Category: OVCF News

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #288

Hello everyone and welcome to Midweek Message #288. I hope you are having a great week so far. Last week gave us a great foretaste of Spring, but also reminded us we live in Indiana.😊

YOUTH NEWS:

• • Alli Anderson and Aubrey Mangia are on the OVHS track team.
  • Coach Tom Mangia told me that he has several boys from the church on his team: his son, Jordan; Draven Stahl; Winston and Barrett Zigler.
  • I’m guessing there are more boys and girls playing ball this summer. Please let me know so I can include them and Jo and I can attend.
  • Keaton Jackson, the young man we have prayed for and has gone through cancer treatment, is practicing and will soon be able to play for the Clay City Eels High School baseball team.
  • Tad Nicholson was chosen as a True Patriot for the middle school this past week. When I asked his mom what that is she said, “Teachers choose a student that they feel shows the following characteristics: Perseverance, Academic Excellence, Tenacity, Character, Loyalty and Respect.” He was chosen by Matt Beckwith who says, “He always comes ready to do his best and to lead by example.” I think mom and dad were sorta proud (as well they should be). Way to go Tad!!

MORE ABOUT THAT NEW MINISTRY:

In an effort to connect families who have children in the Grade 6 and younger group, SPROUTS has been started. (In case you are wondering, the name is a take-off of Pastor Ryan’s two groups for teens: Deeper and Roots). Here are the details:

• • Kickoff event: Dinner on April 25th from 5:00-7:00 PM at OVCF.
  • Purpose: to provide friendship and fun for the families in that age group
  • RSVP to Becca Anderson at 812.360.7419 or through Facebook Messenger
  • Future get-togethers are planned to be at the Anderson homestead for cookouts, discussion and getting to know others with common interests and future ideas.

We need help though!

• • As I said last week in the MM, busy moms and dads need a night out so the meal is going to be provided by the church. We could sure use your help in pulling that off. Here is the menu:
    • • Spaghetti
      • Red and/or white sauce
      • Garlic bread
      • Salad
      • Fruit and/or veggie tray
      • Dessert (cookies are fine)
      • Drinks (iced tea or lemonade)

There is a sign-up sheet on the info table if you would like to help provide any of the above items. At this point we have no idea how many to expect.

• • Childcare will be provided by an adult with help from the teens.

SPECIAL NEEDS MINISTRY UPDATE:

Several months ago I talked about and wrote in the MM that we were looking into starting a Special Needs Ministry (SNM) at OVCF. I’d like to bring you up to date on where we are at.

• • Hannah Pendleton and I asked parents who were interested in a SNM to attend a meeting to get ideas and to gauge interest in the ministry. The response was phenomenal! Some great ideas were shared.
  • A person has been asked to lead the SNM. We have given this person time to think, pray and decide since it is a big undertaking and would be a volunteer position initially. No decision has been made as of this writing.
  • One of the valuable approaches to any ministry, especially one starting out new, is to check around and see what other churches are/are not doing. Hannah has done just that. On Sunday, April 26th, she, Pastor Ryan, and the other person will be visiting Northside Christian Church in New Albany to see their SNM in action. Please pray for a good, eye-opening and God-honoring visit.
  • In the meantime, keep praying about this ministry!!

NEW BUILDING UPDATE:

Many have asked how things are going and what is next. Here is some information in a nutshell:

• • End of March: we paid JL Benton $42,295 for spray foam insulation, AV wiring, platform edit, and electrical rough-in
  • This month: we will owe approximately $24,840 to JLB for blown-in (attic) insulation, hanging drywall, their fees.
  • Next to be done: HVAC. The elders are finding out the details for a total cost to finish our  project.

BOOK TO CONSIDER READING:
With all that is going on in our world ideologically, it is absolutely essential that we know what others are thinking so we can use the truth of God’s Word to counteract what we hear. I mentioned Sunday that I finished reading Transformed by Kyla Gillespie last week. Transgenderism is a “staple” in our daily diet so it is important to know what goes through the mind of those who want to change their gender. If you want to know or you know of someone who is struggling with gender dysphoria or is considering this radical life change, you need to read this book.

My series on The Road to the Other Side will finish on Sunday, the 26th. I have been working on the next series…one on James I am calling The “Perfect” Christian, which will begin May 3rd. I’ll tell you more in the next MM. Until then, my sermon Sunday is The Show-Me Savior and the Scripture will be from I Cor. 12:12-27. I look forward to sharing it with you Sunday. Until then…know you are loved.
Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #287

Hello everyone and welcome to Midweek Message #287! It is good to have you join me as I try to give an overview of our church family and all that is happening. Thanks for taking the time to read this edition.

Our educator prayer focus this week is Tom Arthur and Duane Potts, Principal and Assistant Principal at OVMS. Pray for wisdom and direction as they lead the students and faculty.

