Easter: A Time of Amazement

Transcription

1 N E W S L E T T E R O F H I L L T O P U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T C H U R C H April 2019 Easter: A Time of Amazement Luke 24: 12 (NRSV) But Peter got up and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; then he went home, amazed at what had happened. The people called Hilltop have probably noticed that I regularly reflect on words. Word origin, secondary and beyond meaning, how that non-primary meaning might be important in our now, and more, all interest me. Both of the major Protestant translations of the Bible the New International Version (NIV) and the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) both say Peter was amazed by the empty tomb. To be amazed is to be overwhelmed, but it also can mean confused or perplexed (drawing from a secondary meaning that is confounded.) A sense of wonder, stunned, or bewildered are all part of the history of the word since it s entrance into the English language over six hundred years ago. Other followers of Jesus were prepared to dismiss the witness of the women in their own remembrance of Jesus own words about how he would defeat death. Encountering strangers in dazzling clothes sometimes might have the effect of making one remember when others not experiencing that encounter might be dismissive. Luke reports that the words of the women seemed to them an idle tale and [the disciples and all the rest] did not believe them. My own experience with the incarnate divine being called Jesus would not have been as intense and real as those who had been following him at length. I think an honest reflection by all of us would force a similar confession. We cannot know Immanuel, God with us, in the same way as that motley band of working men and women. Luke is clear that those who knew him best did not make a connection between what he had said in his own life, and what they were experiencing on that first Easter. The women had to be reminded by men in dazzling clothes. The men, relying so far only on the report of the women, in that word a dubious source of authority, were skeptics. But something, some idea, some memory jogger, caused Peter to go deeper. In Luke 5:4 Jesus commands fishermen, luckless in their fishing so far, to go deeper and try again. Peter here in the Easter scene goes deeper and as a result, he returns home, amazed. He returns home: overwhelmed, stunned, bewildered, confused, per- (Continued on page 2)

2 Pastor s Musings (Continued from page 1) plexed. He is in a state of wonder, and I might even add, awe. back, and overwhelms us with a sense of the wonder. Pastor Dennis Shaw Senior Pastor pastor@ hilltopumchurch.org I confess: there are many days in the week, particularly those that end in y, that I am all of those things and more. I am all of those things, and I expect each of you get a hit on one of those words, if not more. We still have a few more weeks of getting ourselves ready to arrive in Jerusalem. We still have a little more time to reflect on our walk with Jesus and understand how he reveals the Good News to us. And for those who hedge over into the idea of all this is an idle tale and that are in a state of disbelief, you are in good company. People who knew Jesus Incarnate were, at least for a while, skeptics, unbelieving. But at some point, encounters with men in dazzling clothes, remembering what he had said around the fire or on the Mount (or the Plain), comes Easter is a moment of wonder. Most every Sunday should be a little Easter, combined with elements of awe and wonder, pulling at our heart to take us to a higher, transcendent place. Easter is a moment of wonder that leads to a life lived in fruitful Grace. A life following this Incarnate Jesus should be a time of amazement. Easter invites us to go and look at that empty tomb, see the bed clothes in a state of disarray, remember his words, and be amazed. Easter is a chance to drink deep from the Living Water that is Jesus and recognize that our time here in this creation is a potential time of amazement. Selah, Pastor Dennis Pastor Dennis s Electronic Hangouts His sermons can be found at mantuan.podbean.com. You can read his thoughts at mantuan.blogspot.com. 2 Hilltop Highlights

