Mountain View Christian Center

Greetings on this last week in 2011.  Can you believe it a New Year will be here on Sunday?  What experiences have you gained in 2011?  What heart ache?  What Joy? What Miracles?  As we reflect on 2011 it has been a year of stretching for us.  In the food bank we went from serving tens to 100’s to thousands.  In April we had the largest Give away to date where we gave away 150,000 pounds of food to 14 different communities.  Church attendance we went from one service half full to two services.  Our week end of Hope we had Service at the King Fine arts Center where over 700 faithful followers of Jesus attended.  We had several State wide Church functions as well, District Council for all Assembly of God Churches in Southern Idaho, We had a Seniors Camp Meeting for the State as well as a Light For the Lost Banquet.  It was a year that stretched the best of us.  We stepped out on faith and hired several part time and full time staff.   The Food Pantry was asked to start hosting a monthly food distribution for the Idaho Food Bank at MVCC. Once again stretch.  The other sites they had been having the event could only handle 200+- families, to date as Chris Bean and her team took it on is now close to 500 families each month. Can I hear Stretch!  To Date the amount of people and families that have been helped by Mountain View Christian Center through the food and clothing events has been over 35,000.  This is not a misprint.  With the other faithful ministries of the church thriving as well, Celebrate Recovery, M pact Girls, Royal Rangers, Mountain View Kids Church, Wednesday evening Classes, Bible Studies, Free Meals, Worship teams, Audio Visual, Our Internet Campus Ministry, Men’s, Women’s, Youth, Young Professionals and the host of others Ministries has experienced a growing and stretching time this last year. Not to mentioned the start up of the Free Medical Clinic.  I could go on and on the miracles of this year past.  What do we do with the year Past?  We grow through the hard time, rejoicing at each turn, and rejoice in the good times knowing that they have come from the Lord.  The Apostle Paul said it this way, Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord Always and again I say Rejoice.”  We must learn to praise Him in the good times as well as in the bad.  Each time I read this scripture my mind races to a time past when I was in a farming accident that took part of my foot off.  All I could do that dreadful day was to praise the Lord as the accident happened.  To this day it is a calm reminder each time I look at my disfigured foot as how great is our God and how much I owe Him.  Then my mind races to the times of miraculous provision when least expected.   We must be aware that just as sudden the tragic happens to us The Miraculous can happen as well.

What Does 2012 hold for us?  I have been in prayer asking that very question.  This is what I heard in my spirit man.  2012 will be a year of Extremes.   Extreme :  Faith, giving, deposits of greatness, willingness, healing, worship, ability, boldness, caring, declaration, endurance, forgiveness, Grace, Joy, Liberty, Miracles, Order, Passion and steadfastness.   Get ready; Your Miracle is only One Prayer away.  I also don’t want to simply do church but BE the Church.   What will the Lord ask of us as He will put a demand on our Faith?  We would encourage each of you to begin the New Year with a time of Fasting and Prayer with us.  On Sunday January 1, I will be preaching on Genesis 1:1 In the Beginning God…. Then on Sunday Evening we will begin Our Sacred Assembly, A time of Worship, Word, Fasting, Prayer, healing,  and a  special time with the Lord.  We will have Sacred Assembly Packets available to be picked up at the information Center on Sunday.  Come be a part of what God is doing!  See Below what is happening.  We will see you this weekend, and Don’t forget to invite a friend to Church service with You!!!!

·      January  1 Communion Sunday.  

·      Tonight - Sacred Assembly  - “Repenting & Fasting” @ 6 p.m. Pick up your    Sacred Assembly packet @ the information center today.

·      Monday, Jan. 2nd - “Baptism in the Holy Spirit” @ 7 p.m.

·      Tuesday, Jan. 3rd - “Stewardship, Tithing/Giving” @ 7p.m.

·      Wednesday, Jan. 4th - “Healing” @ 7p.m.

·      Jan. 8th-New Sunday School classes start.

                Steve & Susan Isaak-Adults room #16

                Matt & Janin-Young professionals room #19

·      Jan. 8th-Baptism service during the 11a.m. service.  Time is running out, so please sign up at the information center today.

·      Jan. 10th-Call in for Idaho Food Bank food boxes 878-5451.

·      Jan. 10th-Woman to Woman @ 6:30p.m.

·      Jan. 17th-Idaho Food Bank Food box giveaway!

·      Jan. 21st-Men’s breakfast 7a.m.

·      Jan. 22nd-Baby dedication during the 11 a.m. service.  Sign up at the information center today and e-mail baby photo to      fchavez714@gmail.com.

·      Jan. 29th-Sacred Assembly @ 6p.m.

·      Do you have a new e-mail address or have you moved?  Please fill out the communication card and drop it in the offering.

·      Starting immediately-FREE Wednesday & Friday night meals

                @ 6 p.m.….Donations greatly accepted.

·      RESERVE YOUR TICKET FOR THE SUPERBOWL PARTY . More details to come!

Merry Christmas 2011

Good day on this your Thursday Blast for December 22, 2011.

Mountain View Christian Center “You Rock”, was a comment that I heard over and over this week.  Another comment was, “What would we do without Mountain View Christian Center”.

