Category: MidweekMessage

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #208

Hello and welcome to Midweek Message #208. I hope you have had a good summer so far. Jo  and I were able to go to the ballfields to watch some of our kids play ball and I can say some  things for sure: 1) it was hot, like blazing hot; 2) the kids had fun and it is nice to see them  active; 3) I think the parents had fun😊; 4) almost to a “T” they are all glad it is over for now.  But then I talked to a parent or two who said, “Travel ball is going to start.” No rest for the  weary, I guess. All in all though, Jo and I (and Tami) had fun watching the kids and chatting with  the adults who were there.  

We have several young people who were at camp this week and two who will be.

• Cohen Frye, Oakley Groomer, Rob Anderson, and Sophia Kropack were all at Ice Breaker  camp at Hilltop. Ice Breaker is Sunday through Tuesday. 
• Amelia Borders and James Anderson will be campers on Thursday for Day Camp. It is a  one day experience at Hilltop for them to get a taste of camp.  

Since there will be no MM next week (I have plans for the first part of the week), here are the  campers who will be attending the Senior High Wilderness Week with Pastor Ryan and his crew. 

• The young ladies attending are Haley Amador, Anna and Rachel East, Meilynn Hess, and  Hannah Pendleton. The young men going are Caleb East and Nolan Miller. Pray for their  hearts to be refreshed and their relationship with Jesus to take on a whole new  meaning. 
• Faculty members from OVCF include Pastor Ryan and Hope, Macy Carlson, Westin and  Cassie Linville, Linda St. John, and Gracie & Mollie Wainscott. Pray for…well…just pray for  them. 😊

YOUTH CORNER

⮚ Alli Anderson was chosen as Most Improved for the 2024 track season at OV. She had a phenomenal season and her hard work and determination truly paid off. A proud momma posted that on Facebook.
⮚ Did you know Deeper has taken a short break through the month of June? It will resume on July 3 at the East homestead.

COMING THIS SATURDAY! Serving Owen County Together!

For the past several years SOCT has benefited the citizens of Owen County, and even those outside of this county. SOCT is a partnership between Servant’s Heart, Hoosier Hills Food Bank, For Bare Feet, Changing Footprints and many others. Here again are the details in case you need a refresher: 😊

❖ Date: Saturday, June 22 from 9 AM-3 PM. (Rain date is June 29)
❖ Location: OVMS/OVHS complex, back parking lot (This is a change from the past due to construction being done on the entrance to OVMS. Drive around back. You won’t miss us!)
❖ Free items and resources available to those in need!
❖ If you failed to sign up to work, please feel free to come and offer to serve. There is always a need for more help.

I try to make the MM informative and filled with news about the OVCF family. But since the MM is my personal word to you, I thought I would add the following. I wrote it for my “Shadow” blog this past Monday (you can read it there and comment if you would like):

This past weekend was one of milestones for me. Three to be exact. I’ll go from Good, to Better, to Best.

Milestone #1- Although mostly meaningless to many of you, I reached my first 20 mile ride of the season. I have slowly been building my mileage throughout this season, although it has never been this late when I have hit this marker. But life happens. A tsunami-like work schedule, weird weather (so far lots of rain), family commitments, knee issues and age (71) have all played havoc with my riding routine. It got so bad that I even rode one morning this past week in 40 degree weather! I slightly under-dressed for that one and got back to the office with my hands not working very well (I couldn’t move them). This past Saturday I hit the 20 mile marker. It was a pretty good day for a ride. Hot (which I like) and a tad bit windy. But I survived. 😊

Milestone #2- Father’s Day. 49 years ago and 44 years (almost 45) ago, I became a father. Tami and Janna have been the two blessings in my life I would never want to have been without. And then Janna blessed me with being a grandfather almost 18 years ago (October). Braden has been a highlight of my time here on earth. I thank God every day for these three gifts God gave me.

Milestone #3- This one is THE highlight of my milestones, the coup de grace of blessings. June 16, 1973 is when Jo and I were married. So Sunday, June 16th, was our 51st anniversary. We have been through a lot; have had our share of ups and downs; moved when we didn’t want to and moved when we did; celebrated the highlights and mourned the low-lights (the death of our parents for one); and we did it together. People find it incredible when I say we have never had an argument, but then I remind them we have had lots of quiet nights. ☺ She has hopefully seen the transformation of an arrogant, opinionated, know-it-all into a man whose heart beats with love for God and for the people He has entrusted to me in my role as pastor/shepherd. At 71 I still have a passion for my work and want to continue doing this until God says, “Enough.” But more than that I want to be known as a man who loved His God first and foremost, loved his children, loved his grandson, loved the church he is now serving, but most of all, loved his wife and was an example of a godly husband, father, grandfather, pastor and man.

Will there be more milestones? I certainly hope so. But only the Father knows (and He ain’t telling). Meanwhile, I want to live my life with purpose and meaning and to live it well.

One of the greatest events of my life was becoming your pastor. Thanks for allowing me to shepherd you for almost 19 years. I love you all.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #207

Hello and welcome to Midweek Message #207! I know this is a busy time for many of you so thank you for taking the time to read this edition of the MM!
I could start out with a bunch of calendar news but there is some other exciting news to share with you!

• This past week one of our teen boys attended Hilltop Christian Camp. Tad Nicholson made a decision to follow Jesus and was baptized this past Friday at camp. His parents, Dale and Rachel, and his grandparents were able to be there to witness it. We also had three Jr. High girls attend as well-Bella Madorin, Aubrey Mangia, and Charli Wood. I texted each of the parents and all of them said the girls had a fantastic week. Bella’s mom said she was told “it was her most favorite week ever.” I asked you to pray for them in last week’s MM and to specifically pray for them to have an eye-opening week with Jesus. I’d say that prayer was answered.😊
• This week is the first of two Wilderness Weeks involving Pastor Ryan and his crew. Faculty members from here besides Ryan and Hope are Abby and Anna Bales (Peter & Stephanie’s two daughters, Anna and Caleb East, and Gracie Wainscott). Pray for each of the faculty members to have wisdom and discernment as they teach and lead the young people this week.
• Campers this week for Wilderness Week are Rachel East, Trevor Floyd, Kalissa Hamlin, and Tatum White. Zuri Wills is attending on the dorm side of camp. Pray for each of these young people to grow closer to Jesus this week

Here is some really fantastic, balloon-busting, exciting news! Monday morning at 10:00 at the Owen County Courthouse Gavin and Jenna Wells officially adopted their foster daughter, Gigi. She is now officially named Gloria Jane Wells. Jenna said, “Gloria because she’s a light in the world!” and “Her birth mother’s middle name is Jane.” I love that Gavin and Jenna honor God with her first name and honor her birth mother with her middle name. That makes six children for Gavin and Jenna-3 older boys who are their birth children and the 3 younger ones are their adopted foster children. I met them all this past Sunday at the same time! Warner (11), August (9), Christian (7), Emmelia (6), Fletcher (4 until July), and Gloria (2). Warning: quiz coming. 😊 Gavin and Jenna truly show Jesus’ heart for children.