3 Get Involved A Wish for You from the Worship Committee By Jane Roxbury, Chair Peter, the two Mary s and Joanna were amazed at the empty tomb. In the end, their faith was renewed. Their hearts were rejuvenated, and they rejoiced. As you participate in the Hilltop worship opportunities this Eastertide, may you experience the same astonishment and renewal of faith in your own life. Help with Meals The Special Care Ministry team would like to make a request attempting to update our meal preparation and delivery of meals call list. Those who would like to be on our call list, Send Sheila Rathke an at sheilajhn316@msn.com or text her at If you would like to be taken off our current list also or text Sheila. Team Members Needed for a Journey to Mars! We re going on a space mission this year and we need you to join us on our way to Mars and Beyond! Contact Jen Strickland at cyministries@hilltopumchurch.org or to sign up for opportunities to serve, lead, and most of all, HAVE FUN on an adventure To Mars and Beyond! Join us as we explore where God s power can take us! Welcome New Member Shawn Merrick Shawn comes to Hilltop from New Braunfels, Texas. She is currently working as a clerical temp and lives in American Fork. She enjoys crochet, hiking, camping, books, water sports, and movies. Carry the Light of Christ Jesus said I am the light of the world, and candles are lit in our worship service as a symbol of Jesus being with us and teaching us, so that we may see His way to live. Acolytes serve God and Hilltop UMC by bringing the light of Jesus into the worship service (lighting the candles on the communion table) and taking this light out of the sanctuary (and symbolically, into the world) at the end of the worship service. HUMC reactivated the Acolytes Ministry in December 2018 and we have received many comments from worshipers about how pleased they are that acolytes are part of the worship service. Becoming an acolyte is a meaningful way to introduce your child to learning to serve God and Hilltop UMC, learning to be responsible and experiencing the warmth of giving. Acolytes are scheduled as they are available - so please don't let the fact that your child might not be available every week deter him or her from considering becoming an acolyte. If your child is in 3rd grade or older and might be interested in serving as an acolyte, please contact Jen Strickland, Mary Jean Davison, Shirley Primeau or the church office. April

4 Finance News 4 Finance News By Kathy Wheeler, Treasurer Each Sunday as the offering plate comes down the row, I never give it a lot of thought, because my offering is automatically deposited into Hilltop s coffers every two weeks when I get paid. I made the decision of how much my pledge would be during our Stewardship campaign last fall. I have been pledging to my church as long as I can remember. I know it started after I took my vows at confirmation to support the church with my prayers, presence and gifts. I was only 13 then, so I didn t have much in the way of gifts, but I did make the pledge. I can honestly say that I didn t always fulfill my pledge, but I did try. A couple of weeks ago the words of a hymn struck me, Dollars ration our compassion, hard decisions rule the day, Jesus of the healing Spirit, free us to another way! Dollars ration our compassion! If we consider our giving to the church as a form of compassion instead of just another bill to pay, would that make a difference in how you think about giving to the church? If you currently pledge, we appreciate the blessing of your consistent support of Hilltop and its ministries. If not, please search your heart and see if Jesus healing Spirit can free you to another way. A New Way to Give We have a couple of new ways for you to make donations to Hilltop. These options may especially appeal to people who forget to bring their checkbook or cash to church. Through the use of Give+ Mobile and Give+ Text, you can donate to Hilltop via your cell phone. Give+ Mobile is an app you can download to your phone and set up to make one-time or recurring donations. Give+ Text is a number you can text in your donation. This, too, can be set up to do one-time or recurring donations. The Give+ Text number is (435) Please contact Kathy at treasurer@hilltopumchurch.org for more information. April Birthdays Marissa Miller... April 1 Katherine Phillips... April 1 Lily Berger... April 2 Adele Robison... April 2 Janice Schlager... April 7 Rob Garrison... April 8 Galen Ewer... April 9 Gygi Olsen... April 9 Carol Reed... April 11 Rachel Dunlap... April 12 Joan Hendrickson... April 14 Al Rocek... April 16 Isaac Chhoun... April 17 Carol Floyd... April 20 Mike Montoya... April 20 Matt Gentilcore... April 22 JoAnna Neal... April 24 Jennifer Hines... April 25 Bill Strickland... April 27 Bob Bolds... April 27 JoAnne Myers... April 29 Gayle Ewer... April 29 Hilltop Highlights

5 United Methodist Women Mother Daughter Sister Friend Banquet May 11 It s time to celebrate women and girls at the ever-popular, UMW Mother-Daughter -Sister-Friend Banquet! Mark you calendars for Saturday, May 11 and plan to join us. We are asking for donated gifts for our Prize Drawing that evening. Connee Schoon (conneesch@comcast.net) is collecting those donations. Donations in the past included gift cards, tickets to shows/ events, girls toys/crafts, books, jewelry, and any other thing you yourself would want to win. We look forward to having you join us. Jubilee Consignment Sale April Join us for the 50 th Consignment Sale. Your help over the past 25 years has made this celebration possible. Please continue to spread the word. It is a fact in the advertising industry that the most effective form of advertising is word of mouth. Tell someone about this wonderful opportunity to sell items and/or purchase quality items at the lowest cost around. The more we tell, the more we sell! Flyers are available at the Welcome Center. Volunteer to help and get a ticket to the exclusive pre-sale on Thursday, April 11. Don t want to shop give your ticket to someone else. Why I Volunteer at the Consignment Sale by Kris Garrison When our family moved to Utah 7 years ago, we did the usual church rush to find a church community where we could be in service (among other things). We began attending Hilltop in the fall of our first year here. In the bulletin I noticed they were soliciting volunteers for the Fall Consignment Sale. Knowing nothing about the sale, but feeling confident I could help put items away or manage a sale room, I signed up for a few shifts. What came out of the sale were some wonderful friendships! Most of the volunteers I met were Hilltop members so I was immediately plugged-in to a community at the church. It was such an energetic, positive atmosphere, and volunteers were just delightful. I look back on that experience now and am glad that I was able to help. And I have been dutifully helping at each sale since! Our Spring Sale is quickly upon us, April to be exact. We need LOTS of volunteer help to make it a success. Please consider helping for one, easy shift of 3 hours, or the whole 3 days! We need all sorts of muscle, brains and bodies. Look for volunteer sign-up in the Fellowship Hall or visit hilltopsale.org to log your own shift. Thanks so much, in advance, for your help! April