NEW MINISTRY TO START!!

Last Thursday a group young ladies/mothers met with Becca Anderson and me to talk about starting a new ministry. Several of the young mothers have asked both Becca and me about a small group Bible study so we decided to put our heads together and consider a meal and ask some of the mothers to help. There were 6 moms there and we had a great discussion with some good ideas. Here is some information:

• • Name: SPROUTS
  • Who is it for? Connecting families who have children 6th grade and younger.
  • Kickoff event: Dinner on April 25th from 5:00-7:00 PM at OVCF.
  • RSVP to Becca Anderson at 812.360.7419 or through Facebook Messenger
  • Purpose: To provide friendship and fun for the families in that age group.
  • Future get-togethers will be at the Anderson homestead for cookouts and discussion and getting to know others with common interests, which could include small group studies.
  • Much thanks to Eliza Chambers and Aasha Srinivasan for providing childcare during the
    meeting.

HOW YOU CAN HELP!

The meal on April 25th is going to be provided by the church. Busy moms and dads need a night out! 😊The menu is:

• • Spaghetti
  • White sauce
  • Red sauce
  • Garlic bread
  • Salad
  • Fruit tray
  • Veggie tray
  • Dessert
  • Drinks
  • Ice

There will be a sign-up sheet on the info table this Sunday if you would like to help provide any of the above items. We have no clue yet how many to expect but will keep you informed.

• • Childcare will also be provided by some of our teens.

YOUTH NEWS!

• • Congratulations to Rachel East upon making the high school cheer squad!
  • Double good news for Draven Stahl this week! First, he passed his i-Read test. That means no summer school and moving up to 4th grade. Second, he was also chosen as a Top Cat for his 3rd grade class.
  • Garrett Brinson (grandson to Brad and Tara Brinson) was chosen as a Top Cat for his 3rd grade class! Both Draven and Garrett are in Mr. Wright’s class.
  • Both Kale Hatton and Tad Nicholson made the OVMS baseball team. Congrats to you both!
  • Congratulations to Dane Stahl-he was recognized as MVP for the OV freshman basketball team and also received Most Improved for the JV team!

LET’S TALK RESURRECTION SUNDAY!

• • Enough thanks cannot be passed around to everyone who helped Saturday and Sunday. I will not try to list people because there were so many I know I will miss someone. We had men and women who helped get chairs at Abram Farms, set up all the chairs, move equipment, return chairs, carry chairs from the addition to the old auditorium, make coffee, staff the coffee bar and treat tables, greet people, pass out bulletins, direct traffic, provide shuttle rides, welcome people, and just make this old pastor’s heart happy watching the church be a home to people.
  • If I may brag a bit: I’m proud of Jo for doing the Power Point. She had to redo much of it on Saturday afternoon but worst of all for her was having to sit up front. 😊
  • I’m thankful for the teachers and nursery workers who gave themselves to the kids under their care. No one really knows what you all did in your service for Jesus.
  • Now for the stats:
    • • Attendance (includes children’s programs): 410 (yes, you read that right!)
      • Offering: $6,367.29 (divided among the missions we support in the amount of $578.84 per mission group). In addition, $1,165 was given designated to the Building Fund.
  • We are evaluating the day to see what we did right, what we might need to change, and how to make things better. We are just so appreciative of you coming and enjoying the day with us.

Don’t forget that we will be back to our regular schedule in the place we have been meeting for the past 14 years (we remodeled in 2012 in order to meet where we do). My message this Sunday will be The Sending  Savior from Matthew 28:16-20 and Acts 1-2. It is the start of something big as Jesus leaves His followers with a challenge; they see it fulfilled; and that same challenge is for us today. I look forward to sharing it and seeing you Sunday. Until then…know you are loved.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #286

Hello everyone and welcome to Midweek Message #286! By the time you get this we will be  right in the middle of what is considered the final week of Jesus. I hope you have taken the time to contemplate what this week means in the life of the Christ-follower. Stay tuned later in this MM for special information about Resurrection Sunday events.

Pray this week for Robert Boltinghouse and Jake Steinmetz, principal and assistant principal of OVHS as our educators of the week.

