Category: MidweekMessage

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #303

Hello everyone and welcome to Midweek Message #303. I am so appreciative that you take the time to read this short message from me in the middle of the week.

Remember to pray for Matt Cazzell as our educator for this week. He is the principal at MCES.
Remember to pray for Brittany Greene and Aaron LaGrange as our educators for next week.
Brittany is the Principal and Aaron is the Assistant Principal at Spencer Elementary School.

FROM THE “THOUGHT YOU MIGHT LIKE TO KNOW” DEPARTMENT:

In the last edition of the MM I asked for your help in identifying our college students: college, grade, and course of study. Here is what I found out. If you know of someone else, please email or text me:

• • Alli Anderson-Freshman- Ivy Tech- Medical Imaging
  • Anna East- Freshman- Taylor University- Social Work
  • Caleb East- Freshman- Taylor University- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Theatre
  • Carter Hayden- Freshman- Wabash College- Major in Rhetoric/Minor in business
  • MiaRose Hess- Junior- Cedarville University- Major in Business Management/Minors in Entrepreneurship and Bible
  • Meilynn Hess- Freshman- Cedarville University- Major in Mechanical Engineering/Minor in Bible.
  • Cammie King- Freshman- University of Southern Indiana- Dental Hygiene
  • Adam Samick- Sophomore- Indiana Wesleyan University- Computer Science
  • Brooklyn (Smeltzer) Samick- Junior- Indiana Wesleyan University- Accounting

FROM THE “THIS IS A BIG DEAL” DEPARTMENT:

Wednesday afternoon, September 16th, I had the privilege of baptizing Chrissy Pless. Chrissy has been attending for close to a year now with her father, Don Taylor, Jr, and spoke with me several months ago about some questions she had. I had a chance to sit down with her and walk her through First Steps on September 10th. I had a unique experience with baptizing her. I have baptized a ton of people over the 50+ years I have been a pastor, and have done so in several different venues: a baptism in a church building, the YMCA pool, a trough used for feeding animals, a pond, a lake, a river, swimming pools, but this one was totally different. Chrissy and her husband, Paul, are First Responders for the Clay Township Fire Department. Paul suggested
using the holding tank the fire department uses for holding water for fires. It had steel-based folding sides with a canvas-type of lining. I have to tell on myself and how trusting Chrissy was. As I was putting her under my foot slipped and it took me an extra effort to get her totally under. But she trusted me and didn’t come up gasping for air!😄 Congratulations Chrissy and welcome to the family!

This coming Sunday I begin a 6 week series I have given the theme of “There’s No Place Like Home.” (And no, we aren’t giving out red shoes so you can tap them together and get to Kansas. Nothing against Kansas but… 😄). Here are the titles and Scriptures for those upcoming sermons:

• • We Speak Safe Place- Eph. 2:19-22
  • We Speak Truth- Rom. 1:18-32; 2:1-16; 3:9-28
  • We Speak Jesus- Col. 1:15-22
  • We Speak Fresh Starts- Philemon
  • We Speak Changed Lives- Col. 2:6-15; Rom. 6:1-11 (Anniversary Sunday)
  • We Speak Real Life- Romans 6:11-23

Why the emphasis on “Home”? Since the MM is found in various forums (here and the website) I have to be careful what I say and how I say it. What I am about to write is like that. As I write I will redact names and places but give a very real scenario.

You have heard me say (if you have been around OVCF very long) that my desire is for OVCF to truly be a family, to be a safe harbor where weary travelers can find their bearings, and where hurting people can find healing. We aren’t perfect, but we are trying our best to be that safe place, that place where people can find grace and freedom from the devastating effects of sin and shame. Here is why it is so important to me:

In 2002, our daughter, Janna, moved to Columbus, Ohio for a job in a corporate daycare. She began attending a church where she met her future husband. She also met some girls at the daycare, one who eventually began serving at a church in Powell, where they would buy a home. For almost 15 years they attended that church, and when possible took an active part. (They, like so many, had a very active, sports-minded son which involved some Sundays). After 15 years that marriage ended and Janna had to move into an apartment because she couldn’t afford the house. After unrelated incidents, she needed to move back into the school district so Braden could continue going to the same school system he started in and was
involved in. During those two years of upheaval, the church she had been involved in for close to 15 years never contacted her. No one called (not a friend). No one visited (not even the pastor). No one offered any help. She was alone, until Mike came along. Sadly, I know of others that happened to as well. So…while I have always wanted the church to feel and be like a family, that cemented my drive to make it happen. Mike’s death heightened her need for the church to be there. It was her “other friends” who came to her aid, not the church. Fortunately, Braden’s desire to attend church with his mom has at least drawn her back to the place she once knew. Are they reaching out to her? I don’t know. What I do know is that I shudder to think that might happen here. Now you know why the church being “HOME” is so important to me. Thanks for listening. Let’s make it happen!

As you may know, we were in Ohio this past weekend. What was supposed to be a wedding reception wound up being a gathering of Mike’s friends to remember him. We missed being with you. I look forward to seeing you Sunday. Until then, know you are loved.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #302

Hello everyone! I hope this week finds you doing well. I trust that you had a safe and restful Labor Day. I had a chance to get in a bike ride and have lunch with friends. That always makes a holiday more meaningful.

A reminder to you pray for our School Educators this week and next:

• • Kris Samick is the Principal at Patricksburg Elementary (PES) and also the Communications Director for S-OCS.
  • Matt Cazzell is the Principal at McCormick’s Creek Elementary (MCES)

We had a couple of new people here this past Sunday!

• • Macklin Zigler, the newborn son of Chris and Jenn Zigler, and brother to Winston and Barrett, was here for his very first time!
  • Finn, the newborn foster child of Gavin and Jenna Wells (and foster brother to the crew) 😄was also here.
  • It was a thrill to see them both here. It was especially cool seeing Warner Wells sitting down, asking for, then holding Finn. Gotta love it!
  • Now you can pray for both sets of families as they adjust to having a new little one.