6 Music & Arts Ministry Amazing Music By Cheryl Gentle, Music Minister We use the word, "amazing" a lot, but when something moves us beyond other words, it just fits. When I came here from California twenty years ago, I came from a church with a strong music program and beautiful stained glass windows. I didn't get the stained glass, but the richness and diversity of the music here is amazing! We have only to look at the recent Music and Arts concert to see that. Voices, bells, brass and other instruments brought us together in community. It is hard to be sad or discouraged in the presence of God, through music. Words from the opening congregational song at that concert really hit home with me. It begins, "All the music sung and played here is a gift, O God, from you. For as long as we have prayed here, we've been blessed by music too." How powerful! One of my favorite quotes is from Martin Luther: "Music is a fair and glorious gift of God. I am strongly persuaded that after theology, there is no art which can be placed on the level with music." I think that is why so many of our ceremonies, rituals, pastimes, and passions are enriched by music. What would Holy Week be without music! I can only imagine that angels were singing when Peter viewed the empty tomb with amazement. I have attended most of the Interfaith Music Festivals at the Tabernacle. I usually go with a group of friends who are from other faith traditions. To see the diversity of performances, and in members of the congregation, touches and soothes my soul. From the opening prayers, Muslim, Jewish, and Native American, to the closing singing of "Let There Be Peace on Earth", we are brought together as one people of many faiths. This year it was Buddhist drummers, Shape Note (a cappella) singers, Whirling Dervishes, Hindu Temple dancers, and four choirs from different faith communities. Our own Hilltop Gospel Choir was the last to perform. Seeing and hearing their powerful music gives me hope for a more peaceful and just future. We are all familiar with the words of "Amazing Grace." I recently came across another song by a Christian musician named Jeremy Riddle. It is contemporary praise music with ancient biblical roots. This is Amazing Grace This is unfailing Love That You would take my place That You would Bear my cross. You would lay down Your life That I would be set free Jesus I sing for all You've done for me Music is powerful. It is glorious. It is personal and communal. It is soft, it is loud. It is one voice, it is many. It can be sung in any language, or played by a hundred different instruments. It touches us in body, mind and spirit. We need it in our lives. Be amazed by the music in your life, in this sacred season of Lent. Shalom, Salaam, Peace Cheryl Gentle, Hilltop Music Minister 6 Hilltop Highlights

7 Music & Arts Ministry Music & Arts Camp 2019 Save the date! for this summer's Music & Arts Camp: Created to Create (June 17-21, 9am-1pm). Open to all children entering grades 1-5 this fall. Throughout the week, camp participants will explore the Creation story as we learn about the many ways God has created us to be creative. Children will experience singing, crafts, drumming, movement, and more. The centerpiece of this year's camp is a 30 -minute musical, In the Image (music and lyrics by Mark Burrows). All camp participants will be part of the ensemble cast. In the Image features a group of children who have just experienced the story of Creation. And now they're starting to wonder what it really means to be created in the image of God. Through humorous, earnest exploration, the children discover that being created in the image of God isn't about physical appearance. It's about creativity, faithfulness, responsibility, community, and the ability to find the good in things. Speaking Role Auditions: Sunday, June 9, Hilltop UMC Students entering grades 4-5 and all MS/ HS camp mentors are invited to audition for speaking character roles. All roles may be played by either male or female performers, and some characters have vocal solos in the musical numbers. Two performances of In the Image will be held at Hilltop UMC on Friday, June 21 (12:30pm and 6:30pm). Mark your calendars for a week of musical fun! Camp registration and audition signups will be available soon. Contact Children s Music Director Katie Houts childrensmusic@hilltopumchurch.org for more information. April

