Category: MidweekMessage

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

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #292

Hello everyone and welcome to Midweek Message #292. Sunday was a special day for the ladies. I hope you took the time to let the woman in your life how important she is to you. Wife. Mother. Grandmother. Aunt. Daughter.😊 And I hope this week is treating you well.

SUNDAY IS GRADUATE RECOGNITION DAY!

We have a number of high school and college graduates to recognize this year. I’m thinking it is the most that we have had in the past few years. I will include a list of all the graduates with their plans for the future in next week’s MM. Meanwhile, please plan to be here for second service (10:45) to celebrate their achievements with us.

SEVERAL PEOPLE RECEIVED SOME RECOGNITION THIS WEEK!

• • We will start off with one of our young people, Charlotte Pavich. Charlotte’s picture was included in Friday Fun Facts that Kris Samick puts together for S-OCS during the school year. Charlotte ran a 5k for Girls on the Run Club, which is sponsored by the Y. Charlotte is a 3rd grader at Patricksburg Elementary, and the daughter of Joe & Emily Pavich. Way to go Charlotte! Keep up the exercise and good work!
  • Our very own Tiffany Kropack represented H&R Block by speaking to the Economics class at OVHS on taxes. Is this a new take on “The TaxMan (Woman) Cometh”?
  • Caleb Hutchison was officially awarded District 5 Conservation Officer of the Year. His wife, Amanda, wrote a glowing tribute to him on Facebook. She wrote: “Being named District 5 Conservation Officer of the Year is such an amazing honor and there is truly no one more deserving of this award. This job isn’t just something he does; it is truly who he is! His love for what he does shows in everything he does. Whether he’s on duty or off, he’s always looking out for others and serving his community! But what makes me the most proud as his wife isn’t just the award, it’s the man behind it! Congratulations
    babe! I love you so much!” I see Caleb at the Y from time to time and I can concur with Amanda that he loves his job; he loves his wife; and he loves his two children, Addi and Owen (even though Owen won’t share his Goldfish or Cheetos with me). 😊 I remember many years ago when I first met Caleb and as he took the test to become a Conservation Officer he said, “Pastor Bill. This is the job I have wanted all my life.” I’d say this award proves his love for his job. Congrats, Caleb on a job well done!!

ONE MORE TIME (FOR NOW)

I mentioned in last week’s MM that I have plans to start Route 66 (just called 66 by many) in September after school starts. 66 is a tour through all 66 books of the Bible. We generally take one book a week and hit the highlights, enough to familiarize you with the contents of the book and its integration into the whole Biblical narrative. We meet on Wednesday nights from 6-7:00. We also take breaks for holidays, special occasions, and the summer. I hand out materials each week for you to keep for future reference. I just wanted to put a “bug in your ear” so you can be thinking about being a part of this class. I’ll bring it up again in about a month or so and then look for a sign-up sheet Diana will set out on the info table. I will remind you again.

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

I did something last week in the office I had never done before: I went through my books and looked for certain subjects and then placed those books in the church library. In all honesty, I have a lot of books, so much so that I no longer have a place for them. They sit sideways on top of other books, so I decided to put them to good use and make them available to you to borrow and read. Over the next couple of MMs, I’m going to highlight a set of books by subject so you can see what there is to read. If anything should happen to me or should I retire, there is a destination already designed for my library (and no it is not a presidential one that requires a multi-million dollar building to house it). 😊 Until then though, I simply feel I cannot keep it to
myself. All I ask is that you sign the book out and then please bring it back when you are done.
Here you go:

IN THE BIG “YAY!” DEPARTMENT:

Bowen Matthew Wyatt made his appearance on Thursday, April 30th. He weighed in at 7lb 11oz and measured 19.9 inches long. Congratulations to Brayton and Zoe Wyatt on their new addition. Older sister, Hazel, is so excited to have a younger brother! {Becca Anderson announced this past Sunday that a meal train will be set up for them beginning next week. Make sure you check out the church’s Facebook Group for more info and to sign up}.

SPECIAL NEEDS MINISTRY:

• • Accessible Church-Sandra Peoples- A Gospel-Centered Vision for including people with disabilities and their families. This has been very helpful as we have begun laying the groundwork for a Special Needs Ministry (SNM).
  • Unbroken Faith– Diane Dokko Kim- Spiritual recovery for the special needs parent. When her first son was diagnosed with autism and ADHD/ADD at age 2, Diane struggled personally, professionally and spiritually. It led her to a deeper walk with Christ and to start as a disability ministry consultant.
  • The Accessible Church-Kerri-Ann Hayes (not to be confused with the first book listed). This helpful book shows how a church can be a welcoming place for a child/family with a special-needs child.
  • Same Lake Different Boat– Stephanie O. Hubach- Coming alongside people touched by disability. It helps churches/individuals rethink and relearn how to support others.
  • Boundless Hope for every child-Kim Botto-This has been one of our go-to books for our ministry plan. Kim lives and ministers to special needs families in Cincinnati.