Lo, and behold, we also got news that another baby is on the way, due in April. Jonathan and Abigail Kersten, the daughter and son-in-law of Scott & Heather Herrington shared the baby news a few weeks ago when they were home and about to take a family picture. 😄

HELP ME OUT! (Yeah…I know I need a lot of that). I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A LIST OF
ALL OUR COLLEGE STUDENTS, THE COLLEGE THEY ARE ATTENDING, WHAT
YEAR, AND THEIR MAJOR. Please get the info to Diana or me as soon as you can.

Aaron and Sonia Clausman are heading back to Pakistan! Sonia has asked me to share with the church family that they will be going back to Pakistan on October 1st (Aaron will join them on October 10th) for mission work and also her brother’s wedding. Their plan is to do as they did last time: take the Gospel to the slaves and to try to free them, as well as feed them. So far they have not raised any funds for the trip, so if you would like to help please contact Aaron (812.876.3057) or Sonia (812.391.8965) for more information.

YOUTH NEWS DEPARTMENT:

• • After a wild and wooly, wet and colorful ROOTS kickoff two weeks ago, they will begin meeting again this Sunday from 5-7:00. Pastor Ryan’s chosen theme for this year is Do Not Give Up. The lessons for the next two weeks will be on the Art of Forgiveness. If you have a young person in Grades 7-12, you will not regret them being a part of the ROOTS program!
  • Did you know that Rachel East is a cheerleader at OVHS?
  • Eli Wood is playing football for the OVHS team.
  • Several of our young people had entries at the State Fair, but I have not heard how they did. If you know, please let me know.

BUILDING UPDATE:

Tom Mangia, one of our elders, shared some information this past Sunday concerning the building addition. Many of you were unable to be here, so I thought I would share with you what he said:

• • Drywall work in completed.
  • Painting the drywall is next. Our painter is getting ready to start and plans to have the main auditorium finished by the time of our church anniversary (10/25).
  • The double door between the two buildings is to be installed soon.
  • Enlarging the parking lot will begin with skimming off the top layer and laying stone. Then it will sit until at least next Spring to allow a good solid base to form.
  • Tom mentioned that our Building Fund was about $3k short for all this to happen although we do have money in the savings plus our anniversary offering will go to the building, except where designated. Update: This need has now been met! 😄
  • Update!!!!! This coming Saturday from 9-12:00 there will be a work day to help clean the new addition. Drywall dust is everywhere so if you have a shop vac, a mop and bucket, a push broom, or elbow grease, your help is needed. Pastor Ryan is overseeing this effort so please contact him if you have any questions.

Not only was there a shortage of information in this MM, I also needed some extra space for some things I want to share with you.

• • My ROUTE 66 class will begin next Wednesday, the 16th, from 6-7:00 PM. I currently have 22 who have signed up for the class. You will be receiving a letter from me with details later this week.
  • Many of you are aware of the death of Janna’s husband, Mike, from pancreatic cancer. The 19th of this month was originally to be the celebration of their marriage. Instead, it will be a celebration of Mike’s life. Jo, Tami and I will be gone that weekend. Your prayers for our trip would be greatly appreciated. It will be an emotionally-charged one. We have only known Mike for about 6 years, but he changed Janna’s life and impacted ours. Your prayers for Janna would be most appreciated as she navigates what no spouse wants to do.
  • Beginning September 27th I will be preaching a series called There’s No Place like Home. That series will take us through our church anniversary and into 11/1. More info coming.

This coming Sunday the sermon is entitled The Elephant in the Room. As I have been saying, it is on Suicide. I realize that is an unpopular topic and might even seem like a strange one for a church on a Sunday morning. That is why I gave it the title I did. The church needs to talk about it. I promise it will be tastefully done and hopefully offer hope. Use your discretion as to whether you want your young child to listen. Do know this: you are loved.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #301

Hello everyone and welcome to Midweek Message #301. Diana will be taking some much-needed and well-deserved {emphasis mine 😄} time off and will be gone next week from the office. So I’m going to make this a two-week edition of the MM. I hope your week is going well so far and the rest of this week is even better!

Our school related prayers for the next two weeks:
 Andy Cline-Superintendent of S-OCS

• Matt Taylor-Curriculum Director of S-OCS
• Pray for each of these men as their position presents unique challenges. Pray for wisdom and guidance for them.

FROM THE “FANTASTIC NEWS” DEPARTMENT:

I almost called this FROM THE “ARE YOU KIDDING ME?” DEPARTMENT but decided to just state the facts for everyone to see. It has not gone unnoticed or unmentioned about the number of babies born to our church family or relatives of our church family in 2026. Here is the list I compiled just you can see:
‣ MARCH-

• • Brielle Eve welcomed by Aaron and Sonia Clausman
  • Archer Patrick welcomed by Logan and Lexie Britton
  • Archer “Archie” Dane welcomed by Keaton and Lily Zufall

‣ APRIL-

• • Carter David welcomed by Billy and Beth Allen (Julie Allen’s son and daughter-in-
    law)

‣ MAY-

• • Bowen Matthew welcomed by Brayton and Zoe Wyatt
  • Henry Lee welcomed by Will and Sarah Schneider
  • Eliza Claire welcomed by Adam and Cecelia Fox (daughter and son-in-law of Scott
    and Heather Herrington)

‣ JUNE-

• • Oaklyn Mae welcomed by Westin and Cassie Linville
  • Selah Mae welcomed by Caleb and Gabrielle Corder
  • Ellie Darlene welcomed by Jacob and Katie Manyik
  • Hayden Ryan welcomed by Justin and Stevie Chandler (Jason and April’s son and
    daughter-in-law)

‣ AUGUST

• • Oliver (no middle name) welcomed by Bob and Tiffany Kropack
  • Macklin Isaiah welcomed by Chris & Jenn Zigler

‣ OCTOBER

A son is to be born to Robert and Hannah Herrington (Scott & Heather Herrington’s son and daughter-in-law)

Isn’t that a hoot seeing them all in one place? WOW! To top it off, Becca Anderson told me that the OVCF church family provided nearly 50 meals to families between February and August. Combine that with several that were done apart from the Meal Train and that’s a lot of meals! You are to be commended! The Baby Care Team also provides something special for each birth. I love it when the church is a family! 😄

FROM THE “KEEP THESE IN MIND” DEPARTMENT:

Here are some miscellaneous items to keep in mind:

• This Wednesday, the 26th, is our church family pitch-in starting at 6:00 PM. I look forward to seeing you there.
• This Saturday is the SPROUTS get-together. They will be meeting at the church building from 6:30-8:00
• The church office will be closed Labor Day Monday, September 7th. And speaking of the office, with Diana being out of the office next week, please be patient with the two dudes who will be around here. 😄Hannah is here off and on (mostly Wednesdays), but she is the better of the three of us when Diana is gone.

