1
Volume 24, Issue 6
June 2015 M o u n t a i n V i e w P r e s b y t e r i a n C h u r c h
T
Take Note:
June 7
Last day of Sunday
School, 2nd service
June 14
Worship service times
change for summer
10AM
June 14
Face to Face
June 21
Father’s Day
June 28 - July 2
Quest Mission Trip
Tall Timber Ranch
June 28
Tidelands
Open House 1-5PM
July 6 Associate
Pastor, Dan Jones
Stars at Mt. View
July 27 - 31
VBS - Everest
August 22
Buddy Break
August 28 - 29
All-church Campout
Bay View State Park
Twenty years ago I happened upon a style of music that changed
my life. I felt as though I had discovered my music: Black Gospel is what
they call it.
Right away I introduced this music to my youth choir and we began
singing the songs of the “Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir.” In the following
months and years we began using Black Gospel with our adult groups
as well. Now granted…the music often lost something in translation.
When a bunch of white people sing this style of music… well… it’s just
not the same. But we gave it our best shot!
I learned that one of the challenges in Gospel music is that which is
required of a vocal soloist. Why? It has to do with the fact that much of
what is sung is made-up as you go. Jazz musicians call it “improv” but
gospel singers usually just refer to it as letting the Spirit lead you.
The words and the music are given as a gift. The singer just shares it
with everyone who’s listening! And when this happens… it’s an amazing
experience of worship and celebration!
I’ve tried to sing this way and I quickly discovered that it’s not as
easy as it sounds. I also learned this: in order to sing in the Spirit you just
need to “jump in” and begin singing. If you approach it timidly, it simply
doesn’t work! When you try to control the music, it comes out weak and
contrived. It’s all about letting go and trusting God for the music!
This process reminds me of the people of Israel as they crossed the
Jordan River. In order for the river to become dry land, their leaders first
had to step into the water. It required a step of faith.
Singing in the Spirit
(Continued on page 2)
2
Give them a break… A Buddy Break By Kristin Serniotti
PAGE 2 THE ENCOURAGER
Right now we’re facing a challenge similar to those in recent years when we added
the positions of full-time Youth Director, full-time Creative Arts Director and Children’s Ministry
Director. We also faced a huge challenge when we moved forward to build our new sanctuary.
To be frank, most of the challenges had to do with finances. How would we pay this added
salary? How could we afford to construct and care for a new building? I’m not sure I can answer
exactly how it all came about. Yes, people were faithful, and some gave more as they could.
What I do know is that each time, God was faithful and honored our steps of faith!
I believe the same will be true as we move in this new direction. Mountain View Presbyterian
Church is once again facing a new and exciting challenge. We have voted to call Dan Jones
as our new Associate Pastor!
God has a new song for Mountain View to sing! Right now we’re anticipating stepping out
(some of us for the first time) and letting the Spirit lead us. We don’t know the exact “melodies”
we’ll be singing, and we may not know all the “words” but what we do know is that God has
provided them to us before. What God requires of us is trust and courage.
“When the priests got to the Jordan and their feet touched the water at the edge…
the flow of water stopped.” (Joshua 3:15-16a), The Message)
Pastor John Mason
What is Buddy Break?
Buddy Break is a free kids/respite program where kids with special
needs (VIP kids) make new friends, play fun games, enjoy crafts, stories,
music, activities and more! Siblings have fun too! Meanwhile, their
caregivers get a break from their ongoing care-giving responsibilities
for three hours on one Saturday morning a month.
The weight and stress of finding proper doctors, teachers and financial resources for a
VIP child’s care can be overwhelming. Those responsibilities, along with the never-ending
demands of daily care-giving and life in general, leave little opportunity for caregivers to
take time for themselves, run errands or spend time with a spouse or other children—things
desperately needed to survive. Buddy Break provides a safe place for VIPs and their
siblings to have fun and establish meaningful friendships with other kids and adults while
their caregivers get a break.
(Continued from page 1)
3
VOLUME 24 , I SSUE 6 PAGE 3
How do I sign up to be a Buddy?