The Mountain View Christian Center team did it again as we hosted a Food giveaway of Mammoth Proportion.  We were expecting a great turnout for the event being our Christmas box event but what we saw was nothing less than Miraculous.  Let me explain.  We were planning on 500 Christmas Boxes.  We had 475 preregistered and left room for a few extra.  By the Time the doors opened and people started filing in the church into the Sanctuary the flood of people was overwhelming.  We had a registration line set up for those not registered and at last count I received was 105 families extra.  Well of course our minds start calculating to see if we have enough food & turkeys.  With all this going on the Mini-Cassia  Community Health Care Clinic that was donated 1200 doses of Flu vaccine was offering free immunizations, at last count the team did over 200. The team of medical professionals that came was amazing.   With this going on the University of Idaho extension office was offering a Nutrition Class that had well over 300 people in attendance.  Add to the dynamic of giving food away, in which each family received approx. 75+- pounds of food, the clinic,  off loading the food, (Thanks Ron Lynch) the traffic, the transporting of groceries,  organizing the Volunteers of which 4 Churches were represented, the delivery of our new freezer for the Kitchen, ( oh I forgot to mention that), the arrival of College of Southern Idaho (Santa) who sponsored a family in the church, giving away free Christmas trees, and oh Yes, a delivery of a pickup loaded with canned good  donated by Mr. Gas, and did I mention the extra people we had.  Wow what a day.  As we approached the end of the giveaway we realized that we had extra turkeys.  We gave away as many as possible and God kept multiplying them.  I had a plan to bless Mr. Gas who had just blessed us.  I called and talked to Debbie Judd who works in the main office and told her of the plan, she said Nick Lynch is here talk to him.  I told him Mountain View Christian Center had 76 extra Turkeys and a few potato products and would like to bless him with them to.  So they immediately sent out a text/face book contact to all the customers to come by and receive a Free Turkey. We loaded up the product and headed to the Mr. Gas on Overland in Burley. The Youth piled in the Van and came to help off load the turkeys.  I just spoke to the office of Mr. Gas and they had so much fun giving away ALL the turkeys and Potatoes away.  What a Day!

Each time we do these events I come away with so much appreciation for the Staff and volunteers of Mountain View Christian Center and the Community.  The comments that I started this message off with was continual over and over again from the people receiving goods, “What would we do without you”, my immediate reaction was, No, What would we do without you? Or mission statement is “Love God, Serve People”, this is what we do, not just talk about.  I was asked recently by a church group of How to get involved in such a venture, my answer was, “Get off your blessed assurance and just do it”.  The bible says: James 2:17-19 ¹⁷ Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
¹⁸ But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

We do understand we are not Christians by our works. But because we are Christians and have Jesus in Our Hearts we do things for God. 

On Thursday yes this blast day, I am headed to Boise to Pick up Pallet Racks that have been donated to our Warehouse that is not even built yet. I will update you on this gift soon.

This weekend is Christmas Day; we have great services planned for you.  On Christmas Eve we will be having a Communion Service at 6:00 -7:00 p.m. where we will have music, a message and communion.  Then on Christmas Day (Sunday) we will be having only one morning service at 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.  We will broadcast this service live at mountainviewchristiancenter.info.

Don’t forget to invite a friend church this Christmas Day!

Pastor Joy and I want to wish each of you a Very Merry Christmas; you are the most amazing people on the face of the earth. Thank you for all the cards, candy, and goodies you have so graciously blessed us with. 

 

We Love you all,

 

Pastors Jim & Joy Powell

Free Flu Vaccine

Good Afternoon on this Thursday December 15, 2011.

Another exciting week at Mountain View Christian Center.  Hey if you are not friends with I or MVCC on Face book please consider it.  We started what is called “Mountain View Minutes” a weekly record update that goes on face book and you tube.   We have had a daily radio program but determined that the social media networks would work better to communicate to and through you better, so at the first of the year we will not be on the Radio. 

This week was a week of blessing like we continue to see at MVCC.  We have planned another food giveaway December 20^th, 2011 where we have collected and or purchased 450 Turkeys thanks to agencies, food banks and local donations along with a plethora of other food items.  In fact One local donor called and said they have 400 cases of product to offer, another said they had 100 cases of product to offer.  This is stacking up to a Very Merry Christmas for 500+- families in our area.  In addition to all the food a local business man brought by 25 Christmas trees to anyone in need.  We still have several left.  If you need a tree and are in the immediate area stop by the church and pick one up.  One other great event we are planning is a Free Flu Vaccination to coincide with our food give away on December 20^th.  We had donated 500 doses and just got off the phone and received another 500 for a total of 1000 doses of the current flu vaccine to offer FREE   to the community through our Free Clinic which is “Mini Cassia Community Health Care Clinic”.  There are No strings Attached to receive this flu vaccine, however please note it is for those 18 and over. 

This week I will be preaching the funnest sermon I think I have ever preached, Jesus in every book in the bible.  It is a great Christmas message and am confident you will be blessed by the word.  At the 11:00 service we will take time to enjoy the MVCC Kids Church program as they have been practicing songs for the Holidays.  The message will conclude with a video that will encourage, challenge, inspire and ignite a fresh new passion for the Word of God. 

