Category: MidweekMessage

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #221

Hello and welcome to Midweek Message #221. I think we can honestly say, “What rain!” after the past few days. Thanks to the remnants of Hurricane Helene we more than made up for our lack of rain over the past month or so. There are pros and cons to that, as I’m sure people will let you know. But let’s take it as a blessing from God (except I have to cut my grass again and watch the moles go crazy). Can you tell I really don’t like those annoying pests? 😊Be that as it may, I do hope your week is going well.

Remember to pray for Kristine Mangia, our educator of the week. Kristine is a 3rd grade teacher at SES. She has been teaching for a total of 25 years in S-OCS. She spent 17 of those years at Patricksburg, and is now in her 8th year at Spencer. She has taught 1st-6th grade and inclusion during her years at S-OCS. Kristine and her husband, Tom are the parents of Mason (recent ISU graduate and working in a financial firm in Carmel); Aubrey (8th grade); and Jordan (Kindergarten).

YOUTH CORNER

• • • The middle school cross country team ran at Shakamak on Saturday (yeah it was wet).
      Aubrey Mangia ran well and came in 3rd for the team.
    • Akaydia Beckwith came in 4th right behind Aubrey. The girl’s team took 4th place overall.
    • Coach Mangia had high praise for the running of Tad Nicholson. Way to go, Tad! Keep at it!
    • The girl’s team will run WIC tomorrow (Thursday) at Edgewood and then state on Saturday in Terre Haute. Way to go, both Aubrey and Akaydia!
    • Alli Anderson also ran at Shakamak this past Saturday for the high school cross country team. Mom said she had a great race. Her time was 23:29 which is one of her all time fastest runs. OV placed 2nd overall. All that hard work is paying off, Alli!

If you have looked to the back of the parking lot lately, you have seen a field of mums in bloom.
Josh Henson has been growing those mums and he has asked me to let you know that following
the first and second services THIS COMING SUNDAY he will be selling his mums at the shelter
house for $12 each. He also said that you can pay with cash, check or card. This is Josh’s second
year raising the mums on our property and we have been glad to let him do so. Take this
opportunity to buy a home-grown mum. 😊

YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS THIS SUNDAY! No, not because the sermon will be so great you will walk away astounded. 😊 The real reason you won’t want to miss this Sunday is the Building Team will be making a presentation of the proposed addition and where we are at the current time. There is more to the announcement so you won’t want to miss it! The Building Team met this past Tuesday night and the excitement was definitely there.

AND HERE IS SOMETHING ELSE YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS! On October 29th, OVCF will be
celebrating her 20th anniversary at Abram Event Venue. All offerings that day (unless designated) will go to the Building Fund. We have made a commitment to build debt free, so your gifts-big or small-will make a difference. Here are some other items of interest about the anniversary:

• • • One service starting at 10:00
    • Your help is needed to set up tables and chairs on Sunday morning starting at 7:00. Historically, we have been able to do the set up and be done by 8:00. We would appreciate any help you can give.
    • We have never used the tables before but this will allow us to be ready much quicker for the pitch-in meal immediately following the service.
    • Due to the shortage of parking, especially if it is wet, we will be running a shuttle from the church parking lot. If you can carpool that would help, however, if you would like to park at OVCF and use the shuttle that will be available.
    • There is a sign-up sheet at the info table for helping with the set-up and tear down and for helping with the shuttle and as parking attendants. If you would like more info about helping with the shuttle or as parking attendants, please see Pastor Ryan.

Here is something you probably don’t know! Every year we have made an effort to recognize our volunteers. This year we will be recognizing our volunteers on Sunday, November 10th. It will be part of my sermon for that morning: “I’m Thankful…God Has a Body.” If you have volunteered in any way, shape, or form this past year, we appreciate you and want to say thanks publicly.
Please plan to be here for that Sunday.

Shameless promotion department: Did you know I write a daily devotion from Monday through Thursday at Living in the Shadow? You can access it from the church’s website or sign up for daily emails. I would love to have you join me each day.

Having the young people in the service this past Sunday was fun. Their input during the “youth time” was really good. I was excited to hear some of them say they love church because they learn about God and others can, too. Another said what they liked was hearing about Jesus dying on the cross. Man, it made my heart feel good to hear our young people “get it.” A few also mentioned about being here with others and with friends. Hmmmm, sounds sort of like my sermon series, Feels Like Home. 😊 I’ll continue that series this Sunday with Fresh Start (Grace is Offered). I will be spending my time this Sunday looking at the book of Philemon. I’d like to ask you to read it ahead of time. It is 25 verses. Until then, remember you are loved…more than you know.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #220

Hello and welcome to Midweek Message #220. Thanks for taking time to read! Boy this past week was a hot one! After a wedding this weekend, the comment was made that they thought Fall was supposed to be cooler. Then they were reminded that Fall didn’t officially start until September 22nd. Ohhhhhh…so one day will make a difference.😊Anyway, welcome to Fall!

Be in prayer for our educator of the week: Cara King. Cara has been teaching in the S-OCS system since 1993. She started out as a second grade teacher for a year at SES (Matt Beckwith was in that class) and she has been teaching Kindergarten at MCES since it opened in 2000. She is married to Brad and they have two children: Cooper, who is a freshman at USI, and Cambria (Cammie) who is a junior at OVHS.

Speaking of weddings: Congratulations to Logan Cain and Kathryn Anderson who became Mr. and Mrs. Cain this past Saturday. Logan serves in the Marines at Quantico, VA so they left Monday morning for a honeymoon in Tennessee and then will head home. Pray for their safe travel, but also a God-honoring marriage. Remember also to pray for the Anderson and Courson families as they pray for and wish their children well. I was also so proud of many of our church people (of all ages) who helped in various ways. I will not even try to name them all because I will, for sure, leave out someone’s name.

