AUGUST 2008 Newsletter

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In this Issue:

Conversational Evangelism Conference
Valley Church Leaders Unite at Mountain View Lutheran Church for Regional Conference!
September 12-13, 2008

The Conversational Evangelism Conference brings together evangelism experts Todd Hunter, David Kinnaman, Garry Poole, Randy Siever, Elisa Morgan, and Jim Henderson.

Jesus is calling us to share the gospel in a hurt and broken world using the most natural and easy of methods…conversation. In the 20th century preaching in large venues was an effective means of sharing the gospel. The modern world respected, demanded and loved its experts. If something went wrong with our car we expected to find an expert mechanic. If we suddenly developed a health issue, we demanded expert medical care. It was a totally normal part of life. Add to that the realities of Christendom wherein pastors, teachers and evangelists were those experts in religion. It created an atmosphere where seekers could feel comfortable looking up to the religious expert on the big stage. That kind of environment fit the way they sought expertise in every other facet of life.

Today it is different. Most seekers don’t want to be talked down to from a stage in one way communication. They need to talk, they need to tell their story, they need a place to unload all their fears and pre-judgments about religion, etc. This requires a conversation. It requires that we come sit with seekers around a dinner table, letting them set the pace and direction of the conversation.

Some people lack the confidence to engage in spiritual conversations with non-Christians. If this is you, the Conversational Evangelism Conference is designed just for you. This conference will equip you to hold conversations with non-Christians that could lead to faith.

Some people fear that letting “non-Christians” talk will lead to compromise. They say “why would you let a non-Christian go on about false doctrines or wrong beliefs?” It’s not like God is surprised to hear what they are thinking! We create an environment in which they can get it out and then hear feedback from their seeking peers and the guides of the group.

Why should YOU be a part of this historic event????

Your friends, neighbors, and co-workers who may be closed to church services, big events, and “organized religion” are usually open to honest, low-key spiritual discussions with a few trusted friends.

YOU can break through and reach people you know with the love and reality of Jesus… by using something right in front of you – conversation!

To register, send an email to bookstore@mvlutheran.org or register online at www.mvlutheran.org.
Ticket prices are $89 (or $79 if 3 or more are purchased.)

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Rally Weekend
September 6/7, 2008
Coming to church is more than just attending Worship services each Sunday. It’s about fellowship, learning, and getting involved.

Find out about the many classes, ministries, and volunteer opportunities there are for you at Mountain View during “Rally Weekend” September 6 and 7.

This is more than just a display of different events here at church. It is a chance for you to meet the leaders and teachers behind the groups and events and give you an opportunity to learn more. It’s a chance for you to get involved…whether participating in a group or class, or volunteering your time and talents.

There will be door prizes, refreshments, entertainment for the kids and more. Make sure you mark your calendar now and plan on spending time to learn how you can deepen your Faith Walk by getting more involved in your church home!

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From the Pastor’s Desk
I will attempt to follow Voltaire’s quip when he wrote a friend a fairly long letter –  “I apologize for not taking the time to write a shorter letter.” More than one professor of public speaking has explained that every address should have three parts: a beginning, middle and an end. The only expectation is that the first and last parts be as close together as possible. The Gospel text for the first Sunday I was here to preach had Jesus telling his followers that they should cast their burdens on him because his yoke was easy. It is excellent advice. Everyone has a burden to carry and casting it on Jesus is not a way of avoiding work; it rather is a sign of real strength. Only strong individuals can give things up and let go of them. Truth be told, most of us would rather cling to our burdens because as heavy as they may be, they are OUR burdens and we are secure with them. Giving things, even burdens, up to our Lord sounds so simple (and it is), but that does not mean it is easy! I liken being a disciple of Christ to playing golf: It is simple but it isn’t easy.

Golf is in reality a simple game: hit a little ball in as few strokes as possible into a hole in the ground. No one is trying to tackle you when you do it, the ball isn’t moving when you have to hit it and no one is moving the target. To top it off the fans don’t boo or make fun of you, and you get to ride around on a cart if you want and sip a beverage of your choice in between shots. It is really simple but as you know if you have played, it isn’t easy. The good news of the Gospel is God has promised to play side by side with us and carry the load when we can’t. Wow!

