Edition 4, Vol. 9
THE MOUNTAIN VIEW MESSENGER
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up, Do you not perceive it?... Isaiah 43:19
September, 2026
FROM PASTOR LAURA -Welcome to September 2026 Mountain View FamilyThe first month of fall is upon us, even if it doesn’t feel like it outside yet. August feels like an in-between time, as the last month of summer, and oh, it is hot. August means the end of the summer for our family’s summer trips, teachers head back to the classrooms to prepare for their new school year, and students prepare for their first day of the semester. We prayed over our teachers and students of all ages, as well as their backpacks for the new school year. They each were charged to be bold for Jesus, as His light is what they are sharing with all they encounter. We ended the month with a church family lunch, as we continue to grow together in relationship with one another for God’s Kingdom growth. September is a time of transition with weather and new seasons of beginnings. In worship during August, we began by highlighting the importance of the spiritual discipline of giving back to God through our church, of our talent, time, and treasure. Then we jumped back to the Acts of the Apostles series and are learning from the Apostles and early church leaders. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit nudges us toward a life of holiness, as we are called to witness boldly for His glory. Phillip Deal and I attended the GMC of SC Behold Annual Conference together at Southern Wesleyan University. It was a wonderful opportunity to get together with over 500 people within the state of South Carolina to worship God, learn from Biblical teachers, and fellowship with one another, as we grow in our walk of Spirit-led holiness. Stay tuned as Phillip will share more with you as our Lay Leader to Annual Conference. Our congregation visited North Greenville University’s Ministry Fair on August 20. We engaged with over 400 students, reminding them that we are praying for them and close by to be a resource. Please join us, beginning on September 13 at 6:00 pm, as we begin our Fall Summer Night Studies. All ages are welcome for small group studies, as we dig deeper into God’s Word and be in fellowship with our church family. Please reach out for more information. We invite you to come and join us for worship and ministry gatherings at Mountain View Global Methodist Church, where our mission is to make disciples who fuel faith, build foundations, and embody Jesus Christ in the world.
“Let us test and examine our ways and return to the LORD.” Lamentations 3:40
SEPTEMBER CALENDAR 3 – Handmade with Love, 1:00 PM 6 – Holy Communion, 10:30 AM Service 11 – MVMW – Outing to TrailBlazer Park, TR, 6:30 PM 12 – MVGMM, 10:00 AM 13 – Fall Summer Nights Studies Begin 6:00-7:00 PM, See Pg.9 14 – Mah-jongg, 1:00 PM 15 – Nursing Home Ministry, 2:30 PM, See below 15 – Deadline for submitting Budget Items (*See Below) 17 – Handmade With Love, 1:00 PM 20 – Fall Sumer Nights Studies, 6:00-7:00 PM 24 – Veteran Coffee House, 8:30-10:30 AM 26 – First Hike of Fall Season, 8:30 see Pg.5 27 – Fall Sumer Nights Studies, 6:00-7:00 PM 28 – Mah-jongg, 1:00 PM
SEPTEMBER CELEBRATIONS Happy Birthday! 4 – Chilton ‘Buzz’ Adkins 6 – Patti Jolly 14 – Adam Barnette 14 – Trent Cason 16 – Tullio Geloni 19 – Adam Stewart 19 – Elaine Stewart 21 – Julie Ross 22 – Bill Wilson 23 – Susan Bennett 24 – Penny Redmon 30 – Nancy Elliott
*PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR 2027 BUDGET REQUESTS BY SEPTEMBER 15TH TO SCOTT MORRISON, HARRIET AARON OR RUSS DIDELOT – THANK YOU! GREENVILLE CONCERT BAND, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 AT 6:30 PM, TRAILBLAZER PARK, TRAVELERS REST. In case of rain it will be held at White Oak Baptist Church Gym, 41 White Oak Road on Saturday September 12 at 4:00 PM Tammy Than is a part of this group.
Coming October 10th, 6 pm MVGMM BBQ and GOSPEL MUSIC
Pastor Laura’s Office Hours Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Happy Anniversary! 24 – Kerry & LeAnn Barnette
You!
