ODCMV e-News Archive

ODCMV - eNews October 2013

MPPC Denominational Vote Day
Sunday, November 3, 9:30am

MPPC's congregation will vote on Session's recommendation that the church change denominations from the Presbyterian Church (USA), (PC[USA]) to ECO: A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians (ECO). Click to read more on Denominational Vote.

Vote Day Volunteers

We need 75 voting and non-voting volunteers to help us on this important weekend for our Church! Please click on this link to signup to help.

Learn Pray Participate

The Presbytery and Session teams working on the issue of denomination invite the congregation to Information Meetings:

Next meeting:

12:30pm, Sunday, October 20
at 950 Santa Cruz Avenue, Menlo Park.

Please go online for more locations, details, and RSVP.

Month at a Glance:

Sermons

Watch mppc.org for information on the current series. And feel free to send an email to ideas@mppc.org if you have a story to share about how God is working in your life.

Miss a sermon? Want to share a sermon or just want to hear it again? Check out our recent sermons online at mppc.org! You can also subscribe to our sermon podcast on iTunes or purchase individual audio CD's.

ODCMV Activity Calendar

Stay on top of what's happening at Open Door Church Mountain View with our Event Calendar! Paper copies of the calendar are available at church on Sundays.

For additional convenience, you can also view a copy of the ODCMV Activity Calendar online!

In October:

Bookshelf in Every Home Literacy Project
Sunday, October 20, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Castro Elementary School
505 Escuela Ave., Mountain View

Participate in the Bookshelf in Every Home project to promote reading among low-income English language learners at Castro elementary. Open Door Church Mountain View community members will help Castro families decorate bookshelves and select from an array of free, age appropriate books for their new kindergartners. Contact Trina Weller, 650.960.8227.

Trunk-Or-Treat
Sunday, October 27, 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Church Parking Lot

The "Churches on the Corner" are partnering together again this year on a Halloween themed outreach event for our community! Families from each church on our campus will park and decorate their cars in the church parking lot, creating a fun environment for kids who are invited from our community to come and "trick-or-treat" from trunk to trunk. At this fun event, we will also provide opportunities for kids and their families to enjoy food, activities, and games on the lawn.

For more information on how you can sign up to decorate a car or to learn about other ways you can participate in this joint outreach opportunity, please contact Zack Aumiller, zaumiller@mppc.org.

Middle School Halloween Party
Sunday, October 27, after Trunk-Or-Treat
Room 102
Open Door Church Mountain View Middle School kids are invited to volunteer their time in helping to put on the Trunk-or-Treat event described above and then stay afterward to celebrate their efforts over dinner and pumpkin carving. Costumes encouraged. Contact Jessica Havens, jhavens@mppc.org, or Zack Aumiller, zaumiller@mppc.org.

High School Halloween Mix
Wednesday, October 30
Fellowship Hall
Take a break from you homework to come play games and hang out with us at the Halloween Mix! This is great time to bring your friends! Be sure to come in costume, so you can participate in the costume contest. And bring your creativity for the pumpkin carving contest! Contact Jessica Havens, jhavens@mppc.org, or Zack Aumiller, zaumiller@mppc.org.

Launch Groups

Weekly until Sunday, November 10

Connect and learn with others in a weekly small group setting, over a period of 8 weeks. Launch Groups will begin with a kick-off luncheon at church on Sunday, September 15, from 12 noon-2 p.m., followed by weekly meetings in homes (times and dates mutually set by group members), and will wrap up with a celebration finale at church on Sunday, November 10. Register at odcmv.org. Contact Martin Baynes, odcmv.small.group.coordinator@gmail.com.

Ongoing:

Weekly Services & Programs

Worship Services—Sundays, 9:00 and 10:30 a.m.

Shepherd’s Village—Sundays, 9:00 (3 mo.-5th Gr.) & 10:30 a.m. (3 mo.-3rd Gr.)