FROM THE “PAR FOR THE COURSE” DEPARTMENT:

Leave it to me to leave someone out:

• Winston Zigler is playing hockey this winter for the Bloomington Blades.
• Am I missing anyone else? Please let me know.

FROM THE “BOOKS TO STRETCH YOUR HEART AND MIND” DEPARTMENT:

I have placed books in the church library for your use. Books which have been included are those on Special Needs Ministry, Suicide, Memory Loss/Dementia/Alzheimer’s, Depression, Anxiety, Miscellaneous, Loss and last week I introduced some books on LGBT. I’m going to continue that list is this week’s MM.

• Born (Again) This Way by Rachel Gilson. Rachel was a practicing lesbian who came to Christ but continued in her lifestyle until someone lovingly said, “You have to end it.” This is her story of “Coming Out, Coming to Faith, and what comes next.” This is a great book!
• Transformed by Kyla Gillespie and Transgender to Transformed by Laura Perry Smalts. Two stories of transition that show when a person meets Jesus they can be truly transformed.
• Does the Bible Affirm Same-Sex Relationships? by Rebecca McLaughlin. She looks at 10 of the most common reasons used to claim that the Bible affirms same-sex relationships. A short and to-the-point book with great insight!
• Check out the church library for more on this topic.

My sermon this Sunday is “A Tough Thing to Do” and the next week is “Hot Under the Collar.” I look forward to sharing and being with you. Until then…know you are loved.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #299

Hello everyone and welcome to Midweek Message #299. Summer is winding down but I hope you had a somewhat restful couple of months and took some time to recharge your batteries. Why? See next statement.

School starts this week. It’s funny how that simple statement elicits different responses from people. Some groan. Some wonder where the summer went. Some are excited to get back and see friends, resume a routine, and, oh yeah…study. 😄 No matter your response, please remember to pray for all the administrators, teachers, students and all involved with our schools this week. Once we get a list of all the aforementioned people, we will start asking you to pray for a different person each week. For this week, please remember to pray for the start of school and pray that it will be a safe and productive year for all.

FROM THE “YOUTH NEWS” DEPARTMENT:

With the start of school the news about our youth picks up steam. The only news to share at this point is about the youth group’s ongoing studies.

• Every Wednesday the Middle School and High School youth meet for Deeper at the East’s home from 4-5:30. Many just make their way there but if you need a ride from Pastor Ryan please contact him. Due to a prior commitment, Deeper will not meet on August 12th.
• The Middle School/High School youth group kickoff for ROOTS will be Sunday, August 30th from 5-7:00 PM. Look for a snack sign-up sheet soon on the info table.

FROM THE “NEWS ABOUT SPROUTS” DEPARTMENT:

I received the following announcement from Becca Anderson about the SPROUTS Small Group Bible Study:

• We will have our next SPROUTS event on Saturday, August 29, from 6:30-8:30 at the church building. We’ll have fellowship and refreshments from 6:30-7:00 then do a Bible study from 7:00-8:00.
• Becca will also be sharing more details in the weeks to come on the plan for childcare and what study they will be doing. Each family is asked to bring a snack or dessert to share. She has also asked for you to let her know if there are any food sensitivities or allergies she needs to be aware of.
• I (Pastor Bill) can attest to Becca’s excitement and encouragement about this group. Each get together has been well attended and there is excitement about the Bible study and the Facebook group’s response.

FROM THE “ROUTE 66 NEWS” DEPARTMENT:

No, sorry, we are not planning a trip on Route 66. This is about another Route 66. 😄

• Several people have been asking me if we have any kind of midweek study and I have told them up to this point, “No.” But I also told about my efforts in the past of offering Route 66 (herein called “66”).
• When they have asked what it is I simply tell them “The Bible contains 66 books. “66” is a whole Bible study on all 66 books, taking one a week and doing an overview of each one. There seemed to be some interest so I put out a sign-up sheet on the info table this past Sunday and there has been enough interest shown for me to offer it again.
• Wednesday, September 16th will be the first class. We will meet from 6:00-7:00 PM. All you will need to bring is a Bible, a pen, a three-ring notebook (or something to put the handouts in) and a heart to learn.
• If you plan to come but have not put your name on the sign-up sheet, please do so. It will help me to know how many copies to make for class.

FROM THE “IT NEVER HURTS TO BE INFORMED” DEPARTMENT:

Because I went to an every other week format for the MM during summer, and each edition was filled with information, I suspended the “It never hurts to be informed” department where I  gave a brief snippet of the new books I have put in the church library. So far I have included books on Special Needs Ministry, Suicide, Memory Loss/Dementia/Alzheimer’s, Depression and Anxiety, and Miscellaneous (Failure, Divorce, Forgiveness, and Does God Care?). This week I want to focus on LOSS:

• When God Breaks Your Heart is a vulnerable book by Pastor Ed Underwood. I loved this book! Pastor Ed had a form of leukemia that caused unbearable itching and skin scaling and had him more than once question God’s love and contemplate suicide.
• Out of the Blue by Greg Murtha. Greg was an entrepreneur and running advocate, deeply involved in helping people. He was 46 years old, at the top of his game and had just completed an 11 mile run when life crashed in on him. One month after that 11 mile run the doctor said, “Mr. Murtha, you have cancer.” He soon found out it was Aggressive Stage III colon cancer. A really powerful read! {3rd time reading this one}
• I’ve Seen the End of You by Dr. Lee Warren. Dr. Warren is a renowned brain surgeon who is also a Christ-follower. This is a book about glioblastomas. It is also the story of a doctor’s life with patients and the death of his son. I’ve given several of these away.
• Like a River by Granger Smith. Granger’s life was turned upside down when his 3 year old son died in their family swimming pool. Granger, whom I had not heard of before, was a country singer who has now left that profession to enter the ministry. Fantastic book!
• No Place to Hide by Dr. Lee Warren. This is the anomaly of this group. This book is about Dr. Warren’s battle with PTSD after a tour as a surgeon in Iraq. Helpful and insightful for me to know more about this ever-prevalent subject.

