By Pastor Mark McAdow
Jesus appeared to his disciples and hundreds of other believers for 40 days following his resurrection. Paul records it this way: “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter and then the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time…”- I Corinthians 15:3-6a. Ten days later, He ascended into Heaven and the Holy Spirit arrived to the 120+ believers in Jerusalem as Jesus had promised.

We’re currently living in the time between Easter and Pentecost. I want to suggest this is a wonderful time to engage in greater praise of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Praising Him acknowledges His lordship in our lives and frees us from our own self-focus. It helps us to “fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfector of our faith.” – Hebrews 12:2a.

Last Fall, Robin, and I attended a pastors conference at Focus on the Family in Colorado. In a session on worship, we met a gifted worship leader who introduced us to a new morning devotional called The Worship Initiative, created by Christian singers Shane and Shane. It’s a devotion you can listen to on your phone every weekday morning free of charge.
 
Each morning, a small group of believers share a prayer, word of encouragement, and one song is chosen to sing. It may be an old favorite hymn or a new contemporary Christian song. The words are provided so you can sing along if you choose. They challenge us to sing our faith without fear and with genuine joy. Robin and I have found it to be very uplifting. I’ve shared it with our staff and some of you personally, too. I’d like to share the link with all of you today.
https://short.theworshipinitiative.com/home
I’d encourage you to check it out during this special season.
 
Looking forward to worshipping our Lord Jesus with you this Sunday.
 
Love you,
Pastor Mark
 
PS: Keep the OKC Marathon runners in your prayer this weekend. I plan to run the 5K with my daughter Hannah on Saturday morning.

By Pastor Mark McAdow
I asked that question last Sunday morning in my message (as I was eagerly looking for several of you!). Hope to see you all this Sunday as every Sunday is a “mini-Easter.”

Did you know the one commandment Jesus did not repeat in the New Testament was the commandment regarding sabbath? It wasn’t because we shouldn’t still maintain a sabbath, but it no longer was mandated to be Saturday (that was originally to the Jewish people only who worship beginning Friday evening to Saturday evening). Christians began worshipping the Lord on the first day of the week to always remember and celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. That’s why we worship on Sundays!

Where did you see Jesus this week? Were you looking for Him? I’d love to hear from you. Shoot me a text at (918) 277-4821. I heard a person say she really enjoyed meeting with a prayer partner through Lent and now is continuing that praying relationship. Do you see Jesus in that? I do! I know another person who recently prayed out loud in a small group for the first time. They were listening to Jesus and responding to Him. I saw Jesus in worship last Sunday morning as two of our children took out the fire, the “light of Christ” into the world! I saw the kindness of Jesus at Colton’s yesterday extended to me and another brother in Christ.

Jesus is at work in the people of Willow View. Where have you seen Jesus this week? What have you done for another who has no ability to repay you? Jesus said in Matthew 25:40, “Whatever you have done for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Do you ever doubt God? We’ll be wrestling with that this week in worship. Looking forward to seeking the Lord Jesus in His Word together this Sunday, April 19.

Love you,
Pastor Mark

By Pastor Mark McAdow
I was so thrilled last Sunday morning when Lary Weeks shared with me the great news that our missing U.S. airman had been found and rescued from Iran! What a relief for him, his family and all Americans.

We genuinely believe and support “no man left behind” in our military ethos. Americans overall value life and are willing to expend the cost to save even one life. I remember I felt similarly when I saw the movie “Saving Private Ryan” many years ago. Our U.S. military goes to extraordinary lengths to recuse their own.

So did Jesus.

Jesus was on a “rescue mission” to save every one of us, even before we knew we needed rescued. “But God demonstrates His love for us in this, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”- Romans 5:8. He saw our desperate need and our inability to rescue ourselves. We live behind enemy lines every day where Satan has been given opportunity to tempt us to live for ourselves rather than for God. Satan is a real threat but one who has been defeated by the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ! “Greater is he who is in you that he who is in the world.”- I John 4:4. Each of us who have surrendered to Jesus have that hope!

Surrender is a terrible word in the military but a “wonderful” word in our spiritual life! To relinquish control to The One who created us and has our best interest at heart is a blessing. But to surrender to the  enemy is heartbreak. Satan “gas us” until we give our life back to Jesus. We live no longer for ourselves but for Jesus! Our ultimate safety is found in Christ and Christ alone.

We’re in a spiritual battle every day! We must put on our armor and defend our faith against the enemy. Our Willow View children are going to be learning about God’s armor in the coming weeks. Read Ephesians 6:10-18. I try to put on my spiritual armor every morning in prayer. I encourage you to do the same.

Tell your family, friends and neighbors, “We’re open this Sunday, too!” Looking forward to seeing you!

Love you,
Pastor Mark

PS: I began to tell you in this article about a fund at Willow View called “Answered Prayer.” When our folks receive a blessing – an answer to prayer – they can give a donation to the fund. We use those resources to help our own and others in times of need. Many people have been and are blessed through our “Answered Prayer Fund”– even today!

By Pastor Mark McAdow
In the Christian world, this is the Best Weekend of The Year. Are you ready? It’s here!
 