YOUTH CORNER

There hasn’t been much information given to me lately about what our young people are involved in but here are a few:

• • • Congratulations to Cooper Wood who was chosen as Vice President of the SES Student Council. Mom, Shelby VanDerMoere, might just be a tad bit proud of him.😊
    • Aubrey Mangia had an eventful track week. Monday the team raced at Brown County and she finished 9th overall and 1st for the team. Thursday the team ran at Jackson Creek and she finished 10th overall and 3rd for the team. They ran at the Eagle Classic invite at Brown County and both she and the team qualified for the Indiana Middle School State meet on 10/5.
    • Akayadia Beckwith was also mentioned by Coach Mangia for being a big part of the track team’s success this season. Keep up the good work, Akaydia!
    • Tad Nicholson ran his two best races this past week at Brown County. Way to work hard, Tad!
    • Rumor has it that Coach Tom Mangia is doing a phenomenal job as well. But I’m thinking that wife, Kristine, might be a little bit biased. 😊
    • Eli Wood is playing football for the OV JV football team. Keep working hard, Eli!
    • We have several of our young men who are playing youth football. The ones I know are Kane Mosier, Christian and Fletcher Wells, and Auggie Wood (dad Mike is the coach).
    • Several of our young girls are cheerleading. The ones I know are Haven Mosier, Emmy Wells, and CJ Wood.

Remember, mom and dad, I rely on your information to include your son or daughter in the Youth Corner portion of the MM. Please pass along any information I can share. (They are too modest to do that). If I failed to list someone in this current group, please let me know.

JUST A REMINDER! This Sunday is a 5th Sunday. That means all elementary aged children will worship with the adults this week. Nursery and Preschool will meet as usual.

Here is something to be super excited about! On October 6th, we will be giving you an update on the building addition. We can tell you that our plans have been approved by the state so all things are “Go” from that end. What’s next, you might be wondering? The staff met with Jerry Benton on Monday and the Building Team was updated and discussed the next steps on Tuesday night. We plan to share what we know the morning of the 6th.

I know we have been telling you about OVCF’s 20th anniversary for over a month. We would prefer to err on the side of saying too much than not enough. For those of you who have celebrated with us before at Abram Event Venue (Easter or Christmas), you sort of know what to expect. There is no question that morning will be different. Parking is at a minimum so we ask that you consider carpooling or being shuttled from the church parking lot. One big difference this year is because we are planning a pitch-in lunch immediately following the service, we decided to save some time by using tables and chairs during the service. It will require some help setting up on Sunday morning due to the venue having a wedding Saturday night. There is a sign-up sheet on the info table for you to sign up:

• • • If you can help shuttle people please sign up.
    • If you can help with traffic and parking please sign up.
    • If you can help with setting up tables and chairs or cleaning up afterwards please sign up.

Any and all help you can give us, is appreciated.

My series on Feels Like Home will continue this week with “Jesus is Honored.” The Scripture is Colossians 1:15-22. It would be a great help if you would read ahead. Have a great week and remember that you are loved. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #219

Hello and welcome to Midweek Message #219! I think it is safe to say that the Fall weather of a week or so ago was just an anomaly. We kicked it up a notch this past week. Jo and I went to watch some of our young people cheer and play football on Saturday and I can attest to the heat. The good part was the humidity was way down. Thankfully, someone came to the 11:45 game with a tent and invited us under it. (Thanks Ryan and Katie for that reprieve!) It sure made that game much more bearable in the shade of the tent. If the weather report is accurate (which is always questionable) we can expect more of the same this week. Hmmm. I just might have to cancel any and all lunch appointments, or at least make them later. I hear the distant call from a bike!😊 No matter what, I hope you have a good week.

Please pray for our educator of the week: Matt Beckwith. Matt has been teaching at OVMS for two years. He teaches robotics, carpentry, design and modeling. He is also the boys and girls golf coach. Matt is married to Mary (our educator a few weeks ago) and is the father of Kaedance, Akaydia, Kayliana, and Aksel. Fun fact: Matt, Mary and family are hosting Adriana, a foreign exchange student from Madrid, Spain this school year. She is a senior at OVHS. In his spare time Matt likes to fish.😊

I have an urgent request I need to share with you. One of the ministries/missions OVCF supports on a monthly basis is New Beginnings Pregnancy Resource Center. I received a text from someone from OVCF about the desperate need NB has. Here is the text sent to me in its entirety:

• • • We need your help! We are in dire need of diapers sizes 4, 5, and 6 and all sizes of Pull-ups! We are serving more and more families each month and desperately need these diapers! If you could help us with some donations, please message us or drop them off at the center!

A day or two later I received this text:

• • • Did you know that we served 90 different families in the month of August? And in one day, we served an all-time record of 33 families? We are growing! And struggling to keep up with the opportunities in front of us! Could you help us with some donations? We are looking for diaper donations of sizes 4, 5, and 6 and all sizes of Pull-ups! Message us for more details or drop off your donations at the center Mondays or Thursdays, 12-4 pm.

Suffice it to say, New Beginnings needs our help. If you would like to help, contact the center or you may reach out to some of our ladies who volunteer there: Becca Anderson, Sally Carlson, Vicki Hogan, Cindy Shipley, or JuliAnne Wiegand. You can also order from Amazon using the New Beginnings Wish List and it will ship directly to the Center or, due to the hours of operation, you can have them sent here and we will make sure they get to the Center.

Don’t forget our 20th Anniversary scheduled for October 27th at Abram Event Venue!

After the summer lull, our building will be a beehive of activity for the next few weeks.