As you prepare your Christmas plans we are having a night to remember on December 24^th at 6:00 p.m. where we will be having worship, the word, and Communion.  Plan to be a part.  On Christmas Morning we are having One (1) Service at 10:00 a.m. to be concluded at 11:00.  I have entitled this Message “Home for the Holliday’s”.  

Starting the First of the Year  we here at MVCC  we are planning a time of Fasting and prayer January 1-4.  A great read is Jentzen Franklin’s book on Fasting.  I will have a fasting covenant available for all that will be fasting with us during this time.  Our Schedule will be January 1^st 6:00 P.m.  January 2-4 will start at 7:00 p.m.  Plan to spend some “GOD” time with us. 

Liberty Quartet will be with us this Friday December 16^th at 7:00 p.m. If you like Southern Gospel Quartet Music you will enjoy these guys. 

Here is what you will see in the Bulletin this weekend.

·      Dec.16th-”Liberty Quartet” is bringing  the sweet sound of Southern Gospel music and will                 be here @ MVCC @ 7p.m.           

·      Dec. 18th-Kids Christmas program during the second service 11a.m.

·      Dec 20th-MVCC Food Pantry closed due to Christmas food boxes from Idaho Food Bank.

·      Dec 23rd-MVCC Food Pantry closed for Christmas.

·      Dec. 24th-Christmas “Communion” service 6p.m.-7p.m.

·      Dec.25th-MERRY CHRISTMAS! One service from 10a.m.-11a.m.

·     Jan. 1st.-4th Sacred Assembly 6p.m. Sunday  Monday –Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.

·     Jan. 8th-Baptism service during the 11 a.m. service.

·     Jan. 22nd-Baby dedication during the 11 a.m. service.

·     MVCC is partnering with Idaho Food Bank & South Central Community Action to give away Christmas Food boxes. Our goal is to collect an additional 125 turkey’s.  Donate and receive a tax deductible “turkey donation certificate.”  Remember to call 878-5451 on December 13th to register and come pick up your food box on December 20th.  

·      Dec 25th-NO SUNDAY SCHOOL-Kids service’s & nursery will be made available.

·      Big (Huge) announcement about Children’s (Kids) church new Pastors!        

·      Angel Tree- Please Pick up an Angel and help us, Love God and serve People…

·      Do you have a new e-mail address or have you moved?  Please fill out the communicationcard and drop it in the offering.

·      Consider a Christmas gift to the church…*Case of pew bibles $180 *Advertising billboard     $500 for 1 month *Gift for musical equipment *Kids musical instruments *Consider larger gift to start a foundation.

·      Starting immediately-FREE Wed & Friday meals...Donations accepted.

Come be a part of Mountain View Christian Center, and as you are coming invite a friend to enjoy with you…..  See you Soon. 

We Love You all,

Pastors Jim & Joy Powell

Overwhelmed by the Goodness of God

Good after noon on this December 8, 2011.

Have you ever reached a place in your relationship with the Lord where you are continually overwhelmed by His Greatness?  Well I have reached that place once again this week.  I was informed by staff on Monday that Mountain View Christian Center received a community grant from our local      Wal-Mart in the amount of $1,000.  According to an inside source, to receive a grant like this is difficult.  A huge Thank You to the staff of MVCC for making the application and pursuing this opportunity.  We have been able to accomplish great things through our food give away, clothes, coats and benevolence to the community.  In fact the number of people in the Mini-cassia area we have been able to impact in a positive way to date is 33,200 for the year of 2011.  I know it is staggering.  The MVCC Food bank has done a great job of tracking numbers for accuracy and accountability.  Our Next food giveaway is scheduled for December 20^th at 9:00 a.m. where we are expecting 450 families.  In preparation for the event we need your help.  This will be our Christmas outreach with each family receiving a turkey along with all the goodies as long as supplies last.  We are 125 turkeys short.  Can you help us?   We have a local retailer who is giving us there at cost pricing.  For a donation of $12-$15.00 we can purchase a 16-18 pound bird.  Log on to our web site at WWW.mountainviewchristiancenter.info for a quick and easy way to donate for the cause.  If you are not doing anything on December 20^th come by and give us a hand.  One other really cool thing happened today.  I received an email from Genesis world mission free clinic in Boise that wanted to donate flu vaccines to us.  I called the clinic and yes in fact they had a large amount of the vaccine they wanted to donate to our clinic.  Let me back up and give you a few updates on what’s happening with the clinic.  As posted the name of the clinic is “Mini-Cassia Community Health Care Clinic”.  We are well underway to officially open in the spring of 2012 around Easter.  We are in the process of completing a needs assessment, finalizing location, approving budgets, approving committee’s and final board appointments as well as being able to accept donations.  Yes, we can accept your donation to the clinic and give you a tax deductable receipt.  Now back to the donation of the vaccine.  We have 500, yes, you heard me correct 500 doses of the vaccine that we will make available to the community on a first come first serve basis.  The goal will be to offer the vaccine at the food give away on December 20^th.  I will keep you posted.  What a gift.  Talking about gifts, have you considered giving Mountain View Christian Center a Christmas gift?  Here are some ideas. 

Case of Pew Bible—cost $180 for a case of 24 or $7.50 each

Advertising Bill Board—Cost $500.  For one month of advertising

Musical equipment for kids and or the Sanctuary.

A large one time gift to start Mountain View Christian Center Foundation. 

