You can read the latest issues of the Church newsletter, “Echoes,” here.

December Issue

November Issue

October Issue

Valentine Dinner – February, 2009

Home on the Range – February, 2009

Since he was a small child, Marshall has made music in the church, playing piano and organizing various groups.  He attended Anderson University shortly after Bill Bellah, although they don’t recall their paths ever crossing.  While at Anderson he met composer/song writer Bill Gaither and was eventually hired by Bill to produce and engineer recordings at the Gaither’s recording studio.  Later he returned to Wichita (his hometown) to help his father sell the family aircraft parts company that Marshall knew well.  He then moved to southern California to be on the music staff for about three years at the Crystal Cathedral, where he led the 100-voice youth choir and started a 60-member youth orchestra.

By the mid-80s, Marshall returned once again to Wichita to become the Minister of Music at his home church, Central Community Church (of God).  From 1978, in addition to his other positions, he founded and published Creator Magazine, a bimonthly periodical sent to church musicians nationwide.  Its subscriptions grew until Marshall had to choose between church ministry and publishing Creator.  He resigned the church in Wichita and moved just behind his parents to Columbus, Ohio, where is sister and brother-in-law lived.  His brother-in-law, church music writer Lloyd Larson, was the Minister of Music in Columbus, and for the first time the entire family served in the same church.

Marshall relocated to Tucson in 1995 where he met his wife, Teresa, shortly after.  He was soon hired by St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, and was able to sell the magazine after having published it for nearly 20 years.  During the early years at St. Andrew’s, Marshall also held part-time music positions at CDO Baptist Church and Community of Hope Lutheran.  When he became the full-time director at St. Andrew’s in 2003, it was the first time in many years that he had only one job!

This past summer, Marshall left St. Andrew’s and immediately began working full-time at the new Tangerine Walmart store where he is now part of the management team.  His goal was to find a part-time music job at a church close-by, so coming to Vista was certainly an answer to that prayer.Marshall carries a unique package of musical skills that he brings to Vista.  In addition to having a vast background in choral and orchestral music, he has also developed several contemporary music programs that have become well-received throughout the Tucson community. At Vista, Marshall hopes to continue the work of Bill and Mary in building the 9:00 traditional service.  And he will be guiding our 10:45 service in a slightly more contemporary direction, yet maintaining the warm, family atmosphere that has been its trademark.We welcome Marshall to Vista and look forward to where God may lead our worship and music ministry under his leadership.  Communicating with him is easy since his cell phone receives email (marshallsanders@aol.com) and calls, voice messages and texts (271-5238).  His wife Teresa is also technically trained and will be assisting with audio and projection.  His 9 year-old daughter, Lexi, already loves our Sunday School and wants to meet everyone personally.  Teresa’s parents, Bill and Lori Marvin, will also be attending Vista, with Bill already joining the choir.

Calling all people with acting, musial , magical or comic ability?  Do you have some kind of talent to share?  Our youth will be hosting our 2009 Talent Show on Sunday, Mar. 29^th which will be held in our sanctuary from 2 – 4 pm.   Aside from the amazing acts that supporters will see, they will be served and treated to wonderful, delicious dessert from our youth.  This fundraiser will help support the youth summer service project.  Tickets will be $8.00 and go on sale soon.  Contact Rev. Matt Colby to add your act.

It is time to celebrate the wonderful music ministry that Bill and Mary have given to Vista.  Aside from the fellowship of the meal shared together we will share in some wonderful laughs and memories.

Wednesdays  Mar.4 – Apr.1, 4:30 – 5:45 pm

Led by Rev. Matt Colby these five week interactive sessions take you on a journey, a round trip to ancient times, places, and customs, and back again.  Filmed in Israel and Turkey, these powerful DVD sessions taught by insightful teacher Ray Vander Laan  explore what it meant to follow Jesus in the first century—and what it means to follow him today to the land and culture in which the disciples learned to follow Jesus, their Rabbi, so closely that they were covered by the dust kicked up by his feet.

There was a Communications Workshop held Thursday, Feb., 19 at Vista UMC. Attendees included members of the communications team and interested church members. The 15 attending were: Richard Beaty, Pastor Monty Baker, Amy Burrow, Pastor Matt Colby, Marge Fredrich, Joyce Holman, Gerry Krause, John Madden, Pete Rice, Nedra Thomason, Nancy Yob, Molly Vakerics, Bob Snider, and Evonne Springer. The event was led by Stephen Hustedt, DSC Director of Communications from Phoenix. Subject matter included discussions on websites, newsletters, digital photography, e-blasts, print media, projection, and use of audio and video for many purposes. Thanks go to Glenna Snider who organized the luncheon.

Howdy, partners!  Don your best western or pioneer duds.  Both worship services will present the message, “Theology of the Western.”  After the services (around 12:15 pm), our celebration continues with a delicious BBQ, and potluck luncheon. 

                                        Last names: 

                                        A – R  side dishes (salads, beans, casserole, vegetables or fruit)

                                        S – Z  desserts

Great food, fellowship, live country western music, and for the little ones a cactus shootout and old fashion fishin’ hole. 

Please, join us and invite a friend!

The Augsburg Centennial Singers returned to the Vista stage Saturday evening, February 7.  The concert was preceded by a soup supper prepared and served by many Vista volunteers under the leadership of Delores Brindle.  Howard Young led a group of several members of the men’s group in setting up the sanctuary to the specifications of the Singers.  Numerous other volunteers filled in the necessary pieces of the preparation puzzle to create a flawless setting for our singing guests.

The concert was very enthusiastically received by a full house of appreciative concertgoers.  The musical presentations covered a broad range of unique arrangements for full choir, quartets, solos and beautiful violin and piano accompaniment. A highlight in addition to the inspiring vocal work was a violin solo, ‘Meditation’ from “Thais” by Jules Massenet, a haunting theme many would recognize. 

Many members of the singing group expressed their appreciation for the dinner, and the warm hospitality of Vista and commented that they love coming to Vista.

The Fine Arts Committee wishes to express its appreciation to all who made the evening a success.