8 Children s Ministry The Blessings and Amazement of Easter By Trina Roundy John 20:17-18 Jesus said, Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God. 17 Jen Strickland Children &Youth Ministries Director cyministries@hilltopumchurch. org x204 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: I have seen the Lord! And she told them that he had said these things to her. 18 The faith, grace and absolute amazement experienced by Mary Magdalene must have been awe inspiring, life changing, and helped her grief of losing her friend and teacher. Mary showed strength and perfect faith without question and shared the good news with the disciples. What a truly amazing day of glory! The Christ had risen and promised us to return again. Hallelujah! Try to take some time during the Easter preparations to think about the amazement, love and light that Mary must have felt to see her One True God and Savior resurrect to a life everlasting. Surely, she was joyous, and full of love and sharing the good news! Christ is risen! Hallelujah! Flower Cross On Easter Sunday, Children's Ministry will host a Flower Cross to celebrate Jesus' Resurrection. All are welcome to bring flowers to place on the cross in the Narthex. 8 Easter Egg Hunt The Easter Egg Hunt will be Saturday, April 20 at 9:30 am. We will have breakfast, activities for the kids, and of course the egg hunt! This activity is open to ALL. Bring your family, friends, and neighbors. Plan on joining us! Also, don t forget it s B.Y.O.B. (bring your own basket, silly). Child Care Staff Person Needed We are in need of a child care worker for Thursday evening, 7:15 9:45 p.m. beginning April 4. The position will continue through May 30. There is a possibility of the position being available for the Chancel Choir season. If you are interested, or know someone, please contact Jen Strickland. Volunteers Children's Ministry is successful because of the many dedicated volunteers that serve on Sunday mornings. This year we are a few volunteers short. If you are able, please consider serving the youngest among us. There are volunteer spots available during both 9:00 and 10:30 am worship services for April and May. To volunteer, please contact Jen. Hilltop Highlights

9 Children s Ministry Summer Opportunities Children s Ministries will be offering Sunday school and children s church throughout the summer months. As usual, a successful children s ministry program is due its dedicated volunteers. Please consider volunteering in June, July, and/or August. For more information contact Jen. Donations Needed Children s Ministries is seeking donations to assist with our Easter activities. Donations are needed by April 7 th. Silk or faux Easter flowers, such as lilies, are needed to decorate the cross in the Narthex on Easter morning. Individually wrapped candy (no nuts please) are needed to fill goodie bags for the Easter Egg Hunt. All donations may be left in the basket in Fellowship Hall. Vacation Bible School Mark your calendars! To Mars and Beyond takes flight July 28 August 2. Voyagers will travel on a space adventure to explore where God s power can take them. Along the journey, voyagers will discover a new realm of possibilities as the reach for the stars and encounter the limitless power and love of God. Our missions will begin each day at 9:30 am and return to planet Earth by 12:30 p.m. Registration will be available after Easter. Our New Pastor Lynn Miller-Jackson Hilltop is pleased to announce that Bishop Karen Oliveto, Mountain Sky Conference, intends to appoint Rev. Lynn Miller-Jackson as Pastor of Hilltop United Methodist Church effective July 1, Pastor Lynn received her undergraduate degree from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia majoring in Economics and Mathematics. Before her call to ministry she worked as a Registered Property Manager in Atlanta while also actively volunteering in many varied United Methodist ministries. She studied theology at the Candler School of Theology in Atlanta and received her Master of Divinity in She was appointed to be the pastor at Scott UMC in Denver, Colorado where she excelled by: working with Church Council to develop a collective vision and adaptive strategic plan. working with Board of Trustees and Finance Team for greater stewardship of resources- competitive bidding and contracting, preventative maintenance, and strategic conservation efforts. guiding mortgage refinance to save on debt service and window replacement project to conserve energy costs freeing up resources for ministry. April