No previous experience with VIP kids is necessary to be a Buddy just a loving heart, open arms,
and a willingness to learn. Each VIP kid is paired one-on-one with a screened volunteer Buddy,
who is at least 14 years of age and has completed a two-hour Buddy Training 101 class.
Doctors, nurses, therapists and special education teachers are also invited to participate.
Our first event is August 22, 2015 beginning at 10 am.
Volunteer needs include:
TEN Buddies (one-on-one friends to help the VIP kids)
SIX Room Leaders to assist with activities in each station (musicians needed!)
FIVE people for set up/clean up crew
ONE Doctor, nurse, paramedic or school nurse/medical assistant
To volunteer contact Kristin Serniotti at [email protected] or 360-659-7777
Brandon Bailey June 1
Sue Deisher June 1
Isaiah Bell June 5
Madyson Whitemarsh June 5
Tom Rowley June 7
Joyce Cooper June 9
Brett Peterson June 9
Kinder Smoots June 9
Alicia Bodmer June 10
Jenna Jordan June 10
Jean Uhrich June 11
Mike Doupe’ June 12
Aneliese Jones June 12
Sarah Murru June 12
Dennis Carver June 13
Grace Mooring June 16
Chris Cunningham June 17
Bob Hitz June 17
Cookie Kitzman June 17
Alissa Belan June 19
Chris Grey June 19
Todd Leighton June 19
Olivia Harsh June 21
Andrea Killion June 22
John Cavcey June 24
Zachary Luton June 24
Luke Fletcher June 25
Ella Nondorf June 25
John Honeyman June 26
Glenn Owen June 27
Michelle Rowley June 28
Anthony Murru June 30
Natalie Senff June 30
4
PAGE 4 THE ENCOURAGER
(Continued from page 3)
Collaboration
When you read the word “collaboration” what thoughts or emotions are running through your
brain? I seriously want to know. What are the first few words that you associate with collabora-
tion? If you have a device open next to you send me an email right now. Go ahead…I’ll wait.
Ok now that you’ve done that, I wanted to share a little about my experience and what I
learned through a season of collaborating musically and in leadership with others. First of all,
as a director there are some very real trepidations about relinquishing control of your ensemble
to someone else. I asked myself “What if they teach my choir bad habits? What if I don’t agree
with the way they do a song?”. The list of excuses towards reluctance can go on and on.
Thankfully I knew my collaborator very well and trusted her with my life - that is - my choir.
Jennifer Hanson is a tender, kind and brilliant director and I would collaborate with her and her
ensembles any day! Once we get past the fears of reaching out, we can begin to reap the
overflowing benefits of working together. Still, I am hearing wonderful stories of how our choir
members enjoyed working with Jennifer.
For me the highlight was watching the Celebration Singers talk, laugh and sing with other
brothers and sisters who were striving towards the same goal. They met people dealing with the
same struggles and victories; first in music, then in other areas of life! Some of our choristers insist
they have met soul mates with this exchange. Stack on top of all this the energy and power of
singing with 75 other voices and you’ve got mountain top experiences that will forever shape
your life. This, my friends, is the core of what church is. People coming together because of their
mutual love of Christ, sharing in laughter
and struggles together with the desire to
grow and share God’s love with the world. I
am so proud of everyone involved in our
two gospel concerts. I hope you
were able to enjoy some of the hard work
that they put into it.
In Peace,
A Creative Moment By Dustin Willetts
Dustin Willetts
5
Quest - Changes for Summer By Hannah Kreutz
VOLUME 24 , I SSUE 6 PAGE 5
The end of the school year is upon us! How did that happen
so quick? We are going to make some changes to Quest for the
summer and I want to provide you with the details.
We will NOT be meeting regularly on Wednesday evenings. As I was preparing and consider-
ing options for the summer, I didn’t feel it would be an advantageous use of our time. Rather, I am
going to fill the summer with events and activities and invite the kids and their friends to come
and hang out. My goal for the summer is to be really intentional in growing together as a youth
group and building relationships.