• • • Ladies Bible Study kicked off its fall study this past Monday. They are doing a 6-week study of Acts: Awakening to God in Everyday Life by Melissa Spoelstra. If you would like to know more please see Macy Carlson, Sally Carlson, or Hope East.
    • My Wednesday Night Conversations began last week and will meet weekly through October 16th. You are more than welcome to attend. We meet from 6-7 pm. It has been requested that we do a study on some of the cults and religions and what they believe so for the next two or three weeks that will be our focus. If you would like to know more about this topic but are unable to attend, we will be using a book called A Field Guide on False Teaching. It is available on Amazon for $6.

This Sunday is the B-Town Worship Night at Switchyard Park in Bloomington. Food trucks will be there at 4 PM, Worship from 6-8 PM. There is parking and a shuttle from Bloomington South HS. Bring a lawn chair, cooler and blanket and spend the night in worship with brothers and sisters from area churches.

• • • September 29th is a 5th Sunday. The elementary kids will join us for morning worship. The
      nursery and preschool will meet as usual at 10:45.

BIG DAY AHEAD!! Sunday, October 6th the Building Team plans to make a building update! We have received our plans, which have been approved by the state. You won’t want to miss this!

Have I told you not to forget our 20th Anniversary scheduled for October 27th at Abram Event Venue? Did you also know there will be a pitch-in lunch immediately following the service at the venue? All giving that day (unless designated) will go to our building fund.

Sometimes I just can’t believe myself! No, this is not a pat-on-the-back thing. Right after Diana sent last week’s MM, I realized I had forgotten to say anything at all about the significance of that day. She sent the MM on September 11th. I wrote something about it on my Living in the Shadow blog (https://livingintheshadow.ovcf.org/2024/09/11/september-11-5/) but then failed to even mention it here. Such a significant day in our country’s history and I totally spaced it. First, I apologize for forgetting and not asking you to remember those who were innocent bystanders of a cowardly act, as well as those who responded. Second, while I know this country is not perfect, I would not want to live anywhere else. Pray for America, its leaders, and for a spiritual revival. Third, reflect on your freedom-in our country, but mostly in Christ.

I’ll continue my series Feels Like Home this Sunday with The Gospel is Preached. If you would like to read ahead: Colossians 1:3-14 and I Cor. 1:18-25. I look forward to seeing you. You are loved.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #218

Hello and welcome to Midweek Message #218! I hope you are having a terrific week so far. One thing seems to be sure: the temps are more Fall-like the past few days. I’m not a big fan of the cooler weather largely because it means winter is around the corner. Yikes! Did I really say that? No matter. I learned a long time ago not to complain about the weather. I can’t change it so I might as well accept it and move on.

Remember to pray for our educator of the week: Gabrielle (Gabby) Corder. Gabby is in her second year of teaching Kindergarten at Gosport Elementary. Gabby is married to Caleb, and this past June they welcomed Charlotte into their world. Last week was her first week back at school. Caleb had the best job: he stayed home and was Mr. Mom to Charlotte.

Here is something to think about. Someone sent this to me as an email and I liked it so well I decided to print it out.

Laziness kills ambition;
Anger kills wisdom;
Fear kills dreams;
Ego kills growth;
Jealousy kills peace;
Doubt kills confidence.
Now read that right to left.

My Wednesday Night Conversations (WNC) begins this Wednesday night at 6:00. I have 13 signed up for the class but there is always room for more. My plan for WNC is for an informal time of study and discussion. This first week is a study/discussion of Next Steps, a course I wrote as a follow-up for new followers of Jesus (adults). It is designed to help the new follower know how to grow deeper in their faith. It will introduce the class to each other and give a one-week buffer for the rest of our study. I have been asked to do a study on some of the cults/other religions we come in contact with. There have been a few other suggestions as well and they will all be discussed by the class. We will be done at 7:00 each night. My plan is to offer the class
until October 9th or the 16th if needed.

The sermon series planned for November is focused on “I’m Thankful…” I will be preaching the first two weeks and Pastor Ryan will preach the last two. My knee replacement is scheduled for November 11th and I know I will be out of commission for at least those two Sundays. If Jo is the true boss of my world, I may be off for the next year.😊She loves having me around so much that she is looking for every opportunity to prolong it. (Believe that and $100 will buy you swamp land in Arizona).

If you have been keeping up with the OVCF world and all things 20th anniversary, you already know some information. Let me share with you what we know so far:

• • • Sunday, October 27th at Abram Event Venue (AEV).
    • One service at 10:00
    • We will be using tables and chairs this time instead of just chairs. Since there is a wedding Saturday night, the venue is not available for us to set up until Sunday morning. We plan to start doing that at 7:00. That allows volunteers to set up then head back home for their families (or take them to breakfast).
    • Pitch-in meal at AEV immediately following the service.
    • There will be a shuttle from the OVCF parking lot to AEV due to the lack of parking spots.
    • A “memory board” with newspaper articles and pictures will bring out some of the history of OVCF, especially to those who may not be familiar.
    • Besides the tables, there will be a major shift in the seating arrangement.
    • There will not be a separate children’s program but arrangements are being made for something to help keep the young people occupied. There will be a place for a nursery.
    • Due to the fact that we are unable to live stream the service from AEV, we plan to prerecord the sermon and communion meditation and then have it go live at 10:00 that Sunday. We did this at Easter and it was well-received.
    • All offering that day will go to the Building Fund unless otherwise designated.

Speaking of the Building Fund!! We do hope to update you on our new addition and the progress we are making with the state approval and architect plans on October 6th . STAY TUNED!