Today is Maundy Thursday. It almost sounds like “Monday Thursday” but it’s not. Maundy comes from the Latin word “mandatum” from which we get out English word “mandate.”  It’s the day Jesus washed his disciples' feet and said in John 13:34-35: “A new command I give you:  Love one another. As I have loved you, you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” Come join us tonight for “The Room Upstairs” Reader’s Theatre and interactive dinner beginning at 6 p.m. in our Family Life Center. The room is ready and our Congregational Care Team is preparing the food even now! We still have a few tickets available for “walk-ins” tonight. Come join us!
 
We will gather tomorrow evening, Friday, April 3, at 7 p.m. for our Good Friday worship service as we focus on the Cross of Christ. I hope you will make every effort to be present this Friday, too. You can’t really experience the joy of Easter Sunday morning without understanding the suffering of Jesus on Friday. He died for you and for me.
 
On Saturday, April 4, you can read scripture aloud in the sanctuary for Holy Saturday. The Bible reading begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. beginning with the Gospel of John and continuing through Acts, Romans and I Corinthians. Come and read or just come and listen to others in the sacredness of our sanctuary as we prepare for Easter Sunday.
 
Sunday morning our Easter celebration begins at 7 a.m. with a brief outdoor service at our three crosses.  Pastor Scott will bring the morning devotional, and our youth and band members will lead us in worship. Our traditional pancake breakfast will be served inside immediately following the service by Truman and his team. We will worship our Risen Lord at both 9 and 11 a.m. with adult Discipleship Communities and Sunday School classes meeting as usual at 10:10 a.m. It’s going to be a great day at Willow View. Be sure to invite your family and friends to join you for Easter worship at “Willow View on Purdue!”
 
Looking forward to sharing this holy weekend together.
 
Love you,
Pastor Mark
 
PS: Men, we also have First Friday’s Men’s Breakfast in the morning at Wee Too. Hope to see you there at 7 a.m. in the back room.

By Pastor Mark McAdow
Holy Week is almost here! It begins this Sunday, March 29, with Palm Sunday and concludes next week with our celebration of our Lord Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday morning. There is no more significant week in the life of Jesus or the world.

As I shared at our 11:00 worship service last Sunday from John 17:3, Jesus told us why He came: “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom I have sent.” He came that we all might have eternal life. He also said in John 10:10, "The thief (Satan) comes only to steal, kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it more abundantly!” Jesus came to die for us, so that we can experience genuine life with Him here and now and for all eternity. Praise His Holy Name!

Many people you know and love are not experiencing the abundant life only Jesus can bring. They are alive physically but dead spiritually. What a tragedy! They could be living a full, satisfying life in Jesus, but instead are merely existing. They don’t know The Good News. Or more specifically, they don’t know The God News – God became one of us in Jesus so we could become like Him. Jesus put a “face” on God for us.

We were visiting with out-of-state family members on the phone last evening inquiring about their Easter plans. They indicated to Robin that they will have an “Easter” brunch with their extended family, but that simply means they will get together for lunch and hide Easter eggs for the grandkids. No mention of Jesus. No worship service together. No acknowledgement that Easter is all about Jesus. No Jesus. No Easter. How sad.

Six years ago, all churches in the entire world were closed due to the COVID 19 pandemic. That had never happened before in the history of the world. Easter was still celebrated by Christian believers – we did it on our parking lot! – but many people never returned once the church doors had been closed. People need the Lord. People you and I know and love. We have several worship opportunities this next week. Who will you pray for and invite to a worship service or our Maundy Thursday Dinner Theater next Thursday evening? Which events will you participate in to express your appreciation to our Lord for his incredible sacrifice? You can’t really appreciate Easter Sunday without experiencing Good Friday.

Come be The Church this Holy Week and invite someone to come with you.

Love you,
Pastor Mark
 
Thanks to all who have signed up to read scripture on Holy Saturday in the sanctuary. There are still about 15 time slots available. Sign up this Sunday. You will be blessed to spend some quiet time with the Living Word – Jesus – as you read aloud the written Word.

By Pastor Mark McAdow
Our family loved watching the TV show Extreme Home Makeover featuring Ty Pennington. He was always so enthusiastic about not only renovating an old house but providing folks with a new home! He had two iconic phrases he would use each week once the demanding work of renovating the home was complete. As you may remember, they would drive a big tour bus in front of the home and place the family behind it in time to reveal their new home. He would look at the driver in the bus and say, “Bus driver, Move that bus!” The family’s faces would light up seeing their new home for the first time!

At the conclusion of touring their new home, Ty would say, ”Welcome Home, (insert name) Family, Welcome Home!” I always loved hearing that phrase. There’s something about coming home that warms our hearts and blesses our soul.

Have you noticed the new welcome mat at the front door of our church? It is a designer floor mat with our Willow View logo and the phrase at the top “Welcome Home.” It was designed to welcome everyone ”home” to Willow View.

Everyone needs a church home. I’m so glad Willow View is our home. Home really is where the heart is. The designer Willow View floor mat was given in honor of Maryetta Kelly with memorial funds (today happens to be John Kelly’s birthday – he’s 29, if you’re dyslexic!) Happy birthday, John.

