The Session would like to share an update regarding plans following Pastor Steve Beard’s upcoming departure.

A farewell celebration is being planned for Sunday, July 20, and more details will be shared next week. We hope you'll join us as we honor Pastor Steve and his faithful service to our church community.

In addition, the search process for a new Senior Pastor is now underway.

After consultation with a liaison from the ECO Ministry Partnership Team, the Session has elected to hire a Transitional Pastor to serve in the Senior Pastor role during the search. A Transitional Pastor plays a key role in helping the church clarify its vision, strengthen leadership structures, and prepare the congregation for the arrival of a permanent Senior Pastor.

The Session identified two Certified Transitional Pastors as candidates, and the interview process began this week.

We are committed to keeping you informed as we move forward and will continue to share updates along the way.

If you have questions or would like further information, please contact Jackie Tilburt, Clerk of Session or any of the Elders.  Contact information for all Session members can be found on the MVPC website.

Thank you for your ongoing prayers and faithful support during this important season of transition.

With gratitude and peace,

MVPC Elders 

Dear Beloved Mountain View Family,

With a full heart and deep gratitude, I write to share news that is both joyful and difficult: after much prayer and discernment, I have accepted a new call and will be concluding my ministry at Mountain View Presbyterian Church. Later this fall, I will begin leading the Community Church of the Verdes in Rio Verde, Arizona.

Serving as your pastor for nearly 15 years has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. Together we have walked through seasons of celebration and sorrow, growth and challenge, vision and change. We have worshiped, prayed, served, and loved one another—and I have witnessed God’s faithfulness in and through this community in countless ways. For all of this, I am deeply thankful.

This decision was not made lightly. Over time, I have sensed the gentle leading of the Holy Spirit preparing me—and preparing this church—for a new season. The call I have accepted will stretch and shape me in new ways, just as my time with you has formed me into the pastor I am today. This new position will also allow Julie and me to devote more focused time and attention to our son, Andrew, who needs our love and care. While I am excited for what lies ahead, my heart is tender with the sorrow of saying goodbye.

Please know this: I love this church. I believe in the work God is doing here, and I remain confident in His faithfulness to lead and guide you into the future. The Session and I are working closely together to ensure a healthy and hopeful transition, and I trust that the God who has brought us this far will continue to lead Mountain View with wisdom and grace.

My final Sunday will be July 20, and I hope you’ll join me in worship and in giving thanks for all that God has done in and through our life together. In the coming weeks, I would be grateful for the opportunity to share conversations, memories, and prayers with you.

You will always hold a special place in the Beard family’s heart. Julie and I leave with profound gratitude and deep affection, trusting that God will bless and keep you always.

With love and peace in Christ,

Steve