Dear Church Family,
This week, I have felt led by the Spirit to devote this coming Sunday service, Dec 11th, as a special time for healing. Therefore, after a time of worship, I will bring a brief teaching on the ongoing healing ministry of our Lord and Shepherd Jesus Christ; particularly, but not exclusively, focusing on . James 5:13-16.
I have already discussed this with the elders and they will be using the next two days to seek the Holy Spirit’s help in preparing themselves and me to be used as vessels for His glory and for the church's benefit. I am now asking each of you to begin praying for the elders and to pray for the service so that those of our fellowship, whom the enemy may have afflicted, might be healed and set free. I also encourage you to invite anyone you know, who is sick or in need, to come and present themselves for prayer and for the anointing of oil.
The apostle James told the church, “You do not have because you do not ask God.” James 4:2 (NIV) Therefore, let us not continue to suffer needlessly simply because we do not ask. But rather, “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Heb 4:16 (NIV)
your servant
Pastor Randy
This week, I have felt led by the Spirit to devote this coming Sunday service, Dec 11th, as a special time for healing. Therefore, after a time of worship, I will bring a brief teaching on the ongoing healing ministry of our Lord and Shepherd Jesus Christ; particularly, but not exclusively, focusing on . James 5:13-16.
I have already discussed this with the elders and they will be using the next two days to seek the Holy Spirit’s help in preparing themselves and me to be used as vessels for His glory and for the church's benefit. I am now asking each of you to begin praying for the elders and to pray for the service so that those of our fellowship, whom the enemy may have afflicted, might be healed and set free. I also encourage you to invite anyone you know, who is sick or in need, to come and present themselves for prayer and for the anointing of oil.
The apostle James told the church, “You do not have because you do not ask God.” James 4:2 (NIV) Therefore, let us not continue to suffer needlessly simply because we do not ask. But rather, “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Heb 4:16 (NIV)
your servant
Pastor Randy
Dec 3, 2011
Dear Church Family,
As you know, Christmas falls on Sunday this year. And, I also believe you know how important Christmas morning activities can be building and strengthening our families. I would hate to think of families rushing through their Christmas morning in order to get to church by 9:30 to teach or attend Sunday school classes. I would also hate to think we might neglect gathering together as a church family and sitting as one at our Heavenly Father’s feet. Therefore, the elders and I felt it best to cancel the 9:30 Sunday school hour for that one week but to continue with the 10:30 morning worship service. We will also have our traditional Christmas Eve candlelight service at 6:30 pm on the 24th. I hope this will be your best Christmas ever and that you will give God all his due.
Your servant
Randy
p.s. We will have a work day next Saturday, Dec 10th to begin wiring the new building. Work starts at 8:00 am. Breakfast will be served.
Dear Church Family,
As you know, Christmas falls on Sunday this year. And, I also believe you know how important Christmas morning activities can be building and strengthening our families. I would hate to think of families rushing through their Christmas morning in order to get to church by 9:30 to teach or attend Sunday school classes. I would also hate to think we might neglect gathering together as a church family and sitting as one at our Heavenly Father’s feet. Therefore, the elders and I felt it best to cancel the 9:30 Sunday school hour for that one week but to continue with the 10:30 morning worship service. We will also have our traditional Christmas Eve candlelight service at 6:30 pm on the 24th. I hope this will be your best Christmas ever and that you will give God all his due.
Your servant
Randy
p.s. We will have a work day next Saturday, Dec 10th to begin wiring the new building. Work starts at 8:00 am. Breakfast will be served.
Nov 21, 2011
Dear Church Family,
I hope everyone will have a blessed and relaxed Holliday season. We are cancelling our regular Wednesday evening activities this week so everyone can prepare for Thanksgiving Day. We will resume our normal Wednesday activities the following week. The church will be open Thanksgiving Day from 11:00 am until we get tired for those who would like to join my family for dinner or activities. Bring a covered dish if you plan to eat lunch with us. Those who eat at home are welcome to come later to hangout.
Your servant
Randy
Dear Church Family,
I hope everyone will have a blessed and relaxed Holliday season. We are cancelling our regular Wednesday evening activities this week so everyone can prepare for Thanksgiving Day. We will resume our normal Wednesday activities the following week. The church will be open Thanksgiving Day from 11:00 am until we get tired for those who would like to join my family for dinner or activities. Bring a covered dish if you plan to eat lunch with us. Those who eat at home are welcome to come later to hangout.