I started my series on Feels Like Home this past Sunday. It continues this Sunday with a message on “Love is Found Here” from the book of Ruth. That sounds long until you look and see Ruth is only 4 short chapters. May I encourage you to read a chapter a day to prepare for this Sunday? I’m convinced if you do read ahead, you will understand the message and learn even more. I am excited about preaching this series. I have an extra special event happening at the end of the series and for the anniversary but I’ll share that when we get closer. 😊

It was good to be back with you Sunday. I enjoy being with people I love. I know I don’t normally point certain people out, but what made it extra special to me was Frances being here for the first time in almost two months. She told me several times when I visited with her that she missed being here. After a stint in the hospital and the rehab facility, it was good to see her walk in with Terrie by her side. For me, it was just good to be here. I look forward to seeing you Sunday. Oh, by the way, we have been having a ton of visitors lately. For those of you who have been visiting and have asked to be put on our mailing list, welcome! Thanks for visiting with us and being interested in what is happening here. We are glad you’re here!

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #217

Hello and welcome to Midweek Message #217. As always, I would like to thank you for allowing me to invade your inbox. I hope you had a great Labor Day weekend, celebrating with family and friends. As some of you may know, we were in Ohio visiting with Janna and Braden and watching him play football Friday night. It was grandparent’s night but the best part of it was they won 49-14. They have now won their first two games of the season. They are all hyped up since they didn’t win any last year. In fact, they didn’t come close. Our next planned trip will be in October. It is Senior Night and will be the last time we watch him play football. Thanks for praying for a safe trip for us. Road construction on I-70 is interesting, especially when a semi decides to come into my lane when I was on the side of him. I’m thankful that particular construction area had a shoulder I could use. Coming home, thankfully, was smooth sailing.

Pray for Tami Grandi, our Educator of the Week. This is in her third year teaching Kindergarten at Spencer Elementary after teaching 7 years at Fairview in Bloomington and the previous 15 in Knoxville. (I know. I bet you are wondering how I know so much about her). I could also tell you she has one sibling in Ohio and one nephew and loves her job and living so close. I could also tell you she is a disgusting Atlanta Braves fan. But you may already know that.😊

YOUTH CORNER

• • • ROOTS meets this Sunday night from 5-7:00 here at the church building. Pastor Ryan has a great year of learning planned for the Jr/Sr high youth. If you are a young person you won’t want to miss the fun and learning.
    • Did you know Rachel East has a blog on Substack called “The Word Garden?” If you would like to know more and how to get on her mailing list, ask her. She writes really well.
    • Julian Carson, who won several awards for showing his pigs at the Owen County Fair this past summer told me he is not showing pigs next year. He is changing to showing steers. He said his Pappy (aka Mike Edwards) has been raising them for over 20 years so he ought to know what he is doing. He wants to follow in Pappy’s footsteps. Not a bad role model to follow.
    • Eliza Chambers had a unique way of raising money for gymnastics. She had a shirt made with “My Biggest Fans” on the back. She did so well that she’s paid for most of her gymnastics fees for this year! Way to be creative, Eliza!

Well, it is time for the big reveal. You are probably wondering what in the world I am talking about. This Sunday begins the two month series on Feels Like Home. I thought I would let you know what I plan to preach on for the next two months. I’d like to encourage you to read ahead for the week so you will have a better idea of the Scripture.

• • • September 8- What is a Home? Eph. 2:19-22
    • September 15- Love is Found Here- Ruth (all 4 chapters)
    • The Gospel is Preached- Col. 1:3-14; I Cor. 1:18-25
    • Jesus is Honored- Col. 1:15-22
    • Fresh Start- Philemon (one chapter)
    • Lives are Changed- Col. 2:6-15
    • What Care Looks Like (Obedience is Encouraged)- Col. 2:16-3:4
    • Home has a Purpose- Luke 15:11-32 (20th Anniversary celebration)

We are still working on more details to give you about our anniversary celebration at Abram Event Venue. Here is what we know now:

• • • One service starting at 10:00 followed by a pitch-in lunch at the venue.
    • We are working on a memory board of significant events in the history of OVCF. You will love it!
    • We will again have a shuttle service from the church parking lot to the venue due to the shortage of  parking. We are anticipating a larger than normal crowd.
    • The venue has a wedding Saturday night so we will need your help on Sunday morning to set up tables and chairs. We will have a sign-up sheet for you to indicate your willingness to help. Thanks ahead of time.

Don’t forget! Wednesday Night Conversations begins next week, September 11 from 6-7 PM.
Please sign up if you plan to attend!

One more thing: I have been working on the theme and sermons for 2024. At this point my theme will be Burning Hearts/Hearts on Fire or some variation of that. The Scripture is from Luke 24:32 where the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, after realizing it was Jesus whom they had been walking with, said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” My plan is not to preach topics but to take Scripture and just open it up. First up is I John beginning on January 12th. I’m not sure at this point how many sermons will come out of that, but then I plan to do 2 & 3 John. During this coming year I also plan to preach from Acts as well as some different Scriptures from Isaiah and Jeremiah. I’ll also be asking you for your favorite Scripture and try to do a series around “Favorites.” Of course, that is all in the planning stages but thought I’d let you know. And all of it is whether Jesus returns or not (in which case I would gladly let Him preach!😊) and knowing God has a plan (and I’m not privy to it).

After missing last Sunday, I look forward to seeing you this week. Love you all.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #216

Hello and welcome to Midweek Message #216. I hope you are having a fantastic week as you lean into the Labor Day weekend. It is always sort of bittersweet isn’t it? Labor Day is a time to be thankful for working and the ability to do so, but sadly, it is also a sign that summer is over. Most pools are made ready for the winter. School is definitely in full swing and it is a signal that it is time to get serious. For many it is the last time an outdoor barbeque will happen when the whole family is present. Anyway, thanks for taking the time to read this MM.

