Category: MidweekMessage

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #66

Hello and welcome to Midweek Message #66. Thanks for letting me crash your day today. Oops that is a bad connotation there. Route 66 is associated with travel and there is that song from the movie “CARS” where they tell us to get our “kicks on Route 66.” So maybe I ought to just say, “Thanks for letting me infiltrate your inbox with my nonsense.” J

I know I said it Sunday from the pulpit but I just have to tell you how thankful I am to live in Spencer and work alongside so many caring people. We all know our community is not perfect (none is) but I saw a huge caravan of people come out this past Saturday to help serve our community. We called it “Serving Owen County Together” and it was a fine effort to team up with other organizations to make Saturday a special day for so many. The report from Aaron LaGrange was over 80 volunteers showed up for part or all of the day and we served over 800 people. We had a bunch of folks from OVCF show up to help. I know we would have had more but the change of date messed up some folks because of other plans already made for Saturday.  Don’t feel too left out though. There are plans to make this an annual event. Aaron and others received many favorable comments but one I think sums it up was given to Aaron: “I have lived in this community since 1972 and I have never seen something like this done for the little people.” Of course, she was not talking about “little people,” but she was referring to those often forgotten in the push and shove of the world.  When I left shortly after noon (I had something important to do for Sunday but can’t quite remember what it was), 🙂 there were already over 80 family units served. And I can’t say enough about Aaron’s part in all of this and Servant’s Heart Ministry out of Indy and all the vendors who came with them.  Whether big or small, try to remember we are most like Jesus when we forgive. Hot on the heels of that is when we serve. Jesus said, “I did not come to be served but to serve and to give my life as a ransom for many.”

The next big event for Owen County is our Back to School Expo. This benefits all the school children who come to the fairgrounds on July 24^th from 9:30-12:00. The only caveat is that they have to be there. It will be a drive-thru event like last year when we gave away over 600 backpacks filled with school supplies. The children don’t have to get out of their vehicles. We used to collect school supplies for our teachers but feel it is more beneficial for us to contribute to this project so OVCF has donated $500 to the Chamber of Commerce for this excellent program.

Here is a quiz for you, but unfortunately I will not be there to grade you!  Question: did you read last week’s MM about the Building Team? No? Let me remind you then. The Building Team will be meeting Monday night, the 19^th, with someone who has put together some designs for us to look at. The BT will look at them, discuss them, make suggestions and then continue to pray for guidance. We want to do this right. We don’t want to do something God is not in line with. We want to be functional but not overboard. We simply want a place where we can all worship together as one. There is no timeline for this to happen so I can’t say, “By next summer…”  Who knows what is in God’s plan for us (besides Him, of course)?  What you can do though is please pray for the BT and the elders as we try to decipher what God’s desire for us is.

Monday I was sitting at my desk reading when I decided to write something that was on my heart as a devotion for my “Shadow” blog. I know many of you don’t know I have the devotional blog and that’s okay. I share the following with you because of so much which is happening in our world today.

In this day and age of “justice this” and “justice that;” of riots; revenge; senseless killing and getting even, we need to hear and use and practice another word:

MERCY

Jesus once said, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.” Is it saying the same to you as it is to me?

Those who show mercy will be shown mercy.

Mercy is a God-promise. Lamentation 3: 22-23 says, “The Lord’s acts of mercy indeed do not end, For His compassions do not fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” What does the word they refer to? Acts of mercy. Everyday God’s mercies are new. Mercy is a God theme.

Imagine if we would practice mercy instead of justice. God’s mercy runs throughout Scripture. Would there even be an Israel, a Jewish nation, if God only exercised justice and no mercy?  How many times do the Israelites merit justice but instead receive mercy? On the cross Jesus didn’t say, “Zap ’em good Father.” No. Instead He said, “Father, forgive them.”

I’m in that same boat. For each sin. For each wayward look. For each idolatrous attitude. For each angry thought or word directed toward Him or someone else. Justice deserved; mercy given.

According to Lamentations 3 God’s mercy will never end. It will never cease and grace will never disappear. Each and every day I/you experience God’s mercy. EACH. AND. EVERY. DAY.

And get this! It is not warmed over, stale mercy. Every day it is new!! Can’t beat that!

“Father, each day Your mercies are new. Remind me over and over of that truth and then to absorb it. Help me to live in the light of that mercy…with you and with others.”

Two notes: First, don’t think for a minute that I don’t believe there is a place for justice. I do, but that is a topic for another day. Two, all Scripture is from the NASB 2020 translation.

I’m out of space for this week. Have a great week. I love you all.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #65

Hello and welcome to Midweek Message #65.  I hope you had a wonderful Independence Day weekend. After reading some rather disgusting news reports about the disrespect given to veterans, our country and its flag, I relish even more living in this free country.  Stay tuned for an article at the end of this MM.

Meanwhile #1: This Saturday is the Serving Owen County Together event taking place at the OV Middle and High School. There is much going on and we could use your help in making it a good experience for so many who need it in Owen County.

Meanwhile #2: July 17^th is a ROOTS RECONNECT event. Pastor Ryan has put together a great outing! He is inviting the whole family to participate in a kayaking, exploring and a picnic at Sugar Creek. Please see Ryan for more information.

Meanwhile #3: Back to School Expo is July 24^th at the Fairgrounds from 9:30-12 pm. This is a group effort of the schools and the Owen County Chamber of Commerce.  Each child will receive a backpack full of school supplies but children must be present. OVCF will be making a financial donation to the Chamber to assist with the purchase of school supplies. So if you have or know of a child who could benefit from the Expo, make sure they or their parents know…or bring them yourself.

