By Pastor Mark McAdow
This week marks a tragic day in America- September 11, 2021. Simply known now as 9-11. Twenty -five years ago tomorrow our nation suffered the worst attack on our homeland by our enemies. It was a tragic and horrific day. For those who were alive twenty-five years ago, we all remember how we felt when we heard a plane had flown into one of The Twin Towers in New York City. We all assumed it was a small engine plane, not a major airliner and then a brief time later another plane crashed into the other tower. Fear overtook our nation. What was going to happen next? Was this the End of the World? Desperate people were jumping to their deaths from the burning Twin Towers. People were running in the streets of New York City for their very lives! Debris from the buildings and exploded airplanes were falling to the ground, injuring people. The Pentagon was also attacked in a similar manner and another airliner went down in a Pennsylvania field. All planes in the US were immediately grounded. Something that had never happened before. We were glued to our televisions to get the latest news. Our vulnerability as the most powerful nation in the world was exposed. We were experiencing pure evil. Almost three thousand innocent Americans lost their lives that day.
 
I was the Senior Associate Pastor at Asbury Church in Tulsa at the time. Our Senior Pastor was out of town, so we called an emergency Staff meeting and made the decision to host a Worship Service that very night at the Church. The sanctuary was packed as we sang hymns of our faith, read scriptures, allowed “open mic” testimonies, and prayed together. When the “bottom falls out” the only place to turn is to the Lord- even non-believers know that. We were not in control then and were never designed to be. As Christians, we surrender control of our lives to Jesus- The Author and Perfecter of our faith. We find our strength not in ourselves but in God Almighty. It’s sad that it often takes a tragedy in our lives to turn to God but it’s also a blessing. As a nation, people were turning to the Lord and for many weeks our churches were full- until the tragedy passed and we “felt” in control once again- a subtle lie of Satan.
 
On this date last year, there was another tragedy in our nation. A young, vibrant husband and father of two young children was assassinated on a college campus there simply to express his spiritual and political views. His name was Charlie Kirk. Many mourned his death, while some even celebrated. How incredibly sad. He was a vibrant witness for Jesus Christ. I shared some of his views about Sabbath last Sunday that have helped me, from his book, “Stop, in The Name of God.” His witness lives on and so can ours. Even in the midst of tragedy, we can and should declare our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ! The world needs to hear and know the Truth. Last night at our Willow View Youth group, we celebrated the fact that “Jesus in The Way, The Truth and The Life- no one comes to The Father except through Him.”- John 14:6. Truth is not just a concept. Truth is a Person- Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free!”- John 8:31b-32.

Looking forward to sharing the Truth, who is Jesus, with you this Sunday.

Love you,
Pastor Mark
 
Ladies, remember our Paint & Praise event is from 5 to 7 p.m. this Saturday. Come join 40 women for fun, painting, friendship and praise!

By Pastor Mark McAdow
When I arrived in Enid in 2017, I was invited to join the board of a brand-new ministry called Journey House. It was and is a crisis pregnancy ministry that offers love, compassion, support, prayer, practical advice and encouragement to women – single or married – facing unplanned pregnancies.

Robin and I have supported pro-life ministries for years with our giving and participation. I’ve always believed in getting involved in the community where we have served, and Enid is no different. I’ve served as president of the Enid Ministerial Alliance, honorary Vance AFB commander, spoke at chapel services and baccalaureates, offered prayers at Enid City Commission and Enid Public School Board meetings, and served on the board of the recently renamed Journey Women’s Center (JWC) as a labor of love. I believe we’re here to build the Kingdom of God, not simply our own church. I trust you agree.

This morning, I recorded a radio interview with Alan Clepper and our new JWC executive director. Her name is Sarah Seydou. She is a 2021 ORU graduate who joined our team last December and was selected to be our new director last month. She is a vibrant and beautiful witness for our Lord Jesus Christ with a heart to help women in a most challenging time of their life. Willow View Church supports Journey Women’s Center through our local missions giving, and Robin and I support it personally as well.

I’d love for you to meet our new Executive Director Sarah at our annual Fall Banquet that’s coming in a few weeks. The banquet will be at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21, at Emmanuel Enid church. We’ll have great meal and hear an amazing speaker by the name of Josiah Presly, an adult abortion survivor! You’ll learn about JWC and be given the opportunity to support the ministry. The meal and program are free of charge. I genuinely believe this will be a significant event for Enid. You need to RSVP by this Monday, Sept. 7. We will have the specifics in the bulletin on Sunday, or you can call the center at (580) 234.5660 to RSVP. Willow View Church is a co-sponsor of this event, and I will be present to introduce the evening activities. It’s planned from 6 to 7:30 p.m. I hope many of you will RSVP and join us.

