Category: MidweekMessage

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #278

Hello everyone and welcome to Midweek Message #278. I hope your week is going well and you survived the frigid temps of the early part of this week. Man, was it cold Monday morning when I came to the office! I left a warm and inviting house to make my way to a warm office. In between it was c-o-o-o-l-d! But warmer days are ahead. Each day brings us closer to spring and according to Tami, baseball season. 😄 Anyway, stay warm.

Our educator of the week for you to pray for is Jeanna Srinivasan. I asked Jeanna (as I do all the educators) for some info on her family. Here is what she sent: “We have been married 16 years. Aasha is 13 and Nathan is 8, very soon to be 9. We have homeschooled for 8 years but honestly I consider it starting from birth to….13 years. I am a certified pathologists’ assistant and I used to work at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, OH and then LabCorp on Zionsville Rd. I performed autopsies and gross dissections of surgical resections. Kartik is a physical therapist at IU Health in Spencer and owns his own therapy business. This year is my first year as the Freedom Homeschool Co-op director. Nathan is in cross-country, track, and 4H. Aasha plays basketball, runs cross country and track, takes dance, sings in our homeschool choir, takes voice
lessons, also in 4H and is a cadet in the Civil Air Patrol. She is involved in Roots and Deeper at the church as well.” (I asked her what she did in her spare time). 😄 Remember to pray for Jeanna and the family this week.

YOUTH NEWS:

The school year is starting to “heat up” so there should be more news about our youth. Here is what I have to share with you this week:

• • • Haven and Kane Mosier (daughter and son of Tommy and Kristine Mosier and grandchildren of Janet Jones) received Top Cat awards for the past 9 weeks.
    • Jordan Mangia, son of Tom and Kristine Mangia, also received the Top Cat award for the same grading period.
    • Lilly Brinson, the granddaughter of Brad and Tara Brinson, received the Top Cat award as well. I’m thinking it is grandma and grandpa’s influence that made the difference. 😄
    • Eliza Chambers and her gymnastics team had a very fruitful and good time in California at a meet. Eliza ended up with some pretty cool medals against some really tough gymnasts from all over the country. She got 4th place on beam and floor and then 5th place all around. Mom said, “Considering she spent half the season injured and trying to get back, I’m super proud of her for working so hard.”
    • The OV High school boys’ team played Clay City Saturday night. Kim Stahl sent me a picture of the Clay City boys in their warm up jerseys. On the back was #KeatonStrong. Keaton is the high school student who has had cancer since he was 7 and continues fighting. We have been praying for him. Don’t stop praying! And well done, Clay City Eels for recognizing one of your own!

The Top Cat Award may be new to some of you. The following was in the letter sent to the parents: “The student is chosen by the classroom teacher according to their demonstration of the following attributes:

• • • Being POSITIVE in attitude and behavior
    • Being RESPECTFUL of students and staff
    • Being a HARD WORKER
    • Being an overall GOOD CITIZEN”

Well done to all of our young people!

I announced this past Sunday that the elders are recommending Charley Shipley to you to become an elder at OVCF. For those who are new or may need a refresher:

• • • The one being considered goes through a study with me on what an elder is by looking at why we have a plurality of elders and also a study of the qualities and characteristics of an elder as found in I Timothy 3 and Titus 1.
    • We invite him to join us in several elder’s meetings so he can see how we operate.
    • We then ask him if he would like to join our leadership team. If he says, “Yes”, as Charley has, we then announce it to the congregation and you have two weeks to submit a written (and signed) letter telling us why you cannot endorse Charley as an elder. (It must be a spiritual reason). After two weeks, if there is no concerning matter, we will announce Charley’s acceptance and will have him come to the front of the church to be prayed over and installed as an elder. You have until Sunday, February 1st to respond.

I hope you have Wednesday, January 28th on your calendar! That is the date of our next Church Family Pitch-in. We start at 6:00 and we simply have a good time. We laugh. We tell stories. We visit with each other. And, of course, we eat. I love those evenings for all the above reasons, but most of all because I get to be with people I love.

A couple of announcements that affect our church family:

• • • For several years now we have hosted the Legislative Breakfast for the Chamber of Commerce. A couple of our government officials come to share what is happening in Indiana and what the Legislative session has on the agenda. This coming Saturday, the 24th, is the first one of this session. It will meet from 7:30-9:00.
    • Pastor Ryan is taking some of our folks to a church in Martinsville on Saturday, the 31st , for a “Safe Church” training session. We had it here a couple of years ago and it will be a good refresher course, especially with the upcoming opening of our addition. If you would like to know more please see Pastor Ryan.

