Vista Community Church

Some people are truly psychosomatic triggered, let's not minimize them. DeWine anticipates a return to certain closures in Ohio, and the (mostly) fictitious character, Benjamin Martin, in the movie Patriot says, "Aim small, miss small." You can always reach me at mike.smith@vistacc.org – give me a shout (about anything).

Some of the phrasing in my last podcast lacked precision and I learn what I should've known: this election-cycle has ground people down such that political topics alone can be disheartening or even damaging...at least for now. Eventually though, my hope is that Christians can set the standard and honor Jesus by demonstrating healthy, undivided community amidst all manner of diversity and differenc...

Streaming live

Pastor Mike kicks it into overdrive to pack a church update down into an 8min recording. This is the same update he gave to the Vista Leadership Community last night via Zoom. Enjoy!

Part 2: Getting through election week...better yet...helping others get through election week AND contributing to the health and unity of our country will require attending to stuff that's hard to see. Let's take a look and then help one another flourish rather than flounder in the coming days. Here're 5 things to help you bring some grace and peace to bear...

Getting through election week...better yet...helping others get through election week AND contributing to the health and unity of our country will require attending to stuff that's hard to see. Let's take a look and then help one another flourish rather than flounder in the coming days...

When we fail to repent when God calls us to repent, we end up at a place where we can no longer repent.

Pastor Mike highlights a few exciting things going on around Vista...

Can we set aside politics for a hot minute and give credit where it's due? U.S. Gov't 101. And the second in a series of things to consider before you vote: Who do you trust?

Pastor Mike reminds us of the unique responsibility inherent to a vote within a democracy.

There’s more that God wants to do through you, for you, and to you so that the rule and reign of God can be birthed in this place of worship.

We only have two choices in the coming presidential election, and each is an unalterable package deal. What if you don't like the whole package??

While the pandemic surges again, Pastor Mike takes a moment to honor our good friend and home town hero, Judge Paul Herbert, as he hands over the reigns of his nationally respected, replicated and resoundingly successful CATCH Court. (Here's the Dispatch article Mike mentions)

Pastor Mike responds to an email expressing concern about the decision for Vista to re-start some in-person gatherings...

Mike finishes unpacking Booth's quote from c.1890 including, what is politics without God.

William Booth (1829–1912), founder of the Salvation Army (1865), foreshadows the next century with a quote (circa. 1890) that will blow your mind – because he might well have said it in 1990...about today.

You want my view/opinion regarding the VP debate?!? Why? I'm not political, nor do I have high expectations that much can be solved or accomplished through political means. But, okay, I'll make a couple relatively safe observations and make a request that I think is a REALLY good idea!

Mike finally finishes his three tips for Christian engagement with others around difficult subjects

In addition to Mike's 3rd tip for Christian engagement with others or social media regarding tough subjects, he also introduces Vista's plans to try a few in-person gatherings.

There ARE some things you can do amidst the difficult and divisive events and topics of the day that can mix in the hope and life of God! Pastor Mike gets to 2 of 3 of those things in this episode.

Working a daily existential crisis into your morning routine is certainly one alternative. There's an alternative...with bonuses (which, due to time constraints...will be covered in the next episode)

Who you are in life is far more important than what you do…

The rope incident is deplorable, and the response of the home improvement franchises benefits them alone.

In the spirit of [re]church things are already evolving in wonderful ways with Vista. THANK YOU for your continued commitment to love, patience through the pandemic, and generosity in giving. We're hearing and obeying, and continuing to become what God needs us to be...

In today's episode Pastor Mike talks about three things he'll be watching for in Tuesday's Presidential Debate, and also comments on our hope to begin some form of in-person gathering in November.