Meanwhile #4: Some folks are wondering about what the progress is toward a new building. COVID caused us to put things on pause but thankfully many of you still continued giving to the Building Fund. We have met twice since things have opened back up and we have continued our talks. Monday, July 19^th we have our next meeting. We are meeting with someone who has the ability to put together building design options based on what we have relayed to him so far. He will be making a presentation and will listen to our input for making improvements. This project is important to so many of you and we have not forgotten. Please keep one thing in mind though. No matter how eager we are for a new facility where we can worship as one body, we do not plan to go into debt for it. We believe that is God’s way and we intend on that being the way with this new addition.

Finally, no more “meanwhiles.” 🙂 I read this blog from Pastor James Emery White of Mecklenburg Community Church in Charlotte, NC.  Here you go:

On the 4th of July, I’m always reminded of times I’ve traveled in countries where freedom is severely curtailed. Or where the people have been freshly freed from the chains of injustice, and the joy of their release was palpable.

I was in Johannesburg on the 10th anniversary of the end of apartheid.

I was in Korea when the border between North and South was electric with tension.

My most powerful memory came from Moscow, where I was teaching shortly after the fall of communism.

One night a group of us went to the famed Bolshoi Ballet. It was a long, wonderful evening, and after we took the subway back to where we were staying, the students said, “Come and let us celebrate.” The other two professors with me were as tired as I was, but the students were so intent on our joining them, that we went.

And then we found out what celebration meant to them.

They wanted to gather in the dining room and sing hymns and worship God. And we did, late into the night, with more passion and sincerity than I have ever experienced. It didn’t matter that we didn’t know how to sing in Russian—we worshiped God together.

But I went to bed puzzled. I had never seen such passion for spontaneous and heart-filled worship. I was curious as to why they were so ready and eager to offer God love and honor. I received my answer the following Sunday when I was invited to speak at a church in North Moscow. A former underground church that met in secret (as so many churches had been), they were now meeting openly in a schoolhouse. I had been asked to bring a message that Sunday morning.

I didn’t know that I was in for a bit of a wait.

The service lasted for nearly three hours. There were three sermons from three different speakers, with long periods of worship between each message.

I was to go last.

When it was over, I talked a bit with the pastor of the church. I was surprised at not only the length of the service, but the spirit and energy of the people. Throughout the entire three hours, they never let up. In spite of the length of time, they never seemed to tire. Even at the end, they didn’t seem to want to go home.

“In the States,” I said, “you’re doing well to go a single hour before every watch in the place starts beeping.” (This was before smart phones.) He didn’t get my weak attempt at humor, but he did say something that I will never forget.

“It was only a few years ago that we would have been put in prison for doing what we did today. We were never allowed to gather together as a community of faith and offer worship to God. And we are just so happy, and almost in a state of unbelief, that we can do this now – publicly, together – that we don’t want it to end. And not knowing what the future might hold for us here, we know that every week might just be our last. So we never want to stop. So we keep worshiping together, as long as we can.”

As I left, his words never left my mind. I thought to myself, “I will never think about worship the same again. I’ve been too casual about it, too laid back, taken it too much for granted. These people know what it’s about – really about – and because of that, they have been willing, and would be willing again, to suffer for it. To be imprisoned for it. To die for it. Because they’ve discovered that it holds that high of a yield for their life. It has that much meaning and payoff and significance. It matters that much.”

And it should matter that much to all of us. (end of article)

Have a great week. Love you all and can’t wait to see you here or in the air.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #64

Hello and welcome to Midweek Message (MM) #64.  As I write this it is Monday afternoon and I understand it is supposed to be a hot one this week. Some rain possibly on Wednesday. What can I say? We live in Indiana!! 🙂 I’m going to enjoy it since I know in about 6 months or so we will be wondering where the warm weather went!! Yikes! Did I just say that?

If you were here this past Sunday or watched online you heard me make an announcement (I’m sure you pay attention to announcements) about the Serving Owen County Together event which was postponed due to the flood waters. It has been rescheduled for July 10^th, which is a mere 2 weeks away. We sure could use your help again, so if you are able to do so, please sign up again at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/owencountyevent. I can say that if you don’t sign up, but just show up, a spot will be found for you to help.  This is a tremendous opportunity for our community and I plan to be there (I’ll leave off the bells and whistles).

I was reminded why we do what we do as I have been studying for this new sermon series on Mark. I have given it the title of The Servant King because Jesus shows us to a “T” what it means to be a servant. We are definitely like Jesus when we serve others.

Speaking of the sermon series: please read Mark 1 for this Sunday. That will be one of the beauties of preaching through a book like this. I can ask you to read ahead by simply reading the chapter. And you can read it multiple times a week and really get familiar with it.  It has been several months since I preached through a book, and a long time since I did it this way. I preached through Ecclesiastes but it was more topical and I left out some passages.  There are 16 chapters= 16 weeks. There will be one big break in our study.  On August 29^th, Lord willing, Mike, Trisha, and Ryan Laws will be with us sharing their testimony of God’s phenomenal grace, love, strength, and answered prayer. Mike donated his kidney to Ryan a few months ago and we had been praying for them. Ryan is now playing soccer. Truly remarkable. Mike is slower recovering (I’m thinking his age might have something to do with that-LOL) but they have seen God do amazing things in their lives. They will be here to share what He has done in an interview-type of format. You won’t want to miss that Sunday! So I’m asking you to put it on your calendar now. That is also our 5^th Sunday of the month so the young people will be in with us.