Here is something I don’t get to tell too often:
I typically spend some time each MM telling you about our young people and some of their awards, exploits, etc. Very seldom have I had the opportunity to share with you about a college student. Here is one straight from her mom:

Annalei Dow dives for the University of Minnesota. During her sophomore season she earned qualifying scores to attend the NCAA Zones (there are 5 of these Zones competitions across the country) at Texas A&M a couple of weeks ago to compete at the NCAA Division 1 National Championships. Only 11 girls qualified to move on in the Platform event from this meet. She earned that privilege! This past weekend (the weekend of the 15th) she competed in the NCAA championships held at Georgia Tech. The stage HUGE. She was one of only 81 divers from across the US to quality for this event. The talent was amazing and it was incredible to watch. Unfortunately, as a sophomore, she let her nerves the get the better of her. Although she didn’t accomplish her goal (finish in the top 25) she still performed well and placed 38th in the nation! At the end, she told us her goal was just not to finish in last place. 😊She walked away from her memorable week with an amazing experience, fun memories with her teammates, a huge accomplishment and great learning lesson to work towards next year! We are so proud of her dedication throughout these years. She has spent countless hours practicing, managing her time and learning to deal with pressure of being a D1 athlete. Oh, as well, she does a great job of balancing her schoolwork. She earned a spot on the Big 10 All-Academic Team with a GPA of 3.94! Although the result was not exactly what we hoped for, we are so proud of her and her accomplishments.

I bet you couldn’t tell that Chad and Terri are proud of Annalei.😊 Well done Annalei! I’m excited to see her GPA! That is phenomenal work!

Here is another of our young people to notice!

• • Congratulations to Meilynn Hess! She is the 2026 Owen County Art Guild Scholarship recipient! She is being honored at the Art Guild this Saturday, April 4, from 2:30-4:30. Refreshments will be served. Take a few moments to honor Meilynn this Saturday.

Here is another event worth celebrating! Congratulations to Abigail Clausman and Cole Brown upon their baptisms at the YMCA this past Sunday. Abigail has been attending ROOTS and is the sister to Elijah and Aaron. Sonia is her sister-in-law.

HERE IS YOUR SOURCE FOR ALL THINGS RESURRECTION SUNDAY!

• • We are excited to tell you that our Resurrection Sunday services will be in our new addition.
    There will be one service at 10:00.
  • The children’s programs (Nursery through Grade 6) will meet as usual in their current classrooms.
  • We want you to know that Sunday will be “rough.” The addition is not finished. Carpet is not on the floor. The HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work is not finished. The stage is not finished. (See what I mean by “rough”?) We will have a screen but not TVs for better viewing. So we are going to need your patience and understanding to make this work.
  • We will have some propane heaters to warm the building but please dress appropriately.
  • There will be Power Point and a live stream.
  • HERE IS WHERE YOU CAN HELP!
    • • We will need help moving 150 chairs from Abram Farms to our building. We will start at 10:00 on Saturday at Abram Farms.
      • After Sunday’s service we will need help taking them back.
      • We will need help moving chairs from our current building and setting them up in the addition on Saturday morning (again at 10:00).
      • We will need help moving worship equipment to our new addition and taking it back afterwards.
      • Because our parking space is limited, if you can help by parking at either Henry Holsters (building to the north of our property) or Abram Farms, that would be appreciated.
      • We will also need help shuttling people from Henry Holsters and Abram Farms and then taking them back after the service. If you are willing to help, please talk to Pastor Ryan.

ABOVE ALL WE ASK THAT YOU BE PATIENT WITH LESS THAN IDEAL CONDITIONS. LET’S JUST CELEBRATE THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS AND PRAISE GOD THAT WE CAN DO THAT IN OUR NEW ADDITION.

• • One more important item: for the past several years we have been giving our Easter offering to the missions we support. That will NOT change. Unless designated, all offering this Sunday will be given to missions. God has blessed us tremendously and this is our opportunity to say thanks to Him by blessing others. God has always been good to us and has always provided for our needs. This also gives us a chance to bless others who are taking the message of Christ to people we will never be able to reach.

As expected, my message Sunday will be on the Resurrection of Jesus, entitled The Surprising Savior from John 19:38-20:10. I look forward to celebrating with you this Sunday. Until then, know you are loved more than you realize.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #285

Hello, everyone! After taking a break last week for Spring Break and being gone for several days, it is good to be back with you. I hope you had a good week off and had a chance to travel or relax (or both). Needless to say, it is back to the ‘ol grind. I want to say a big THANK YOU to Tom Mangia for preaching for me this past Sunday. I hear that my job is in jeopardy. 😊 I’m so glad Tom was willing to fill in for me while I was gone. He also helped Pastor Ryan out after his crazy week. So “Thanks, Tom” from both of us.

DON’T FORGET!!

This Wednesday, March 25th is our church family pitch-in starting at 6:00. We also plan to open the door into the new addition for you to take a peek around if you would like.

A NOTE FROM HANNAH:
I asked Hannah Pendleton, our children’s director, to write something for this week’s MM. She knows the subject much better than I do and I thought it wise to let her tell you about something special. Here are Hannah’s words:

• • • In remembrance of Jasmine St. John and her love for books and little ones, “Jasmine’s Little Library” has been created and is located in the Preschool classroom. The shelves contain books highlighting Bible stories, forgiveness, loss, special needs, and other topics. These books are resources made available for you to borrow. I just ask that you message me with the title of the book you are taking. 😊You may contact me at 812.821.7360 or hannahpendleton3896@gmail.com

Jasmine did love books. She had obtained “home library status” (which means she had 1000+ books) and was a teacher in our Preschool classroom. Parents, make sure you check out that book shelf and the books available!

