Spiritual Formation @ MVC

Fall means back to school for kids and maybe it means back to school for us too! Education is critical for kids as they are growing up to be adults and it is critical for us too as we want to grow more and more into the patterns of Jesus' life and relationships. As much as we wish it were true, we don't drift into maturity. In fact, unless we are intentional about growing in our love for God and others, we will find ourselves conforming to the patterns of self service and spiritual isolation. While each of us is ultimately responsible for our own growth, Monte Vista Chapel provides classes, workshops, engagement opportunities, and support groups to help us take next steps.

FALL CLASSES

PEACEMAKERS
Developing healthy relationships is one of the core values here at MVC. How can we do that, especially when we face conflicts in our lives on a regular basis? This class is designed to help you learn how to apply biblical principles to relationships. Peacemaking is not simply a tool for fixing problems, but it is a ‘way of being', a way of reflecting who we are in Christ in all our relationships. This material is important for every Christ follower, regardless of what kind of conflicts they are or aren't in.
Led by Jackie Vallier
Sunday Mornings at 9:15 am beginning Sept. 12
Room 222 South Education Building 12 Week Class
Limit 40 people
Cost: $20
CLICK HERE to register

MOSAIC - The Big Picture of Script ure
This class is designed to give participants a wide view of scripture by looking at the powerful themes that flow from Genesis to Revelation. A part of the morning will also include conversation about what these themes look like in our own lives. You can also expect to learn about how we come by the Bible and some of the many factors that are involved as we engage it. This class will have about an hour of required Bible reading homework every week.
Led by Jon Tacoma
Sunday Mornings at 9:15 am beginning Sept. 12
Room 223 South Education Building 12 Week Class
Limit 30 people
Cost:$10
CLICK HERE to register

JUST LIKE JESUS - Study for Women
To be more like Jesus is to be less controlled by fear, by guilt, or by anxiety. Jesus didn't have any nagging bad habits and he wasn't tangled up in people pleasing or confused by his own desires. To be more like Jesus is to be more free - free to love and to receive love. This Max Lucado study will be offered in two time slots. The Wednesday morning group will run for two consecutive semesters and include special times of engaging one another and the community.
Cost is $20.00.
AM STUDY Led by Michelle Van Vliet and Ruth Kennedy
Wednesday Mornings at 9:00 am beginning Sept. 8
SEB Activity Center 24 week class No Limit
online registration for the evening class is now closed. You are welcome to attend as a walk-in.

PM STUDY led by Holly Tacoma
Wednesday Evenings at 6:45 pm beginning Sept. 1
Room 204 Warner Johnson Building 12 week class
Limit 20 People
online registration for the evening class is now closed. You are welcome to attend as a walk-in.

ESSENTIALS I - Discovering the Christian Life
Biblical Christianity is often mis-characterized by the media, mis-taught by academia, and mis-understood by American culture.What do Christians really believe? Why do they believe it? Why does it matter? Come explore the core beliefs that have united Christians for 2000 years. Whether you are a skeptic, a seeker, a new believer or a long time follower of Jesus Christ, this class will help you grow in your understanding of God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Bible, salvation, the resurrection, the church, sanctification and the kingdom of God. Bring your questions and investigate for yourself the foundational beliefs of Christianity.
Led by Judy Jeter
Wednesday Evenings at 6:45 pm beginning Sept. 1
SEB 121
10 Week Class
Limit 40 people
Cost: $25
online registration for this class is now closed. You are welcomed to attend as a walk-in.

PRAYER MINISTRY TRAINING
Jesus is our role model, so we want to become more like him in all areas of our life. The Prayer Ministry Training is designed to help people become more like Christ in the way that they pray for others. The training will focus on praying for people in person, as opposed to interceding from afar. Topics will include: how to listen to God when praying for people; the role of laying on hands; prayer for repentance and forgiveness; prayer for physical and emotional healing; introduction to prayer for deliverance. This class will include both teaching and practical elements.
Led by Rick Ryan
Sunday Mornings at 9:15 am beginning Sept. 12
South Education Building Activity Center (SEB 124)
8 Week Class
Limit 40 people
Cost: $5
CLICK HERE to register