We are looking at a really cool afterschool grant that we want you to keep in prayer.  We have a team that is writing a grant for an after school program for Mountain View Elementary.  The team has the support of the school staff as well as the Superintendent of Schools but it will be a lot of work putting this program together.  If you have grant writing skills and would like to help please contact the church office. 

This Sunday is our Home group week.  If you are looking for a place to connect and get involved stop by the information center on Sunday after each service and find a home group nearest to you.  The home groups meet every 2^nd Sunday evening of the month. 

In conjunction with the MVCC Christian Ed department we have a great New year line up for education opportunities.  Pastor Steve and Susan Isaac will be hosting an adult class each Sunday during 1^st service along with a class for Young professionals, Celebrate Recovery as well as classes for kids and teens.  We will keep you posted as to class rooms and topics.    

Our Wednesday evening Classes begins with a “FREE” meal (donations accepted) at 6:00 p.m. followed by Royal Rangers for the Boys and M Pact girls as well as  our Love and Respect class (Its not to late to join in ) and a bible study taught by Rick Molina.  It is a great night to get out of the house.   Each class is over at 8:15 p.m.  

Come out on Friday to Celebrate Recovery that begins with a “FREE” meal (donations accepted) which is served at 6:00 p.m.

This Sunday December 11^th, 2011 I will be preaching the book of “REVELATION”.  You won’t want to miss this exciting message.  Be sure to invite a friend to service with you this weekend at our 9:00 a.m or 11:00 a.m. service time. 

Here is what’s happening.

· Home groups tonight, see the Information Center for times and directions.

·     Dec 13th-No Women 2 Women tonight.  See you next time!

·     Dec. 15th-Leadership budgets are due.

·     Dec.16th-”Liberty Quartet” is bringing  the sweet sound of         Southern Gospel music and will            be here @ MVCC @ 7p.m.    

·     Dec. 18th-Kids Christmas program during the second service 11a.m.

·     Dec 20th-MVCC Food Pantry closed due to Christmas food boxes from Idaho Food Bank.

·     Dec 23rd-MVCC Food Pantry closed for Christmas.

·     Dec. 24th-Christmas “Communion” service 6p.m.-7p.m.

·     Dec.25th-MERRY CHRISTMAS! One service from 10a.m.-11a.m.

·     Jan. 1st.-4th Sacred Assembly 6p.m. Sunday  Monday –Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.

·     Jan. 8th-Baptism service during the 11 a.m. service.

·     Jan. 22nd-Baby dedication during the 11 a.m. service.

·     MVCC is partnering with Idaho Food Bank & South Central Community Action to give away Christmas Food boxes. Our goal is to collect an additional 125 turkey’s.  Donate and receive a tax deductible “turkey donation certificate.”  Remember to call 878-5451 on December 13th to register and come pick up your food box on December 20th.  

·     Dec 25th-NO SUNDAY SCHOOL-Kids service’s & nursery will be made available.

·     Big (Huge) announcement about Children’s (Kids) church new Pastors!    

·     Angel Tree-Fill out an application for a family in need at the information center.

·     Do you have a new e-mail address or have you moved?  Please fill out the communication   card and drop it in the offering.

·     Consider a Christmas gift to the church…*Case of pew bibles $180 *Advertising billboard        $500 for 1 month *Gift for musical equipment *Kids musical instruments *Consider larger gift to start a foundation.

·     Starting immediately-FREE Wed & Friday meals...Donations accepted.

WE Love YOU  All,

Pastors Jim & Joy Powell

How Big is our God!!!!

Greetings on this First Day of December 2011. 

Each week as I set to write the blast I want to communicate to you of all the great things God is doing at Mountain View Christian Center this week is no different. As I reported last week about the food give away a miracle story came through I have not been able to communicate with you yet.  There was a couple that came from Denver Colorado to participate with the food giveaway.  I know that’s what they said but the real reason was to see family that is in the church.  As we completed the giveaway we had ample cookies and fresh potatoes so we loaded this family up who was heading back to Colorado.  Upon arriving back to the Denver Area they called their Pastor to find out who might need the products they were bringing back.  The Pastor said that their outreach church was putting together Thanksgiving Boxes to give them a call.  As this Couple called the outreach Pastor and explained what they had joyous praise came from the other end of the telephone line for they had just run out of Potatoes and desert for the boxes they were putting together.  It just so happened, the amount of potatoes and desert was exactly what was needed.  Wow, how big is our God!   I just received the staggering numbers from our November give always which includes Mountain View Christian Center food pantry, the combined effort of Idaho Food bank and South Central Community Partners we served a grand total of 7019 people.  I about fell out of my chair when I saw these numbers.  We started tracking several months ago to be able to have a better idea of the real need and to have real numbers as we apply for grants and aid to be able to help in greater way.  To this point all the food has been donated by Companies, Corporations or Individuals who have a heart to make a difference.  Our Attention now focuses on Christmas where we are attempting to put together 450 Christmas Food Boxes for our community.  We have the majority already in place; however we do need help with 120 more Turkeys.  If you would like to donate you can do so at the information center, use Pay Pal from our web site Mountainviewchristiancenter.info, or stop by the office and use your debit card to donate.  We have a whole sale company who is giving us a great deal on the Turkeys, so at this time a donation of money is better. Speaking of Donations,  I just returned from closing on the 1.81 acres next to the church, Praise the Lord.  This is the Site we plan to build the Warehouse for the Food Pantry.  Upon my return, Julia our office manager had a grin on her face as big as could be and said, ”Pastor, you said money follows vision, well a farmer just stopped by  and gave us a check for our outreach  programs”.  This farmer has never been to the church to my knowledge, and then ten minutes later another farmer called and said I have 20+ cases of fresh Potatoes I would like to donate to your food warehouse.  It never ceases to amaze me How Great is our God. 

