MIDWEEK MESSAGE 176
Hello and welcome to Midweek Message 176. The week leading up to a vacation, or in this case, Fall Break, is always a hectic one. So, thank you for taking the time to read this MM.
Please be in prayer for Gabrielle Corder. Gabby, as she is known, teaches Kindergarten at Gosport Elementary School. This is her first year teaching in the S-OCS school system. She has settled in nicely and loves teaching here. Gabby has been married to Caleb for 9 months.
Our college student this week is Kaedence Beckwith. She attends Oakland City University and is majoring in Business. Kaedence is also a cheerleader for the school.
Our college student for next week will be Emily Bray. Emily is the sister of Caylan (Bray) Akerson and is attending Ivy Tech for nursing. (See next comment as to why she is mentioned here.)
Since Fall Break is next week for the S-OCS system, I thought I would let you know that there will be several changes involving the church family.
- There will not be a MM next week. I know, I know, I can see the disappointment factor reaching 1 on the Richter scale, so great is your disappointment. ☺
- To all of you 66ers out there! (That is not age 66 but those who are taking my Route 66 class on Wednesday night). We will NOT be meeting the week of Fall Break. Enjoy your time away or with family and try not to miss 66 too much.
- Our prayer focus will change next week. Since the school teachers will be on break, I’m asking you to pray for Valarie Akerson. Valarie is a Professor of Science Education at IU. Her focus is primarily on early childhood and elementary teachers teaching the nature of science. Valarie has been married to Wayne (one of our elders) for 24 years and they have one son, Alec, and a daughter-in-law, Caylan. Interesting fun facts: she has written several books. Valarie is also a world class power lifter for her age group. She and Wayne will soon travel to Coventry where she will compete in the World Invitational.
- Roots (MS/HS youth group) will continue to meet during Fall Break.
One other item to pray about: I asked you in last week’s MM to pray for Maverick Pendleton and his parents, Josh and Becky. Maverick has a glioblastoma and was to have a shunt put in to help his body absorb spinal fluid leakage. They were not able to do the surgery and decided to do an MRI instead. The MRI showed the tumor has spread. I personally cannot imagine the pain his parents are experiencing right now. Please pray for the family this week.
Have you highlighted, circled, put stars on, marked, or anything else you can think of on your calendar for October 29th? ☺ In case you were not aware, that is the date of our 19th anniversary celebration here at OVCF. Here are some particulars to bring you up to date:
- There are sign-up sheets at the info table for you to indicate what you would like to bring to the meal. This has always worked well so we can make sure we have enough of everything.
- All giving that day (unless designated otherwise) will go to the Building Fund. This has been a “tradition” we have done for several years. Our Resurrection Sunday offering goes to missions; the anniversary to the building.
- Even though it is a 5th Sunday, the young people will be meeting in their classes that morning.
- We have been having pretty regular correspondence with our architect the past week or so about the building addition. We plan to give you an update on our building project that morning.
- THE CHURCH IS PROVIDING ICE CREAM AND ALL THE TOPPINGS IN HONOR OF OUR AMAZING VOLUNTEERS. Since I tend to have this fondness for ice cream and subscribe at times to the adage “Life is short; eat dessert first” I may head over that way before having the main course. ☺
We are going to have an amazingly good time. This is for the whole church family. And even if you don’t know what to bring, please don’t stay away. You are invited to share in our joy. We always have enough food and since I’m eating dessert first you can have my share. What a sacrifice I’m making!! ☺ ☺
I’d like to ask you to put a couple of upcoming events on your radar. More information will be given when we get closer.
- Operation Christmas Child. Every year for the past umpteen (that is Bill speak for “I don’t have a clue”) we have taken part in this effort. Diana has already ordered the shoeboxes and flyers that tell you what to pack so look for this real soon!
- Thanksgiving Meal for the community. The Lions Club has already been secured for Thanksgiving morning. Last year we served/delivered over 120 meals all over Owen County. There will be sign-up sheets on the info table soon.
- Backpack Buddies- As many of you know, many Owen County students would go without food on the weekends if not for BB. We have tried several other gift giving ideas for the Christmas holidays but this one seems to be the most well-received. Diana is gathering information and will share it as it gets closer to collection time.
That’s it for the holidays. We decided a few years ago that we were loading up too much on you in November and December, as well as adding to the stress level of the staff, so we decided to cut back on what we did.
My space is up for this week. Have a great rest of the week. You are loved.
Pastor Bill
