MVGMCDEC2025NEWS

THE MOUNTAIN VIEW MESSENGER Edition 3, Vol. 12

December 2025 FROM PASTOR LAURA Welcome to December Mountain View Family

We made it to the final month of 2025. We enjoyed another Spirit filled month of engaging worship through music, prayer, teaching of His Word, and fellowship. We finished our sermon series, Journeying through the Old Testament, as we recognized where we began. We learned how God’s first family set the tone of our lineage, and recognize God’s fingerprint in our lives.

We are continuing to grow in our discipleship conversations and Bible studies that have been offered. There is excitement of new relationships forming within the congregation, as we welcome more visitors and the fellowship is flowing. Through outreach and mission, Mountain View’s congregation continues to offer resources out into the community to share the light of Christ. Come and be part of a welcoming congregation that desires to be the hands and feet of Jesus, as we serve God’s community together. We have updated our mission statement to continue to live out what God has called Mountain View to be in our community and world.

Our mission is to make disciples who fuel faith, build foundations, and embody Jesus Christ in the world.

This Advent season, experience the wonder of the fulfillment of Christ. December brings thoughts of reflection of the current year and anticipation for what lies ahead. May we all anticipate the fulfillment of what this season really brings, and the joy that awaits in Christ’s arrival. God is blessing our congregation as we stand on His Word and offer His truth, and grow in faith together. I look forward to continuing to get to know each of you, worshiping together, and seeing everyone soon at ministry events.

We invite you to come and join us at Mountain View Global Methodist Church, where Faith is Fueled and Foundations are Built.

“I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth; do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19

DECEMBER DATES

DECEMBER Happy Birthday!

Dec 4 – Handmade with Love, 1:00 pm 6 – MVMW Christmas Luncheon, 1-2:30 pm 6 – Christmas Caroling (Meet at church) 2:45 pm 7 – Holy Communion 7 – Christmas Dinner Reservations Deadline 8 – Mah Jongg, 1:00 pm 14 – MVGMM, 8:00 am 14 – Christmas Cards Due Date 14 – Christmas Dinner, 6 pm 18 – Veteran Coffee House, 8:30 am 18 – Handmade with Love, 1:00 pm 21 – Christmas Cantata, 10:30 am 22 – Mah Jongg, 1:00 pm 24 – Christmas Eve Service, 4:30 pm 25 – CHRISTMAS DAY! CELEBRATE! 27 – Hiking Club, 8:30 am (Meet at church) p.6

4 – Veronica Howard 12 – Mick Coster 14 – Stuart Yarborough 16 – Gavin Deal 23 – Doug Search 30 – Michele Bellue 30 – Patti Miles-Cooner

Happy Anniversary!

1 – Tullio & Laura Geloni

November Gifts

Pastor Laura’s Office Hours Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm

In Memory of Charlotte Newton by Kent & Cindy Crain

WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS

In Honor of Harriet Aaron by Mike & Joyce Watkins

Bill Cooner & Patti Miles-Cooner Dusty & Julie Ross

CHOIR NOTES Practice Times for December Each Sunday, 11:45-12:30 Wednesday Dec. 10 and 17, 5:00 You! I can’t begin to express how thankful I am for each person in our choir. Some words that come to my mind to describe these faithful servants include: Dedicated, Joyful, Praise-Singing, Humble, Jesus -loving, Willing hearts, Talented.

I am also reminded of how we prayed for God to send us the right pianist. And God sent Kristin! Thank you, God for your blessings! Thank you, Kristin for using your amazing talents to inspire our worship each Sunday.

It is so exciting and such a blessing to be a part of this group of singers and musicians.

Cindy Crain, Choir Director “Singing in the choir is not just about the music, it’s about lifting our souls to God”

Christmas Cantata December 21, 10:30 “On This Very Night “ 2

Welcome to Mountain View Global Methodist Church Jane Walker, who joined our church on September 14th, 2025.

JANE WALKER

Jane grew up in the Judson Mill area in Greenville, SC, and is a proud graduate of Parker High School. After she and her husband married, his job took them from Greenville to Birmingham, Alabama, where their two daughters were born. The family lived in Birmingham for 13 years before moving back to Greenville. In addition to Jane’s daughters, her family now includes two special sons-in-law, four grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

When Jane’s family moved back to South Carolina, she began work as the secretary in an elementary school, where she continued to work for 20 years, until her retirement. Jane and her husband had been married for 51 years when he passed away. All of the family miss him very much.

These days, Jane’s days are filled with going to lunch with her friends and family. She also enjoys reading, working crossword puzzles, and exercising with pool therapy.

Jane considers herself fortunate to have found Mountain View Global Methodist Church. She feels that Pastor Laura is an excellent leader and all of the members of the church are very warm and welcoming. She is so glad to be part of our church.