Your servant
Randy
Nov 14, 2011
Dear Church Family,
I want to thank all of you for the hard work you put in to make the play a success. So, for those of you who sewed costumes or baked cookies, cleaned the building between shows or watched Hannah and Isaiah during the practice, built props or designed and distributed flyers, worked the nursery or prayed day after day for the cast and audience, thank you and may God richly reward you for your efforts. Also, I want to thank all of you who worked so hard to bless Jimmie and Adrielle’s wedding. I love the way you all showered them with your love. May God richly reward you as well.
Please pray for Charles and Gloria Johnson and Peter McKee. They have a difficult decision to make. Word has reached them that plans are in place to kidnap them if they go to minister in Mexico this week. They are asking for God to give them wisdom. Let us all join together in prayer this week for God’s divine instruction for these precious servants. I know they love the saints God has given them in Mexico and that they will follow God wherever He leads them. I also know it is our part to pray for their ministry, for direction and for their safety. My flesh wants to yell, “Stay home.” Never the less, we want the Lord’s will to be done.
And one final note. We will be returning to our regular Wednesday schedule this week. I hope to see you there. Until then, remember to start your days with a time of prayer and Bible reading, memorize some scripture, live a life of love that reflects Christ and tell someone about Him.
Your servant
Randy
Oct 24, 2011
Dear Church Family,
Thank you for all your prayers for my health, provision to visit Grace’s family in Korea and our son’s schooling and career needs. I am doing very well physically. The doctors have diagnosed some early stages of deterioration in my joints, (arthritis). This is what has been causing most of the problems with my back and left hip. The doctors prescribed low impact exercise (swimming) to help strengthen the muscles and cartilage around the weakened joints. This has been helping somewhat. Your prayers have helped a great deal more. Perhaps the Lord will heal or He may leave me with the condition so we will be always aware of our need for His provision in all aspects of our life and ministry. To God be the glory and praise.
David has a full time job in Tulsa and has some good prospects for moving into an accounting position. Nick is doing well in school and has had some good conversations with his roommate about life and the Lord. Jon is a blessing to Grace and I as he helped us dodge the “empty nest” for a little longer.
God has provided for most of our provision to visit Korea through a gift someone anonymously left on our door. Thank you so much whoever you are. Grace’s father has Parkinsons and is not doing well. He is not a believer and our hearts are burdened for his eternal condition. We want to go and tell him again about Jesus and the wonderful gift of salvation He has provided. Please pray for us as we plan to go early next year, perhaps in January or February. We are also looking forward to spending time with Grace’s other family members who have all received the Lord over the years through Grace’s life and testimony. Praise God’s glorious name.
My trip to Illinois was productive and enjoyable. For seven days, as I worked on the family farm, I did not feel at all like a pastor. I felt like nothing more than one of God’s creations blessed with the ability to know and love the creator of all things. As I worked in fields and timber I was surrounded by God’s beautiful world at that time of year when the colors and smells are so rich they can make your heart ache. I picked apples, gathered bushels and bushels of walnuts, fixed farm equipment and built bon-fires to dispose of fallen tree limbs that had accumulated over the years. As I worked I would frequently stop and look up at the impossibly tall trees that surrounded me and simply allow the vibrant colors and whispering winds playing through the canopy above me inundate my soul. I found myself whispering over and over in response, “Oh thank you dear Jesus; my King, my God.”
But now I am back. And, there are lots and lots of things going on here; good things, Kingdom things. And I am glad to be actively involved in the Lord’s work as pastor and fellow laborer with this local congregation of God’s saints that we all know as Vista Hills Church.
Here is a list of upcoming events and activities:
· Play practice will kick into high gear this week. Therefore, we will not be gathering in the sanctuary after class on Wednesdays this week or the following two weeks.
· Calvary Chapel on Zaragoza has invited us to a potluck dinner and evening of praise this Sunday evening, Oct 30th. Dinner begins at 4:00 pm and will go right into the time of worship. Bring a dish, fellowship with your brothers and sisters from Calvary Chapel, help clean up and then join in worshipping the King.
