Category: MidweekMessage

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

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #198

Hello and welcome to Midweek Message #198. They say the week after, especially the Monday after Resurrection Sunday is always the hardest. I’m not even waiting until Monday. It is Sunday afternoon and I’m dragging. I’m curious to see what tomorrow will bring. They also say the Sunday following is tough because after the “high” of Resurrection Sunday things go back to being more normal. I’ll just bask in the glow of Sunday for now.😊

A brief recap is in order so here you are:

• First, many, many, many thanks to all the volunteers who helped with making our morning go so well. The parking and shuttle people worked together like clockwork. We had so many people show up to help with setting up chairs, putting out clipboards and communion tubs that we were done within ½ hour on Saturday night. Then so many pitched in to help put chairs away, to sweep, and to mop. It was nice watching so many come together and help. I’m afraid to list any individuals for fear of forgetting someone. So please accept my heartfelt thanks for your help. 
• A special thanks is in order to the Worship Team. They came Saturday night to set up and do a sound check, then came early Sunday morning. That leads me to say thanks to Zach Hogan for coming Saturday evening to set up his sound equipment, do a sound check and then come back Sunday after his church worship was over to get his equipment. 
• Now for some stats: Jeff Carlson said we had 262+. He included the + sign because there were some he was unable to count. One significant item: we used all the chairs Abram Venue had. That was phenomenal! 
• The offering for the day was for Missions unless otherwise designated. That amount ended up being $4,089.60 for Missions and $1470 designated for the Building Fund. In case you may be wondering, we divide the offering equally between the missions we support on a monthly basis, so when it was all said and done, $371.78 extra went to the eleven missions/missionaries we support. 
• I do want to single out one person: Tiffany Kropack. Tiffany took pictures and then gave some contact information on Facebook for anyone who might want to have a copy of them. Thanks Tiffany for this extra special gift for all. 
• One more: Special thanks to Bill & Suzie Abram for making their venue available for us to use. It makes extra work for Suzie but, if available, she has never failed to allow us to use the venue. If you know them and see them, please tell them thanks. 
• I am so glad we made the decision to go to Abram Event Venue this year. There is NO WAY we would have been able to have that many people in our building for two services. It was a wise choice. 
• My one disappointment: we had a ton of visitors that I did not have a chance to meet or were able to sign the attendance sheets. I can hope they will come to one of our regular worship services and give me a chance to meet them (and hopefully not forget their names). 😊

All in all a very good day.

One more important thought before I leave that. I look forward to the day when we can say, “Resurrection Sunday service will be in our own building.” A day like Sunday only “whets the appetite” for a place of our own to accommodate big days and regular days.😊

Our S-OCS worker to pray for this week is Balinda Wagner. Balinda is in her second year as Director of Food Services for the corporation. Sunday morning I mentioned that she wrote a really nice email to me. Here is what she wrote: “Good morning Mr. Grandi, I received your card in the mail today, and I truly appreciate the added prayers.  I hope that I am helping to make the student’s time at Spencer-Owen Community Schools an enjoyable experience.  I hope you and all of those you serve have a very happy and rejoyceful Easter.” Balinda is married to Scott and they have two daughters and live in Quincy.

Do you know what member of the staff has a birthday this week? Hint: it isn’t me or Pastor Ryan. BTW: Been nice knowing you. She will eliminate me after she reads this.😊

This coming Sunday I start a new sermon series. It is entitled Yes, They are Real and the next three months will be focused on individuals in the Bible who leave us with life lessons. The first one may be a tough one to guess. The Scripture is Genesis 1:1-2:3. Give yourself a prize if you guess it right.😊

YOUTH CORNER

• Congratulations to Alli Anderson who was chosen as the Secretary/Chaplain of ‘24-’25 Owen Valley Ag and FFA.

