CRESTVIEW — Mosaic Church has a new pastor.

Church members named the Rev. Tadd Anderson lead pastor in January. Anderson has served as interim pastor at Mosaic since the Rev. James Ross left for a position at Niceville's First Baptist Church in November.

The church's administrator, Whitney Farley, said "Tadd has such a heart for the Crestview community as a whole … His serving as pastor will be a great addition to the Crestview community."

Anderson and his wife, Amy, have three children, Graham, Avery and Abel.

Mosaic Church is at 832 James Lee Blvd. W. in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Mosaic Church names lead pastor

Editor’s Note: We thank Bill Crump of Crestview for sharing this poem.

Though the News Bulletin usually does not publish poems, it is the Christmas season and we had some unexpected space to fill, so we hope you enjoy this one.

On the throne in Pearly Heights

seated to the right

Jesus helped to rule the Realms

through endless days and nights

Many angels were informed

by Him they earned their wings

and choirs of cherubs all performed

at His directorings

Back down on Earth in ages lost

to times long forward march

there came a day when Jesus called

all back to Peter's arch

Lining up were many whom

had records of great deeds

for helping numerous fellow men

in times of their dire needs

The gate beneath the arch was small

all entered one by one

the line was stretched out timelessly

into oblivion

St. Peter had his rules to which

all aspirants were test

Each deemed of worth was processed in

as an eternal guest

Somewhere along that endless line

in white and red array

a bearded jolly pudgy soul

lay snoring in a sleigh

Sometime in that infinity

a sleigh slugged to the gate

where Peter either "God forbids!"

or he congratulates

"Your name sir?" he inquired right off

"I'm Santa" was replied

and though the endless list was scanned

no Santa was identified

"There may be quite a problem here"

St. Peter said befuddled

"I'd better check with my Boss sir

these records may be muddled"

He dialed the hot line number

which patched him to the Throne

To tell Jesus: "we've got a 'Santa’

who to us is unbeknown

"And Lord here in our records

since no Santa does exist

should I allow a conference

or should he just be dismissed"

"How strange my dear gate keeper

what our records do not show

because the name of Santa

rings a bell with Us you know"

"Perhaps, dear Jesus, if You would

since this line may never end

come down here to help me judge

if this Santa should come in"

"Beloved Peter I will certainly

lend you My helping hand

I'm teaching holy angel school

And I'II come quick as I can"

A few light years passed

in a time that did not matter

for in forever it is different

from what was worldly pitter-patter

When Jesus walked down to St. Pete

from the Fortress up above

the aura they were standing in

glowed brilliant from His love

Startled by such brightness

Santa waking from a snooze

called out the name "RUDOLPH ???"

much to Jesus's amuse

"Santa" St. Pete beckoned

as Santa waddled forth

"Please meet the Savior, Jesus

Who will talk to you henceforth"

They glided on their silver wings

down to that plump physique

and gave an amazed Santa

a kiss upon each rosy cheek

Santa turned around to Jesus

who was no longer there

He looked back toward the gate

what he saw froze fast his stare

Along the cherished highway

leading to the Fortress strong

were spread a zillion angels

singing "Here Comes Santa" songs

At the gate old Santa noticed

its stern keeper teary eyed

who quickly beckoned Santa

then threw the gate open wide

Far more self-conspicuous

than he had ever been

Santa trudged up to the gate

stumbling, bumbling in

He sauntered up the highway

past the cheering angel throngs

into the mighty kingdom

right up to the hallowed Thrones

Inside Santa saw Lord Jesus

Who was holding out His hand

then Jesus looked at God and said

"Let Me introduce this man

"My Father, this is Santa Claus

he came from earth as I

Just why he wasn't on the list

I'll try to clarify

"For Father he was never real

in flesh, though it matters naught

for Heaven does not admit flesh

although many think it ought

"To get to Heaven's hallowed gate

and join the privileged ranks

one's soul believes in good

and to evil says ‘No thanks!’

"Dear Father he was wonderful

throughout his endless life

he gave full his self to others

as did his helpers and his wife

"He was more than representative

of the Gift You gave to man

he was evidence of Your goodness

and his methods were so grand"

"Jesus," broke in His Father

"Let me ask a question here

so I can fully understand

and make this matter clear"

The Lord then queried, "Santa,

Why are you so adored?"

Santa said, "Is it because:

I love Your children Lord?"

"Well, Santa" said his Highness

"We have no records on you sir

and without such documentation

We normally issue a transfer"

Santa, who was now confused,

was at a loss for words

All he remembered was a 'POOPF!'

while he was tending reindeer herds

"Santa could you tell Me,"

Jesus softly said

"Who you were and what you did

or it's 'you know where,’ I dread"

Santa's tummy grumbled

and he mumbled a "pshaw"

when at that moment passing

glanced an angel down in awe

The angel had a trumpet

and she raised it to her lip

The joyous blast that followed

even startled His Lordship

A radiance glistened Heaven

Tears of joy fell from the eyes

of a multitude of cherubs

who had filled God's lovely skies

Carefully Jesus studied Santa

whose smile was beaming bright

at the mirthful gleaming faces

of the angels taking flight

The Lord looked down at Santa

in understanding found anew

"There are no sleighs in Heaven

but I have a job for you

"When My children come to visit

they seem stupored and in fear

and they talk so hesitatingly

in this churchy atmosphere

"For sugarplums and lollipops

in Heaven are not found

angels, harps, and trumpets

are the only things around

"One's soul's the only suitcase

each is asked to bring above

for in Paradise the beauty

is import of peace and love

"So please be seated Santa

on my left right next to me,

all my children now will sparkle

for I will place them on your knee"

Then Santa laughed and Jesus smiled

Their Father grinned and boast,

"Here now we three complete my Throne

Father, Son, and Holy… gho …ah …. Host"

***

Furthermore throughout all time

unending, far, and wide

the fear of God is gone from child

since Santa's by his side.

