM USE FORMS
We have developed a form for use in scheduling an activity, Bible or other study, or any thing that requires the setting aside of a particular space for a function. When you call Ann Dodgen, you will be asked: When do you need the space? Is it a recurring event? Do you need childcare and, if so, for how many kids? What table, chair, and other needs do you have for the space? This form is then distributed to the various persons who can handle those requirements for you. The childcare schedulers may send you a form for their use afterwards as well.

We are doing this to assure that we provide the best possible service for our members and those others who use our space for ministry. If you have any comments about the system, please contact Ann or Ken.

ALZHEIMER'S CAREGIVERS' SUPPORT GROUP
This is to make you aware of support for families with member(s) suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease. There are several (six to eight) groups that meet around town but the south-side meeting is at the Community Room at Myrtlewood and Valley View on the second Monday evening from 6:30 to 7:30. For more information, mailings, and educational opportunities, please contact the Alzheimer’s Association at 653-1724.

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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

WESLEY DAILY BREAD SOUP KITCHEN NEEDS YOUR HELP!
Hello Sierra Vista!! Have I got a deal for you. Every Thursday you could come to the Wesley Daily Bread Soup Kitchen and have a great time and perform a wonderful service to our community. I volunteer every Thursday and I need people who want to feel needed and have fun while volunteering. We serve from 75-120 people during the hours of 11:00 am-1:00 pm. I am there from 9:00 on and there are opportunities for cooking, washing dishes, organizing the pantry, cleaning, etc. You can come the whole time or any time at all, especially 12:30 -1:30 pm to help put away leftovers and clean up. If you have any questions about this wonderful mission in our community, please call me and I'll be happy to give you all the details. I look forward to hearing from you. LuAnn Lupton.

VISITATION COMMITTEE
We would like to start a Visitation Committee to brighten some of our members’ days. Please let Karen Brewer know if you would be willing to visit someone who can’t get out much on a regular basis – once or twice a month. If enough of you sign up, we will have an organizational meeting to determine how we will operate. Thank you.

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THANK YOU

* * * * * * * * * *

(August 12)
Thanks to all of the wonderful volunteers who helped in the office while I was gone on vacation: Joyce Sprott, Bonnie Sumey, Nancy Knight, Barbara Salvato, Linda Sylva, Coral Jean Warren, Nancy Krasny, & Penny Fritz. I couldn’t have left without your help!

Many thanks, Ann

Dear Friends,

Thank you very much for your Birthday Box donation of $280.75. We deeply appreciate your support of our work.

Sammye Ruppeck, Ex. Director
Concho Valley Home for Girl

A special thank you to the wonderful, cheerful, helpful group of Vista Volunteers who turned out to produce the newsletter on July 29. They included:

Nancy Knight	Bonnie Sumey
Barbara Richards	Lila Sprott
MarthaMcMeans	Tina Glass
Jessica Glass	Kendra Glass

(July 29)
Dear Friends,

Thanks to all of you who sent cards, visited me and prayed for me during my battle with cancer. I have just been to the doctor and he has confirmed that I am cancer free! Your prayers were answered!

God Bless You, Francine Jinright

A special thank you to the wonderful, cheerful, helpful group of Vista Volunteers who turned out to produce the newsletter on July 15. They included:

Pat Towler	Bonnie Sumey
Karen Brewer	Ida Mae Shawn
Faith Fudge
Barbara Richards

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FUND RAISERS

FUNDRAISING FOR YOUTH EVENTS

STAINED GLASS WINDOW NOTE CARDS
The Youth still have lots of packages of note cards of the stained glass windows of Sierra Vista for sale. The cards are $8 for a package of 12 cards. The cards are in the Church Office.

CAR WASH TOKENS FROM TOWN & COUNTRY
It’s summer and you need to wash the outside of your car Let us help! We have car wash tokens for $10. It’s a $16 value car wash, from Town & Country, for only $10. The Youth get 1/2 of the proceeds. So, when you get your car washed, you’re happy, your car’s happy, and the Youth are happy!

SODA CAN PULLS
Remember to continue saving your soda can pull tops. 24 pounds of pulls will help a family of 4 spend a night in the Ronald McDonald House. Thank you for all your support of this project!

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WEEKLY RESOURCES

TRANSPORTATION TO CHURCH

Volunteers pick up anyone who would like to attend church on Sunday morning and needs transportation. If you are not a regular rider, would like more information on this ministry, or need to change or cancel the bus, please call the Church Office, 944-4041.

*Lectionary Scripture Readings*
August 17	Genesis 45:1-15 Psalm 133 Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32 Matthew 15:21-28
August 24	Exodus 1:8-2:10 Psalm 124 Romans 12:1-8 Matthew 16:13-20

The deadline for articles in the Vista News is at 5 p.m. on the following days:

Newsletters will be mailed the following Tuesdays.

Vista News Deadlines & Folding Dates for 2007

Deadline

August 21
Sept. 4
Sept. 18

Folding Date

August 26
Sept. 9
Sept. 25

Deadline

Folding Date

Deadline

Folding Date

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LINKS TO PICTURES

PHOTO ALBUM ADDED TO WEBSITE

A Photo Album page has been added to the Sierra Vista website. <http://www.sierravista.org/photoalbum.htm>
It can be reached by clicking on the bottom button of the stained glass window menu found on the left side of most of the website pages or by clicking on the camera below.

The Photo Album page contains links to pictures from many of the church activities during 2005 & 2006. More pictures will be added as they become available. Be aware that even though the pictures have been compressed and reduced in size, the pages are still very "graphics intense" and may freeze older computers.

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Although Claire Reynolds was a bit older than most of the College Crazies Crew, she has been an "honorary" part of the group for the past couple of years. Her death was a tragic loss. Memorial pages have been added to the College website at <http://www.sierravista.org/college/clairemem.htm> You are invited to visit her memorial pages and to send a favorite memory ... or a favorite scripture if you did not know her ... to be posted on her tribute page. They can be sent to <cathcom02@yahoo.com>

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