YOUTH NEWS:

• • • This is from the department of “It never seems to stop” i.e. Pastor Bill getting something wrong in the MM. I mentioned in MM#284 that Charli Wood sang in the 8th grade choir. I was wrong on both counts. First, she is in 9th grade. (First head slap). Second, she is in the Owen Valley Soundwaves show choir! (Second head slap). Sorry, Charli!😄
    • Congrats to Tad Nicholson! Tad was awarded the Team Player Award for the 8th grade boys’ basketball team.
    • Congrats also to Amelia Biggs! She was awarded the Mental Attitude Award for the 7th grade girls’ basketball team.
    • Many of you do not know Keaton Jackson, except by name only. Keaton has fought cancer since he was 7 years old and most recently was on our prayer list as he went through another battle. His mother, Jessica, texted me a picture of Keaton receiving the Academic Achievement Award from Clay City High School for 2026. Fighting cancer, studying from home, and earning this achievement is worthy of mention.

WORTH CELEBRATING: Congratulations to Gavin and Jenna Wells & family. Their adoption
of Gwendolyn (Zara) was official on Monday!! 😄

BUILDING UPDATE:

Much has been happening the past couple of weeks! Here is a brief wrap-up of everything with some news about the future:

• • • The stage/platform has been modified to give additional seating.
    • Spray foam insulation of the walls is completed.
    • Plumbing, electric, HVAC and AV/internet wiring have all been roughed in.
    • Drywall is to be hung (but not finished) and insulation will be blown in starting this week.
    • WE WILL STOP AT THIS POINT! (See below)

What does all this mean?

• • • It means the adults will be meeting in the new addition for one service on Resurrection Sunday morning. The young people will continue to use the current facilities as they normally do. We will have some electricity, but no plumbing or HVAC. We will use some propane heaters to heat the facility but I suggest you dress appropriately.
    • We are grateful to Abram Farm for allowing us to use some of their chairs for the morning.
    • We are also grateful to Henry Holsters (business behind McCormick’s Creek Rehab and Abram Farm (if needed) for extra parking. If the weather is dry, some may try parking on the east side of our parking lot where the future parking expansion is planned.

So…why stop at this point? We said all along we would only do what we can with cash in hand. Since we don’t want to deplete our Building Fund, we are stopping to replenish it so we can finish the addition. Some things cost more than expected. Some adjustments had to be made along the way. The elders and Building Team members have been aware of everything as we have proceeded and it has been decided to wait to finish things (like drywall, the nursery, and the bathrooms). We will proceed as money is available.

Just so you know: I had a big change of plans this past weekend. Jo & I did not go to PA to celebrate my brother, Rob’s 50th anniversary in the ministry. Gwendolyn’s adoption took precedence in my heart and mind; and since Tom was already preaching for me, we decided to visit our family in Ohio. We missed being with you Sunday. This coming Sunday my message is The Sin-laden Savior. We sometimes hear people talk about the Passion of the Christ. What exactly does that mean? Find out Sunday. I do look forward to seeing you. Until then…know you are loved.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #284

Hello everyone and welcome to Midweek Message #284. I hope you are having a good week and the effects from turning the clock ahead have subsided. Tami thought Jo and I were a little crazy (she called me a cheater) because we went to bed just a little after 8:00 Saturday night. Besides it having been a long week and weekend (a wedding in Brown County Park shelter) on Saturday, I knew I had to get some sleep! So, yes, I cheated. 😄

Let me remind you to pray for our educators of the week: Brittany Green (Principal) and Aaron LaGrange (Assistant Principal) at SES. I assured them we would be praying for them.

YOUTH NEWS DEPARTMENT:

• • • I made my first mistake all year (ahem!) in last week’s MM. When I mentioned Hudsyn Biggs’ team won their 9U division, I failed to mention that Winston Zigler is also on that same team. Sorry Winston! Please don’t go all hockey on me. 😄(He and his brother, Barrett, are playing hockey for the first time. They love it from what I hear!).
    • Congratulations to Akaydia Beckwith. Grandpa David posted on FB that she qualified for NBHA Worlds to be held in Georgia in July! Akaydia has become quite the accomplished barrel racer. As her grandpa David said, “Cowgirl Up!”
    • Jo & I attended the OV Fine Arts Festival this past Sunday at OVHS. We saw Trevor Floyd perform in the Indoor Drumline Program and also the Big Band performance in the café. Several of our other young people also performed in the concert (which we missed). Charli Wood sings in the 8th grade choir. Cooper, her brother, sings in the 7th grade choir. Sadly, Rusti O’Neal woke up sick Sunday morning so she was unable to participate. Am I missing any others who were in the OV Fine Arts program? Please tell me so I can include you in the next MM.