They say that next Monday Spencer and the surrounding areas will be a madhouse, i.e. get your gas, groceries, etc. early. I’m going to call it “The day Spencer stood still.” Everything is closing that day-schools, banks, restaurants, stores-you name it. I told Jo I was going to go to the office, close the blinds and take a nap (since it is going to be totally dark for a few minutes). Diana would tell you I probably don’t need to wait for that to happen since she just may have caught me snoozing in my chair a time or two (or three or four or…) while I was reading. No matter how I try I can’t come up with a good excuse so I just stopped trying and admit it.😊
The church office will be open in the morning, but then I suspect we will all be safely tucked away with our handy dandy Eclipse glasses ready to wear. Someone suggested we be ready for some visitors this Sunday who will be in town for the Eclipse. I’m not sure what to expect, but I do hope that if we have any visitors you will make them feel welcome.

I gotta go. Lord willing, I will see you Sunday (unless I have been carried away by aliens). Have a great rest of the week and remember you are loved.
Pastor Bill  

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #197

Hello and welcome to Midweek Message #197. Palm Sunday ’24 is now history. This week has often been called Holy Week. It begins with His entrance into Jerusalem (portrayed on Palm Sunday) and culminates with His resurrection on Sunday morning. In between, a lot of major events take place. Some (but not limited to) are the Last Supper, the prayer in the Garden, the mockery of a trial, the crucifixion, and then the Resurrection. I hope you will take time this week to reflect on “the week that was.”

In the meantime, remember to pray for Jeff Mauder, the Director of Maintenance for S-OCS. Jeff is married to Renny (who just retired last year from teaching English at OVHS) and is the father to two sons and a daughter.

YOUTH CORNER

I’m excited! After last week’s “no show” of youth information, I have a few to share with you this week.

• Berkley Groomer, whom you may know has had some broken bones to deal with and is awaiting genetic testing, entered America’s Best Pageant. (You can ask mom what that is). She came away with a clean sweep of awards: 5 crowns, one plaque, 2 medals, and two trophies (one is 5ft and the other is 3ft. Both are taller than her). 😊 Tiffany said she had the best time! The smile on her face backs that up. Mom and dad are proud of you and so are we.
• Eli Wood has been chosen Vice President of the OV FFA Middle School Team. He told me he didn’t think he would get it. Sometimes the best awards are the surprises. Way to go, Eli!
• Amelia Biggs made the A/B Honor Roll and brother, Hudsyn was not far behind with his S+/O’s. I think mom may be a little bit proud.

Keep those reports coming!!

One more time…😊 This Sunday is Resurrection Sunday. We are still in need of volunteers to help in some areas. But first…remember…

• • Resurrection Sunday at Abram Event Venue (first driveway south of the church lot).
  • Sunday, March 31 at 10:00 AM
  • We will not have children’s programs or a staffed nursery that morning but there will be an area for families to use, if needed. Pastor Ryan has goody bags for the young people to have that morning.
  • All the day’s giving will go to Missions unless otherwise designated.
  • Thanks for understanding and adjusting to the change in plans. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask or call the church office (812.828.9840)
  • Tiffany Kropack will be taking pictures following the service, as she has in the past.

And here is where we can still use your help……..

• • • Help is needed to set up/tear down. Set up will be at 6:00 on Saturday evening. It won’t take long with many hands. We will tear down and put away immediately following the service.

I mentioned Sunday about the upcoming sermon series. I’ve entitled it Real People/Real Characters. This series will last April through June. Here is what I have planned:

1. 1. April
      • Creator of All (God)
      •He Started It! (Adam)
      •Caught in His Wake (Eve)
      •The Deceiver (Satan)
   2. May
      •Out of the Pit (Rahab & the Woman in John 8)
      •Ruth & Mary and Martha (Mother’s Day)
      •Hannah & Mary Magdalene
      •Sarah & Anna (?)
   3. June
      •Abel & Andrew
      •Abraham & James (Jesus’ brother)
      •Enoch & John the Apostle (Father’s Day)
      •Noah & John the Baptizer
      •Samson & Peter

Like many of you I have some really whacked out i.e. strange brothers. One sends me crazy stuff from time to time, some of it too politically charged for me. But EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE. he sends me something that is quite good. I got the following from him this past weekend:

Pontius Pilate: “Joseph, I really don’t understand. You’re one of the richest men in the region, and you’ve spent a small fortune on a new tomb for you and your family and you want to give it this man, Jesus?”

