Category: MidweekMessage

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #274

Hello everyone and welcome to Midweek Message #274. I’m so glad you are allowing me visit with you this  week in this way. Thank you for taking the time read this. I know some people read this because they tell
me.😄

Remember to pray for our homeschool educator, Hope East. Hope and Pastor Ryan have been married for 20 years and have three children: Anna, Caleb, and Rachel.

YOUTH NEWS (and multiple corrections):

Remember that I just wrote about how I know people read the MM? Well…I messed up with some information I put in last week’s MM:

• • • I said Aubrey Mangia was playing for the 9th grade girls’ team at OVHS. It is kind of hard to do that since there is no 9th grade team.  Actually, the OVHS girls’ team is comprised of the Varsity and JV. Aubrey is on the JV team.
    • But that is not the only mistake I made! I said Logan Martin and Kysen White are playing on the 8th grade boys’ basketball team. There is an 8th grade team. (Yeah for me! I got that one right). But it is not Logan (his name is Nolan) who plays, but Tad Nicholson.
    • Oh but I’m not done yet!!! Nolan (not Logan) Martin plays on the 9th grade team with Dane Stahl. (Least I got the 9th grade team and Dane right).
    • Oh…but I’m still not done! Londyn Frye also plays on the 9th grade team.
    • WOW! I’m allowed one mistake a year and I almost made it the whole year. But then I blew it big time in one fell swoop.  My apologies to all the athletes I misrepresented.
    • Cooper Wood plays on the 7th grade boys’ team.
    • But I do have some good current news. Tad Nicholson and CeCi Arnold were both inducted into the National Junior Honor Society last Wednesday night. Dale and Rachel Nicholson and Clark Jr and Jessica Arnold are super proud of their achievement.
    • Amelia Biggs is playing for the OVMS 7th grade girls’ team, and her brother, Hudsyn, is playing 9U basketball.

Jo, Tami and I try to attend some of the games our young people play. We can’t do that without a schedule. 😄 If you would like us to make a game to see your son/daughter play, please get me a schedule. You can text it to me or make a copy and hand it to me.

• • • One more event: GLOW night for 7th-12th grade youth on 12/27 from 6-8:00 pm at OVCF.

Celebrate this! Klaudia Stahl, the daughter of Jon and Kim Stahl, graduated this past Saturday from the University of Southern Indiana with an Associates of Science and Occupational Therapy Assisting Degree. Way to go, Klaudia! We are proud of you!!

***There will not be a Midweek Message next week. There is enough going on that I feel a break is needed.***

The snow played havoc with more than us having to cancel services Sunday and just do live stream. The Military Care Team was to pack boxes after the second service to send to our military personnel. Andy Wood has asked me let you know they will accept donations until this Wednesday and the boxes will be packed that evening. That is also the night of the fundraiser meal for the youth attending TCTC (Tennessee Christian Teen Conference) so I told him there would be plenty of folks here to help pack the boxes. He liked that idea. 😄 So bring your donations to the fundraiser and they will be packed that night. If you are unable to make the meal, feel free to drop off your donation any time M-W. Just call to make sure one of us will be here.

Another victim of the snow was an announcement by Aaron and Sonia Clausman about their mission, Pakistan Shall Be Saved. “Since 2018 we have annually raised funds for a Christmas food package distribution to 100 slave families. This Christmas we want to bless 100-150 children with a gift package. These gift packages are for the children working in slavery. They work throughout the year with their parents in brick factories. Each gift package is $25 and includes a jacket, toys, snacks, and Christian coloring books. Every package that is given will bring a smile to a child’s face!” If you would like to help, you can give your (monetary) donation to Aaron or Sonia; make a check out to Pakistan Shall Be Saved; or you can give online at PakistanShallBeSaved.com. The money collected will be sent to Sonia’s parents and the items will be purchased over there. They are a 501(c)3 non-profit.

Okay…here are some updated prayers requests. I mentioned these Sunday in the recording but wanted to include them here.

• • • Palmer, the daughter of JJ and Delaney Kinney was hospitalized last week with low hemoglobin and a 104.8 temp. She was given a blood transfusion and is doing much better. Full bloodwork will be done this week. They are praying for her iron levels to continue to improve!
    • April Chandler is facing a double hip replacement due to severe arthritis. She also has a DEXA scan soon to check for osteoporosis. Pray for God’s intervention.
    • Keaton Jackson, the 14 y/o with cancer, is doing better this week. He is taking 3 different chemo pills twice a day. Mom asks prayer for a slight cough he has developed.
    • Dexter Luck was in Monroe Hospital for bronchitis. Pray for continued healing.
    • Jim Perin has a PET scan on 12/31, then has a 2 hour meeting with his cancer doctor on 1/9. Hannah says he is having increasing difficulty swallowing.
    • Austin & Brooke Sheese continue to improve. Brooke is now at the BRRH (Bloomington Regional Rehab Hospital). Austin is healing from his injuries, but is glad to see Brooke!
    • Don Taylor, Jr has a scan scheduled for 12/19 and then a call to Simon Cancer Center to follow.
    • Jim Markland had a successful hip replacement last Friday. He is home and Diana is taking great care of him. He also got the best medicine over the weekend: his grandson, Jett, came to see him. He loves being Pop to that little boy! 😄

My sermon Sunday is In His Presence from Hebrews-I Peter. Lord willing, the weather will cooperate and I will get to see you. Never forget though, you are loved.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #273

Hello everyone and welcome to Midweek Message #273. I’m sure you missed me last week since I didn’t write a MM.😄 I’ll try to keep things to a “mild roar” this week. Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Remember to pray for our educator of the week: Rebecca Chesser. Rebecca and Ethan have been married for 9 years and began their relationship while Ethan was in the Air Force. He is a master sergeant in the Air National Guard in Terre Haute. Rebecca has been homeschooling for 4 years. She and Ethan are the parents of 6 children, 4 of them quads. I think it is safe to say she has her hands full! 😄

This coming Sunday is a big day for the Military Care Team! They will be putting together a Care Package that says, “We care about you” for all our military personnel. We have 8 that will receive packages:

• • • Logan Cain- Marines
    • Robert Herrington- Army
    • Matthew Foster- Army
    • Ethan Chesser- Air Force
    • Christopher Erb- Air Force
    • Matthew Lehman- Navy
    • Nick Hickman- Air Force
    • Shane & Elise Hickman- Air Force and Army

The Military Care Team is asking for your help in donations to put in the packages. There is a list on the info table, but since it is already less than a week away, I’m going to include that list here:

• • • Cards/letters of appreciation and encouragement
    • Protein bars
    • Snacks
    • Candy/gum
    • Toiletries
    • Baby wipes
    • Books/magazines
    • AA or D batteries
    • Gift cards (Amazon or Walmart)

Boxes will be packed following second service this coming Sunday. Your help is welcome.

