MIDWEEK MESSAGE #189
Hello and welcome to Midweek Message #189! If I was a betting man (which I’m not), I think I would be safe in saying that winter is here. I’m guessing there is not a person who would argue with that. I just read a blog of a friend who lives in Georgia. It was 17 degrees there. Sounds balmy to me, but to them it was like the Arctic. When Jo tells me she is over this I tell her brace yourself, there is more coming. I don’t understand…she makes a face at me and walks away. ☺ Anyway, I hope you have stayed safe and warm through this rough patch.
From the “I got ahead of myself” department: My practice has been to ask for prayer for the educators after they have been prayed for on Sunday during our prayer time. For some odd reason, I got ahead of myself and have been asking for prayer for the principals a week early. So I’m back on task by reminding you to pray for Brittany Greene, the principal at Spencer Elementary School. You can check out last week’s MM for information about Brittany and her family.
YOUTH CORNER
WOW! Our youth rocked it this past week. Several even found their way into the Friday Fun Facts newsletter Kris Samick sends out each week.
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- Eli Wood, son of Andy and Stacy Wood, won the Patriot Pen Writing Contest which included a cash prize. What an honor, Eli!
- Rusti O’Neal, daughter of Isaac and Hanna O’Neal, was in the Student Spotlight. Her teacher says, “Rusti gives it her all in every aspect. She has a heart of gold. I’ve been honored to watch her grow from 4th to 5th grade and she never ceases to amaze me! She is helpful and kind to her classmates and is my go-to student if I need an extra hand.” What fantastic words Rusti!
- Anna East won the “Voice of Democracy” Award. She had to write a speech and then practice/record it and turn it in. She took 1st Place at the Gosport VFW Post. Her award included a cash prize and she was also entered in the district contest. We are so proud of you, Anna! (A little birdie named Linda St. John may have given me this information).
- Trevor Floyd was honored with the True Patriot Award for the 2nd quarter at the Middle School. It is an award which says, “A student who shows outstanding character, kindness, academic effort, and great behavior.” Way to go, Trevor!! (I won’t say that a proud mama shared this with me)
- The S-OCS system celebrated 100 days of school this past week. Some of the teachers and students dressed up. I won’t say anything at all about Kristine Mangia dressing up in a wig and a housecoat and walking and talking like a 100 year old. I won’t even mention that Tami told me about it. ☺
- Eliza Chambers had a tough gymnastics meet in Ohio last weekend but mom says she did an amazing job. She came home with 4 medals…again. Mom is right. ☺
- Speaking of the youth corner…although she is not in that category any more (sorry), Hannah Morse, one who calls OVCF home and is a 3rd grade teacher at GES, was spotlighted in the teacher of the week section of the Friday Fun Facts. Congrats, Hannah!
- I’m proud of our young people. Are you? If you know of more please let me know.
DON’T FORGET! This Saturday, the 27th, is the Team Nolan Fundraiser at the Christian Life Center from 12-2. Nolan is in remission from his battle with leukemia and this fundraiser is to help his family with their medical bills for his ongoing treatment. Suggested donation is $10 adults/$5 for kids.
Each week in our bulletin we have a rather lengthy prayer list. Included in that prayer list is a reminder to pray for all our Law Enforcement and Military friends and family. This is especially highlighted after a tragic incident Saturday evening.
- “ISP Trooper, Azariah Keith (relative to Dave Keith and family) was changing a tire with the help of another ISP trooper who blocked him from oncoming traffic when a drunk driver hit the median and then hit him. The prognosis did not look good but after surgery Sunday it was much more positive than first thought. His pelvis was fractured not broken. He had a large wound sewed up (praying for no future infection). His fibula was fractured (but no surgery will be needed). Partial weight bearing for 6 weeks but zero restrictions on his movement. The doc says he looks good. They expect a 6 months recovery for sprints and everything.” (Taken from a screen shot sent to me). Trooper Keith has a wife and two young children. Please be praying for him and his family as he recuperates.
- PLEASE remember to pray for all of our LEOs.
Cassie Linville and Hannah Pendleton are planning on taking a mission trip to Kenya next month. They are still in need of financial help as well as help in purchasing supplies. The deadline is this coming Wednesday, January 31st. You may reach them by contacting the church office or visiting with them Sunday. There are also several clipboards and a take home sheet on the info table with their needs.
Miscellaneous news:
- Robert Anderson was recommended by the elders and confirmed by you to serve OVCF as an elder. We prayed for him, his wife, Becca, daughters Kathryn and Alli, and sons, Rob and James, this past Sunday. I’m excited to have him on our leadership team.
- Wayne Akerson presented the future building plans this past Sunday and talked about our next steps. You can watch it online, ask, or come see the diagram. Diana did a wonderful job putting it together. These are exciting times!!
- My sermon this Sunday is one I have been chomping at the bit to get to: WELCOME HOME…where…Grace is Offered. I look forward to sharing it with you.
I’m going to close this week’s Midweek Message. Thanks for taking the time to read it. I love you all.
Pastor Bill