I SUPPOSE YOU ARE WONDERING DEPARTMENT:

Many of you may or may not have heard Pastor Ryan’s announcement about the inspection on our addition. Here is where we are:

• • • Our contractor and the OC Building Inspector were here last Friday. We passed inspection. That means the rough in of our plumbing, HVAC and electricity have all been okayed.
    • What’s next? That gives the “Go” to insulation and drywall being hung.
    • Here is what we hope: When those two get done, if we can get the minimum of electricity and one furnace, we are in hopes of meeting for Resurrection Sunday in the new addition. It will be for just this one time, but what a day of celebration that would be! As I said Sunday morning, keep up to date with the progress as we get closer. We will do everything possible to stay current with you.
    • If we are unable to meet in the addition and have only one service, we will meet as we do now and have two services. 😄

FROM THE “CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?” TO THE “HERE IS THE INFO” DEPARTMENT:

Becca Anderson is the head of the New Baby Care Team and has gathered the following information. I have been given permission to share it and the moms have given her permission to share it also:

• • • Sonia & Aaron Clausman-Brielle Eve was born March 4! 😊
    • Lexie & Logan Britton- Archer Patrick was born on March 10! 😊
    • Lily & Keaton Zufall- Due 3/12. Lily is the granddaughter of Melvin and Rosie Bault.
      Expecting a boy.
    • Beth & Billy Allen- Due 4/1. Daughter-in-law and son of Julie Allen. Expecting a boy.
    • Zoe & Brayton Wyatt- Due 5/5. Expecting a boy.
    • Sarah & Will Schneider- Due 5/10. Expecting a boy.
    • Gabby and Caleb Corder- Due 5/29. Expecting a girl.
    • Cecilia and Adam Fox- Due 5/31. Scott & Heather Herrington’s daughter and son-in-law.
      Expecting a girl.
    • Cassie & Westin Linville- Due 6/1. Expecting a girl.
    • Katie & Jacob Manyik- Due 6/20. Expecting a girl.
    • Stevie & Justin Chandler- Due 6/27. Jason & April Chandler’s daughter-in-law and son.
      Expecting a boy.
    • Jenn & Chris Zigler- Due 8/1. Expecting a surprise!
    • Tiffany & Bob Kropack- Due 8/29. Expecting a boy.

That oughta load down your prayer list for a while. That nursery in the new addition will sure
get a warm welcome!

• • • One addition (no not a forgotten mama and baby) 😊OVCF is blessed with growing families (as you can see)! We realize our mamas sometimes need a quiet space and privacy with their babies. We have created a Mother’s Room that may be accessed via the library/coffee bar area. When we move, more space will be created in the addition. If you have any questions, please see Becca Anderson or Diana Markland.

WOW! That was some kind of list wasn’t it? Every one of those babies and their mamas (as well as dads and siblings) matter to us. Why? Because they matter to God. That is what families do. They care. Whether an expected or newborn, someone in the final stages of life, or anywhere in between, people matter. It is important for each one of us to make people feel like this is home. I have heard from several who have found a home here at OVCF after searching for a while. That is not just me, or the staff. That is every one of us choosing to be involved in making others comfortable. Thank you for doing that.

Spring Break next week=no Midweek Message!

My sermon this week is The Sorrowful Savior and we will be with Jesus in the Garden. You can find the struggle in Mt. 26, Mk. 14, and Lk. 22. Please consider reading ahead in preparation for the message. I will see you Sunday. Until then…know you are loved.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #283

Hello everyone and welcome to Midweek Message #283! After taking a week off from writing the MM for the weekend trip to Arizona and getting back into the swing of thing, I can only say one thing: I hope you missed me and the MM. 😄

Remember to pray for our educator of the week, Kris Samick. Kris is doing double duty right now. She is the principal at Patricksburg Elementary School (PES), and is also holding down the positions of District Readiness Coordinator (DRC) and Director of Communications for S-OCS. She told me DRC was basically her overseeing the implementation and growth of Patriot Manufacturing and “other duties as assigned.” 😄 Judging from its implementation in 2020, Patriot Manufacturing has become well-known statewide. They are teaching young people some vital skills, especially those who want to learn a trade and not attend college. Please pray for her stamina and ability to get things done.

YOUTH NEWS

We had several of our young people finish up their sports activities in style!

