Quarterly Pastoral Report

Jeremy Norton, Lead Pastor

Winter 2025 Update

Dear Mountainview Church Family,

I wanted to take a moment to reflect on God’s faithfulness over our fall season and Christmas, then share some key updates as we look ahead.

Looking back over October, November, and December, we walked through two impactful sermon series. The Called by God series highlighted the lives of nine biblical figures, helping us explore how their stories connect to answering God’s call in our own lives. Then, in December, our Advent series, The Newborn King, guided us through the themes of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love as we celebrated Christ’s birth and kingship. Christmas Eve was especially encouraging, with over 300 in attendance and over $9,000 raised for our First Gifts campaign.

Giving and attendance have both continued to grow steadily throughout 2024, a testament to God’s provision and your faithful commitment to Mountainview—thank you!

We also celebrated two key events last quarter: the You Belong Women's Conference, which encouraged and inspired women to grow in their faith and community, and the Journey to Us Marriage Conference, which equipped couples with practical tools for building healthier, Christ-centered relationships.

Additionally, I’ve undertaken a significant project this season: transitioning our Child Protection & Abuse Prevention policy to Safe Sanctuaries’ Reduce the Risk program. This change better aligns with our church’s values and comes with some cost-saving benefits as well.

On a personal note, I ask for your continued prayers for my friend Aaron and his wife Lydia. After losing their teenage son, Christmas was particularly difficult, and their grief remains heavy.

To view the full report, including detailed updates, future plans, and prayer requests, please click the link below:

Click here to view the full report

Looking Ahead: Winter 2025

As we move forward, here’s what’s on the horizon:

• Annual Budget Vote: In January, we’ll vote on our 2025 faith budget. One exciting item is Aaron transitioning into a permanent part-time Associate Pastor role, focusing on chaplaincy ministry under Fellowship National.

• Safe Sanctuaries Policy Launch: We’ll fully implement the Reduce the Risk program this quarter, ensuring Mountainview remains a safe and welcoming space, especially for the vulnerable.

• Community Groups: I’ll be stepping back into overseeing Community Groups after a break, continuing to encourage authentic community and equip our leaders.

• New Sermon Series: That Thing Jesus Said: Understanding Jesus’ Tough Teachings is a 14-week series starting soon, where we’ll tackle some of Jesus’ more challenging lessons. This leads into our Holy Week series, preparing us for Easter!

• Master’s Degree: I’m doubling up on courses to finish my master’s in Christian Leadership by fall 2025, which will be a significant academic challenge alongside ministry and family life.

• Family Vacation: At the end of January, my family will be taking a trip to Florida. Though I’ll use some of the time for schoolwork, this break will allow us to rest, recharge, and reconnect.

Prayer Requests

As we look to what God has in store, I invite you to join me in praying over these key areas:

1. Leadership: Pray for Aaron as he steps into a more targeted ministry role of chaplaincy.

2. Finances: Pray for the approval and provision of our 2025 budget.

3. Study: Pray for focus and balance as I work toward completing my degree.

4. Policy: Pray for discernment and smooth implementation of Reduce the Risk.

5. Family: Pray for rest and renewal during our upcoming vacation.

As we embrace this new season, let’s be encouraged by Galatians 6:9 (ESV): “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Thank you for your ongoing prayers and support for Mountainview’s mission and ministry.

Peace,