YOUTH NEWS

We have several of our young people involved in sports this fall/winter:

• • • Conrad and Calvin Keene are playing basketball at Tier 10.
    • Logan Martin and Kysen White are playing on the OVMS 8th grade boys’ basketball team.
    • Dane Stahl is playing on the 9th grade basketball team but also with the OVHS JV team.
    • Aubrey Mangia is playing on the 9th grade girls’ basketball team.
    • Cammie King is playing on the OVHS girls’ basketball team.
    • CJ Wood is a cheerleader for OVMS.
    • Amelia Biggs is playing for the OVMS 7th grade basketball team.
    • Kayden White is playing for the Linton High School basketball team.

I’m sure I have missed some. These are the ones I know of. Please let me know if your son/daughter is playing a sport or is involved in some extracurricular activity. I do know Jo and I have been kept busy trying to catch at least one game each one plays in. I sure do feel for the parents of multiple children playing on multiple teams. But you do it because you love ‘em. 😄

• • • Caleb and Rachel East each had parts in the Civic Theatre presentation of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens this past weekend.

A big youth event is coming up the night of Wednesday, December 17th at 6:00. 😄Pastor Ryan and company are using that evening for a Pasta meal and dessert silent auction fundraiser! Proceeds will benefit 7 of our youth (+ 2 adults) attending the Tennessee Christian Teen Convention (TCTC) in January. They will also accept love offerings to help offset the cost of the trip. If you would like to provide a dessert for the silent auction, please sign up at the info table!

The Night of Christmas Worship on Sunday, December 21st at 6:00 looks to be a fantastic night together: singing, Communion, and a closing candlelight service. It will be a tremendous opportunity for you to take some time out of your busy schedule to reset your focus on Christ and Christmas. I look forward to seeing you there.

From time to time I want to include some prayer points that either didn’t make the
Sunday prayer time or need a little reminder. Here are some for you this week:

• • • The Chesser family. I mentioned on Sunday that Rebecca was to be our educator but was unable to be here due to some of their children being ill. Aiden was in the ER with breathing issues; Grace’s fever had spiked and she was been diagnosed with the flu; and they are praying Hazel (the youngest) doesn’t get it.
    • Jim Markland is to have a hip replacement this Friday. It was rescheduled from last week. Pray that all goes well and Jim is up bugging Diana (did I say that?) soon. 😄
    • Austin and Brooke Sheese were in a horrific car accident a few weeks ago. Brooke has already  undergone 6 surgeries and has more to come. Austin has also had several surgeries. He is home and we are praying Brooke will be able to come home soon. They have two young children.
    • Don Taylor, Jr is awaiting a pet scan on the 17th and a phone call with Simon Cancer Center on the 19th to determine a course of treatment.
    • Jim Perin went for a cat scan on Tuesday (yesterday) to see about treatment for his esophageal cancer.
    • Stay tuned to the future MMs for more prayer info.

My sermon this week is Ready! Aim! Hit the Target! from I Thess.-Philemon. I look forward to seeing you there! If you didn’t already know…you are loved.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #272

Hello everyone and welcome to Midweek Message #272 on this Thanksgiving week! I hope you are looking forward to the holiday (and time off, it you get it), but most of all for being grateful for all God has blessed you with.

Please remember to pray for our educator of the week: April Chandler. She and her husband, Jason have been married for 26 years. Jason works for Duncan Supply. April is a homeschool mom to twins, Grace and Gloria. (You gotta watch out for them though, they are tricksters. They like to mess with my mind because they are identical twins!). I’ve always had trouble knowing which one is which. I thought I had it when Gloria started wearing glasses. But then they tricked me by switching and dad had a good laugh because he knew what they were doing. The bad part? Jo suggested it. 😒 April and Jason also have two sons, both of whom are married: Brandon (Anna) and Justin (Stevie). They are also proud new grandparents to Lydia (Brandon and Anna’s baby girl)! 😄

Operation Christmas Child 2025 is now history. But Backpack Buddies 2025 is still ongoing. I mentioned in last week’s MM that we will be collecting non-perishable food for our school children now until December 7. I thought I would include the list of needed items again as well:

*Little Debbie snack cakes
*Rice Krispies treats
*Fruit snacks
*Snack-sized chips, pretzels, goldfish crackers
*Cookie or cracker packs
*Mac & cheese cups
*Noodle soup cups
*Cereal cups

We are currently collecting these items in the hallway. This list is available there, too.

KEEP IN MIND: The church office will be closed Thursday and Friday, the 27th and 28th, for the  Thanksgiving holiday.

A Night of Christmas Worship is scheduled for Sunday, December 21st at 6:00. I’ll unpack this information for you in the coming weeks but here is a short snippet for you: Due to my series on the Everyday Gospel Devotional, “normal” Christmas subjects will not be covered on Sunday mornings in my messages. It is hard enough to get into the “Christmas spirit” with the rush and tumble of our daily lives, let alone not really hear it mentioned on Sunday mornings. So I thought it would be good for us to focus on the birth of Jesus one night close to Christmas. The night will consist of singing old and new Christmas songs, a communion time, and a closing candlelight service. It starts at 6:00 and we will make every effort to be done by 7:00.

For the curious: Many of you have asked and wondered about the new addition. We are still
waiting for the three outer doors to arrive and be installed before anything can be done inside. The Building Team is planning a meeting on Monday, December 15th to go over some of the information we have to consider.