• • • Amelia Biggs and her 7th grade girls’ team won the championship by beating North Clay last week. Amelia came up big in several of the games.
    • Amelia’s brother, Hudsyn’s 9U basketball team won their championship game this past Saturday.
    • Draven Stahl’s team also played well. The high point though was Draven scored a bucket, his first this year! Must have been those snazzy shoes he picked out. 😄

Several of our young people are in non-sports related programs:

• • • This coming Sunday, Trevor Floyd who plays bass for our worship team, will be in the OV Fine Arts Festival at the High School. He performs with the Indoor Drumline ensemble and the OV Big Band. Those programs are at 1 and 2:00. The Choir Program Q3 concert is at 3:00 in the auditorium. Cost for the latter is $5.
    • Caleb and Rachel East are both in the Owen County Community Theater’s production of Godspell. It will be performed at the Tivoli.
    • Did you know that registration for Hilltop Christian Camp is now open? Did you also know scholarships are available for all our young people who would like to go? Please register by March 14 to receive the best camp registration fee discount. For more info please see Pastor Ryan or Diana for the scholarship code.

Here is something you may not know. I have had the privilege and honor of reading The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (TLWW) to the 3rd grade class at PES (Ashley Hatton is the teacher) and to the 3rd grade classes at SES (Kristine Mangia, Sara Wheeler, and Kevin Wright are the teachers). I approached Ashley about reading to her class at PES (I had read to them when they were in Kindergarten) and after talking to Kris Samick, we developed a system that worked. I read Chapter 1 and then Ashley and Kris read chapters 2 & 3. I then read chapter 4 and so on. We will complete that schedule next Wednesday, March 11th. The Christmas break and weather played havoc with that schedule. Meanwhile, I approached Kristine about reading The Energy Bus for Kids to her class before the Christmas break. We then talked about me reading TLWW to the 3rd grade classes at SES. She worked out an arrangement with the two other teachers where I read chapter 1; they read chapters 2 & 3 during that same week; then I came back the next week to read chapter 4. They then read chapters 5 & 6. And so on. Snowy weather played with that schedule but we finished the book with chapter 17 this past Monday. I had an absolute blast reading to the students at PES and SES. Some of our young people were in those classes. I hope your child loved the special reading class. Oh, both Kris and Kristine also arranged for each student to have a copy of the book to read and then take home.

Don’t forget to turn your clocks ahead one hour this Saturday night for Daylight Saving
Time! I will see you all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed this coming Sunday morning!! 😄

A FEW MISCELLANOUS ITEMS FOR YOU:

• • • Our next OVCF family pitch-in will be Wednesday, March 25 at 6:00. We would love to see you there!
    • The next Ladies Connection Event is Bivi’s Fiesta Night on March 27 at 6:00. Cost is $10. There were over 40 ladies in attendance at the Pizza and Painting event this past Saturday! 😄

A FEW PRAYER CONCERNS FOR YOU TO KNOW:

• • • Monday, March 23rd will be a new day for Zara. She will officially become Gwendolyn (her name of choice) when Gavin and Jenna Wells become her adoptive parents.
    • Thursday, March 26th, Karoline Chesser has hernia surgery at Riley. Ethan and Rebecca would appreciate your prayers.
    • We have several moms due this month. At this writing, Sonia and Aaron Clausman just welcomed their baby girl, Brielle Eve into the world!  Lexie and Logan Britton are due today (4th) with their second. Lily and Keaton Zufall are due March 12th with their first.

Some final words: As you may know, Jo and I went to Arizona to visit Susan Waechter, David’s wife. He went to heaven on September 30th after an 18 month battle with a glioblastoma. While at times it was a solemn time (as we talked and remembered) there were times of sheer laughter. We visited more pickleball stores and clubs than I knew existed. We met her brother and sister-in-law and they wanted to compare McDonalds fish filet with WhataBurger’s WhataCatch (No I’m not kidding on the name). Tom & I voted for the latter, but the ladies liked the former. They are short on good taste. 😄 We also had a chance to visit with most of their family on Saturday evening. The weather was absolutely gorgeous so we spent time outside
with them. We went from an 80 degree day to a blustery 30 when we arrived home on Sunday. But it was especially good to be home with you this past Sunday morning. This coming Sunday I will be preaching on The Sacrificing Savior. The sermon will emphasize communion. I look forward to seeing you! Until then…know you are loved.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #282

Hello everyone and welcome to Midweek Message #282. I hope you are having an absolutely fantastic week! Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Please let me remind you to pray for our educator of the week: Carol Watson. Mrs. Watson is the principal of Gosport Elementary School. While you are praying for her, why not pray for all the teachers, students and helpers at GES? One of our folks, Gabrielle Corder, teaches Kindergarten there. We also have some young people who are students there.

I’ll be trying to get back into the swing of things (explanation below), so there will not be a MM next week. To start this double edition off I’m going to add our educator of the week for next week: Matt Cazzell. Matt is the principal at MCES. And as I mentioned above, please remember to pray for all the teachers, students and helpers at MCES. Several of our folks teach at MCES. Cara King-K teacher. Rachel Nicholson-inclusion teacher. Cristi Wood-PreK teacher. Kim Floyd-school nurse.