Love you,
Pastor Mark

Willow View men: First Friday’s Breakfast is tomorrow morning at 7:00 at Wee Too. See you there for a great breakfast and Christian brotherhood.

Our new church directories have arrived! Special thanks to our administrative assistant, Emily Moody, for her “labor of love" in producing these for us. I’m praying this will help you become even more connected to our Willow View family. Get your free copy this Sunday.

Remember, Labor Day is Monday!

By Pastor Mark McAdow
Do you love pie? I know some people are “cake” people and others are “pie” people. I have a fond affection for some or a lot of both! What’s your favorite? My favorite cake is probably Italian wedding cake, and my favorite pie is absolutely coconut cream! Max Moser makes The Best!

But have you ever eaten humble pie? It’s not very tasty at all. “Humble pie” is an English idiom used to describe humiliation caused by a need to apologize for something you’ve done or said. We’ve all had to eat humble pie from time to time. It’s no fun, but it can be very healthy for your spirit.

Why is it that healthy things don’t usually taste nearly as good as unhealthy? Life just isn’t fair!

I had an opportunity to take a bite of humble pie last week. I had written a text to our weed care lawn service at the parsonage. I was disappointed in the last treatment that appeared to kill the new grass seed I had sown, watered and watched take root earlier in the summer. I mentioned that I had “lost confidence” in the technician after seeing the result (he had previously “burned” some grass in the front yard by applying too much pesticide as well). The manager I texted assured me it would be taken care of appropriately. He scheduled a time to come by and assess the situation. I waited past the time for him, only to receive a text he would be coming by an hour later. I texted that was less convenient for me, but I would come home early for a quick lunch.

When he arrived, I realized it was the technician! I told him I had expected the manager, and he said he was the manager as well! Swallow hard. I was glad I had been kind in my text of displeasure but felt like a heel. I expressed appreciation for his thoughtful concern for my lawn. He’s supposed to come back soon and re-sod the area.

Humility is indeed a virtue. I was reminded what James told us all, “God opposes the proud, but give grace to the humble” (James 4:6). Pastor Rick Warren says, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.” How very true. Christian author C. S. Lewis writes, “A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you’re looking down you cannot see something that is above you.” Where are you looking these days?  Up or down? “I will lift my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help come from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”- Psalm 121:1-2

I’m so glad when we repent of our sin, the Lord forgives us – every time! Looking forward to worshipping our still Risen Savior with you this Sunday.

Love you,
Pastor Mark

P.S. Enjoy a piece of pie this week – if your spouse will let you!

By Pastor Mark McAdow
Our Willow View front door floor mat greets you each time you come through the door with the phrase “Welcome Home.” It always feels good to be back home!

Have you noticed the new mat on the way out? It reads “You Are Loved” to remind you it’s true. “I have loved you with an everlasting love”- Jeremiah 31:3.

We had another great Sunday last week. So glad so many of you were here to “Praise the Lord!” with us once again. In fact, it was the greatest attendance for both our services since Easter! We’ve had some new guests, so be sure to always greet our guests warmly with a smile – warm greetings are easy to do on these hot August days! It looks like God is up to something new at Willow View.

 I’m reminded of the scripture in Hebrews 10:23-25, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”  What day? The Day of Christ’s return! We’re one day closer.

Looking forward to worshipping our Lord with you again this Sunday morning. Are you praising the Lord more these days? I sure hope so! He deserves it and we are blessed by it.

Love you,
Pastor Mark

PS: We have a youth parents meeting this Wednesday evening, Aug. 26 at 6 p.m. in the Parlor. Hope you can come. Ryan Nall and I took some of our high school youth to the Okeene Global Methodist Church last evening for a Night of Praise. It was a blessing!

By Pastor Mark McAdow
We had another blessed Sunday at Willow View! Hope you were here. I missed seeing some of my favorite people. It’s so nice to be home with you. Thanks to our wonderful staff and Brian Meyer for taking loving care of you all.

 We celebrated two baptisms in worship last Sunday – my first father/son baptism I can remember – Joe and Case Capra. We also welcomed four new members: Aubrey Fischer, Joe, Jade and Case Capra. Praise the Lord! I also shared with you about a close Christian brother named Russell who we were with last week along with his wife, Julie! His signature response to everything is “Praise the Lord!” When you call him on the phone that’s his initial greeting – every time. When anything goes well, or not, his response is “Praise the Lord!”

I mentioned he was given some free salt-water taffy, and he commented last time he ate taffy he lost a filling. As he began to chew, he lost another! “Praise the Lord!” He then told me, “I have no dental insurance. Praise the Lord!” His birthday was yesterday, so I called him to sing “Happy Birthday”- the only song I know by heart. He had just left the dentist’s office. Guess what he got for his birthday? Yes! A new zirconium crown! It’s almost biblical – “Crown him with many crowns” – your dentist’s favorite hymn!