These books are in the church library if you would like to borrow them.

FROM THE “LAST BUT NOT LEAST” DEPARTMENT:

Two weeks down on my 8 week series on Break Those Chains! This Sunday my sermon will be A Sling and 4 Stones from Matthew 6:25-34. Reading the Scripture will show that I will be speaking about Worry.

I look forward to seeing you this Sunday. Until then…know you are loved.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #298

Hello everyone and welcome to Midweek Message #298. Thanks for letting me join you this week. School will be starting soon, so I hope you are enjoying the days until then.

FROM THE “YOUTH NEWS” DEPARTMENT:

I have some OC Fair results to share, but I’ll start off with some news NOT from the Fair:

• Draven Stahl worked really hard at the Junior Patriot Basketball Camp hosted by former Patriot, Harry Marshal, several weeks ago. He had a blast and to top it off received the Coaches Award! Way to go, Draven! Keep up the good work! Better look out big brother, Dane! Draven is coming for you!😄
• Here is something else not related to the Fair: Akaydia Beckwith left this past Friday for Perry, GA with her parents, Matt and Mary, and other family members to participate in the Barrel Racing Youth World Championship. She will race Monday through Thursday, and then if she makes it, the finals are on Saturday. We are pulling for you, Akaydia!
• The Chambers’ children were active in 4-H at the Fair. Eliza did a photography project, as well as the rifle shoot. Izzy grew cucumbers from seeds and ended up with a champion ribbon, as well as champion for the kiddie tractor pull for her weight class. She also did shotgun and rifle shoot. Alexander did 3 mini 4-H projects and was 4th place in all of the Fair at the long hang contest. (I asked his mom if the long hang contest was hanging from a bar to see who hangs the longest. She said it was.)
• Marla Lippert won grand champion on her painting. She won reserve grand on her sewing project, a blue ribbon and an honors ribbon on her ceramic mug, a reserve grand champion on her honey, a grand champion on her poster and a blue ribbon on her embroidery project.
• Nathan Srinivasan earned a blue ribbon in shooting, electricity, chocolate chip cookies (where are mine? 😄) and Lego model. He earned reserve champion in Trash to Treasure.
• Aasha Srinivasan took home a blue ribbon in shooting, electricity shaker light (with honors); and reserve champion in sports and fitness log. She was also champion in yeast bread and will go to the State Fair, as well as reserve grand champion in gift wrapping with another State Fair entry.
• Not youth 😄but certainly worthy of mention: Travis and Jill Curry won a blue ribbon for their honey at the Fair.

MORE FROM THE “YOUTH NEWS” DEPARTMENT:

• This coming Sunday, the 26th, is Move Up Sunday, for the young people in our Sunday morning youth department. Our kids will move up to their next class (incoming 1st grade will go to early elementary, incoming 4th grade will move to late elementary, and during the second service we will recognize our 6th grade grads and celebrate their move into Roots youth group.
• Wednesday, the 29th, the Roots youth group will be having a ROOTS RECONNECT event with kayaking at Sugar Creek. All HS/MS students are welcome. To RSVP or for more information please contact Pastor Ryan in person or at 812.585.0545.
• The following is not just geared to our young people, but to all families and young people in Owen County. Every year the OC Chamber of Commerce hosts a Back to School Expo. This year’s expo is Saturday, the 25th from 10:00-2:00 am at OVMS. Free backpacks, school supplies, clothing, and more are provided. You may contact the OC Chamber of Commerce for more information.
• Our Christmas in July to benefit Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes ends this coming Sunday. You can return the shoeboxes to the church building and we will store them until they are delivered to the collection point in November. For those who choose to wait, or who might also want to participate later, the shoeboxes will be available again in October.

FROM THE “OTHER” DEPARTMENT:

• SPROUTS will meet this Saturday evening at 5:30 at the Anderson’s. Becca asks each family to bring a side or a salad. You can message her via Messenger or by calling/texting her at 812.360.7419.
• The next OVCF family pitch-in will be next Wednesday, the 29th, at 6:00. We would love to see you there!
• On August 2nd at 6:30 several local youth leaders and others who are interested in our schools, will be gathering at the front of OVMS for a short (1/2 hour) prayer time. One of the strongest and greatest things we can do is surround our students and school personnel with a wall of prayer. This is not limited to just pastors or church leaders. Pastor Ryan has taken the lead in this and has involved several other pastors, youth pastors and youth leaders. Let’s show our support by being there. An alternate rain date
  is August 9th.

I have been telling you of my upcoming series that begins this Sunday. I thought I would include the complete schedule for you to see what is coming: Theme: Break Those Chains!!

• July 26- Getting Free! (Col. 2:16-3:4)
• August 2- Fear Loses its Grip (Faith over Fear)
• August 9- A Sling and 4 Stones (Worry)
• August 16-3 Essentials and 3 Nails (Anxiety)
• August 23- Making Yourself Small (Envy & Jealousy)
• August 30- A Tough Thing to Do (Forgiveness)
• September 6- Hot Under the Collar (Anger)
• September 13- The Elephant in the Room (Suicide and Mental Health)

I look forward to seeing you Sunday. Know that you are loved.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #297

Hello everyone and welcome to Midweek Message #297. It is good to back with you after taking a week’s break. During the summer I anticipate writing an every other week MM. I can’t promise that will be the case with the OC Fair beginning this Sunday. There is always so much happening that week involving our people that it tends to dominate the MM. I may have to add an extra week just to accommodate the Fair. Anyway, I hope you are doing well and enjoying your summer.