My sermon Sunday is The Guardian from John 10:6-10 and the miracle in John 4:46-54. I look forward to sharing God’s Word with you. See you then. Until then, know you are loved.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #277

Hello everyone and welcome to Midweek Message #277. I hope you have all recuperated from the Sunday morning shock of snow, ice, and bitter cold! I guess I should pay more attention to the weather, especially on a Saturday night/Sunday morning. I guess I was naïve enough to think it would be sunny and in the 80s.😄 Thanks to all of you who were able to make your way in, and for those who weren’t, for watching online.

Our educator of the week is Hannah Morse. She and her husband, Cole, have been married for 5 years. They are the parents of 4 year old twin sons, Tripp and Kohen. Hannah taught at Gosport Elementary School for 7 years before making the decision to homeschool Tripp and Kohen, who are both autistic. She has done a marvelous job teaching them and they are both showing great improvement. A big shout out goes to the teachers and helpers in the Pre-K Sunday morning class. They have made the boys feel so welcome they can’t wait to get here and get to their class. I could mention specific names but I don’t want to embarrass anyone, nor leave anyone out. Hannah’s father and mother (Brad and Christina Corder) and brother, sister-in-law and niece (Caleb, Gabrielle & Charlotte Corder) also attend OVCF. Please be praying this week for Hannah, Cole, Tripp and Kohen.

SOME ADULT NEWS!

• • • This past Saturday night, the Conservation Officers had their belated Christmas party here at our building. Caleb Hutchison, his wife, Amanda, and two children Addilyn (Addi) and Owen attend here. Not only did they find our space much to their liking, an added bonus came to Caleb. He was honored as the District 5 Conservation Officer of the Year. Way to go Caleb! {As an aside: years ago when I met Caleb he once told me that being a conservation officer was his dream job. He passed the test, loves his job, and is seeing the fruit of that! His only disappointment is that he is not allowed to have any facial hair. Oh what we sacrifice to do something we love!😄}
    • Coffee and Chocolate, a Women’s Connection Event is this Saturday from 11-1:00. There is no cost and it is one of the most attended ladies events. If you have any questions please contact Macy Carlson, Hope East or Linda St John.
    • Mollie Wainscott has made the Dean’s List all five semesters she’s been attending Milligan College! That is while taking 17 hours a semester, plus playing violin in their music program! 😄

SOME YOUTH NEWS!

• • • Pastor Ryan, Hope and members of the youth group who attended the TCTC (Tennessee Christian Teen Conference) made it back safely. They had a terrific time! I look forward to talking to them and finding out more.
    • DEEPER resumes this Wednesday. DEEPER is a Bible study for our middle school/high school students held at the East homestead from 4-5:30.
    • ROOTS (MS/HS youth group) will begin its winter/spring session this coming Sunday evening. They meet at OVCF from 5-7:00.
    • Jo & I were able to attend some youth basketball games this past week. We saw the 7th (Cooper Wood) and 8th grade boys play (Cale Hatton for Shakamak and Tad Nicholson and Kyson White for OV). We also were able to watch the 7th grade girls (Amelia Biggs) play. We have more games to attend. If your son or daughter is playing and you would like us to come watch, please let me know.

SOME PRAYER REQUESTS:

From time to time I plan to include some prayer requests that affect us all. Here are a few to keep in mind this week:

• • • Emily Wyatt had surgery this past Friday and is home recuperating.
    • Heather Keith had hand surgery this past Friday. It was good to see her Sunday.
    • Jim Perin was diagnosed with Stage 3 esophageal cancer. He is on a liquid diet and begins radiation this week. He also sees the chemo doctor this week.
    • Don Taylor, Jr began his chemo treatment this past week.
    • Tiffany Groomer is recovering from an emergency appendectomy this past Thursday.
    • I had a wonderful visit with Austin and Brooke Sheese last week. They are both recovering from the horrific car accident. Brooke still has several surgeries ahead of her but her attitude is great. Austin is still recovering from his broken femur, but using a cane. A big shout out goes to Dalen Dow for his friendship and care for both. They have been blown away by the support they have received in so many ways.
    • Keaton Jackson is still recovering from his latest round of chemo. Both mom and dad had COVID but so far he has avoided it. He has an MRI this Friday.
    • Our prayers go out to John & Jenny Hess and family this week. His mother, Marian passed away last week.

Along with the above requests, it is also important to recognize God’s work in answering prayer. The past two weeks Aaron and Sonia Clausman have been in front of the church thanking us for the support for the children in slavery in Pakistan. They have also shown pictures of children receiving their gifts. In total, 160 children were blessed. Here are the stats for you (Aaron and Sonia want to be totally transparent in how the money was spent). 65 helped by the church (total of $1635 received from church and individuals). 25 orphan children (they have been taking care of since 2017). 70 helped by abroad donations for total of 160. From the bottom of my heart thank you for being so generous during the Christmas season. We asked a lot of you:
Operation Christmas Child, Backpack Buddies, and then Pakistan gifts.

