MIDWEEK MESSAGE #192
Hello and welcome to Midweek Message #192! I am excited to welcome you to this edition of the MM with these words: HERE COMES THE SUN! I have to admit I was drooling at the sunshine this past week. Sunday was especially beautiful. Someone asked me this week if I had ridden my bike outside the past week or so. I told them, “No it is on a trainer inside. If I rode outside and then had to go back inside I wouldn’t be able to handle it. I’ll wait.” But this sure gets the anticipation going.
Remember to pray for our educators of the week: Tom Arthur is an Owen Valley graduate and is in his first year as Principal at OVMS. His wife is Penny and they have two children, Tara and Jackson. Duane Potts is in his first year as the Assistant Principal at the Middle School after 20+ years in the classroom. His wife, Tricia, teaches kindergarten at MCES. They have two daughters, Kelsey and Kayla, both who are still in college. I know Tom & Duane would appreciate your prayers.
YOUTH CORNER
The youth corner has some slim pickings this week.
- The only one I have heard about is Liam Hogan. Liam was chosen to lead the Pledge of Allegiance at the school board meeting last week. Liam’s grandparents, Dick and Vicki Hogan are deeply involved at OVCF, especially with the worship team ministry. Speaking from experience, you can’t dismiss a grandparent’s pride and joy when it comes to their grandchildren. 😊
- Here is one for the funny pages. Three weeks ago I was standing in the hallway chatting when Marci Arnold (in Preschool class and also sees me at GES when I read) and her sister, Ellie, came up to me wiping their brows. Marci’s hair was plastered to her head with sweat. She started wiping the side of her head and forehead with both hands saying, “Pastor Bill it was so hot in our classroom today. We need a fan! You need to get us a fan.” So, I said, “Oh yeah? What if I don’t?” “Then,” she said, “You’re fired!” 😊 Fortunately, Diana found out why it was so hot in the classroom. The thermostat got bumped up to 80°! I may be off the hook! But you gotta love the precociousness of a kindergarten kid. 😊😊
- Remember: if you know if one of our young people are honored or do something for someone else, please let me know.
Speaking of our young people: don’t forget Hilltop Christian Camp registration is now open. Every summer we send a ton of campers to spend time at Hilltop. There is something for all ages. Some of you may be saying, “Hilltop? What is Hilltop?” It is a church camp in Brown County that we support financially each month as part of our missions giving, plus we send campers there. Information and registration forms are at the info table or you can register online at hilltopchristiancamp.com. Please keep in mind discounts are in place for early registration. An added bonus! On March 3rd, Ryan and Mala Croft, the directors of Hilltop, will be with us for both services to give a brief recap of camp. After their recap in the second service, they will be with the young people for a presentation (and making s’mores). Please mark your calendar!!
The Connections Women’s Ministry has an event scheduled for Saturday, the 24th at 2:00. It is an Over 40 vs. Under 40 Trivia Showdown. You are asked to bring a snack to share and a willingness to allow the Over 40 crowd to win. Oops! I wasn’t supposed to add that latter part. 😊 Sounds like fun though. Contact Macy Carlson if you have any questions.
I have thoroughly enjoyed preparing and preaching this series WELCOME HOME…where…
- The Gospel is Preached
- Jesus is Honored
- Grace is Offered
- Lives are Changed
- Obedience is Encouraged
These next two weeks were not part of my original plans but with there being two weeks and the rest of Colossians 3 I thought it would be good to continue the topic. The next two weeks are Tough Challenges are Given. It is actually in two parts. I will be preaching Part 1 (Col. 3:5-11) and Pastor Ryan will be preaching Part 2 (3:12-17). Thanks also to Westin & Cassie Linville for the WELCOME HOME mat at the front door.
Jo and I plan to leave for Arizona on Tuesday, the 20th, to visit with our friends, Dave and Susan Waechter and to also pay a personal visit to the folks behind the MAK Foundation (they have been so generous in their support of OVCF) to tell them thanks in person. A letter has been sent each time the church has received a donation, but there is something to be said for a personal thank you. We will be back, Lord willing, late on the 27th. Besides the Gilbert, Mesa, Phoenix area, we also plan to visit Scottsdale, Sedona and the Grand Canyon. Dave said there is a possibility of rain due to the weather system in California. Prayers for safe travel and good weather would be much appreciated. One major announcement as a result (besides Pastor Ryan preaching):
- My Route 66 class will be cancelled for the 21st (gone) and 28th (jetlag and prep time).
My sermon series for March will be Jesus Unfiltered. I’ll share more with you in next week’s MM. Then I finish Revelation. Then again… 😊
Have a great rest of the week. See you Sunday. Love you all.
Pastor Bill
