Church Spotlight
Mountain View Ministries Church of God
by Theresa Dardanell
Support of local, national and international missions and evangelism is important to the members of Mountain View Ministries Church of God, but Pastor Jeff Shaw said, “The number one outreach is leading people to Christ and then mentoring them in order that they may grow in the Lord. One way we do this is through a 4-week discipleship program, which enlightens people to find the will of God for their life.”
Their uplifting Sunday service begins with inspiring contemporary music led by Worship Music Director Sissie Jerrell and the Praise Team with guitar, keyboard and drum accompaniment. Reverend Shaw continues the service with announcements and a call to pray for members in need. Pastor Shaw’s reading of Scripture and his accompanying message are met with enthusiastic calls of “Praise the Lord” and “Amen” from the congregation. Once a month, the service concludes with Communion. Revival Sundays this year will feature guest pastors: Pastor Robert Redford on October 20 and Pastor Jerry Price on October 27. Christian song writer Willis Canada will be featured in concert during Revival Sunday on November 3.
Locally, the church donates to Catoctin High School Safe and Sane and the Thurmont Police Department. On the first Sunday of every month, the Pastor Shaw and members visit the residents of Moser Manor in Thurmont to provide a meal, a message, and fellowship. They provide financial support to many of the Church of God ministries including Youth World Evangelism Action, Church of God International Women’s Ministries and the children’s home in Tennessee. National and international financial support also includes Operation Christmas Child, Samaritan’s Purse, Kibera Kids center in Africa for AIDS orphans, and the Wycliffe organization which helps people translate the Bible into their own languages.
Everyone is invited to join in all events and activities. The annual “Blessing Day” in July is like a yard sale with tables of clothes and household items set up in front of the church, but it’s even better because everything is free! During the winter, families get together for movie nights in the church. A giant splash pad, basketball, ladder ball, and corn hole were the activites during family fun days this summer. The annual picnic will be held this year on September 15 after the morning service; join them for food, fun and fellowship.
Pastor Jeff Shaw and Meredyth Shaw began their ministry, originally named Thurmont Church of God, in their home in 1992. The church relocated several times over the years; the current church building was dedicated in 1997 and renamed Mountain View Ministries. It began with 13 charter members. The congregation has grown since that time but Joe and Colleen Tumulty have been with the church since the beginning. When I spoke to Joe Tumulty about the practice of adult baptism in the church, he explained the doctrine of “believer’s baptism” which is baptism for people who make the choice to receive the Lord as Savior. They are then encouraged to seek the baptism of the Spirit.
Mountain View Ministries is located at 103 Apples Church Road in Thurmont. They would love to hear from you; call them at 301-271-9088 or email [email protected]. You will find lots of additional information on their website, www.mountainviewministriesinc.com, including a calendar of events, a message from Pastor Shaw, a declaration of faith and the mission statement: “At Mountain View Ministries, we will be equipping believers and carrying out our vision by acceptance, prayer, worship, Bible study, leadership, spiritual gifts and counseling care.”
Pastor Shaw (pictured in back row, with white shirt and tie) and members of Mountain View Ministries Church of God.
