November 13, 2013

I was so pleased with you this past Sunday. Thank you for checking out the information on our missionaries in the hallways before, between and after our worship services. Thank you for making Chris, our guest speaker feel so welcome and thank you for receiving his message to you. Chris is someone who God used to create a passion in my heart, mind and life for missions. I hope you were able to see why. Thank you again for being so receptive to our mission's emphasis weekend.

This past summer we walked through The Story of the Bible. We left this series with the reminder that we are all a part of the story still being written. For three months, I have had the honor and privilege to serve you as your Lead Pastor. I have felt led and compelled to take a few weeks before the Christmas season and talk about Our Storyand specifically for this Sunday, The State of Our Church.
In preparation for Our Story: The State of Our Church I would ask, beg and plead with you to prepare yourself for the message this weekend by reading Acts 13-16, yes, four whole chapters. It is nearly impossible to cover this scripture in the message time. It would do you and me a great service to take some time the next few days and read through Acts 13-16, which is Paul’s missionary journey.

I believe we’re in for a surprise in how much Mountainview’s Story looks like Paul’sStory. There are some lessons to learn and a future to look toward as we look at all Paul dealt with.

This weekend will be a great time to hear my heart and see where we are headed.

If you haven’t already, please consider the way you will participate in our 4 Ways of Practicing Generosity this season as a church. Operation Christmas Child boxes are due this week, Thanksgiving Box food is due next week and missionary cards are available one more week. Coming soon will be our Christmas drive through the Giving Tree. Watch for those to be available in a couple weeks.

Blessings!
Pastor Tom