· Oct 31st harvest-fest/block party will be at Vista Hills from 6 pm-8 pm. See Gay, Sheri or Susan if you would like to be involved but have not found a slot yet.
· Tuesday, Nov 15 at 7 pm The Vista Hills Homeschool ministry will host Sarah Hauptmans as she speaks of her experiences as a resistance fighter and holocaust internment camp survivor. Doors open at 6:30. Light refreshments will be served after.
· Irene Sarabia is asking for nursery volunteers and volunteers to bring finger foods for the nights of the play (Nov. 11 and 12th) If anyone would like to help please contact Irene.
Please remember to pray for all these activities. We don’t want to just be busy but effective for the kingdom.
Your servant
Randy
Dear Church Family,
Thank you for all your prayers for my health, provision to visit Grace’s family in Korea and our son’s schooling and career needs. I am doing very well physically. The doctors have diagnosed some early stages of deterioration in my joints, (arthritis). This is what has been causing most of the problems with my back and left hip. The doctors prescribed low impact exercise (swimming) to help strengthen the muscles and cartilage around the weakened joints. This has been helping somewhat. Your prayers have helped a great deal more. Perhaps the Lord will heal or He may leave me with the condition so we will be always aware of our need for His provision in all aspects of our life and ministry. To God be the glory and praise.
David has a full time job in Tulsa and has some good prospects for moving into an accounting position. Nick is doing well in school and has had some good conversations with his roommate about life and the Lord. Jon is a blessing to Grace and I as he helped us dodge the “empty nest” for a little longer.
God has provided for most of our provision to visit Korea through a gift someone anonymously left on our door. Thank you so much whoever you are. Grace’s father has Parkinsons and is not doing well. He is not a believer and our hearts are burdened for his eternal condition. We want to go and tell him again about Jesus and the wonderful gift of salvation He has provided. Please pray for us as we plan to go early next year, perhaps in January or February. We are also looking forward to spending time with Grace’s other family members who have all received the Lord over the years through Grace’s life and testimony. Praise God’s glorious name.
My trip to Illinois was productive and enjoyable. For seven days, as I worked on the family farm, I did not feel at all like a pastor. I felt like nothing more than one of God’s creations blessed with the ability to know and love the creator of all things. As I worked in fields and timber I was surrounded by God’s beautiful world at that time of year when the colors and smells are so rich they can make your heart ache. I picked apples, gathered bushels and bushels of walnuts, fixed farm equipment and built bon-fires to dispose of fallen tree limbs that had accumulated over the years. As I worked I would frequently stop and look up at the impossibly tall trees that surrounded me and simply allow the vibrant colors and whispering winds playing through the canopy above me inundate my soul. I found myself whispering over and over in response, “Oh thank you dear Jesus; my King, my God.”
But now I am back. And, there are lots and lots of things going on here; good things, Kingdom things. And I am glad to be actively involved in the Lord’s work as pastor and fellow laborer with this local congregation of God’s saints that we all know as Vista Hills Church.
Here is a list of upcoming events and activities:
· Play practice will kick into high gear this week. Therefore, we will not be gathering in the sanctuary after class on Wednesdays this week or the following two weeks.
· Calvary Chapel on Zaragoza has invited us to a potluck dinner and evening of praise this Sunday evening, Oct 30th. Dinner begins at 4:00 pm and will go right into the time of worship. Bring a dish, fellowship with your brothers and sisters from Calvary Chapel, help clean up and then join in worshipping the King.
· Oct 31st harvest-fest/block party will be at Vista Hills from 6 pm-8 pm. See Gay, Sheri or Susan if you would like to be involved but have not found a slot yet.
· Tuesday, Nov 15 at 7 pm The Vista Hills Homeschool ministry will host Sarah Hauptmans as she speaks of her experiences as a resistance fighter and holocaust internment camp survivor. Doors open at 6:30. Light refreshments will be served after.
· Irene Sarabia is asking for nursery volunteers and volunteers to bring finger foods for the nights of the play (Nov. 11 and 12th) If anyone would like to help please contact Irene.
Please remember to pray for all these activities. We don’t want to just be busy but effective for the kingdom.