We now have another baby to add to our growing baby list!

⮚ Caleb and Gabrielle Corder (due any time)
⮚ Jake and Brandi Markland (due in July)
⮚ Austin and Mackenzie Trimble (due in August)
⮚ Matthew and Hannah Foster (due in November)
⮚ Travis and Sierra Floyd (due in January)

Congratulations to all of you! 😊

Here is a reminder that this coming Sunday is Father’s Day. That means, of course, you must be extra nice to dad. 😊 But that also means that Change for Life, which benefits New Beginnings Pregnancy Resource Center, is “officially” over. When I say officially that does not mean they won’t take your baby bottles beyond that date, but we encourage you to bring your change filled baby bottles this coming Sunday.

Also looming in the very near future is the Serving Owen County Together event. Saturday, June 22nd is the date for that with the 29th being the rain date. Help is needed to set up (7-9:00); help with booths from 9-3:00 (the time can be split into any time frame); then tear down is from 3:00 to whenever done. If you have any questions please feel free to ask me or Linda St. John.

Just a heads up: Sunday, June 30th is a 5th Sunday. That means the young people in our elementary classes will worship with the adults that Sunday. The preschool and nursery classes will meet as usual. An added bonus for us will be that the youth will be involved in leading the singing part of our worship with Pastor Ryan’s and Cassie Linville’s help. Dick and Vicki Hogan are taking the weekend away so it will work out perfectly. 😊

I’d like to switch gears for now. Most of the MM has been announcements and keeping you current on what is happening with the church family. I have been announcing the past couple of weeks what my preaching plan is for now through October. Here it is in concrete (or at least sand if God decides to change it all).

• The rest of June will be Follow Their Lead, a look at different men in the Bible. ∙ July and August I plan to finish the series on Revelation I started in January of 2023. Has it been that long? At this point I have four of those sermons started.
• September and October will point to the 20th anniversary of OVCF on October 20th. My series will be Feels Like Home. Included in that will be a reworking of the “Welcome Home” series as well as adding one on Ruth (a reworking), Philemon, and the Prodigal Son. Obviously there is more fleshing out of this series so this is just temporary. I will keep you up-to-date the closer we get.

It has been a really stress-filled week or two for the OVCF family. Not just staff but for many of you. There are times when it seems the hard times are endless and you wonder, “When will it end?” Or the more prevalent is “How come?” The answer to either of those questions is “Who knows?” Only ONE does and at my last recollection He is not telling. But one truth we know for sure is that He is walking with us through it all. Bobby talked Sunday in his communion meditation about the limitless love, grace, mercy and forgiveness of God. Honestly, that is what I hang onto during the rough times. I know He is present through it all. “Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people trust, in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.” (Psalm 62:5-8) (NLT)
Please keep in mind that I love you but that God loves you even more deeply.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #206

Hello and welcome to Midweek Message #206. After taking a week’s break for family “stuff” it is nice to be back with you. I will go ahead and say it now that I’m guessing things will be sort of “up in the air” this summer. Diana will become a grandmother and I suspect she will fully embrace that role. In fact, I’m not sure I will ever see her again.😊 Pastor Ryan’s schedule is always crazy busy during the summer, especially this month when he has two weeks of Wilderness Camp at Hilltop. All that to say that the appearance of the MM may be somewhat spotty this summer. I know. I know. You are needing tissues right now from that announcement. But this too shall pass and you will soon be tired of hearing from me.😊

So…where do I start?

First, I start with a HUGE CORRECTION!! And yes, it is my fault and I can’t even blame anyone else. In MM#204 I mentioned the now yearly event called Serving Owen County Together. And leave it to someone who is involved in the planning to give you the wrong dates. (Sheesh! Can’t take me anywhere!). The correct date for SOCT is June 22 with the rain date being June 29th. The time for the event is 9:00-3:00. Diana has placed some flyers by the info table and also on the bulletin board if you would like more specific information. If you would like to help, please use the Sign-Up Genius app to do so.

Congrats to Kaedence Beckwith!! She made her confession of faith and was baptized in Bob & Tiffany Kropack’s pool this past Sunday. Her dad, Matt, had the privilege of baptizing her. There is a great story to tell about her younger sister Akaydia being baptized about a year ago and Kaedence deciding to wait. She decided now was the time. She has completed two years at Oakland City University and will be enrolling at Ivy Tech in Terre Haute to pursue a degree in diagnostic sonography (You will have to ask her what that is 😊 ).

YOUTH CORNER

Some of our young people have been pretty busy already this summer but some are busier than others. We have a couple who are receiving some late accolades from me in the MM:

• • Julian Carson received an award for Perfect Attendance this past school year. Way to go Julian! Honey and Pappy (grandma and grandpa) are doing a great job!
  • Charli Wood was chosen by her teammates as MVP (Most Valuable Player) for the “A Team” in softball. I won’t say that mom sent this to me.
  • We have several of our young people at Hilltop Camp this week. Charli Wood, Bella Madorin, Aubrey Mangia, and Tad Nicholson are campers this week for Junior High Week. Pray they will have an eye-opening week in their relationship with Jesus.
  • This is a little belated but I just read that MiaRose Hess was awarded a scholarship during the Third Annual Owen County Art Guild Auction which took place on April 20th. Congrats, MiaRose! As mentioned in a previous MM, she plans on attending Cedarville University this fall to major in Business Management and Entrepreneurship.