DATES TO REMEMBER:

• • • Jo and I leave for Arizona this Thursday, the 19th and will return the 22nd. Please keep us in your prayers.
    • Pastor Ryan is preaching on the 22nd. His sermon is on “I AM the vine and the branches” from John 15.
    • Church family pitch-in is Wednesday, the 25th at 6:00. If the weather is not too bitter cold, we will plan to open the entry between the two buildings so you can see the progress.
    • We will be hosting the Legislative Breakfast on Saturday morning the 28th from 7:30-9:00.
    • A ladies Connection Event is scheduled for Saturday, the 28th at 1:00 PM. The cost is $15.
      The ladies always have fun at their events and this one sounds really good, even for a pastor! Did someone say PIZZA? If you have any questions please contact Stacy Wood (812.320.1603) or Christina Corder (812.327.4825). They ask that you RSVP about attending by this Friday, the 20th.

Don’t forget the New Beginnings Crisis Pregnancy Center’s Annual Diaper Drive through the month of February. They will accept all donations of diapers, wipes, or pull-ups, but are especially in need of diapers sizes 4, 5, and 6 and wipes. Donations of pull-ups are very welcome. Size 2 is not needed at this time. To make it easier for you, you may bring the diapers to OVCF and we will take them there, or you can take them to the center on M or Th, 12-4 PM.

YOUTH NEWS

• • • Jo, Tami and I were able to make the last of the Biddy Ball games at MCES this past Saturday. We saw Marci Arnold, Piper and Dax Bell, Boston and Berkley Groomer, and Jordan Mangia finish out their season. Tom Mangia coached Jordan’s team.
    • Hudsyn Biggs, Draven Stahl, and Gannon Wiegand (Eric and JuliAnne’s grandson) will finish their regular season this coming Saturday with a game at SES. They play in the 9U league. (They are the only ones I know who are playing. Other than some of the 3rd graders I see at SES when I read, I know of no others from OVCF. If you do, please let me know and I will include them in the next MM).
    • Rob Anderson helps with raising/lowering the flag at MCES. He saw a need to be able to store the flag properly and safely at the school. He and his dad took it upon themselves to build a storage box for the school. It says, “Flag Box”. 😄

Many of you know the story, but some of you don’t, so I’m going to close with the reason we will be gone this weekend. In November of 2016 I was hit by a car while riding my bike on 43. It was a hit-and-run so I have no clue to this day who it was. But I began researching bike accidents and what was being done. I ran across 3 Feet Please and found that it had recently changed into the hands of a man named Dave Waechter. I contacted Dave and we began an occasional email back and forth. Before I knew it, we were corresponding on a more consistent basis, often on topics like grace and forgiveness and guilt. Not just cycling stuff. Then he came to visit me and Jo and stayed at our house. He lived for years in California and Arizona and was
growing increasingly weary of the intense heat so for two (of our winters) he worked remotely from Maine. Yes, Maine! On his way home, he would always stop by for a day or two to visit. We did some MS (Multiple Sclerosis) rides. One was totally washed out by rain, but we got to spend the whole weekend visiting and laughing. Another year, we rode the morning until it was washed out. Again, we spent the weekend laughing and eating. He always made a way to include Jo in our shenanigans (she was the safe one). In February of 2024, he and Susan invited us to visit them in AZ and paid for first class tickets (what a way to go!) and our hotel room. We were given a car to use during the day while they worked, then the evenings we spent together. They took us to Sedona and the Grand Canyon. One week later, I got a phone call that would change my life. Dave called and made no sense. When I immediately called back there was no answer. He was hospitalized with a glioblastoma. He (and Susan) fought for 18 months until September of ’25 when he lost his battle. During those 18 months they found time to visit us and stay at the Hogan’s Airbnb. We were to go to AZ for his celebration of life in November but that was when the airlines were cancelling flights and one of the early morning non-stop flights was going to be cancelled, but they couldn’t tell me which one. So I rescheduled for this weekend. We are looking forward to seeing Susan and some of her family (whom we have not met) and getting reacquainted with other members of their family. I apologize for this long story, but thanks for listening and letting me share part of my story. Please pray for our trip, but especially for Susan.

When I get back, I will be starting a new sermon series for the months of March and April called “The Road to the Other Side.” The first sermon will be The Suffering Savior from Isaiah 52:13-53:12. I look forward to getting back and seeing you. Until then…know you are loved.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #281

Hello everyone and welcome to Midweek Message #281! Thank you so much for taking the time to read the MM. I hope it is a good reprieve during the middle of your week. Remember to pray for all the school administrators and staff this week as our educators of the week.