I have to start out with an apology. My first mistake this year😊was misrepresenting someone
for the State Fair. In the “Orange ribbon for Creative Writing” department, I had the wrong East
young lady. I said Anna and it should have been Rachel. Sad part of that is I had it right in front
of me. I just hope Rachel doesn’t go All-TKD on me. She could take me out in a heartbeat.
Congratulations Rachel! And thanks to Cassie Linville who alerted me to my mistake. Just please
don’t tell Westin. He will not let me live it down! 😊

Jo and I will be leaving for Ohio this Friday for Braden’s (our grandson in case you don’t know) Friday night football game. It is also Grandparent’s Night and it will be his last season of football so we can’t miss it!

Pray for our Educator of the Week: Mary Beckwith. She teaches at Edgewood Early Childhood Center. Mary is married to Matt and they have four children: Kaedence, Akaydia, Kayliana, and Aksel.

I spent this past Sunday in Kid’s Church. What a treat! I had a chance to sing with the kids and was even tapped to lead the motions in Father Abraham. Yeah, it was a hoot! Then I visited and spent time with each of the classes. I even went outside with the Pre-K bunch and had one of the kids decide I was the sidewalk for his chalk. The worship team (with some help from a few of the kids), the teachers and assistants all did a wonderful job! Thanks for letting me be a part of your morning!

This coming Sunday Pastor Ryan will again be preaching and will conclude his two-part series on the Mission and Vision of OVCF. I will begin a two month series on Feels Like Home on September 8th. The title for that first sermon is “What is a Home?” and the Scripture is Ephesians 2:19-22. The whole series will be an updated version of a series I preached at the very beginning of 2024 (and I’m sure you remember all of it!). With the addition of a sermon on Ruth, Philemon and the Loving Father/Lost Son, the emphasis will be on the church as a home. In October of 2023 I introduced the following and then used it as the basis for that sermon series in January and February:

WELCOME HOME where…
The Gospel is Preached
Jesus is Honored
Grace is Offered
Lives are Changed
Obedience is Encouraged

In the next MM I’ll tell you more. I’m excited about preaching this series and look forward to seeing what God is going to do in our lives and in our church family as we study.

Wednesday September 11th is the date for the start of Wednesday Night Conversations. My dream for the class is that it be a time of study and conversation on “What the Bible says about…” My plan is to take an informal approach of discussion and study. There is a sign-up sheet on the info table. I promise a time frame of 6-7:00. Snacks are optional.😊

Two other soon-to-start events to be aware of:

• • • ROOTS has already begun with its first meeting this past Sunday evening. It will not be
      meeting this coming Sunday due to the Labor Day weekend but will resume on Sunday,
      the 8th. Pastor Ryan has schedules available for you to take. A sign-up sheet is also on the
      info table if you would like to provide snacks for them.
    • Ladies Bible Study will start September 16th and will meet for 7 weeks. The registration
      deadline is this Sunday the 1st! If you have any questions please see Macy Carlson, Sally
      Carlson, or Hope East.

THE big event for the OVCF family is our 20th anniversary celebration on October 27th at Abram Event Venue. We will be meeting as a family at 10:00 with a pitch-in lunch to follow. Things will be different that Sunday! I hope you are already planning on attending and celebrating with us for this milestone.

I’d like to close this edition of the MM with the saying we have used in the past and will repeat it several times over the next couple months. It is something I wrote in the early part of this year. I would like it to be something we absorb into the DNA of the church.

WE’RE GLAD YOU ARE HERE!

If you are happy we want to celebrate with you.
If you are tired and need rest;
If you are hurting and need comfort;
If you have failed, feel guilt and shame and wonder if God still loves you;
If you feel you are at the end of your rope and need a lifeline;
If you think you are too great a sinner and feel hopeless;
If you are here but can’t raise your eyes, head, or hands in worship…

That’s okay. We want this to be a place where you find strength to go on. Let us pray for you, stand beside you and even carry you to God’s throne where you can find new hope.

I will miss seeing you and being with you this Sunday. Just remember you are loved.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #215

Hello and welcome to the latest edition of the Midweek Message! This edition is chock full of information of all kinds. Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to read it and stay current to events happening at OVCF.

Please be in prayer for the Educator of the Week-Kris Samick. Kris is Director of Communication for the
S-OCS system. She has multiple responsibilities and I know she appreciates every prayer.

YOUTH CORNER

We had several of our young people honored at the State Fair. There are 4 different ribbons
given to each exhibit at the fair. For those who are not in the know (like me), here are the
ribbons and what they stand for:

🎖️Orange- exceptional blue ribbon exhibit (merit)
🎖️Blue- very complete exhibit, meets requirements, well-constructed
🎖️Red- adequately constructed or does not fully meet requirements
🎖️White- poorly constructed or barely meets requirements

I’ll list the category and ribbon for each:

• • • Arts and Crafts- Caleb East (Blue)
    • Beekeeping- Meilynn and MiaRose Hess, Marla Lippert (all Blue)
    • Creative Writing- Anna East (Orange)
    • Fine Arts- Marla Lippert (Blue)
    • Floriculture- Meilynn Hess (Blue), MiaRose Hess (Red)
    • Foods, Baked- Aasha Srinivasan (Blue)
    • Foods, Preserved- Anna East (Red), Meilynn and MiaRose Hess (Blue)
    • Needle Craft- Aasha Srinivasan (Red), Anna & Rachel East- (Blue)
    • Photography- Meilynn Hess (Orange), MiaRose Hess (Red)
    • Public Speaking- Eli Wood (Orange)
    • Sewing Construction- Meilynn Hess (Blue)
    • Veterinary Science- MiaRose Hess (Blue)

Well done all of you!