Here is another achievement worthy of mention! Gavin Truesdel was chosen as OV Fire Territory Firefighter of the Year. That is in spite of the fact that Gavin had a heart attack while battling a fire from too much carbon monoxide and adrenaline. Gavin has been on our prayer list since then, is mending, and still under a doctor’s care. But get this, his plans are to enroll in Ivy Tech this fall for nursing, then continue to become a doctor. Go for it, Gavin! We are behind you 100%. I think his mom and dad are proud of him since his dad, Mark, sent this information to me. 😊

Lots of times things happen at the church property very few notice. The work day on May 19th was a great thing to do and it spruced up the property. But another sprucing up took place recently. We own a total of 5 acres with three of them beyond the mowed section almost to the tree line at the back. That can’t be mowed by a traditional mower so twice last year and once this year Dave Keith has bush-hogged the property. Thanks, Dave for doing that and a belated thanks for last year’s work.

For the past three years since his retirement, Dick Hogan has done maintenance around the church building. It was nice to have someone to call on when things needed done. He now wants to enjoy his retirement. Thanks Dick for helping out around the building in multiple capacities and being our “Johnny-on-the-spot.”

We’ve had a lot of sickness, hospital visits and funerals recently. Please pray for their families.

• • Carole Smith, Kris Samick’s mother, went to be with Jesus on Friday, May 31st.
  • Jessica Bryan, a friend of many from the Freedom Homeschool Co-op, passed away last week, following a year-long battle with cancer.
  • Maverick Pendleton, suffered a stroke while he slept which caused paralysis on his right side. The doctors are trying to use PT and OT to get him to the place where he can go to Disney for his make-a-wish trip that was postponed. They say it was the tumor that caused the stroke.
  • Brent Talkington (Kathy’s son) suffered a major stroke over the weekend.
  • Lt. Col. Dave Allen lost his battle with cancer this past Saturday.
  • Daryl Harkrider, a friend of Mike and Nannette Edwards and one whom we were praying for lost his battle with cancer last week.
  • Jimmy Query had surgery on both big toes on Friday. He is grateful and recovering.

That is a lot of people in just over a week’s span.

My sermon this Sunday is Faith and Feet. I’d like to encourage you to try to figure out who those two men are. One is from the OT; the other from the NT. Until then, know you are loved.
Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #205

Hello and welcome to Midweek Message #205. School is officially over for the summer and I hope you have plans to enjoy and relax! I have talked to several teachers and school personnel and I have yet had one of them say they are disappointed school is out. Now…why is that?

By the time you are done reading this MM you just might say, “Hmmmm. That was a youth edition.” And you won’t be far off the mark!

YOUTH CORNER

• • • Amelia Biggs will leave 5th grade making her mark. She is part of the A/B Honor Roll.  Mom says she is growing up fast.😦
    • Hudsyn Biggs, her brother, was the proud recipient of the Hippopotamus Award, which  is given to someone with a “massive sense of humor and ability to spread happiness to  others.” Kala, his mom, wrote, “Blessed be his momma.”
    • Sophia Kropack was chosen as Top Cat of her 1st grade class for the last quarter (9  weeks). I think mom and dad, Grandma Linda and Aunt Jasmine just might be a tad bit  proud of her.
    • Charli Wood was chosen by Mr. Crowe for the “Rising Sun Award.” This award is for  exhibiting a greater level of responsibility for her learning as well as exhibiting respect  and cooperation. Along with that she also received an Academic Excellence Award in all  core subjects with a 4.0 for the entire year. Mom (Shelby VanDerMoere) may have  posted that on Facebook.

OV graduation was this past Saturday. Now is the time of graduation parties and life changes. As  promised in past MMs, I would like to highlight each graduate and tell you a bit about them and  their plans. Here they are in alphabetical order:

• • • Kathryn Anderson (OV) will be marrying Logan Cain on September 21st, then they will move to Washington, D.C through early 2026. During that time she will earn an online  associate’s degree in business administration through Liberty University. Until then, she  plans to work.😊Her parents are Robert and Becca Anderson. 
    • Caleb Bixler (OV) plans to attend University of Southern Indiana and pursue a degree in  business administration. His parents are Matt and Lizz Bixler.
    • Zach Dawley (OV) plans to enlist in the Army. His parents are Tyler Dawley and Sara  Parker
    • Annalei Dow (Indiana Connections Academy) plans to attend the University of  Minnesota on a diving scholarship and major in Food Science in the Ag Dept. Her  parents are Chad and Terri Dow.
    • MiaRose Hess (Homeschool) plans to attend Cedarville University in Ohio and major in  Finance and Entrepreneurship. Her parents are John and Jenny Hess.
    •  Cooper King (OV) plans to attend University of Southern Indiana for Computer Science.  His parents are Brad and Cara King. Fun fact: did you know that when Cara was searching  for a name that began with “C” Jo suggested Cooper?
    • Hunter Littleton (OV) His grandmother, Pat Harris, is proud of him.
    • Hannah Pendleton (OV) plans to attend Grace College to major in Elementary  Education. Her parents are Steve and Erin Pendleton.

College: 

• • • Mason Adams graduated from Indiana State University in three years with a degree in  Finance. He will be moving to Carmel this June for a job he accepted in the fall. His  parents are Tom and Kristine Mangia. 
    • Lily Bault graduated from Ivy Tech with a degree in nursing. She plans to work at  Bloomington Hospital in the Pediatric Department. Her parents are Chris and Angie  Bault. Grandma Rosie & Grandpa Melvin are mighty proud of her.😊

I would be remiss if I didn’t take some time (words to be exact) to thank the crew who stayed  Sunday afternoon for the workday. WOW, what a beautiful job they did! It was hot and sticky but they stayed with it. Next time you come make sure you take a look! Here is a list of those  who helped (based on the group picture): Rusty and Karen Turner. Bobby (that tractor saved us all!), Alli and Rob (he was having too much fun with that leaf blower) Anderson. Westin and  Cassie Linville. Geoff, Michelle and Marla Lippert. Ryan, Anna, Caleb and Rachel East. Bob, Tiffany and Sophia Kropack. Joe and Charlotte Pavich. (Sophia and Charlotte helped Linda with  the ice cream delivery. Thanks girls!). Gail Kempe. Brad Corder. Jerry and Carol Sturgeon. Linda  St. John (who also provided a much-needed and much-appreciated ice cream break). And yours  truly. Hope East took the picture. Part of the “this church spells HOME” is the curb appeal  people see when they drive in. Thank you s-o-o-o-o-o much for giving up a couple of hours to  spruce up what people see. 