We’ve been blessed to have more guests visiting with us on Sundays recently and I’ve seen some folks coming back home to Willow View. What a thrill! The Lord is good. Be sure to always greet every person you meet with the love of Jesus and a handshake or hug. I’ve been told this last week by a couple “we’re a very welcoming church” and another person told me, “This always feels like home.”

Jesus reminded us in John 14:2: “In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” Jesus has put the welcome mat out for each of us who have surrendered our heart to Him. There will be a day when we are all home. We will long to hear our Lord say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Welcome home.

Who can you invite to worship this week? Easter is coming soon!

Love you,
Pastor Mark

PS: Be sure to get your tickets this week to our Maundy Thursday Dinner Theatre presentation of The Last Supper on Thursday, April 2, at 6 p.m. It often sells out! You may want to invite a friend. Blessings.

Robin and I arrived home from visiting our grandson Julian and his parents in Montana at 2 a.m. yesterday. It was a great visit and great to be home!

I did get to hear most of Ron Todd’s message to our men last Saturday via Facebook Live and Brian Meyer’s message on Sunday. Thanks to Jeff Funk and Lezlie Gilbert for their media ministry.

Ron spoke about "mentoring” using the biblical example of Paul and Timothy. Paul was investing in Timothy as a younger brother in Christ, teaching him to love Jesus and live according to His Word.  Paul was the mentor and Timothy his mentee. We all need a Paul in our life and a Timothy, too. Paul wrote, “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first existed in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced that this faith exists in you.”- II Timothy 1:5.

I loved how Ron reinforced that truth using their names as an acrostic. Do you have a Paul in your life? How about a Timothy? Here’s what I heard Ron share: To be a Paul to a younger believer, you need to:

P - Pray about how to lead another closer to Jesus.
A - Affirm the spiritual gifts you see in the other person.
U - Understand the season of their life (single, married, parent, etc.).
L - Lead by example in your own growing personal relationship with  Jesus.

How about if you are a Timothy in need of a Paul?

T - Teachable. Be willing to learn and grow in your relationship with Jesus.
I - Initiate a relationship with a more mature believer. Ask if they would help you.
M - Multiply your ministry, in turn, by investing in another’s life.

We all need a Paul or “Lois” in our lives and to be a Timothy or “Eunice” in someone else’s life. Are you actively investing in the spiritual life of another? Who is it? Would you like to be? The best coaches invest in their athletes, parents in their children, and pastors in their people. We need each other in the Body of Christ. I’m so glad to be a part of the Willow View family, growing in Christ with you. We’re never too old to learn or too young, either!

Looking forward to worshiping our Lord Jesus with you this Sunday.

Love you,
Pastor Mark

By Pastor Mark McAdow
That quote by Pastor Mark Batterson has been on our marquee for over a week. I believe it with all my heart. We put it on our marquee before Israel and the United States launched attacks against the leadership of Iran last Saturday morning, killing many of their nation’s leaders.

What should our response be to such actions? Thoughtful and soul-searching prayer, as I sought to do last Sunday, by asking the Lord to protect the innocent in Israel, Iran and America, too. No one wants war. We know the words of Jesus when He said, “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called sons of God.” – Matthew 5:9. Peace is the ultimate goal – peace with God and one another.

And yet, the writer of Ecclesiastes wrote in Ecc. 3:8: “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven, ‘a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.’” Sometimes war is inevitable to promote real peace. Still yet, Romans 12:18 says, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live in peace with all people.” Peace is the goal but not peace at all costs.

Though I personally have no desire for the United States to be the police keeper of the world, I appreciate our support for the nation of Israel against our joint enemies – in this case the world’s largest supporter of Islamic terrorism who has declared “Death to Israel and Death to America” as their intended and ultimate goal. Our conflict is not with the people of Iran but their leadership. It’s always too early to quit praying!

Please pray for our active military and their families in this time of uncertainty and for divine protection of innocent life. We don’t know what the immediate future holds, but we do know who holds the future! Our future is secure because “The Lord is near.”- Phils 4:5.

Praying with you for our world!

Love you,
Pastor Mark

Men: Remember this Saturday’s men’s breakfast at 8 a.m. at the church with our own pilot instructor Ron Todd speaking.

Ladies: Our Willow View Women’s Bible study and gathering is this Sunday afternoon at 5:00. All are welcome!

By Pastor Mark McAdow
Halt! Not a word we use very much. When I think of someone saying “halt!,” I usually picture a uniformed office or soldier at a checkpoint demanding me to “stop!” It’s a command not a suggestion.

Yesterday I was visiting with a new friend at lunch, and we were talking about temptation in life. We know Jesus was tempted by Satan, but He never gave in. Jesus is perfect; we are not. We, on the other hand, have been tempted and given in to temptation too many times to count!

Temptation is real and Satan is, too. How can we overcome temptation in our lives? We must be aware of Satan’s strategies.

I was sharing a concept I learned years ago based on the acrostic H.A.L.T. When are we most tempted? It’s usually when we are: H-hungry, A-angry, L-lonely, and T-tired. Think about a recent temptation in your life. Were any of those four factors impacting your life at the time? I bet one or more of them were. Tempted to stay up and watch something questionable? Maybe you were lonely or tired. Tempted to say something you know you’ll regret? Maybe you were angry or tired. Tempted to spend money you don’t have? Maybe you are angry or lonely believing you deserve better. Discontent can also lead to sin.