Joseph: “It’s just for the weekend.”

Like I said… every once in a while. 😊 It gave me a good chuckle. Celebrate the highlight of the Christian faith this week with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. I love you all.

Pastor Bill

I look forward to seeing you all Sunday at Abram Event Venue.

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #196

Hello and welcome to Midweek Message #196. I’ll probably make some enemies with 4 short words but here goes: Spring Break is over. I do hope you had a restful and good Spring Break and that it hasn’t been too hard getting back into the swing of things this week. Just think: the next one will be much longer. 😊 Can anyone say, “Summer!!”? 

Kelly Sorenson is our Educator of the Week. Kelly is the Director of Transportation for the school system. Her husband, John, is on active duty and is currently home due to an injury. They also have 4 children. 

This past Sunday we were privileged to have Cory and Cassidy Fountain and their 3 children visit with us. They brought us an update on their desired work for Team Expansion in London. Please keep praying for them. 

The biggest event on our calendar is Resurrection Sunday. I know we have been giving you some information the past few weeks but it never hurts to repeat it. So…here goes:

• • Who? Our growing church family 
  • What? Resurrection Sunday worship 
  • Where? Abram Event Venue (one driveway south of us)
  • When? Sunday, March 31st at 10:00 AM.
  • Why? We really want to worship together and know our current building will not allow that so we decided to meet at Abram Event Venue! 
  • Help is needed in set up/tear down.  Saturday evening at 6:00 we will be setting up for Sunday morning. We could use your help in making short work of this. 
  • Help is needed for parking/shuttle service. Parking is limited at the venue so if you can carpool that morning it would be great! If you are able to park at the church lot and either carpool or shuttle that would be very helpful. 
  • We will not have children’s programs or a staffed nursery that morning but hope to have an area for families to use, if needed. Pastor Ryan is putting together goody bags for the young people to have that morning. 
  • All the day’s giving will go to Missions unless otherwise designated. 
  • Thanks for understanding and adjusting to the change in plans. If you have any questions please feel free to ask or call the church office (812.828.9840) 

My current sermon series, Jesus Unfiltered, will be finished on Resurrection Sunday. The two remaining sermons are

• • • Jesus is Our Substitute-Isaiah 52:13-53:10
    • Jesus is Victorious- I Corinthians 15:12-57

A special announcement on what is to follow: I had announced a little over a month or so ago that following this series I would finish the series on Revelation. As I worked on this current series I felt a growing sense of something else taking root in me. 

This current series of Jesus Unfiltered has been a “heavy” type of series, one that has been extra hard to prepare but also to deliver. Included in the next several months are Mother’s Day and Father’s Day and so I wondered about highlighting them. Instead of having those two days with different women and men speaking, I thought I would do more than a one day mention. April will be a character study of:

• • God- “The Creator of It All”
  • Adam- “He Started It!”
  • Eve- “Caught in His Wake”
  • Satan- “The Deceiver” 
  • May will feature different women in the Bible (2 each week) who contrast/complement each other
  • June will feature different men similar in approach as the women. 

My plan right now is to complete Revelation in July and August. I’ll explain more about the whole sermon plan as it gets closer. I’d like to ask you for your prayers for the whole process of designing it and implementing it (research, study and preaching it). 

This coming Sunday will be the last time we will do “We’re Glad You Are Here” on a weekly basis. It will show up in different ways and at different times. I do hope it has ingrained itself into your soul and is more than just a reading-out-loud that we do. Here it is one more time:

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. 

After last week’s barrage of YOUTH CORNER additions, there are none this week. That speaks of Spring Break and a bunch of award events before break. We are proud of our young people. Keep up the good work…all of you!! 

I’m going to close this week’s edition of the MM. These next two Sundays are the highlights of the Christian message-the Crucifixion and the Resurrection. Please keep them in mind as you go through your day. I love you all and pray you will experience this season in a whole new light. 