It is great to be among you to share the Good News and to walk side by side with you in this adventure to which we have been called! Stop by and say hello, remind me of your name and have fun on the team called the body of Christ. See you in church.

In Christ,
Pastor Glenn M. Zorb

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Associate Pastor Plans
With the departure of Pastor Grant Barnett-Christenson Mountain View will need added support to meet the pastoral needs of the congregation. Council is working with the Grand Canyon Synod and examining all possibilities to acquire an interim associate pastor as soon as possible. Council is also starting the process of calling an associate pastor. With an interim associate pastor in place we will have time to refine the associate pastor job description for an associate pastor who best complements Pastor Zorb and meets the needs of our congregation. As we go through this process Pastor Zorb will take a role in confirmation and youth activities to provide continuity as we go through the process of calling a new associate pastor.

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Business Directory
We are expanding our FREE online business directory to include small businesses of which an employee is an attendee of Mountain View. To list the business, just submit the information online at www.mvlutheran.org/bizdir.asp.  However, owners need to give approval for the listing before it is posted. To view the current listings, go to www.mvlutheran.org/bizdir/bizdirectory.asp.

The purpose of the Business Directory is to offer those that attend Mountain View a network of businesses to turn to for various skills, services, and expertise in time of need. It will also provides the small businesses with opportunities to grow, networking possibilities, and a prayerful peer group. The Business Directory will ultimately provide Mountain View people opportunities to follow in Christ’s footsteps, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others”  Matthew 20:28

(Mountain View Lutheran Church maintains the right of refusal of any business that does not meet the standards set forth by Mountain View Lutheran Church.)

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Family Camp
Enjoy getting out of the heat for the first weekend after school starts in the cool pines of Prescott. Join us at Camp ALOMA for Family Camp the weekend of August 8-10. Applications are available in the Narthex, however, the deadline to sign up is Sunday, August 3.

Camp Aloma is a small Lutheran Camp supported by our church located in the pines west of Prescott about three miles past Thumb Butte Park. Four meals are included with indoor sleeping and bathrooms. Enjoy fun activities with families, a playground for small children, time to relax and hike.

Please note that this year’s Family Camp is earlier than last year. If you have questions, contact Ron and Bev Lichty at 480-460-1904 or Lichtyfam@cox.net.

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Financial Summary – June 2008

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Health & Wellness Ministry
It’s time to get ready for back to school and that means a check of your child’s Immunization record. Beginning at the onset of the 2008-2009 school year, a new state mandate requires children 11 years and older to be immunized against meningococcal disease and whooping cough prior to school entry.

Meningococcal disease, commonly called meningitis, is a serious bacterial infection that can cause swelling of the lining around the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) or blood infection (meningococcemia). Anyone can get meningococcal disease, but pre-teens and teens are at greater risk of contracting the disease. In fact, pre-teens and teens account for nearly 30 percent of all cases of reported meningococcal infection in the U.S.

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly communicable bacterial disease characterized by cough, followed by vomiting and whooping. Although most whooping cough cases in the past decade were in children, more than half of cases now occur in pre-teens, teens and adults.

The CDC recommends that persons aged 11 – 12 years receive the tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis vaccine, or Tdap. This FDA-approved vaccine helps prevent not only whooping cough, but also tetanus and diphtheria.

It's best for children to receive immunizations at their "medical home"; however, free immunizations for children under age 19 are available… on August 2 from 9:00am-2:30pm these free immunizations will be offered at sites around the county—Chandler High School at 350 N. Arizona Ave. is one of the sites. On August 26 from 9:00-11:00am, immunizations are available at the Ahwatukee Health Center at 4545 E. Chandler Blvd.

For other locations and times contact Community Information and Referral at www.cirs.org or 602-263-8856.