The Outlet—Sundays, 9:00 a.m. (Middle School, includes 6th grade)

High School Home Group—Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. (314 Martens Ave., Mountain View)

Mothers Together

Thursdays, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Fellowship Hall

We believe God has created YOU with a special purpose. Come share life and motherhood with us and “get in” on the blessings that God has for all of us through this ministry. Our Thursday morning meetings feature teaching, small group discussion and time for intentional connection and prayer. Childcare for children 3-months through Kindergarten. Check the Mothers Together section of this blog for more information. And while you're on the web, find us on Facebook! Contact Angelyn Knab, aknab@mppc.org.

Small Groups

Varying times, dates and locations

You don't have to live your life alone! Small groups provide a safe place where you can be real about doubts, questions and troubles, experience true caring, develop and deepen friendships. And, in the process, become more the person God created you to be.
Contact Martin Baynes, odcmv.small.group.coordinator@gmail.com.

Career Actions Ministry

Meets the 1st & 3rd Saturdays each month

Mountain View Campus, Fellowship Hall

Encouragement and practical resources to help you succeed in your job search. Contact Marcia Davis-Cannon, uncoveryourcalling@gmail.com.

Deacon Ministry: Connecting & Caring

Deacons are ordained officers of the church, who foster connecting and caring within the church community. They care for the community through in-person or over-the-phone prayer, visitation, and occasional help with practical needs (rides, meals). Contact ODCMV Deacons, 650.330.7540, deacons@odcmv.org.

Men Pursuing Purity

Men Pursuing Purity is a healing ministry for single and married men who long for freedom from the darkness and shame that comes with sexual sin. We bring men to the cross, trusting the Lord to redeem hearts, minds, and souls. In him we find our true selves, loved, forgiven, and healed. In him we find grace and truth (John 1:14).

For all men who have tried repeatedly to leave sin behind, there is hope for real liberation! Men Pursuing Purity is led by men who have experienced healing from sexual addictions, and who minister from compassion, integrity, and total dependence on God.
Contact Peter Kockelman, peter@summitsteelworks.com.

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ODCMV e-News - September 2013

Month at a Glance:

Sermons

Watch mppc.org for information on the current series. And feel free to send an email to ideas@mppc.org if you have a story to share about how God is working in your life.

Miss a sermon? Want to share a sermon or just want to hear it again? Check out our recent sermons online at mppc.org! You can also subscribe to our sermon podcast on iTunes or purchase individual audio CD's.

ODCMV Activity Calendar

Stay on top of what's happening at Open Door Church Mountain View with our Event Calendar! Paper copies of the calendar are available at church on Sundays. Pick one up and stick it on your fridge for easy reference.

For additional convenience, you can also view a copy of the ODCMV Activity Calendar online!

In September:

Blended/Step Families BBQ Potluck
Friday, September 6, 6:30-9:00 p.m.

314 Martens Ave., Mountain View

Are you part of a blended/step family? Want to meet and get to know others who share and understand the unique challenges of blended families? Come join us for a back-to-school potluck BBQ and swim party, at the home of John & Christina Loud!

Please RSVP by Tues. Sept 3 to Christina Loud, 650.428.1698, Christina@GirerdDesigns.com or Melissa Waelty, 650.799.3998, melrose10881@yahoo.com.

If you can’t make it but are interested in being notified about future blended family events, let us know!

Open Table Brunches & Lunches

Sunday, September 8, after both services

Join us after church at a local restaurant to connect with others over a meal - no need to RSVP!

Open Table brunches will take place after the 9:00 a.m. service at Panera Bread, on El Monte (at El Camino), in Mountain View, and Open Table lunches will take place after the 10:30 a.m. service at Tied House, on Villa St., in downtown Mountain View. Pick up an Open Table information card at the Connection Center for more details.

Look for Open Table brunches/lunches on the 2nd Sunday of next month, as well. Want to serve as a “host” for an Open Table meal? Contact Jane Sumner, JaneESumner@aol.com.

Connections Potluck

Sunday, September 8, 5:30 p.m.

Fellowship Hall

Come enjoy one another’s company over dinner, and learn more about how you can find community in small groups or serving on a team!

If you're looking for a place to plug in at church, this is a great place to start! And if you are part of a small group or volunteer team that is looking to welcome new members, come be part of the "welcoming committee" for those looking to make connections!