A closing story with some words to think about:

Perhaps you have heard the story of how Mother Teresa died and went to heaven. One day God asked her if she was hungry. She replied, “I could eat.” So God opened a can of tuna, reached for a chunk of rye bread, and they shared a meal together. While eating she looked down into hell and saw the people devouring huge steaks, lobster, shrimp, chicken and pastries. Curious but deeply trusting, Mother Teresa said nothing. The next day it was the same scenario all over again. Meanwhile, she saw the big throng eating caviar, lamb, truffles and chocolate. Still she said nothing. The following day the same ritual happened only this time she
couldn’t contain herself any longer. “God, I’m grateful to be in heaven with you, but those in the other place eat like emperors and kings, but here in heaven all I get is this tuna and rye bread. I just don’t understand.” God sighed and said, “Let’s be honest. For just two people does it pay to cook?” 😄

When I read that story I honestly didn’t know what to think, but then I began to think about Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is more than just making a meal. I’m not even talking about the holiday itself, although that can be the catalyst for what needs to happen. Here are two thoughts:

First, open your eyes to all you have to be thankful for. Thank God for your full stomach; there are those with empty ones. Thank God for your lumpy bed; there are those who wish they had one. Thank God for your warm house; there are those who wish they had one to go home to. Thank God for the clothes on your back; there are those who wish they had your hand-medowns. Thank God for your family; there are those with  one. Thank God for the freedom of worship; there are those who hide in fear.

Second, be thankful in the good and the bad times. Life is hard and comes at us from all sides. Some go through a year with nary a scratch, while others are battered and bruised. I lost my best friend two months ago after an 18 month battle with a glioblastoma. But I know where he is and I look forward to the reunion. Sad? Sure. But grateful I met him in 2017. My life is richer. But Job was right when he said that “Rain falls on the just and the unjust.” No one is exempt.

My advice: Set your heart right by being thankful. You don’t need a special day for that.

My sermon Sunday is entitled The Power of the Gospel from I Cor. 1-2 Cor. 9. I look forward to sharing it with you. Until then, know you are loved.

Pastor Bill

P.S. There will not be a Midweek Message next week (Dec. 3).

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #271

Hello everyone and welcome to Midweek Message #271. I’m so glad to be able to spend this short amount of time with you today. Thanks for “inviting me” to your inbox.

As many of you know, Jo and I were not there Sunday. I have shared with you that originally Jo and I had plans to be in Phoenix to honor my friend, Dave, at his celebration of life, but the airlines being “up in the air” about flights and cancellations changed all of that. Since we had already made plans for Pastor Ryan to preach, I wanted to stay with that plan, so Jo and I attended church in Martinsville with our friends Ryan and Amanda Spires. They were here when we celebrated our 21st anniversary several weeks ago and took a walk through our new addition. This was a perfect time for us to worship and spend time with them. I missed being here with you, but appreciated the week off. I’m sure Ryan did a good job.

Speaking of anniversaries: I missed one last week. Actually, I ran out of room but I want to share a milestone with you. On 11/1/2005 OVCF hired Diana to become the new church secretary. (MJ Ramsay had been doing it previously). On 11/5/2005 I was officially hired as the pastor. Our first full weeks were almost simultaneous (she was one week earlier learning the ropes from MJ). So this month, and this time of the month specifically, is officially our 20th anniversary serving OVCF together. I have worked with several church secretaries in my 50+ years in ministry and can honestly say that Diana has been the best of all. (I know she is proofing this and will want to change that but I will hold my ground on this one!) We have seen a lot of water flow under the bridge. From our first office in the building owned by her parents next to Casey’s; to our time at the Sports Complex for worship; to the short stints at OVMS, especially after the flood of ’08; to searching diligently for a place to call home; to finding and purchasing this current building; to the remodel of our current building in 2012 (we could tell you stories 🙂); to hiring Ryan in 2014; to the youth addition being built in 2018; to saving for the past 7 years to be able to be able to build our current addition; to hiring Hannah part-time; to…well, let’s just say I could go on. Diana puts in far more hours than you might think and does it well. I’m honored to be part of this staff, especially working alongside Diana for so many years. And btw: we haven’t always agreed on things, but I’ve learned she always wins.  🙂See? I are smart!!

Okay on to other important matters. Our educator of the week starts a series of Homeschool moms beginning with Christine Chambers. She and Jimmy have been married 15 years and are parents to Eliza (12), Isabella (9), Alexander (7), and Arionna (3). Those four keep Christine hopping with various extra-curricular activities, as well as teaching full-time. Along with that, Christine can also be found helping Jimmy with the restaurant. Whew! I think I need to take a nap.

YOUTH NEWS

• • • Congrats to Akaydia Beckwith and Cooper Wood! They were chosen for the OVMS True Patriot Award. The award recognizes those who demonstrate Perseverance, Academic Excellence, Tenacity, Character, Loyalty and Respect.
    • Meilynn Hess won the Fall Photo Contest at McCormick’s Creek State Park for her picture of the waterfall! There were 200+ entries! Way to go, Meilynn!
    • Backpack Buddies. We will collect non-perishable food for our school children now- December 7. If you have any questions, please ask Diana. You may call the church office (812.828.9840) or email her (secretary@ovcf.org). We have a list of specific items needed (at the info table), but I will also include it below. We will deliver these in time for Christmas break. Here is that list of items they need:
      • • • • • • • • • • • Little Debbie snack cakes
                          • Rice Krispies treats
                          • Fruit snacks
                          • Snack-size chips, pretzels, goldfish crackers
                          • Cookie or cracker packs
                          • Mac & Cheese cups
                          • Noodle soup cups
                          • Cereal cups
    • Many thanks to Geoff Biggs for delivering our shoeboxes to Sherwood Oaks on Monday! We collected 115 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child! 🙂 Thank you!

Don’t forget

• • • This Wednesday, November 19th at 6:00 is our OVCF family pitch-in!
    • The church office will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday and Friday, the 27th & 28th.
    • A Night of Christmas Worship on Sunday, December 21st at 6:00. I will tell you more about this night in the coming weeks. We look forward to seeing you that evening!