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Hidden Treasures Thrift Store
Mountain View has joined with several East Valley Lutheran Churches to create Hidden Valley Thrift Store. Each of the Lutheran churches will receive Outreach Ministry funding based on the hours we can provide to help run the Thrift Store. We already have many donations and need your help in volunteer hours to manage the floor for sales, sorting, pricing, etc.

Please join this rewarding team. Sign up at church or call Jan Acker at 480-496-9353 or the Manager Liz at 480-857-8310.

Mountain View's volunteer times are Thursday afternoons and Friday mornings. Of course, we'd welcome any time you have that works into your schedule. Thanks again for your support and all the work you have already given.

The store is located at Galveston and Alma School Road, between Ray and Chandler Blvd. and is open Tuesdays through Saturdays.

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Men's Breakfast
Men's Breakfast is happy to have our new Senior Pastor, Glenn Zorb, as guest speaker on Friday, September 26 at 7:30am! Join us in welcoming him to our group for the first meeting of the Fall.

Enjoy coffee fellowship followed by a delicious breakfast prepared by our Chef Don Sullivan! The sign up chart is available in the Narthex (church entry area) on weekends or call the church office at 480-893-2579 to reserve your place!

Suggestions for speakers on subjects of interest to you are welcomed! Please contact Don Schneider (480-893-2458). Let's make this a record turnout!

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Music Notes

Happy New Year!
New Year’s Resolutions do not occur only on January 1st! They can happen at the beginning of a school year, at the end of Easter, at the beginning of Lent. It is a time to reassess and make choices other than habits you have fallen into. I know you are bracing yourself for another pitch from the music director. Being a part of the music program on campus is not just about singing in the choir or playing an instrument. It is about forming fellowships and friendships with people who are like minded; pulling together as a team to bring God’s word in a different way; forming small groups and having people watch out for you and watch over you.

Sanctuary Choir begins rehearsals on Wednesday, August 27 at 7:15pm. The Sanctuary Choir sings at the 9:15am service and is the core group for the Festival Choir. The Daybreak Singers is formed mostly of people who have time to rehearse during the day and like to attend the 8:00am service on Sunday. Rehearsals for the Daybreak Singers begin Thursday, August 28 at 11:00 am in the choir room. Check the website (www. mvlutheran.org/min/music.asp) for other music programs. There are also brochures available describing rehearsal times and musical groups available at Mountain View. Contact Jennifer Sheldon, Director of music at jsheldon@mvlutheran.org or 480.893.2579 x119.

Come – join the music program – start your New Year’s Resolution!

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Grace Notes
Have you ever played a band or orchestra instrument? How about guitar, bass guitar, or drum set? If so, you should consider joining Grace Notes! Grace Notes includes musicians from 9th grade to adult. And there are no auditions! You just need a willing heart. This is a wonderful way to serve God and participate in worship.  Starting August 7, we will rehearse on Thursdays from 7:00 – 8:30pm. Contact Roger Moore at rcm207@msn.com or 480-283-9007 if you would like to participate.

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Bell Choirs!
Is it possible that summer is ending? First rehearsal for Bells of Praise is Monday, August 4, 7:00pm. GosBells will begin, Monday, August 18, 6:00-6:45pm in the sanctuary. If you are interested in learning how to play bells, leave your name and phone number at the church office in Leslie's mailbox. See you at rehearsal...with bells on!

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Joyful Noiz
Joyful Noiz, our children's choir for 1st - 5th graders, will kick off this year on Wednesday, August 20 with a ‘Get Acquainted’ party from 5:00-6:00pm in the Family Life Center.

This group is open to all interested children of Mountain View and their friends! We spend an hour together each Wednesday vocalizing, learning new songs, preparing to sing during a worship service once a month (as well as other special programs) and sharing highs and lows. Children are welcome to join at anytime, so if you have another activity that runs for a period of weeks that conflicts with our choir time, please don't hesitate to start up with us when that activity ends.

I look forward to seeing returning members and welcoming new singers, so be sure to mark your calendars for Wednesday, August 20 at 5:00pm!

