Category: OVCF News

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #202

Hello and welcome to Midweek Message #202! Here we are at the end of April already and the start of May. That can only mean two things: 1) Mother’s Day is right around the corner (hint, hint, guys!); and 2) school will soon be over. May 16 to be exact. Hey! Don’t shoot the messenger!😊And I’m glad you are taking time to read this edition.

Remember to pray for Brianna Wigington and Mandy Bowman. Both are counselors at SES. Briana is married to Nathan, they have one daughter, age 3, and live in Bloomington. Mandy has two daughters and one granddaughter and also lives in Bloomington. 

YOUTH CORNER

• • • I have something unique for the youth corner this week. This past week Kala Biggs received a note from Hudsyn’s teacher she thought Kala would like to hear. Hudsyn’s class was lining up for lunch and another little boy in the classroom looked at him and said, “Dude, why do you wear a cross necklace? Do you like Jesus or something?” to which Hudsyn replied, “Uh, duh! Of course I do!” He then proceeded to talk about it with the other student for another minute, but the teacher could not hear what all he said. She said it sounded sweet and very meaningful though. “You have got a great kid on your hands.” Now…do you think mom was proud of that? 😊
    • Anna East won first place for the Gosport VFW Red, White, and Blue contest, high school level. Caleb East won first place for the same contest, high school level for the Spencer VFW, and Rachel East won for the junior high level for the Spencer VFW for the same contest. It involved them singing and recording the National Anthem.
    • Sophia Kropack won grades K-3 for the Spencer VFW Illustrating Art contest.
    • I’ve received several schedules from parents whose children are in sports activities this summer. Conrad and Calvin Keene are both playing baseball this summer. I have this sneaking suspicion that mom and dad and grandparents (Mark & Dawn Murphy and Bruce and Karen Fisher) will be spending some time at the ballfields this summer.
    • Hudsyn Biggs is playing soccer. His schedule starts in May.
    • Charli Wood is playing softball for the Middle School team.
    • Eli Wood is competing in shot put and discus for the track team at OVMS.

Do you have a child who is playing ball this summer or is in some activity? Jo and I love to watch the young people take part in activities. Please get me a schedule so I can plan to attend. We even let Tami out of her cage and she sometimes comes with us. 😊

Please keep in mind that May 19 is the day we will be honoring our graduates. I’ll give all the pertinent information following that Sunday.

I don’t normally do this but I feel like it would be good to list some of the folks we prayed for this past Sunday. For some reason this past Sunday was a “heavy” week of people to pray for. Not that every week isn’t, but this one seemed to have its ups and downs. And also, with the short prayer time I feel sometimes we rush through without really focusing on the nitty gritty of people’s needs. Now, before I do this, I know there may be some who feel like “What about my prayer needs?” I’ll state right up front that I know some could be hurt. But here is the deal: if you would like me to include you in a future MM, I wouldn’t mind at all to include a weekly prayer feature. But for this week:

• As always our military and LEOs and their friends and family. Logan Cain will be coming home Wednesday (today) and will be heading back next Tuesday. Robert Herrington will be coming home for his wedding that takes place on the 25th.
• The parents of Maverick Pendleton found out that Maverick’s cancer has spread to the other side of his brain and spinal cord. He has fought cancer bravely for two years this September. Bombard heaven with prayers for this family.
• James Anderson is doing better. His visit to Riley included medicine for his stomach and lab work. They are encouraged by the results so far. All worst-case scenarios have been eliminated. Becca posted on Facebook that he is a carrier of CMV (Google it). I know Rob and Becca would sure appreciate your prayers.
• Both Carole Smith (Kris Samick’s mom) and Jerry Wainscott hope to be released this week to rehab. Be praying for their improving health.
• Hunter Golden is a neighbor of Andy and Stacy Wood. He was in an accident this past weekend and fractured 3 vertebrae is his neck. At this time he is paralyzed but the extent is not known.
• I asked you last week to pray for the expectant moms on the list. Caleb & Gabrielle Corder are due in June. Jake and Brandi Markland (Jim & Diana’s son and daughter-in law) are due in July. Pray for healthy babies and moms! Toss in one for the dads as well. 😊
• I have a personal request. One of the most consistent readers for years of my blog has been a woman from Georgia, Martha Orlando. She has had her own health challenges but she sent out an urgent request Tuesday to please pray for her husband, Danny. He is scheduled to have an emergency heart ablation today (Wednesday) to reduce and/or eliminate the ventricular tachycardia that would be life-threatening if not for his pacemaker. (He recently had a medical incident which required a replacement of his). The surgery is to take 5 hours. Thank you from me and from her (she did ask me to announce it).
• Each week the prayer list in the bulletin is chock full of people with different needs. Please take a moment and pick out some you may know and pray for them.