Your servant
Randy
Aug 27, 2011
Dear Church Family,
I have school supply lists for 8 more students in need. Some of them are from families who live in local shelters. Others come from families new to the area and some come from totally dysfunctional families. If you would like to shop for one of these children please stop by and pick up a list. Who knows what God will do as we respond to this need. Also, please pray for these children. We know for sure they are not responsible for their lot in life. The parent's culpability however, is a different story. I have had the opportunity to talk to a few of them about the decisions they have made. Pray God will bless His word and it will bare fruit in their lives.
On a different note, one of your church members needs some help moving tomorrow. Ceci does not have much but she can not do it alone. Mike Parra will be helping her and I would suggest you contact him to coordinate time and place. His number is in the church roster.
Thanks for being such a wonderful congregation.
your servant
Randy
Dear Church Family,
I have school supply lists for 8 more students in need. Some of them are from families who live in local shelters. Others come from families new to the area and some come from totally dysfunctional families. If you would like to shop for one of these children please stop by and pick up a list. Who knows what God will do as we respond to this need. Also, please pray for these children. We know for sure they are not responsible for their lot in life. The parent's culpability however, is a different story. I have had the opportunity to talk to a few of them about the decisions they have made. Pray God will bless His word and it will bare fruit in their lives.
On a different note, one of your church members needs some help moving tomorrow. Ceci does not have much but she can not do it alone. Mike Parra will be helping her and I would suggest you contact him to coordinate time and place. His number is in the church roster.
Thanks for being such a wonderful congregation.
your servant
Randy
Aug 1, 2011
Dear Church Family,
The Gonzalez girls came by yesterday evening to pick up the school supplies you provided. They were adorable, excited and so grateful for the supplies. The extra gifts you included made them literally dance. I told them Jesus had provided the supplies and that since He had provided, they should make sure they apply themselves in school. I also invited them to dine with us Wednesday evening. Please pray they will come. Their father was not with them because he was working an extra shift. I hope the supplies will open a door for us to minister the gospel to them. Please pray that will happen.
The men’s retreat I mentioned Sunday will be on Aug 11th-14th. The cost is $175. You can get more info at http://www.westwoodministries.org/ministrycalendar.html . Scroll down the page until you find “COA Battle Camp/ Heart of a Warrior”. You can register right there and you can pay on line as well. The organization's contact info is there and they are very nice to talk to. I hope most of you will be able to go. I think it may be time to once again fellowship together, remove ourselves from the daily grind and be challenged to a higher spiritual maturity level. Please begin praying about this retreat even now.
We have begun working on the new play. Here is a website for more info. http://paradiselostplay.zxq.net/
Your servant
Randy
The Gonzalez girls came by yesterday evening to pick up the school supplies you provided. They were adorable, excited and so grateful for the supplies. The extra gifts you included made them literally dance. I told them Jesus had provided the supplies and that since He had provided, they should make sure they apply themselves in school. I also invited them to dine with us Wednesday evening. Please pray they will come. Their father was not with them because he was working an extra shift. I hope the supplies will open a door for us to minister the gospel to them. Please pray that will happen.
The men’s retreat I mentioned Sunday will be on Aug 11th-14th. The cost is $175. You can get more info at http://www.westwoodministries.org/ministrycalendar.html . Scroll down the page until you find “COA Battle Camp/ Heart of a Warrior”. You can register right there and you can pay on line as well. The organization's contact info is there and they are very nice to talk to. I hope most of you will be able to go. I think it may be time to once again fellowship together, remove ourselves from the daily grind and be challenged to a higher spiritual maturity level. Please begin praying about this retreat even now.
We have begun working on the new play. Here is a website for more info. http://paradiselostplay.zxq.net/
Your servant
Randy
July 13, 2011
Dear Church Family,
Just a quick note to update you on "goings on" at the church:
1. We have a whole bunch of vine-ripened tomatoes to give away. Please take some tonight or after church on Sunday. Don Monks can show you where they are.
2. Emily is moving July 30th. If you can help please email her at ebonasso@gmail.com
3. My family and I will be traveling to San Antonio to attend Edgar Lecia’s wedding this weekend. Jon Rutkowski will be preaching in my place. Please pray for us as we travel and pray for Jon as he prepares.
