Category: OVCF News

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #212

Hello and welcome to Midweek Message #212. I hope you have a good “slow down” to your summer. It is hard to believe that next week school officially starts. The teachers start on the 5th and the students make their grand entrance on the 7th. I know this is an old man reminiscing but I can remember when we got out on Memorial Day weekend and didn’t start till after Labor Day. 3 whole glorious months of baseball and outside activities…and no studying, except for the summer between my 8th and 9th grade year when I took 6 weeks of summer school…to learn how to type. Best idea ever during my school years. 😊 In the next MM, I’m going to post a funny blurb called You Might Be a Schoolteacher If… I think it will tickle your funny bone.

AND JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WOULDN’T SAY ANYMORE about the Owen County Fair, I found out I left out some of the young people and their awards. So, here you go:

• • • Aasha Srinivasan: Blue ribbon for sports and fitness notebook; Blue ribbon for her horseshoe wind chime in Trash to Treasure; Blue ribbon and Reserve Champion for gift wrapping; Blue ribbon and Champion for table presentation; Blue ribbon and Champion for painting; Blue ribbon, Honors and Champion for her blueberry scones (Yum 😋), invitation to the State Fair; Blue ribbon, Reserve Grand Champion for crocheted potholder and invitation to the State Fair.
    • Nathan Srinivasan: Mini-Honors for his model WWII Tank
    • Charli Wood: Reserve Champion for Owen County born and raised Nubian goat. Champion Intermediate goat showman. This got her a spot into the Round Robin where she earned an Honors ribbon. Her pig took 2nd place in his class of crossbreeds. Blue ribbon for yeast breadsticks.
    • Cooper Wood: showed goats but was Reserve Champion for his VanDerMoere Family coffee cake. This earned him a trip to the State Fair.
    • Tanner Wood: showed goats but won Champion honors and an invitation to the State Fair for the LEGO sunflower he made in honor of his mom.
    • Lincoln VanDerMoere: Excellent in goat poster and Blue ribbon for showing his goat Marmalade in mini showmanship.
    • Eli Wood is going to the State Fair for public speaking. Go for it, Eli!
    • The Hess girls (MiaRose and Meilynn) will be going to the State Fair for their cats and dogs and also some building projects.
      ❖ I need to mention another of our “Vintage Showmanship Class” participants. 😊Bob Jones showed sheep at the fair.

OTHER YOUTH NEWS (not related to the fair):

⮚ Julian Carson was picked to play for the 10U Valley Stars (Spencer League All Stars).

CONGRATS to Gavin Wells! He participated in the sprint-length Triathlon in Indy last weekend. He placed 144/320 overall and achieved several personal bests!

I NEED YOUR HELP (no comments necessary, thank you very much 😊). For the past umpteen years I have been teaching Route 66 on Wednesday nights. For those who don’t know, “66” was a tour through the 66 books of the Bible. It took two years to complete because of the breaks and summer. I have decided not to offer it this year. Instead, I would like to do a series of short studies (five or six weeks each) of relevant topics that are affecting our culture today. Here is where I need your help. What topics would you like to study? I have some in mind already but would like to hear from you. My plan is to have a very relaxed time of study with tables (for those who like to write and take notes) and chairs. I’m not using a podium but will sit in a chair. The Bible will be opened and a study guide will be made available with places for notes and fill-in. I would like to do studies you will find interesting and want to discuss. Here are some guidelines:

⮚ I will not discuss politics. There will not be any critiquing of any person or party.
⮚ I’m looking for contemporary issues you find affecting our community or that have caused you to have questions about your faith, the Bible, or to ask what the Bible says.
⮚ We will come in as friends and leave as friends. 😊We will discuss, agree, disagree, and find out what the Bible says.
⮚ Class will last one hour from 6-7:00 on Wednesday nights. Refreshments are welcome but not a requirement.😊Class will start September 11. I’m calling the class Wednesday Night Conversations.
⮚ You can either text me (812.821.1752) or email me (pastor@ovcf.org) your suggestions.

DON’T FORGET MOVE-UP SUNDAY IS THIS COMING SUNDAY, AUGUST 4TH. We will be recognizing the students graduating from the 6th grade into middle school. They will now be worshiping with the adults. The other students will be moving up into their new classes in kid’s church. Remember I challenged you in last week’s MM to see if you can name the teachers and helpers who volunteer in the nursery and children’s area each month. I’ll list them for you in next week’s MM. Do your best! Oh yeah…while you are at it, how about saying “thanks” to them for teaching our children?