Temptation is not sin, but giving in to temptation is. Next time you’re tempted, I pray you might HALT and seek the help of the Holy Spirit and the power of God’s Word to help you overcome.

That’s what Jesus did when He was tempted. He quoted scripture He had hidden in his heart and mind. “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” wrote the Psalmist in Psalm 119:11. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians at Corinth this: “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.’- I Cor. 10:13.

As we said last Sunday, “Love God and Hate Sin.” That’s our call as Christian disciples.

This Sunday is March 1, 2026. Can you believe it? Looking forward to worshipping with you this Sunday as we celebrate Holy Communion together.

Love you,
Pastor Mark

By Pastor Mark McAdow
I was pleased that many of you were able to be with us for our Ash Wednesday service last night at Willow View. The season of Lent has officially begun – the 40 days leading up to Easter Sunday not including the six Sundays. It’s a “holy pause” to prepare our hearts to follow Jesus every day in a meaningful way. “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:2.

As Pastor Scott and I marked each person with the sign of the cross, we were reminded Christ died for each of us. He showed us the full extent of His love. “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”- Romans 5:8b. “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”- John 15:13. That’s exactly what Jesus did for you!

What will we do for Him this Lenten season? What must we allow the Holy Spirit to prune – cut out of our lives – to make more time for Jesus? How can we abide more fully in Him, our True Vine?

I’ve challenged us to spend more time with Jesus in prayer. We host Wednesday evening prayer in the Sanctuary every week at 6 p.m. I’ve invited you to pair up with another person as a Lenten prayer partner for fellowship and encouragement during this season. We’ve provided a daily devotional for you to read to draw closer to Jesus (we still have a few copies at the church). The opportunities are there, but you must choose to participate. I can only encourage you. Prayer is our relationship with Jesus. He longs to spend more alone time with you!

I have an active couple in our church who turned in a Lenten prayer partner form indicating they would be praying together every week with each other. I was thrilled! I believe it’s true, the couple that prays together stays together. But very few couples – even Christian couples – pray together other than at mealtimes. Robin and I have found setting aside time to pray together every week provides wonderful emotional and spiritual benefits. You may too! I’ll close with this reminder, “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” – Heb. 4:16.

Looking forward to worshipping with you this first Sunday of Lent!

Love you,
Pastor Mark

PS: Our Willow View Welcome luncheon for prospective and new members is this Sunday at 12:15. It sounds like we’re going to have a large group! Call Emily today if you are yet to RSVP. Thanks!

By Pastor Mark McAdow
I had the opportunity to speak at Emmanuel Christian School’s morning Chapel Service yesterday. Since it’s Valentine’s week (hint, hint, guys!), I spoke about love to elementary age kids and asked what they loved. I got several responses including video games, toys, Grandma, and a few for parents, too! I brought with me some of the things I loved in a bag including Hideaway pizza (well, a box!), a can of Coca-Cola that becomes a puzzle, a Rumble doll to signify the OKC Thunder (don’t judge me – it was a gift!), a red Bible (because every Bible should be “read”), and a picture of my beautiful bride, Robin. I love all these things, but obviously some “loves” are much deeper and richer than others.

My point, of course, was that God is love and all other loves pale in comparison to His love. I wanted to teach the Scripture that is inscribed in Robin’s wedding band. I asked if anyone knew I John 4:19 from memory, as I began to write it on a whiteboard. Dozens of students responded “yes!” I was floored. I knew they would know John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life,” but I thought I might stump them with I John 4:19. I was wrong! There is something to be said about Christian education and Scripture memory. I’m so very thankful Mandie is teaching our Willow View kids to “hide God’s Word in their hearts” through Scripture memory.

Do you know I John 4:19? “We love because He first loved me.” Think about that for just a moment. God is love. We didn’t initiate love for God. He first reached out to us in His love. Romans 5:8 says, “God demonstrated His love for us in this, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” That’s true love. Jesus is our ultimate lover and friend. His Holy Word is His valentine to each of us.

Receive His love today and offer His love to someone else, too.

Love you,
Pastor Mark

PS: Remember to sign up this Sunday to be part of the Prayer partner for Lent opportunity. You will be blessed and be a blessing, too!

PS: Ash Wednesday worship is coming Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 6 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Have a blessed Valentine’s Day. See you this Sunday, too.

By Pastor Mark McAdow
Robin and I were able to attend our granddaughter’s open house at her elementary school in Edmond on Tuesday evening. We hadn’t planned for it, but we both felt impressed to go when we realized we had the opportunity. Though we arrived late – OKC 5 o'clock traffic didn’t help – we were glad we did. We met Mrs. Holliday, her first-grade teacher, and discovered she is a strong Christian serving in the public school system. I’m reminded what a mission field teaching really is and how thankful I am for godly teachers here in Enid and beyond!