Please feel free to contact Camille Rittmueller at 480-893-0858 or ccritt@cox.net with any questions. And if anyone is interested in assisting with this group, I would love to hear from you as well!

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Christmas Spectacular
Mark your calendar and save the date!
The Grace Notes Orchestra, Children's choir, and Drama team will be performing A Christmas Spectacular: Sights and Sounds of Bethlehem on December 5th and 6th. Orchestral sounds of Christmas, the annual children's program, and the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of Bethlehem the night of our Saviour's birth will all be part of a truly Spectacular Christmas event!

We are looking for volunteers of all ages to help with this program…actors/actresses, craft organizers, food preparers/servers, setup/tear down, and more. If you would like to be part of this spectacular event or need more information, contact Roger Moore at rcm207@msn.com or 480-283-9007.

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Pastoral Acts
Baptisms: Abby Lynn McCord, Anatoly Matthew Welch, Kelly Ann Jackson, Noah Andrew Pike
Victories in Christ (Died in the Faith): Erma Laura Wirt, Jane Defenderfer

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Prayers for God’s People
For privacy purposes, we do not publish individual names for prayers. However, you may obtain a copy of the prayer list which is included in the weekend worship bulletins at the church. We ask that you keep in your prayers all of our members and friends who are ill, hospitalized or homebound; and all those serving in the Armed Forces.

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Priscilla Circle
This Fall, our study for Priscilla Circle will be "MIRACLES Signs of God's Glory" from the LifeGuide Bible Study written by Douglas Connelly. We will examine what God says in his Word about miracles and we will learn how to apply this knowledge to the issues we face in our lives today. These studies will prompt us to pray differently, face pain and loss differently, and see God in a new light! Because this particular study has 12 individual chapters, and we meet nine months out of the year, we will be starting with Chapter 2, "Supernatural Wonders in a Scientific Age" and also covering the main ideas of Chapter 1. These books are available for purchase at our Cafe Soul Store.

Please join Priscilla Circle's Bible Study Group the first Wednesday of each month at 9:30am. Our first meeting this Fall will be September 3 in the Family Life Center. Come ready to share refreshments, enjoy fellowship, grow in your faith, serve others, and study God's miracles. We look forward to gathering with our Priscilla sisters again this year as well as welcoming newcomers! If you have any questions feel free to contact Lesly Bondy at 602-315-7383 or lbondy@cox.net.

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Sages/Seniors
The Sages Summer Lunch Bunch had their July lunch at Macayo’s. Thirteen of us enjoyed fellowship and nourishment after which Luetta VanStraeten opened her home for dessert and lemonade.

In celebration of the Olympics, the Sages Summer Lunch Bunch will take the ROAD TO BEIJING and have lunch at the PANDA EXPRESS on Tuesday August 12. The sign-up sheet will be in the Sages book on the stand in the narthex. We will meet at Café Soul at 11:25am and leave at 11:30. Call the church office at 480-893-2579 with requests to sign up during the week or call Roseland at 480-893-3288 if you have any questions.

A hint for September…it’s apple picking month.

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Scripture Readings
August 2 & 3............... Isaiah 55:1-5; Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21; Romans 9:1-5; Matthew 14:13-21
August 9 & 10............. 1 Kings 19:9-18; Psalm 85: 8-13; Romans 10:5-15; Matthew 14:22-33
August 16 & 17............ Isaiah 56:1, 6-89; Psalm 67; Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32; Matthew 15:[10-20], 21-28
August 23 & 24............ Isaiah 51:1-6; Psalm 138; Romans 12:1-8; Matthew 16:13-20
August 30 & 31............ Jeremiah 15:15-21; Psalm 26:1-8; Romans 12:9-21; Matthew 16:21-28

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Social Ministries Committee
Food Pantry
Thank you so much to all who gave so generously to our Food Pantry. The families who receive the food bags are so appreciative. Thank you also for the many cases of bottled water and food for Phoenix Rescue Mission.

Volunteer Day
On June 30 eight women served dinner to over 200 hungry men and families at Phoenix Rescue Mission. All agreed that we should volunteer there once a month, especially during the last week of the month as it is the busiest time. Watch the bulletin for this opportunity.