If you haven’t already done so please put October 27th on your calendar. OVCF will be celebrating our 20th anniversary that day. We will be giving you more information as we solidify our plans. All I’m asking right now is for you to highlight that date on your calendar.

My series on Revelation continues the march to its conclusion this week. I will be preaching on The Millennium is Not a Roller Coaster. I know…strange title, but you will understand soon enough. The Scripture is Rev. 20:1-15. If you are counting that leaves 4 sermons until the end. I look forward to seeing you each Sunday. Love you all.

Pastor Bill 

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #211

Hello and welcome to Midweek Message #211. It is going to be another thrill packed edition! (How’s that for click bait).😊 Actually, I probably have enough info from the Owen Country Fair  to fill a book the size of Les Misérables. I’m having trouble pairing it all down to a manageable  novel but I am going to try my best to do so.  

BUT FIRST… 

This past Sunday, Aubrey Mangia made her confession of faith and was baptized by her father  in the family pool. Aubrey is an 8th grader at OVMS. Her parents are Tom and Kristine  Mangia. Tom works for Catalent and Kristine has been a teacher in the S-OCS system for 22  years. What exciting news for Aubrey, Tom, Kristine, younger brother, Jordan, and older  brother, Mason. And, of course, what fantastic news for the angels in heaven.  

Some other news on the OVCF home front: Congrats are in order for grandparents Jim and Diana  Markland. Jett Lewis Markland was born on July 17th at 8:45 am. He weighed in at 6 lbs. 15 oz.  and was 18.75”. Congrats to Jake and Brandi Markland and, of course, Jim and Diana and great  grandma, Madi Arnett. 

Pastor Ryan will be out of town this weekend speaking at a Campus Life retreat. Several OVCF people will also be attending: Hope East, Cassie Linville, Hannah Pendleton and Macy Carlson as  workers. Anna, Caleb and Rachel East are campers.  

Because Pastor Ryan will be gone, Move Up Sunday for our Kid’s Church has been moved to  August 4th. We will be recognizing our 6th grade grads at second service (who will now get to  listen to me on Sunday morning…no comments from the peanut gallery are necessary 😊) and  the younger students will move up to their appropriate class in Kid’s Church.  

Here is a question for you: Do you know who the teachers are who volunteer to teach  our young people or work in the nursery during the adult worship? See how many you  can come up with, write them down, and the MM during the week of August 4th will give  you that list. A virtual high five goes to all the winners.

And now…the moment you have all been waiting for: more Owen County Fair results. A lot of  emphasis is put on the animals but did you also know there is an exhibit hall filled with  projects? 

• •  Cecilia Arnold: Champion and First place ribbon in Intermediate Division for her Decorate My Life project
  • Lucas Arnold: 1st place ribbon and Reserve Champion (Jr. Division) for his LEGO project
  • Marci Arnold: Honors ribbon for her Under the Sea LEGO in the mini 4-H division
  • Amelia Biggs: Blue ribbon Champion for cupcake decorating (Rumor has it dad was the  taste tester).
  • Anna East: Grand Champion for embroidery, outdoor photography; Champion for apple  jelly preserves; 1st in Fine Arts and creative writing; Reserve Champion for her earrings
  • Caleb East: Reserve Grand Champion for pottery; 1st in Fine Arts; Reserve Grand  Champion in creative writing; 1st in origami
  • Rachel East: Champion in embroidery; 1st in outdoor photography; Champion in creative  writing; Reserve Grand Champion in creative writing
  • Meilynn Hess had an astounding number of entries which included, but were not limited  to: Senior Reserve Champion in photography (color and black and white); Champion in  Floriculture; Grand Champion Garden; Decorate My Life Grand Champion; Fine Art  watercolor and pencil; baked goods (blue ribbon) and many more.
  • MiaRose Hess: Senior Reserve Champion for Garden; blue and honor ribbon for  Floriculture; Decorate My Life; needle work; preserves; baked goods; photography, and  many more.
  • Marla Lippert: Blue ribbon for what I would consider one of the most unique displays. It  was like knitting with sparkles on it. Her mom said each of the sparkles was hand  installed. (Sorry I can’t describe it better)
  • Tiffany Kropack: Open Class photography (adult)

A tip of the hat to old guys: Caleb Hutchison: “Vintage Showmanship Class” for cattle. 😊 

Some extras worthy of mention: 