The month of October was designated Pastor Appreciation Month years ago by Focus on the Family. It was designed for churches to recognize their pastors for their service. We have never publicized it or made a big deal about it for various reasons. However, I recently read an article titled “How Can I Pray for You?” Here is my answer to that question:

1. 1. 1. Pray that I would find a daily joy in my relationship with God. (Ps.42:1; Mt. 5:6)
      2. Pray that I would not settle for a second rate relationship with Jesus, but will continually grow in holiness and godliness. (I Tim. 4:8; I Peter 5:3)
      3. Pray that I would prioritize prayer and my study of the Word. (I Tim. 4:1-2)
      4. Pray for my marriage and that I will love Jo sacrificially and my children (although they are adults) unconditionally. (Eph. 5:25-30)
      5. Pray that I will love the lost and serve OVCF zealously and sacrificially. (Acts 20:28; Mt. 22:39)
      6. Pray that I will preach God’s Word boldly and without compromise. (2 Tim. 4:2-5)

If you pray those items for me and over me, I would be a most happy man and know that I am being the pastor God wants me to be.

My sermon for this coming Sunday is I Am Not Ashamed from Romans 1-16. I will, Lord willing, see you then. Until then, know you are loved.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #270

Hello everyone and welcome to Midweek Message #270. I hope you are experiencing a fantastic week! Before I go any further, though, first things first. Can anyone please tell me what that white stuff was that was coming down out of the sky Sunday afternoon and Monday morning? Seriously? Already? It is just the middle of November!! 🙂

Please pray for our educator of the week: Cristi Wood. Cristi has been teaching for 15 years. She was at Head Start for 11 and this is her 4th year at MCES. She has been married to Mike for 20 years and they have three children: Kloee, a senior at Indiana State; CJ a 7th grader at OVMS; and Auggie, a 4th grader at MCES. Kloee hopes to teach at MCES in the future. Cristi’s preschool class is one Pastor Ryan reads to each month as part of the Book Buddies program he and I are part of.

Yesterday was Veterans Day. In honor of that, I would like to list the men of OVCF who serve/have served in the military: Logan Cain, Ethan Chesser, Tony Courson, Bruce Davis, Wayne Evans, Matthew Foster, Robert Herrington, Dick Hogan, Bob Jones, Ryan Keene, Matthew Lehmann, Dexter Luck, Terrie MacMorran, Justin Mann, Chad Martin, Ray Monticue, Mark Murphy, Lucas Owens, David Samick, Wade Stoliby, Don Taylor, Ryan White, and Andy Wood. I have tried my best to include everyone. If I have missed someone please let me know. Thanks for your service!!

YOUTH NEWS

I have some pretty exciting news to share about a couple of our young ladies:

• • • Alli Anderson was honored at the Fall Sports Banquet this past week. Alli received the Leadership Award for her cross country team and was recognized for being Academic All-Conference. Mom added a “Proud of you, kiddo” at the end of the announcement.
    • Aubrey Mangia was recognized as Rookie of the Year and was awarded a varsity letter for the 2025 cross country season. Proud parents might have posted this on Facebook.
    • And here is something you will enjoy (and I share this with permission): after talking “smack” all week long, Aubrey and her dad, Tom, ran in a 5K this past Saturday in Indy. Guess who won? By a long shot! Let’s just say it wasn’t the smack talker (dad).  🙂

DID YOU KNOW?

• • • November 5, 2025, was “Back to the Future” day? If you have ever seen the movie when Marty goes back in time he looks at a newspaper dated November 5, 1955. I bet you didn’t know that!!  🙂
    • Did you also know that October 21st was “Back to the Future” day? (It is seen when they go into 2015). I know…thoroughly unnecessary trivia. Someone sent me screen shots of both of those historical events. They thought I might be interested. Hmmmm.  🙂
    • (To more serious matters): Our first meeting of those interested in a Special Needs Ministry as part of our children’s ministry here at OVCF was this past Monday night?
      Those attending were (in alphabetical order): Mary and Akaydia Beckwith, Tami Grandi, Angela Mayle, Hannah Morse, Carolyn Myers, Tad Nicholson, David and Adienne Robertson, Klaudia Stahl, Gavin and Jenna Wells, JuliAnne Wiegand, plus Hannah Pendleton, Pastor Ryan, and me. I’m excited to see how this will develop over time.
      There is still a lot of work ahead of us as we plan for this vital future ministry. Every one of the folks who were there have a passion for this group of young people.
    • Did you also know there is a Children’s Ministry Breakfast here at OVCF this coming Saturday? From Pastor Ryan: I bet you already know, but I just have to say it: We have an amazing team of ministry leaders and teachers! This Saturday they are gathering to celebrate what God is doing in our Kid’s Ministry and to continue growing as effective ministers with our kiddos. Would you pray for them? And for our families? If you would like to serve with our Kid’s Ministry team, I’d love to talk with you more and help you find the right fit and ministry for you!
    • Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes are due the 16th so they can be delivered to Sherwood Oaks (the collection point) on the 17th?
    • We have scheduled a church family pitch-in for Wednesday, November 19th at 6:00? We moved it up a week due to Thanksgiving Day being on the 27th. The pitch-ins have been a great opportunity to meet new folks, to laugh, share good food, and just to relax for an evening with friends and family.
    • The church office will be closed the 27th and 28th for the Thanksgiving holiday?
    • That we are participating in Backpack Buddies again? We will be collecting non- perishable food for our school children from November 16-December 7. Diana has printed out a list of needed items-that list is on the info table. I will include it in next week’s MM. You’re welcome to leave donations on the table in the hallway (the current shoebox location)!  🙂
    • We will be having a special Sunday night Christmas worship service on December 21st? It will start at 6:00, and will include singing of Christmas songs, communion and a closing candlelight service. I invite you to take a little bit of time to join your church family and friends to celebrate the birth of Christ.