Nursing Home Ministry The nursing home ministry will be going back to Riverfalls in Marietta on September 15th at 2:30 pm. COME JOIN US! Cindy Crain, Choir Director
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August Gifts In Memory of
In Honor of
Bonnie Bever by Lester & Lynne Gosnell by Betty Taylor by Zane & Sheri Taylor by Dusty & Julie Ross
Tammy Than by John Wilson Mike & Joyce Watkins by Harriet Aaron
Mike Deal by Dusty & Julie Ross Jerry Griffin by Betty Taylor by Zane & Sheri Taylor Debbie Wilson By Dusty & Julie Ross
Debbie Wilson’s Wish Is Coming True Thank you to all who have made Debbie’s wish a reality! PARKING LOT PAVING is scheduled to begin September 14th, depending on the weather. For a week or so, they will be paving the front parking lot and also the access road to the parsonage. There will be some parking limitations during this time so watch for parking instructions from the Trustees. Praise God, for He is worthy of Praise!!!
Welcome To Our Newest Member!! Judy Shearer
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Welcome to Mountain View Global Methodist Church to Dave Geschwindner, who joined our church March 29th, 2026. Dave was born in Somerville NJ and grew up in northern NJ. He held various jobs in his local Methodist Church, starting as sexton in his early teens. As he progressed in his journey, Dave taught Sunday School, became a certified Lay Speaker and finally a candidate for Ministry. When a seminary student didn’t show up to pastor a nearby church, Dave served as their pastor for 4 years! Soon afterwards, Dave received his Local Pastors Certificate. Dave was asked to fill in at a non-
Dave & Linda Geschwindner
denominational church in NJ and ended up being ordained and serving that church for eight years! Following that, Dave became a member of a local church until his retirement. In the midst of all this, Dave found himself as a single dad with 3 young kids. He met his wife, Linda, in 2001 and they married in 2003. Together, they raised Dave’s 3 children and Linda’s son. Dave’s daughter Alyssa is on our prayer list as she is currently fighting cancer. Throughout his career, Dave also worked as a master mechanic and owned his own service station for a while, then worked as a research technician until his retirement in 2012, when he and Linda moved to South Carolina. Dave has many hobbies, the first of which is his music. He started playing violin at age 7 and is still playing that as well at the mandolin, guitar, and banjo. He has a shop where he does wood work, metal work, mechanical work and more. He loves to keep his hands busy and be creative! Since moving to South Carolina, Dave has been a member of several Methodist churches, including Fews Chapel, Woods Chapel, Covenant and now Mountain View. He and Linda attended Covenant during Covid because they were still having services but Dave felt more comfortable in a smaller congregation. He had visited Mountain View before moving to SC, so decided to give it a try and feels that he has found his church home. Linda continues to attend Covenant in large part because her older sister is also a member there. At Mountain View, Dave is a member of the choir and has shared solo performances with us on Sundays. He is ready to do whatever he can to help and to be part of MVGMC. Welcome to Mountain View Dave!
Learning & Fun In Children’s Church – Come Join In!
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The MVGMC HIKING CLUB The MVGMC hiking club outings for the rest of 2026 are on the calendar and we want you to plan now to join us on any or all the dates below to enjoy God’s creation and get some exercise as well as make new friends! The hiking Club was a great success last year and because of that, we have expanded our leadership team and hope to offer two different hiking options on most of the outings. Destinations are subject to change but we are planning to meet at the church at 8:30 AM on the following Saturdays: 9/26 - Paris Mountain 10/24 - Table Rock 11/21 - Eastatoe Passage 12/31 - Special Thursday NYE Day Hike! The 2 options when possible for hikes: Faster/Further -- for those who want more of a challenge or faster pace Relaxed Tempo -- a slower, relaxed pace for those who don’t want to rush Our first hike of the season will be Saturday, September 26th. We will meet at the church at 8:30 AM and will be hiking at Paris Mountain. Hiking routes will be determined a little closer to that date once we know how many hikers we will have. Please sign up online if you plan on joining us. Please reach out to any of the leadership team with any questions you have! Tammy Than, Kerry Barnette, Scott & Danielle Morrison or Mary Uible
The GMC of SC August BEHOLD Conference The GMC of SC August BEHOLD conference was attended by Pastor Laura and I as your Delegate. I am pleased to report that your Conference is Efficient with a strong commitment to minimal but effective staff, Evangelical with a strong Worship and Missions, and Economically focused in management of funding and expenses. The EFFICIENCY of our Conference shows in our structure of a Superintendent, (Eric Grayson) with only 3 paid Staff & 7 District Elders with each minimal support staff. We are excitedly EVANGELICAL, a GLOBAL church with over 7,000 churches and growing. The Conference is ECONOMICALLY strong with a NET REVENUE as of 7/2/26 of $305,000 and ASSETS/EQUITY of $1,294,000, as the Conference transitions to a Calendar Fiscal year cycle. Cont’d on Page 9 5