❖ Akaydia Beckwith: 2nd in a few horse categories and Champion in Jr. Showmanship
❖ Julian Carson: 2nd and Reserve Jr. Showman for Beef. He also won 1st in Gilt and 2nd in  Barrow for Swine.
❖ Eli Wood: Grand Champion, Dairy Heifer; Champion, brown Swiss; Champion  Intermediate Showman; Reserve Champion, Dairy Steer
❖ MiaRose Hess: Master Rabbit Ambassador and Reserve Overall Top Dog
❖ Meilynn Hess: Senior Rabbit Ambassador; Reserve Grand Champion for dog agility and  3rd for cat knowledge
❖ Both MiaRose and Meilynn won awards for rifle shooting.  

As you can see, there were a lot of young people and awards for the week. I know I left some of  the awards out due to space. What I tried NOT to do is leave anyone out who participated or  received an award. The people listed are the ones I was made aware of. If I forgot someone,  please let me know.  

The 2024 Owen County Fair is history on the calendar but in the lives of these young people and  their parents and others life goes on. Congratulations to any of you who will be moving on to the State Fair. And who might that be? Let me know.  

My sermon this Sunday is The Wedding Feast from Revelation 19. I look forward to seeing you  there. Love you all.  

Pastor Bill 

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #210

Hello and welcome to a special edition of Midweek Message #210. (And yes, it is a day late.  Baby Jett Markland decided to make his appearance 6 days early. More details next week. Nana  Diana was a little predisposed yesterday.) 😊Most of this week’s edition will be taken with  results from the Owen County Fair this past week. I’m guessing it may actually take two (or more) editions to cover them all. I was amazed by all, and I mean ALL, that our young people  (and some not so young) were involved in. So please be patient with me. If I miss your name  please let me know.  

First, I need to give a big shout out to Diana. Jo and I left for Ohio around 10:30 Wednesday in  order to watch Braden play the last two baseball games we will be able to see and came back  Thursday afternoon. Our next trip there will be Labor Day weekend to watch him play high  school football. (Ryan is preaching). While I was gone, Diana began researching the fair results  for me and trust me when I say that was no easy task. And she was just getting started!!!  

We have some young people who are at Hilltop Camp this week. Please be praying for  Amelia Biggs, Rusti O’Neal, and Amelia’s friend, Evelyn Young. The young men who will be  going are Julian Carson, Cooper and Tanner Wood. Pray that this week will draw them closer  to Jesus. {Note: Jo and I had a great visit with them yesterday} 

This past Sunday was a special day. What a special privilege it was to be able to celebrate the  dedication of Gloria Jane (Gigi) Wells! Gigi was officially adopted by Gavin and Jenna on June  10th. I was honored they asked me to be a part of her dedication. Grandparents Gordon and  Diane Wells and AD and Kristy Cook were able to join us. Jenna’s best friend, Nicole Bell, and her  three children (Skylar, Dax and Piper) were also here to help celebrate.  

The Back-to-School Expo is this Saturday at the Fairgrounds from 10-12. All children receive a  backpack full of school supplies. Children must be present!  

Now for the Owen County Fair Results: (Again, I remind you that if you find your name missing  it was simply by mistake…and you will see why it is easy to do so).  

Queen: Katie Wood
Miss Congeniality: Meilynn Hess
“Pie the Judge”: Shelby VanDerMoere “pied” her hubby, Don. (This raised money for a 4-H  scholarship)  

ANIMALS:
Goats: Cecilia Arnold; Amelia and Hudsyn Biggs; MiaRose and Meilynn Hess; Charlotte Pavich;  Lincoln VanDerMoere; Charli, Cooper and Tanner Wood
Cows: Beef- Julian Carson and Eli Wood; Dairy- Eli Wood
Poultry: Meilynn Hess; Charlotte Pavich
Swine: Julian Carson; Eli Wood
Rabbits: MiaRose and Meilynn Hess; Brantley Schneider
Sheep: Brantley Schneider
Cat Show: MiaRose and Meilynn Hess; Kalia Keene; Marla Lippert
Dog Show: Amelia and Hudsyn Biggs; MiaRose and Meilynn Hess; Marla Lippert  Horse and Pony Show: Akaydia Beckwith; MiaRose Hess
Rifle ribbon shoot: MiaRose and Meilynn Hess
Bicycle rodeo: Hudsyn Biggs; Meilynn Hess
(The all-important) Hog wrestling: Akaydia Beckwith and Amelia Biggs (took first place in their  age division) You go girls! 😊

In next week’s Midweek Message I’ll include those who had entries in the Exhibit Hall projects.  I’ll try to include all the awards, first place trophies, honorable mentions, etc. next week. That may take a few weeks. I/we can be so proud of these young people (and those to follow next  week). They learned some valuable lessons. Involvement. Honor in competition. Discipline. Concern for animals. Hard work. Respect. Taking a chance. Skills. Year ‘round commitment to a  project/projects. Stretching themselves beyond the comfort zone. The good feeling of  accomplishment. Satisfaction of a job well done.  