I shared an incredible story with our staff this week about how praise changed the life of an alcoholic father. We’ve used the phrase, “Praise the Lord” around the office a lot this week. I’ve personally had lots of opportunities while waiting in doctor’s offices, to choose to praise the Lord. But honestly, one of my favorite flowers is “impatiens” – so apparently the Lord wants me to give them up! When we chose to praise the Lord this week, it brought a smile to our face and lifted our spirits, too.

I can’t wait to see and worship with you this Sunday! In the meantime, just keep “praising the Lord!”  Psalm 150:6 reminds us “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!” That includes you and me!

Love you,
Pastor Mark

By Amanda Williams
I want to sincerely thank each of you for your prayers, encouragement and financial support that made it possible for us to attend Camp Pathway at Camp Canyon this summer. Because of your generosity, three of our children were able to experience an incredible week of growing closer to Jesus.

This year's theme was "Armor Up!" from Ephesians 6:10-14, where we learned about putting on the full armor of God so we can stand firm against the enemy. Throughout the week, each session focused on a different piece of the armor, helping the kids understand how God's truth and strength equip us every day.

Our schedule was packed from morning until night – there was hardly a moment to rest! We enjoyed worship, music, hiking, crafts, recreation, swimming, gaga ball, scavenger hunts, games and prayer. We also had the opportunity to serve others by packing 90 school supply kits for children in Africa.

One of my favorite parts of camp was our twice-daily small groups. Campers were divided by grade level, searched the Scriptures together, read God's Word, prayed, and spent time in TAG Time (Time Alone with God) journaling and reflecting on what He was teaching them. I had the privilege of leading the fourth-grade small group, and I loved seeing their curiosity about God and the thoughtful questions they asked. One lesson they especially remembered was how every piece of God's armor is important and how we need the whole armor to stand strong.

One moment I'll never forget happened was within the first hour of arriving at camp. As worship began, our Willow View kids ran straight to the front to lead worship. No one asked them to – they simply did it. Soon they were inviting new friends to join them, and by the last day, boys and girls from all over camp were together at the front. It was such a beautiful picture.

God continued to work in amazing ways throughout the week. During the second service this past Sunday, Gideon shared that the most important thing he learned at camp was that his greatest battle is in his mind against Satan's lies. Hearing a child recognize the importance of putting on God's armor every day is exactly why camp matters. Praise God for the seeds He is planting!

This was Camp Pathway's second year, and we were blessed to welcome even more campers than last summer. I was honored to take three wonderful campers, and I could not have been more proud of the way they worshiped, served, and grew in their faith throughout the week.

I am also excited to share that I have been invited back next year in a greater leadership role. I am truly humbled by the opportunity and pray that God allows us to take even more children from Willow View to experience Camp Pathway.

Next year's camp will be held the last week of July and is open to students entering 3rd through 6th grades. I hope you'll begin praying now about the children God wants to reach through this ministry.

Thank you again for investing in our children. Your prayers, generosity, and love made an eternal difference. We are so grateful to be part of a church that believes in raising up the next generation to know, love, and follow Jesus.

With gratitude,
Amanda Williams
Director of Children's Ministry

By Pastor Mark McAdow
Last Sunday was a special Sunday at Willow View. If you were here, you know what I mean. God showed up in the testimony of one of our youth who had been at summer camp the week before. Her name is Abbey Nall, oldest daughter of Ryan and Stacy Nall. Our Children’s Director Mandie invited Abbey to share her testimony during the children’s message. Several of our kids read scriptures about salvation and Abbey shared her story of coming to a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ. It was the most powerful moment.

I encourage you to be in worship every Sunday possible. You never know what the Lord might do, and you don’t know what you miss when you’re not here.
 
I told Abbey how much I appreciated her testimony of genuine life change and asked for a copy of her remarks. She has provided that and I asked permission to share it with you here.
 
This is what life is all about! Each of us coming to an understanding of our need for Jesus Christ to be first in our heart and life and then surrendering fully to Him and His will for our lives. It doesn’t get better than that! This is the first step in a brand-new life with Jesus. Jesus himself said, “I have come that you might have life and have it more abundantly" (John 10:10b). Have you taken that step? You can today! Simply ask Jesus to forgive you and then surrender your life to Him in prayer.

Love you,
Pastor Mark

We had a beautiful memorial service for our longtime member Kathy Walker on Monday morning. Thanks to all who attended and those who served. God is good!