Did you know that one of the missions we support is Weekday Religious Education? Dave Schenck is one of the teachers at the Patricksburg WRE. Sunday he announced that 17 kids made decisions for Christ this past week during WRE. I can hear the angels singing and dancing!! 😊

I’d like to give a big shout out to the men who take part by giving the Communion thought each week. Each one is different and I appreciate every one of them. For some, it is out of their comfort zone, but it is good to see men stepping up. I’m always up for more men to volunteer! (Hint hint). 😊

I’m going to bring this week’s MM to a close. Just a reminder: Mother’s Day is 2 Sundays from now. Just sayin’. Love you all.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #201

Hello and welcome to Midweek Message #201. Jo walked in Sunday morning and said, “Those birds are noisy.” I said, “It’s because they are awake.” I hope it’s for another reason. They know warm weather is just around the corner and are singing its praise. After the small taste of it last week I know I’m ready for it. Anyway, I hope you are enjoying the weather and most of all, God’s goodness. Lamentations 3:22-23 says, “The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” (NLT)

Please remember to pray for George Bergen, counselor at MCES, and Emily Reuter, counselor at both GES and PES. Mr. Bergen is married to Kim and they have two grown daughters. He also has a service dog, Walter that works with him at MCES. Emily is married to Michael, they are parents of six children and live in Spencer.
While you are praying for them, please include our expectant mothers, babies (and fathers).

• Caleb and Gabrielle Corder are expecting a baby girl (Charlotte) in June.
• Jake and Brandi Markland (Jim & Diana’s son and daughter-in-law) are expecting a baby son (Jett) in July.

I’m sure James Anderson and his parents would appreciate your prayers as he makes his way to Riley for an appointment on Thursday.😊

YOUTH CORNER

• Gavin and Jenna Wells’ daughter, Emmy, placed first on the balance beam for her age group (K). Tami caught mom Jenna’s post on Facebook.
• Another gymnastic accomplishment goes to Kalia Keene. Kalia is a state balance beam champion! She also placed 3rd on the floor and 3rd all around. I’d say mom is pretty proud of her. 😊 
• It’s going to be a really busy summer sports-wise for our youth. I know a number of them are playing ball in the Sports Complex leagues. I’ll try to keep you updated on them. It will be next to impossible to include their schedules but I will try my best to at least get their names in the YOUTH CORNER. I will, of course, need the parent’s help in making that happen so please get the information to me! 
• July is the Owen County Fair and a slew of our young people are involved in that in various ways. Gonna be a full summer.

Graduate Sunday is scheduled for May 19th. We plan to recognize our grads during our second service so if you have a senior, please mark that date!! Here is who we know is graduating at this point.

• • Kathryn Anderson
  • Caleb Bixler
  • Annalei Dow
  • MiaRose Hess
  • Cooper King
  • Hannah Pendleton
  • Mason Adams (college)

I’ll give more information on each of them after we honor them on the 19th. My point of including them here is to remind you that if you have a senior who is graduating high school or college please let Diana or Pastor Ryan know.

I know some people don’t like their “horn tooted” but this past Saturday several folks showed up to do some work on the grounds. New mulch was toted to the playground and spread around, and rock was put around the new sign. Those involved were the East clan; Bobby, Rob and Alli Anderson; and Westin and Cassie Linville. Both jobs look exceptionally nice. There is more to be done so plans are to possibly have an all-church work day following the second service with an informal pitch-in, then some grounds work. Pastor Ryan will keep you updated on that.