4. Tom Ruth is traveling to Van Horn after Sunday services to work on the Corner Stone Coffee Shop Ministry. Please be in prayer for him and check with him to see what he might need for this trip.
your servant
Randy
~
Just a quick note to update you on "goings on" at the church:
1. We have a whole bunch of vine-ripened tomatoes to give away. Please take some tonight or after church on Sunday. Don Monks can show you where they are.
2. Emily is moving July 30th. If you can help please email her at ebonasso@gmail.com
3. My family and I will be traveling to San Antonio to attend Edgar Lecia’s wedding this weekend. Jon Rutkowski will be preaching in my place. Please pray for us as we travel and pray for Jon as he prepares.
4. Tom Ruth is traveling to Van Horn after Sunday services to work on the Corner Stone Coffee Shop Ministry. Please be in prayer for him and check with him to see what he might need for this trip.
your servant
Randy
~
May 6th, 2011
Dear Church Family,
We are having a work day on the new building on Saturday, May 14th at 8:30 am. We will be hanging the duct work for the heating/ac systems as well as finishing some framing. As always breakfast will be provided. If you have not attended one of these work days for some time please consider dropping by. The fellowship is great and I’m thinking the rewards in heaven won’t be half bad either.
Your servant
Randy
We are having a work day on the new building on Saturday, May 14th at 8:30 am. We will be hanging the duct work for the heating/ac systems as well as finishing some framing. As always breakfast will be provided. If you have not attended one of these work days for some time please consider dropping by. The fellowship is great and I’m thinking the rewards in heaven won’t be half bad either.
Your servant
Randy
April 29, 2011
Dear Church Family,
The National Day of Prayer this year is on Thursday, May 5th from noon to 1 pm. The theme is A Mighty Fortress is Our God. The one our prayer time will be held in local church buildings or designated sites at work. The Vista Hills Sancturary will be made available for all who would like to participate. Joni Eareckson Tada is the Honorary Chairman this year. The prayer she penned for the occasion will be read during our prayer time. Meanwhile, please read and reflect on Psalms 33 to prepare your hearts to prayer for our nation.
your servant,
Randy
The National Day of Prayer this year is on Thursday, May 5th from noon to 1 pm. The theme is A Mighty Fortress is Our God. The one our prayer time will be held in local church buildings or designated sites at work. The Vista Hills Sancturary will be made available for all who would like to participate. Joni Eareckson Tada is the Honorary Chairman this year. The prayer she penned for the occasion will be read during our prayer time. Meanwhile, please read and reflect on Psalms 33 to prepare your hearts to prayer for our nation.
your servant,
Randy
Dear Church Family,
Just a reminder, the Homeschool Ministry is hosting an Easter Picnic. I usually am unable to attend Saturday events because I have to get ready for Sunday. But this week, the Lord has graciously given me the sermon and the worship music early. So, I will be able to enjoy some fellowship and good food with our home school families. I am including the information about the picnic in case you would like to join me but have not rsvp’d yet.
Your servant
Randy
Vista Hills Homeschool Ministry Presents!!!
An Easter Picnic
together with
Worship in the Park
(from our very own....well.... whoever wants to sing!!)
Friends and family welcome!!
When: Saturday April 23, 2011
Where: Palm Grove Park
(10001 Sumatra off of Wedgewood on the east side)
When: from 10am till 4pm (or we all get tired)
Please rsvp: Liesa: 799-9770
or Deb: vh-homeschool@elp.rr.com
We are asking all of you to bring TWO
ITEMS:
Drinks, and a salad or dessert.
Please contact Liesa
Email her at: punky-Puppy@hotmail.com
to tell her what you are bringing
so we know how many families we are providing for
and so we don't end up with 20 tatersalads and no drinks. :o)
Just a reminder, the Homeschool Ministry is hosting an Easter Picnic. I usually am unable to attend Saturday events because I have to get ready for Sunday. But this week, the Lord has graciously given me the sermon and the worship music early. So, I will be able to enjoy some fellowship and good food with our home school families. I am including the information about the picnic in case you would like to join me but have not rsvp’d yet.
Your servant
Randy
Vista Hills Homeschool Ministry Presents!!!
An Easter Picnic
together with
Worship in the Park
(from our very own....well.... whoever wants to sing!!)