July was very busy. There was Family Promise, Mervyn’s Child Spree, and Back-to-School Clothing Drive. Thank you to all who volunteered your time, talents and love to these missions.

Committee Meeting   
Visitors and new members are very welcome! Join us on Tuesday August 5 at 6:30pm in the Education building.

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Stewardship Thought
One of the most familiar of all Bible passages is 1 Corinthians 13, which is known by many as the “Love Chapter.” Many people—Christians and non-Christians alike—have committed part or all of these thirteen wonderful verses to memory. But most people probably do not realize that one of the greatest truths concerning giving is taught in this passage.

The Apostle Paul, writing under the direct and divine inspiration of the Holy Spirit, said, “If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.” In other words, according to this verse, our giving is to be motivated by love. If it is not, then it has absolutely no value to us.

The question here is not how much we give, or how frequently we give, or the manner in which we give, but why we give. And it is based on the principle taught so clearly in Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” When we had nothing but the refuse of sin in our lives, Christ died for us. When we were strangers to God’s promises, Christ died for us. Long before we could ever love him, he provided convincing evidence of his love for us by dying for us on Calvary. And that’s why “we love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19)

One of the ways in which we demonstrate our love for God is through giving. If we give out of a sense of obligation or because the church needs the money or because we feel we have to give, we miss the point of 1 Corinthians 13:3. We also miss the blessing that comes from giving out of a heart motivated by our love for the Lord. When we give because of that motivation, our giving provides a tangible expression of our love for Him as we give in response to his love and grace.

Try this. As the offering plate passes by you each Sunday at church, you might want to pray a prayer of thanksgiving and commitment: “Lord, thank you for loving me before I could love you. Thank you for demonstrating your love by dying on Calvary for me. And thank you for the privilege of giving to you today as I worship you through this expression of my love for you.”

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Thank You from Pastor Zorb
A heart-felt thank you from the all of the Zorb’s for making our welcome so warm (and we aren’t referring to the weather!). Thanks to those of you who cooked meals, helped un-pack the moving van and do so many wonderful things to help us get moved in and underway here at Mountain View! Sue, Julie and I say thank you.  Our son Brian is doing an internship in Seattle Washington and will probably not be able to join us here until Christmas break. It is great to finally be with you!  Pastor Glenn Zorb

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Visitation Ministry
What a Joy to have Pastor Glenn & Sue Zorb here. Dare we say that it was worth the wait? Probably shouldn’t, so won’t. Still think so.

If one is quiet and listens real closely you can almost hear the soft rustling of the pages, as a new chapter is opening for our church family, Mountain View. Isn’t it a wonderful gift God gives the Church? New times, new generations rise and pass before us, new eras challenge us, keeping us on our toes. God calls us yearly, monthly, even daily, to think about what we are doing…does it fit our concerns, and how do we proclaim this incredible Good News God has entrusted to us in these unique days? How do we discern which of the many needs and opportunities we focus upon in these new years ahead? Although we could just keep on doing what we have been doing, more focused and more intently, that probably is not what God is calling us to do. Change is of course inevitable; on the other hand, too much change is also overwhelming, almost at times, a real turn-off. As with many things, somewhere in the middle is just right. Pray for our new Senior Pastor, and the Council and staff! The days ahead will not be easy. Stimulating, testy, and exciting, but not easy.

While visiting with members recently I have asked a question. What are the challenges ahead for Mountain View in the next 5 years? Among the short term issues mentioned…some immediate help for Pastor Zorb, just some time to stabilize following two years of major staff changes, “get back on normal track again,” to buck the Lutheran trend of taking an average of 28 years to invite your first person to, or back to, worship. Pray to God to reveal to you that one person who is, “totally dependent upon you so that they can become a God fearing/trusting person.” I thought that comment was really challenging. “Encourage the forming of more Small Groups.” “Nourish one another.” “Show more concern for the “member who is NOT sitting beside you on Sunday Morning.” “Young people will have to make more of the decisions.” What are the programs/ministries this next generation will support? “Hope they will not forget the elderly.” “The needs are so much different today.” “Get our debt issue satisfied.” “Do you think us seniors will still recognize this emerging church we keep hearing about?”