Hungry will continue to happen throughout the summer under the direction and planning of
Becca Kreutz. We have not yet settled on any dates but that will be happening soon. Despite
the focus of our summer being on fellowship and relationship building, we wanted to continue to
foster the importance of worship and giving the kids a space to come and refresh their spirits.
I am really looking forward to this summer and there are already a lot of ideas on the brain!
Be on the lookout for more details and information throughout the summer! Blessings!
Mission Trip Team: Hannah Kreutz Scott King Tim Chin Miles Chin Greer King David Lockwood Kevin Lockwood Jordan Lockwood Tristan Runyon Nathan Senff
Tall Timber Mission Trip Itinerary
From June 28 - July 2 Quest will be spending five days at Tall
Timber Ranch in Leavenworth, Wa. For two of the days we will be
spending time with the children of the migrant workers who come to
Monitor Washington to pick the orchards. The children stay behind at
the camp. We will be there to hang out and play games & soccer,
provide arts & crafts and share our heart for Jesus with them.
The other two days we will be at TTR helping with service projects
and continuing to prepare the ranch for their upcoming camps.
Our last day we will wrap up our time together spending the day
with a Christian organization going
rafting as a team, to debrief our week
and experiences and grow together
before returning home. We appreciate the
prayers as we prepare for our trip and
while we are gone. There will be a more
detailed prayer list coming soon. Stay tuned!
6
PAGE 6 THE ENCOURAGER
Watch for sign-ups for a Prayer Vigil to cover the entire Youth
Mission Trip to Tall Timber and a migrant camp in Monitor from
June 28 – July 2. There will be prayer suggestions to use during
your time of prayer. You may sign up for just one hour if you wish.
Many folks sign up for the same time each day of a mission trip.
Prayer Ministry By Jeannine King
(My time is 11 PM each evening). Several people may sign up for the same hour, just more
prayer! You may email Jeannine King at [email protected] to sign up to pray if you wish.
Join us at Face to Face Worship and Prayer service on June 14! Come enjoy a wonderful
time of music and prayer led by John and Jackie Fuller! (Note: this month, 2nd Sunday)
Let us continue to pray long-term for those affected by the Marysville-Pilchuck HS shooting
and other major disasters in our area and the world!
Your Prayer Ministry Team: Barb Meyer, Mark & Heidi Fuller, JoAnn Parker,
John & Jackie Fuller, Doris McGregor, Jan Barnes, Tim & Jeannine King
and Pastor John Mason
When planting your garden this season, think about planting a row or two for MCL. We are
always looking for fresh fruits and veggies to serve to our guests. We are also looking for sum-
mer-time help cooking & serving on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays. With vacations and family
commitments our volunteer staff dwindles from June through September. If you have ever felt the
nudge to help out but didn't have time for a long commitment, summer time vacation help might
be just for you! If you'd like more info on how this ministry works and what our needs are please
contact Teri at [email protected].
Marysville Community Lunch By Teri Branan
The monthly book club will be gathering on June 5 for a lively discussion
of The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe. This will be our last
meeting until September 25 when we will discuss The Sparrow by Mary
Doria Russel. We will be meeting at Paula Fortin’s home. For more informa-
tion or directions to Paula’s home, contact the office. Everyone is welcome!
Friday Night Book Club By Paula Fortin
7
VOLUME 24 , I SSUE 6 PAGE 7
Decisions in the Midst of Grief
“. . . But those who use God’s wisdom are safe.” –Proverbs 28:26
When my father, age 53, suffered a fatal cardiac arrest, our whole family was blindsided. It
was sudden, unexpected, and many decisions had to be made. My mother was understandably
overwhelmed. Fortunately, there were loving friends, a church family and trusted professionals
who guided us through the maze of arrangements that followed Daddy’s death and affected
our lives for years to come. My sister was 16, I was three weeks away from college graduation.
Even when you have time to prepare for a loss, grief puts you at high risk of making sketchy
choices. At a time when your thinking and perspective may be the most muddled, you’ll likely
face decisions that require clarity. No, it’s not fair. But it’s typical, and there is hope.