Parents learned as well. How tiring it is, but also the satisfaction that your child did his/her best  and is beginning to learn responsibility. 😊A big shout out to you!! 

How many are voting for school to start? You put those hands down parents and raise yours  teachers. 😊 August 5th the teachers start; August 7th is the first day for students. 

My series on Revelation is up and running. This coming Sunday is The Defeated Foe from 17:1- 18:24. See you then! Love you all…a lot.  

Pastor Bill 

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #209

Hello and welcome to an abbreviated Midweek Message #209. I hope this finds you having a  good week. In last week’s MM I said that I would not have one this week due to plans I had. But some significant things have happened since last week’s MM so I wanted to give you at least an update. This past Sunday sure was a “ride.” About 8:00 the power went out and stayed out  until about 10. Thanks to all who went along with the inconvenience. I was so glad people adjusted. We had some visitors so I hope they saw our willingness to adapt. Trust me when I say  it was weird preaching with a little flashlight. By the end of the service it sure was getting toasty  in the building though. What did we ever do without A/C? 

YOUTH CORNER

∙ Eli Wood won 2nd place in public speaking at the FFA state convention at Purdue University. Congrats Eli! I look for the day Eli says, “Hey Pastor Bill! If you want me to  preach for you some Sunday just say the word.” I’m sure Andy and Stacy, and his sisters, Kelci and Katie are proud of him.  

Whoo Hooo Baby News! Charlotte Elizabeth was born on June 18 at 12:04 am to Caleb and Gabrielle Corder. She weighed 7# 11oz and was 20.5 inches long. Charlotte will certainly not be short on getting plenty of love from grandparents Brad and Christina, Uncle Cole and Aunt Hannah Morse, as well as cousins Tripp and Cohen.  

We have more baby news coming in the future!  

∙ Jake and Brandi Markland (Jim & Diana’s son and daughter-in-law) are having a son (Jett) in July.  

∙ Austin and Mackenzie Trimble (Tim & Connie Rice’s son-in-law and daughter) are due in August 

∙ Matthew and Hannah Foster are due in November 

∙ Travis and Sierra Floyd are due in January 

I missed a few names for Hilltop Camp this week. Alli Anderson, Abby and Anna Bales (Peter and Stephanie’s daughters) are campers at the Sr. High Wilderness Week. Please add them to your prayer list to pray for this week.  

Here is some info for you just in case you wonder if we make a difference. This past Saturday was Serving Owen County Together. It was hot (understated fact) but 740 adults, 568 kids for a total of 1308 were served. There were also over 100 volunteers, many of them were OVCF folks. Thank you for your help. 😊

Keep this in mind please. This upcoming Sunday, June 30th, is a 5th Sunday. That means the elementary-age young people will join us for worship. Pastor Ryan, Cassie Linville and others will be leading our music. The nursery and pre-school programs will meet as usual. 

My last message of Follow Their Lead is this Sunday. It is entitled It’s What’s Inside that Counts. Beginning July 7 I plan to finish my series on Revelation. I’ve pretty much committed myself to that task since I have all the outlines started and the first three sermons completed.😊

I mentioned in last week’s MM that I had plans for the first part of this week. By the time you get this those plans will be fulfilled. For her birthday this year Tami found out the Atlanta Braves were playing the St. Louis Cardinals in St. Louis. Since she is a disgusting Braves fan (that makes  her a traitor), she hinted strongly that a great birthday present would be to go see them play. So being the great father that I am, I said okay. 😊 (I wore my Pirates jersey). The game was Monday  night and I did not know what my schedule would look like so I thought perhaps I would not have time to do a MM. But a little bit of time on Sunday and Diana’s editing while I was gone  made this possible. But I am going to keep my word about keeping it short this week. Have a  great week. Lord willing, see you Sunday. I love you all.  

Pastor Bill