Category: OVCF News

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

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #208

Hello and welcome to Midweek Message #208. I hope you have had a good summer so far. Jo  and I were able to go to the ballfields to watch some of our kids play ball and I can say some  things for sure: 1) it was hot, like blazing hot; 2) the kids had fun and it is nice to see them  active; 3) I think the parents had fun😊; 4) almost to a “T” they are all glad it is over for now.  But then I talked to a parent or two who said, “Travel ball is going to start.” No rest for the  weary, I guess. All in all though, Jo and I (and Tami) had fun watching the kids and chatting with  the adults who were there.  

We have several young people who were at camp this week and two who will be.

• Cohen Frye, Oakley Groomer, Rob Anderson, and Sophia Kropack were all at Ice Breaker  camp at Hilltop. Ice Breaker is Sunday through Tuesday. 
• Amelia Borders and James Anderson will be campers on Thursday for Day Camp. It is a  one day experience at Hilltop for them to get a taste of camp.  

Since there will be no MM next week (I have plans for the first part of the week), here are the  campers who will be attending the Senior High Wilderness Week with Pastor Ryan and his crew. 

• The young ladies attending are Haley Amador, Anna and Rachel East, Meilynn Hess, and  Hannah Pendleton. The young men going are Caleb East and Nolan Miller. Pray for their  hearts to be refreshed and their relationship with Jesus to take on a whole new  meaning. 
• Faculty members from OVCF include Pastor Ryan and Hope, Macy Carlson, Westin and  Cassie Linville, Linda St. John, and Gracie & Mollie Wainscott. Pray for…well…just pray for  them. 😊

YOUTH CORNER

⮚ Alli Anderson was chosen as Most Improved for the 2024 track season at OV. She had a phenomenal season and her hard work and determination truly paid off. A proud momma posted that on Facebook.
⮚ Did you know Deeper has taken a short break through the month of June? It will resume on July 3 at the East homestead.

COMING THIS SATURDAY! Serving Owen County Together!

For the past several years SOCT has benefited the citizens of Owen County, and even those outside of this county. SOCT is a partnership between Servant’s Heart, Hoosier Hills Food Bank, For Bare Feet, Changing Footprints and many others. Here again are the details in case you need a refresher: 😊

❖ Date: Saturday, June 22 from 9 AM-3 PM. (Rain date is June 29)
❖ Location: OVMS/OVHS complex, back parking lot (This is a change from the past due to construction being done on the entrance to OVMS. Drive around back. You won’t miss us!)
❖ Free items and resources available to those in need!
❖ If you failed to sign up to work, please feel free to come and offer to serve. There is always a need for more help.

I try to make the MM informative and filled with news about the OVCF family. But since the MM is my personal word to you, I thought I would add the following. I wrote it for my “Shadow” blog this past Monday (you can read it there and comment if you would like):

This past weekend was one of milestones for me. Three to be exact. I’ll go from Good, to Better, to Best.

Milestone #1- Although mostly meaningless to many of you, I reached my first 20 mile ride of the season. I have slowly been building my mileage throughout this season, although it has never been this late when I have hit this marker. But life happens. A tsunami-like work schedule, weird weather (so far lots of rain), family commitments, knee issues and age (71) have all played havoc with my riding routine. It got so bad that I even rode one morning this past week in 40 degree weather! I slightly under-dressed for that one and got back to the office with my hands not working very well (I couldn’t move them). This past Saturday I hit the 20 mile marker. It was a pretty good day for a ride. Hot (which I like) and a tad bit windy. But I survived. 😊

Milestone #2- Father’s Day. 49 years ago and 44 years (almost 45) ago, I became a father. Tami and Janna have been the two blessings in my life I would never want to have been without. And then Janna blessed me with being a grandfather almost 18 years ago (October). Braden has been a highlight of my time here on earth. I thank God every day for these three gifts God gave me.

Milestone #3- This one is THE highlight of my milestones, the coup de grace of blessings. June 16, 1973 is when Jo and I were married. So Sunday, June 16th, was our 51st anniversary. We have been through a lot; have had our share of ups and downs; moved when we didn’t want to and moved when we did; celebrated the highlights and mourned the low-lights (the death of our parents for one); and we did it together. People find it incredible when I say we have never had an argument, but then I remind them we have had lots of quiet nights. ☺ She has hopefully seen the transformation of an arrogant, opinionated, know-it-all into a man whose heart beats with love for God and for the people He has entrusted to me in my role as pastor/shepherd. At 71 I still have a passion for my work and want to continue doing this until God says, “Enough.” But more than that I want to be known as a man who loved His God first and foremost, loved his children, loved his grandson, loved the church he is now serving, but most of all, loved his wife and was an example of a godly husband, father, grandfather, pastor and man.

Will there be more milestones? I certainly hope so. But only the Father knows (and He ain’t telling). Meanwhile, I want to live my life with purpose and meaning and to live it well.