Pastor Bill 

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #195

Hello and welcome to Midweek Message #195. I hope you are having a good Spring Break, either here or somewhere else. I know a lot of our folks have traveled to parts unknown for family time away, doing all sorts of crazy stuff, or just taking it easy in the hills of Tennessee or elsewhere. Have a great time but please be safe! I’ll look forward to seeing you all when you get back. Now…I hope you will read this all-important, “can’t-do-without-reading” Midweek Message.😊

 The Educator of the week is Betsy Breedlove. Betsy has been with S-OCS for 25 years. Her husband, Chris is co-owner of Elite Electric and they have two sons. Even though she and others are on break, please remember to pray for her.

YOUTH CORNER

I thought “Spring Break, not much to report in the Youth Corner.” Silly me. 

• • Cooper Wood received the Most Improved award for his season on the basketball team “Coop” is on the 5th grade B team. 
  • Charli Wood, Cooper’s older sister, made the “A” team for the Middle School softball team. Pity the…never mind. 😊
  • Tanner Wood took first place in the individual tournament for the OV Elementary Wrestling league. 
  • His brother, Lincoln VanDerMoere, took 3rd. 
  • Looks like it was a Wood-kind of week. 😊 Way to go, all of you, for a job well done. Made mom proud for sure (she sent it to me). 
  • I received a text that Eliza Chambers ended up as the balance beam champion for her age group and was in the Top 10 for the other events. 9th overall score for the state. She also got her personal best all-around score and met her goal for the season of 37 out of 40 (I have no clue what that is!) 😊 That’s pretty good considering she broke her pinky toe the week before. A proud mom sent this to me. 
  • Maddie Sparks was named Defensive MVP for the 5th grade basketball team.
  • Kyson White was named Team MVP for the 6th grade travel basketball team. 
  • His older brother, Kaden, was chosen as Freshman MVP and JV Most Improved. Mom and Dad (Ryan and Karen (Redenbaugh) White have two following in their footsteps). 
  • Tad Nicholson was named MVP for the 6B  basketball team (school/travel team). 

Although she is not in the “Youth Corner” category, several weekends ago Valarie Akerson went to Evansville to compete in a power-lifting meet. Valarie has been competitively lifting for years. In her meet in Evansville she took first place in her age division for lifting. This will qualify her to compete at the Worlds this November in Las Vegas. Congrats Valarie and we wish you well in November. Valarie trains at the Iron Pit in Bloomington. Husband, Wayne, is along for the moral support. 😊

This past Friday we said, “See you later” to a man who was instrumental in starting OVCF in 2004. Chris Wainscott has fought health issues the past few years and Saturday morning, the 2nd, he went home to Jesus. The church hosted the celebration and I gotta tell you, the ladies of the church came through BIG TIME! Many thanks to Madi Arnett, Tiffany Kropack, and Diana for organizing the meal following the service and to every one of the folks who provided food. It was a phenomenal undertaking and you all came through with flying colors. Thank you everyone for your help! 

Did you use a magnet or tape the “We’re Glad You’re Here” snippet to your fridge door or to your mirror or somewhere prominent? Of course you did! 😊

Resurrection Sunday (March 31) information:

• • One service at 10:00 at Abram Event Venue (next door)
  • Parking is limited so you may consider carpooling to the venue or parking at the church lot and carpooling from here or be shuttled. 
  • No children’s programs due to limited space. We will have goody bags with activities for the elementary/preschool-aged kids. We hope to offer an unstaffed nursery area for families to use, if needed.
  • If you would like to help set up/tear down or with the parking/shuttle service please let us know by signing up at the info table. We plan to set up on Saturday at 6:00 p.m. We will also need help to tear down and clean up immediately following the service.
  • The offering that day will go to Missions unless otherwise designated. 
  • We look forward to celebrating the Risen Christ with you that morning. 

Of a more personal nature: 

• • My 66 class will not meet this Wednesday night due to Spring Break. 
  • My sermon for this Sunday is Jesus is Incomparable from is. 7:14; Luke 1:26-38; Jn. 20:30-31 and 21:24-25. 

Cory and Cassidy Fountain will be with us this Sunday to tell about their mission work to London. They have an update to give us since the last time they were here. 

