MIDWEEK MESSAGE 28
Hello my friends! Welcome to MM #28! As I have said in the past, I’m not sure how long I will keep doing the MM so each one is worth saving. They may soon be very valuable as a collectible to be used in the future. You know…as a place to put dirty boots or shoes; line a bird cage; teach children how to make paper airplanes; you know…important stuff. 🙂 I know. You are thinking “it is too early in the day to deal with Bill’s sense of humor (weird).” Anyway, when you read this I do hope you are having a great day.
I’ve been reading a book on leadership called The Uniform of Leadership by Jason Romano. Jason worked at ESPN for almost 2 decades so he is very familiar with the world of sports. Jason uses the uniform a player wears as his illustration and beginning point. In one chapter called “Lead Like Tami,” he writes of an employee at ESPN who worked in the cafeteria. After her first initial introduction to Jason, she knew his name, and over time asked about his wife and daughter, both of whom she knew by name. But it wasn’t Jason alone, it was the whole world of ESPN. She knew and welcomed everyone with a smile and a genuine question of interest. Not a “How are you?” and then move on to another person. Jason said she made you feel important and like you were the only one there at that time. She smiled and greeted everyone similarly, even through a bout with cancer. When she moved on after 18 years, her going away memorabilia banner was like no other. Totally full with hardly a space to write another word. Jason writes that three things epitomized Tami’s leadership: positivity, a servant’s heart, and investment in others. (p.58)
I had to stop and ask myself a tough question-one that I will ask you as well: If narrowed down to how you influenced others, what would people say? Asked another way: how will people remember you? As a grouch? A troublemaker? A contrary person? A rebel? A complainer? (or some other adjective). Or will they remember you for your positivity? Your servant’s heart? Or your investment in others?
Okay, now on to other things. We had our first week of youth church this past Sunday since March. It was so good to see so many young people back. I do believe some of them have most certainly grown taller since the last time I saw them. Sheesh! I believe Ryan was pleased with the turnout (a little over 20 with both youth and adults). I honestly feel it will continue to grow each week as word gets around and parents know we are doing our best to keep safety as a high priority. My benefit was seeing some of the parents back as well. And I absolutely love that!! Meanwhile, the service is still being live streamed and will continue into the future. Of course, that means some of you will still be missing my joyful presence and laughter-filled demeanor. Sad…so deprived. 🙂
We have some coming events I’d like you to be aware of and put on your calendar.
- In the middle of October we will be starting Operation Christmas Child. With the upheaval of the past 8 months or so, the hardest hit has probably been children. Many have seen their worlds rocked with uncertainty. This is one small way to help.
- We have not given up our dream of more space. We simply put it on hold for a while. Now that we are back meeting and find ourselves tight because of limited seating, the need for space is back on the front burner. The Building Team will be having a meeting on October 12th to get back in the game.
- October 18th will be our 16th anniversary as a church family. I am planning on some different things that morning during the message time. It will definitely be a different kind of anniversary than we have had in the past. Unfortunately, we will not be able to meet as one that morning. We will still have two services-9:00 and 10:45. But someday….
I want to end this MM with some prayer requests for you to keep in mind. They are not listed in order of importance nor with great detail.
- Addi Hutchison- she is recovering from surgery this past Friday. Addi is the 3 y/o daughter of Caleb and Amanda.
- Mike Basey- left hip replacement on Wednesday, the 30th.
- Ryan’s stepmother, Ginger, had back surgery Monday, and his stepfather, Rusty Turner, had another stress test Tuesday. Pray for healing and wisdom in both cases.
- Whitley White & family on the loss of her unborn daughter last Thursday. They named her Alaina Marie. Pray for God’s comfort and presence to be real for them.
- For OVCF. That God would direct us and we will follow.
Have a great rest of the week. Love you guys and look forward to seeing you whenever possible.
Pastor Bill