Copyright 2007, Bill Crump. All rights reserved; reprinted with permission

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: The Day Jesus Met Santa

CRESTVIEW — A Crestview church is hosting an evening Easter egg hunt for the community.

Attendees are asked to bring a flashlight for the hunt, which is 7-8 p.m. March 25 at the Twin Hills Park football field, 100 Hathaway St. S., Crestview. 

Cheryl McSween, office administrator at Lifepoint Church, said about 200 kids attended last year's hunt.

When asked how the idea for a night-time hunt came about, McSween said, "One of our moms had started doing it at her house, and it kind of just grew, and then we had the idea to do it at Twin Hills And open it up to everyone."

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview church schedules evening Easter egg hunt

CRESTVIEW — This Christmas, more than 50 needy children around the world will receive a mix of toys and necessities from Crestview area residents.

Volunteers filled Hangar 252, Emmanuel Baptist Church's Air Force-inspired children’s facility, on Oct. 3 to pack shoeboxes with school supplies, hygiene items and toys — donated by businesses and individuals — along with bracelets and “Tic-Tac-Toe" and memory games.

They hope these items will change the lives of children they don't know, just as a shoebox of gifts — part of Operation Christmas Child, a Samaritan's Purse initiative — once changed Luis Gonzales's life.

The now 26-year-old received a shoebox gift 20 years ago in Panama City, Panama, where he lived in poverty, sharing one bed and one towel with his family and brushing his teeth with salt.

The shoebox gift included school supplies — pencils, paper and crayons — he had prayed for so he could go to school, he said. His gift also contained a letter and a picture of the giver. The note read, “God loves you, and I do too.”

He still has the stuffed lamb and the plastic box, but what affects his life even today is the faith, hope and love that touched him two decades ago, he said.

WHAT: Operation Christmas Child, a Samaritan's Purse initiative to help needy children in hard-to-reach countries

HOW: Pack an empty shoebox with a “wow” item —like a doll or miniature soccer ball — and other toys, school supplies and hygiene items. Then take it to a drop-off location during National Collection Week, Nov. 16-23. The boxes will be prepared and delivered to children overseas by boat, airplane, train and even elephants.  

ONLINE: Read more about the program, including how to prepare a shoebox gift, at samaritanspurse.org/occ

WANT TO HELP?

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview volunteers prepare gifts for poor children

CRESTVIEW — Children can paint pumpkins 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27 at the Crestview Public Library.

The event — for ages 4 and up — is free, but families need to bring a pumpkin and wear old clothes in case there are stains. Library staffers recommend bringing small pie pumpkins, which are more affordable and easier to handle, especially when wet.  

In addition, you may want to bring a box to help transport the wet pumpkin home.

Friends of the Library provided funds for the paint.

Registration is required for this event. Call 682-4432 or visit the library, 1445 Commerce Drive, to sign up.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Public Library schedules pumpkin painting

CRESTVIEW — Madi Baxley is like many other 5-year-olds. She likes playing with her sisters, climbing on her daddy’s fire truck, and trying to stay upright while roller skating.

But she also has Turner Syndrome — a genetic chromosome disorder that affects one out of 2,500 women — and its accompanying medical conditions.

“She has the classic short stature that goes along with each person with TS,” her mom, Ashley Baxley, said. “She has kidney problems, several heart conditions, she has thyroid disease, and swelling of her hands and feet.”

As a result, Madi sees six medical specialists throughout the year, Baxley said. To accommodate her health concerns, Madi is homeschooled, accompanied by her older sister, Ally, 8.

“That way we can go at the pace she wants to go,” Baxley said.

To help pay for Madi’s medical expenses and raise awareness of Turner syndrome, the Baxley family and the Northwest Florida Panhandle Butterflies, a TS support group, are hosting their second annual Turner Syndrome Family Fun Day Oct. 3.

There will be bounce houses, including one with an obstacle course for older kids, a rock climbing wall, barbecue, cotton candy, snow cones and vendors including Scentsy candles, Thirty-One merchandise, Jamberry nail wraps and Pampered Chef, Baxley said.

The Butterflies, Madi and her family, including dad Matt Baxley, a Fort Walton Beach firefighter, Ally and Lilly, 2, will be on hand to share information about TS.

TURNER SYNDROME FACTS

●Turner syndrome is a genetic condition, present from birth, in which the second X chromosome is completely or partially deleted.

●1 out of 2,500 women have Turner syndrome

●Turner syndrome itself is not life-threatening but the medical conditions that ensue because of the disorder can be, and they require strict medical management throughout the patient’s entire life.

●Symptoms are short stature, ovarian failure, heart defects, kidney abnormalities, lymphedema (swelling of arms and legs), frequent ear infections and hearing loss, visual and spatial difficulties, and possible learning disorders.

Source: Northwest Florida Panhandle Butterflies

WANT TO GO?

WHAT: 2^nd Annual Turner Syndrome Family Fun Day

WHEN: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 3

WHERE: Old Spanish Trail Park, Industrial Drive and Stillwell Boulevard, Crestview

COST: $5 per wrist band; $5 per barbecue plate; family of four package: $25 (includes two adults, two children, and four barbecue plates including sides and chips, and two wrist bands)

NOTES: Sponsored by the family of Madi Baxley and the Northwest Florida Panhandle Butterflies to raise awareness of Turner Syndrome and funding for Madi’s medical treatments. Information: 398-2073.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview family fun day raises Turner syndrome awareness next week