One of the greatest events of my life was becoming your pastor. Thanks for allowing me to shepherd you for almost 19 years. I love you all.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #207

Hello and welcome to Midweek Message #207! I know this is a busy time for many of you so thank you for taking the time to read this edition of the MM!
I could start out with a bunch of calendar news but there is some other exciting news to share with you!

• This past week one of our teen boys attended Hilltop Christian Camp. Tad Nicholson made a decision to follow Jesus and was baptized this past Friday at camp. His parents, Dale and Rachel, and his grandparents were able to be there to witness it. We also had three Jr. High girls attend as well-Bella Madorin, Aubrey Mangia, and Charli Wood. I texted each of the parents and all of them said the girls had a fantastic week. Bella’s mom said she was told “it was her most favorite week ever.” I asked you to pray for them in last week’s MM and to specifically pray for them to have an eye-opening week with Jesus. I’d say that prayer was answered.😊
• This week is the first of two Wilderness Weeks involving Pastor Ryan and his crew. Faculty members from here besides Ryan and Hope are Abby and Anna Bales (Peter & Stephanie’s two daughters, Anna and Caleb East, and Gracie Wainscott). Pray for each of the faculty members to have wisdom and discernment as they teach and lead the young people this week.
• Campers this week for Wilderness Week are Rachel East, Trevor Floyd, Kalissa Hamlin, and Tatum White. Zuri Wills is attending on the dorm side of camp. Pray for each of these young people to grow closer to Jesus this week

Here is some really fantastic, balloon-busting, exciting news! Monday morning at 10:00 at the Owen County Courthouse Gavin and Jenna Wells officially adopted their foster daughter, Gigi. She is now officially named Gloria Jane Wells. Jenna said, “Gloria because she’s a light in the world!” and “Her birth mother’s middle name is Jane.” I love that Gavin and Jenna honor God with her first name and honor her birth mother with her middle name. That makes six children for Gavin and Jenna-3 older boys who are their birth children and the 3 younger ones are their adopted foster children. I met them all this past Sunday at the same time! Warner (11), August (9), Christian (7), Emmelia (6), Fletcher (4 until July), and Gloria (2). Warning: quiz coming. 😊 Gavin and Jenna truly show Jesus’ heart for children.

We now have another baby to add to our growing baby list!

⮚ Caleb and Gabrielle Corder (due any time)
⮚ Jake and Brandi Markland (due in July)
⮚ Austin and Mackenzie Trimble (due in August)
⮚ Matthew and Hannah Foster (due in November)
⮚ Travis and Sierra Floyd (due in January)

Congratulations to all of you! 😊

Here is a reminder that this coming Sunday is Father’s Day. That means, of course, you must be extra nice to dad. 😊 But that also means that Change for Life, which benefits New Beginnings Pregnancy Resource Center, is “officially” over. When I say officially that does not mean they won’t take your baby bottles beyond that date, but we encourage you to bring your change filled baby bottles this coming Sunday.

Also looming in the very near future is the Serving Owen County Together event. Saturday, June 22nd is the date for that with the 29th being the rain date. Help is needed to set up (7-9:00); help with booths from 9-3:00 (the time can be split into any time frame); then tear down is from 3:00 to whenever done. If you have any questions please feel free to ask me or Linda St. John.

Just a heads up: Sunday, June 30th is a 5th Sunday. That means the young people in our elementary classes will worship with the adults that Sunday. The preschool and nursery classes will meet as usual. An added bonus for us will be that the youth will be involved in leading the singing part of our worship with Pastor Ryan’s and Cassie Linville’s help. Dick and Vicki Hogan are taking the weekend away so it will work out perfectly. 😊

I’d like to switch gears for now. Most of the MM has been announcements and keeping you current on what is happening with the church family. I have been announcing the past couple of weeks what my preaching plan is for now through October. Here it is in concrete (or at least sand if God decides to change it all).

• The rest of June will be Follow Their Lead, a look at different men in the Bible. ∙ July and August I plan to finish the series on Revelation I started in January of 2023. Has it been that long? At this point I have four of those sermons started.
• September and October will point to the 20th anniversary of OVCF on October 20th. My series will be Feels Like Home. Included in that will be a reworking of the “Welcome Home” series as well as adding one on Ruth (a reworking), Philemon, and the Prodigal Son. Obviously there is more fleshing out of this series so this is just temporary. I will keep you up-to-date the closer we get.

