MIDWEEK MESSAGE #277
Hello everyone and welcome to Midweek Message #277. I hope you have all recuperated from the Sunday morning shock of snow, ice, and bitter cold! I guess I should pay more attention to the weather, especially on a Saturday night/Sunday morning. I guess I was naïve enough to think it would be sunny and in the 80s.😄 Thanks to all of you who were able to make your way in, and for those who weren’t, for watching online.
Our educator of the week is Hannah Morse. She and her husband, Cole, have been married for 5 years. They are the parents of 4 year old twin sons, Tripp and Kohen. Hannah taught at Gosport Elementary School for 7 years before making the decision to homeschool Tripp and Kohen, who are both autistic. She has done a marvelous job teaching them and they are both showing great improvement. A big shout out goes to the teachers and helpers in the Pre-K Sunday morning class. They have made the boys feel so welcome they can’t wait to get here and get to their class. I could mention specific names but I don’t want to embarrass anyone, nor leave anyone out. Hannah’s father and mother (Brad and Christina Corder) and brother, sister-in-law and niece (Caleb, Gabrielle & Charlotte Corder) also attend OVCF. Please be praying this week for Hannah, Cole, Tripp and Kohen.
SOME ADULT NEWS!
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- This past Saturday night, the Conservation Officers had their belated Christmas party here at our building. Caleb Hutchison, his wife, Amanda, and two children Addilyn (Addi) and Owen attend here. Not only did they find our space much to their liking, an added bonus came to Caleb. He was honored as the District 5 Conservation Officer of the Year. Way to go Caleb! {As an aside: years ago when I met Caleb he once told me that being a conservation officer was his dream job. He passed the test, loves his job, and is seeing the fruit of that! His only disappointment is that he is not allowed to have any facial hair. Oh what we sacrifice to do something we love!😄}
- Coffee and Chocolate, a Women’s Connection Event is this Saturday from 11-1:00. There is no cost and it is one of the most attended ladies events. If you have any questions please contact Macy Carlson, Hope East or Linda St John.
- Mollie Wainscott has made the Dean’s List all five semesters she’s been attending Milligan College! That is while taking 17 hours a semester, plus playing violin in their music program! 😄
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SOME YOUTH NEWS!
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- Pastor Ryan, Hope and members of the youth group who attended the TCTC (Tennessee Christian Teen Conference) made it back safely. They had a terrific time! I look forward to talking to them and finding out more.
- DEEPER resumes this Wednesday. DEEPER is a Bible study for our middle school/high school students held at the East homestead from 4-5:30.
- ROOTS (MS/HS youth group) will begin its winter/spring session this coming Sunday evening. They meet at OVCF from 5-7:00.
- Jo & I were able to attend some youth basketball games this past week. We saw the 7th (Cooper Wood) and 8th grade boys play (Cale Hatton for Shakamak and Tad Nicholson and Kyson White for OV). We also were able to watch the 7th grade girls (Amelia Biggs) play. We have more games to attend. If your son or daughter is playing and you would like us to come watch, please let me know.
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SOME PRAYER REQUESTS:
From time to time I plan to include some prayer requests that affect us all. Here are a few to keep in mind this week:
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- Emily Wyatt had surgery this past Friday and is home recuperating.
- Heather Keith had hand surgery this past Friday. It was good to see her Sunday.
- Jim Perin was diagnosed with Stage 3 esophageal cancer. He is on a liquid diet and begins radiation this week. He also sees the chemo doctor this week.
- Don Taylor, Jr began his chemo treatment this past week.
- Tiffany Groomer is recovering from an emergency appendectomy this past Thursday.
- I had a wonderful visit with Austin and Brooke Sheese last week. They are both recovering from the horrific car accident. Brooke still has several surgeries ahead of her but her attitude is great. Austin is still recovering from his broken femur, but using a cane. A big shout out goes to Dalen Dow for his friendship and care for both. They have been blown away by the support they have received in so many ways.
- Keaton Jackson is still recovering from his latest round of chemo. Both mom and dad had COVID but so far he has avoided it. He has an MRI this Friday.
- Our prayers go out to John & Jenny Hess and family this week. His mother, Marian passed away last week.
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Along with the above requests, it is also important to recognize God’s work in answering prayer. The past two weeks Aaron and Sonia Clausman have been in front of the church thanking us for the support for the children in slavery in Pakistan. They have also shown pictures of children receiving their gifts. In total, 160 children were blessed. Here are the stats for you (Aaron and Sonia want to be totally transparent in how the money was spent). 65 helped by the church (total of $1635 received from church and individuals). 25 orphan children (they have been taking care of since 2017). 70 helped by abroad donations for total of 160. From the bottom of my heart thank you for being so generous during the Christmas season. We asked a lot of you:
Operation Christmas Child, Backpack Buddies, and then Pakistan gifts.
Don’t forget our Church family pitch-in on Wednesday, January 28th starting at 6:00. We
would love to have you to join us in lots of laughter, conversation, and, of course, food. 😄
I will continuing my “Seven” series this Sunday with Flip the Switch from John 8:12. The miracle that corresponds with that “I AM” is from John 9:1-41.The impact of that “I AM” can be seen in the following statement by C.S. Lewis: “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.” I look forward to seeing you Sunday. Until then…know you are loved.
Pastor Bill