We all experience disappointment from time to time. This past week Jo and I experienced it. Ever since my friend, Dave, passed away in September from his 18 month battle with a glioblastoma, we have anticipated and planned to be at his Celebration of Life this coming weekend. I purchased tickets several weeks ago and we have been corresponding with Susan about coming and how excited we were to see her and vice versa. But the government shutdown and the subsequent airline cancellations have affected our plans. I called and the agent said one of the early non-stop flights from Indy to Phoenix would be cancelled, but they did not know which one. So rather than mess with the possibility that our flight might get cancelled at the last minute, I rescheduled them for February of 2026. We are both disappointed we will be unable to go this weekend. But I have learned that God always has a purpose for what He does. Maybe I will be needed around here. Maybe Susan will need us more in February. There are supposed to be over 120 people in her house on Saturday. A February date will allow us to spend some personal time with her. The plan was for Pastor Ryan to preach this weekend and that is staying the same. Jo & I plan to visit another church with our friends, Ryan and Amanda Spires. We will miss being with you, but know you are loved.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #269

 Hello everyone and welcome to Midweek Message #269. Thanks for taking the time to read it. There is a lot of information to consider in this week’s MM. I will do my best to keep you up to date on all that is happening this month.

Please remember to pray for Rachel Nicholson, our educator of the week. Rachel has been teaching for 23 years and has been teaching special needs at MCES (inclusion teacher) for 4 years. She and her husband, Dale, have been married for 21 years and have one son, Tad, a 14 year old at OVMS. Tad is active in baseball and cross country.

SEVERAL CALENDAR ITEMS TO MARK DOWN:

• • • Monday, November 10th: A meeting for those interested in a Special Needs Ministry here at OVCF. The meeting will start at 6:00 and I will try hard to dismiss by 7:00. This meeting will be a brainstorming session to gather ideas for starting a special needs ministry as part of our children’s ministry. There will come a time when we will need to have this in place and it is vital that we begin planning now. I currently have 14 people who have expressed an interest in being involved. If you would like to see what is happening or would like to be included in the planning, please feel free to come to the meeting.
    • Sunday, November 16th: Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes are due.
    • Monday, November 17th: Delivery of shoeboxes to the collection site at Sherwood Oaks Christian Church. What a treat it will be to deliver 113 shoeboxes that will go to children all over the world.
    • Wednesday, November 19th: OVCF church family pitch-in. Due to the Thanksgiving holiday falling the next week on Thursday, we decided to move the pitch-in up a week.
    • Thursday-Friday, November 27th & 28th: The church office will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday.

YOUTH NEWS

• • • Several of our Sunday morning teachers in our children’s program gave up their Saturday last week to attend a training event in Columbus, IN. A total of 7 teachers went and I heard it was well worth it. Thanks to all of our teachers who attended! We are thankful for all of our teachers who volunteer their time in our children’s classes! 🙂
    • This coming Saturday is the Dare 2 Share Day of Global Youth Evangelism livestream for our Roots youth. It will take place at the East home from 10:30-5:00. Lunch will be provided. To RSVP or if you have questions, please contact Pastor Ryan (812.585.0545).
    • Saturday, the 15th, there is a Children’s Ministry Breakfast for all youth workers here at the church. If you have any questions please see Pastor Ryan or Hannah Pendleton.

This past Sunday, Aaron and Sonia Clausman spoke about their mission to Pakistan (she is from there). Due to the safety issue a video presents in the wrong hands, the information part was muted and not shown. Even though some of you were present, you were unable to write the information down and asked me how you could get it. With Aaron and Sonia’s permission it is included below:

Aaron Clausman
812.876.3057
aclausman@gmail.com
Sonia Clausman
812.391.8965
Nicerose239@gmail.com
pakistanshallbesaved.com

How you can partner with them:

1. 1. 1. Pray for us.
      2. Help us continue being the hands and feet of Jesus in Pakistan.

Late last year the elders began taking steps to foster new elders, but to also give those who were serving a chance to take a sabbatical (at least a year off). Before we started that process in earnest, Robert (Bobby) Anderson came on board as an elder. Last November, when the process was started, Jeff Carlson took a sabbatical. Jeff had been on the leadership team of OVCF since its inception in 2004. Jeff was able to take his sabbatical because of Bobby joining our team. Tom Mangia began serving as an elder which allowed Wayne Akerson to take his sabbatical. Wayne had served OVCF as an elder for over 4 years and his work schedule so it was the perfect time. This past Monday, Jeff Carlson returned to the eldership after his sabbatical had run its course. We are in discussion with a couple of other men who are considering becoming an elder. What you should know is that each man works through a two-session study with me. We study what an elder is; why we have a plurality of elders; what an elder does; with the final session on the characteristics/qualities of an elder according to I Timothy and Titus. It is not an issue we take lightly, just picking a “body to fill a spot.” We work together as men who love Jesus and love OVCF.

My sermon this week is Real Power on Display from John 9-Acts 6. I look forward to sharing that with you this Sunday. And just in case you don’t know or haven’t been told lately: you are loved.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #268

Hello everyone and welcome to Midweek Message #268. It is always good to chat with you and let you know some of what is happening at OVCF and with the people of our church family.

SUNDAY IS A DAY FOR US TO REMEMBER!

• • • Our 21st anniversary celebration is now in the history books. It will go down as a day of joy, laughter, reminiscing, visits from old friends who came back to celebrate with us, new faces, food (lots of it), and a walk through of our new building with the chance to write Scripture or prayer requests on the exposed lumber. Thanks to everyone who contributed in some way and made it a day to remember.
    • Just FYI: I saw some of the requests on the stud walls and if any of them come to fruition it will most definitely be a day of rejoicing.
    • Before any online giving had been tabulated, we had over $8000 given toward the Building Fund to continue the work on our addition. With the online giving, a total of $9444.28 was given!!
      Thank you!! 🙂
    • We crossed the 200 barrier in attendance. I had one of our visitors say, “Now I know why you need to expand.” Confirmation from a new voice is nice.
    • What’s next? We are still waiting for the outside doors to come in and then be installed. When that happens HVAC will soon be installed, with electric and plumbing to follow.
    • The entryway from our current building to the new building will not be opened until the doors come in (they are expected in 4-5 weeks) and our HVAC is installed, due to security and heating. With the weather getting colder it would be hard to keep our current auditorium comfortable, as well as be cost effective.
    • Meanwhile, if you would ever like to walk through the building, we invite you to come when the office is open and take a walk through. As you do we ask that you pray as you do so for God to do a mighty work in that place and in His people who are meeting there. We are already praying for lives to be transformed.
    • We have always strived to keep you informed and up-to-date and promise to continue doing so either from the pulpit, through emails, or through the MM.
    • Oh, by the way: here are some of the comments on the post-it-note board in the new addition. People were asked to comment on their impressions/thoughts.
      • • • 1 Service! More room to grow 🙂
          • I like 1 srvic (a younger child…at least I hope) 🙂
          • More open and meeting new people
          • More room for the pre-school class!! (heart emoji)
          • One service. Meet new people
          • Room for a fellowship area, space for growth (heart emoji)
          • Designated meeting space for adults that isn’t the children’s classrooms
          • Can’t wait to get to know more of my church family better! (heart emoji). Excited for space to serve others
          • I’m so looking forward to see the early service people we started with 21 years ago! Praise God for what HE has done. May we make Him proud.