I’m going to close since I know it is Spring Break and many of you are traveling. If you take the time to read this while on break, have fun and be safe. Rest, relax and refuel. I love you all and look forward to seeing you at the earliest possible time. 

Pastor Bill 

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #194

Hello and welcome to Midweek Message #194! I know it is probably foolish to say that I hope you missed me but…I hope you missed me.😊 Our trip to Arizona was fun, refreshing, and a great get-away, but it sure was good to sleep in our own bed! Thanks to all who picked up the slack and also prayed for us while we were gone. Besides spending time Dave and Susan (our friends we went to see), we also met a longtime blogging friend and director of the MAK Foundation (Floyd) in Scottsdale for lunch on Thursday. Dave was an excellent tour guide as we made our way to Sedona and then the Grand Canyon. Sedona was a beautiful place, but one cannot find the words to describe the Canyon. Just WOW! As I stood at the edge (but not too close), all I could think of were the words of the psalmist: “The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.” (Ps. 19:1). Another one was from Psalm 8:3-4 “When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers-the moon and the stars you set in place-what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?” Pictures don’t do it justice. We had a great trip. The downside was that it was 70+ degrees when we left; the next day here it was in the 30s with a wind chill of 20. Sort of makes being a snowbird appealing, although I have absolutely no plans of being one. 😊

Remember to pray for our Educator of the Week, Norm Warner. Norm is the Director of Technology for S-OCS. He and his wife Lori are longtime residents of Owen County and are the parents of 3 boys. Lori works at Cook.

Did you know our very own Joe Pavich was honored this week during Athletic Trainer Appreciation Day? Here is what Kris Samick wrote about him in the Friday Fun Facts of S-OCS: We are SO fortunate to have Joe Pavich as our Athletic Trainer for Owen Valley High School! He does a fantastic job taking care of our student-athletes and is proactive in his approach to ensure their safety. Specializing in training, prevention, and treatment of injury, Athletic Trainers can handle emergency and non-emergency situations that come out of physical activity or sports. Way to go Joe! We are proud of you.

YOUTH CORNER

• Back in MM#183 I shined the light on Annalei Dow, the daughter of Chad and Terri Dow. Annalei plans to attend the University of Minnesota on a diving scholarship. But there is more to the story! She is not just a top diver but also a top student. She opened the mail the other day and has been awarded an academic scholarship as well. We are so proud of you Annalei!
• Don’t tell anyone, but Aubrey Mangia not only was part of the 7th grade girls basketball team (they won the WIC for 7th grade), she also celebrated her 13th birthday this past Sunday. Congrats on both Aubrey.
• Charli Wood was awarded “Most Encouraging” for the cheer season. What an honor Charli!

Part of my vacation is relaxing and part of my relaxing is reading. I read one book while I was gone: Just Show Up by Drew Dyck, and then when I got back I read one that I ordered as a result of reading that one. It was called Glad You’re Here by Walker Hayes (Crazy Like Applebee’s singer) and Craig Allen Cooper. Little did I know they both went along with the theme of the past series of sermons (WELCOME HOME…where). After reading them I put together something we all read together this past Sunday. I thought I would put it here so you can read it and maybe post it where you can see it:

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’m sure we will tweak it in the weeks to come but please start familiarizing yourself with it. Eventually it will come as natural as breathing.

Here is some information you can file away:

• Spring Break begins this coming weekend, March 10-17. Many of you will be traveling. Please be safe and enjoy your time away.
• Cory and Cassidy Fountain will be with us on March 17th to update us on their move to London to do mission work.
• Resurrection Sunday services will be at Abram Event Venue. We will have one service at 10:00 a.m. More information will be coming!!!

My sermon this Sunday is Jesus is God (The Ant-Man heresy). I can give you one hint on the topic but I hope it won’t keep you away. 😊 One word: Trinity.

Remember to turn your clocks ahead this Saturday night!

Have a great week. I love you all and it was so good to see you Sunday.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #193

Hello and welcome to Midweek Message #193, your “go to” place for all things OVCF. Okay…that is a slight exaggeration but it was nice to say it. 😊  Seriously, thanks for joining me for a few minutes. 