When it’s feasible (which is not always the case), walk don’t run. That’s the basic guidance we
get from the GriefShare professionals in our DVD series. In other words and if possible, take your
time with the big stuff: getting rid of your loved one’s belongings, changing residence and/or
employment, and making major purchases or investments. And if it’s your spouse or fiancé who
died, be especially cautious about entering too quickly into a new relationship.
Rick Warren, author and senior pastor of Saddleback Church, recently shared some decision
-making tips in his online Daily Hope devotion (www.rickwarren.org/devotional). Whether or not
you’re grieving, these suggestions will help you move forward with faith, confident in God’s
wisdom. Here’s a summary:
Pray for guidance. Ask God for His perspective on the issue.
Get the facts. Faith and fact do not contradict one another, according to Warren
(Proverbs 13:16).
Ask others. Someone who has made a similar decision or a trusted friend who knows your
situation could be a big help (Proverbs 24:6b GNT).
Calculate the cost. Figure how much of your time, money, energy, reputation, talents and
resources it will take (Proverbs 20:25).
Prepare for problems. You can prepare to meet problems and still have faith in God to
work in your life. Every decision has obstacles (Proverbs 22:3).
Face your fears. Warren notes that “God has always used imperfect people in imperfect
situations to get His will done.” Trust God to start working in spite of your fears and
doubts (Ecclesiastes 11:4).
Evening sessions begin June 4
Find encouragement and more practical tools for moving through your grief by joining Mountain
View’s weekly GriefShare support group. Our 2015 Summer Series runs June 4 – September 3,
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. You can also visit www.griefshare.org/healing/study for a self-guided online
study.
For more information and to register for our upcoming series, please contact Rachel Ellinger at
360-659-7777 or [email protected].
By Diane Young
8
PAGE 8 THE ENCOURAGER
Senior Ministry By JoAnn Myers
Senior Lunch this month is on Monday, June
15th at 11:30 AM at the Golden Corral.
Please put the date on your calendars. Hope to
see more of you at the lunch. Those that do
attend have a great time of fellowship and
good food. Guests are welcome. See you there!
Call JoAnn Myers at 360.691.9778 if you have
any questions.
8
Summer Worship Schedule:
All highlighted Sundays
below have a single
service time of 10AM.
Enjoy your summer!
The next time you place your order on Amazon, pay attention to their option to donate! Amazon.com is currently offering to donate .5% of your purchase cost to a charity of your choice. Here’s the really exciting part… Bibles & Literature in French (BLF) is on their list of charity options! Every little bit helps!
BLF NEEDS YOUR HELP Do you shop on Amazon?!
Prep your parka for VBS 2015,
Everest July 27-31
Register participants
and volunteers at mtvpc.org
Contact Kristin Serniotti with
any questions!
4
9
5115 100th Street NE Marysville, WA 98270 360.659.7777 [email protected]
Mountain View Presbyterian Church
John Mason Pastor
Kristin Serniotti Children’s Ministries Director
Dustin Willetts Creative Arts Director
Hannah Kreutz Director of Youth Ministry
Brenda Leighton Preschool Director
Jackie Fuller Keyboardist
Karen Senff Custodian
Rachel Ellinger Administrative Assistant
HOURS
Worship Services: 9 & 10:30 AM
Nursery Care: 9 & 10:30 AM
Kids Under Construction: 9 AM
Sunday School: 10:30 AM
OFFICE HOURS:
Monday-Thursday, 9 AM-5 PM
Staff
Mountain View’s rainbow
Find us on the web!
www.mtvpc.org
Elders and Deacons Elders
Lee Brandt-Dillon
Hal Clark
Jim Fletcher
Todd Leighton
Lynn Lockwood
Clerk: Jeannine King
Deacons
Judy Aiton
Bill Armstrong
Sarah Cunning-ham
Diana Franz
Denise Gritton
Luana Jackson
Steve Jahn
Mandy Jordan
Deborah Pattie
Dale Pederson
Tracy Raymond
Paul Thompson
These folks are
called by God
and elected by
the members of
this
congregation to
lead this body
of believers.
They are so
happy to serve
you!
Firewood for Sale [email protected]
Proceeds to benefit Quest
VOLUME 24 , I SSUE 6 PAGE 9