Don’t forget to pray for Angela Mayle as our educator of the week. Angela is the inclusion teacher for the Kindergarten classes at SES. She helps students who are struggling with the basic foundations-spelling, math and reading. She has been married to Brent for 25 years and they have one daughter, Addison, a junior at OVHS. When Jo and I go to SES to read to the K classes it is not unusual to see Angela sitting on the floor cross-legged teaching the kids. I said Sunday that she has my ultimate respect for 3 reasons: 1) she is sitting on the floor; 2) she is sitting cross-legged; and 3) she can still get up from the floor! 🙂

YOUTH NEWS

• • • Several of our young people were given the Top Cat Award for this past 9 weeks of school. The Top Cat is given to students who are helpful, friendly, and show the school’s life skills. Congratulations to Sophia Kropack and Brantley Schneider for their award!
    • Tanner Wood has been chosen as VP of the Student Council at SES. That deserves a Big High 5 (which I got Sunday).
    • The Girl’s Cross Country season came to an end in Brownsburg this past Saturday. Alli Anderson and Aubrey Mangia ran well and both set significant PRs, going under 22 minutes. But no one advanced. Liam Hogan, a friend of many of our young people, also had a big PR and went below 17 minutes, but did not advance. Tom Mangia, Aubrey’s father, said they had a good day, but it is probably the toughest regional in the state.
      Well done and great season Alli and Aubrey!

Have you remembered to be praying for Anna East? Anna is serving with YWAM (Youth With A
Mission) in New Zealand until the middle of February.

I thought it was pretty cool when Sonia Clausman, Aaron’s wife and Elijah and Abigail’s sister-in- law, was able to share that when she was a child she was a recipient of an Operation Christmas Child shoe box!! We have said all along that in addition to receiving a shoe box, each child also receives a gospel booklet in their language of God’s love for them. Sonia’s family still lives in Pakistan and her father pastors a church there. An added bonus: this coming Sunday Aaron and Sonia are going to share their love for mission work, especially in Pakistan. They will be speaking about 10-15 minutes in each service. I look forward to hearing more. Join us please.

My sermon Sunday is The Impact of One Life from Luke 19-John 8. I’ll give you a preview. I’m going to speak about 5 lives that were changed by Jesus and why. See if you can figure out the 5. See you then. Know you are loved. 🙂
Pastor Bill

P.S. My 2026 theme: STILL THE ONE! More info coming!!

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #267

Hello everyone and welcome to Midweek Message #267. I hope you had a good Fall Break and it hasn’t been too hard to get back into the daily grind. 🙂

My Fall Break was somewhat unusual for me. I attended a Chaplain/First Responder Training on Wednesday in Bloomington. When Ryan White became the Owen County Sheriff he asked if I would become the chaplain for the OCSD. I accepted and over the past 3-4 years have found myself involved in various types of “chaplain” situations, many different from any I have previously experienced. When Sheriff White asked me if I would like to attend this training, I knew I needed it. It was very helpful and enlightening and I hope it makes me a better chaplain, a better peer supporter, and also a better pastor.

The latter part of my Fall Break was officiating a wedding. Jo and I stayed in Carmel for me to officiate the wedding of Hunter Sturgeon and Abbey Butcher. Hunter is Jerry & Carol Sturgeon’s son. Jo and I agree on many things but there is one big, no make that huge thing, we agree on: neither one of us ever want to live in a big city. Carmel has to be the “roundabout capital of Indiana.” We love Spencer! We met people who had never heard of Spencer nor where it is located. Our “between Terre Haute and Bloomington” answer gave them a good idea, but we always finished with “and we love it there.”

Okay…enough about me. I want to remind you to pray for our educator of the week: Kristine Mangia. Kristine taught at 2 previous schools then taught at PES for 17 years. She made the move to SES 9 years ago. She has been married to Tom, one of our elders, for 8 years and they are the parents of Mason, Aubrey, and Jordan. Kristine also serves on the Hospitality Care Team here at OVCF. If you go for coffee before 2nd service you will see her there with a smile on her face. (Her son, Jordan, will also be greeting you with a blueberry muffin in his mouth). 🙂

NOW FOR THE BIG AND REALLY EXCITING NEWS!

• • • If you happened to be gone last week for a Fall Break getaway, you missed seeing the progress on the new addition. You could hardly miss it this week! WOW! The walls are up; the roof is on; the siding is on; and most of the interior walls are framed. The doors are not done but should be here this week. I was amazed when I saw the progress just by being gone most of the day on Wednesday and then Thursday and Friday.
    • That is going to make our 21st anniversary celebration even more exciting! Keep in mind that happens this coming Sunday, the 26th.
    • We will have two services-one at 9:00 and one at 10:45.
    • Following the second service we will be having a church-wide pitch-in.
    • We will also be able to take a walk-through of the new addition so you can get a more “close up” view of it. You will also be given an opportunity to write on the studded walls any praise or prayer you want to leave as a memento to God for His goodness to us.
    • I look forward to the day we occupy the new auditorium and lift our voices to “How Great Thou Art.” We must never forget that God has made this all possible. His goodness and blessings upon us and your faithfulness in giving for the past 7 years has brought us to this place of celebration. Thanks goes to God and thanks goes to you, who dreamed along with us of being in a facility where we could all worship together.
    • Keep in mind that all giving that day, unless designated, will go toward finishing the project. As we have said many times in the past, and for the new ones who have recently joined the OVCF family, we will proceed as the money is available, and will not go in debt to do this project.
    • ONE VERY, VERY, VERY (DID I SAY VERY?) SPECIAL REQUEST: We are going to need all the parking we can get, especially for that second service and the pitch-in. If you are physically able, and it is not muddy or wet, may I ask you to park on the east side of the parking lot in the grass (where our future parking lot will be)? I’ll be there so you will know where to park.