By Pastor Mark McAdow
Life is all about change. Change can be scary and exciting! One thing is for sure: we’re always changing in one way or another. Adding pounds or hopefully losing a few. Growing taller or shrinking – several of you know what I mean. The only One who never changes is Jesus! “He is the same yesterday, today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)

I have some “bittersweet” news to share. Our Youth Pastor Scott Heusel has resigned this week from his position at Willow View. Our Staff Parish Relations Committee led by Chair Irene Clem met last evening to discuss Pastor Scott’s departure and to begin the process of selecting a new youth director soon. This Sunday will be Scott’s last day officially with us at Willow View. I hope you can be present to express appreciation to Scott and wish him well in following God’s lead in his life. We will host an informal reception for him about 10 a.m. in the Family Life Center.

Pastor Scott and I have had the privilege of leading two confirmation classes together over the last years and introducing our Willow View family and Youth to the ALPHA Discipleship Series. He has had the joy of baptizing some of our youth and led the transformation of our portable youth building into an amazing indoor ”backyard scene” space for youth activities including worship and teaching. (Thanks again to all of you who were actively engaged in that big project!)

Pastor Scott has been a help to me in a wide variety of ways in pastoral ministry including Sunday morning worship. I know he has helped several of you personally as well. We will miss his smiling face and giving spirit.

Please keep Scott in your prayers and our youth as we move forward in new ways. We hosted a parent’s meeting last evening about youth ministry at Willow View and gained some new insights, suggestions and a willingness to support our youth in this time of transition. God is good! We love our Willow View youth and are thankful for important decisions made at summer camp just last week.

Hope to see you this Sunday!

Love you,
Pastor Mark

PS: Our 11 a.m. worship service is growing again. You may want to check it out.

By Pastor Mark McAdow
This week our Willow View youth are at Camp Canyon in Hinton, OK, at Camp Next. I’m sure they’ve enjoyed a momentous week – though another hot one! Tonight is their last night in camp, and they will be back with us tomorrow afternoon.

Please be in prayer for all of them as they close out this week of camp and “re-enter” their world at home. Many important decisions are made every year at church camp. Some students surrender their lives to Jesus; others re-commit their lives to Him with greater passion, and some even receive a call to ministry. We all need to encourage all our young people to live for Jesus every day! We, too, must lead by example.
 
Summer is officially half over – just a few short weeks before we’ll be gearing up for a new school year. If you are a parent of youth (6th through 12th grades), we’re inviting you to a special parents meeting this coming Wednesday, July 22, at 6 p.m. in the Parlor to discuss youth ministry sponsored by our SPRC. I plan to be there, too. We want to hear your thoughts, suggestions, encouragement and ideas so we can build on the momentum of summer camp as we move forward. Please plan to join us for this significant opportunity.
 
Our youth are not only our future but our present reality, too. We have only a few short years to equip them to live for Jesus before they’re out from under our daily care. We’re here to come along side of you in this God-ordained mission of reaching your kids for Christ.  I Timothy 4:12 reminds us, “Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for other believers in your speech, behavior, love, faithfulness, and purity.”

We love our Willow View children and youth. Our children will be at camp next week.

Love you, too!
Pastor Mark

By Pastor Mark McAdow
I know I’ve spoken of “Divine appointments” before. Do you recall what I mean?
Appointments or encounters ordained by the Lord. Surprise visits or conversations with others obviously directed by the Holy Spirit. I shared one I had this week with the folks at our prayer gathering last night. Two other pray-ers shared about encounters with their neighbors, too!
 
I was running this week in my neighborhood and ran past a "next street over” neighbor’s home and noticed his grass was getting high (no weed analogy intended). As I ran back by, I felt a prompting from the Lord – a divine thought? – to cut his front lawn. He usually walks through the neighborhood every day religiously several times and I hadn’t seen him all week. I went back to my house and got my lawnmower. Robin asked what I was doing since I just cut our grass a few days before. I simply replied, “I’m following a prompting.”
 
I rolled my lawnmower around the block to his house and began cutting the front lawn. After several minutes, he appeared at his door and asked what I was doing. I told him I just wanted to cut his front lawn. Robin and I had noticed he hadn’t been walking lately, so we thought he might be out of town. I couldn’t believe what he told me next.
 
He said he had been inside all week with excruciating back pain in three different areas. He hadn’t been able to sit, stand or sleep without pain. He hadn’t been able to drive for the week, certainly not mow his lawn. I told him I was so sorry to hear of his situation and offered to take him to the doctor or get him groceries. He declined.
 
I continued cutting his grass and later he brought me out a cold drink. I knew then that he really appreciated what I was doing (it was can of Coke!). I told him it was no big deal and that I would be praying for his recovery, too. I don’t believe he is a praying person yet.
 
Would you consider that a “Divine appointment?” I do. I had no idea he was even home, much less the trouble he had gone through. Is the Lord “prompting” you to do something today? Write a card? Make a call? Sent a text to an old friend? If so – do it! We never know until we obey if it was a “prompting” from the Lord.
 