I’ll let you know ahead of time that there will be no MM next week. With the Memorial Day holiday  Monday); our daughter, Janna, coming in from Ohio for eye surgery on Tuesday; then Jo and I  taking her back on Wednesday, I decided to take the week off from the MM. I hear a certain  office manager yelling a big “Hooray!” from her office as she reads this.😊😊

This week is my last sermon for the month of May focusing on women in the Bible. I’ve entitled  it Hope and Hospitality and it will focus on Sarah and Lydia. Beginning June 2nd the focus for the  month of June will be on men in the Bible. Since there will be no MM next week I’ll fill you in on  that Sunday. The sermon is entitled Second Place and the focus will be on Abel and Andrew.  

I look forward to seeing you Sunday. If you are taking off for vacation, please be careful and  enjoy yourself. I hope you come back refreshed. I know this will make your day, week, month  and summer: I love you all.😊

Pastor Bill 

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #204

Hello and welcome to Midweek Message #204! Mother’s Day 2024 is history, at least on the  calendar. The next big event is graduation and the end of the 2023-2024 school year. I would be  remiss if I failed to tell you that I hope you had a relaxing and good Mother’s Day.  

Speaking of graduation, this coming Sunday is our Graduate Recognition Sunday. Both high  school and college graduates will be recognized at the 10:45 service. We have a pretty good  number of graduates and I plan on telling a little bit about them in next week’s MM.  

Don’t forget that immediately following the second service we will be having a pitch-in lunch  and then a work day on the grounds. When someone owns a business they hear a lot about  “curb appeal.” We are no different. Many times a person’s first impression of the church is the  way the building and property are taken care of. One overtaken by weeds says, “We don’t care.”  That doesn’t bode well for how they care about people. It is true that perceptions can be  skewed but more often than not, such is the case. An effort was made a few weeks ago to begin  sprucing up the area around our building but it was way too much for one afternoon and the  number of people/amount of work involved. Pastor Ryan thinks a 2-3 hour work day with many  hands will get the job done. The pitch-in is informal and the work part of it will last until about  3:30 or sooner if done. If you would like to help, it is appreciated. You may want to check with  Pastor Ryan to see what tools are needed (if any). 

YOUTH CORNER

• • Congratulations to Alli Anderson. Alli was part of the girls 4 x 800 school record holders at OVMS. This past Wednesday Alli, Mallory Owens, Lily Smith, and Bailey Kay set a new  school record by completing it in 10:29:09!!!! Keep running Alli!
  • Kathryn Anderson was chosen for GWEC (Governor’s Work Ethic Certificate). That honor  is based on academic readiness; a GPA of at least 2.0; attendance of 98% plus of classes;  one or fewer discipline referrals; and a minimum of 6 hours of community service or  volunteerism.
  • Berkley Groomer received some good news in the health department. After 3 rounds of  blood being drawn and the doctors being concerned about her Vitamin D levels and  something else medically termed (mom’s words), Berkley is in the clear! There is nothing  genetic to be concerned with after breaking her arm twice within weeks. I love it when  we can report a praise like that! 😊

This past week the S-OCS system honored their nurses for National School Nurse Day.  Congratulations to Kim Floyd for being honored. She is the nurse for MCES.  

One of the dangers many church leaders and many churches get into is forgetting where they came from. For those who have been Christ-followers for any length of time or for those, like me, who have been raised in the church since they were “knee high to a grasshopper,” it is easy  to take for granted that others know what you are speaking about. I try hard to make sure those  who don’t know a Bible story are not left out by me saying, “You know…” I will try to say, “For those of you who are not familiar…”

All that to lead up to this: something was brought to our  attention recently that was a really good suggestion. Someone texted me about having Bibles  pre-marked with Scriptures I will be using in a sermon so that those who are unfamiliar with the  Bible will be able to find them. That was a really great idea to consider. Pastor Ryan, Diana and I  got our heads together and came up with a plan we hope works. The church purchased Bibles  for use on Sunday mornings that will be on the info table for use. Each Scripture to be looked up while I am preaching will have the page number listed in the bulletin and on the PowerPoint so  it can be turned to and read as I am reading it. We hope this will encourage people to look up  the Scripture but also lead to a desire to read and love the Bible even more on a personal level.  Thank you Jenna Wells for the suggestion!!  

As I mentioned at the beginning, Mother’s Day 2024 is history, but one event is not. Change for  Life, a fundraiser for New Beginnings Pregnancy Resource Center (NB), began Sunday and goes  until Father’s Day. Many of you are familiar with this, but if not, here are some details:

• • • This is a major fundraiser for NB. I mentioned in last week’s MM that Becca Anderson,  one of the board members, announced that in 2023 the Change for Life raised over $13k  for the ministry.
    • Baby bottles are provided on the info table. You may return the bottles here and we will  make sure they get to NB.
    • You may also support the fundraiser online at newbeginningsowen.org or through their  Facebook page. Both have “donate” buttons set up for easy access.
    • Keep in mind that NB does more than just help mothers of newborns. They provide  clothing, diapers, formula, and more to moms, dads, babies, children and families. This,  to me, is one of the most vital ministries in our community and favorite mission we  support as a church family.
    • If you have any questions or would like to help NB, please give them a call.

Serving Owen County Together (SOCT) has been a welcome event in our community for the past  5 years. This is, if my calculations are correct, Year #6. One Saturday in June the whole  community is invited to serve in helping the community. Booths are set up and clothing, shoes, food and more are open to the people to come and get what they need. Some local service  agencies set up booths for you to know more about them. The organizational date is May 20th at  5:30 and the date for SOCT is June 15th with a rain date of June 22nd. If you would like to help  please call the office or ask me.  

That’s all for this week. I hope you have a terrific rest of the week. I look forward to seeing you  Sunday. My sermon will be All In and the ladies under the microscope will be Hannah and Mary  Magdalene. Don’t forget this: I love you all.  