CONGRATULATIONS to the OVHS Girls’ Cross Country Team! They will be going to the regionals in Brownsburg this Saturday! Alli Anderson and Aubrey Mangia are part of this team. A friend of many of our young people, Liam Hogan, will be going as an individual competitor. I’m super excited about a future possibility that will begin to take shape in just a few weeks. You may have heard me talk about reading and forming some thoughts in my mind about a special needs ministry as part of our children’s programs here at OVCF. I’m happy to say that several others have also volunteered to help in making that a future reality. As I write this, 14 folks have agreed to be on the team to help dream, brainstorm, and plan to make this possible. Two of the 14 are young people who have a huge heart for special needs kids. I don’t know the time table of this venture due to our limitation of space at the current moment, but it is wise to begin planning NOW for this ministry to become a reality. I’ll share more with you after our first meeting. It is scheduled for Monday, November 10 at 6:00. You might be thinking that you would like to consider helping in one way or another. Please feel free to come to that meeting and give your positive thoughts on how we can reach out to these young people and their families and friends. All I ask is that you please let me know if you are interested in coming.

I’ve also had to make a tough decision due to the season of life this church fellowship is in. I’ve decided to forego having a Thanksgiving meal this year for the community. It really takes a lot of organizing and cooperation to make it happen. We made a decision a couple of years ago to not overload our church family with events and happenings during the months of October-December. After Operation Christmas Child, I would really like us to focus on giving to Backpack Buddies in December. There are kids in our community who need food during the holidays, and even weekly. We can do our part with that. More information will be coming.

My sermon this Sunday is Jesus the Radical from Luke 4-18. I look forward to sharing that with you. Until then…know you are loved.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #266

Hello everyone and welcome to Midweek Message #266. We are on the downslope heading toward a much-needed and much-welcomed Fall Break by all. There will not be a Midweek Message next week because of Fall Break, but please try to contain your disappointment. 🙂 Have a good rest of the week and a safe time if you are traveling.

Please be praying for Cara King, our educator of the week. Cara has been married to Brad for 34 years and they have two children, Cooper and Cambria. She is a Kindergarten teacher at McCormick’s Creek Elementary and has been teaching for a total of 30 years. Cara is also involved on our worship team and is the coordinator for the elementary classes in our children’s programs. I have it on good authority that she and Kris Samick are 3 days apart in age (but I won’t tell who is older or how old) and have been lifelong friends.

Another prayer concern: Anna East leaves for New Zealand for her mission trip with YWAM (Youth With A Mission) this Thursday. Pastor Ryan is flying out with her to help her on the initial flight and getting settled, then will be flying back on the 16th. Please pray for Anna’s time in New Zealand, that it would be fruitful and life-changing. And safe. And please pray for Pastor Ryan’s safe trip back home, as well as the whole East clan as they adjust to Anna being away on her trip.

I have some fantastic news to share with you (other than I have a birthday coming up)!! 🙂 By the time you receive this, the building materials will have been delivered and construction of the shell will have begun, weather permitting. That is a full week earlier than they predicted! It looks like our dream of over 7 years is finally becoming a reality. That also means we will have the much-anticipated blessing of being able to walk through the addition during our 21st anniversary celebration on October 26th.

• • • Two services (9:00 and 10:45 am) followed by a pitch-in dinner.
    • We anticipate a large crowd so if you would like to help and are able to, please park in the grass on the east side of the parking lot. Part of our future plans are to expand the parking lot to the east.
    • Remember: all giving that day will go to the Building Fund, unless otherwise designated. We will continue paying cash for the building as we move forward.

YOUTH NEWS

• • • The combined choirs had a music-filled afternoon this past Sunday. While I don’t have a complete list, I do know of several of our young people who were in the concert. Cecilia Arnold had a solo. Also in the concert was Aasha Srinivasan, Sophia Kropack and CJ Wood. I’m sure there were more, so if I missed someone please let me know.
    • Akaydia Beckwith represented OVMS at the state cross country meet on Saturday. She placed 269th out a field of 457 runners with a time of 14:03! Tad Nicholson was part of the boys’ cross country team at the state meet. The OVMS team placed 45th among 56 teams. Tad finished 384th out of 584 runners!
    • Akaydia also had a barrel race this weekend and finished 2nd and 4th in her classes.
    • Conrad and Calvin Keene are playing Fall baseball at the sports complex.
    • Skyler (5th grade) and Dax and Piper (twins) led the pledge at the last school board meeting. They are the children of Zach and Nicole Bell.
    • There is no Deeper on Oct. 8 & 15. ROOTS will not meet Sunday, the 12th. Enjoy your Fall break!

Operation Christmas Child has begun! Every year we have gladly taken part in putting shoe boxes together for children. This effort is sponsored by Samaritan’s Purse and the goal is to show the love of Jesus to thousands of children around the world. You may pick up the shoeboxes and labels at the display in the hallway. Boxes are due by Sunday, Nov. 16th. If you have any questions, please ask Diana.

Brandon and Anna Chandler are new parents to Lydia Diane, born on 9/29 at 8:46 PM. She weighed 8#14oz, and was 21” long. Congrats to Brandon and Anna, as well as grandparents, Jason and April Chandler, as well as aunts, Gloria and Gracie. Justin and Stevie Chandler are also an uncle and aunt.

Kris Samick has set up two Meal Trains for families in the church. If you go to the OVCF Facebook group you will see one for the Chandlers (new baby) and one for the Pendleton family (Maverick is a 2nd grader at PES who has had brain cancer for over 2 years. He is back at Riley). The Meal Train is a great ministry and is much appreciated by the families who are shown this kind of love. Please contact Kris if you have any questions.