If you have a young person in Junior/Senior High then you won’t want to miss this next announcement. On July 17^th, Pastor Ryan is planning a ROOTS RECONNECT event by taking the youth group kayaking, exploring and enjoying a picnic at Sugar Creek. Just one day but it will be a whole lot of fun. The cost is $20/person and this is a whole family activity. They will be stopping on the way home to eat. If you want your child to go but don’t have the funds please let Pastor Ryan or Diana know. The church can help!! There is only one catch, he needs you to RSVP by July 5^th. You can call the church office at 812-828-9840 to register since Pastor Ryan is at Hilltop Camp for Wilderness Week.  For those who may not know: ROOTS is the Sunday night youth program for Junior/Senior High youth. They take a break for the summer but this is a way for Ryan to “reconnect” with them.

Speaking of the youth group, Deeper will resume on July 7^th and will meet at Ryan and Hope’s house.  They meet Wednesdays from 4-5:30 in his garage. And yes, they have snacks! And a whole lot of fun and learning from the Bible.  This will the first week back since the end of school.

As many of you know, I try really hard to avoid politics in person, and especially from the pulpit. In fact, I can promise you that nothing political will come from the pulpit. But with July 4^th coming up this Sunday I would like to add some thoughts to this MM. The most recent display of disrespect given by an “athlete” sort of raises my ire a bit. A female hammer thrower, who may have been ticked off more because she placed 3^rd (who really knows?), turned her back on the flag during the playing of the National Anthem. That kind of disrespect does not sit well with me when several things are considered. One, we still live in the greatest country on the planet. This country isn’t perfect but it is still the best place to live. I sometimes wish those who threaten to leave if they don’t get their way, would. Let them go where they don’t even have the freedom to say what they are saying about the U.S. Second, their actions disrespect all those who served, gave up their families and even their lives, to give us the freedom we enjoy. Third, it says that all those who fought for our initial freedom in 1776 were misguided. It spits in the eye of great men like George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and others who saw a new horizon for us. It puts down all the men and women who served. It says to all the great African Americans like Martin Luther King, Jr, Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglas and others that they wasted their time and efforts to make a difference. Fourth, if they are so disgusted by the USA why are they competing for a place in Olympic history? This July 4^th I hope you will take the time to celebrate living in a land of freedom. Are we perfect? No, of course not. Neither is the church, but I celebrate it anyway. Be proud of living in a free nation, made free by the blood of all races, colors and nationalities willing to serve and sacrifice.  Okay…off my soapbox. 🙂

Have a great rest of the week. I celebrate the freedom I have in Christ. I celebrate the freedom I have living in this nation. And I celebrate you.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #63

Hello and welcome to Midweek Message #63. I hope you are doing well this week. After the weekend of rain and “digging out” I can imagine some of you are pretty beat.

As you now know, the Serving Owen County Together event had to be cancelled and rescheduled. I know it was a tough call for Aaron LaGrange to make but it was made easier by his 10 minute drive taking him one hour due to the downed trees and flooded roads.  I saw the wrestling he did while making that decision. Sadly, the folks from Servant’s Heart Ministry and their partners were able to make the trip here but then had to turn around and head back to Indy. I agree with those who said that those who needed the event and all it offered would have been the very folks who could not have made it here safely. Aaron is working on finding another date for them to come. When that happens I will let you know. It did my heart good to see so many folks who signed up to volunteer from OVCF. I do hope you are available to serve when Aaron does find that elusive day.

Late breaking news!  It looks like July 10^th is the day the Serving Owen County Together event will take place. Listen this Sunday for more information!!

My heart goes out to so many of you who took the brunt of the storm with flooded basements, downed trees, loss of electricity, and changed plans.  I was able to ride on Sunday afternoon and was astounded at the devastation. Fortunately, some workers and random folks were able to cut up the trees which were blocking the roads. As I drove to a couple of appointments on Monday, I was reminded again of the power of a storm. As I was visiting with some folks on Monday, we talked about the storm and they talked about how slivers of trees were driven deep into their yard and how some trees were corkscrewed. Yeah, that sounds a bit more than straight line winds to me. But I am not a weatherman. 🙂  Thankfully, there were no casualties around here that I know of.

I gotta tell you some totally fantastic and yes, awesome news. Backstory first: We have been praying for Robert Herrington for the past month or so. A month to the day on Sunday, Robert was lifting weights and sat up on the bench and hit his head. Not much. Didn’t hurt. He came home for the summer that same day and began preparing for summer boot camp (he is in a college ROTC program). He slept that next day and two days later began to stutter. Badly. Test after test showed no brain injury, except a concussion. But the stuttering continued. He lost strength (he was a weight-lifter). He lost cognitive ability and memory. And he wanted to sleep. A lot. The specialists told him it could be anywhere from 6 months to a year before he stopped stuttering and got relief for the other symptoms. His outlook has been to trust God because He knows what He is doing. I admire a 20 year old with that kind of trust. Anyway, he came to church this past Sunday still stuttering.  I mentioned him during our prayer time and prayed for God to intervene and astound the doctors. Sunday afternoon he, and his sister, Abigail, were driving somewhere and he talked to her with a stutter. The next sentence out of his mouth had no stutter and he has not done so since then!  IS THAT NOT AWESOME?  Those of you who know me know I don’t use that word except to describe God or something He has done. When I visited with Robert and his family on Monday they could not stop talking about God’s intervention and goodness. But according to Abigail there was a downside to it all. Robert never stopped talking for 45 minutes after that!  Doesn’t that sound just like a sister?  I love the banter. But more, I love that they are giving all the glory to God. He still has a way to go on some of the other symptoms from the concussion, but Robert told the doctor that the others will eventually go away but “at least I can talk.”