We'll provide the paper goods and utensils, you bring a warm smile and a main dish, side dish, salad or dessert to share. Contact Angelyn Knab, aknab@mppc.org.

Crown Financial Bible Study
Sunday evenings, beginning September 8 (10 weeks)
Private home in Sunnyvale

Spend a part of your fall season discovering how to manage your personal finances in a God-honoring way. Our group will meet in a Sunnyvale home Sunday evenings 5:45 pm – 8:30 pm for ten weeks starting September 8. Included for class members will be free and confidential Budget Coaching. Space is limited to the first 15 who commit. For details contact Bill Teter, 408.245.7447, teterfam@comcast.net.

Mothers Together

Thursdays, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., beginning September 12

Fellowship Hall

Men's Purity Conference

Saturday, September 14

Fellowship Hall

This one-day conference is to inspire and equip men to stand and grow in the strength of Christ to overcome sexual addiction. Come and receive grace and grow in hope. Follow-up small groups will begin following the conference. Registration: $30.00—Includes conference, breakfast and lunch. Pay at the conference, cash or checks (written to “Menlo Park Presbyterian Church”).

For more information, contact Peter Kockelman, 650.224.3886, pkockelman@summitsteelworks.com.

Launch Groups
Weekly between Sunday, September 15 & Sunday, November 10

Connect and learn with others in a weekly small group setting, over a period of 8 weeks. Launch Groups will begin with a kick-off luncheon at church on Sunday, September 15, from 12 noon-2 p.m., followed by weekly meetings in homes (times and dates mutually set by group members), and will wrap up with a celebration finale at church on Sunday, November 10. Register at odcmv.org. Contact Martin Baynes, martin@baynesfamily.org.

The Mix (high school)

Wednesday, September 25

Come hang out at with other high school students and group leaders, eat some dinner, play a game, and participate in a short time of teaching and discussion. These monthly events are a fun time and a great opportunity to bring a friend! For more details, contact Zack Aumiller, zaumiller@mppc.org.

Provide Hope for a Child at Risk of Abuse & Abandonment!

Learn More: Sunday, September 29, 12:00 noon
Fireside Room

Did you know that your efforts in serving “at risk” youth can help alleviate the isolation that breeds child neglect and victimization?! Please join the ODCMV Anti-Trafficking Focus Group and others with a heart for “at risk” youth, as we gather to hear from Susan Herman, Executive Director of Help One Child. In our time together, Susan will share with us the unique challenges faced by children in the foster care system and their caregivers – and what you can do to help. Come learn about meaningful ways you can get involved, from offering one-time childcare at a Parent’s Night Out event, to developing a mentoring relationship, or even participating in the Safe Families For Children movement and welcoming a child into your home! Wondering what foster care has to do with human trafficking? Come find out!

Lunch will be provided. RSVPs are appreciated but not required. To RSVP or for more information, contact Barb Recine, 650.224.5829, barb@inregister.us.

Coming Soon:

Membership@MPPC | REGISTER
Saturday, October 5, 9:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.,

Menlo Park: 950 Santa Cruz Avenue

This one-day session led by MPPC pastors is for people interested in learning what it means to become a follower of Jesus Christ and who are considering becoming a member of our church congregation. (The next class will be in spring 2014.) Register at mppc.org/membership. Contact Diane Lopez, 650.329.7421, dlopez@mppc.org.

Ongoing:

Weekly Services & Programs

Worship Services—Sundays, 9:00 and 10:30 a.m.

Shepherd’s Village—Sundays, 9:00 (3 mo.-5th Gr.) & 10:30 a.m. (3 mo.-3rd Gr.)

The Outlet—Sundays, 9:00 a.m. (Middle School, includes 6th grade)

High School Home Group—Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. (314 Martens Ave., Mountain View)

Small Groups
Varying times, dates and locations

You don't have to live your life alone! Small groups provide a safe place where you can be real about doubts, questions and troubles, experience true caring, and develop and deepen friendships. And, in the process, become more the person God created you to be.

Contact Martin Baynes, martin@baynesfamily.org.

Career Actions Ministry

Typically meets the 1st & 3rd Saturdays each month

Mountain View Campus, Fellowship Hall

Encouragement and practical resources to help you succeed in your job search. See the CAM section of this blog for more about this ministry. Contact Marcia Davis-Cannon, uncoveryourcalling@gmail.com.