Wasn’t last Sunday so much fun? Celebrating our nation’s 250th birthday with “patriotic poppers” and a delicious indoor picnic, too! I can’t wait to worship with you again this Sunday. It’s always first a “Holy Day” and sometimes a holiday, too!
 
Love you,
Pastor Mark
 
PS: We have several boxwood hedge bushes outside the church that have been dug up today, Thursday. If you’d like them, come by today and pick them up.

By Pastor Mark McAdow
Can you believe? We’re 250 years young. Yes – young! That’s a brief time for a nation in the scheme of world history. It’s obvious that we have been blessed by our Heavenly Father. We declared together two weeks ago in worship this great truth, “I am loved by my Heavenly Father.”  And you really are! “We loved because He first loved us.”- I John 4:19
 
I love America. I love the ideals on which it was founded and its historical Judeo-Christian principles found in God’s Holy Word. I don’t believe America is perfect, but there’s no other place I know on earth with greater freedoms, opportunities and hope! This weekend we celebrate our Independence from tyranny, as well as our myriads of personal freedoms. Jesus reminds us: “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free!” – John 8:31b-32
 
Freedom isn’t free. Brave men and women have sacrificed much for the freedoms we enjoy – many gave their very lives to keep us free. We owe much to Almighty God and our faithful American soldiers who continue to serve us every day all over the world. We are blessed to be Americans. Many people around the world would love to have the opportunities and freedoms we often take for granted.
 
Psalms 133:1 says, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity.”  We know how divided our nation currently is by politics, race, immigration, education, healthcare, gender issues, economics and so much more! We desperately need unity of commitment to one another as Americans. We will not all agree on all topics, but we must give one another the freedom to express our views in a safe environment. We must find some common ground – common respect for one another once again in America. Why? So, we won’t self-destruct as a nation but continue to seek life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Psalms 133:3 concludes by saying, “For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.”  Isn’t that what we’re ultimately after? The life the Lord Jesus described in John 10:10 – “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.”  Real life and real freedom are found in Jesus Christ!
 
Come join us this Sunday, July 5, for one worship aervice at 10:00 a.m. in our sanctuary and our annual Willow View family picnic immediately following inside in our Family Life Center, served by members of our Congregational Care Committee led by Evelyn Allen.  We have a special surprise for all who attend!
 
Love you,
Pastor Mark
 
PS: Have a safe and fun 250th birthday celebration. Casual patriotic dress this Sunday. See you here!

By Pastor Mark McAdow
What’s your favorite hamburger in town? I’m a Lotta Burger or Lenox fan myself. Of course, there are many other options with Flamingo’s, Freddy’s, Braums, Whataburger, McDonalds, and Burger King to name a few.

Have you seen the new Burger King commercial? We used to hear a familiar, light-hearted jingle years ago in their commercials, “Have it Your Way!” That was supposed to conjure up thoughts of being “especially” special. Burger King hit the skids for an exceptionally long time and now has “recreated” themselves with a brand-new motto. They fired their creepy plastic-faced king and declared, “There’s a new King and it’s you!” You Rule! Sounds appealing, right?

Well, the jury is out to see if Americans claim their new “hamburger royalty,” but their theology stinks! Telling people they are the "King" only “feeds” their ego and not their soul. We know there is only one king and it’s not us. It’s King Jesus!

"Wait a minute pastor, aren't you taking this a little too far? It’s just a commercial."

Maybe or maybe not. I believe most of us want to be our own king. We desire to be “large and in charge!” But that’s not reality. We are neither. We are created by God to know, love and serve Him. Remember what Jesus said, “I came not to be served but to serve,” in Mark 10:45. The rest of the verse continues ”and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Our King came to give His life for each of us. No, we’re not kings but subjects of the King of Kings!

Hungry for a good hamburger? Choose wisely, but remember the real crown goes to the real King – He alone is worthy! We want to “Have it His Way; His Will!”

Looking forward to worshiping our King with you this Sunday!

Love you,
Pastor Mark

By Pastor Mark McAdow
This Sunday is, of course, Father’s Day!  Give thanks to a Methodist for helping to create a day to honor dads following Anna Jarvis’s initiative to honor moms. I appreciate Max Lucado’s comments about his dad from his book “God Came Near.”

 
I had a great dad as well – Bobby Joe McAdow – for 29 years. Not near long enough. I still miss him. He loved God, my mom, my sister and me.  He taught me how to look a person in the eye and shake their hand with a firm grip, how to work hard, to treat women and others with great respect, to serve the Lord through our local United Methodist Church and to play golf (well, he tried to teach me!).  I had the privilege of praying with him to recommit his life to Christ while I was in seminary in Kentucky. He grew up in a home without a dad, but somehow learned how to be a great dad.

Coach Tony Dungy has some great advice along those lines for all of us who are privileged to be fathers:

Tony’s ministry is called All Pro Dad. I’d encourage you to check out their website at www.allprodad.com for other great advice and encouragement.
 
