Pastor Marc's Family

Been Gone a while

2011-08-02T13:10:00.003-05:00

Haven't been here in a while... with facebook, twitter, and all the other "communications" seem to be overwhelmed. Thought would come back and see what was going on out there.

2010-12-01T15:33:00.003-06:00

Christmas is around the corner.. not quite ready yet-are you?

Back in School-- again....

2009-04-02T08:41:00.002-05:00

You would think that at some point a fellow would know enough, obviously it is not so. I find myself studying even more to be a better pastor and servant. I am currently enrolled in the Doctoral program at NOBTS. How are you doing with your learning? It is obvious that we will all be life long learners. Eric will graduate May 9 with his Bachelors in Church Music, then hopes to go on to Masters work. Jon will preach his first sermon on Sunday night. Loretta and I are so proud of our children.

Which Bible is for me?

2008-04-21T09:25:00.000-05:00

The question comes up all the time: Which translation of the Bible is the right one? I would like to hear from you about which translation you use. King James, Holman Christian, NIV, NKJV, Living, RSV, others? Let me know, I will tell you that I use more than one translation. I preach from the New King James and do my daily quiet time from the Holman.

Theology 101

2008-04-16T08:20:00.000-05:00

Just a short post this day. Yes, I am a pastor and yes, I do have a seminary degree. All that really means is that I know where to look for answers to questions that so many people have regarding faith issues. If you have a question regarding faith please shoot me a comment. Recently some have begin to ask questions about "Salvation" and "Service" in the Christian world. I can't promise that I have the answer, but will do my best if you have a specific question. "It is a journey and I would be happy to share it with you".

Merry Christmas---

2007-12-10T21:15:00.000-06:00

Quite a statement to make in this day and time- it almost borders on a hate crime in some communities to dare say "Merry Christmas". But as a beleiver this is our greatest joy! Why do you think it is so difficult for us to share this great joy? What are your priorities during this festive, hectic season? Let me hear from you.

The Speed of Light

2007-09-25T14:08:00.000-05:00

Ever heard the expression moving faster than the speed of sound? That is very slow compared to the speed of light. The speed of light is slow compared to how fast things are moving at West View these days. God is in our midst and the light of the Gospel is definitely causing movement. Just a few of the things that are happening-- Building plans, Capital Campaign, Jim Wilson Crusade, Christmas Cantata, and oh yeah- the usual stuff- worship services each week, outreach, hospital visits-- how is one to keep a balanced spiritual and personal life in the midst of all this?

That part is easy- seek first the Kingdom of God and all these other things will be added to you. (translation- walk with Jesus is your priority). If you are having difficulties with balance- let me encourage you to put Jesus first.

Building the Kingdom

2007-09-11T08:50:00.000-05:00

Ever get caught up in the daily "stuff" to the point that you lose sight of what is important? The old saying you can't see the forest for the trees is so true. West View has been and continues to be greatly blessed by God. Attendance is up, the calendar is full of important events. The building project is underway, Christmas program is getting started, the Capital Campaign (to pay for the building) is underway, Budget time is here, and Oh yea- we need to make sure that there is a sermon Sunday morning, Sunday night, and a Bible Study Wednesday night. Believe me when folks say they are busy, I can identify with them.

The key is that I don't allow myself to get so wrapped up in the daily "stuff" that I forget to focus on my personal walk with Jesus. You see that is what is really important. I and you must both focus on our personal walk, the other stuff is important, just not the most important.

If you need someone to talk with- email me, or if you are close to us, give a holler and we can have a cup of coffee. I'm never too busy to listen.

What are your memories of the Fair?

2007-08-29T08:12:00.000-05:00

Next week is the Greene County Fair. West View will have a booth there. We will give away water and other things. Greeting and sharing with folks the love of Jesus. I wonder what your memories of the fair are? As a boy it was a big deal to go to the fair. I might only have enough money for one ride, but I could still see all the lights, exhibits, animals, and meet my friends there. I still enjoy all that- what do you enjoy about the fair? Let me know.