Pastor Bill 

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #203

Hello and welcome to Midweek Message #203. These last few weeks of school are filled with activities for both students and families. In spite of the hustle and bustle these days bring, I sure hope you enjoy them. I know I will not be the only one who says this, but it sure seems like school just started (except if you are a teacher!).😊Soon graduation, parties, baseball, softball,  soccer and maybe a vacation will fill our days. Enjoy them.  

Speaking of school, we are encouraging you to pray for all administrators, teachers, staff, and  students this week. Pray for them as they make preparations for the end of the school year and  begin preparing for school year ’24-25. Did I really say that?  

Don’t forget we plan to honor our graduates at the second service on May 19 at 10:45. A full list  of graduates and their plans will be included in the MM the next week.  

That Sunday, the 19th, is going to be a full day. Along with graduate recognition we will be having  a pitch-in and work day here at the church property. Several weeks ago Pastor Ryan and Hope,  Westin and Cassie Linville, Robert Anderson and some of our young people did some mulching  and also some landscaping around the new sign. But there is so much more to do and so it was  decided to have a work day to get as many involved as possible. The plan is to begin with a  pitch-in followed by yard work. We plan to work until around 3:30 (or earlier, if finished). Can’t  do yard work? We will have a list of some other things that need to be done.😊

Every year New Beginnings Pregnancy Resource Center (NB) promotes the Change for Life fundraiser. For those who may not be familiar, Change for Life begins on Mother’s Day and goes  until Father’s Day. It is simple. A baby bottle is provided and all they ask is that you take your  change and fill the bottle, then bring it to the church building from now until Father’s Day. It will  then be taken to NB. It is a simple, easy way to support the ministry of NB. Becca Anderson is on  the board of NB and she said last year the bottles brought in donations of over $13,000. If you  prefer to include a check or dollar bills they will not frown on that either. 😊😊 The baby bottles  will be available for you to pick up this coming Sunday (Mother’s Day). You may also donate  online at newbeginningsowen.org or through the “donate” button on their Facebook page. 

YOUTH CORNER

I mentioned in last week’s MM that Anna, Caleb, and Rachel East all won in the Red, White and  Blue contest through the VFW. The “Easties” won for singing the national anthem, recording it  and submitting it. Sophia Kropack won for her age group in the VFW Illustrating Art Contest. What I failed to mention is that all were advancing to the State Level! Congrats to all four of  you. We will be cheering for you as you move on. 

Congratulations to Hannah Pendleton. She is one of our graduates and at her party Sunday we  were informed that she graduated Salutatorian of her class of 545 students. I can guarantee you  that she is a whole lot smarter than I ever dreamed of being! Way to go Hannah! 

It sure was good to see Logan Cain here for the weekend. He came to celebrate Kathryn Anderson’s graduation and birthday. He and Kathryn plan to be married in September. He went  back to Quantico Tuesday. Logan serves in the Marines. Tony and Audrey Courson (mom and  dad) and Jackson (brother) were also glad to see him, as were the rest of his family. But I’m  guessing Kathryn might have been a wee-bit happier than all.😊 

I’d like to give a tip of the hat to our Sunday morning children’s program volunteers. That  includes the nursery workers, the check-in folks, the worship team, and every teacher and  helper. We were talking in the elder’s meeting Monday night about the youth department on  Sunday morning. It is packed, very often to the gills. We have a nursery and classes for  Preschool, Grades 1-3 and Grades 4-6. This past Sunday alone they had around 50! I don’t have  a list of all the teachers and helpers so I am afraid to list them lest I forget someone, but I can’t  say thank you enough for your service to our children every Sunday. I realize there are some  churches that don’t believe in having a separate youth area during adult worship, but I have  several questions about that:

1. 1. Where would we put everyone?
   2. I believe it is important for  young people to learn on their own level. Why in the world should they have to sit and listen to  some old fogy blather on?
   3. Where would we put everyone? Yeah, I know that is a repetitive  question but it is an important one. We are packed enough as it is and I simply cannot imagine  how cramped we would be without the youth program.

Again, I can’t say thanks enough to  Pastor Ryan and his hard workers for making the youth program on Sunday morning top-notch.  We even have some of our older high school youth helping. I love it!  

Thinking along that last thought about space/room for everyone: we are waiting for the  architect’s plans, as well as the topographical plans before we can get started. Trust me when I  say there are a few of us in the office chomping at the bit, but we will continue to wait. God has  His timing and it will do us no good to move ahead of Him with impatience. I have moved ahead  of Him in my personal life and it has never worked out well for me. 🙁 There is a reason Proverbs  3:5-6 and Isaiah 40:28-31 drip with truth. (Why not take a moment and look them up?).  

As I look outside today (Tuesday) the weather is playing with my head. It was supposed to rain all day yesterday and it was gorgeous. Today it is supposed to be stormy and while it has rained  it hasn’t been quite as bad as they say. I’m going to sign off for this week. I look forward to  celebrating Mother’s Day with all of you, especially the ladies. My sermon is Hard Acts to Follow (Ruth and Mary & Martha). Have a good rest of the week. Love you all.  

Pastor Bill 

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #202

Hello and welcome to Midweek Message #202! Here we are at the end of April already and the start of May. That can only mean two things: 1) Mother’s Day is right around the corner (hint, hint, guys!); and 2) school will soon be over. May 16 to be exact. Hey! Don’t shoot the messenger!😊And I’m glad you are taking time to read this edition.

Remember to pray for Brianna Wigington and Mandy Bowman. Both are counselors at SES. Briana is married to Nathan, they have one daughter, age 3, and live in Bloomington. Mandy has two daughters and one granddaughter and also lives in Bloomington. 