I noticed a sign in Lennxy’s classroom that read “Silent and Listen” are spelled with the exact same letters. I had never thought of that before. I began thinking that there is a spiritual truth inherent in that phrase. So often, we really do not listen for the Holy’s Spirit’s voice because we are rarely silent.

Noise pollution is everywhere – outside and inside, too! Some young men in a pickup the other day were blasting their music so loud all of us around them could hear and feel the vibrations from our own cars! We find a lot of noise inside our heads as well, as we think and often worry about our problems. No wonder it’s so hard to hear from the Lord.

Has God seemed silent in your life lately? Does it feel like He’s forgotten you? Let me assure you, He hasn’t! Dr. Henry Blackaby says there are two possible reasons for God’s silences. Sometimes, it’s because there is known sin in our life we have failed to confess or are unwilling to give up. Sin blocks our relationship with Jesus. If that’s the case, ask the Holy Spirit to examine your heart and give you the honesty and courage to confess and repent of your sin so you can be restored to a loving relationship with Jesus!

Secondly, God’s silences can be preparation for a greater revelation of Himself than you have ever known. Blackaby writes in Experiencing God: “You can respond to God’s silences in two ways. You can become frustrated, feel guilty or be impatient. Or you can expect God to bring you to a deeper knowledge of Himself.” The choice is ours! Psalms 46:10 challenges us to “Be still and know that I am God.” Sometimes, silence is a wonderful gift!

Looking forward to being with you this Sunday for worship.

Love you,
Pastor Mark

Men: I’m going to be sharing at Men’s Breakfast at Wee Too at 7 a.m. this Friday. Feb. 6. Love to have you join us for a hearty breakfast and encouraging time together.

Willow View women: Be sure to join our women for a fun game of bingo and a jewelry sale to benefit Women at Risk this Saturday evening, Feb. 7, beginning at 5 p.m.

By Pastor Mark McAdow
As a young boy growing up at Will Rogers Methodist Church in Tulsa, I always loved going to church – well, unless there was snow to play in outside or maybe a favorite TV show to watch! After all, I was a kid once.

My home church was the place I first met and asked Jesus into my heart, at the altar one Sunday evening, and where my best friends would gather, too. I enjoyed Sunday School and, especially as a teen, when we got to meet at an old house across from the church. We kids felt special to be “off site” in our own space!

But one of my favorite memories was Sunday night vesper services. Our pastor would bring a devotional message, and we would sing some beloved hymns – shouted from the audience with the page number for the pianist to play. Then they would turn the lights down and our pastor would “open up" the altar for an extended time of personal prayer. I always felt close to the Lord there. No matter what challenges might be happening in my world, the altar of my church was a place of comfort and peace.

One of those hymns that would often be played was titled “Sweet Hour of Prayer.” The first line reads: “Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! That calls me from a world of care and bids me at my Father’s throne make all my wants and wishes known. In seasons of distress and grief, my soul has often found relief, and oft escaped the tempter’s snare by thy return, sweet hour of prayer!”

Unfortunately, we don’t have as much time for prayer together in Sunday morning worship services, but we do have an opportunity on Wednesday nights. The last two Wednesday nights have especially been “sweet” as we worship together, pray for one another, Willow View, and others with special needs.

As we prepare for the Lenten season, I pray we will set aside time for prayer in some new way. I invite you to participate in our Lenten prayer partner opportunity and/or begin coming at 6 p.m. on Wednesday nights as our children and youth meet. We’ve prayed for them by name on occasion, too!

Prayer is our relationship with Jesus. Come try it out. You may pray aloud or silently or just receive from the Lord. Philippians 4:6-7 challenges us, “Do not be anxious for anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Praise God!

Looking forward to getting back together this Sunday. Our parking lot is plowed! It will be cold outside but warm inside. Be blessed to be a blessing!

Love you,
Pastor Mark

By Pastor Mark McAdow

"GODISNOWHERE"
 
I put this phrase up on our worship screens not long ago. I prefaced it by saying an atheist had written this on a white board in a college classroom. “God is nowhere” was the intent — a statement of unbelief. A Christian student went up to the board and separated the phrase slightly differently and it read “God is now here.” A statement of abiding faith!

Today in Oklahoma it might read, “God I snow here!”

Just a reminder: If we get an avalanche of snow – as predicted – we will not host worship services this Sunday.

My philosophy has always been “if it’s snow – it’s a go; if it’s ice – no dice!” But, if the weathermen’s prediction is right this time, we won’t be able to clear the snow quickly enough to safely hold services. Plus, it sounds like the temperatures will be bitterly cold.

If we must close, we will send an email update out and put the closing on the OKC television stations. As always, never attempt to come to church if it would put you in danger.

But, if they miss the forecast again, we’ll be here! Because “God is now here!”

Love you,
Pastor Mark

By Pastor Mark McAdow
When I was a single student at Asbury Seminary in Wilmore, KY, I remember having lunch with a friend and fellow “ground hog” — we lived with about two dozen guys on a campground on the edge of town, thus our beloved nickname. The conversation was about adoption. It seemed strange to be discussing adoption as single guys, but my friend Rory (he was Canadian) had a strong opinion about the topic. He believed every Christian couple should adopt a child first, before attempting to have one on their own. I had never thought or heard of that before. His premise was that many children need to be adopted, and what better place than a Christian home. It made some sense, but I’m sure I dismissed that thought soon after.