I want to pass something along to you about your elders (but don’t tell them I said anything). Monday night we had an elder’s meeting (postponed from two weeks previously). We were asked to help several organizations with some financial needs. Because of your generosity, we were able to pass along to the OV Patriot Choir program, Hilltop Camp, and New Beginnings Pregnancy Resource Center some much needed help. And while I say a good word about their willingness to reach beyond OVCF, I can’t say enough that it was all possible because of your generosity and giving to the church. God has blessed us tremendously and you have been phenomenal in remembering the church, even during the pandemic. So thank you Wayne, David, and Jeff and thank you for being you.

This coming Sunday Ryan and Hope head back to camp for the Jr. High Wilderness Week. Along with them pray for the other leaders: Linda St. John, Cassie Lehmann, and Westin Linville. We also have some students who will be at Wilderness Week: Anna and Caleb East, LJ Jenkins, Libby Zurcher (friend of Anna’s) and Alli Anderson. On the camp side will be Kathryn Anderson and her friend, Isabella Rector. How about making it a point of your day to pray for all the above folks?

This is the summer time (as you know). I have read blog after blog, and article after article, about burnout for pastors and their staff because of the pandemic. Since all three of us worked solid during the pandemic except when we were in “jail,” (and even then we tried), I have been keeping an eye on the three of us. So I will be right up front with you and say that summer will be a time for us to gather our wits around us so we can be ready for the Fall. That means the three of us will be in and out of the office for various reasons. To visit family. To take care of sick family. To just have a day of “Aaaah.” If you need us one of us (especially Pastor Ryan or I) we will be there. If you come to the church building you might be wise to call ahead to make sure someone is here.  Diana works from 8-1:00 Monday through Friday. Pastor Ryan has Tuesday off and I take Friday off.  Thanks for understanding.

I know I have gone on way too long. Every week I wonder if I will have something to say. I know some of you are laughing up a storm with that remark, but it is true. And each week I find myself saying, “My space is up.”  Thanks for giving me the chance to come into your inbox and most of all for being your pastor. You are loved.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #62

Hello and welcome to Midweek Message #62. I hope you and those you love are doing well.

Every once in a while it is good to look backwards (I don’t recommend it when cutting grass though, especially if you are “obsessed” with straight lines).  Okay, lasso me back into the corral (Diana is good at that with Ryan and me…mostly Ryan). 🙂  Seriously, it is good to look backwards from time to time.  I went back and looked at the very first MM I wrote. It was after the lockdown which asked us not to meet in person as a church body.  Here were my words: “Who’d a thunk it just a couple of weeks ago that meeting together would be our last time for who-knows-how-long?” My hope was that this MM would become a regular feature, be meaningful, informative, and a way to stay in touch. I feel it has accomplished its purpose. And I have honestly enjoyed writing it. For the longest time (what seemed like years) we were unable to meet in person, nor could I come to your house to visit, so this was one way to be “in your house” each week and you didn’t even have to make sure it was clean! That sounds like a win/win to me!! 🙂  This is now #62 and it is hard to believe that except for a week or two, this has come to your inbox. Long story short: I still hope you look forward to reading this and my attempt to communicate.

I have come to one conclusion though: doing the MM allows me the opportunity to expand on some things that we can only take a cursory swipe at on Sunday morning. For example…

• This Saturday is Serving Owen County Together. I have been announcing this the past several weeks. We need helpers from 7-9 to help set up (you can leave after that if you want/need to). We need folks to help man the tents from 9-12 and 12-3. We also need helpers from 3-5 to help tear down everything. There is a break room with water and snacks if you need to go inside for a few minutes. Pass the word along for people to come and check it out, especially if you know people who need help. All items there are new, not used. Shoes, socks, furniture, clothing, food (That would make sense since who would want used food?), and feminine products.  I’m excited to be involved in this effort to serve our community. In fact, you will get to see my friendly (and good looking face…cough cough) as you drive in.  So…any help you can offer will be accepted.
• This Sunday is officially the last day for the New Beginnings Pregnancy Resource Center’s “Change for Life” drive. If you took a baby bottle to fill, I’d like to remind you to return it. If you prefer, you can donate online.
• I want to give a huge shout out to those who have been keeping our lawn cut at OVCF. Each week it has been looking really nice. At the end of the season we will include a big a thank you! There are still a few spots which need filled so your help would be appreciated.

This past Sunday, if you were here, you know we went back to serving communion by passing the trays. We will have some of the sealed cups in each tray for those who still want to use them. We have decided to NOT pass the offering plate. There will continue to be a basket on the back table for your offering. You can also donate online or put your offering in the mailbox by the east door.  Thank you, thank you, thank you for your consistent giving and generosity!!