Two weeks ago on a Sunday I had the communion meditation. I was filling in for someone who had a change of schedule. I didn’t give it any thought until it was time for the meditation and I got emotional. The second service went much better than the first in the emotions department. I shared with you how two of my friends were struggling with cancer and James Anderson was an active 6 ½ year old boy who has been sick the last couple of months with no known cause. My friend, Dave from Arizona, was diagnosed with a brain tumor and had surgery less than a week after we got back from visiting with him and his wife, Susan. My friend, Jim, whom I have known and cycled with for 30+ years has fought cancer for 14 years and was told it was all through his body and there was nothing more they could do. They gave him 3-6 months to live. For the past 8 weeks I have been driving to Zionsville every other week to reminisce and spend time with him and encourage his wife, Tina. This past Thursday, Jo and I were 5 minutes from their house when Tina called to say Jim had just passed. It sure was bittersweet. I knew Jim was active and didn’t want to be shackled by a body filled with cancer and wouldn’t allow him to do anything. But I also had to deal with my own emotions of losing someone I loved. It’s not like I haven’t had to before, but this was different. He was at least 10 years younger than me and we had some really cool cycling adventures together. I could go on for quite a while, but that would only be of interest to me. Suffice it to say that sorrow is sweet joy when the one you say “See you later” to is a follower of Jesus. For that, I am extremely grateful. Let me also say thanks to many of you who expressed your sympathies and sadness for me. After the initial shock, I really am okay. He is being cremated and then Tina is going to spread his ashes outside. He loved the outdoors-hiking, water skiing, snow skiing, boating, scuba diving, hunting, as well as cycling. He lived life well and to the full so while I will miss him, I also know I will see him again. So I simply say, “Thanks for the memories.”

I deeply appreciate each and every one of you. Thanks for letting me be your pastor. Next to being a husband to Jo, a father to Tami & Janna, and a grandpa to Braden, I can think of no higher calling I could have. I love each one of you.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #200

Hello! Did you see that? #200. Who’da thunk it? Some of you might be wondering (especially if you are newer to the mailing list) what in the world is the Midweek Message anyway? I looked back to #1 and here is what I wrote:

Good middle of the week my friends! Who’da thunk it just a couple of weeks ago that meeting together would be our last time for who-knows-how-long? I’d like this to be a regular feature during this time each week to communicate with you via email about different things. This is just me to you from my heart. A little bit of this and a little bit of that.

This is an unprecedented time. Some of us lived through 9/11 and remember it well. Some have lived through the swine flu, Asian flu, the Hong Kong flu (I had it in high school. Made for a great Christmas vacation), and for some old-timers, the Great Depression. And no, I wasn’t living during that time 😊 , but my grandparents were.

I said more but it doesn’t need to be repeated here. Long story short…we all remember COVID and the havoc it played on all of us. As you can probably gather by reading this, I started the MM to keep in touch with you. It was just a small way to come into your inbox, life, home, or work and say, “Hi! I’m thinking of you.” I did other things as well, like writing notes to everyone and even doing the drive by prayers (I would pull into a driveway or a street and pray for the people in the family/house and as I pulled away text them and say, “You have just been the victim of a drive by…prayer.” We also started our live stream and it has turned out to be a very good thing. I hear quite often from people who are grateful for it and listen in all sorts of places. Some listen at home. One told me this week he will sometimes listen on a slow night at work while in his car. I am so-o-o-o-o glad we started that and someone had the generosity to donate money for the camera and equipment.

Now you know the background of the MM. I never thought it would keep going, especially to #200. I have missed a few weeks due to vacation or holidays or because I wanted to give my editor a break (she deserves it), but for over 3 years I have been dropping by to say hi. I have no clue how long I will continue the MM, but I do hope you will enjoy reading it.

If you just can’t get enough of hearing from me once a week, did you know I also do a daily devotion from Monday through Thursday? It is called Living in the Shadow and you can find the link on the church’s website or by going to http://livingintheshadow.ovcf.org. You have a chance to read and can also respond if you would like. Except for several years ago when someone really liked to make snarky comments, I approve the comment and also reply. And yes, in case you are wondering, that is called “tooting my own horn.” I would love it if you took the time to read. Most devotions can be read within 5 minutes. I also put them on LinkedIn (the only social media I am on). It gives some inspiration to a ton of readers.