YOUTH CORNER

• • • I have something unique for the youth corner this week. This past week Kala Biggs received a note from Hudsyn’s teacher she thought Kala would like to hear. Hudsyn’s class was lining up for lunch and another little boy in the classroom looked at him and said, “Dude, why do you wear a cross necklace? Do you like Jesus or something?” to which Hudsyn replied, “Uh, duh! Of course I do!” He then proceeded to talk about it with the other student for another minute, but the teacher could not hear what all he said. She said it sounded sweet and very meaningful though. “You have got a great kid on your hands.” Now…do you think mom was proud of that? 😊
    • Anna East won first place for the Gosport VFW Red, White, and Blue contest, high school level. Caleb East won first place for the same contest, high school level for the Spencer VFW, and Rachel East won for the junior high level for the Spencer VFW for the same contest. It involved them singing and recording the National Anthem.
    • Sophia Kropack won grades K-3 for the Spencer VFW Illustrating Art contest.
    • I’ve received several schedules from parents whose children are in sports activities this summer. Conrad and Calvin Keene are both playing baseball this summer. I have this sneaking suspicion that mom and dad and grandparents (Mark & Dawn Murphy and Bruce and Karen Fisher) will be spending some time at the ballfields this summer.
    • Hudsyn Biggs is playing soccer. His schedule starts in May.
    • Charli Wood is playing softball for the Middle School team.
    • Eli Wood is competing in shot put and discus for the track team at OVMS.

Do you have a child who is playing ball this summer or is in some activity? Jo and I love to watch the young people take part in activities. Please get me a schedule so I can plan to attend. We even let Tami out of her cage and she sometimes comes with us. 😊

Please keep in mind that May 19 is the day we will be honoring our graduates. I’ll give all the pertinent information following that Sunday.

I don’t normally do this but I feel like it would be good to list some of the folks we prayed for this past Sunday. For some reason this past Sunday was a “heavy” week of people to pray for. Not that every week isn’t, but this one seemed to have its ups and downs. And also, with the short prayer time I feel sometimes we rush through without really focusing on the nitty gritty of people’s needs. Now, before I do this, I know there may be some who feel like “What about my prayer needs?” I’ll state right up front that I know some could be hurt. But here is the deal: if you would like me to include you in a future MM, I wouldn’t mind at all to include a weekly prayer feature. But for this week:

• As always our military and LEOs and their friends and family. Logan Cain will be coming home Wednesday (today) and will be heading back next Tuesday. Robert Herrington will be coming home for his wedding that takes place on the 25th.
• The parents of Maverick Pendleton found out that Maverick’s cancer has spread to the other side of his brain and spinal cord. He has fought cancer bravely for two years this September. Bombard heaven with prayers for this family.
• James Anderson is doing better. His visit to Riley included medicine for his stomach and lab work. They are encouraged by the results so far. All worst-case scenarios have been eliminated. Becca posted on Facebook that he is a carrier of CMV (Google it). I know Rob and Becca would sure appreciate your prayers.
• Both Carole Smith (Kris Samick’s mom) and Jerry Wainscott hope to be released this week to rehab. Be praying for their improving health.
• Hunter Golden is a neighbor of Andy and Stacy Wood. He was in an accident this past weekend and fractured 3 vertebrae is his neck. At this time he is paralyzed but the extent is not known.
• I asked you last week to pray for the expectant moms on the list. Caleb & Gabrielle Corder are due in June. Jake and Brandi Markland (Jim & Diana’s son and daughter-in law) are due in July. Pray for healthy babies and moms! Toss in one for the dads as well. 😊
• I have a personal request. One of the most consistent readers for years of my blog has been a woman from Georgia, Martha Orlando. She has had her own health challenges but she sent out an urgent request Tuesday to please pray for her husband, Danny. He is scheduled to have an emergency heart ablation today (Wednesday) to reduce and/or eliminate the ventricular tachycardia that would be life-threatening if not for his pacemaker. (He recently had a medical incident which required a replacement of his). The surgery is to take 5 hours. Thank you from me and from her (she did ask me to announce it).
• Each week the prayer list in the bulletin is chock full of people with different needs. Please take a moment and pick out some you may know and pray for them.

Did you know that one of the missions we support is Weekday Religious Education? Dave Schenck is one of the teachers at the Patricksburg WRE. Sunday he announced that 17 kids made decisions for Christ this past week during WRE. I can hear the angels singing and dancing!! 😊

I’d like to give a big shout out to the men who take part by giving the Communion thought each week. Each one is different and I appreciate every one of them. For some, it is out of their comfort zone, but it is good to see men stepping up. I’m always up for more men to volunteer! (Hint hint). 😊

I’m going to bring this week’s MM to a close. Just a reminder: Mother’s Day is 2 Sundays from now. Just sayin’. Love you all.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #201

Hello and welcome to Midweek Message #201. Jo walked in Sunday morning and said, “Those birds are noisy.” I said, “It’s because they are awake.” I hope it’s for another reason. They know warm weather is just around the corner and are singing its praise. After the small taste of it last week I know I’m ready for it. Anyway, I hope you are enjoying the weather and most of all, God’s goodness. Lamentations 3:22-23 says, “The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” (NLT)

Please remember to pray for George Bergen, counselor at MCES, and Emily Reuter, counselor at both GES and PES. Mr. Bergen is married to Kim and they have two grown daughters. He also has a service dog, Walter that works with him at MCES. Emily is married to Michael, they are parents of six children and live in Spencer.
While you are praying for them, please include our expectant mothers, babies (and fathers).

• Caleb and Gabrielle Corder are expecting a baby girl (Charlotte) in June.
• Jake and Brandi Markland (Jim & Diana’s son and daughter-in-law) are expecting a baby son (Jett) in July.

I’m sure James Anderson and his parents would appreciate your prayers as he makes his way to Riley for an appointment on Thursday.😊

YOUTH CORNER

• Gavin and Jenna Wells’ daughter, Emmy, placed first on the balance beam for her age group (K). Tami caught mom Jenna’s post on Facebook.
• Another gymnastic accomplishment goes to Kalia Keene. Kalia is a state balance beam champion! She also placed 3rd on the floor and 3rd all around. I’d say mom is pretty proud of her. 😊 
• It’s going to be a really busy summer sports-wise for our youth. I know a number of them are playing ball in the Sports Complex leagues. I’ll try to keep you updated on them. It will be next to impossible to include their schedules but I will try my best to at least get their names in the YOUTH CORNER. I will, of course, need the parent’s help in making that happen so please get the information to me! 
• July is the Owen County Fair and a slew of our young people are involved in that in various ways. Gonna be a full summer.

Graduate Sunday is scheduled for May 19th. We plan to recognize our grads during our second service so if you have a senior, please mark that date!! Here is who we know is graduating at this point.