Be sure to join us this Sunday as we honor our men and dads with special recognition, prayer and a gift, tool.  We are so very  thankful for our Willow View men and dads.
 
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Mark
 
PS: Tonight is the last night of Vacation Bible School – “Illumination Station.” Thanks to Mandie and her team of volunteers for loving the kids and showing them Jesus is the light of the world! (John 8:12)

By Mark McAdow
Today is a special anniversary in our life. On this day in 2017, we came to Enid and Willow View Church for our very first worship service with you. There was a good crowd – everyone wants to “check out the new guy” and decide if they are going to like him or not. By now I know for sure!
 
I remember sharing these stats from the pulpit:  5’10,” 196+or-, “58” and 2hours/47minutes/59seconds. What were they in reference to? Height, weight, year born and my PB – Personal Best in the OKC Memorial Half Marathon. That was nine years ago today. I’ve shrunk a little in height and weight (thankfully) and that will always be my PB because I’m never doing that again!

I also shared my favorite Bible verse, Proverbs 16:31 “Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.” White hair is the “new” blonde!

I’m also celebrating another incredibly special anniversary this Tuesday, Election Day, June 16th. Forty-two years ago, I married this cute, godly, vivacious, young redhead named Robin Raboy who willingly took my last name, McAdow. Our lives were changed forever. A brand-new family was formed that day and eventually three children, too! I note that there are 12 other couples at Willow View celebrating June weddings. Congratulations!

Marriage is beautiful but not easy; it is intended to be a picture of Christ and His Church. It says this in Ephesians 5:31-33, “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. This is a profound mystery, but I am talking about Christ and the church. However, each of you must also love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” Love and respect are two keys to a healthy marriage as well as “submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ” - (Ephs 5:21). For a marriage to thrive, we must have Christ at the center. As we each draw closer to Him, we’re also drawn closer to one another. Relationships matter.

Tomorrow morning, we will honor Jesus Christ and celebrate the life of an incredibly special lady in all our lives, Joyce Fales. I hope you will be present to support her family and to remember a life well lived for others. The memorial service is at 10 a.m. Friday, June 12.

Love you,
Pastor Mark

PS: VBS starts this Monday evening, June 15-18, from 6 to 8 p.m. We have over 40 kids signed up. Be sure your kids and grandkids get signed up today for Illumination Station!

By Pastor Mark McAdow
It’s with heavy and yet joyful heart that I announce the passing of Joyce Fales on Tuesday afternoon. I had the privilege of visiting with her earlier in the afternoon, reading Scripture, sharing appreciation and praying for her.

She certainly lived up to her name – JOYce! A memorial service will be held here next Friday, June 12, at 10 a.m. There will also be a visitation from 5:30 to 7 p.m. next Thursday, June 11, at Anderson-Burris Funeral Home. Please pray for her children, Rob and Robin, and their families during this time.

Our Heartland Annual Conference began last evening in Wichita. Scott, Robin and I, along with our elected Willow View lay delegates, John and Evelyn Allen, are there representing you. We are worshipping, praying, hearing God’s Word, responding and doing some Global Methodist Church ministry business as well. This Saturday morning, our former youth pastor, Quintin Wray, is scheduled to be ordained an elder in the Global Methodist Church! Please keep this conference in your prayers that we may hear from the Lord and expand the Kingdom of God. We’ll all be back this Saturday afternoon to share with you on Sunday.

We’re just two weeks away from Vacation Bible School, June 15-18 in the evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. This year’s theme is Illumination Station. Be sure to sign up your kids, their friends and/or your grandkids to be a part of this exciting week. Jesus is The Light of The World and He lights each of us up from the inside out. Let Mandie know how you can help on her team, too. Please pray for this key outreach opportunity for Willow View.

See you this Sunday as we celebrate Holy Communion together. Wasn’t last Sunday wonderful? Pastor David Robbins from Voice of the Martyrs shared an incredible story of an Indian man who was an evangelist on a bike. He rode into unreached villages and beat a drum on the back of his bike to draw a crowd. He then shared the gospel of Jesus Christ among Hindus and was often beaten mercilessly. He was asked what he did next. His response? He rode his bike to another village and began to beat his drum there. Amazing! He shared sometimes people would accept Jesus and begin a new church, too.

When you miss Sunday worship, you miss an opportunity to hear from the Lord and to respond. Last Sunday, it was Joyce’s last Sunday with us. I’m so glad I got to worship with her one more time! Hope to see you this Sunday.

Love you,
Pastor Mark

By Pastor Mark McAdow
That’s the question our Willow View's Missions Team is asking us this month. Beginning this Sunday, May 31, they will collecting new or gently used Bibles to send to Christian believers in the Philippines through a friend here in Enid.