In the first service I mentioned Ryan’s week at camp. I failed to at the second. Pastor Ryan and Hope, Linda St. John, Cassie Lehmann, Westin Linville and Macy Carlson are all faculty for Ryan’s Senior High week of Wilderness Camp. There are several young people from OVCF who are campers: Micah Nally, Hannah Pendleton, and Mollie Wainscott. You may want to pray for them!  (Makes you wonder who the “them” is, doesn’t it? Try both). I also heard we had a couple campers the previous week-Kalissa Hamlin and Tatum White.  Sorry I missed you both. You have permission to whip me with a wet noodle. 🙂

Each week we bring people to you to pray for.  Mike & Ryan Laws have been on our prayer list ever since I found out Ryan needed a kidney transplant. (He is now 15). Mike donated his kidney to his son. Mike texted me Saturday night and said Ryan is doing phenomenally and has started playing soccer. The plan at this point is to bring them to OVCF on the 5^th Sunday in August to share their testimony of God’s goodness.

You will get this MM on Wednesday, June 16^th. I will be out of the office that day since I was threatened with bodily harm if I wasn’t. (Just kidding. Jo is not a violent person).  We will be celebrating our 48^th anniversary that day. We don’t have much planned since next week we, along with Tami, will be heading to Ohio to see Braden, our grandson, play some baseball (Wednesday and Thursday nights). I can say we will be stopping at Hilltop to visit the campers. I’m honored to have spent 48 years with my college sweetheart. I’d be lying if I said it was all peaches and cream or that I was the perfect husband (far from it). But I can testify to God’s grace and goodness in giving me the woman I needed.  Our first ever trip away where no one knew us was gifted to us by someone in the church in 2017. It will be two years this September since you blessed us with the trip to Alaska-what I consider an early anniversary gift. It was the trip of a lifetime. I am also not shy in saying I would go back in a heartbeat. 🙂  We dodged a bullet though since we initially thought about going in 2020, but went in 2019 instead. Whew! So this year we will take it easy. Visit the folks at camp. Find some place to eat (Jo’s one mandate). And enjoy the day together.

My words are not few and therefore my space is up. I changed the font so I will have room to include this message on one page. Miracles still happen! I succeeded. Have a great week.  I love you all.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #61

Hello and welcome to Midweek Message #61. Thanks for allowing me into your inbox. I hope this edition is informative and educational and maybe even some fun.

For the past few weeks, here and from the pulpit, I have been telling you about a service opportunity for OVCF to be involved in.  That opportunity has been named Serving Owen County Together (SOCT) and it will take place on Saturday, June 19th, at the Owen Valley Middle and High School parking lot.  It is more than just a food give-away, unlike what was offered a number of months ago. 🙂  In cooperation with a group out of Indy called Servant’s Heart, SOCT will be offering food, shoes, clothing, female hygiene products, and other items.  The time is set for 9-3:00. Volunteer help is needed for set up from 7-9:00; manning the tents from 9-12/12-3; and tear down from 3-5:00. This is a partnership with multiple entities (food banks, clothing, churches, etc.) so it will take a lot of people to help pull this off.  Because of the number of organizations involved, it was decided to use an online sign up instead of each individual group using a sign-up sheet (like the church normally uses).  Here is the link for you to sign up:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/owencountyevent

I know some of you don’t have a computer or tablet to sign up. Perhaps you can ask someone you know to sign your name when you would like to help.  The other option is to just show up and say, “Put me where I am needed most.”

I have said it before but I think it bears repeating: this is a great opportunity for OVCF to get back into serving our community. True, it is with others, but that makes it even better. Serving for the purpose of serving is one thing; serving to “get your name out” is something totally different. Let’s just serve to serve.  The pandemic put the kibosh on our Day of Service to the community. Perhaps that was good because it caused us to pause and reevaluate concerning our purpose and attitude.  I plan to help in some way. I hope to see many of you there. The church is also providing water and snacks for the volunteer table.  You need bring nothing but a servant’s heart.

Hey! Did you know there are some people who think that Hawaii is better than Spencer? Yeah, go figure. Wes Linville, Cassie Lehman’s fiancé, went with his family. Newlyweds, Alec and Caylan (Bray) Akerson, are spending their honeymoon there. Can you honestly believe they thought it was better to go to Hawaii for their honeymoon than stay in Spencer? 🙂  Here’s a funny tidbit: Jo used to watch Magnum P.I. faithfully (actually it was Tom Selleck) and at one point wanted to go to Hawaii. She changed her mind when I told her she had me (cough, cough), and she found out all the hours flying above the ocean.

He never asks publicly for us to do this but Pastor Ryan has two weeks of Wilderness Camp at Hilltop coming up. Senior High week starts this coming Sunday, June 13-18 and the Junior High week is June 27-July 2. He gives his all to these two weeks-before, during and after-and I know he would appreciate your prayers for the two weeks. We also have campers and many volunteers on staff from OVCF. Please pray for them, too! J

One last important thought that I wrote about and ask you to think about: The Bible says, “Love God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.”  My problem is two-fold: One, how do I do that? And two, how do I know if I have?

Paul David Tripp wrote, “We can know the true joys of human love only if love for God first rules our hearts.” (40 Days of Love-p.72)

You see, I know that to be true, but I’m not sure I practice it all that much. There is no question in my mind I am guilty of idolatry-of putting people, places, and things ahead of Jesus.  I know it, but changing it is something entirely different. If I don’t put Him first, I will seek to find the answer for my rest and comfort somewhere else or in someone else. Then I will be asking Jo, or another person, or my activity to do for me what only God can do: fill me and satisfy me.

