MIDWEEK MESSAGE #305
Hello everyone and welcome to Midweek Message #305. I always found it difficult to get back into the swing of things after a week or so off. Just think though…in just over a month, Thanksgiving will be here! And then in another month…Christmas. Did I just say that? 😄 Thanks for joining me in this edition of the MM.
I will remind you right from the start to pray for our educators for the next two weeks.
-
- This week our prayers are for Jake Steinmetz, Principal and Dr. Gretchen Morgan, Assistant Principal at OVHS.
- Brady Tragesser, the Director of Special Education for the SOC-S school system, is our prayer focus for the following week.
Over the past couple of weeks, several of our folks received some special recognition:
-
- Kris Samick was honored by the Owen County Chamber of Commerce as their 2026 Educator of the Year. Here is what they said: “Her dedication, heart for students, and commitment to students make a lasting impact on Owen County. Congratulations, Kris- this award is so well-deserved.”
- Gabby Corder was selected as B97 and IU Credit Union Teacher Feature. Teachers are nominated by members of the community and selected for the positive impact they make upon their students and school. “Mrs. Corder brings kindness, patience, and enthusiasm to her classroom each day, helping our youngest learners feel ready to learn.”
- Kali Smith, Bookkeeper at OVMS, was chosen for this month’s You Make a Difference Award. She was nominated by OVMS principal, Tom Arthur, with these words: “Kali has an invaluable work ethic and is willing to step in and help wherever she is needed. Kali has done a fantastic job, bringing exceptional computer skills, dedication and a can-do attitude to her role.”
Since the focus this month has been “There’s No Place Like Home”, I’d like to hear your thoughts as you consider the question: Why do I call OVCF home? Email me (pastor@ovcf.org) or text me (812.821.1752) with your thoughts. I would like to read them at our anniversary this coming Sunday.
YOUTH NEWS:
-
- Many thanks to the young people who spent one day of their Fall Break (Wednesday, the 14th) to help clean up and sweep the new addition to make it a little more presentable for our Anniversary Sunday. Pastor Ryan, along with Rachel East, Marla Lippert, Tad Nicholson, and Aasha Srinivasan all deserve a huge thank you. Hope East and Rachel Nicholson helped by preparing a yummy lunch for them. Jeanna and Nathan Srinivasan stopped by to offer encouragement.
- Some of the young people will be attending ICOM (International Conference on Missions) in November. To help offset costs they will be having a Pancake Dinner Fundraiser on Wednesday, October 28th, from 5:30-6:30 PM. Donation only.
- Aubrey Mangia ran sectionals in XC last weekend and advanced to Regionals this weekend. The boy’s team qualified as a whole. Dane Stahl and Liam Hogan (Dick & Vicki’s grandson) are part of that team.
- Cecilia Arnold (Melissa’s granddaughter) completed her Girl Scout Silver Award project. The Silver Award is the highest award a Girl Scout Cadette can earn. For her project, Cecilia created a community puzzle and game box located behind Gosport Elementary School! Her goal was to encourage kids and families to put down the electronics, spend more time face-to-face, and enjoy playing, talking, laughing, and connecting with one another. Cecilia as a freshman at OVHS.
- Not to be outdone by their mom, Declan and Oliver Smith, lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance at the same board meeting where their mom received her award. Was there a conspiracy to get her there? 😄
We have a new addition to the Don & Shelby VanDerMoere family, as well as the OVCF family.
Don and Shelby welcomed a foster child into their home Sunday, the 11th.
FROM THE “I NEED YOUR HELP” DEPARTMENT:
For a number of years we served our community with a Thanksgiving meal, using the Lion’s Club (LC) as our base of operation. I would like to bring it back this year, especially with the tough times many are having. I received the approval of using the LC just this week, and after talking to the rest of the staff and contacting some folks to get their help, I’d like to do this!
-
- It will be Thanksgiving Day from 11:00-1:00 at the LC. I will be at the LC for set up at 9:00 and invite you to help. Please start bringing your food around 9:30.
- A sign-up sheet will be posted for the next couple of weeks for food. Stacy Wood has graciously volunteered to help commandeer this part.
- Spread the word. Deliveries will be made beginning at 11:00. Gail Kempe has volunteered to be in charge of getting the deliveries ready, but will need help.
- Meals will also be served at the LC. Curbside pickup of meals will also be an option.
This is a great way to serve our community and help those who need a meal or just a friendly face on what can be an emotional holiday. Thanks.
This Sunday is our Anniversary Sunday. We have been advertising and anticipating it for over 2 months. I look forward to a great day! A recap:
-
- One service in our new addition at 10:00. Children’s programs will meet in their usual classrooms.
- Some surprises during the morning worship! The sermon will be shorter than normal! 😄
But there is more! - Evening activities beginning at 4:00 with games, a pitch-in meal at 5:00, ending with a worship around the campfire. (This is all with weather permitting. If not, we will be inside).
- All giving will go the Building Fund unless designated.
- Help is needed on Saturday at 10:00 to bring 150 chairs from Abram Farms to the church building to set up. We will load them back into a trailer on Sunday and return them Monday morning. If you can help it would be greatly appreciated.
Please remember, we are still under construction. The new space has been cleaned twice but there is still a lot of dust on the floor. We just want you to be aware that we have done all we can for now but there will be additional cleaning needed in the future.
My sermon for this Sunday is We Speak Changed Lives. The next week the sermon will be We Speak Real Life. I look forward to seeing you this week. It not, know you are loved.
Pastor Bill