Okay…now that I am done patting myself on the back 😊, let’s move on.
Sunday was a really good day. I saw a lot of new faces, but the highlight was witnessing the baptism of Tanner Wood and his pappy, Steve Potts. Always love seeing the waters of the YMCA stirred.

I really enjoyed Cassie Linville’s and Hannah Pendleton’s presentation on their mission trip to Kenya. It was nice hearing what they did and how it impacted their lives. May it have a lasting effect on both of them.

Remember to pray for Jenn Zigler this week. Jenn has been a counselor at OVMS for 6 years. She is married to Chris and they have two sons, Barrett and Winston, who attend MCES.

One of the things that draws people back to a church is how welcome they feel. It is not enough for me or Pastor Ryan to welcome them; it is also important that you do so as well. Before COVID we had a team who acted as greeters. We would like to get that team started again. Responsibilities are: helping pass out bulletins; looking for new faces to say hi to; being instrumental in helping new folks with children know where to take their children for check-in (thank you, Anna East, for twice being my go-to this past Sunday); and just helping make people feel welcome. If we want to be a church that says, “We Are Glad You Are Here” a team of people who make that the focus is essential. We also have some gifts to give visitors and it would be helpful to have some folks who take on that ministry. Pastor Ryan, Diana, and I have been working on a Welcome Team. If you would like to be involved in that team, we would love to have you step forward and say, “I will help!”

Someone asked me Sunday what ladies I plan to highlight during the month of May. First, this Sunday is Caught in His Wake and it is about Eve. The final week of this month is The Deceiver. Two guesses who that one is about! Now for the ladies:

• • May 5- Out of the Pit- (Rahab and the John 8 woman)
  • May 12- Hard Acts to Follow (Ruth and Mary & Martha)
  • May 19- All In (Hannah and Mary Magdalene)
  • May 26- Hope and Hospitality (Sarah & Lydia)

Some I know you are probably familiar with, but even with those, I hope to bring a new twist to their story.

One last thing: thanks to all of you for your hugs and words of support this past Sunday. As I said during the meditation, I believe God does answer prayer: sometimes yes; sometimes no; sometimes wait awhile. But even though I got caught in the web of wait awhile, I still believe God is good. Please don’t forget that. I don’t throw that around just willy-nilly. I say it because I believe it. If you get a chance, please read Psalm 116:5-19 on your own and at your own pace. Why not journal your thoughts as you read and ask yourself, “What is God saying and how does it relate to my situation?”

Have a good week and remember you are loved.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #199

Hello and welcome to Midweek Message #199! As I sit here and type this edition of the Midweek Message I must admit to a somewhat morbid curiosity as to how tomorrow will turn out. I call it “the day Spencer stood still” because of the expected hype and influx of people for the eclipse. Since this will not go out until Wednesday, we will all have a better idea of how it went and what we thought. In any case, I do hope you have had a great week and will have a good rest of the week.

Remember to pray this week for Beth Sewell and Bonnie Richmond, both guidance counselors at OVHS. Beth is married to Matt and they live in Ellettsville. They have 3 grown daughters and 3 grandchildren. She is also a graduate of OVHS. Bonnie lives in Ellettsville and has 2 grown sons.

A huge congratulations is in order for Logan Cain. Kathryn Anderson, Logan’s fiancée, sent me some information Jo read to me that was on Facebook. Back in February Logan won “Marine of the Year” for his unit. In winning that title he was presented with the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal which was presented to him two weeks ago. Kathryn sent me a couple of pictures which I am unable to show you. Do you get the feeling that she is rather proud of him?😊 Logan is due home the first of next month. I sit here and wonder if Kathryn and his family will be happy to see him? What do you think?

While I’m on the subject of our military people, Robert Herrington will be coming home next month for something. It is called a wedding. 😊Robert will be marrying Hannah Sheese at Abram Event Venue on May 25th. I saw Hannah at the Y this past Saturday morning and I think she is kind of excited about it. Maybe just a little.