• • Kathryn Anderson
  • Caleb Bixler
  • Annalei Dow
  • MiaRose Hess
  • Cooper King
  • Hannah Pendleton
  • Mason Adams (college)

I’ll give more information on each of them after we honor them on the 19th. My point of including them here is to remind you that if you have a senior who is graduating high school or college please let Diana or Pastor Ryan know.

I know some people don’t like their “horn tooted” but this past Saturday several folks showed up to do some work on the grounds. New mulch was toted to the playground and spread around, and rock was put around the new sign. Those involved were the East clan; Bobby, Rob and Alli Anderson; and Westin and Cassie Linville. Both jobs look exceptionally nice. There is more to be done so plans are to possibly have an all-church work day following the second service with an informal pitch-in, then some grounds work. Pastor Ryan will keep you updated on that.

Two weeks ago on a Sunday I had the communion meditation. I was filling in for someone who had a change of schedule. I didn’t give it any thought until it was time for the meditation and I got emotional. The second service went much better than the first in the emotions department. I shared with you how two of my friends were struggling with cancer and James Anderson was an active 6 ½ year old boy who has been sick the last couple of months with no known cause. My friend, Dave from Arizona, was diagnosed with a brain tumor and had surgery less than a week after we got back from visiting with him and his wife, Susan. My friend, Jim, whom I have known and cycled with for 30+ years has fought cancer for 14 years and was told it was all through his body and there was nothing more they could do. They gave him 3-6 months to live. For the past 8 weeks I have been driving to Zionsville every other week to reminisce and spend time with him and encourage his wife, Tina. This past Thursday, Jo and I were 5 minutes from their house when Tina called to say Jim had just passed. It sure was bittersweet. I knew Jim was active and didn’t want to be shackled by a body filled with cancer and wouldn’t allow him to do anything. But I also had to deal with my own emotions of losing someone I loved. It’s not like I haven’t had to before, but this was different. He was at least 10 years younger than me and we had some really cool cycling adventures together. I could go on for quite a while, but that would only be of interest to me. Suffice it to say that sorrow is sweet joy when the one you say “See you later” to is a follower of Jesus. For that, I am extremely grateful. Let me also say thanks to many of you who expressed your sympathies and sadness for me. After the initial shock, I really am okay. He is being cremated and then Tina is going to spread his ashes outside. He loved the outdoors-hiking, water skiing, snow skiing, boating, scuba diving, hunting, as well as cycling. He lived life well and to the full so while I will miss him, I also know I will see him again. So I simply say, “Thanks for the memories.”

I deeply appreciate each and every one of you. Thanks for letting me be your pastor. Next to being a husband to Jo, a father to Tami & Janna, and a grandpa to Braden, I can think of no higher calling I could have. I love each one of you.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #200

Hello! Did you see that? #200. Who’da thunk it? Some of you might be wondering (especially if you are newer to the mailing list) what in the world is the Midweek Message anyway? I looked back to #1 and here is what I wrote:

Good middle of the week my friends! Who’da thunk it just a couple of weeks ago that meeting together would be our last time for who-knows-how-long? I’d like this to be a regular feature during this time each week to communicate with you via email about different things. This is just me to you from my heart. A little bit of this and a little bit of that.

This is an unprecedented time. Some of us lived through 9/11 and remember it well. Some have lived through the swine flu, Asian flu, the Hong Kong flu (I had it in high school. Made for a great Christmas vacation), and for some old-timers, the Great Depression. And no, I wasn’t living during that time 😊 , but my grandparents were.

I said more but it doesn’t need to be repeated here. Long story short…we all remember COVID and the havoc it played on all of us. As you can probably gather by reading this, I started the MM to keep in touch with you. It was just a small way to come into your inbox, life, home, or work and say, “Hi! I’m thinking of you.” I did other things as well, like writing notes to everyone and even doing the drive by prayers (I would pull into a driveway or a street and pray for the people in the family/house and as I pulled away text them and say, “You have just been the victim of a drive by…prayer.” We also started our live stream and it has turned out to be a very good thing. I hear quite often from people who are grateful for it and listen in all sorts of places. Some listen at home. One told me this week he will sometimes listen on a slow night at work while in his car. I am so-o-o-o-o glad we started that and someone had the generosity to donate money for the camera and equipment.

Now you know the background of the MM. I never thought it would keep going, especially to #200. I have missed a few weeks due to vacation or holidays or because I wanted to give my editor a break (she deserves it), but for over 3 years I have been dropping by to say hi. I have no clue how long I will continue the MM, but I do hope you will enjoy reading it.

If you just can’t get enough of hearing from me once a week, did you know I also do a daily devotion from Monday through Thursday? It is called Living in the Shadow and you can find the link on the church’s website or by going to http://livingintheshadow.ovcf.org. You have a chance to read and can also respond if you would like. Except for several years ago when someone really liked to make snarky comments, I approve the comment and also reply. And yes, in case you are wondering, that is called “tooting my own horn.” I would love it if you took the time to read. Most devotions can be read within 5 minutes. I also put them on LinkedIn (the only social media I am on). It gives some inspiration to a ton of readers.

Okay…now that I am done patting myself on the back 😊, let’s move on.
Sunday was a really good day. I saw a lot of new faces, but the highlight was witnessing the baptism of Tanner Wood and his pappy, Steve Potts. Always love seeing the waters of the YMCA stirred.

I really enjoyed Cassie Linville’s and Hannah Pendleton’s presentation on their mission trip to Kenya. It was nice hearing what they did and how it impacted their lives. May it have a lasting effect on both of them.

Remember to pray for Jenn Zigler this week. Jenn has been a counselor at OVMS for 6 years. She is married to Chris and they have two sons, Barrett and Winston, who attend MCES.

One of the things that draws people back to a church is how welcome they feel. It is not enough for me or Pastor Ryan to welcome them; it is also important that you do so as well. Before COVID we had a team who acted as greeters. We would like to get that team started again. Responsibilities are: helping pass out bulletins; looking for new faces to say hi to; being instrumental in helping new folks with children know where to take their children for check-in (thank you, Anna East, for twice being my go-to this past Sunday); and just helping make people feel welcome. If we want to be a church that says, “We Are Glad You Are Here” a team of people who make that the focus is essential. We also have some gifts to give visitors and it would be helpful to have some folks who take on that ministry. Pastor Ryan, Diana, and I have been working on a Welcome Team. If you would like to be involved in that team, we would love to have you step forward and say, “I will help!”