Mom's Cl ub C.A.F.É.
Moms Club CAFÉ is a weekly gathering of mothers of young children (ages infant-K) which offers connections through small groups led by mentors as well as a oncea- month large group event. This year, Moms Club C.A.F.E. is studying Real Moms...  Real Jesus: Meet the friend who understands. The "real" truth is that Jesus loves The "real" truth is that Jesus loves you and he really gets you! He understands how it feels to be right where you are right now. Join us each week as we look at the life of Jesus as we read through the book of Matthew. This study invites you on a journey with Jesus that will change your perspective on mothering and expand your friendship with Him.
Led by Jan Lindquist
Thursday Mornings at 9:00 am beginning September 16
South Education Building Activity Center
Cost: $15 (Childcare is an additional $30 per semester)
CLICK HERE to register

___________________________________________________________________________________

SPECIAL EVENTS & WORKSHOPS

Trusting God with a Hope Deferred
An Event for Single Women
Carolyn McCully, our guest speaker, knows what it's like to be a single woman in a couples world. If you've never been married, find yourself divorced or widowed, this weekend is designed for you. This event is to encourage you as you find your contentment in Jesus during this season of life and that His grace truly is sufficient to sustain you. Come connect and be encouraged as we embrace the truth that Jesus really IS enough.
Guest Speaker Carolyn McCulley
Friday through Saturday, October 22-23
Cost is $25
CLICK HERE to register
CLICK HERE for more information on the featured speaker, Carolyn McCully

SPACE FOR GOD - Listening Retreats
While silence and solitude are critical spiritual practices for growth, it is sometimes helpful to practice them with friends. The Space for God retreats last a few hours and are guided times of getting quiet and listening for the Holy Spirit. These are great opportunities for people who are new to these ancient practices as well as for those who have grown comfortable with quiet.
Led by Carol and Jay Swanson
September 18, 2010
Cost is $30
To register contact Nancy Rapp at 209-634-4935

LIVE AT PEACE - Transformative Care and Counseling Training
This two and a half day training is designed to help disciplers grow in their ability to participate at a deeper level in the transformational process of other people. It will be focused on understanding how people change and what the heart issues are that need to be addressed from a solid Biblical standpoint.
October 1-3, 2010
Led by Judy Dabler from Live at Peace Ministries
Contact Jackie Vallier with questions and for cost information at 209-634-4935 x303

ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Engagement Opportunities are offered on a regular basis but they do not require signing up and are designed to receive participants as they are ready and available. While there is not a formal teaching at any of the Engagement Opportunities, learning comes out of service, practice, and/or conversation. This season's Engagement Opportunities include:

Street Reach
Street Reach is an outreach provided by Monte Vista Chapel whose purpose is to bring hope and encouragement to the homeless community in Turlock. When we meet with the homeless on the street, we attempt to assist them with some of their most basic needs like: Bibles, water, toothpaste, soap, granola bars, etc... Join us on Sunday mornings as we go out to the streets in teams of 3-4, beginning at 9:00am to deliver these basic items and share love, faith, and prayers with the individuals we encounter. We return to the church before the 2nd service begins at 11:00am.
Sunday mornings 9:00 to 10:45 am
Meets in the church office parking lot
Contact Casey Giffen with questions - 209-883-9352

Encounter
Some of the most profound times we spend with Jesus are the simplest. You are invited to participate in gathering to very simply read scripture, share about what you notice, and pray. No signups, no homework, no notes - just Scripture, conversation, and prayer. This gathering meets Sunday mornings at 9:15am in the WJB 103. We will be reading from the NIV and the Message translations. Bibles are provided if you do not have one along.
Sunday mornings 9:15 to 10:30 am
Room 103 of the Warner Johnson Building (the Library)
Contact Nancy Rapp with questions - 209-634-4935 

Community Prayer and Care
Prayer for Healing, Hope, and Wholeness
God is mighty to save, and also to heal, redeem, and restore broken lives. If you would like prayer for physical healing, emotional healing, spiritual healing, or some other need, you can receive prayer from one of our prayer teams on Sunday nights, from 5:30-6:30pm, in SEB122. Prayer is received on a first come first serve basis. No appointment necessary. Come as you are.
Sunday evenings 5:30 to 6:30 pm.
Room 122 of the South Education Building
Contact Rick Ryan with questions - 209-634-4935

Wednesday Breakout - Conversation around the Weekend Teaching
Forum is simply an open gathering for people to focus on the teaching from the previous weekend service. Led by elders and disciplers, the conversation will be geared to helping participants make a deeper connection between the key ideas presented on stage and the day-to-day reality we live in. Signing up is not required.
Wednesdays evenings from Sept. 1 to Nov. 17.
Room 103 of the Warner Johnson Building (the Library)
Contact Nancy Rapp with questions - 209-634-4935