10 Youth Ministry Jr./Sr. High Mission Trip By Jen Strickland Our Jr. & Sr. High Youth will be traveling to Portland, Oregon to participate in the L.A.S.T. Program (Learning and Serving Together). We will be joining forces with the Jr. & Sr. High Youth from Christ United Methodist Church in Salt Lake. Travel dates are June 28 July 6. Cost is approximately $400. Our final deposit needs to be submitted to L.A.S.T. by April 10. The first two payments totaling $ are due by April 30. If you are interested in joining us please contact Jen Strickland at for registration information or more details. L.A.S.T. is a service-learning project that links small groups of youth and adults with service opportunities. Youth and adults are encouraged to think through what they are doing from a biblical perspective. Youth and adults will study together the root causes of poverty and examine ways in which we can all be a part of the greater solution. The L.A.S.T. philosophy is based on Jesus approach to service through building relationships. At L.A.S.T. they believe that as we get to know other people. especially that are different from us, we learn things about ourselves and can understand who God is calling us to be more fully. Mission Trip Meeting Schedule May 5 th Present travel plans, discuss packing needs. June 23 rd Final get together to make sure everyone has what they need and answer any final questions. Graduate Recognition Sunday On Sunday June 2 we will honor our graduating seniors. If you have a senior graduating from high school or college with their under graduate degree we need to hear from you. Please send us a short bio that includes their plans and two pictures. a baby photo and a current one. All bios and photos must be received by Jen at cyministries@hilltopumchurch.org no later than May 15 to be included in the presentation. Looking Ahead Hilltop s Youth group will meet periodically (2x/month) throughout the summer. As events get planned I will keep you updated via the newsletter, , text, and FaceBook. Here are a few dates to mark on your calendar. Sunday, June 9, 4:30 6:00 pm End of year BBQ on Hilltop House Lawn. Bring the whole family. Sunday, September 8, 4:00 6:00 pm Kick -off BBQ on Hilltop House Lawn. Bring the whole family and your friends. April Schedule 4:30 6:00 pm Sundays Date Activity April 7th Short Lenten Study Make leis April 14th What is Palm Sunday? Planning for May April 21st No Meeting April 28th Mini Golf at Boondock s 10 Hilltop Highlights

11 Missions Get involved in one of the many mission activities of Hilltop and join us in transforming lives. Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal A BHAG is a goal that is bigger, more outthere than you think you can every accomplish, BUT you go for it anyway. Our last BHAHG was to raise $8,000 for a clean water system in the Dominican Republic and we did it! Before that was $10,000 for No More Malaria and we did it! Today the BHAG is to raise $5,000 to benefit Abundant Life Global Ministries in Malawi. We can do this. Did you hear its director Moses Njobvu when he spoke to our congregation last November? He s the director of Abundant Life Global Ministries (ALGM), a ministry of Northwest Hills UMC in San Antonio, TX. Through their engagement with the Malawian communities, the organization feeds, heals and teaches. It fulfills the great commission laid out in Matthew 28: The organization ministers to 65 villages: proclaims the Gospel; teaches life and vocational skills; runs ministries for men, women, widows and couples; trains pastors and village chiefs; and runs schools for ages 2-6. ALGM feeds children every day. It s hard to learn on an empty stomach. They teach communities how to raise animals that are used to help fill the many hungry stomachs as well as raising funds. When Moses spoke to us last Fall, I was impressed with ALGM operating principle of letting the community tell them what they needed and then figuring out how to help April 2019 them. You might remember that one of the crucial items all the communities wanted was clean water. Moses and his crew partnered with SWIM to train communities how to make chlorine using a simple device called Chlorine Processing Unit (CPU) so they could sanitize their own water - a cheap and easy solution that resulted in less illness and a healthier community You may also remember how ALGM worked with the village chiefs to help them understand that the Gospel was not a threat to their standing, but could and would be a blessing to it. The life skills classes and ministries for various groups teaches skills to earn livings for families, knowledge to foster healthier family units both physically, mentally, and spiritually. And the schools they run offer hope. Next Fall, look for the opportunity to go with members of Northwest Hills UMC on their annual summer mission trip to Malawi to see the ministries for yourselves and to get directly involved. And look on the bulletin board for donation opportunities for our BHAG. Chili Cook-off Fund Raiser. Thank you to all the cooks and eaters. You raised over $1,600 to benefit a new wheelchair accessible bathroom and shower building at Pinecliff Camp and Retreat Center near Coalville, UT. Family Promise. We are looking for someone to take over Mike Montoya s coordinating responsibilities. Mike has been in this position for several years and has asked to step down to spend time in other church ministries. If you have questions, please ask him. 11

12 Hilltop United Methodist Church 985 East South Sandy, Utah Published monthly by: Hilltop United Methodist Church 985 East South Sandy, Utah Sunday Schedule Sunday School for All Worship Fellowship Time Worship Fellowship Time 9:00 am 9:00 am 10:00 am 10:30 am 11:30 am Pastor C. Dennis Shaw