I would also like to give you an update on our Children’s Ministry.  Pastor Steve & Crystal Lubinski have been leading the charge with our Boys and Girls.  They came to me about 6 months ago and said they would be giving up the position at the first of the year.  They plan to host a home group and teach a financial class on Wednesday evenings.  With that said we have been searching for a Kids Pastor.  I will have a huge announcement real soon, because I hired a couple today that will carry the mantle of the ministry on. 

Speaking of ministry, John Gerrard our Celebrate Recovery Team Leader told me that last week there were 5 people who came and gave their Lives to the Lord.  If you have a hurt, hang up or habit come be a part of Celebrate Recovery.  The Fun begins at 6:00 P.m. with a meal …

Thinking of meals, the Church Kitchen Remodel is well underway, It will be a kitchen any Chef would be proud of.  Stop by and take a look this Sunday. 

This Sunday I will be preaching the Book of Jude on our Journey through the Bible.  You won’t want to miss it.  Sunday 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.  When you come Be sure to invite a Friend to come with you.

We Love You all,

Pastors Jim & Joy Powell

Look what the Lord Has done

Greetings on This your Weekly Blast Thursday November 24, 2011.   I trust you all are setting down relaxing on this Thanksgiving 2011. 

This last week was a Huge week for Mountain View Christian Center.  On Tuesday November 15^th, 2011  we had our Monthly food giveaway in which we gave food boxes to 302 families. The wind was blowing, it was cold but the team came together and made it happen.  We then looked to one of the largest events Mountain View ever has endeavored. Our goal was to collect and give out 2000 coats, collect enough food to make a Thanksgiving box for 1500 families, host a job service, host seniors assistance programs plus have available Children Identification Kits.  Well we were close when all the dust settled.  We gave away 1700 coats, 1400 families received a food box to include a Turkey  or Whole Chicken, fresh potatoes, frozen or dried potatoes, yogurt, ice cream, & cookies and various other nutritious items, plus numerous job opportunities were presented to the community as well as Senior Adult assistance.   We want to say Thank you to all the corporate and private donors of food and coats and of course a huge Thank you to all the volunteers who helped in various ways.  This event we had in excess of 200 volunteers who assisted with smiles, hugs, packing groceries to cars, parking, security, registration, handing out food, coffee carts, hospitality, set up and clean up and more.  We did it Mountain View Christian Center. 

I was thinking this morning of all the transformation that has taken place at MVCC in the last couple of years.  A church that had 3 pastors in 10 years, a church split, numerous hurts fractions and complications to the church we are now is nothing short of miraculous.  However it does come with some pain.  The pain of; we have to protect, we have to control to make sure to…. To the loss of self control and give God control.  I am reminded of the Matthew 9:16-18¹⁶ No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; for the patch pulls away from the garment, and the tear is made worse. ¹⁷ Nor do they put new wine into old wineskins, or else the wineskins break, the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined. But they put new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.” 

The change that has been required for Mountain View Christian Center to do and keep doing requires the grace and mercy of God and a tremendous amount of trust, faith and confidence in the Lord.  We as a body of Believers with the mission statement of Love God, Serve People must have a new “wine skin” to be able to handle all that God wills to do through the Church and community.  You may ask how do I do that,  We serve a God of the New.  He is able to take out the heart of stone and replace it with a new pliable heart of understanding, forgiveness and grace.  Ask Him now,  Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,

Let us allow the Lord to do Just that,  Exceeding, Abundantly above All we can ask or think…….

 

I will be preaching the book of 3 John this week end.  You won’t want to miss it. 

When you come, be sure to invite a friend to come with you. 

 

Here are the announcements you will see Sunday…

·     Dec. 8th-Women’s Ministries ornament exchange here at  MVCC @ 6:30 p.m.  If you have any Pampered Chef, Avon, Home Interior, Gold Canyon etc. you would like to bring to sell   this would be the day. Contact Joy Powell for more information.

·     Dec. 11th-Pastor Jim Powell will preach on the book of             REVALATION.

·     Dec. 11th-HOME GROUP NIGHT.

·     Dec. 15th-Leadership budgets are due.

·     Dec.16th-Liberty Quartet 7p.m. here @ MVCC.

·     Dec. 18th-Kids Christmas program during the second service   (11a.m.).

·     Dec. 24th-Christmas communion service 6p.m.-7p.m.

·     Dec.25th-MERRY CHISTMAS one service from 10a.m.-11a.m.

·     Wed. nights 7p.m. “Grief” classes with Pastor Joy and a Love & Respect class with Shauna & Rick Kraus.

·     Missed the offering tray? Now you can give online (pay-pal), debit or the drop box in the foyer.