But that’s not all! Linda St John sent me the results of the VFW contest. Here is a list of the
winners:

• • • Sophia Kropack- Honorable Mention in the Illustrating Art contest grades K-3
    • Rachel East- 1st place in the Red, White and Blue contest in grades K-8
    • Caleb East- 2nd place in the state for grades 9-12 in the Red, White and Blue contest.
    • The Red, White and Blue contest was recording themselves singing the national anthem.

Another well done to the three of you!

With school starting and all the activities our young people are involved in I’m sure there will be more to add to the YOUTH CORNER in future editions. I’m really proud of our young people.
Sure hope you are as well.

Jr/Sr High young people, don’t forget ROOTS begins this Sunday from 5-7:00. Come enjoy the fun time planned and maybe even see friends you have missed over the summer. A sign-up sheet is on the info table for snacks. As you know the young people do like to eat! If you have any questions about the ROOTS start up or about snacks, please see Pastor Ryan.

Wednesday Night Conversations begins September 11th. I am offering this new study/discussion group from 6-7:00 in the youth addition. This is an informal time of discussion and Bible study focused on questions you may have about what the Bible says. There is a sign-up sheet on the info table so I can have an idea of how many study sheets to make. Any questions? Just ask me.

A new LADIES BIBLE STUDY is being offered on Monday evenings beginning September 16th. It will run for 7 weeks from 6:30-8:30. It is a study on Acts and the cost of the workbook is $12. If you have any questions please see Macy Carlson, Sally Carlson, or Hope East.

As you may already know, I preached the last of the Revelation series this past Sunday. Pastor Ryan will be preaching the next two weeks! I’ll be gone Labor Day weekend. Braden, our grandson, will play football on Friday night and it is Grandparent’s Night for the seniors. So, of course, grandparents have to go!😊Both Sundays Ryan is preaching will be a good transition for the next sermon series: Feels Like Home. That series will take us through September and October and be a perfect lead-in for the final sermon of that series which also happens to be OVCF’s 20th anniversary. I’m excited about that milestone in our history. AND IN CASE YOU HAVEN’T HEARD YET, THAT MORNING WE WILL BE MEETING AT ABRAM EVENT VENUE. We will have one 10 AM service followed by a pitch-in lunch at the venue. Please make plans to be
there to help us celebrate! You will be glad you did.

Did you know that as OVCF celebrates her 20th anniversary in October, Diana and I celebrate the
start of our 20th year on staff in November? We started at the same time (although she came in
one week earlier to learn the ropes from MJ). It has been a fun and eventful 19 years (and we
have never gotten upset with each other…cough cough).

I’m going to run for this week. I look forward to seeing you Sunday. Love you all much.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #214

Hello and welcome to Midweek Message #214. I hope this week holds a lot of promise and good things for you. I’m looking forward to it. I see each week as a new challenge and am excited to see what all God has for me.

I want to start out with a great big huge praise in this MM. In last week’s MM I mentioned that I had the privilege of baptizing Josh Pendleton, who then baptized his son, Maverick, and Maverick’s older siblings, Waylon and Whitley, as well as Josh’s mom and sister. This past Sunday, the Floyd family was baptized in the pond at LaCampagne. Pastor Ryan baptized Travis, who then baptized his wife, Sierra; his mother, Kim; his sister, Tori; and his brother Trevor. Years ago Kim made a decision for Christ and was baptized but wanted to make a public re-declaration of her faith. She raised her children attending youth group at LaCampagne so it holds a special place in the hearts of her children. They have been attending OVCF for a couple of years and we are excited to see how God will use them. Kim is a nurse in the S-OCS system. Travis is a band director at Bloomington North and graduates from Jacobs School of Music in 2025 (he also plays with our worship team). Sierra works for the local gas company and this January she and Travis will garner another title: Mom and Dad! Tori works for the Health Department while taking online classes in Health Management Epidemiology (Yeah, I wondered too). Trevor is an 8th grader at OVMS and has captured some of his brother’s musical skills. It has been an exciting two weeks here at OVCF!

Last week I also listed the teachers and helpers of the children’s department from Nursery to 6th grade. But there are others involved in our children’s programs! Here are more:

• • • Welcome Desk: MJ Ramsay, Kori Wainscott, Gracie Wainscott and (occasionally) Tami Grandi.
    • Worship Team: Anna East, Caleb East, Rachel East, Cassie Linville, Hannah Pendleton, Gracie Wainscott and Emily Wyatt.
    • Curriculum Coordinators: Jo Grandi (Pre-K) and Cara King (Elementary)
    • Ooops, I didn’t know: Gracie Wainscott is JuliAnne Wiegand’s helper in the Early Elementary class (left out of last week’s listing). Sorry Gracie!🙂

According to Pastor Ryan’s calculations we have 37+ individuals serving in different areas in Kid’s Church. That is phenomenal participation and I just want to say thank you so much for your time and your interest in serving. Helpers are always needed so if you would like to help in our children’s programs on Sunday mornings, please contact Pastor Ryan. He will talk with you, give you a form to fill out for a background check, and plug you into the best place for you to serve.

Remember to pray for Matt Taylor, the Curriculum Director of S-OCS. This is Matt’s second year and he was really responsible for getting the Title I grant for the Kindergarten reading program last year. Kris Samick was able to purchase books this year with the leftover money. Yay!