Don’t forget our Church family pitch-in on Wednesday, January 28th starting at 6:00. We
would love to have you to join us in lots of laughter, conversation, and, of course, food. 😄

I will continuing my “Seven” series this Sunday with Flip the Switch from John 8:12. The miracle that corresponds with that “I AM” is from John 9:1-41.The impact of that “I AM” can be seen in the following statement by C.S. Lewis: “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.” I look forward to seeing you Sunday. Until then…know you are loved.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #276

Hello everyone and welcome to Midweek Message #276. Thank you for allowing me to invade your world this week. I hope you are having a good one so far. It is sort of hard to believe that Christmas 2025 is history and that 2026 is already 7 days old. Just think: in 358 days 2027 will be here!😄Oops sorry. I’m getting ahead of myself there. I do sincerely pray that God’s love, grace and blessings will be poured out on each of you this year. May you know His power and the strength of His presence as you live for Him this year. “Be strong and courageous.”

Our educator of the week to pray for is Michelle Lippert. Michelle and her husband, Geoff, have been married for 13 years. They have a daughter, Marla, who just took her driver’s test this past Saturday and passed. Way to go, Marla! (Michelle has asked for prayer for safety for her. Smart mom!) Michelle has been homeschooling Marla for 4 years. Geoff is a commercial plumber and Michelle is a medical coder. Remember to pray for them this week.

Meanwhile, be praying for all of our students and school staff as school began yesterday. I can still remember how hard it was to get back into the school-swing-of-things after a break. We all find it hard to get back to business when we have a week or two (or more) of doing what we enjoy doing outside of the norm.

YOUTH NEWS

With school getting back into session this section will fill up with a lot of news about our young people. I have just a few items to mention:

• • • DEEPER will resume tonight. It meets at the East homestead from 4-5:30. This is for the Jr/Sr High youth.
    • The TCTC (Tennessee Christian Teen Conference) is this weekend. Pastor Ryan, Hope and a number of our young people will be leaving Friday for Gatlinburg and returning Sunday evening. Be praying for their safety and for the young people to desire to grow closer to Jesus. Besides Ryan and Hope and safe travels, here are the young people you can be praying for: Caleb & Rachel East, Kalissa Hamlin, Meilynn Hess, Marla Lippert, Noah Snodgrass, Ayzleah Sutton, and Ily Swan.
    • ROOTS will resume again on Sunday, January 18th, from 5-7:00. This is for all Jr/Sr High youth. Look for correspondence from Pastor Ryan about this upcoming semester.

MISCELLANEOUS NEWS

• • • There will be an OVCF Women’s Connection Event on Saturday, January 17th from 11-1:00. This Coffee & Chocolate get together has become an annual event for the ladies. You can check with Linda St John, Hope East, or Macy Carlson for more info.
    • Our next OVCF Family Pitch-in dinner is scheduled for Wednesday, January 28th at 6:00. I look forward to seeing you there.
    • The Building Team met again this past Monday to review what is happening with our building addition and to continue making plans. Truesdel H&C has begun installing the HVAC system. Soon the electrical work (Elite Electric) will get started as will the plumbing (Anderson Plumbing). A hole was cut into the north wall this week. It is the connecting point between the two buildings! Plywood will cover the opening until the doors are installed. Just a warning: if you sit in the area, it may be a bit chillier so wear something warm. We have also received a bid for carpet in the new addition (Geoff Biggs’ Cream & Crimson Flooring), as well as bids for drywall, insulation, tiling the bathrooms, and are seeking bids for painting. These are exciting times and we will soon share something super exciting with you.
    • Shaking my head (and you can join me). I messed up. Those of you who were here Sunday or watched online, I mentioned that Emily Pavich was having surgery on Friday. She isn’t! Joe, Emily’s  husband, was gracious and didn’t beat me to a pulp. 😄My apologies to Joe, Emily and all of you for the misinformation.

In September and October of 2024, in preparation for our 20th anniversary as a church family, I preached a series of sermons on “Feels Like Home.” We have strived to make OVCF feel like a family in lots of different ways. As I preached that series, I also wrote something which we stated together for several weeks. Lest it become too familiar or seen as a “creed” I backed off from having it said each week. Many of you are new to OVCF and are not familiar with it so I thought I would share it with you in this first MM of 2026.

WE’RE GLAD YOU ARE HERE!

