MIDWEEK MESSAGE #285
Hello, everyone! After taking a break last week for Spring Break and being gone for several days, it is good to be back with you. I hope you had a good week off and had a chance to travel or relax (or both). Needless to say, it is back to the ‘ol grind. I want to say a big THANK YOU to Tom Mangia for preaching for me this past Sunday. I hear that my job is in jeopardy. 😊 I’m so glad Tom was willing to fill in for me while I was gone. He also helped Pastor Ryan out after his crazy week. So “Thanks, Tom” from both of us.
DON’T FORGET!!
This Wednesday, March 25th is our church family pitch-in starting at 6:00. We also plan to open the door into the new addition for you to take a peek around if you would like.
A NOTE FROM HANNAH:
I asked Hannah Pendleton, our children’s director, to write something for this week’s MM. She knows the subject much better than I do and I thought it wise to let her tell you about something special. Here are Hannah’s words:
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- In remembrance of Jasmine St. John and her love for books and little ones, “Jasmine’s Little Library” has been created and is located in the Preschool classroom. The shelves contain books highlighting Bible stories, forgiveness, loss, special needs, and other topics. These books are resources made available for you to borrow. I just ask that you message me with the title of the book you are taking. 😊You may contact me at 812.821.7360 or hannahpendleton3896@gmail.com
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Jasmine did love books. She had obtained “home library status” (which means she had 1000+ books) and was a teacher in our Preschool classroom. Parents, make sure you check out that book shelf and the books available!
YOUTH NEWS:
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- This is from the department of “It never seems to stop” i.e. Pastor Bill getting something wrong in the MM. I mentioned in MM#284 that Charli Wood sang in the 8th grade choir. I was wrong on both counts. First, she is in 9th grade. (First head slap). Second, she is in the Owen Valley Soundwaves show choir! (Second head slap). Sorry, Charli!😄
- Congrats to Tad Nicholson! Tad was awarded the Team Player Award for the 8th grade boys’ basketball team.
- Congrats also to Amelia Biggs! She was awarded the Mental Attitude Award for the 7th grade girls’ basketball team.
- Many of you do not know Keaton Jackson, except by name only. Keaton has fought cancer since he was 7 years old and most recently was on our prayer list as he went through another battle. His mother, Jessica, texted me a picture of Keaton receiving the Academic Achievement Award from Clay City High School for 2026. Fighting cancer, studying from home, and earning this achievement is worthy of mention.
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WORTH CELEBRATING: Congratulations to Gavin and Jenna Wells & family. Their adoption
of Gwendolyn (Zara) was official on Monday!! 😄
BUILDING UPDATE:
Much has been happening the past couple of weeks! Here is a brief wrap-up of everything with some news about the future:
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- The stage/platform has been modified to give additional seating.
- Spray foam insulation of the walls is completed.
- Plumbing, electric, HVAC and AV/internet wiring have all been roughed in.
- Drywall is to be hung (but not finished) and insulation will be blown in starting this week.
- WE WILL STOP AT THIS POINT! (See below)
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What does all this mean?
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- It means the adults will be meeting in the new addition for one service on Resurrection Sunday morning. The young people will continue to use the current facilities as they normally do. We will have some electricity, but no plumbing or HVAC. We will use some propane heaters to heat the facility but I suggest you dress appropriately.
- We are grateful to Abram Farm for allowing us to use some of their chairs for the morning.
- We are also grateful to Henry Holsters (business behind McCormick’s Creek Rehab and Abram Farm (if needed) for extra parking. If the weather is dry, some may try parking on the east side of our parking lot where the future parking expansion is planned.
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So…why stop at this point? We said all along we would only do what we can with cash in hand. Since we don’t want to deplete our Building Fund, we are stopping to replenish it so we can finish the addition. Some things cost more than expected. Some adjustments had to be made along the way. The elders and Building Team members have been aware of everything as we have proceeded and it has been decided to wait to finish things (like drywall, the nursery, and the bathrooms). We will proceed as money is available.
Just so you know: I had a big change of plans this past weekend. Jo & I did not go to PA to celebrate my brother, Rob’s 50th anniversary in the ministry. Gwendolyn’s adoption took precedence in my heart and mind; and since Tom was already preaching for me, we decided to visit our family in Ohio. We missed being with you Sunday. This coming Sunday my message is The Sin-laden Savior. We sometimes hear people talk about the Passion of the Christ. What exactly does that mean? Find out Sunday. I do look forward to seeing you. Until then…know you are loved.
Pastor Bill