Fast forward to 1996 when Robin and I had one child, our miracle son Matthew, but hadn’t been able to have another. We learned about an Oklahoma doctor in Russia who discovered an orphanage that indicated they would consider adopting their children to Americans. Through a series of setbacks, multiple miraculous events and answers to prayer, Robin and I contacted him and adopted our Russian baby girl, Hannah Elizabeth, nine months later on Jan. 13, 1997. We had considered adoption earlier in our marriage before Matt’s arrival but found it to be cost prohibitive. Adoption became a part of our family history – something I’m sure we wouldn’t have considered except for our issues with infertility. It became a loving option for us and a great blessing – though a challenging one at times, too!

As I was praying for someone in our Willow View family this morning who is adopted, I realized once again what a wonderfully loving option it truly is for the child without parents and a place to call home.  God our Heavenly Father has done that for each of us. Jeremiah 31:3 reminds us, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving kindness.” The only way we come to the Father is through adoption.

This is Sanctity of Life Month, and I’m so extremely glad the Lord gave me life and a family to belong to. I’ll be sharing more about that this Sunday. Look forward to worshipping our Lord together with you!

Love you,
Pastor Mark

Why a prayer from heaven? It’s from my favorite evangelist Billy Graham who now resides in heaven. Though it was written 12 years ago, the insights and requests are remarkably valuable for our world today! Read it slowly and offer it as your prayer to our Heavenly Father on this first day of 2026.

Looking forward to worshiping our Lord Jesus with you this first Sunday of the New Year! It’s your opportunity to have “perfect” worship attendance for 2026 and maybe – just maybe – set a new trend. (Last year we had to cancel services due to ice!)

Have a happy and blessed new year!

Love you,
Pastor Mark

By Pastor Mark McAdow
Unto you is born this day…a Savior which is Christ the Lord.”
– Luke 2:11

Santa lived in the North Pole…JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh…JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year…JESUS is ever-present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies…JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited…JESUS stands at your door, knocks, and then enters your heart.

You have to wait in line to see Santa…JESUS is as close as the mention of His Name.

Santa lets you sit in his lap…JESUS lets you rest in His Arms.

Santa doesn’t know your name, all he can say is “Hi little boy or girl, what’s your name?”…JESUS knew your name from the foundations of the world. Not only does He now your name, but your address, too. He knows your past and future, and He even knows how many hairs are on your head.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly…Jesus has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is “HO HO HO”…JESUS offers health, help, and hope.

While Santa says, “You better not cry”…JESUS says, “Cast all your burdens on me, for I care for you.”

Santa’s little helpers make toys…JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes, and builds mansions.

Santa makes you chuckle, but…JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree…JESUS became our gift and died on a tree.

It’s obvious there really is no comparison. We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about. We need to put Christ back into Christmas, JESUS is still the reason for the season. Yes, JESUS is better than Santa Claus!
 
Merry Christmas!!!
Love you!
Pastor Mark

By Pastor Mark McAdow
- Bethany Farms
 
Love you,
Pastor Mark

Looking forward to worshipping Jesus with you this “Christmas” Sunday at 9 or 11 a.m.

By Pastor Mark McAdow
Our new and improved parking lot was striped this week and is ready for use – to welcome our Willow View family and guests this Christmas season. Thanks to our Trustees and all who gave to make that possibility a reality – and right in time for Christmas 2025.

Our front doors also are painted with the Nativity scene reminding all who enter the church about the absolute true meaning of Christmas: Jesus! I’ve written our McAdow family Christmas letter, and I’m beginning to sign thank-you cards to all of you who made your giving commitments to Jesus through Willow View for 2026. Thanks for your faithfulness.

Are you ready for Christmas? Believe it or not, it’s just two weeks away! Does that excite you or stress you out? We just finished decorating our home yesterday and are yet to write a Christmas card. We’ve been to two Willow View Discipleship Community Christmas parties with another opportunity this Saturday and a Christmas dinner, too. Like you, we’re looking for a “silent night!” Here’s a quick story I read that reminds us of what Christmas is all about.

“In the book 364 Days With E. Stanley Jones, editor Mary Ruth Howes offers a powerful reminder as we move once again into the extraordinary season of God’s gift to humanity.

A little boy, a child of missionaries, was in school in the United States at Christmas time. The principal asked him, “What would you like most of all for Christmas?” The boy looked at the framed picture of his father, remembered acutely the absence of the father in a far-off land, and quietly said, “I want my father to step out of that frame.”

The boy voiced the cry of humanity: We want God, our creator, to step out of the frame of the universe, out of the impersonal relationship, to meet us personally. Jesus is God stepping out of the frame of the universe – God simplified and personalized. Christmas is the story, all over again, of the God who for our sakes becomes intimate, tender and redemptive. It’s God stepping out of the frame to remind humanity our God is up close and personal. It’s Emmanuel – God with us!”
 
That’s the joy of Christmas. Emmanuel! Jesus became one of us to rescue us from our sinful selves and be restored to a right relationship with him. God knew the only one who could do the job – Jesus. Jesus didn’t refuse the mission or try to send someone else or delay. He came himself! He “stepped out of the frame” and moved into the neighborhood. He came for you and me.