It has been a really stress-filled week or two for the OVCF family. Not just staff but for many of you. There are times when it seems the hard times are endless and you wonder, “When will it end?” Or the more prevalent is “How come?” The answer to either of those questions is “Who knows?” Only ONE does and at my last recollection He is not telling. But one truth we know for sure is that He is walking with us through it all. Bobby talked Sunday in his communion meditation about the limitless love, grace, mercy and forgiveness of God. Honestly, that is what I hang onto during the rough times. I know He is present through it all. “Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people trust, in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.” (Psalm 62:5-8) (NLT)
Please keep in mind that I love you but that God loves you even more deeply.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #206

Hello and welcome to Midweek Message #206. After taking a week’s break for family “stuff” it is nice to be back with you. I will go ahead and say it now that I’m guessing things will be sort of “up in the air” this summer. Diana will become a grandmother and I suspect she will fully embrace that role. In fact, I’m not sure I will ever see her again.😊 Pastor Ryan’s schedule is always crazy busy during the summer, especially this month when he has two weeks of Wilderness Camp at Hilltop. All that to say that the appearance of the MM may be somewhat spotty this summer. I know. I know. You are needing tissues right now from that announcement. But this too shall pass and you will soon be tired of hearing from me.😊

So…where do I start?

First, I start with a HUGE CORRECTION!! And yes, it is my fault and I can’t even blame anyone else. In MM#204 I mentioned the now yearly event called Serving Owen County Together. And leave it to someone who is involved in the planning to give you the wrong dates. (Sheesh! Can’t take me anywhere!). The correct date for SOCT is June 22 with the rain date being June 29th. The time for the event is 9:00-3:00. Diana has placed some flyers by the info table and also on the bulletin board if you would like more specific information. If you would like to help, please use the Sign-Up Genius app to do so.

Congrats to Kaedence Beckwith!! She made her confession of faith and was baptized in Bob & Tiffany Kropack’s pool this past Sunday. Her dad, Matt, had the privilege of baptizing her. There is a great story to tell about her younger sister Akaydia being baptized about a year ago and Kaedence deciding to wait. She decided now was the time. She has completed two years at Oakland City University and will be enrolling at Ivy Tech in Terre Haute to pursue a degree in diagnostic sonography (You will have to ask her what that is 😊 ).

YOUTH CORNER

Some of our young people have been pretty busy already this summer but some are busier than others. We have a couple who are receiving some late accolades from me in the MM:

• • Julian Carson received an award for Perfect Attendance this past school year. Way to go Julian! Honey and Pappy (grandma and grandpa) are doing a great job!
  • Charli Wood was chosen by her teammates as MVP (Most Valuable Player) for the “A Team” in softball. I won’t say that mom sent this to me.
  • We have several of our young people at Hilltop Camp this week. Charli Wood, Bella Madorin, Aubrey Mangia, and Tad Nicholson are campers this week for Junior High Week. Pray they will have an eye-opening week in their relationship with Jesus.
  • This is a little belated but I just read that MiaRose Hess was awarded a scholarship during the Third Annual Owen County Art Guild Auction which took place on April 20th. Congrats, MiaRose! As mentioned in a previous MM, she plans on attending Cedarville University this fall to major in Business Management and Entrepreneurship.

Here is another achievement worthy of mention! Gavin Truesdel was chosen as OV Fire Territory Firefighter of the Year. That is in spite of the fact that Gavin had a heart attack while battling a fire from too much carbon monoxide and adrenaline. Gavin has been on our prayer list since then, is mending, and still under a doctor’s care. But get this, his plans are to enroll in Ivy Tech this fall for nursing, then continue to become a doctor. Go for it, Gavin! We are behind you 100%. I think his mom and dad are proud of him since his dad, Mark, sent this information to me. 😊

Lots of times things happen at the church property very few notice. The work day on May 19th was a great thing to do and it spruced up the property. But another sprucing up took place recently. We own a total of 5 acres with three of them beyond the mowed section almost to the tree line at the back. That can’t be mowed by a traditional mower so twice last year and once this year Dave Keith has bush-hogged the property. Thanks, Dave for doing that and a belated thanks for last year’s work.

For the past three years since his retirement, Dick Hogan has done maintenance around the church building. It was nice to have someone to call on when things needed done. He now wants to enjoy his retirement. Thanks Dick for helping out around the building in multiple capacities and being our “Johnny-on-the-spot.”

We’ve had a lot of sickness, hospital visits and funerals recently. Please pray for their families.

• • Carole Smith, Kris Samick’s mother, went to be with Jesus on Friday, May 31st.
  • Jessica Bryan, a friend of many from the Freedom Homeschool Co-op, passed away last week, following a year-long battle with cancer.
  • Maverick Pendleton, suffered a stroke while he slept which caused paralysis on his right side. The doctors are trying to use PT and OT to get him to the place where he can go to Disney for his make-a-wish trip that was postponed. They say it was the tumor that caused the stroke.
  • Brent Talkington (Kathy’s son) suffered a major stroke over the weekend.
  • Lt. Col. Dave Allen lost his battle with cancer this past Saturday.
  • Daryl Harkrider, a friend of Mike and Nannette Edwards and one whom we were praying for lost his battle with cancer last week.
  • Jimmy Query had surgery on both big toes on Friday. He is grateful and recovering.

That is a lot of people in just over a week’s span.

My sermon this Sunday is Faith and Feet. I’d like to encourage you to try to figure out who those two men are. One is from the OT; the other from the NT. Until then, know you are loved.
Pastor Bill