Even as I write that, I am no closer to an answer to my questions: How do I do that? And how do I know if I have? I’d like to hear your thoughts if you have any.

Food for thought. Meanwhile, have a great rest of the week. Lord willing, I’ll see you Sunday or sooner.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #60

Hello and welcome to MM #60! I’m so glad you are reading this and allowing me to be part of your life, if only for a moment. 🙂

As I write this, Memorial Day 2021 is history.  Well, at least it is in our rearview mirror. The purpose of that holiday we celebrate each year should never be in our rearview mirror. I wrote the following on my blog Monday:

I have never served in the military. When I was in high school, registering for the draft was a law. When I was in college it was a law also. When I turned 18 on October 9, 1970 I was a freshman in college. But I was required to register so I hitched a ride from a school buddy and made my way to another town in Kentucky to do so. I was never called and to this day do not know what my number was. I was exempt because I was in a Bible college studying for the ministry.

I did not go to college to bypass the draft, even though I know of some who did. They really had no business being in that college because they had no desire to really be a pastor.  Without trying to be too judgmental, their lives showed it.

I did not know what Vietnam was all about. I was naive when it came to war and political things. Call me guarded. Call me shielded. Call me sheltered. I do know if I had been called on to defend the freedom of this country, I was willing to do so.

Others did it in my place. I am grateful.  I am beyond thankful for the men and women whom we honor today, those who made the ultimate sacrifice.  I keep thinking of those who want to destroy what we have; to take it and give it away to some lawless nation; to compromise the foundation of our great nation to satisfy their own whims; and as they do, compromise their own words to get what they want. Sacrifice does not do that. Sacrifice is no where close to the “what-I-can-get-out-of-it” mentality that dominates today’s thinking. As you consider today, think of it as more than a holiday (and in many cases) a day off work. Remember the sacrifice paid for your freedom. Here is a thought: did you worship yesterday at the place of your choice?  Try that in a socialist country.  I don’t think we are perfect and I certainly don’t worship the USA. I am not a Christian nationalist. But I am a grateful American whose Christian faith recognizes the God of all humanity as the One True God and as the One who has truly blessed us.

That is not meant to be a political post at all.  I am a registered voter but I am also not naïve enough to think that either party has it right.  I am a firm believer however, that there is only one solution to where our country finds itself right now: we are in desperate need of a revival-not a political one, but a spiritual one.

And by the way: if you would like to see the video again that I showed this past Sunday or would like to pass it along here is the link: Hillsdale.edu/tribute2021.  Copy and paste it into your browser.

This coming Sunday is our graduate recognition Sunday. We will be honoring 9 graduates (7 high school/2 college) at the beginning of the 10:45 service. What an achievement for all of them. Come out and give them your support.

The big announcement for this Sunday is the opening of a staffed nursery. As Ryan mentioned this past Sunday during our Q&A time, the nursery has been open, but really just for families to use if needed, with their own supervision. Beginning Sunday there will be volunteers in the nursery during the 10:45 adult worship only.  I can’t leave this topic without saying that more volunteers are needed. And for the purpose of safety, each worker must have a background check. (It is done at the church’s expense).  If you are interested please check with Ryan.

I know I’ve been a little “heavier” on the teaching this MM but I feel like somebody needs to read this: I finished reading a book on depression last week called Beauty in the Browns (an excellent book IMHO).  He tells the story of two of Lincoln’s most successful generals, Ulysses S. Grant and William Tecumseh Sherman. They both suffered from depression. Grant was drummed out of the army in 1854 because of his depression (or more accurately, the drinking triggered by it). At the outset of the Civil War, Sherman declared the Union would need 250,000 men to quell the rebellion. The media called him mad and suffering from the strain of military duties, he resigned, returned home to Ohio, and spent the time contemplating suicide. Sherman survived thanks to his family and Grant with getting back to work-to lead the Union army to victory.  “Grant stood by me when I was crazy, and I stood by him when he was drunk,” Sherman said. “And now, sir, we stand by each other always.”  (p.156-157) Standing by each other is absolutely essential in the world we live in. Contrary to popular opinion, we need each other.  Let’s stand with each other, committed to helping and loving no matter what.

Have a great rest of the week. I love you all.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #59

Hello and welcome to Midweek Message #59!  I hope this edition of the MM finds you having a great week and enjoying God’s blessings.  We do serve an awesome (the only time I use that word) God.

As I write this I would bet my last dollar (if I was a betting man) that there are some awful tired, but somewhat emotional parents after this weekend. Since many of our high school grads this year attended OVHS, graduation was this past Saturday. That meant, for many, attending the graduation, setting up for a party, entertaining, and eating, until the last person leaves (finally) and you can crash (is that a sigh of relief I hear escaping your lips?).  Congratulations to all the graduates-high school, trade school, and college.

The biggest item on my agenda in this MM is to remind you what this Sunday is: the 5^th Sunday Family day!  (I thought I’d give you a hint just in case you forgot).  This Sunday is the first of our new “experiment.”  When a month has a 5^th Sunday, our plan is to have the young people who are normally in the youth programs join us in our worship.  We want them to see what “big people’s church” is like and not be afraid when it is time to move up. It will be worth it. We will have young people who are more aware of what happens in “big people’s church.”  We will most certainly have a greater appreciation for those who spend their Sunday mornings teaching our young people about Jesus. Let just go off on this side road for a moment. It is easy to forget that there are adults who give up their adult worship time to teach our young people.  It is almost like “out of sight, out of mind.”  I know we don’t intend to think or feel that way but it is easy to let it happen. Saying something this week turns into “Oh, I’ll tell him/her next week.” Or for those who don’t have children it sometimes doesn’t even cross their radar of the sacrifice some are making to teach the children.  Most don’t see it as a sacrifice, but as an honor, an act of worship in and of itself and the ministry God has called them to. It’s “work as worship” with a focus on discipleship. They are more focused on giving than getting something for themselves. Please make an effort to let them know how much you appreciate their time and willingness to teach our children.