FROM THE “YOUTH NEWS” DEPARTMENT:

• Campers this week at Hilltop for High School Week are Bella Madorin, Tad Nicholson, Astra Oswell (Charli’s friend), Tatum White, and Charli Wood. By the time you get this the week will be 1⁄2 over. You can still pray for them.
• Next week (July 5-10), Grace and Gloria Chandler will be at Hilltop for Girls Week! The following week (July 12-17), Deanna Cain and Tanner Wood will be at Junior II Week! 😄
• Tad Nicholson competed in a fundraiser on 6/20 at Tier Ten to benefit the local Rescue and Recovery. It was a deadlift competition (a special way of lifting weights) and he maxed out at 400 pounds on his 3rd lift. Mom said she was super PROUD of him, but also said, “I’m afraid there may be more of these in his future.” 😄 I’m just astounded at 400 pounds. Not even in my younger years and on my best day could I have ever matched that! Keep up the strong work, Tad!
• If you see someone dragging this week but attached to an IV pole filled with coffee, that person might resemble Pastor Ryan. He just finished Senior High Wilderness week with over 50+ young people in attendance. Along with fatigue, they also fought weather-related storms, taking shelter during several of those storms, heat and humidity, and all the other wilderness-related factors. I saw Anna at the Y on Saturday morning and asked how things went and if her dad was tired. She said, “Well, he’s got his coffee but he’s sorta zoned out on the couch.” Welcome back to life, Ryan!😄

FROM THE ““AND SO IT BEGINS” DEPARTMENT:

Yep, that’s right folks. It has already started. The official start of the Fair is next Sunday (July 5th). Some of our young people have already begun their “assault” on the Fair and their pursuit of showing what they can do.

• Amelia Biggs won a ribbon for Dog Showmanship, Dog Agility, and Dog Obedience Champion.
• Her brother, Hudsyn, was 3rd in Dog Showmanship; 4th in Dog Obedience; Dog Agility Reserve Champion; Dog Costume Champion (they were both Theodore Roosevelt); and Archery Reserve Champion). Thanks for the info on both, proud mom, Kala!
• Charlotte Pavich won a blue ribbon for Archery! She proudly showed it to me Sunday. 😄

FROM THE “DON’T FORGET” DEPARTMENT:

This coming Saturday is the 250th anniversary of the birth of our nation. How you celebrate is, of course, your personal choice. Whether it is with fireworks of your own, going to watch them somewhere special, grilling with friends, doing some work around the house, or just having a normal Saturday, please make sure you take the time to be grateful that we live in a nation of freedom. The “don’t forget” part is the church office will be closed this Friday.

FROM THE “KEEP YOU INFORMED” DEPARTMENT:

• Serving Owen County Together (SOCT) was this past Saturday. The news from Aaron LaGrange, coordinator of SOCT was good! He said, “Thanks to the many people that came together to make this a reality! Our 6th Serving Owen County Together event was a wonderful outreach opportunity for our community yesterday. We served right at a thousand people during the event and will be serving hundreds more in the community through food and drink donations to local organizations and their food banks/summer programs. Food, drinks, clothing, shoes, cases of water, a hot lunch, toys, household goods, community resources and hope were given and as a bonus, it didn’t rain! A hundred volunteers came together from local churches, clubs, school, food banks, and our partners at Servant’s Heart to make this possible. Thank you so much for donating your time, talent, and resources to help our neighbors in need. You are awesome!” I say thanks to the many volunteers from OVCF!!
• Saturday, July 25th is the Back to School Expo. Sponsored by the OC Chamber of Commerce, it brings all sorts of people and organizations together to make going back to school an adventure for the many children (last year was over 600) who receive backpacks, school supplies and more. OVCF participates in the Expo with support and volunteers.
• Wednesday, July 29th, is our next church pitch-in at 6:00. We would love to see you there!
• Route 66 (called “66”) will begin on September 9th from 6-7:00. There will be a sign-up sheet on the info table in a couple of weeks. More info coming.

This past Sunday I mentioned an upcoming series when this current series on James is finished (planned for July 19). Beginning July 26th my current plan (subject to change if God so leads) is for the series to be called Break Those Chains!! Here are the titles and topics:

• July 26- Getting Free!! Col. 2:16-3:4
• August 2- Fear Loses its Grip- Psalm 34
• August 9 & 16- Anxiety
• August 23 & 30- Hot Under the Collar
• September 6- Forgiveness
• September 13- Suicide/Mental Health

Please pray for me as I prepare. I’ll fill you in on more as I get more “meat” to it. Until then, the series in James continues this Sunday with Playing God from James 4:11-17. I look forward to seeing you then, if not sooner. Just know you are loved.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #296

Hello everyone! Welcome to Midweek Message #296. During the summer I will be writing a MM every other week, unless something earth-shattering happens that will take more (like maybe the Fair?). We will see. There is a lot of different “stuff” this edition so I hope you will take the time to read clear through to the end.

FROM THE “KIND OF A BIG DEAL” DEPARTMENT:

By the time you receive this, Jo and I  will have celebrated our 53rd wedding anniversary on the 16th! Yeah, it’s kind of a big deal.😄

FROM THE “GOOD NEWS TO SHARE” DEPARTMENT:

Since the first of the year, we have had a real baby boom involving the people of OVCF and their families. Here are three of the latest babies to arrive:

• • Westin and Cassie Linville welcomed Oaklyn Mae on June 4th.
  • Caleb, Gabrielle and Charlotte Corder welcomed Selah Mae on June 7th.
  • Jacob, Katie and Ivory Manyik welcomed Ellie Darlene on June 10th.

By the time of the next MM it is totally possible the other June baby will be here. Congratulations to the latest: Westin and Cassie, Caleb and Gabrielle and Jacob and Katie!!

• • BIG congratulations to Shelby VanDerMoere on passing her paramedic’s exam. She is
    now a licensed paramedic!