Friends and family welcome!!
When: Saturday April 23, 2011
Where: Palm Grove Park
(10001 Sumatra off of Wedgewood on the east side)
When: from 10am till 4pm (or we all get tired)
Please rsvp: Liesa: 799-9770
or Deb: vh-homeschool@elp.rr.com
We are asking all of you to bring TWO
ITEMS:
Drinks, and a salad or dessert.
Please contact Liesa
Email her at: punky-Puppy@hotmail.com
to tell her what you are bringing
so we know how many families we are providing for
and so we don't end up with 20 tatersalads and no drinks. :o)
Dear Church Family March 31st, 2011
Our next work-day will be Saturday, April 9th beginning at 8:30. Some will be working on the new building while other finish painting the outside of the church. Members of the Spanish congregation will be joining us. As always, breakfast will be served.
I will be starting two discipleship classes for men within the next few weeks. One will be held at 6:30 am on Tuesday mornings and the other will be at 6:30 pm Fridays evenings. Both will at the church, in the fellowship hall. If you are a man who desires to develop a closer relationship with Christ and understand better the concept of Christ living His life in you and through you, or are just in need of fellowship and encouragement from other men who are trying to live the Christian life, then I strongly encourage you to sign up for one of these classes. Please feel free to invite other men regardless of their church affiliation.
Have a blessed day and remember to ask God to give you the opportunity, boldness and anointing to share the gospel with someone today.
Your servant
Randy
Our next work-day will be Saturday, April 9th beginning at 8:30. Some will be working on the new building while other finish painting the outside of the church. Members of the Spanish congregation will be joining us. As always, breakfast will be served.
I will be starting two discipleship classes for men within the next few weeks. One will be held at 6:30 am on Tuesday mornings and the other will be at 6:30 pm Fridays evenings. Both will at the church, in the fellowship hall. If you are a man who desires to develop a closer relationship with Christ and understand better the concept of Christ living His life in you and through you, or are just in need of fellowship and encouragement from other men who are trying to live the Christian life, then I strongly encourage you to sign up for one of these classes. Please feel free to invite other men regardless of their church affiliation.
Have a blessed day and remember to ask God to give you the opportunity, boldness and anointing to share the gospel with someone today.
Your servant
Randy
Dear Church Family, 03/23/2011
We will have another workday on the new building this Saturday, March 26th starting at 8:30. As Always, breakfast will be served. Since we are a family centered church, we would love to see some of our young people participate. Please pray about it.
Your servant
Randy
We will have another workday on the new building this Saturday, March 26th starting at 8:30. As Always, breakfast will be served. Since we are a family centered church, we would love to see some of our young people participate. Please pray about it.
Your servant
Randy
01/22/2011
Dear Church Family,
Grace and I are truly looking forward to the Homeschool Valentines Dance on Feb 11th. I have not had the privilege of leading my sweetheart around a dance floor for a long time. And this made me wonder if I still remember how? I started thinking that maybe there are others who have forgotten how to ballroom dance or perhaps never learned. I asked Liza Roennebeck if she would be willing to teach or reteach us some of the basic steps. Of course, she immediately said yes. So, we will hold dance classes in the fellowship hall for the next two Friday nights (Jan 28th and Feb 4th) at 6:30.
For those who have never tried to dance don’t be shy. It is easy and a lot of fun. After all, if Grace and I can do it anyone can.
Your servant
Randy
Grace and I are truly looking forward to the Homeschool Valentines Dance on Feb 11th. I have not had the privilege of leading my sweetheart around a dance floor for a long time. And this made me wonder if I still remember how? I started thinking that maybe there are others who have forgotten how to ballroom dance or perhaps never learned. I asked Liza Roennebeck if she would be willing to teach or reteach us some of the basic steps. Of course, she immediately said yes. So, we will hold dance classes in the fellowship hall for the next two Friday nights (Jan 28th and Feb 4th) at 6:30.
For those who have never tried to dance don’t be shy. It is easy and a lot of fun. After all, if Grace and I can do it anyone can.
Your servant
Randy
Contact Us/Help/FAQ
Vista Hills Church 2301 N. Lee Trevino El Paso, Tx 79936 915-591-4400