As a side note: if you are concerned about the possibility of it being too crowded for you or if you are concerned about the “noise level” (which I will assume is going to be higher than normal), we do have the first service at 9:00.  I would welcome you coming then!

We have a special treat for you this Sunday also. Well…at least we hope so. We have had a video sent to us which is ideal for a church to remember the purpose behind the Memorial Day weekend. As I write this we are checking into the possibility of us showing it, not only in person, but also on the live stream. Both FB and YouTube have bots that will spot the use of a copyrighted song within a few stanzas and will then shut the site down, at least for that day. We then have to make an appeal for it be lifted. We are seeking permission to show the video and live stream it. At worst, we will show it in person and have to block its transmission via live stream. If that happens, please look on the church’s FB group or for next week’s MM. I will include the link to the video and you can watch it that way.  In fact, as I type this it just hit me: I’ll post the video anyway. Some of you may want to watch it again or even share it with someone you love or who needs to learn why we celebrate our freedom.

Do you remember reading in last week’s MM about the service opportunity we have as a church? No? Hmmmm…It is an Outreach Event which will take place at the OVMS/OVHS parking lot on Saturday, June 19^th, from 9-3:00. Help will also be needed from 7-9:00 to set up and from 3-5:00 to tear down. There was a meeting last night to put more plans into place to make it something exceptional for the people of Owen County. It is a great opportunity for us to serve our community! I’ll be sharing more in next week’s MM.

If someone were to ask me to name my favorite Scripture I would say, “Psalm 37:5: Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will help you.” The greatest chapter in the Bible is Romans 8. Verses 28-29 challenge me to be conformed to the image of Christ no matter what the circumstances.  But verses 31-39 are what I would call the pinnacle, the highlight of the chapter. To know God is for me. To know God stands with me. But what can be greater, more refreshing, more satisfying than to know that nothing can separate me from God’s love?  I can’t think of anything.  To know that I will go through loss, heartache, and disappointment is one thing, but to know that nothing (read: N.O.T.H.I.N.G.) will separate me from the Father’s love is overwhelming.  Drive a nail through that truth today.

My space is up this week. Have a great rest of the week. See you Sunday!!

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #58

Hello and welcome to Midweek Message #58.  Thanks for letting me come your way and into your inbox.  I hope this week has brought you good news and God’s blessings in ways you never even dreamed of.

After the school year we have had with all the COVID protocol, it is hard to believe graduation is upon us.  We have a fairly long list of both high school and college graduates. We have been asking for your help in giving us names of the graduates.  Here is a list of the ones we have. If we are missing anyone, it is important for you to get ahold of Diana at the church office (812-828-9840) or via email (secretary@ovcf.org) to let us know.  We plan to recognize all the graduates on Sunday, June 6^th.  Well…here is the list:

• Kristi Arnold (OVHS)
• Colby Beckwith (OVHS)
• Justin Chandler (Lighthouse Christian Academy, Hendersonville, TN)
• Meilynn Dow (OVHS)
• Grace Pendleton (OVHS)
• Gracie Wainscott (Wainscott Academy) 🙂
• Kahner Welch (OVHS)
• Tiffany Frye (B.S. in Organizational Leadership from Indiana Tech)
• Amanda Hutchison (Bachelor in Nursing from WGU)

Like I said, we have tried very hard not to exclude anyone. So please let us know if we have!

I thought I would let you in early on something OVCF is going to be involved in.  You might remember the food giveaway at the Middle School that had traffic backed up onto the highway. There is going to be another Outreach Event which will involve much more than food.  Clothing, feminine hygiene products, and shoes will be given away as well. An organization out of Indy by the name of Servant’s Heart is partnering with the Spencer community to make this possible. Aaron LaGrange, principal at OVMS, has been the one to spearhead it. It is scheduled for Saturday, June 19^th from 9-3:00 at the OVMS and OVHS parking lots. We will not have to provide any items for the giveaway. What will be needed is people willing to “man” the tents where the items will be available. It will be split into shifts so no one is there all day (unless you want to be).  At this point they are talking about 7-9:00 for set up; 9-12:00 for the first shift; 12-3:00 for the second shift; and 3-5:00 for the tear down. There is another information/planning meeting scheduled for Tuesday, May 25^th.  I will have more concrete plans for you after that meeting.  I just want to give you a heads up so you might consider where and when you can help.  For years we did the Day of Service (DoS) but due to COVID, and possibly it running its course, we have not had a DoS for two years.  This will be a great way for us to be involved in our community again! It is time for things to happen and for us to be actively involved in some way. Think about it…please.

Here is another friendly reminder about the 5^th Sunday coming up, May 30^th.  We will be inviting the young people to worship with us that morning. The nursery will be open for any who need it (but not “manned”). Ryan and I will be sharing the “preaching time” in order to just talk with you.  Look for a different approach that morning!  I think you will like it.  The Grand Opening for the nursery is planned for June 6^th.  Your help is needed for that ministry.  Contact Ryan if you would like to help in the nursery rotation.