Mountain View Methodist Women Well after a brutally cold winter and now a sweltering summer I decided to go and find out how to adjust to extreme weather through a Methodist Lens. John Wesley, taught that we cannot fully know why suffering or disasters occur, but it is NOT SENT by "GOD". God rejoices in the GOOD of all his creatures., this means that extreme weather is part of a Broken, Fallen World, NOT divine punishment. We must always trust in God's presence and love even in uncertainty. I feel better now fall is just around the corner! Our women's meeting on Aug 11th was as always, a JOY! Pam Pasek and Sis Sipler provided the refreshments. Thank you both for the Beautiful Table settings and the delicious food and desserts. Pam Pasek gave our devotion from Deuteronomy. "Love God with your whole heart, remember his Faithfulness and OBEY his laws and do not compromise.” From old business we are still collecting used UPPER ROOM booklets. We have received quite a few in the special box located in the front of the church. We are currently putting together a list of people and groups that we can give them to. “Thank You All” for helping us with this mission. The nominating committee will be meeting soon to address the new leadership for 2027. August Program: First I want to share with you that every month our group has a Program, this means that each one of our women has to step up and share something personal like a talent or a belief, or someone who inspires them or someplace they went or did something they enjoyed and want to share. This month Danielle Morrison shared with us a special talent that she has. Danielle owns a LOOM, and she spins and weaves her own yarn. Danielle didn't want to show off how good she does this but opted to share with us what it was like in BIBLE DAYS for women and men to shear the sheep, clean the wool and use primitive tools to be able to create the yarn to make cloth. I could go on telling you more of what she had to say and showing us the actual product and tools but to all the ladies at Mt View this is what you are missing, this church family is comprised of special people who have been given some talent from GOD and he wants us to share these talents. NOTE: We have decided as a group to do something "Special" in September. There is going to be a concert at Trailblazer Park in Travelers Rest on September 11th at 6:30pm. Each one of us will all be bringing our own food, snacks and drinks and a chair to sit on. Those of you who do not like to drive in the evening we will have women at the church who will be happy to drive you to the affair. I am told that one of our church ladies (Tammy Than) will be in the concert, so we are inviting ALL the ladies and their families from Mt View to come and enjoy this occasion with us. Questions? I should have exact information by the 6th of September. Patti Jolly President
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. Proverbs 31:25
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Mountain View Global Methodist Men SEPTEMBER 2026 We got back to our regular meeting on Saturday, August 15th. We had a great turn-out, and plan to keep meeting on Saturday mornings. Jim McCoy brought beautiful bagels for snacks, and Mick Coster did a devotional based on the parable of the mustard seed. He pointed out how sometimes the smallest gesture in church or out in the community can profoundly affect someone’s life. Always be ready to plant that little seed! Our next meeting will be on Saturday, September 12 at 10:00 AM. See you there! Plans are moving forward for our annual BBQ and Gospel Hour. This is scheduled for Saturday, October 10th. Dinner will be at 6:00 PM, with live music to follow. We have scheduled High Top Mountain Harmony to be our entertainment. If you’ve never been to this event, you owe it to yourself to come out for an evening of food, fellowship, and fun! We do not sell tickets, but rely on your generosity for this important fundraiser. We will work out all of the details at our September meeting, so plan to be there so we know who can help out. The men are looking into sponsoring an entry into the Travelers Rest Christmas parade. We think that this will be a fun way to work together on a project and get our name out into the community. While the men will sponsor our entry, this is open to the whole church. We need you creative and crafty types to come up with ideas to decorate a float, and to help out with the decorations. We will have people walking with a banner and others handing out candy and??? We have not yet committed to this event, so please let Jay or Phillip know if you’re on board and want to help. Christmas is coming faster than you think (scary!) so we need to get this going as soon as possible to see if it will be practical for us to do. Just a reminder- Keep bringing in donations for the Little Food Pantry. This seems to be a muchneeded service for our community. Thanks!
