"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies - in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ."
1 Peter 4:10-11
These words were practiced by the youth of Mesa Verde UMC as they selflessly gave of their time and energy loving the Wiyots. This week was life changing for many teems and, most importantly, for the Wiyots. The teams that served these people did some amazing projects, incuding: painting, deck building, roof repair, and floor repair. The most awesome moments came from the relationships that were built with the families of the tribe.
One group had the most incredible adventure. During their week they developed a relationship with the family they were there helping. This culminated in the family preparing an enormous BBQ for the team on the last day. This is what SSP was all about, building the experience for both the youth and the tribe.
Our other teams had similar stories of connection with their families, as well. All the youth were able to use any power tools they wanted. They were also allowed to climb laders and some even learned more advanced construction techniques. Great work was accomplished.
All the time spent serving was well worth it. SSP did a great job of splitting our teens into separate groups so they could operate outside of their comfort zones. We did spend some time having fun at the river, which was in a beautiful setting. This journey taught us a lot about serving.
June 14, 2010
Moccasins & Flip Flops
Mesa Verde UMC celebrated the years Rev. Dick George (1994-2005) and Rev. Stephanie Toon-Glassman (2002-2008)served as senior and associate pastors, respectively. Steph looked great as she stepped up to the altar in her robes and flip flops; it seemed she hadn’t changed a bit. Dick chose not to preach, saying he was tired of the old man he saw in the pulpit every Sunday, but he did attend second service. The PowerPoint presentation at the end of service, along with Steph’s impromptu comments, made everybody laugh.
Mesa Verde UMC Women Attend District Mission Study on Sudan
Mary Renner and Sheryl Cooley attended a Santa Ana District mission study program on Sudan held on June 12, at Shepherd of the Hills UMC in Mission Viejo. Carol Jamison, District Mission Coordinator for Membership, Nurture & Outreach, facilitated the event, which offered an update to the School of Christian Mission book used last summer, The Beauty and Courage of Sudan. Written by Linda Beher, the book now includes a separate update, also written by Linda.
On Saturday, June 5, two students from the University of California at Irvine (UCI) presented a program on the efforts of Real Food Challenge to implement a policy of “sustainable food” among all the UC schools. Kelsey Meagher and Alexandre Colarin, members of the UCI chapter of Real Food Challenge, spoke about the challenges of finding out where the food they ate in the school’s cafeterias came from, working with others to develop ways to promote a sustainable food program, and working to get a policy of “sustainable food” approved by the UC system.
And steal it he did; the day was delightful! Bill started everyone off with the fact that he hadn’t written a sermon for 11 years. He said he thought it would be fun. He paused a moment and noted, “It wasn’t!” and brought down the house. The beloved pastor some feared would be too frail to preach proved to be the same on-top-of-it-all person they had always remembered. He preached not one, but both services.
Saturday, May 16, held something for everyone. In the morning the Mesa Verde United Methodist Women (UMW) held a brunch and in the evening they sponsored a bunko party.
If you have a story or photographs you would like to share online or in the Mesa Message, be sure to contact Sheryl Cooley or Shannon in the office. If you need someone to cover a story, let Sheryl know.