Ladies, don’t forget your hike this Saturday at MCSP. Plan to meet at Deer Run/Trail 9 at 1:00.  Please call Gail Kempe (765-346-0492) if you have any questions.

In my journey through the NT, I cracked open the book of Ephesians this week.  In 1:15-23 Paul prays a powerful prayer.  I’d like to break that prayer down a bit.

1. He thanks God continually for them (the Ephesians).
2. He prays for them to be given spiritual wisdom and insight so they may grow.
3. He prays their hearts will be flooded with light (enlightened) so they can understand the hope they have been given.
4. He prays they will understand the greatness of God’s power seen in raising Jesus from the dead and that He is seated at God’s right hand.
5. He prays they will understand God’s authority in all creation, especially His church.

His concern is more than “God bless them” or “God be with them.” To run the race and finish well we have to go deeper.  It starts with praying for others and for yourself.  Let’s all make a commitment to do so.

Hope you have a great week. Love you all.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #57

Hello and welcome to Midweek Message #57. Mother’s Day 2021 is now history.  Even though it was not an “all-out” Mother’s Day, it sure beats last year’s version.  Jo & I were watching a program Sunday afternoon that featured a  mother/daughter reunion. For almost two years they have only been able to see  each other through a window. This year they were finally able to hug and see each  other in person and play cards (mom always wins). It was a heart-warming story and  the mother was a winner in so many ways. Oh…I forgot to tell you she was a very  spry 105. And yes, you read that right-105. Let’s all try to remember that  Mother’s Day is not and should not be just one day out of the year. Like we say  about the “Christmas spirit” and the “Easter truth”- it should never run out. Try  it!

Do you remember from the last MM about me saying to stay tuned for a further  announcement and more clarification? No? That may mean you didn’t read it OR  you suffer from the “Disease of Forgetting.” Here it is! If you have been reading  the bulletin and listening to announcements (you know…that time when everyone  shuts down or goes to get a drink), you have heard of some events which will  happen in the very near future.

∙ On Sunday, May 30th, we will be having a Family Worship Sunday. At the  children’s ministry training and lunch at the end of February, involving the  youth in our adult worship was discussed. From the time they hit 3, until  they reach 7th grade, many young people are never exposed to adult worship.  For 9 years we unintentionally “silo” the children into their own worship and  program. It was suggested to include the children in the adult worship. May  30th will be our first opportunity to try this out. Ryan says, “Our goal is to  partner with parents and elevate them as the primary spiritual developer  in their kids’ lives.”

∙ On Sunday, June 6th, Pastor Ryan is hoping to open the Nursery as a staffed  nursery. Starting with when the pandemic shut things down, our Nursery has  been available to parents with nursery-aged children to use if needed, but it  has not been staffed. The plan is to open the Nursery on that first Sunday

in June with adult helpers in the Nursery. Our hope is that the Nursery will  be a place where you will feel comfortable leaving your child (if you are so  inclined) and know that he/she will be taken good care of. As in the  children’s department, every worker must fill out a background check and be  cleared to work with children. If you would like to help and be put in the

rotation, please let Pastor Ryan know. You may call the church office (812- 828-9840) or email him at youthpastor@ovcf.org.

There is another way you can help us. Every year we try to honor our high school  and college graduates. This has been a strange year in many ways and we have  tried our best to figure out who the graduates are, but there is always the fear of  forgetting someone. If you, or someone you know who is involved at OVCF is  graduating from high school or college, please let Diana know. We plan to honor  the graduates at the second service on June 6th. You can call her at the church  office (812-828-9840) or email her at secretary@ovcf.org.

We have a number of folks I would like you to pray for. Kim Paquette’s surgery to  remove two brain tumors was successful. They are waiting on pathology reports. Marcia Morris, Jeanna Srinivasan’s mother, had a knee replacement last week. Madi  Arnett is to have a knee replacement this coming Monday. Colby Beckwith is  recovering from his ACL surgery. Kathryn Anderson visits her Lyme doctor this  week and Becca, her mother, asked for prayer for her. And if you were listening to  the service Sunday-in person or online-I mentioned my friend’s son, Ryan Laws.  Ryan was given a kidney by his father a couple of weeks ago and the most recent  test showed a slight raising of the creatinine level. This could be a glitch or it  could be a sign of rejection. Please be praying for their family. Why not stop right  now (if you can) and say a prayer for all the folks mentioned.

Hey ladies! The Women’s Connection Ministry is sponsoring a hike at McCormick’s  Creek State Park on Saturday, May 22nd, at 1:00. Gail Kempe is the one in charge so  if you have any questions please contact her at 765-346-0492. Information is in  the bulletin this week and on the church Facebook group’s page.

I began reading this week in Psalm 19 and 20. Psalm 19:1 stood out to me: “The  heavens declare the glory of God and the sky above shows his handiwork.” Indiana weather  has remained constant-you can always depend on it being squirrely. Sunny and in  the 70s and two weeks later frost on the car windows. But what cannot be denied  is the creativity of God. The sun by day; the moon by night; the stars that light up  the sky; the greening of the Spring; the host of different flowers; and the species  of birds (Hint: over 35,000 of them); they all declare to us the creativity of a  creative God. Enjoy Him and His creation this week. I love you all.

Pastor Bill