Happy Birthday, Oklahoma

By Pastor Mark McAdow
Oklahoma is 116 years young today! Sing it with me ... “You’re looking fine, Oklahoma. O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A. Oklahoma, OK!”  (I know you OSU fans are adding a word to the end even now!) 

I’m a native Oklahoman.  My mother was born right here in Enid, and her father, Russell Burner, worked for the Frisco Railroad here in Enid for 10 years before being transferred to West Tulsa, where my Dad and Mom met and my history began.  I, too, just celebrated a significant birthday last week. The U.S. government even gave me a little red, white and blue card with my name on it! How truly kind. My family gave me lots of treats including a famous Max Moser coconut cream pie. Life is good.

This Sunday is a significant Sunday for us at Willow View. No, it’s not our birthday, but we are 121 years young this year. This Sunday, Nov. 19, is our Commitment Sunday and annual Willow View Thanksgiving dinner. We’ll meet in one combined service at 10 a.m. this Sunday. We’ll worship together with our traditional and contemporary worship leaders and musicians, and we will conclude the service by placing our 2024 commitment cards on the altar. It’s a favorite Sunday as we are all together in worship, as we make our commitments to our Lord Jesus through Willow View Church.

Now is the time – if you haven’t yet – to look at your blessings and offer to the Lord Jesus your very best for the New Year. Robin and I will be doing the same. The Lord never asks us for anything until He has given to us first. He is a great provider and a wonderful savior. Let’s give the first portion of our financial blessings back to Him. He is trustworthy. You can’t outgive the Lord – I guarantee it!

I’ve enjoyed seeing many of you coming this week to have your picture taken for our new pictorial church directory. “You’re looking good in the neighborhood!”  You can still have your picture taken on Tuesday, Nov. 28. If you haven’t signed up yet, please contact Emily in the church office at (580) 234-4899.  We want everyone’s picture to be included. Our Willow View family is most special to all of us. We’re seeing the Lord answer our prayers as we’re growing with new members, financial resources, prayer, new babies, outreach in our community, restored marriages and new Christians, too!  I want to personally thank you for all your prayers, cards and support during this time following Robin’s sister Linda’s death in California. We think we’re back home in Enid for good now, and we are most thankful.

Yours in Christ,
Pastor Mark

Have a blessed weekend. Looking forward to seeing you this Sunday for worship and Thanksgiving dinner. Our Discipleship Communities will begin decorating the church for Advent and Christmas, too.