FROM THE “YOU CAN HELP” DEPARTMENT:

Every year, starting on Mother’s Day, New Beginning Pregnancy Resource Center has their Change for Life fundraiser. They ask you to take a baby bottle (on the info table), fill it with change, cash or a check and return it by Father’s Day. You may also donate online through their Facebook page or website:

newbeginningsowen.org

We invite you to help support this vital ministry. OVCF supports it on a monthly basis.

This week’s message is Tripped by Temptation from James 1:13-18. I look forward to continuing this series on James with you. See you then, if not before. Know you are loved.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #291

Hello everyone and welcome to Midweek Message #291. I hope you are having a great week! It is always interesting to me how life changes from week to week, or maybe even day to day. Chances are good this week will look nothing like last week, unless, of course, you have kids playing ball. I was speaking to some parents this past Thursday at the ball field and they are there E.V.E.R.Y night! In their case, 3 children playing on 2 different teams every night of the week. I remember a scene from a movie where the main character got in his vehicle and said, “Home” and it drove him there. I think many parents could say, “Ballfield” and their vehicle could automatically drive there.😊 At the same time, I love the parents’ involvement in their kids’ lives. Spending time with your children is never a lost activity.

SPEAKING OF YOUTH AND BALL GAMES:

I have a few more young people playing ball:

• • Berkley Groomer is playing 6U softball
  • Abi Wiegand is playing Tball for Elite Electric
  • Gannon Wiegand is playing 10U baseball
  • Alex and Ethan Koons are playing 10U baseball
  • Auggie Wood is playing flag football, but also 10U baseball
  • {Note: Abigail, Alex, Ethan and Gannon are Erich and JuliAnne Wiegand’s grandchildren}

IMPORTANT AND BIG STUFF TO KNOW!

May 5, 2025 we hired Hannah Pendleton on a part-time basis to be our Children’s Director, focusing on our children in the nursery through 6th grade. She has done a phenomenal job as Pastor Ryan has mentored her. She has come into her own and is making some welcome changes to the rooms, as well as investigating different options for curriculum, among other improvements. She has also taken the reins of the Special Needs Ministry and is slowly working on getting that up and running. (It is not an easy task).

In her spare time, 😊, she is also a nanny to a family in Bloomington. She spent this past weekend away on a solo camping trip. It was very much needed. This Wednesday, May 6th, the staff is celebrating with her by taking her to her favorite place to eat for lunch: Chick-fil-A. (We tried for China Star but found out she is not a big fan of Chinese food, but we won’t hold that against her).

CONGRATULATIONS ON YEAR #1 HANNAH!
WE ARE GLAD YOU ARE PART OF OUR TEAM!!

Let her know how much you appreciate her and the work she is doing for the children at OVCF.

IN THE BIG “YAY!” DEPARTMENT:

Bowen Matthew Wyatt made his appearance on Thursday, April 30th. He weighed in at 7lb 11oz and measured 19.9 inches long. Congratulations to Brayton and Zoe Wyatt on their new addition. Older sister, Hazel, is so excited to have a younger brother! {Becca Anderson announced this past Sunday that a meal train will be set up for them beginning next week. Make sure you check out the church’s Facebook Group for more info and to sign up}.

SOMETHING TO PRAY ABOUT THIS MONTH:

We have three couples expecting babies this month:

• • Sarah & Will Schneider are to have their little one this coming Sunday. That would give new meaning to Mother’s Day!
  • Caleb & Gabrielle Corder are to have their little one on the 29th.
  • Adam & Cecilia Fox (Scott & Heather Herrington’s daughter and son-in-law) are also due this month.

SOMETHING HELD OVER FROM LAST WEEK:

Aaron and Sonia Clausman (and Brielle) will be returning to visit her native Pakistan and do mission work from May 26-June 16. While there, not only will Sonia’s parents get their first glimpse of Brielle in person,  they also have plans to do some mission work. They will be visiting the slums where no one goes. The Gospel has not been shared with them due to the distance to get there and also the funds which are needed to do so. They also want to bless the women with hygiene material. These women are slaves with no education. They have asked prayer for the team as they travel and for their efforts while there. Their desire is to share the Gospel with a thousand people while there and to baptize as many as possible before they return. Prayers and support would be greatly appreciated.

SOMETHING FOR YOU TO PONDER:

I know it’s probably early to be thinking about this, but then again, maybe it is never too early to put something before you to consider. If there has been one question which I have been asked over the past month or so more than just about any other question, it is this: Do you have a Wednesday night Bible study? The answer has been “No.” I took a much-needed year off (after almost 10 straight years) from Route 66 (just called 66), but I am considering offering it again. For those who might be wondering what it is, Route 66 is a study through the 66 books of the Bible. It is an overview of every book. We meet from 6-7:00 each Wednesday night (except for holidays, summer break and other rare occasions). It takes about 2 years to go through the course. I’m letting you know so you can think about it. In a month or so I will have Diana put out
a sign-up sheet to gauge interest. It will start in September after Labor Day.