I'm looking forward to being with you this Sunday for our choir musical “Mary Did You Know?” at 9 a.m. I’ll be preaching at 11 a.m. wishing you a “Mary” Christmas.

Love you,
Pastor Mark

If you’re able, bring a dollar with you each Sunday to stuff our Salvation Army red kettle in the lobby for the less fortunate of Enid. Thanks!

By Pastor Mark McAdow
It’s beginning to feel a lot more like Christmas today. Brrr! I just finished my one-hour shift at Jumbo’s ringing bells for the Enid Salvation Army. (Since it was below freezing, they let me stand between the front doors – a warm blessing.) People were generally friendly, but I think you get more donations when people see you standing in the cold.

Remember, we have a Salvation Army red kettle in our Welcome Center this month to “feed” dollar bills and change to lend more support, too. All money gathered goes directly to our local Enid Salvation Army caring for the poor of Enid. They really appreciate our Willow View Family.

Last Sunday, we greeted one another with a “Happy New Year!” celebrating the first Sunday of Advent and the new church year, too. The Justin Funk and Todd Bradley families led us in the lighting of the Advent candle in our worship services. Advent is a time of preparing our hearts to celebrate the greatest gift of all – our Lord Jesus Christ. The four key themes of Advent are: hope, peace, joy and love. Who couldn’t use a lot more of those emotions and qualities at this time of year? As I shared last Sunday, “Christmas is for kids!" Our focus must be wholeheartedly on Jesus. After all, it is His birthday. Happy birthday, Jesus!

Plan to join us this Sunday morning as we worship our Lord Jesus together and celebrate Holy Communion. Come back Sunday night at 6 p.m. to hear our Willow View children perform “Back to the Manger” directed by our very own Lindsey Schroder. I hear there may be an appearance by a guy from up north, too! Christmas is for kids – of all ages!

Advent blessings to you and yours.

Love you,
Pastor Mark

PS: Be sure to bring a Christmas ornament from your house to put on our Willow View family Christmas tree in the Welcome Center – something new at Willow View!

By Pastor Mark McAdow
I am THANKFUL for …

• The taxes I pay, because it means that I am employed.
• The clothes that fit a little too snug, because it means I have enough to eat.
• A lawn that need mowing, leaves that need raked and gutters that need fixed, because that means I have a home.
• The mess to clean up after a party, because it means I have been surrounded by friends.
• The parking spot I found at the far end of the parking lot, because it means that I am capable of walking.
• All the complaining I hear about our government, because it means we have freedom of speech.
• My huge heating bill, because it means I am warm.
• The lady behind me at church who sings off key, because it means that I can hear.
• The piles of laundry and ironing, because it means my loved ones are nearby.
• Weariness and aching muscles at the end of the day, because it means that I have been productive.
• The alarm that goes off in the early morning hours, because it means that I am alive.

When life is not fair, how can we be thankful? We can truly be thankful when we rely on the power of God and not our own power. Why should I be thankful? Because it is an act of worship to our God and Creator!

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – I Thessalonians 5:16-18

Happy Thanksgiving!

Love you,
Pastor Mark

P.S. Advent begins this Sunday, Nov. 30. Join us each Sunday as we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth into our world and our hearts.

By Pastor Mark McAdow
From time to time, I get encouraging testimonies from church members. Here’s one I wanted to share with you from a young man who I had the privilege of praying with to receive Christ as his Lord and Savior.

God is good! When we practice the principles in His Holy Word, we will be blessed!

This Sunday we have the rare privilege to worship together in one special worship service at 10 a.m. I hope you will be sure to be present if you are in Enid. This is our annual stewardship Sunday. We will worship together with both our choir and our band, celebrate Holy Communion together, and make our commitments to the Lord Jesus through Willow View for the new year. It looks like I’ll have the privilege of baptizing a young man and welcoming some folks into membership, too!

 At the close of our service, we will bring our commitment cards to the altar as an act of worship. Please prayerfully bring your 2026 commitment card with you. Though the Global Methodist Church recognizes only two sacraments officially –baptism and Holy Communion – I believe our commitment to give back to the Lord the first portion of our income is a “sacrament,” too. What is a sacrament? It’s a “sacred moment.” After worship, we’ll gather for our Thanksgiving meal together in our Family Life Center. Be sure to be here this Sunday and remember to bring your Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes with you, too, as we share the gospel with children around the world!

Love you,
Pastor Mark

We will decorate our church for Christmas after lunch with our Discipleship Communities taking the lead. Advent begins next Sunday, Nov. 30. Free Advent devotionals will be available this Sunday. Blessings!

By Pastor Mark McAdow
Our “Pave it Forward” project is coming to fruition! Last week, the deteriorating blacktop in our parking lot to the east of the building was removed and preparations were made to begin pouring concrete. Yesterday, Nov. 12, the bulk of the new concrete was poured with a smaller section on the north end near the entrance to be poured next week. We’re making great progress thanks to you.

