Vista Community Church

In today's episode Pastor Mike talks about three things he'll be watching for in Tuesday's Presidential Debate, and also comments on our hope to begin some form of in-person gathering in November.

Scriptures for the Week

Going further with the concepts of holiness/sacred and the profane, I set the stage for some practical application about how we must be different in the midst of a culture that's losing its way...

I dusted off a 34-yr old paper written by one of the Religion professors at Grove City College (where Tammy and I are both Alumni), and it ends up informing this weeks sermon! Wow.

I'm headed back into town after being away for a week attending to things with family in the midst of our loss of my dad. I wanted to take just moment here to express the Smith family's gratitude for all of you that have offered your prayers and support, and to give you a quick personal update...

Scriptures for the Week

An incomprehensibly blessed life is ending this week, instantly flipping upside-down the lives of those who loved him and whose lives radiated out from his: Mom's dear husband of 56 years, my sister Julie's and my Pop, and the grandkids' Papa.

Taught me nearly everything I know.
Gave me nearly everything I have.
Loved everything I ever did.
Took credit for nothing –
gave all of that to God.

After listening to a podcast about the impact of COVID on the Church (which concluded, that due to its infatuation with "returning to normal") the Church (in general) missed it's opportunity to follow God into what could have been healthy and necessary adaptations to its methods. But not us, Vista! I was very encouraged to know that in June we saw the opportunity and – with great intentionality – launched our 1-year [re]church initiative to discover what God may be trying to tell us. I sure hope we can gather again soon, but irrespective of that timing...we're committed to hearing from God and becoming the best church we can possibly be!

Scriptures for the Week

Even though you're demographic has been hardest hit, we don't wish that you'd concede or just get out of the way – you are irreplaceable, valuable beyond words, and a critical a part of the church and our [re]church efforts. Forgive me for not realizing the subtle demoralizing and despiriting messages that, as part of our older generation, you must fend off.