SOME MISCELLANEOUS NEWS…

• • • Saturday night Bill and Lillian Purcell watched their house burn down. They lost everything except their dogs. When I announced it Sunday I had no details how we could help until during the second service. For those of you who weren’t there here is what was shared: They are collecting for Bill & Lillian at the YMCA. Since they don’t have a place to accept a bunch of stuff, they are asking for gift cards, etc. You can take your gift to the Y during normal business hours (5:30 am-8:00 pm). Bill & Lillian are lifelong residents of Owen County, and Bill is a realtor and well as a pastor at the Nazarene Church in Cloverdale.
    • Jim Perin and Don Taylor, Jr are both undergoing cancer treatment. Jim receives a weekly chemo infusion, along with daily radiation, and Don is scheduled for a blood test Tuesday (yesterday) to see how effective his treatments have been. They would both appreciate your prayers.
    • Autumn Crowe is undergoing a trial radiation treatment beginning Tuesday (yesterday). Her husband, Tim, was telling me some of the protocol while going through treatment. She must stay at least 6’ from people. She is not allowed to hold or get close to her grandchildren. Even Tim has to keep his distance! 😄 Tim is an elder at Covenant Baptist Church (formerly The Connection) and is a friend I met at the Y.
    • Aaron and Sonia Clausman are now about a week and half away from Baby Day! Be praying for a safe and healthy delivery and baby.
    • Heather Keith went through some intense wrist surgery over a month ago. She played the keyboard for the first time in the first service during Communion. Thanks Heather and thanks to the Father for His healing.
    • Christina Corder received some fantastic news from her cancer doctors. Over three years ago Christina was diagnosed with cancer and underwent chemo. She was told her type of cancer had a 95% return rate. This past week she was declared cancer free and told to come back in 8 months for a scan. That is quite an improvement over the every 3 months she initially was faced with. We praise God for such a good report!
    • Continue to pray for our Military and Law Enforcement Officers as they serve our country and community.

If you were unable to be with us yesterday, Charley Shipley was officially installed as an elder at OVCF. It was the honor of the other elders and Pastor Ryan and I to be involved in that installation. It was doubly exciting to pray over Charley and Cindy and then to have their daughter and her family here to celebrate with them. The elders serving OVCF alongside Charley are Robert (Bobby) Anderson, Jeff Carlson, and Tom Mangia. Pastor Ryan and I are not officially elders, but we are part of the leadership team. One of the former elders came up to me afterwards affirming our choice of Charley, but also spoke about the “sabbatical program” we initiated a little over a year ago. Each man will serve 3 years then take a year off to allow him to refresh and renew, and then if he would like to come back on after a year, he is given that option. Being an elder is more than a “man thing.” It involves the man’s wife and family. If you would like to be considered in the future for the eldership, please feel free to express that to me or one of the other elders. There is a process we follow and we would be glad to share that with you.

HERE ARE A FEW REMINDERS FOR YOU:

• • • New Beginnings Pregnancy Resource Center has several events going on:
      • • February is always Diaper Drive month. They are especially in need of diapers sizes 4, 5, and 6 and wipes. Donations of Pull-ups are welcome, too. Size 2 not needed at this time! Please feel free to bring them to the church building or take them to the center.
        • This Friday is a bake sale at OCSB from 9A-4P. If you would like to donate baked goods, please reach out to the center. Or stop by to buy some goodies! Sorry, no taste testing allowed. 😄
        • This Friday is also the Valentine’s Dance Fundraiser from 7-10 at the Christian Life Center.
    • Our next OVCF family pitch-in will be on Wednesday, February 25th at 6 PM.
    • The Ladies Connection Pizza and Painting Event is Saturday, February 28th at 1:00. Cost is $15. If you need more info please see Stacy Wood or Christina Corder.

Pastor Ryan and I are both involved in the Book Buddies program in the Kindergarten classes. Ryan reads to MCES students and I read to the SES and GES students. Ryan also reads to the Pre-K classes at MCES. They love him! After visiting the 3rd grade class at PES to renew acquaintances with the teacher, many of her students remember Mr. Bill because I had read to them 3 years ago in the K class. So I suggested reading The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (TLWW) to Ashley’s class. I read a chapter one week; then she reads a chapter one week; and Kris Samick (the principal) reads one a week. Then I return. I then suggested to Kristine Mangia, who teaches 3rd grade at SES that we consider doing the same thing. I read The Energy Bus for Kids before the Christmas break and since then I have been reading TLWW to the three 3rd grade classes at SES. I read one chapter and the teachers read the next two during the week, then I go back. This past Monday I read chapter 7. It has been a wonderful experience for me! I’m not sure about the kids, but I love reading, and I love reading to the students. It’s fun! 😄I also think it is a great tribute to the teachers who are willing to try different things to help their students learn.

This Sunday my sermon is Anything Goes? focusing on “I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” I look forward to sharing this all important I AM with you. Until then…know you are loved.

Pastor Bill