Jane has joined the Mountain View Women’s group and enjoys being a part of their ministry. Although she doesn’t feel physically able to do some things, she is available to become involved however she can.

T

Welcome to Mountain View Jane!

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders, and he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

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MOUNTAIN VIEW METHODIST WOMEN Hello Sisters In Faith, by the time you read this we will be going from Thanksgiving to the Christmas season. I don't know about you but I like to take my holiday's one at a time and I was wondering how Christian women transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas, well I found the answer in the Bible, and this is what I learned 1- by Making a Joyful Noise and 2- Serving the Lord with Gladness. I'm in - how about YOU! November's meeting started with great refreshments provided by Linda Search and Linda Wilson. They set a great fall table with decorations brought from home and yes, the food was perfect. Thanks ladies. Terry opened our meeting and because Harriett was doing the program, Terry gave the devotion. She had each of us write ONE word that we were thankful for on a piece of paper, not a surprise the majority of answers were *Family*.

Under new business we voted for next year's Officers. Patti Jolly-President, Harriett Aaron-Vice President, Carol Debree-Secretary, LeAnn Barnette-Treasurer, and Pam Pasek-Spiritual Advisor., and the nominating committee for 2027 will be Harriet Aaron/Terry Didelot/Linda Search. Then Harriett gave the Program; she read from several stories and devotions on what we should be Thankful For, not just the good things but when times are Bad. She reminded us all that GOD is watching over us ALWAYS and he will be with us not just when things are good but also when things are inconvenient, so please remember we need to be Thankful always.

We appreciate that Pastor Laura has agreed to install the new officers at our Christmas Luncheon, don't worry ladies it will be a short program. We also want to recognize Lois Coster who has volunteered to deliver the Christmas Baskets to our Homebound parishioners.

We then discussed the final touches on our Christmas Luncheon. Who will bring what and who will decorate and who will do entertainment. I know all you ladies know what it takes to put an occasion like this together, but this group of women work so well together that it almost always gets done and is usually a complete success SO with that said PLEASE ALL Of YOU WOMEN of Mt View Church need to mark your calendars for Saturday, December 6th, from 1:00 to 2:30p.m. Just bring your JOY and we will do the REST! Pray with me: Gracious GOD, While the echoes of GRATITUDE are still there in our Hearts, we step into a season of Wonder and Light. Thank you for the Blessings we have counted, both seen and unseen, and for the moments that have shaped us in the past year. Now, as we turn our eyes toward the MANGER, help us carry the Spirit of Thanksgiving into the JOY of Christmas. Let our Giving be Generous, our Hearts Open, and our Days Filled with Kindness. AMEN Patti Jolly, Vice President

FAMILY COMMITTEE – CHRISTMAS DINNER The Family and Community Outreach Committee will be hosting the Christmas Dinner for the congregation on December 14th at 6:00 pm this year. Everything provided, just bring your appetite and family. Please be sure to sign up either electronically through the website, or use the sign-up sheet that is located on the small table on the hallway behind the altar. We ask that all reservations be made no later than December 7, 2025. If anyone needs a ride, please let Debbie Wilson, Elaine Stewart, Linda Atkins, or Annie Haynes know, we will make sure you have a way to get there. If anyone would like to help with giving a ride to someone who is unable to drive, please let committee members know.

Debbie Wilson, Chair 4

Mountain View Global Methodist Men December 2025 It’s hard to believe that it’s December already! As we await the coming of the Christ Child with child-like anticipation, we are reminded year after year of what a Gift He is! God sent him to us in the form of a tiny baby to save us from sin. There really is no other Christmas gift that can compare. Keep Him at the forefront during the hectic holiday season.

We had our November meeting on November 9th. We were fed a great breakfast by Scott Morrison, and Scott also gave a devotion based on the writings of Dr. David Jeremiah. He spoke about wisdom, the kind of wisdom that only comes from God. Thanks, Scott for doing double duty!

We reviewed all of the data from the Annual BBQ and Gospel Hour, and it was a resounding success! Plans are already being made for next year’s event; plan to be there!

We are continuing to discuss ways to boost our membership, and make the meeting more meaningful for everyone.

Each active member is going to talk to one or more men in our congregation to invite them to come, and find out what they would like to see in the way of programs, and if there could be a better time to meet. Please think about what it would take to get YOU to come to the meetings and join our group. Our church is growing and becoming more dynamic week after week, and our small groups need to keep up!

Our next meeting will be Sunday, December 14th, at 8 AM in the Fellowship Hall. See you there!

