On Wednesday, Jan 21st, Vista de la Montana hosted a talented group of young people from St. Petersburg, Russia. Their adult leader, Vitaliy Bezrodnov played the Russian accordion and narrated, as the lively group sang and danced folk music from many parts of Russia.

Many audience members were gently persuaded to join the dancers on stage, providing more fun and enjoyment for everyone. Their beautiful costumes added a professional look to the performance.

Thanks to Pastor Monte for arranging their visit.

~ Article courtesy of Glenna Snider ~

SUN. Nov. 16, 2008 – 2:30 pm
          HARPFUSION
          Dr. Carrol McGlaughlin, Director

SAT.  Feb. 7, 2009 – 7:00 pm
           AUGSBURG
           CENTENNIAL SINGERS

SUN. March 8, 2009 – 2:30 pm
          STARS OF THE FUTURE

SUN. April 26, 2009 – 2:30 pm
          U of A STEEL BAND
          Josh Armstrong, Director

Bring a Friend        Free Will Offering

Vista Fine Arts presents four of the Tucson areas’ finest young artists.  The instrumental soloists have earned numerous awards both locally and nationally. They will perform at Vista, Sunday, March 8, 2009. 2:30 pm.  There is no admission charge.  A free-will offering will be taken.

Jason Xu is a freshman at the University of Arizona.  He has studied piano with Angeline Ng and currently with Dr. Chow-Tyne as well as pursuing a dual degree in mathematics and economics.  Jason enjoys all types of music.  He has performed Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and Grieg”s Piano Concerto in A minor with the Civic Orchestra of Tucson.

Adam Ackerman is a freshman trumpet performance major at the University of Arizona, studying with Ed Reid.  He plays in the UA Wind Ensemble, has played with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, studies drums with Robin Horn and is the drummer for the UA Studio Jazz Ensemble and the Olive St. Stompers.  He also drums for Gaslight Theatre and Unity of Tucson among others. 

Jinny Huh is a fifteen year-old freshman attending Catalina Foothills High School in Tucson, Arizona.  She began her piano studies in preschool and is the student of Angeline Ng.  Jinny also enjoys playing the flute.  She will play the Beethoven sonata no. 7 in D. Schumann Romance in F# Op, 28  No 2, and Chopin Scherzo No. 1 Op.20.

Jonathan Cain, 21, is a senior at the University of Arizona majoring in cello performance and mathematics.  He has served as a principal of the Arizona Symphony Orchestra, Assistant Principal of the Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra and cellist for the Arizona Contemporary Ensemble and Sage Brush Trio.  He teaches music and math to students of all ages.  His teachers include Mark Votapek, Nancy Green Brinton Smith and Gordon Epperson.

The labyrinth at Vista UMC was planned by Arlene Lehto and Glenda Anderson. It was funded by private donations. The foundation and concrete were prepared by Saguaro Pool. Karl Anderson engineered the design layout which he, Glenda and Arlene drew in pencil. A team of Vista volunteers then did the painting, which was completed in June of 2005.

Our labyrinth is a 40-foot Chartres design, accessible at all hours for walking meditation. It is located at the southeast corner of the church property – note the directional sign on the sidewalk to the sanctuary. The pathway is made of packed earth and sand, wheelchair and walker accessible with caution. There are benches if you tire. Our labyrinth is not a maze; there is only one path into the center and you take the same path out. The process is simple:

1. Purgation or letting go:  Clear your mind as you walk to the center.
2. Illumination:  Step into one of the petals, meditate, pray and/or listen.
3. Union:  As you leave the center, reflect on what you heard, or what was on your heart as you stood there and how you will integrate that peace, or what you may have heard or experienced there, into the coming days or weeks.