FROM THE “YOUTH NEWS” DEPARTMENT:

School may be out but that doesn’t mean we don’t have youth news to share:

• • From the baseball/softball season at the Sports Complex comes some stellar news for a couple of our young people. Piper Bell and Draven Stahl were both awarded game balls for their excellent contribution during one of the final games of the season.
  • This past week was tournament week at the Complex. Tom Mangia’s team which included Jordan Mangia, Draven Stahl, Knox Truesdel (Mark & Holli’s grandson) and Winston and Barrett Zigler went to the championship game vs. Ryan Keene’s team which included Conrad and Calvin Keene. Ryan’s team won an exciting championship game!
  • Last Tuesday evening was the Spring Sports Awards at the High school.
    • • Alli Anderson took home the Iron Man Award (never give up). She was also awarded a blanket for earning 10 letters in 4 years.
      • Addison Mayle (Brent and Angela’s daughter) was given the Mental Attitude Award.
      • Aubrey Mangia and Dane Stahl were both awarded letters.
  • Hilltop campers this week were James Anderson and Christian and Emmy Wells for the Ice Breaker week. Please pray for these young ones who took part in their first Hilltop Camp experience. They were there Sunday through Tuesday.
  • Campers for the Sr. High Wilderness (June 28th-July 3) along with Pastor Ryan and Hope are Haley Amador, Alli Anderson, Caleb and Rachel East, Kalissa Hamlin, Meilynn Hess, Jake (LJ) Jenkins, Marla Lippert, and Ayzleah Sutton. Please pray for all the wilderness campers this week. Pastor Ryan has a full week of over 50 students.

In addition to Pastor Ryan and Hope, faculty serving will be: Macy Carlson, Anna East, Hannah Pendleton, Owen Powell, Linda St. John and Gracie Wainscott.

FROM THE “KEEP THESE IN MIND” DEPARTMENT:

• • SPROUTS meal is scheduled for Saturday, June 27th at 5:30 at Robert and Becca Anderson’s homestead. Their address is 8898 N. Texas Ridge Road, Gosport. They will be providing hamburgers, hot dogs, buns, condiments, drinks, cupcakes, and paper goods. She is asking those who attend to bring a side to share. If you have any questions, please reach out to Becca at 812.360.7419.
  • Serving Owen County Together (SOCT) is celebrating its 6th year on Saturday, June 27th
    from 10-2:30. There are different shifts you can help with. There is a sign up online at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050D4DABAE29A2FC1-64380636-2026#/
    From Aaron LaGrange about the schedule:
    8-10am Set Up
    10am-12pm First shift
    12pm-2:30pm Second shift
    2:30pm-3:30pm Tear Down
  • Your help would be greatly appreciated as we serve the folks of Owen County. A rain date (if needed) is Sunday, June 28th from 12-4:00

FROM THE “BOOKS TO STRETCH YOUR MIND AND HEART” DEPARTMENT:

• • This Was Never the Plan by Vaneetha Rendall Risner. I can’t say enough good about this book. Subtitled: Walking with God Through the Heartache of Divorce this book nails it. Vaneetha was married with two (almost adolescents) when her husband wanted out. Been there? Know someone? This is the book to read.
  • Even If He Doesn’t by Kristen LaValley. Kristen writes about “What we believe about God  when life doesn’t make sense.” There are no underlines in this book. It is more of a memoir and I got caught up in it, so I just read it. It was excellent and helped answer THE question: Is God around?
  • Live to Forgive by Jason Romano. Subtitled: “Moving Forward When Those We Love Hurt Us.” Jason is very honest in this fantastic book on a timely subject.
  • Strength at Broken Places by C. Greg Long. This is his memoir of facing career and family failure and finding hope through God’s grace. Not many underlines in this one either until close to the end. Failure is an equal opportunity troubler. Mr. Long can testify to that: depression, loss of job, a divorce, and more. This was a very encouraging book.

My sermon Sunday is “On Being a Wise Guy” from James 3:13-4:3. The next Sunday will be “Whose Friend are You?”. I look forward to seeing you and sharing God’s Word with you. Until then…know you are loved.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #295

Hello everyone and welcome to Midweek Message #295. I hope you are having a good summer so far. The weather has sure let us know summer is on the way…finally! Jo and I even had a chance to see some of our young people play ball this past week and not have to dodge raindrops. 😄

I mentioned a few MMs ago that I may be going to an every other week format during the summer for the MM. This edition will begin that change. I will try to include two weeks’ worth of news so that you will at least know what is coming and, in the young peoples’ case, you will know who will be attending camp so you can pray for them.

FROM THE “IT’S NOT OVER YET” DEPARMENT:

• • Congratulations to Alli Anderson, Payton Lukowski, Addison Mayle, and Katrina Reuter. In the regionals, this 4×100 team set a new PR with a time of 51.89, placing 8th. The 4×400 team broke the school record that was last set in 1987! Their time put them in 4th place, but sadly, they were just shy of getting to the state. Alli is the daughter of Robert and Becca Anderson and Addison is the daughter of Brent and Angela Mayle. Way to go, girls!
  • Youth baseball and softball are still taking place EVERY night at the Sports Complex. If you have a chance, head down the ball fields and support our young people.

FROM THE “DID YOU KNOW?” DEPARTMENT:

• • Did you know that Winston and Barrett Zigler played hockey last winter? Both boys will be playing hockey this winter, too. Can you say, “Brrrrr!”?
  • Did you also know that the Zigler brothers and Jordan Mangia LOVE, and I mean LOVE, peanut butter filled pretzels and goldfish? I also know for a fact that Cheetos are also included in that list.😄
  • We were watching Conrad and Calvin Keene play ball and their sister, Genevieve, was also there. I’m not sure she was cheering on her brothers, but I do know she was holding onto that small bag of Cheetos for dear life. I asked her if I could have one and she smiled and shook her head. I almost cried, but that didn’t work either!😄
  • And then there is Karoline Chesser. She was there with her mom and dad, grandparents Rob and Polly, and sisters, Grace and Hazel, cheering on her brothers, Aiden, Mason, and Collin. She smiled at me, grabbed my heart, then hugged Jo, giggled and walked away. Hmm. Even a fake cry didn’t work! BUT, she and little sister, Hazel, did give me hugs Sunday morning…and I didn’t even ask.😄
  • Rachel East is a member of the high school cheer squad? They will be having a car wash at the high school this Saturday from 8-2:00.

Congratulations to Adam Samick and Brooklyn Smeltzer who became husband and wife this past Saturday, the 30th. They were married at Freedom Nazarene Church and will live in Freedom. David and Kris Samick are Adam’s parents.