YOUTH CORNER

• • • Did you know Alexander and Isabella Chambers are playing Upwards Soccer on Saturday mornings? Spencer Nazarene Church is sponsoring it at their new field on their property just past the junction of 46/43. They both play at 11:15. Come cheer them on. Are there any other OVCF kids playing Upwards Soccer?
    • Several of our youth took part in the State Fair recently. I will have a full slate of results in the next MM. There were a lot of our young people who were honored and it would do a great disservice to them to split them when they all did well.
    • Cammie King will soon have a full schedule of volleyball games for OVHS.
    • With school starting I’m sure this “Corner” of the MM will be full of our young people and their involvement in school activities. Keep the news coming!

I decided to separate this youth announcement from the Youth Corner because I want to draw special attention to it. ROOTS (Grades 7-12) begins Sunday night, August 25th from 5-7:00 for its first meeting of the school year. Pastor Ryan says it will be a fun night of getting back together after the long summer break. THERE IS A SIGN UP SHEET FOR SNACKS FOR THEIR MEETINGS ON THE INFO TABLE (and they do like to eat!!!)

I’d like to draw your attention to my Wednesday Night Conversations study. In case you aren’t aware of it yet, I will be starting a class on September 11th from 6-7:00. The class is designed to foster discussion surrounding Biblical thoughts and topics. A “What does the Bible say about…?” type of study. It will be very informal and my idea is to lead off with a question that will lead us to search the scriptures for answers. Some will be easy by their very nature; some will be a bit more challenging. I have had a few suggestions given but I’m always open to more. Someone asked me if it was going to be done like the MM. I said, “No. It will be an in-person group study.” Class will run until October 9th (unless we need another week for some reason). There is a sign-up sheet at the info table. Please see me if you have any questions.🙂

One last thought before I bring this edition of the MM to a close: Due to Pastor Ryan really needing two weeks for his proposed September 1st sermon, I have decided to conclude my Revelation series a week earlier. So this Sunday will be the last of the series. It is entitled Lessons Learned and the scripture will be Rev. 22:6-21 and various other scriptures from Revelation. September 8th I will start a two-month series with the theme of “Feels Like Home.” More info to come. I look forward to seeing you this Sunday. Love you all.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #213

Hello and welcome to Midweek Message #213! Thanks for allowing me to raid your inbox and
for taking the time to read this latest installment. There is a lot to include this edition. I hope it
will be informative for you.

This week is that dreaded week!😊School starts. There is always a mixed set of emotions found
during this time. Parents, teachers and students have a mixed bag of back to school jitters as
well as what seems like an endless list of tasks still to be done. The parents are thrilled that their
child is going back to school, but at the same time the family dynamic is upset. And then there
are the students themselves. What will school be like this year? Will I do okay? Will I like my
teachers and classes? For teachers there are also questions. Maybe they have moved schools or
grades so there is a bit of anxiety wondering about the class and their own preparation. What
will my class be like? Will I do a good job teaching them? So many questions…so few answers. I
thought I would put a bit of a chuckle into your first week of school with something I clipped
years ago. I was looking through some files about a month ago and found it, so I put it aside for
this week. It is called You Might be a Schoolteacher if…

• • • Every day is a bad hair day.
    • You worry about getting self-esteem violations.
    • You want to slap the next person who says, “Must be nice to only work 8-3 and have
      summers free.”
    • You stand on your front porch instructing the neighbor children to “Walk!”
    • You refer to adults as “boys and girls.”
    •  You encourage your husband by telling him he is a “good helper.” (Substitute wife when
      needed)
    • You believe chocolate is a major food group.
    • You can tell it’s a full moon without ever looking outside.
    • You believe “extremely annoying” should have its own box on the report card.
    • When you are out in public you snap your fingers at children who are misbehaving.
    • You give your husband “the look” when he “misbehaves.”
    • Putting all A’s on the report card would be so much easier.
    • You think caffeine should be available in IV form.
    • Meeting a child’s parent instantly answers the question, “Why is this kid like that?”

(Copied from Sermon Fodder and Joke a Day Ministries)

Truth be known: good teachers are invaluable and often unappreciated. Each week we will be
giving you an administrator or a teacher’s name from this church family to pray for. Never
underestimate the value of praying for specific individuals. So, please, when we give you a name
to pray for, please commit to doing just that. This week please pray for Andy Cline, the S-OCS
superintendent.

Speaking of praying for someone: for almost two years now we have been praying for Maverick
Pendleton. Maverick is the now 6 year old son of Josh and Becky Pendleton, friends of several
from our OVCF church family. This past Sunday I had the privilege of baptizing his father, Josh,
and then assisted Josh and Becky in baptizing Maverick, and his siblings, Maisy (freshman at
OV), Whitley and Waylon (who have both been involved in WRE at Patricksburg. Way to go Dave
Schenck!). An added bonus was Josh’s mother and sister who had already made professions of
faith but had never been baptized. It was a grand day!

Three of our young people were presented certificates and recognized for moving up from 6th
grade to the adult worship. They were Cecelia Arnold, Tad Nicholson, and Kyson White. It was
good to see these young people who have been an important part of our youth worship on
Sunday morning graduate. There were many in the kid’s church who also moved up.

Speaking of Kid’s Church! The past couple MMs I have asked you to make a list of all the
teachers and helpers from Nursery to 6th grade in our children’s programs. I said I would share
that list with you and I’d like you to see how many you know who help. So…here they are:

• • • Nursery: Mary & Kaedence Beckwith, Sally Carlson, Hope & Rachel East, Tami Grandi,
      Ryan & Katie Keene, Will & Sarah Schneider
    • Pre-K: Mary & Kaedence Beckwith, Jasmine St. John & Hannah Pendleton, Stacy Wood &
      Anna East, Krista York & Cammie King. (Latter names are helpers)
    • Elementary (Grades 1-3): Becca & Alli Anderson, Travis & Jill Curry, Dave & Carrie
      Schenck, JuliAnne Wiegand
    • Elementary (Grades 4-6): Melissa Arnold, Jeanna Srinivasan, Kathryn Anderson, Meilynn
      & MiaRose Hess, Cooper King (the latter four are helpers)

More next week!! (How did you do on this list of names?)