Why is this happening to me?

2007-08-20T10:53:00.000-05:00

Ever hear someone say that? Ever say that yourself? Well just so you don't feel like you are alone, I really believe that every person has said this or at least thought this at some point in their life. It is a good question, but be careful that you don't get so wrapped up in it that you think it is all about you! God is doing a work in your life, sometimes the chipping away of the stone to become a work of art is painful. Remember that the work of art is for the enjoyment of others and the artist. God has plans for you to be a wonderful work of art--- That is why it is happening to you. Do your best to learn from it, to become what He intends for you to become, get closer to Him through the situation.

Still confused? Email me and we can talk.

Planning ahead for the future

2007-08-15T09:04:00.000-05:00

Consider this- we have the opportunity to not only double our attendance but maybe even tripple it in the next 18 months. How? By making the right moves. If you were given this task of deciding how to do this, what would consider the 3 most important moves to make first? send me your feedback, I would love to hear from you- send to marc@mywestview.com

How big is big enough?

2007-08-08T09:24:00.000-05:00

Something for you to consider: what percentage of the community should be in worship with us? 5%, 10%, 20%, Tell me what you think.

If we hold true to demographics our congregation should be 14% 10 and under, 10-19 yr old 14%, 20-34 yr old 20%, 35-55 yr old 28%, 55 plus 24%. Look around you the next time you are at worship and see if the "group" mirrors our community.

Next question, what can we do to remove barriers so people can come to worship with us and to ultimately know God?

Spiritual Renewal Weekend

2007-08-07T10:37:00.000-05:00

Do you believe that your spirit can become weary? August 17-18-19 we will have a Spiritual Renewal Weekend with John Yates. John is an awesome man of God who is coming to encourage us with song, music, and word. The heat of summer has taken it's toll on all of us, this event is planned that we will have a refreshing from God. Wouldn't you like to have a fresh start? Then plan on being here and bring a friend. (You know that one who seems to be discouraged, tired, needing a jolt) We will start at 7pm on Friday the 17th and Saturday the 18th. John will be here on Sunday the 18th for morning (10am) and evening (6pm) times of encouragement. If you have questions please feel free to contact the church office.

Life is about priorities

2007-08-06T08:05:00.000-05:00

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33
This passage is a reminder that we must all do our best to keep the priority on our relationship with Jesus. It is easy to get wrapped up in the blessings and forget the blesser. When my children were small, we would laugh about that fact that many times they enjoyed opening the presents more than they did the presents. But without doubt after they had played with the "new toys" for a while they always came back to "mom and dad". I think it is that way with us. God wants us to have things to enjoy, as long as we remember they are temporal and we don't let them get in the way or our relationship with Him. What you do you think?

Wednesday Nights are Cool Too!

2007-08-02T09:02:00.000-05:00

We have just completed our 3rd week of study about what we beleive! We began with the Bible- a good place to start. Then we learned about God, last night we learned about God the Father. Next week we will learn about Jesus. I am following the Baptist Faith & Message outline of topics. Make plans to join us at 6:30pm on Wednesdays. If you would like the handouts from the past studies just contact the office and Francis will make a set for you. (Office is 870.236.7195)

NEW DAY AT WEST VIEW

2007-07-31T10:22:00.001-05:00

We expect to see much activity at 701 W. Morgan over the next weeks and months as West View moves forward with a new 10,000 square foot multipurpose building. The new building will house nursery, preschool, adult class rooms, kitchen, and a 50x100 open space for fellowship, basketball, volleyball, etc. We are excited to be moving forward in faith on this project. The classroom space is needed and it will be nice to have a fellowship gathering where everyone can be together in one place. Please pray for our teams as they work on this project. If you would like to contribute to the financing of it contact the church office, or mark your gift- building fund.

2007-07-30T10:14:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my blog-- Hopefully in the coming days I will learn to navigate this and provide updates and information on my family and my ministry here at West View. Please be sure to drop me a note, check out the blog often for new post.