In His Service, Jay DeBree

SUNDAY DINNER WITH A TWIST December is upon us. January, February & March will bring SDWAT the cold, the wet, the challenges of being Homeless and more hot meals of soups and stews. Supporters of SDWAT are helping with the shelter issues with tents, sleeping bags, blankets and clothing. Mt. View’s focus is primarily support for meals on Dec, 7, 21 and 28 and we need your help. John Wilson’s effort to lead us in preparation of 80 meals the 3rd week of each month is a major cost (2026 $3,000 budget) and volunteer effort. Cassandra Martin has access to the Meals On Wheels kitchen and depends upon our volunteers to help with prep and delivery issues because our Worship schedule puts Mt. View in a prime position during that Noon-2PM MOW need.

Bill and I would love to add 3-4 names to our volunteer list for 2026. If you would like to do a “trial run” to see if this is a mission for you……just contact Bill or Phillip. (p.s. We are not above bribery, so the first two to contact us get a pint of homemade jelly).

The answer to the question….”Can one person really make a difference”? … is a resounding YES. Individually you made our North Greenville Crisis Ministry FOOD DRIVE a huge success delivering on Nov. 18th a Pickup Truck load of food and toiletries to benefit Travelers Rest and the surrounding communities and a check for $515.00.

Your generosity knows no end.

Phillip Deal & Bill Wilson

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Hiking Club Conquers Post-Holiday Bloat On Saturday, December 27th, we plan to hike at Table Rock State Park and the trail will be family friendly even for the kids. The adventure of being in God’s beautiful creation as you climb over roots and rocks, breathing fresh, mountain air and looking at the majestic Blue Ridge will clear your noggin that became “clogged” with too much holiday cheer! Bring your holiday guests/family members with you and overcome the blahs of eating too much over the holidays – not to mention all the parties and being a couch potato watching football and Hallmark Christmas movies!

Before December 27th, we need you to sign-up through the church website so that we know how to arrange transportation. If this is your first hike with our club, you’ll receive a survey so that we know your hiking experience and abilities. Doing this will go a long way toward a good day for everyone on the trail! Meeting at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 27 th in the back parking lot of the church, we will gather to give instructions and pray before we caravan to Table Rock. We always try to return by 12:00 noon so that everyone can make plans for the rest of the day after a great start on the trail!

If you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to see or email Kerry Barnette, Mary Crowson or Tammy Than.

VETERAN COFFEE HOUSE Our December 18th meeting closes out our 4th year as a Veteran Coffee House.

We routinely empty our Kitty for worthy projects. In November we delivered four $25 cards to Upstate Warrior Solutions for distribution to Veterans in need.

With few opportunities to advertise our presence, we continue to grow by invitation.

If you know of a veteran, feel free to issue that invitation for us. We thank Mt. View Global Methodist for access to the Kitchen and Fellowship Building for our monthly gathering. Our first meeting in 2026 will be January 22, 8:30-10:00.

See you there.

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IMPORTANT OPPORTUNITIES HANDMADE WITH LOVE Handmade with Love is a group of members who meet twice each month for fellowship and to share crochet patterns. We meet on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 1:00 pm. We are small but mighty. We work on our own projects but also keep a supply of prayer shawls and prayer squares ready for Pastor Laura to take to those she is visiting in hospitals or at home. We also send blankets and hats to Sunday Dinner with a Twist for the homeless. Baby blankets and caps are sent to Piedmont Women’s Center and given to new mothers.

Do you crochet or knit? We’d love to have you join us. We have also been given a large supply of yarn from another church. If you crochet or knit, you are welcome to yarn, even if you cannot join us.

Harriet Aaron

CHRISTMAS CARDS Our tradition at Mt. View is to bring Christmas cards being sent to members to the church.

Save on postage. Bring cards by December 14. They will be sorted here and distributed to members on December 21. Merry Christmas!

ADVENT OFFERING Another tradition has been to accept special donations for an Advent Offering to be used for charities, both local and abroad. The charities selected this year are: Set Free Alliance: Upstate charity supports giving clean water in India and West Africa, rescuing children from slavery, providing mobile medical clinics, and planting churches.

Their goal is to see a world where all are set free in Christ.

Miracle Hill: Upstate charity that provides food, shelter, clothing, counseling, personal development, and addiction recovery to adults. Additionally, they serve children who have been removed from their families through a foster home community and program.

Please mark your offering envelope “Advent” and place in the collection plate. We will be accepting these donations through December 28th.

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Contact Information: Mountain View Global Methodist Church 6525 Mountain View Rd. Taylors, SC 29687 (864) 895-8532

We are also on Facebook – Mountain View Global Methodist Church – Taylors, SC

WELCOME HOME! Where Faith is Fueled and Foundations are Built

Mountain View GMC 6525 Mountain View Road Taylors, SC, 29687

Check out our new website at Mountainviewgmc.org for news, pictures, and much more!!! Look for our google calendar under “What’s Happening” as well as weekly bulletin, monthly newsletter and photo gallery.

Sunday School – 9:30 am Worship – 10:30 am