Someone asked me Sunday what ladies I plan to highlight during the month of May. First, this Sunday is Caught in His Wake and it is about Eve. The final week of this month is The Deceiver. Two guesses who that one is about! Now for the ladies:

• • May 5- Out of the Pit- (Rahab and the John 8 woman)
  • May 12- Hard Acts to Follow (Ruth and Mary & Martha)
  • May 19- All In (Hannah and Mary Magdalene)
  • May 26- Hope and Hospitality (Sarah & Lydia)

Some I know you are probably familiar with, but even with those, I hope to bring a new twist to their story.

One last thing: thanks to all of you for your hugs and words of support this past Sunday. As I said during the meditation, I believe God does answer prayer: sometimes yes; sometimes no; sometimes wait awhile. But even though I got caught in the web of wait awhile, I still believe God is good. Please don’t forget that. I don’t throw that around just willy-nilly. I say it because I believe it. If you get a chance, please read Psalm 116:5-19 on your own and at your own pace. Why not journal your thoughts as you read and ask yourself, “What is God saying and how does it relate to my situation?”

Have a good week and remember you are loved.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #199

Hello and welcome to Midweek Message #199! As I sit here and type this edition of the Midweek Message I must admit to a somewhat morbid curiosity as to how tomorrow will turn out. I call it “the day Spencer stood still” because of the expected hype and influx of people for the eclipse. Since this will not go out until Wednesday, we will all have a better idea of how it went and what we thought. In any case, I do hope you have had a great week and will have a good rest of the week.

Remember to pray this week for Beth Sewell and Bonnie Richmond, both guidance counselors at OVHS. Beth is married to Matt and they live in Ellettsville. They have 3 grown daughters and 3 grandchildren. She is also a graduate of OVHS. Bonnie lives in Ellettsville and has 2 grown sons.

A huge congratulations is in order for Logan Cain. Kathryn Anderson, Logan’s fiancée, sent me some information Jo read to me that was on Facebook. Back in February Logan won “Marine of the Year” for his unit. In winning that title he was presented with the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal which was presented to him two weeks ago. Kathryn sent me a couple of pictures which I am unable to show you. Do you get the feeling that she is rather proud of him?😊 Logan is due home the first of next month. I sit here and wonder if Kathryn and his family will be happy to see him? What do you think?

While I’m on the subject of our military people, Robert Herrington will be coming home next month for something. It is called a wedding. 😊Robert will be marrying Hannah Sheese at Abram Event Venue on May 25th. I saw Hannah at the Y this past Saturday morning and I think she is kind of excited about it. Maybe just a little.

I was recently informed there are less than 30 days left of school. It is hard to believe. It seems like school just started. Of course, I’m not in the classroom every day so I just may be a bit uninformed. Did you know that Pastor Ryan and I read to Kindergarten classes once a month? He reads to classes at McCormick’s Creek Elementary and I read to Gosport Elementary and Spencer Elementary each month. I thoroughly enjoy being with the students and seeing their “energy” at work. All in all though, they are pretty well-behaved and eager to learn and take part. Rachel White and Gabrielle Corder are the K teachers at GES and Ashley Bault, Tracy Patterson, Sarah Jones and Tami (my daughter) are the teachers at SES. Cara King and Tricia Potts are the K teachers at MCES. Ryan also reads to two Pre-K classes at MCES taught by Sarah Bougher and Cristi Wood. We both get a real joy out of reading to the young people. Mrs. Hensley is at Patricksburg and her husband, Larry, reads to her class. I am already laying the groundwork with Kris Samick (Director of Communications) and Matt Taylor (Director of Curriculum) for next school year. 

YOUTH CORNER

With school soon coming to a close for 2023-2024, that also means graduation time. If you know of any high school or college graduates please let Diana or Pastor Ryan know. We already have a couple of names but really rely on you informing us to make sure no one is left out.

I have a little bit of space this week so I thought I would share something that has been on my heart. If, when you are done reading and have questions/comments, please feel free to ask/text/email me.

With the talk of the addition and the work being put into making it a reality, it will be and is easy to lose sight of “the why.” Why are we doing this? Why are we raising money to build an addition? I’ll try hard to put my thoughts down in an easy-to-understand manner.

First, we are not building the addition to “get bigger.” There is not a leader at OVCF, or a member of the Building Team who has visions of grandeur. We are not building the addition for the purpose of “If you build it they will come.” That line from Field of Dreams was good for the movie but not for a church’s future. In fact, I know churches that did that and several factors have made that a sore spot.

Second, and to build on the previous thought: a church’s prime reason for existing is not to have a monument to itself, or to say “We have the biggest church in the community.” No, the church’s reason for existing is found in Matthew 28 where Jesus told His disciples to “make disciples of all nations.” The life Jesus offers us was never meant to be kept to ourselves; it was and is to be shared with others so they too will know the abundant life He promises.

I am totally convinced that we have the message people so desperately need. People talk about Boomers, Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, the Silents (trust me when I say I can’t keep them straight), etc. What I do know is that people of every generation, of every influence, of every color, race or nation, need what we have to give: the life-giving message of the love of Jesus. So, if by building this addition it gives us more room for people to gather and hear this lifechanging message, then I’m all for it.

On Monday I started reading a new book that just came out called De-Sizing the Church by Karl Vaters. I share the following quote with you so you can catch a glimpse of my heart and know that am sincere about this whole thing. Karl quotes another pastor on Twitter after hearing a megachurch pastor tell a roomful of pastors that they shouldn’t avoid celebrity, they should seek it. “I’m telling you, platforms are for diving & brands are for horses. Flee from pastors seeking to build them. Leaders tear down with their lack of character what they build with their gifts. Choose humble, faithful, local-focused, word and sacrament serving, people loving pastors over polished showmen every day. It might not be sexy, but it won’t be toxic and it will be sustainable.” (p.19). I make no apologies for being a simple pastor who loves his people (you) and desires to make Christ known. My brother, Rob, used to sign all his correspondence with Gal. 6:14- “May I never boast except in the cross of Christ.” Amen!

Thanks for listening to my heart this week. Sunday’s sermon is He Started It! from Genesis 1:26-
31; 2:15-24. I love you all and look forward to seeing you Sunday.

Pastor Bill