In His Service, Jay DeBree
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Local Mission and Outreach Sunday Dinner With a Twist John Wilson continues to prepare 80 meals the third Sunday of each month. Thank you to those who help John prepare these meals in our kitchen that are taken for distribution by Sunday Dinner With A Twist organization. Another church also provides meals on this Sunday that result in 250 meals being given out to those in need at various locations in Greenville. The new location of Meals On Wheels in Greenville is now open. We are grateful to MOW for letting Cassandra and Redd with SDWAT prepare meals at their kitchen. We will be planning to offer help to Cassandra as needed. Hot and Cold Drinks Our church continues to provide approximately 150 cold waters and sport drinks in spring and summer and hot chocolate in fall and winter. Thank you to the volunteers who sign up for this mission. September volunteers are Dave and Maria Hudgens, Phillip and Kay Deal, Cindy and Kent Crain and Scott and Danielle Morrison. NGU Church Fair North Greenville University Church Fair on August 20 was a success. Thank you to Pastor Laura, Stuart and Jessica Yarborough and their children, Briggs, Hank and Kayleigh, Mike Watkins, Russ and Terry Didelot, Jim Bever, Leann Barnette, Phillip Deal and Bill and Linda Wilson for their participation. Also, thank you to those church members who helped prepare all the goodies in advance including the ladies who crocheted the prayer squares. The students love the squares and many said they have collected them from previous years. We gave out bags with popcorn, Ramen noodles and a honey bun. We also gave out bags with a prayer square, a Little Jesus, and a card with our church information. Thank you to Briggs, Hank and Kayleigh who gave out the rubber ducks, a BIG hit with the students! This outreach to the students does make an impact on both them and those who are in service of spreading the love of Christ.
If you are interested in volunteering or just observing our process to serve those in need, please contact either of us. Stay tuned for 2027 as we continue to grow our service to the community. Bill Wilson and Phillip Deal
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Faith for the Whole Family: Sunday Night Studies Begin Soon! Looking to grow deeper in God's Word this fall? We are excited to launch dedicated Bible studies for every generation, starting Sunday, September 13th from 6:00 – 7:00 pm. Bring the entire family for an evening of community, learning, and spiritual growth! There is no cost but we ask that you sign up either online or on the list in the back hallway to ensure we will have adequate materials. Nursery will be provided. Adults… Deepen Your Prayer Life: Join The Daniel Prayer Fall Bible Study Do you long for a more vibrant, powerful prayer life? This fall as part of our Sunday Night Studies, we are offering an adult Bible study based on Anne Graham Lotz’s book, The Daniel Prayer: Prayer That Moves Heaven and Changes Nations. Inspired by Daniel’s heartfelt intercession in Daniel Chapter 9, this study explores how to pray with urgency, unwavering conviction, and bold faith. Whether your prayer life feels vibrant or a bit dry, together we will discover how to move beyond routine prayers and experience true spiritual breakthrough. We’ll explore how to break through distraction, overcome spiritual fatigue, and pray with the confidence that God hears and answers. Facilitated by Tammy Than, this ten-week study will kick off on Sunday, September 13th from 6:00 – 7:00 PM in the fellowship hall. Each week’s session will be stand-alone so even if you will need to miss a few – we’d love to have you sign up! Whether you are a seasoned prayer warrior or just beginning your prayer journey, we’d love to have you. We can’t wait to see how God moves in our hearts and community during this time together!
(Cont’d from p. 5)
GMC BEHOLD CONFERENCE 2026
The Business Session was brief. APPROVED were the Superintendent’s annual evaluation, recommendations for staff and local Clergy salary increases and implementation of a Reserve Fund Policy to assure our finances remain healthy while keeping our focus on Ministries, Clergy Recruitment and Church Planting across the Conference. We APPROVED Nomination of the various Leadership Committees assuring a balance of 50% Laity and 50% Clergy. We APPROVED continuing support of Mission work in the Oasis Conference in Africa and lastly, we APPROVED a new 3-year partnership with the Peru Annual Conference that will provide new mission opportunities, perhaps even for us at Mt. View. The 2027 BEHOLD CONFERENCE is scheduled for June 23-25 at Covenant Church, Greer. Perhaps a group from Mt. View can attend? Thank You for letting me represent you this year. If you have question, give me a call. Phillip Deal, 2026 Delegate
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Mountain View Global Methodist Church 6525 Mountain View Rd. Taylors, SC 29687 (864) 895-8532
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. We are also on Facebook – Mountain View Global Methodist Church – Taylors, SC
COME AND WORSHIP!
Sunday School – 9:30 am Worship – 10:30 am
WELCOME HOME! Where Faith is Fueled and Foundations are Built
Mountain View GMC 6525 Mountain View Road Taylors, SC, 29687
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