 

WE Love you all,

Pastors Jim & Joy Powell

Greater things are Yet to come..

Greetings on this Thursday  November 17, 2011.  As many of you may know in my previous life just a few short years ago I was in  the Real Estate business and had the honor of serving as the President of the Nampa, Idaho association of realtors.  It was when the economy saw no sign of slowing.  We all know today is a much different scenario.  As I walked through those years of greatness I never forgot where I came from.  I am a child of God, born of His Spirit and did everything in my power to exemplify the attributes of Christ.  I had a philosophy of reaching the unreachable, touch the untouchable, and dream the un dream able.  My thought, as I led this organization was to empower people to dream, reach, achieve and serve.   My mind races to current date.  I received a call from a former colleague last week who was going through a tough time.  A recent family split up, Disinagration of business, hopelessness had set in.  In the midst of his dilemma, drama and problems he remembered that I was a man of faith that represented not only a Godly business model but lived a Godly life and remembered something I had told him years ago.  He told me of his situation and asks me to pray for him. I did and then pointed him to a church and pastor who would be able to assist him further.  Often times the drama of life restricts the heavenly flow of creativity and takes the wind out of our sails and steals the dreams from our lives.  Child of God, you can reach the unreachable, touch the untouchable, and dream the Un dream able and achieve the unachievable through a relationship with Christ.  One of my favorite sayings is this, “You are an over comer, not to be overcame”.  As we enter into the weeks ahead of the Holiday season, Thanksgiving, Christmas, family gatherings, it does one of two things.  A time of joy or sorrow.  I would like to encourage you in the same vein as I did the business community to dream, reach, achieve and serve.  Speaking about serving.  This week on Tuesday we had another successful food give away to the community.  We served a food box to 302 families.  What an awesome opportunity we have to actually do our mission statement, not just read it and or talk about it . “ LOVE GOD SERVE PEOPLE”.  A huge thank you to our Mountain View Food Pantry director Chris Bean and our Logistics director Craig Byce and the host of volunteers that helped make this a wonderful monthly event.   Speaking of events, this Sunday November 20^th we will be having a Thanksgiving extravaganza Food give away, as we have 3 partners here;  Idaho Food Bank, MVCC Food Pantry & South Central Community Action, plus a  Coat give away, Job fair, finger printing for the Kids and a whole lot of fun all this begins at 1:00.

This Weekend  I will be preaching on the book of 2 John, 13 verses that deals with the early church and how to love one another and watch out for false teaching.  You won’t want to miss this message.  It could be the longest or shortest sermon ever preached.  Those of you who attend the first service if you could help after service setting up for the giveaway, I would be so grateful.  Those of you who attend the second service I will have you out of service by 12:30 (I hope) so we can have a quick bite of lunch provided by our own chef Richard Sizemore (hot dogs and hamburgers) and then if you can help fill Food boxes, deliver groceries to cars or help with the coats.  We plan to begin the event  at 1:00 P.m. so it will be a bit crazy for a bit.  For all of you who are staying;  Please Park in the West Parking Lot.  If you are planning to volunteer, Please bring  warm clothes & gloves. After your service you will need to check in with Craig Byce to get your Volunteer Vest and instructions.  This will also be Name Tag Sunday so be sure to get yours in the foyer prior to your service.   

Here are the events scheduled that you will see in the church Bulletin on Sunday.

·         Friday Night Celebrate Recovery November 18^th, at 6:00 p.m.

·        Sunday  November 20^th Food & coat give away set to begin @ 1 p.m.*If you plan on staying                for the giveaway, please park on the west side of the parking lot.  If you want to volunteer please see Craig Byce.

·      Nov. 23rd-ALL Wednesday night “Family night” classes are postponed, see you on Nov 30th.

·      Nov. 24th-FREE THANKSGIVING DINNER!!  11 a.m.-4p.m. @ Charlie’s Café in Burley 615 East Main Street.  Free delivery in BURLEY only.  Your              name is address and phone number will be needed.  Call 678-5460 for delivery orders.

·      Nov 25th-Celebrate Recovery will have a Thanksgiving potluck @ 6 p.m. Be sure to bring your favorite left over.

·      Dec.16th-Liberty Quartet 7p.m. here @ MVCC.

·      Dec. 18th-HOME GROUP NIGHT.

·      Dec. 8th-Women’s Ministries ornament exchange here at MVCC @

 6:30 p.m.  If you have any Pampered Chef, Avon, Home Interior, Gold Canyon etc. you would like to  bring to sell this would be the day. Contact Joy Powell for more    information.

·      Wed. Nights   7p.m. “Grief” classes with Pastor Joy.

·      Adult Sunday school 9a.m. with Ryan Weimer.  Teaching on Max Lucado John 3:16.

·      No Senior Fellowship meeting’s for the month of November.

·      Missed the offering tray? Now you can give online (pay-pal),  debit or the   drop box in the foyer.

·      THANK YOU! Chris & Ramie Stenzel, Mr. Gas/Debbie Judd, Linda Byce for all you have done for at this coat give away Sunday.

Hope to see You Sunday,  and don’t forget to invite a friend to church ..

