Mountain View Church of Christ

06/09/2026

The Empty Pew

It is hard to imagine a time when churches did not have air conditioning, running water, cushioned chairs or pews. A church where there was a bucket of water in the corner with a dipper that everyone shared. The windows would be opened in the heat and people would crowd together for warmth in the winter. If you had to use the bathroom, you would have to make the long journey to the outhouse. Yet with all of these inconveniences, Sundays use to be a time when people gathered at the church house to hear God’s Word. Many churches didn’t have Sunday School or youth programs and everyone was in the sanctuary to worship, hear God’s Word, and be together.
Pews were filled and I heard a lady this past weekend say she remembered when there was no more room in the church, people gathered outside by the windows and doors to hear the preacher preach the Word. God was a priority. Family was a priority.

People will say, “It was a simpler time back then.” Was it? People worked hard from sun up to sun down, most families were fortunate to have one car, and most items were handmade. Yet with everything they had to do on any given day, they made time for God and church.

Unfortunately today, it seems God and church is no longer a priority in too many families. The empty pew is becoming more common in churches throughout our nation. I have heard it said the church needs to change with the times, the church needs to cater to the people, the church needs more programs, the church......

Whatever happened to the thought of the church raising disciples and ministering to the community? Whatever happened to the church being a place where people came to greet one another to share the Word of God and to encourage one another in a life of holiness and righteousness? Whatever happened to people wanting to serve instead of being served?

The empty pew breaks my heart. Are people just too busy for God or do they just not care anymore? Either way, as more and more churches close their doors and people begin to remember when there use to be a place where God’s people would gather, one day when all the church doors are closed, maybe then, just maybe, people will once again rediscover their thirst to know who God is and to be with one another for worship and prayer.

06/06/2026

It looks like it's going to be a beautiful day tomorrow!
Please join us at Hungry Mother State Park at noon. We plan to have worship service, enjoy a meal together, and then spend the afternoon fellowshipping, swimming, relaxing, or simply enjoying God's creation. If you've been a little nervous about stepping into a church building, this is a great opportunity to come and meet us in a relaxed outdoor setting. Bring your family and friends—we would love to have you with us! If you're unable to make it to the park, we will also have services at the church building at 11:00 a.m. We look forward to a wonderful day of worship, food, fun, and fellowship together! God has blessed us with a beautiful day, and we hope you'll come be a part of it.

05/29/2026

📣 Mountain View Church of Christ – Fellowship Announcement

📍 Hungry Mother State Park – Shelter #1

📅 Sunday, June 7, 2026

Join us for a special day of worship, fellowship, and fun in God’s creation!

• Worship Service begins at 12:00 PM
• Park admission is $7.00 per vehicle
• 📝 Sign-up sheets for van riders are on the organ
• 🚐 Van will leave the church at 10:30 AM
• 🛠️ If you can help with set-up around 11:15 AM, it would be greatly appreciated
• 🏖️ Swimming admission will be covered by the church

🙏 Church Option:
If you are unable to attend at the park, there will also be a worship service at the church building at 11:00 AM.

📣 Everyone is invited!
Please invite your family and friends to be part of this special day together.

🌲 Things to Enjoy at the Park:
• Hiking trails
• Relaxing by the lake and beach area
• Fishing in Hungry Mother Lake (Virginia fishing license required)
• Kayaks, canoes, paddleboats, paddleboards, and hydrobikes
• Playground for the kids
• Easy paved lakeside walking trail

📖 Scripture for the Day (NKJV)
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” — Psalm 133:1

We look forward to a wonderful day of worship, fellowship, and time together in the Lord’s creation!

05/24/2026

What a blessing this Memorial weekend has been! We had a beautiful outdoor worship service and a cookout afterward. We truly enjoyed spending time with our brothers and sisters in Christ, and the children had such a wonderful time playing outside. Thank you to everyone who chipped in and helped make this Lord’s Day so special.

05/24/2026

It looks like the rain may hold off in the morning so come out and enjoy our outdoor worship service tomorrow. You are welcome to bring a lounge chair and maybe a throw blanket if it’s chilly. We would love for you to join us—we are a loving church with a heart for God and people. Service will start at 11:00 am!

Please come and join us!

05/22/2026

Please come and join us!

05/08/2026

Gathering supplies for our summer food boxes for local elementary school children. I am so proud of our church and this ministry, where we send home food bags throughout the entire school year and continue helping families during the summer months when school is out.
It is such a blessing to be part of a church family that cares so deeply for the children and families in our community. Thankful for everyone who gives, serves, prays, and helps make this mission possible. ❤️
If anyone would like to help, donate, or contribute items for the food boxes, please let me know. Every donation makes a difference and is greatly appreciated!

04/05/2026

We are so thankful for everyone who came to worship with us. God is good—the rain cleared just in time for the children to enjoy their Easter egg hunt. We pray you were blessed by the Easter program. Oh my goodness, the end of this video is everything… sweet Wes came up with this all on his own. So thankful for moments like this 💛

04/05/2026