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