The Bible is in great demand. If you have an extra new or gently used leather or hard-backed Bible (paper Bible covers do not hold up well in their climate), please bring it with you to worship. There is a clear plastic box on the fireplace hearth to collect them. Any translation is great.

If your home is anything like ours, we have multiple Bibles from over the years. Many are on a shelf or in a box. What better place for those to go than into the hands of those who eagerly desire them and have none! Take a moment to look through your home for any you may have with which you can part. I found an old Bible of my dad's and will be bringing it; I simply pulled out the cover page that had his name and date written on it. Otherwise, it’s still in good condition. Please don’t bring any with missing scripture pages. We want our brothers and sisters around the globe to have the “Full Word of God!”

This Sunday we also have an opportunity to support a local ministry to the homeless right here in Enid – Street Outreach Services (SOS). During our Discipleship Community/Sunday School hour, we’ll be making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to be distributed here in town. Children will decorate small brown paper sacks with words of encouragement, and we’ll form teams to make sandwiches and pray over the sack lunches for distribution.

This Sunday we’ll also be hearing more about the Voice of The Martyr Ministry headquartered in Bartlesville, OK. God is a missionary God! He has one Son and He made Him a missionary to us. I saw this quote by Christian author Dr. John R.W. Scott last week, “We must be global Christians with a global vision because our God is a global God.” On top of that, we’re a Global Methodist Church, too!

Last Sunday was such a blessing! Many of us responded to our need to be filled and refilled by the Holy Spirit according to Ephesians 5:18: “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to be debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit!” The Greek word means “continually filled.” Can’t wait to see what the Lord will do this Sunday!

Love you,
Pastor Mark

By Pastor Mark McAdow
There was a thunderstorm in OKC last night: Thunder 122, Spurs 113. We experienced a traditional one this morning in Enid, too. What a blessing to receive some much-needed rain without the severe weather. Thank you, Lord. Storms are a part of all our lives. Storms disrupt our normal schedules, often creating anxiety but also blessings at times as well.

Rain is a welcome answer to prayer for many. It clears the pollen, refreshes the air, fills dry ponds, and nourishes the earth. Life requires water. In the beginning, “the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters” in creation - Genesis 1:2. Not one of us can live very long without it. But, if we get too much too soon, it has a negative impact causing flooding that can lead to property loss and life as well. The tragic flooding at Camp Mystic in Texas last summer is a painful reminder of the loss of both.

How did Jesus deal with storms? Do you remember? One day Jesus was on the lake with his disciples and a terrible storm arose, while Jesus was sleeping on a cushion in the stern of the boat. (Apparently Jesus took naps and could do it anywhere!) The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” (Did you see that? They accused Jesus of not caring! Martha did that one time as well.) Jesus’ response? “He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still! Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” – Mark 4:38-39. He questioned their lack of faith and they replied to each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!" - Mark 4:41.

Do you remember when Jesus walked on the water to reach the disciples in another terrible storm? He invited Peter to join him on the water and he did. Amazing! But once again the issue of faith came into play. “But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and beginning to sink, cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. ‘You of little faith,’ he said, ‘why did you doubt?’ And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those in the boat worshiped saying, "Truly you are the Son of God.”- Matthew 14:30-33.

In both accounts, Jesus calmed the storm. He will do the same for you and me. He will take us safely through or he will calm the storm completely. His presence makes all the difference. Did you notice the two different responses from his disciples? The first time they asked the question, “Who is this?” and the second time they knew. “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Looking forward to being with you this Sunday in worship as it’s Pentecost Sunday. A totally different view of the wind. I’m so thankful the winds have died down this week in Oklahoma but praying for a fresh windstorm this Sunday!

Love you,
Pastor Mark

By Pastor Mark McAdow
We hosted The Chisholm High School Baccalaureate on Sunday, May 3, here at Willow View. As many of you know, our own Roydon Tilley resumed his role, serving as the Chisholm Superintendent for the 2025-2026 school year.  I had the great privilege to share the gospel with the 2026 graduating class. I also shared the following account from Douglas Moore and Herb Miller regarding another Commencement
 He was only trying to keep the line moving across the stage, but his words are good advice for a lifetime – “keep moving.” After every achievement – growing up, graduation, marriage, job promotion, even retirement – the best advice is “Keep moving. Don’t Stop. Don’t stagnate. There is more to life than you have found this far.”

Even after you have made the important decision to become a Christian, God will say the same thing to you: This is not the end; it is only the beginning. Keep moving.”
 
Keep moving! Keep learning! Keep growing!  Good advice for us all in our relationship with Jesus Christ. After all, He “came that we might have life and that more abundantly!”- John 10:10. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to  harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”- Jeremiah 29:11.