In last week’s MM I announced that I would be starting Wednesday Night Conversations on
September 11th. It will be an informal study from 6-7:00 each night. The first block will go from September 11th- October 9th. I’d love to have you as part of the class and if there is a topic you
would like to discuss please feel free to email me (pastor@ovcf.org) or text me (812.821.1752).

Only three to go! Sunday’s sermon is titled Made for This! from Revelation 21:1-22:6. The series
will end August 25th. (Handsprings and flips allowed). See you Sunday. Love you all much.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #212

Hello and welcome to Midweek Message #212. I hope you have a good “slow down” to your summer. It is hard to believe that next week school officially starts. The teachers start on the 5th and the students make their grand entrance on the 7th. I know this is an old man reminiscing but I can remember when we got out on Memorial Day weekend and didn’t start till after Labor Day. 3 whole glorious months of baseball and outside activities…and no studying, except for the summer between my 8th and 9th grade year when I took 6 weeks of summer school…to learn how to type. Best idea ever during my school years. 😊 In the next MM, I’m going to post a funny blurb called You Might Be a Schoolteacher If… I think it will tickle your funny bone.

AND JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WOULDN’T SAY ANYMORE about the Owen County Fair, I found out I left out some of the young people and their awards. So, here you go:

• • • Aasha Srinivasan: Blue ribbon for sports and fitness notebook; Blue ribbon for her horseshoe wind chime in Trash to Treasure; Blue ribbon and Reserve Champion for gift wrapping; Blue ribbon and Champion for table presentation; Blue ribbon and Champion for painting; Blue ribbon, Honors and Champion for her blueberry scones (Yum 😋), invitation to the State Fair; Blue ribbon, Reserve Grand Champion for crocheted potholder and invitation to the State Fair.
    • Nathan Srinivasan: Mini-Honors for his model WWII Tank
    • Charli Wood: Reserve Champion for Owen County born and raised Nubian goat. Champion Intermediate goat showman. This got her a spot into the Round Robin where she earned an Honors ribbon. Her pig took 2nd place in his class of crossbreeds. Blue ribbon for yeast breadsticks.
    • Cooper Wood: showed goats but was Reserve Champion for his VanDerMoere Family coffee cake. This earned him a trip to the State Fair.
    • Tanner Wood: showed goats but won Champion honors and an invitation to the State Fair for the LEGO sunflower he made in honor of his mom.
    • Lincoln VanDerMoere: Excellent in goat poster and Blue ribbon for showing his goat Marmalade in mini showmanship.
    • Eli Wood is going to the State Fair for public speaking. Go for it, Eli!
    • The Hess girls (MiaRose and Meilynn) will be going to the State Fair for their cats and dogs and also some building projects.
      ❖ I need to mention another of our “Vintage Showmanship Class” participants. 😊Bob Jones showed sheep at the fair.

OTHER YOUTH NEWS (not related to the fair):

⮚ Julian Carson was picked to play for the 10U Valley Stars (Spencer League All Stars).

CONGRATS to Gavin Wells! He participated in the sprint-length Triathlon in Indy last weekend. He placed 144/320 overall and achieved several personal bests!

I NEED YOUR HELP (no comments necessary, thank you very much 😊). For the past umpteen years I have been teaching Route 66 on Wednesday nights. For those who don’t know, “66” was a tour through the 66 books of the Bible. It took two years to complete because of the breaks and summer. I have decided not to offer it this year. Instead, I would like to do a series of short studies (five or six weeks each) of relevant topics that are affecting our culture today. Here is where I need your help. What topics would you like to study? I have some in mind already but would like to hear from you. My plan is to have a very relaxed time of study with tables (for those who like to write and take notes) and chairs. I’m not using a podium but will sit in a chair. The Bible will be opened and a study guide will be made available with places for notes and fill-in. I would like to do studies you will find interesting and want to discuss. Here are some guidelines:

⮚ I will not discuss politics. There will not be any critiquing of any person or party.
⮚ I’m looking for contemporary issues you find affecting our community or that have caused you to have questions about your faith, the Bible, or to ask what the Bible says.
⮚ We will come in as friends and leave as friends. 😊We will discuss, agree, disagree, and find out what the Bible says.
⮚ Class will last one hour from 6-7:00 on Wednesday nights. Refreshments are welcome but not a requirement.😊Class will start September 11. I’m calling the class Wednesday Night Conversations.
⮚ You can either text me (812.821.1752) or email me (pastor@ovcf.org) your suggestions.

DON’T FORGET MOVE-UP SUNDAY IS THIS COMING SUNDAY, AUGUST 4TH. We will be recognizing the students graduating from the 6th grade into middle school. They will now be worshiping with the adults. The other students will be moving up into their new classes in kid’s church. Remember I challenged you in last week’s MM to see if you can name the teachers and helpers who volunteer in the nursery and children’s area each month. I’ll list them for you in next week’s MM. Do your best! Oh yeah…while you are at it, how about saying “thanks” to them for teaching our children?

If you haven’t already done so please put October 27th on your calendar. OVCF will be celebrating our 20th anniversary that day. We will be giving you more information as we solidify our plans. All I’m asking right now is for you to highlight that date on your calendar.

My series on Revelation continues the march to its conclusion this week. I will be preaching on The Millennium is Not a Roller Coaster. I know…strange title, but you will understand soon enough. The Scripture is Rev. 20:1-15. If you are counting that leaves 4 sermons until the end. I look forward to seeing you each Sunday. Love you all.

Pastor Bill