FROM THE “LET’S GO TO HILLTOP CAMP” DEPARTMENT:

• • This week we have 7 young people at camp: Amelia Biggs, Rusti O’Neal, CJ Wood, Cooper Wood, Evelyn Young, Asia Burnett Danaher and Bailee Miller (the last three are Amelia’s friends).
  • Next week is Jr. High Wilderness camp. We have one young person going: Aasha Srinivasan. We do have others going to help. Besides Pastor Ryan (Dean) and Hope, Caleb and Rachel East, and LJ Jenkins are also helping.
  • By the time the next MM comes out, the Ice Breaker week at Hilltop (June 14-16) will be over. It goes from Sunday through Tuesday. Campers for that week will be James Anderson and Christian and Emmelia Wells. Hope you have a great experience!
  • I failed to mention that Anna East and LJ Jenkins are working at Hilltop this summer.

FROM THE “DATES TO KEEP IN MIND” DEPARTMENT:

• • Serving Owen County Together (SOCT): June 27th from 10-2:30. This is the 6th year for SOCT. (More info in the next MM). Rain date is Sunday, the 28th from 12-4:00.
  • SPROUTS MEAL is June 27th at the Anderson’s. Contact Becca Anderson (812.360.7419) for more information. (More info in the next MM).

FROM THE “BOOKS TO STRETCH YOUR MIND AND HEART” DEPARTMENT:

For the past three MMs, I have been including books I took from my library and put in the church library for you to borrow and read. So far I’ve included books on Special Needs Ministry, Suicide, and Memory Loss/Dementia/Alzheimer’s. This week’s books are on a topic many struggle with: Depression and Anxiety.

• • Beauty in the Browns by Paul Asay-2021. Subtitled Walking with Christ in the Darkness of Depression. As a member of Focus on the Family’s family, Paul had an “image” to uphold. But he also knew that to conquer depression meant being honest with himself, and others. I read this several years ago and found it to be very, very helpful.
  • Out of the Cave by Chris Hodges-2021. As the pastor of a mega church, Chris found himself struggling with depression. This is his story and his way out.
  • Attacking Anxiety by Shawn Johnson-2022. Pastor Shawn is vulnerable about his battle with crippling anxiety until he reached a breaking point. A super helpful book!
  • Knowing God’s Peace by Paul Tautges-2019. This is different than the others. It is a book of 31 devotionals about knowing God’s peace through anxiety.
  • Made to Tremble by Blair Linne-2025. Blair’s life was changed with a car accident, which caused her to experience crippling anxiety & panic attacks which led to discouragement and shame. Her tag line is “How anxiety became the best thing that ever happened to my faith.”

My sermon Sunday is Don’t Just Stand There from James 2:14-26. See you then! Know you are loved.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #294

Hello everyone and welcome to Midweek Message #294. School year 2025-2026 is history and now comes a chance to replenish the batteries and do some different things: Hilltop Camp, vacations, sleeping in a little later, visiting with family and friends, and just enjoying the “lazy, hazy days of summer” as one old song said. I hope you have a great summer!

“END OF THE YEAR” YOUTH NEWS:

• • Congratulations again to all our high school and college graduates (listed in last week’s MM). Two of our high school grads were honored for being in the Academic Top 10 at OVHS. Those two were Alli Anderson and Cambria (Cammie) King. Way to go, ladies! They were gifted with laptop computers.
  • Draven Stahl won the coloring contest of the Cataract One Room Schoolhouse last week. He won an art set for his efforts. Great job coloring, Draven!
  • Addilynn Hutchison (3rd grade), Deanna Cain (4th grade), and Tanner Wood (5th grade) were awarded Top Cat for the final quarter at SES.
  • Kale Hatton transferred to OVMS on March 2nd. He got an award for academic excellence in language arts and math; a 4.0 GPA; and was also recognized for demonstrating continued academic dedication throughout the year. His mom, Ashley, teaches 3rd grade at PES.
  • I failed to mention that Aiden, Collin and Mason Chesser (3 of the 4 quads) are playing T-Ball at Edgewood. They are about done for the summer.

SOME TOTALLY DIFFERENT “END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR” NEWS:

• • Congratulations to Cara King who retired after 30 1⁄2 years of teaching for S-OCS. She was honored this past week for her years of service. During those years she also found time to have two children-Cooper and Cammie- and see them both graduate from OVHS.
  • After filling in as interim principal at Patricksburg Elementary, Kris Samick, has returned to her “other” job, S-OCS Communications Director. This past school year Kris did both the principal’s position at PES and the Communications Director. She burned the candle at both ends for sure! Her life will now get back to semi-normal. 😄

FROM THE “LET’S GO TO HILLTOP CAMP” DEPARTMENT:

• • Several our young people will be going to camp this coming week (starts Sunday). Junior High Dorm Week has the following young people from OVCF attending: Amelia Biggs, Rusti O’Neal, CJ Wood, Cooper Wood and Evelyn Young. Pray for them before, during the week, and after they get home.

FROM THE “YOU DON’T WANT MISS THIS” DEPARTMENT:

Our church pitch-in is this Wednesday, the 27th, at 6:00. I look forward to seeing you there.

BOOKS TO STRETCH YOUR MIND AND HEART:

A couple of weeks ago I began telling you about some of my books. I have put them in the church library for you to check out if any of them interests you. So far I have written about the books on Special Needs Ministry in the church and also Suicide. This week’s books are on a very sensitive subject many have faced:

• • Walking Through Twilight– Douglas Groothuis-Published in 2017, Douglas’ once-brilliant wife could no longer tie her shoes, use a phone, or brush her teeth as the ravages of dementia overtook her. This was the very first book I read on this subject shortly after its release. Douglas quoted Viktor Frankl: “When we are no longer able to change a situation… we are challenged to change ourselves.” (p.12) A  wonderful, heartfelt book as a husband laments the loss of his wife, but uses it to help others.
  • Memorable Loss– Karen Martin- Karen wrote this book in 2023 as she watched her friend face dementia, and eventually death. This was a wonderful book on friendship.
  • Finding Grace in the Face of Dementia– Dr. John Dunlop-Although a medical doctor, this 2017 book is not a medical jargon book. He wrote this for several reasons, one being his own genetic predisposition to dementia (his mother had it). I loved this book because of its scriptural focus on this disease and how to show grace to those suffering from it.
  • Second Forgetting-Dr. Benjamin Mast- Dr. Mast’s book uses a lot of stories to bring focus to those suffering and for those caring for them.
  • Priceless People– Ben Boland- Mr. Boland is a chaplain in Australia with over 15 years of ministry to patients and families.