Host Homes

Do you have a spare bedroom and bath you could offer for a few months to a Stanford Hospital patient and/or their family members? The Host Home program is looking for families and individuals willing to minister to those who travel from out of state by offering local housing during Stanford treatments. This is a chance to minister through practical means to families and/or individuals who are in need. Contact Sue Passailaigue, suepass@juno.com.

Deacon Ministry: Connecting & Caring

Deacons are ordained officers of the church, who foster connecting and caring within the church community. Their passion is to help connect members of the community with each other and to ministry. They also provide compassionate response to congregational needs not met by a member’s small group or fellowship group. They care for the community through in-person or over-the-phone prayer, visitation, and occasional help with practical needs (rides, meals). Contact ODCMV Deacons, 650.330.7540, deacons@odcmv.org.

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ODCMV e-News - August 2013

Month at a Glance:

Sermons

Watch mppc.org for information on the current series. And feel free to send an email to ideas@mppc.org if you have a story to share about how God is working in your life.

Shepherd's Village is Fighting Hunger!

Collection Dates: Sundays on or before August 25

The kids of Shepherd's Village have been participating in MPPC's efforts to alleviate extreme poverty in their own way, by collecting loose change in special rice bowl shaped banks. All moneys collected will be used to feed hungry, orphaned children in countries like Ethiopia, Rwanda, Haiti, South Africa and the Philippines. (Learn more about our partner organization here: ricebowls.org; facebook.com/ricebowls.) If you've got one of the rice bow banks at home, don't forget to fill it and bring it with you to church on or before Sunday, August 25!

Extreme Poverty Expressed in Art

Members of our Arts of the Covenant ministry have created four special temporary art installations, one at each campus.

Featured in Mountain View is a collaborative piece by artists, Daniel Haniger, Larry Lettieri, Marianne Lettieri, called "A Buck and Two Bits" (pictured with this article), which poignantly highlights the absurd reality that while we think nothing of what we spend on such purchases, each item used in the piece is worth about day's wages for the poorest of the poor around the world.

For more about other art installations and their locations, see mppc.org/ExtremePovertyArt.

Walk4Water Results!

The results are in! Many thanks to the 569 people who participated in the Walk4Water experience. As promised, MPPC will donate $25 per participant, amounting to $14,225, to Living Water International and World Vision water projects on your behalf!

And the good news doesn't stop there! Thanks to your generous weekly offerings, the church has been able to raise that total to $40,000 resulting in up to 3.2 million gallons per year of fresh water, provided through Christian organizations as a witness to the reality of God’s compassion! We rejoice in the love of God that is being poured out through your generosity!

Listening Meetings

The congregation is invited to learn more about the denominational process and why Session is recommending MPPC seek dismissal from our denomination, PCUSA, to a new one, ECO. Local meeting in Mountain View: Sunday, August 4: 10:10 am (Fellowship Hall side patio), 11:40 am (CE building room #4). Find additional times and locations online at mppc.org/meetings.

In August:

Mothers Together Play Dates
Thursdays, August 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29

With our regular Mothers Together weekly meetings on break, the summer can sometimes feel really long! If you start to miss the respite of Thursday mornings, and time with friends, join us throughout the summer for one or ALL of our Play Dates (with your kids) or Connection Times (just us moms)! Check the Mothers Together section of this blog for more about dates and locations. And while you're on the web, find us on Facebook!

Family Ministries Summer Break
(Shepherd's Village & The Outlet)

Sundays, August 4, 11 & 18

After the whirlwind of activity throughout the summer, Family Ministries will be taking little break before school starts up again. This is a great opportunity for the kids to join you in the main service.

These weeks will allow our Family Ministries leaders and volunteers time to refresh and prepare for the launch of a new ministry year in the fall.

Childcare for 3 months through 35 months will be available. Contact Jean Ann Chernikoff, jchernikoff@mppc.org.

Summer Family Fun Night FINALE!