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

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

That belief, that feeling, still burns in my chest. I desire that OVCF be home to people where they can find hope and healing and encouragement, no matter their circumstances. I’d like to suggest that you make a copy or cut out the above statement and put it where you can see it each day. Pray for yourself and pray for others to find a home at OVCF.

I start my series “Seven” this coming Sunday. For 7 weeks we will be looking at the 7 “I Am” statements and 7 miracles recorded in John’s Gospel. The first is Show, Then Tell. Both the “I Am” and the miracle are from John 6. I look forward to seeing you Sunday. Until then, know you are loved.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #275

Hello everyone and welcome to Midweek Message #275. After taking a break for Christmas week, I am back with the final MM of 2025. I’m guessing at this point it will be shorter than most, but I wanted to at least give you something to think about as we come to the close of 2025 and see 2026 on the immediate horizon.

Please pray for all of our students, teachers, and school-related staff during this last week of Christmas break.

I try to include some YOUTH NEWS in each MM. But with school on break, news is sparse. However, I heard about some adults who received some great news (No, it is not baby news).

ADULT NEWS:

• • • Caleb Brinson was recently sworn in as a police officer for the Bloomington Police Department. He began the ceremony by singing the National Anthem. He was also presented with the Herman H. Freed Award, which is an award that class members vote on to be presented to one officer in the class that best demonstrates the qualities of Integrity, Loyalty, Ethics, and Attitude. Brad and Tara Brinson are Caleb’s very proud parents (she might have sent this to me). 😄
    • Brandon Bedolla grew up in our youth group and after graduation pursued other interests (including marriage). He was also sworn in for the BPD at the same ceremony as Caleb. He was recognized as the class Vice President and the Squad A Leader.😄

MORE ADULT NEWS (of the baby variety): (I am including this list so you can pray for them)

• • • Sonia & Aaron Clausman (due 2/26)
    • Lily & Keaton Zufall (due 3/26)
    • Beth & Billy Allen (due 4/26)
    • Gabrielle & Caleb Corder (due 5/26)
    • Zoe & Brayton Wyatt (due 5/26)
    • Cecelia & Adam Fox (due 5/26)
       Sarah & Will Schneider (due 5/26)
    • Cassie & Westin Linville (due 6/26)
    • Stevie & Justin Chandler (due 6/26)

2026 is right around the corner. Like many of you I do wonder what the new year will bring. What victories? Defeats? Lessons? Highs? Lows? It should be a foregone conclusion the answer to those questions is a big “I don’t know.” After the year of working our way through the Everyday Gospel Devotional and the whole Bible, my focus this year will be a bit more narrow. My theme for 2026 is Still the ONE!! Revelation 5:13 is my focus verse: “Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.” (NLT). This Sunday’s message is entitled Still the ONE!!

I will be using John 1:1-15; 6:68-69 and Hebrews 1:1-14 as my Scripture. I’d like to ask that you read ahead to prepare your minds and hearts for Sunday. This sermon will be like opening the door to the 2026 theme.

Years ago I found the following writing, made a copy of it and had Jo laminate it for me. It hung on my wall by my computer/study area for several years. I do not remember who wrote it, nor do I remember when or where. I wish it was my own words for they express my thoughts and commitment moving into 2026. I share it with you below. The original and my own thoughts are in different type fonts. Here it is:

I promise to keep doing original and hard work in my study.
{Many pastors and others are using AI to write their sermons. I refuse to bow to the AI Revolution and certainly will not do so when it comes to writing sermons}.

Those to whom I am called deserve my best efforts.
{You are who I am called to serve. I will continue trying to give my best in my ministry to you}.

I promise to maintain a heart for God. That means I will pray frequently and fervently, and
stay devoted to Him and to my calling.
{This is perhaps the toughest of all. This takes a lot of work and commitment to do}.

I promise to remain accountable. Living the life of a religious Lone Ranger is not only unbiblical, it’s dangerous.
{I work with 3 highly perceptive people and serve alongside 3 elders who take their responsibilities seriously. My desire is not to do ministry alone}.

I promise to stay faithful to my family. My wife deserves my time, affection, and undivided
attention. Our now-grown children deserve the same.
{As Jo and I age our lives are different. Time spent away is more selective as my presence has been needed more. I will continue to serve you, and keep in mind that my family is always my priority}.

I promise to be who I am. Just me. I plan to keep laughing, saying things a little off the wall,
being a friend, and making a few mistakes each month.
{Do you think you can handle that? I sure hope so!
At 73 it is super hard to change and become someone I’m not! 😄}.

I look forward to seeing you Sunday. Until then, know you are loved.

Pastor Bill

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