This Sunday we will recognize our graduating seniors in worship at 9 a.m. Pastor Scott and I will present them with a new Bible and pray over them at the altar. We have seniors from Chisholm, Enid and Kremlin-Hillsdale high schools this year. The message this Sunday is “Don’t Worry; Be Happy” based primarily on Philippians 4. It's a message we all need to hear and adopt for daily living.

Have a blessed day. See you this Sunday at Willow View!

Love you,
Pastor Mark

By Pastor Mark McAdow
Today is The National Day of Prayer! It’s always the first Thursday in May. What a wonderful opportunity for Christians across America to stop to Thank God and pray for our Nation. Our Enid Ministerial Alliance is hosting this event at the Courthouse gazebo downtown. It begins at 12 noon and lasts until 12:45 (still time for a quick lunch!). I’ve been asked to pray for The Churches of Enid during the Prayer gathering today, along with other City leaders who will also be praying. If able, I hope you will take time out today to pray with us!

America, our World, Oklahoma, and Enid need prayer! Prayer is the means God uses to allow us to be involved with Him, in the joys and challenges of this world. Jesus intercedes for us and The Holy Spirit prays on our behalf as well. We are called to prayer. “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in our time of need.”- Hebrews 4:16. Christians are to pray and not give up!

Our World is at war – Ukraine, Russia, Israel, Iran- to name a few. President Trump and Vice-President Vance and their Cabinet need Divine wisdom and discernment in their decision-making on our behalf. Our Nation is so highly divided. We desperately need unity as Americans. As Christians, we know Jesus is the Ultimate Answer!

One day, the LORD appeared to King Solomon and said, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”- II Chronicles 7:14. Notice He was addressing His people- that’s us today! Christians. If Christians don’t pray; we cannot expect God to act. But if we do- He promises revival!

Let’s commit to daily, heartfelt prayer. This Sunday for Mother’s Day, my message is entitled, “Pray Like Hannah!” Come discover genuine prayer as we celebrate our Moms!

Love you,
Pastor Mark

PS: Thanks to Robin, Kathy, and Amie for organizing our visiting Rapid Response Team’s meals and to EVERYONE who gave money, cooked food, and served our guests with Christ’s love! I’m so very thankful for you all!

By Pastor Mark McAdow
One week ago today, April 23, was just the next day on the calendar – nothing especially noteworthy or unusual. How quickly things can change. Those who were watching TV saw the tornado warning symbol in the corner of the screen identifying Oklahoma counties where the weather conditions were such that a tornado could occur, including the Enid area. Just another Oklahoma spring evening – until it wasn’t!

Weather alerts on phones began sounding by the National Weather Service and outdoor sirens began to sound off in Enid. OKC weathermen were telling us all to move to the center of our house or our storm shelter. Storm chasers began broadcasting live pictures of the largest tornado I had ever seen churning the earth up in southeast Enid. The pictures took your breath away!

Forty minutes later, 40-plus homes were damaged or destroyed in the worst tornado in Garfield County in 35 years! It was an EF4 tornado with 175+ mile per hour winds. One of our church families, Shawn and Jennifer Aebi (John and Evelyn’s daughter) lost their entire home, and others we know also had severely damaged or destroyed homes in and around the Grey Ridge Estates. Miraculously, no fatalities!

This is the perfect time to use the word “miracle.” It truly describes what happened. I’ve never heard of an EF4 tornado with no deaths. Never. God’s hand of protection was on those people who weathered the storm in their safe rooms, storm shelters and even laundry/ bathrooms. God is good! Though homes were destroyed and recovery will take months and even years, no lives lost. Thank God!  I also want to thank God for our Enid police, firefighters, EMT’s, first responders and city officials who converged on the scene to rescue folks and assess the damage.

Mandie, Scott and I had the opportunity to spend Tuesday afternoon working in the affected area with Samaritan’s Purse ministries. We met people from Shawnee, Okla., to Washington State, Arizona and North Carolina – all here to volunteer their time to help the people of Enid! This is the same organization we support annually through our Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes (we’re an official Enid collection site). Our Administrative Council voted Tuesday evening to seek designation as a Lighthouse Church with Samaritan’s Purse to host and send teams to disasters as needed. We also got to work side by side with Pastor Brad and members at World Harvest Church. What a blessing to serve our Lord together!

We have a team of volunteers coming this evening to stay at Willow View through Wednesday morning. Please be sure to greet them warmly and offer to help answer questions. They plan to join us for worship at 9:00 on Sunday, too.  Robin is coordinating three meals a day for the 12-member team. They are also joining us Friday morning at Wee Too for the First Friday Men’s Breakfast. Thanks to ALL of you who have already volunteered to help with meals.

” God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear…”- Psalms 46:1-2a. Hope to see you this Sunday as we celebrate Holy Communion together.

Love you,
Pastor Mark

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.