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Current worship seriesFebruary 11th at 10am Join us for worship in-person at Church of the Mountains or online via Zoom Join Zoom Meeting (link below) Meeting ID: 844 5317 6553 For more infomation visit: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84453176553?pwd=NlVjT2U1SXNpOUwxd2dCSkRZNkJsUT09
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Super Bowl Good Cause Challenge
Join us for the Super Bowl Good Cause Challenge and help make a difference in our community!⠀⠀ The Church of the Mountains UMC is part of the California Nevada Conference which is the 49 Niners side. There is a friendly competition to see which team fans can collect the most food for food pantries in their mission fields. ⠀⠀ Bring non-perishable food items to the Church of the Mountains this Sunday (February 11th)⠀⠀ 10am - 12pm OR Tuesday (February 13th) 11am - 5pm.⠀⠀ The items will be weighed, counted towards 49 Niners side and distributed to the local food bank. ⠀⠀ Let's come together to surpass Great Plains and make a significant impact on our local pantries.⠀⠀ Your generosity can make a difference! ⠀⠀ Reach out to us with any questions. For more infomation visit:
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Next worship series
The Season of Lent is a time of self-reflection, of spiritual examination. While that is a healthy and necessary exercise, we don’t examine ourselves in isolation. Instead, we are invited to lay our lives alongside the life of Jesus. It is a sobering exercise to say the least. And yet, what we discover in this examination of his life and ours, is not condemnation or recrimination. Instead, we are overwhelmed, the farther we go on this journey with him, by the depths of love he has for all of us. Lent is a time for getting our spiritual house in order, that is true. But above all, it is an invitation to once again commit to love like Christ loves. |
Pastor's Ponderings February 11th, 2024"God makes everything happen at the right time" People call me an optimist and they're right. I tend to see the glass as half-full, but make no mistake, I'm not oblivious to the fact that something's missing. I consider myself a positive realist. As a realist, I acknowledge some situations are full of pain and suffering which we cannot avoid or escape. Life can seem bleak and though days come and go, the sun isn't shining, at least not that we can see. In Ecclesiastes 3 Solomon presents an overview of life listing the spectrum of possibilities of life. We may consider these "seasons" as bad or undesirable; however, at another time they may be looked upon as good and preferable. The list is fairly comprehensive and at one time or another we will experience most, if not all of these times.
Time marches on and knowing the season we're in may bring comfort, but we're still left with questions. We ask, "WHY? What is God doing?" I find comfort in scriptures such as Psalms 23; God is with me even in the darkest times. I also find understanding in Ecclesiastes 3:11 which gives us the context of life. It says, "God makes everything happen at the right time. Yet none of us can ever fully understand all he has done, and he puts questions in our minds about the past and the future." We will never know all the answers, but God is still in control. I don't always understand today and I sure don't know what will happen tomorrow, but as the song says,"Many things about tomorrow, I don't seem to understand; but I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holds my hand."
When I go through things, the realist in me may get depressed, feel defeated, become afraid, and get angry but I don't stay that way. I am reminded of the true story told by Mitch Albom about conversations he had with his former professor, Morrie Swartz, who was battling Lou Gehrig's Disease. Mitch visited Morrie every Tuesday and on one visit Mitch wanted to know how Morrie felt about dying and the future that was denied him. Didn't he get angry and depressed? Morrie said he allowed himself one hour in the morning to feel sorry for himself and get angry, but then he said he didn't want to waste what time he had left on a worthless activity that didn't change a thing. You can read the full story in Mitch's book, Tuesdays with Morrie.
Morrie's comment impressed me. So when "bad" things in my opinion happen, I try to have the same attitude. The realist in me will acknowledge that the glass is not full and allow myself time to feel the emptiness of a half-filled glass. (I confess, I may wallow a little too long contemplating the emptiness.) The positive part of me says this is only a season; God has not left me. I may be walking "through the valley of the shadow of death, [but] I will not be afraid because you are with me." (Psalm 23:4) That's the positive part but it's also the realist part. God has always been faithful and although I can't figure things out, I'll trust God. I made a decision a long time ago that my life is not my own. God can use me in any way that brings God glory. God says, "Don’t be afraid, because I have saved you. I have called you by name, and you are mine." (Isaiah 43:1b) As a positive realist I see potential because God is with us. We walk by faith, not by sight though sometimes our eyes are wet with tears. Having faith is optimistic because Jesus tells us, "with God, all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26b)
Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)
Pastor Vicki
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Lent season with Church of the Mountains
Lent season begins with Ash Wednesday on February 14th. Check out church activities coming up: Ash Wednesday, February 14th will be held at Truckee Lutheran Presbyterian Church (TLPC) Maundy Thursday, March 28th will be at Church of the Mountains as joint event with TLPC Good Friday service, March 29th will be at TLPC Sunrise service at Lake Tahoe, March 31st Pancake breakfast at Church of the Mountains, March 31st right after Sunrise service at Lake tahoe |
March 31st, 2024
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Night of Worship: Music and ScripturesWednesday, March 6th (Date changed) 6:30-8:00 pm Join us for the Night of Worship at Church of the Mountains. It promises to be a spiritually uplifting and inspiring evening filled with beautiful music and the reading of scriptures. Feel free to invite friends, family, and anyone seeking a night of spiritual renewal. This event is open to all, and we look forward to sharing this special evening with everyone. |
The Women’s Bible Study group and Prayer NetJoin us every Monday 10-11am at Church of the Mountains (weather and road conditions permitting) Judy Jensen, the gourp leader welcomes everyone to participate. We read and discuss the books we have chosen in an informal discussion and look forward to spending time and sharing our faith with one another. We pray as an introduction to our study—and we close with prayer. We just completed a study book by Priscilla Shirer called THE ARMOR OF GOD and are currently beginning Shannon Bream’s book entitled THE-MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS OF THE BIBLE SPEAK: Lessons on Faith from Nine Biblical Families. Our group are also members of the Prayer Net and welcome requests that come to us through the larger church body. Any questions? Reach out to Judy at 530-448-6474 or church email comumc@sbcglobal.net |
Church space is available for Event rentals
Our church has undergone recent renovations. We are now opening our doors to the public for event rentals. Our beautifully revamped space is available for your desired occasions, offering a welcoming and versatile venue for your upcoming events. If you or someone you know is looking for a unique and inspiring location for weddings, meetings, celebrations, or other special gatherings, our church could be the perfect fit. For more information or to inquire about availability, please feel free to reach out to us at comumc@sbcglobal.net or 530-587-4407. We look forward to hosting your memorable events in our newly transformed space! |
Consider donating to the Church of the Mountains
Support the ministry of our church. Your help is highly appreciated! For more infomation visit: https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=e44d2682-6864-11ee-90fc-1260ab546d11
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Day Respite Center
New address for the Day Respite Center: 10069 Church st, Truckee CA (the building on a right hand side of the Church of the Mountains). Day Center is open every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 1-5pm. For more infomation visit:
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Open days this coming week
Please note, the Emergency Warming Center, previously operated out of the Church of the Mountains building has moved to a new location at Joseph Center 2nd floor, 10075 Levon ave, Truckee CA. Program phone: 530-807-8818 The EWC provides emergency shelter for unhoused adults 18+years of age, from 6pm to 7:30 am the next morning. Check in between 6:00-8:00pm. First time guests and direct refferals from the hospital and law enforcement can check in after 8pm. The EWC will be open on: Tuesday, Feburary 13th Wednesday, February 14th Thursday, February 15th For more infomation visit:
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