I was recently informed there are less than 30 days left of school. It is hard to believe. It seems like school just started. Of course, I’m not in the classroom every day so I just may be a bit uninformed. Did you know that Pastor Ryan and I read to Kindergarten classes once a month? He reads to classes at McCormick’s Creek Elementary and I read to Gosport Elementary and Spencer Elementary each month. I thoroughly enjoy being with the students and seeing their “energy” at work. All in all though, they are pretty well-behaved and eager to learn and take part. Rachel White and Gabrielle Corder are the K teachers at GES and Ashley Bault, Tracy Patterson, Sarah Jones and Tami (my daughter) are the teachers at SES. Cara King and Tricia Potts are the K teachers at MCES. Ryan also reads to two Pre-K classes at MCES taught by Sarah Bougher and Cristi Wood. We both get a real joy out of reading to the young people. Mrs. Hensley is at Patricksburg and her husband, Larry, reads to her class. I am already laying the groundwork with Kris Samick (Director of Communications) and Matt Taylor (Director of Curriculum) for next school year. 

YOUTH CORNER

With school soon coming to a close for 2023-2024, that also means graduation time. If you know of any high school or college graduates please let Diana or Pastor Ryan know. We already have a couple of names but really rely on you informing us to make sure no one is left out.

I have a little bit of space this week so I thought I would share something that has been on my heart. If, when you are done reading and have questions/comments, please feel free to ask/text/email me.

With the talk of the addition and the work being put into making it a reality, it will be and is easy to lose sight of “the why.” Why are we doing this? Why are we raising money to build an addition? I’ll try hard to put my thoughts down in an easy-to-understand manner.

First, we are not building the addition to “get bigger.” There is not a leader at OVCF, or a member of the Building Team who has visions of grandeur. We are not building the addition for the purpose of “If you build it they will come.” That line from Field of Dreams was good for the movie but not for a church’s future. In fact, I know churches that did that and several factors have made that a sore spot.

Second, and to build on the previous thought: a church’s prime reason for existing is not to have a monument to itself, or to say “We have the biggest church in the community.” No, the church’s reason for existing is found in Matthew 28 where Jesus told His disciples to “make disciples of all nations.” The life Jesus offers us was never meant to be kept to ourselves; it was and is to be shared with others so they too will know the abundant life He promises.

I am totally convinced that we have the message people so desperately need. People talk about Boomers, Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, the Silents (trust me when I say I can’t keep them straight), etc. What I do know is that people of every generation, of every influence, of every color, race or nation, need what we have to give: the life-giving message of the love of Jesus. So, if by building this addition it gives us more room for people to gather and hear this lifechanging message, then I’m all for it.

On Monday I started reading a new book that just came out called De-Sizing the Church by Karl Vaters. I share the following quote with you so you can catch a glimpse of my heart and know that am sincere about this whole thing. Karl quotes another pastor on Twitter after hearing a megachurch pastor tell a roomful of pastors that they shouldn’t avoid celebrity, they should seek it. “I’m telling you, platforms are for diving & brands are for horses. Flee from pastors seeking to build them. Leaders tear down with their lack of character what they build with their gifts. Choose humble, faithful, local-focused, word and sacrament serving, people loving pastors over polished showmen every day. It might not be sexy, but it won’t be toxic and it will be sustainable.” (p.19). I make no apologies for being a simple pastor who loves his people (you) and desires to make Christ known. My brother, Rob, used to sign all his correspondence with Gal. 6:14- “May I never boast except in the cross of Christ.” Amen!

Thanks for listening to my heart this week. Sunday’s sermon is He Started It! from Genesis 1:26-
31; 2:15-24. I love you all and look forward to seeing you Sunday.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #198

Hello and welcome to Midweek Message #198. They say the week after, especially the Monday after Resurrection Sunday is always the hardest. I’m not even waiting until Monday. It is Sunday afternoon and I’m dragging. I’m curious to see what tomorrow will bring. They also say the Sunday following is tough because after the “high” of Resurrection Sunday things go back to being more normal. I’ll just bask in the glow of Sunday for now.😊

A brief recap is in order so here you are:

• First, many, many, many thanks to all the volunteers who helped with making our morning go so well. The parking and shuttle people worked together like clockwork. We had so many people show up to help with setting up chairs, putting out clipboards and communion tubs that we were done within ½ hour on Saturday night. Then so many pitched in to help put chairs away, to sweep, and to mop. It was nice watching so many come together and help. I’m afraid to list any individuals for fear of forgetting someone. So please accept my heartfelt thanks for your help. 
• A special thanks is in order to the Worship Team. They came Saturday night to set up and do a sound check, then came early Sunday morning. That leads me to say thanks to Zach Hogan for coming Saturday evening to set up his sound equipment, do a sound check and then come back Sunday after his church worship was over to get his equipment. 
• Now for some stats: Jeff Carlson said we had 262+. He included the + sign because there were some he was unable to count. One significant item: we used all the chairs Abram Venue had. That was phenomenal! 
• The offering for the day was for Missions unless otherwise designated. That amount ended up being $4,089.60 for Missions and $1470 designated for the Building Fund. In case you may be wondering, we divide the offering equally between the missions we support on a monthly basis, so when it was all said and done, $371.78 extra went to the eleven missions/missionaries we support. 
• I do want to single out one person: Tiffany Kropack. Tiffany took pictures and then gave some contact information on Facebook for anyone who might want to have a copy of them. Thanks Tiffany for this extra special gift for all. 
• One more: Special thanks to Bill & Suzie Abram for making their venue available for us to use. It makes extra work for Suzie but, if available, she has never failed to allow us to use the venue. If you know them and see them, please tell them thanks. 
• I am so glad we made the decision to go to Abram Event Venue this year. There is NO WAY we would have been able to have that many people in our building for two services. It was a wise choice. 
• My one disappointment: we had a ton of visitors that I did not have a chance to meet or were able to sign the attendance sheets. I can hope they will come to one of our regular worship services and give me a chance to meet them (and hopefully not forget their names). 😊

All in all a very good day.

One more important thought before I leave that. I look forward to the day when we can say, “Resurrection Sunday service will be in our own building.” A day like Sunday only “whets the appetite” for a place of our own to accommodate big days and regular days.😊

Our S-OCS worker to pray for this week is Balinda Wagner. Balinda is in her second year as Director of Food Services for the corporation. Sunday morning I mentioned that she wrote a really nice email to me. Here is what she wrote: “Good morning Mr. Grandi, I received your card in the mail today, and I truly appreciate the added prayers.  I hope that I am helping to make the student’s time at Spencer-Owen Community Schools an enjoyable experience.  I hope you and all of those you serve have a very happy and rejoyceful Easter.” Balinda is married to Scott and they have two daughters and live in Quincy.

Do you know what member of the staff has a birthday this week? Hint: it isn’t me or Pastor Ryan. BTW: Been nice knowing you. She will eliminate me after she reads this.😊

This coming Sunday I start a new sermon series. It is entitled Yes, They are Real and the next three months will be focused on individuals in the Bible who leave us with life lessons. The first one may be a tough one to guess. The Scripture is Genesis 1:1-2:3. Give yourself a prize if you guess it right.😊

YOUTH CORNER

• Congratulations to Alli Anderson who was chosen as the Secretary/Chaplain of ‘24-’25 Owen Valley Ag and FFA.

They say that next Monday Spencer and the surrounding areas will be a madhouse, i.e. get your gas, groceries, etc. early. I’m going to call it “The day Spencer stood still.” Everything is closing that day-schools, banks, restaurants, stores-you name it. I told Jo I was going to go to the office, close the blinds and take a nap (since it is going to be totally dark for a few minutes). Diana would tell you I probably don’t need to wait for that to happen since she just may have caught me snoozing in my chair a time or two (or three or four or…) while I was reading. No matter how I try I can’t come up with a good excuse so I just stopped trying and admit it.😊
The church office will be open in the morning, but then I suspect we will all be safely tucked away with our handy dandy Eclipse glasses ready to wear. Someone suggested we be ready for some visitors this Sunday who will be in town for the Eclipse. I’m not sure what to expect, but I do hope that if we have any visitors you will make them feel welcome.

I gotta go. Lord willing, I will see you Sunday (unless I have been carried away by aliens). Have a great rest of the week and remember you are loved.
Pastor Bill