James Russell Lowell, wrote these words early 19th century:
Once to every man and nation, Comes the moment to decide. In the strife of truth or falsehood, for the good or evil side, the choice goes by, Twixt that darkness and the light. Christ, thy bleeding feet we track, toiling new Calvaries ever . . ., With the Cross that turns not back.New occasions teach New Duties; Time makes ancient good uncouth; Though the cause of evil prosper, Yet ‘tis truth alone is strong, Though her portion be the scaffold, And upon the throne be wrong, Yet that scaffold sways the future, and behind the dim unknown, Standeth God within the shadow, Keeping watch above his own.
(No. 547 Service Book and Hymnal, Augsburg Publishing House, 1958)

Pastor Glenn Lundahl 

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Women of Faith Infinite Grace Conference
November 21-22, 2008
Jobing.com Arena
Premium Seating $65 - ticket only, does not include lunch or pre-conference
Please visit www.womenoffaith.com for more information.

“And God is able to make all GRACE abound to you, that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an ABUNDANCE for every good deed.” - II Corinthians 9:8

Contact Charlotte Mester for tickets and information: mester@cox.net or 480-496-0036

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Y OPAS (Outreach Programs for Ahwatukee Seniors)
Y OPAS’ mission is to provide free informal support services to Ahwatukee seniors (62 years and older) to help maintain independent living. Volunteers from the community are available to help with transportation to doctor and other medical appointments, shopping and errands, friendly visiting, caregiver relief and household assistance, such as changing light bulbs and smoke alarm batteries.

At the beginning of July, Y OPAS celebrated its 7th birthday and in September will celebrate two years as a program of the Ahwatukee Foothills Family YMCA. As well as providing services to individuals we also organize activities and outings and we join with the Sages group for their monthly luncheons.

If you, or anyone you know, would like to sign up to use Y OPAS services, please call us on 602-212-6088.

We are always in need of more volunteers to help our seniors. As a volunteer you can work hours that suit you. If you have some time to spare and you like meeting people please contact us at 602-212-6088 and we will send you information and an application form.

Judy Lewisohn, Program Manager, Y OPAS

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Youth & Children News

PlayCare
PlayCare will re-open on Monday, August 4. The hours will be 9:00am-noon. Registration is required and it’s on a first come, first served basis. The registration log is located just outside the Nursery/PlayCare room.

Also a reminder that Grandma’s cupboard needs snacks and juice…apple juice, graham crackers, goldfish crackers and vanilla cookies. Also, paper towels and hand soap. If you can help, it will help keep down the cost of PlayCare. Just leave the items at PlayCare or the church office.

Thank You!
Grandma Lois

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Moms and Munchkins Book Study
All women are invited to participate in the Moms and Munchkins book study each Thursday beginning September 11. We will have social time at 8:30am and the study will go from 9:00-10:15am. We will be reading “Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World” which is available in Café Soul. Ask yourself if you are feeling overburden by too many stresses. Have you begged God over and over to help you out? Come and learn how to lighten your load and learn the one thing God wants from us. This is an informal study, so come even if you haven’t read the book and enjoy fellowship with other women. If you have any questions, contact Krista Kayser at kkayser@mvlutheran.org or 480-917-7917.

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Sunday School
Blessing of the Backpacks
Mountain View Lutheran Church’s annual “Blessing of the Backpacks” will be Saturday August 2 at the 5:30pm service and Sunday, August 3 at the 10:00am service. Mark your calendars for this event! Children need to bring their school backpacks to one of these services. What a fantastic way to start a new school year!

We Need You!
Calling all people looking for an exciting ministry working with children! We need new faces and not so new faces, young and more mature, men and women to share their faith with our church children. If you would like to know more about teaching Sunday School please contact Cindy Rosendaul at sundayschool@mvlutheran.org or call her at 602-438-0662.

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