CHANGES ARE COMING to the MM! During the summer the MM will be every other week instead of every week. Still the same great content (AHEM) but less often. 😊

As I mentioned Sunday, I began a series on the book of James called The “Perfect” Christian. I spoke this past week about trials. My sermon Sunday is titled The “Perfect” Woman. Just so you know…I plan to explain the word “perfect” in James 1:4, but then speak about some ladies who are examples of that word. I look forward to sharing it with you. Until then…know you are loved.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #290

Hello everyone and welcome to Midweek Message #290! I hope you are having a fantastic week! We will be in May by the end of this week and rumor has it there might be a teacher or two or three (as well as students) who are counting down the days. I was chatting with one of our graduating seniors and asked her if she was looking forward to being done. Her dad was standing there and he said, “She has a countdown going.” She promptly pulled out her phone and told me however many days, hours, and minutes were left until she was done. I’d say Alli Anderson is ready for graduation.😊

SPEAKING OF GRADUATION:

Every year we honor our high school and college graduates with special recognition. This year is no different. If you are a high school or college graduate, or the parent of one, would you please make sure Pastor Ryan, Diana, or Hannah know? We have set Sunday, May 17th as the day to celebrate our graduates during the second service.

DON’T FORGET THIS!

You will get this MM on Wednesday. Just a little reminder that our monthly church family pitch-in is tonight at 6:00. Come join us, share some laughter and get to know your church family a little better.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU & GOOD NEWS:

This past Saturday evening was the initial kick-off event for a new group for families with children 6th grade and under called SPROUTS.

• • • The meal was provided by the church and many ladies came through in helping make it successful. I will not mention names because you should know me by now. I will surely omit  someone. 😊So please just accept a huge group “Thank you” from all those who were there.
    • A special thanks to Alli Anderson, Eliza Chambers, Carolyn Myers, Hannah Pendleton, and Aasha Srinivasan for helping with taking care of the kiddos while the adults talked about what they hope to see. Pastor Ryan also made an appearance to support the helpers and spend a little time with the kiddos. They all shared a meal together and then the children had some fun time of their own.
    • The initial expected attendance was 22 adults and 32 kids. With a few last minute cancellations due to schedules, we still had 48 there. WOW! What a great turnout and the input received was welcomed.
    • The next scheduled get together is June 27th at Robert & Becca Anderson’s. More info will come as we get closer to that date.

YOUTH NEWS:

And those baseball/softball schedules just keep on coming!

• • • Dax Bell is playing 8U baseball.
    • Kalia Keene is playing 12U Softball.
    • Easton Elliot is playing T-Ball. (Patience mom and dad!) 😊
    • Trevor Floyd plays bass for our worship team. This past Tuesday night he was in the OV Jazz Night. Lucas Guy (son of Matt & Tiara) played in the OVMS Jazz Band. We are proud of you both!
    • I failed to mention Sunday morning to pray for Christian Wells. Jenna, his mom, said he decided to ride his bike without a helmet and take on the steepest hill on the property. Sister Emmy found him. Multiple stitches later he made it home and is recuperating. Jenna said it could have been worse and is grateful for God’s protection and grace over Christian. Amen to that!
    • Please continue to pray for Annie Wisely (Kathy’s granddaughter/ Daniel and Emmaly’s daughter). She had surgery Saturday and developed a reaction to the medication and is now back on IV  antibiotics. Another surgery is scheduled for today (Wednesday). She will be in Riley until they get things figured out.
    • Minnie Pendleton, Hannah’s cousin, is 10 years old. She has been diagnosed with aggressive leukemia. She will be in Norton’s Children’s Hospital in Louisville for a month for treatment and then have 2 1⁄2 years of chemo.
    • Pray for Brayton, Zoe and Hazel Wyatt. Zoe is having a C-section today! Pray that Bowen makes a healthy entrance into the world and for a good recovery for Zoe. We will do a Meal Train for their family soon! Please watch for that information! 😊
    • A PRAISE! Julie Allen says her new grandson is 3 weeks old and doing great. He was in NICU for 8 days to get his breathing figured out, but now he is totally healthy and at home.

SPECIAL REQUEST:

Aaron and Sonia Clausman (and Brielle) will be returning to visit her native Pakistan and do mission work from May 26-June 16. While there, not only will Sonia’s parents get their first glimpse of Brielle in person,  they also have plans to do some mission work. They will be visiting the slums where no one goes. The Gospel has not been shared with them due to the distance to get there and also the funds which are needed to do so. They also want to bless the women with hygiene material. These women are slaves with no education. They have asked prayer for the team as they travel and for their efforts while there. Their desire is to share the
Gospel with a thousand people while there and to baptize as many as possible before they return. Prayers and support would be greatly appreciated.

I concluded my two month series on The Road to the Other Side last Sunday when I spoke about death and heaven (the ultimate ending). This Sunday I will begin a new series I’m calling The “Perfect” Christian. We will be studying the book of James during this time. This Sunday my message is Troubled by Trials from James 1:1-12. I look forward to sharing it with you. If I don’t see you out and about, I look forward to seeing you Sunday. And…as always…know you are loved.

Pastor Bill