These books and others are available for you to borrow. I have put cards in each one. Please sign
the card and leave it on the shelf.

THIS IS FROM THE “PROUD GRANDPARENTS” DEPARTMENT:

• • Scott and Heather Herrington are grandparents (again). Eliza Claire was born on 5/21 to Adam and Cecilia Fox. She weighed 8lbs and was 19” long. Congrats…again. 😄
  • Other than talking with some people or seeing his picture on my door in the hallway, very few know of our grandson, Braden (unless you have seen Jo’s “Wall of Braden”). But proud grandparents and aunt are allowed to brag every once in a while. We received word Friday that Braden made the Dean’s List with a 3.87 GPA at Ohio State University (yeah that school). He is majoring in Business Administration with a specialization in Finance. I was going to say we all know he got his smarts from his grandfather until I saw his major. Well…that left me out!😄

My sermon Sunday will continue the James series on The “Perfect” Christian with one I’ve titled Choosing One over Another from James 2:1-13. It has to do with favoritism, which should be loathed in any church. I look forward to sharing it with you. Know you are loved.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #293

Hello everyone and welcome to Midweek Message #293. It is going to be a wild and wooly week for many of you. I hear from both teachers and students that this last week of school is filled with activities, mixed with a bunch of relief. Grad parties, the final OVMS baseball game and a final soccer match at the Sports Complex tops the list. However, after this week there are still at least 2-3 weeks left for baseball and soccer at the Sports Complex. Jo & I have seen a lot of weary parents the past couple of weeks. But I’m guessing they will do it all again for their kiddos.

IN THE “LET’S CELEBRATE WITH THEM” DEPARTMENT:

This past Sunday we acknowledged and celebrated with our high school and college graduates.
Some of you may have not been able to make it so I thought I would highlight them one more time here.

HIGH SCHOOL

• • • Alli Anderson-OVHS
    • Hannah Bixler-OVHS
    • Caleb East-Homeschool
    • Carter Hayden-Edgewood
    • Meilynn Hess- Homeschool
    • L.J. Jenkins-OVHS
    • Cammie King- OVHS

COLLEGE

• • • Kristi Arnold-IU
    • Bryer LeCocq- IU
    • Klaudia Stahl- USI
    • Katie Wood- Purdue
    • Kloee Wood- ISU

Congratulations to all of you for a job well-done! May God have His hand on you as you move into the future. “Be strong and courageous.”

KEEP THIS DATE IN MIND!

Next Wednesday, May 27th, is our next church family pitch-in starting at 6:00. We look forward
to seeing you there!

YOUTH NEWS

• • • Jo and I attended the final concert put on by the music department of OVMS and OVHS.
      Several of our young people were in the different choirs.
    • From OVMS 7th grade: Amelia Biggs, Rusti O’Neal, CJ Wood, and Cooper Wood
    • From OVMS 8th grade: Cecelia Arnold
    • Valley Beat: Rusti O’Neal, CJ Wood, and Cooper Wood
    • Valley Soundwaves: Charli Wood
    • Sweet Pizzazz: Keely Wills
    • Rusti and Cecelia both received awards. Rusti: Best Dancer, Cecelia: Best Vocals
    • It was good to see Bella Madorin Sunday. She came to support Charli. Bella participated in our youth programs before moving away. She still attends Hilltop Camp with Charli.
    • Jo and I have enjoyed seeing so many of our young people taking an active part in sports. I found out that Izzy Chambers, Boston Groomer and Haven Mosier are playing soccer at the Sports Complex. Haven’s brother, Kane, is playing baseball.

BOOKS TO STRETCH YOUR MIND AND HEART:

In the last MM, I mentioned that I put some books that were in my office in the church library (where the coffee is on Sunday mornings). Last week’s books focused on the Special Needs Ministry of a church. Since we are on the ground floor here at OVCF on getting one started they were especially relevant to those interested. I have picked a different type of book this week to highlight. They are of a much more sensitive nature, but certainly are very appropriate for the day and time in which we live.

SUICIDE
An unpleasant subject to be sure but one we are faced with more and more. What do we say?
What do we do? How should we react? These books give some insight into those questions.

• • • Hope Always-Dr. Matthew Sleeth. Dr. Sleeth is a former ER physician and chief of hospital medical staff who resigned to teach, preach, and write about faith and health. This 2021 book was very helpful on how to be a force for life in a culture of suicide.
    • Fear Gone Wild– Kayla Stoecklein’s husband was a pastor who suffered from mental illness and took his own life at the age of 30. Deeply personal and emotional, this book helped me understand mental illness and its effect in a deeper way.
    • Grieving a Suicide– Albert Y. Hsu-This is a deeply personal account of college professor, Mr. Hsu, and how he found comfort, answers and hope in the wake of his father’s suicide.

PRAYERS REQUESTED:

By the time you will be receiving the next MM, Aaron and Sonia Clausman will be on their way to her home country of Pakistan for both a family reunion (and their first in person time with Brielle) and also some mission work. They will be leaving May 26th and return June 16th. During their time in Pakistan they will be visiting the slums where the Gospel has not been taken, as well as sharing hygiene material with the slaves. Their desire is to share the Gospel with a thousand people while there and to baptize as many as possible before they return. This coming Sunday in the second service, we will be praying for them specifically. But you can pray for them NOW! Any support can be directed to them as well.

This coming Sunday I will be continuing my series on The “Perfect” Christian with a sermon from James 1:19-27 entitled Have To or Want To? Do we serve because we have to or because we want to? I look forward to sharing the Word with you on Sunday. Know you are loved.

Pastor Bill