Jo & I are leaving for Arizona tomorrow for a week’s vacation! 😊 After the weather of the past couple of days, it will be good to have a change of pace. Speaking of weather, would someone please tell me what that white stuff was that fell on Friday afternoon and evening? I thought we were going to get off easy this winter, but this one snowfall changed all of that.  I should have known though. Tami looked at her Facebook memories and it has snowed the last 3 years on that date. In fact, one year ago school was canceled for snow. Maybe we can just leave out February 16th on next year’s calendar?? The only snow we may encounter is at the Grand Canyon, but our friend, Dave said that is supposed to be Wednesday, the 28th, and we will be gone. Dodged that bullet! 

Remember to pray for our Educator of the Week, Aaron LaGrange. Aaron has been the Assistant Principal at SES for 3 years. He is married to Sarah and they have two boys, Sawyer and Walker. Aaron has served as Principal at OVMS, as a Sheriff’s deputy, and is involved in many programs serving the schools and Owen County, including Backpack Buddies. 😊

The Educator for the Week of the 25th is Brady Tragesser. Brady is the Director of the Special Education program in the S-OCS system. He and his wife, Elizabeth, have 7 children and also run the Cup of Joy food truck.  

Pastor Ryan will be preaching this Sunday as he concludes the series on WELCOME HOME…where…  

• • The Gospel is Preached
  • Jesus is Honored
  • Grace is Offered
  • Lives are Changed
  • Obedience is Encouraged

These last two have been Part 1 and 2 of “Tough Challenges are Given.” 

Starting Sunday, March 3rd, I will start a new series called Jesus Unfiltered. There are some (false) teachings about Jesus that are being heard and taught in the pulpit and media, so I thought it would be good to tackle them. It is a brief series that will take us through March. Here is a brief summary of the sermons:

• • • Jesus is Real. People are saying, “Jesus is Woke.” What in the world does that mean? Is it true? Who is Jesus? What is the truth we are supposed to believe? 
    • Scripture: I Cor. 15:1-9
    • Jesus is God.  There are some who believe that Jesus is not God. I have subtitled this The Ant-Man Heresy. I hope you will come to find out why it is called that. 
    • Scripture: Mt. 3:13-17; 26:36-46
    • Jesus is Incomparable. His birth (Virgin Birth) and His life were like none other. People are trying to “dumb down” Jesus and do away with His uniqueness. 
    • Scripture: Is. 7:14; Luke 1:26-38; Jn. 20:30-31; 21:24-25
    • Jesus is our Substitute. Did you know that Jesus suffering on the cross is being called Cosmic Child Abuse? What we need to ask is where would we be without the cross? 
    • Scripture: Isaiah 52:13-53:10
    • Jesus is Alive. Rumor has it that the resurrection was a hoax. One progressive says Paul did not believe in a physical resurrection. We can only have one side-fact or fiction. What better topic to preach about than His resurrection on Resurrection Sunday?  
    • Scripture: I Cor. 15: 12-58

Those are my plans for March. The “loose” plan for April and May is to finish the series on Revelation…unless something else hits the radar. 😊 In all seriousness, I do owe it to you all to finish Revelation. 

I’m going to close this edition of the MM. Jo and I have been looking forward to getting away for this week to visit friends and see some sights in Arizona. She loved going to Alaska because she had my undivided attention. I knew no one and that was nice for her. She has put up with a lot in our 50.8 years of marriage, and perhaps the greatest is having to share me and have her semi-workaholic husband be gone so much. I am grateful for the elders giving me the chance to get away. I am grateful to Pastor Ryan and Diana who will fill in the gaps while I am gone. I am grateful to my Route 66 class who graciously agreed to give me a two week reprieve from teaching. 😊 I am wondering if Tami will miss us, especially her dad who loves to bug her. Right Ms. Grandi? And I am grateful for you. I will miss you, but realize a change in the routine is good for all. My heart hurts for some of you, for life situations you find yourself in, but just know that even when gone I will be praying for you.  Your prayers for our safe travel and relaxation would be appreciated.

There will be no MM next week!!  

See you, Lord willing, Sunday, March 3rd, if not sooner. I love you all. 

Pastor Bill