We Love You all

Pastors Jim & Joy Powell

Once in a Life time

Once in a Life time:

As I set down to pen this Thursday Blast November 10, 2011, this thought keeps going through my mind,  “Once in a Lifetime”.  I love to hunt and I hear it over and over again this is a hunt of a lifetime or hear, the hunting tag that you just received is a “once in a life time event”.  I was fortunate to draw a Moose tag several years ago on my first attempt at putting in for the coveted hunt.  I was able to fill the “Once in a lifetime” tag.  We hear the term on the radio and the TV, you are about to take the trip….you guessed it, of a “lifetime”.  As we relate the term to the kingdom of God, I am persuaded that we are in a time and season that only comes once in our life time.  The world events that we hear are “Revelation Like”.  The current events of the European country of Greece that is broke; Italy is next, other countries not far behind.  What a great hour for the church to rise up and take the place that has been abrogated or given up in the 1960’s.  Let’s take a journey back in time.  In the 1920’s the church  in America was very prevalent and vibrant, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit known as the Azusa Street Revival, Tent crusades, healing lines and true undeniable miracles.  The church was the stabilizing force through the great depression.  In the 1930’s and 1940’s the community revolved around the church as the church was the leader in health care,  social issues, and took great pride in caring for the people of the community.  In the 1950’s the church started taking  the opportunities for granted and became lethargic that led to the 1960’s where the church sat back and allowed the government to step in, “because they could do it better”.   It was not uncommon for the church to be the political leaders as well; in fact of the original signers of the Constitution of the United States, the majority was Christians.  In today’s society it has become taboo for a Christian to hold public office.  Well I am persuaded that the tide is turning, with the collapse of the economy, the dollar shrinking in value, home prices are no longer considered an asset, the merger of businesses and corporations, and the government not knowing where to turn.   It is a “once in a lifetime” opportunity for the church to stand up and take the rightful place the Lord had originally planned for the church.  I look at how opportunities we at Mountain View Christian Center have been afforded, feeding thousands of people, offering a free Job service, clothing thousands, giving thousands of coats, giving away thousands of salmon and steelhead, offering a free medical clinic for the uninsured (to open soon), offering marriage classes, grief classes, blended family classes, divorce recovery as well as being a resource to the community.  Where will it all ends.  I am not sure.  All I know is that we as a church body and a member of this community will do everything in our power to “reach the Lost at any cost”.  Some lost in sin, others that have lost their way in life, none the less we will continue to be a vibrant part of this community as we fulfill our mission Statement, “Love God, Serve People”. 

Last week we held our yearly Leadership summit.  One of the exercises we did was determine how we as a church will fulfill the mission statement.  We came up with 5 ways.  We will “Love God and serve People” through #1 Prayer, #2 Worship, #3 Discipleship, #4 Evangelism, and #5 Ministry.  We then graded each of the departments of the church to determine areas of strength and weakness.  It was amazing the areas we thought we were the strongest we had some blind spots and the areas we thought we were weak in have become our strengths.  One other breakout session we did was ask each department to finish this statement, in our department/ministry we will “Love God and serve People” By…….I will share these with you in the weeks to come.  It was amazing to see the vision come alive in each of the ministries under the flag of the mission statement. 

Some really cool things have come to pass as we have been working on naming the long lane that comes in to the church.  It is official, it is Mountain View Lane.  Our church address will be 317 Mountain View Lane, Burley, Idaho.  Way cool.  We are working very hard in collecting coats and food for the Pre thanksgiving food giveaway.  In fact just this morning we had our delivery of the ice cream that we know was coming.  It has arrived, I must admit I tried it and it is yummy…. Also we had a pallet of ice melt donated to us this week to use around the church.  It never ceases to amaze me of the Greatness of our God.  As we look forward to Sunday Service I will be preaching the book of 1 John.  Please read it this week in preparation for Sunday services.  Several things to take note of this week.  This evening at 7:00 pm MVCC will be hosting a Light for the Lost Banquet which is a part of the Men’s ministry of the Assemblies of God.  It is the extension that provides literature for our missionaries.  Come be a part.  Our very Own Pastor Steve Isaac will be preaching.  Don’t forget the best place to be on Friday night.  Right here at MVCC Celebrate Recovery meal is at 6p.m.  Come be a part. 

As you prepare for Church services this week end don’t forget to invite a friend to come with you…

We Love you all,

Pastors Jim & Joy Powell

MVCC "The Church We See"

Great “Now” Friday afternoon.  As I write this blast I am once again overwhelmed of the Goodness of God.  I and a team from our medical clinic attended a conference in Boise all day Thursday.  Let me back up for a minute.  The official board of the clinic is in the process of being solidified, the name of the clinic is completed,  “Mini-Cassia Community  Healthcare Clinic”, 501 (c)(3) has been filed, License with State of Idaho complete and we are  well on our way to open in the spring of 2012.  Nancy Gerrard and I met with the Cassia County Commissioners on Monday and welcomed and endorsed with great favor.  The news of the clinic is welcoming news to the community as a whole especially for those who are uninsured or uninsurable.  The clinic will run and operate on private donations as well as grants with the key players being the professional medical staff that will donate their time and talent unto the Lord in taking care of people’s needs.  What an awarding venture this is turning out to be.  During a break in the conference I took a call from one of our food partners who told me that we are the proud recipients of 13 Pallets of ice cream.  We have been putting together and collecting food for our thanksgiving food baskets but never imagined that ice cream would be a part of the boxes.  I failed to mention last week, a pallet of breakfast drinks were delivered to the church for distribution, a value of $1,200.  It never ceases to amaze me of the amount of donations we have been the recipient of Go God. Speaking of distribution we will be having 2 food giveaways in November, one on the 15^th and one on the 20^th.  The November 15 event will require a registration time please call Chris Bean for more information.  The November 20^th event we will be doing the coat give away as well as the Job service and kid finger printing as well as limited food, Still working on food for this event.  It is proving to be a busy time for the outreach department at Mountain View Christian Center.  