As you recall, we hosted our campaign beginning on Ash Wednesday and running through Pentecost Sunday this year. We were led by our enthusiastic and gifted Trustee Chair Lynn Merz. Our initial goal was to raise $118,000 to complete one more section of our parking lot in concrete. We had 68 individuals/families participate with their sacrificial giving raising about $62,000. Though short of our intended goal, the Trustees found that we had interest income of about $54,000 in our Building Fund, which brought our total funds available to about $116,000. Our contractor also lowered his bid to $114,000 and an anonymous donor offered to cover the costs to fully fund our tithe to Missions as well. We raised almost $6,400 for Missions through this project alone. Praise God!

Thanks to ALL of you who made personal gifts to the parking lot improvement project. I appreciate you so very much.  We’re “building a firmer foundation” at Willow View Church – in God’s Word and in care for the facilities He has entrusted to us. You will be able to see some tangible results this Sunday.

Thanks to each of you who are packing Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes, too. Our guest speaker last Sunday, Amie Pearce, shared the full story of how each one of those boxes can literally change a child’s life for Jesus – and their siblings and families, too. Our goal is 200 boxes this year. Be sure to pray over your box and include a note or picture if you like. As of today, we have 21 boxes left to fill. You can pick up one or two shoeboxes this Sunday. All the boxes need to be returned by the next Sunday, Nov. 23. We have one combined worship service at 10 a.m. that day, with Holy Communion and our 2026 stewardship commitments, followed by Thanksgiving dinner.

As you saw on the front page of the Enid News & Eagle on Tuesday, we’re one of two official drop-off sites in Enid for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. If you’d like to volunteer to assist, please call Emily in the church office at (580) 234-4899. It’s a blessing to be part of such a giving church family!

See you this Sunday in worship! You may want to try our 11 a.m. service this week. The music is great, and I’ll be baptizing two teenage boys by immersion. Praise God!

Love you,
Pastor Mark

By Pastor Mark McAdow
This Sunday we officially “kick off” our fall international missions and evangelism project. It’s called Operation Christmas Child, founded and supported by Samaritan’s Purse ministry led by Franklin Graham, son to Billy Graham.

My wife, Robin, has taken multiple boxes over the years and filled them with small fun toys, gifts, washcloths, socks, pencils, etc. (She finds the “best sales” throughout the year and keeps items in a box in our home for that purpose). Since we were blessed with three children, she often took three boxes to fill in honor of each of our kids. She also engaged our kids in packing the boxes when they were young, reminding them this is the only “Christmas” many kids around the world will ever get. It was even more meaningful because our daughter Hannah was adopted from Russia. As parents, we have the responsibility to raise our kids to “think of others more highly than themselves.” Children of all ages need to be reminded of that!

Emily Moody shared a poem with us at staff meeting on Tuesday. The author is unknown, but the poem was heart-warming about this special ministry. Here it is…
 Each packed Operation Christmas Child shoebox comes with a child’s Gospel presentation inside and the chance to engage in a 12-week program to learn more about Jesus. This is not just a shoebox but a personal investment in children around the world – a chance to “introduce” Jesus Christ to this next generation. I hope you will consider taking a box or two with you this Sunday and fill it up. It costs only $10 to mail the shoebox across the globe. I can’t mail a box to OKC for that!

Looking forward to seeing you in worship this Sunday morning at 9 or 11.
 
Love you,
Pastor Mark
 
PS: A memorial service for Pastor Scott Heusel’s father will be held at the Lamont Global Methodist Church this Saturday, Nov. 8, at 1 p.m. Please keep Scott and his family in your prayers.

By Pastor Mark McAdow
We will open our church to the Enid community tomorrow night, Oct. 31, as our annual Willow View alternative to Halloween. It’s our Kid’s Fun Fall Festival!!

For many years, we have offered a safe place for parents and their kids to enjoy a fun evening in our Family Life Center and lobby. There will be large inflatables and lots of games to win candy and prizes. We will have fresh popcorn popping and homemade cookies as prizes to give away as well. And, thanks to you, lots of candy and canned pop, too. it’s a “sugar high” kind of evening!

Why do we do this? To share the love of Jesus with our Enid community. To provide a great loving place for our parents and kids to come to have fun and to invite others as well. This is a terrific opportunity to “introduce” Willow View to folks without a church home. Who could you invite to come join us? Some neighbors or co-worker’s kids?

Gospel tracts will be given to all kids as they arrive. Who knows what the Lord might do through His Word. He promises in Isaiah 55:11: “So is my word that goes out from my mouth; It will not return to me empty but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Every generation needs to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ!

The festivities tomorrow night run from 6 to 8 p.m. Volunteer shifts are from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Mandie could sure use your help to “man” the game booths and help in various other ways. Please call her today and say, “Where can I help?,” if you’re not signed up already. Serving the Lord together is always a great joy and a tremendous help. (You’re going to get an extra hour of sleep this weekend, too. What a deal!)

Thanks for your servant’s heart.

Love you,
Pastor Mark

Willow View men: Our men’s breakfast this month is this Saturday, Nov. 1, at 8 a.m. here at the church. Truman and his crew will provide breakfast for us, and our former Youth Pastor Quintin Wray is our “guest’ speaker. Come be blessed!