Tuesday, August 6, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Join us this summer for dinner and good old-fashioned fun for parents and kids! Grab a lawn chair, bring your appetite and invite school friends and neighbors to come along with you! A voluntary suggested donation of $5/person or $20/family will help to offset event expenses. Jessica Havens, jhavens@mppc.org.

Summer Reading Discussion Groups
Dates and times listed below
Fireside Room (1667 Miramonte Ave., Mountain View)

Those who have taken on the challenge to read either of the books below are invited to join us as we continue to ponder and pray about our Christian response to the issues surrounding extreme poverty. We will gather, on the dates as below, for a group discussion where you can share and discuss your insights with others.

The Hole in Our Gospel, by Richard Stearns: Wednesday, August 7, 6:30 p.m.
When Helping Hurts, by Steve Corbett & Brian Fikkert: Wednesday, August 14, 6:30 p.m.

Contact Lori Ronning, lori_ronning@yahoo.com or Bonnie Clark, bonnclark@yahoo.com.

Open Table Brunches & Lunches

Sunday, August 11, after both services

Join us after church at a local restaurant to connect with others over a meal - no need to RSVP!

Open Table brunches will take place after the 9:00 a.m. service at Brian's Restaurant, on Fremont Ave., in Los Altos, and Open Table lunches will take place after the 10:30 a.m. service at Tied House, on Villa St., in downtown Mountain View. Pick up an Open Table information card at the Connection Center for more details.

Look for Open Table brunches/lunches on the 2nd Sunday of next month, as well. Want to serve as a “host” for an Open Table meal? Contact Jane Sumner, JaneESumner@aol.com.

Prayer Team Dinner & Info Meeting

Sunday, August 11, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

1970 West Middlefield Rd., Mountain View

Can God really use you to bless, heal, and transform others? Join us at Dave and Mary Arnone's home (in Mountain View, at the corner of Middlefield Rd. and Sierra Vista Ave.) for dinner and to learn more about:

The role of face-to-face prayer ministry in our church’s vision for community and discipleship
Testimonies of God’s faithfulness
How you can get involved

To RSVP or for answers to questions, contact Karen Haserot, khaserot@gmail.com.

The Mix (high school)

Wednesday, August 14

Come hang out at with other high school students and group leaders, eat some dinner, play a game, and participate in a short time of teaching and discussion. These monthly events are a fun time and a great opportunity to bring a friend!

This month we'll be going to Twin Lakes State Beach for a BBQ bonfire! For more details, contact Zack Aumiller, zaumiller@mppc.org.

Family Ministry Fall Launch

Sunday, August 25

Join us as Family Ministries kicks off a new ministry year! Middle School kids will return to the Outlet at 9:00 a.m. Kids entering preschool (age 3 by October 1, 2013) through incoming 5th graders will graduate to their new groups in Shepherd's Village. Note that 4*5 Pipeline for 4th and 5th grades meets at 9:00 a.m. ONLY. For more information, contact Jean Ann Chernikoff, jchernikoff@mppc.org.

Coming Soon:

Blended/Step Families Potluck
Friday, September 6, 6:30-9:00 p.m.

Mothers Together

Thursdays, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., beginning September 12

Fellowship Hall

Men's Purity Conference

Saturday, September 14

Fellowship Hall

Membership@MPPC | REGISTER
Saturday, October 5, 9:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.,

Menlo Park: 950 Santa Cruz Avenue

This one-day session led by MPPC pastors is for people interested in learning what it means to become a follower of Jesus Christ and who are considering becoming a member of our church congregation.

Weekly Services & Programs

Worship Services—Sundays, 9:00 and 10:30 a.m.

Shepherd’s Village—Sundays, 9:00 (3 mo.-5th Gr.) & 10:30 a.m. (3 mo.-3rd Gr.)

The Outlet—Sundays, 9:00 a.m. (Middle School, includes 6th grade)

High School Home Group—Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m. (314 Martens Ave., Mountain View)

Career Actions Ministry

Typically meets the 1st & 3rd Saturdays each month

Mountain View Campus, Fellowship Hall

Encouragement and practical resources to help you succeed in your job search. See the CAM section of this blog for more about this ministry. Contact Marcia Davis-Cannon, uncoveryourcalling@gmail.com.

Host Homes

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