I have been dreaming about the concept of “The Church we see”.  I was sent a link to a church in Seattle what produced a video with the same name and concept.  It made me think what I see.  Is the church we presently see the church the Lord sees?  I was dreaming on Tuesday morning after my sermon was ready and this is what I came up with.   Here is what we see:

The church that we see is a church filled with fervent followers of Jesus Christ whose hearts are ablaze with love for God, love for one another, and love for a needy world where the very atmosphere is charged with fervent prayer, joyful praise, intimate worship and a spirit of faith and expectancy.

The church that we see is not tucked away, sheltered and hidden from the rest of the world. It is a force, an ever-evolving, innovative and dynamic organism, affecting the spiritual climate of her city, her nation and her world. A place where the Great Commission is the first priority, people share their faith, the gospel is preached, churches are planted, and nations are impacted.
The church that we see is a church of great compassion where the needy and hurting are drawn to find hope and answers to their problems. A place where people are healed set free and made whole.
The church that we see is made up of friendly, loving people diverse in culture, history, age and background. Rich and poor, old and young, innocent and guilty, all redeemed, all worshipping in unity together as a testimony to the whole world of God's love, compassion and commitment to all mankind.

The church that we see is filled with the Holy Spirit, demonstrating His fruit, moving in His gifts, and flowing in His power.
The church that we see is a church where God's Word is taught in such a way that people align their values, attitudes, and lifestyle to God's kingdom.
The church that we see is never comfortable with settling down and growing old. We see a church where every member carries the heart of God for the next generation of youth and children.

The church we see is raising up a generation, educated and empowered to influence every system of the world for the glory of God! We see a church that recognizes that our youth and children are not the church of tomorrow; they are the church of today, growing up with undeniable experiences with God, wise in relationships, productive in society, flourishing in their callings and planted in God's house - the local church.
The church that we see is so big that people can't ignore it and growing so fast that buildings can't contain it, yet is so small that each person feels a vital part of it - connected together in a network of hundreds of small groups across the city for care, discipleship, ministry and outreach.
The church that we see is a church such passionate devotion, radical conviction, and total commitment to the cause of Jesus Christ that the very gates of hell cannot stop it!
Although there are other worthy organizations and causes, there is NOTHING that compares to THE CHURCH, the Hope of the World, the Bride of Christ. Therefore, the church is central to the world; indeed the world is peripheral to the CHURCH THAT WE SEE.

 The Church we see is Mountain View Christian Center.

I will be preaching the book of 2 Peter this weekend, You won’t want to miss it, and be sure to invite a friend to church this week…..

Here are the upcoming events:

Time change Saturday Night…..

Saturday November 4^th 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.. All Church Leadership Summit.  If you are doing anything in the church or would like to get involved this is a meeting you will not want to miss.  Child care provided , Chef Richard Sizemore will make Chicken Tacos with the condiments provided by each leadership team.  Ya all come…

·  Sunday November 5^th – Communion Sunday

·    Nov. 8th-Call in for Mobile FOOD PANTRY/IDAHO FOOD BANK for pick up on Nov. 15th.  We    need volunteers.  See Chris Bean if you are interested.

·    Nov.8th-Get out and VOTE!

·    Nov. 8th-”Woman 2 Woman” 6:30p.m.-8:30p.m. Special speaker Anita Tallon. (no child care     available)

·    Nov. 10th-”Light for the Lost” banquet here @ MVCC $7 per person 7p.m.  Come and meet       the new Light for the Lost District Director. Chicken Fried Steak …

·    Nov. 12th– Advance Royal Ranger Training here@ MVCC 8a.m.

·    Nov. 14th & 15th-Olan Mills directory completion.  See Machie to set up your new appointment time :)

·   Nov.15-9a.m. Nutrition class. Pick up your Mobile food pantry food box.

·   Nov. 16-”Getting through the holidays” classes taught by Pastor Joy Powell @7 p.m. This will be a 6 week class (excluding Thanksgiving week.)

·   Nov. 19th-Men’s Breakfast.

·    Nov 23rd-ALL Wednesday night “Family night” classes are postponed, see you on Nov 30th.

·    Donate....MVCC is in need of a 6 ft. pre-lit Christmas tree for the “Festival of Trees” outreach.  We will accept monetary gifts as well.  Contact Pastor Joy Powell for more information.

·    Missed the offering tray? Now you can give online (pay-pal),  debit or the drop box in the foyer.

·    Free Medical Clinic  “Mini-Cassia Community Health Care Clinic” is  the official name and is in the works!!

·    Its not too late to sign up for the Love & Respect Class $12 a couple $6 individual.

WE Love You all,

Pastors Jim & Joy Powell