Something to think about: One of the outreaches we do for Spencer and the Owen County area is we offer a Thanksgiving lunch at the Lions Club. In a few weeks I will be coming to you for help in several different areas-delivery, serving, preparing food. I just wanted to give you a heads up that it will be coming.

I mentioned Sunday that my friend Dave passed away. He has been an important part of my life since 2016 when I was hit by a hit-and-run driver while riding my bike. When I first met Dave he was leading the 3 Feet Please organization that advocates for states to pass a law that requires drivers give cyclists 3 feet when they pass. He has made several visits here, been generous to OVCF, and has met many of you. He was one of my best friends, even though he lived in AZ. In February of 2024 Jo & I spent a week with him and his wife, Susan having fun and visiting Sedona and the Grand Canyon. It was less than a week later I received a phone call from him and soon found out he was hospitalized with an aggressive glioblastoma. He fought valiantly for 18 months but last Monday night/Tuesday morning he finished his fight. Our last time together was in March when they came to visit and spend a few days with us. Sometime in November Jo and I will be going to AZ for his celebration of life. In the meantime, would you please pray for Susan and her family? Thanks.

My sermon this Sunday is entitled Keeping Things in Order from Matthew 22-Mark 7. I look forward to seeing. Until then…know you are loved.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #265

Hello everyone! Welcome to Midweek Message #265. We can definitely tell Fall is in the air. Cooler mornings. Warmer afternoons. Cooler evenings. I appreciate you taking the time to read this.

Please pray for our educator of the week: Tami Grandi. Yeah, I tend to have a personal knowledge of this one. 🙂Tami is in her 4th year teaching Kindergarten at SES. Before that she taught at Fairview Elementary in Bloomington. Before moving here to take care of her aging parents, she taught in the Knoxville, TN school system for 15 years. She is a big fan of Ohio State sports, but does attend IU women’s basketball games with friends. She is also, sadly, a huge fan of the Atlanta Braves baseball team (much to her dad’s dismay and embarrassment).

It was a great day to witness the baptism of Eli Wood this past Sunday! Congrats, Eli!

YOUTH NEWS

• • • First up is a correction. In last week’s MM it said that the OVHS girl’s XC team placed 7th out of 10 in the race. It should have said they placed 7 runners in the Top Ten of the meet. I apologize for that mistake.
    • This past weekend both Alli Anderson and Aubrey Mangia ran well for the OVHS cross country team.
    • This will be a big weekend for the OVMS cross country team. Akaydia Beckwith will be running in the State Championship. Tad Nicholson and the boys’ team will also be competing in the State Championship. We are proud of you!!
    • Upwards soccer season has come to a close. Jo and I were able to watch Hudsyn Biggs, Alexander and Isabella Chambers, Conrad Keene, Jordan Mangia, and Barrett Zigler play Friday night. We celebrated with Hudsyn, Alexander, Isabella and Barrett when they scored goals. Izzy had three and Hudsyn had two. It was Barrett’s first goal of the season. It was fun watching them! Two of our other young people, Boston and Berkley Groomer, were registered to play but Boston broke his arm just before the season was to start so that was a big NO for playing. I’m betting they will be ready to play next year.
    • Julian Carson (grandson of Mike & Nannette Edwards) had a monster day playing with the Canes 11U baseball team over the weekend! He had two triples, a double and a single!
    • If you get the Friday Fun Facts that Kris Samick puts together and mails out for S-OCS, you would have seen that PES had a family picnic day. You would have also that seen Joe & Emily Pavich and their three, Charlotte, Thomas, and Margaret (the latter two are twins) were featured. The picture looked like the three young ones were busy while dad was taking it easy. 🙂

FUTURE CHURCH-WIDE EVENTS

• • • Operation Christmas Child is an annual event we love to be involved in. This Sunday shoeboxes will be available in the hallway for you to take and fill to help a child enjoy a Christmas very few of them have a chance to celebrate. Along with the box they also receive a short presentation of the Gospel message that Jesus loves them and that He is the ONE who is behind the giving. If you have questions, please talk to Diana! 🙂
    • This is just a heads up for you!! Thursday, November 27th is Thanksgiving Day. I would love to revisit our annual Thanksgiving meal for the community! More information will be coming soon!

The biggest news of all though is scheduled for October 26th when we will be celebrating our 21st anniversary as a church family. God has blessed us so much in those 21 years! We can tell you that we will have two services that morning followed by a pitch-in. We are also hoping the shell of the new building will be up so you can walk through it and see what God has enabled us to accomplish. I will tell you more when we get closer. But for now, please circle that date on your calendar: October 26.

• • • One really important item about that day: all giving that day, unless otherwise designated, will be for the Building Fund so we can continue finishing the project. For those who may not know: we made a commitment to pay cash for the new building so we can stay debt-free. We believe God will bless that desire.

I have a story to tell you about the way God works, especially when it amazes us beyond our wildest dreams. Seventeen months ago on April 18, 2024 I lost a dear friend after his 15 year battle with cancer. I met Jim when we lived in Terre Haute and we became fast friends and rode a lot of bicycle miles together. When we moved to Sandusky, he and Tina came to visit and would also spend a day at Cedar Point. When we moved here, we would go back and forth visiting and riding (and, of course, eating). He and Tina moved near Whiteland to be close to their daughter and grandsons and as his cancer reared its ugly head again, Jo and I would drive to visit. Our final trip there was April 18th and we were less than 5 minutes away when Tina called to tell me Jim had gone to heaven. I still think about him, especially when I ride.

Fast forward to two weeks ago when I was asked to pray for Keaton Jackson and brought you on board with that request. As I was texting with someone who knew Keaton and his mother, Jessica, she said that she and Jessica were looking for a Sunday when they could come because Jessica thought it would be “cool to come hear her dad’s best friend preach.” I was stumped so I asked who Jessica’s dad was. You probably already know where this is going…it was Jim. Jessica was his daughter from his first marriage. I knew of Jessica but had no idea of her married name. I look forward to introducing you to Jessica and Keaton someday.

My sermon Sunday is entitled In the Right Place from Matthew 5-21. Yes, you read that right. Matthew. The New Testament. 🙂 I look forward to seeing you there. Until then…know you are loved.

Pastor Bill