Category: OVCF News

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #38

Good morning and welcome to week #38 of the Midweek Message. I hope this finds you and those you love doing well. If my calculations are correct (it is math after all and I don’t do math well) when you get this there will be 16 days until Christmas. I’m going to get out my crystal ball and predict that Christmas will be different for most, if not all, of us this year. I mean, let’s face it. It is 2020 after all so what can we expect? I know ours will be different for sure. No trip to Ohio for us or for Janna and Braden to come here. Either Tami will have to quarantine or Janna will for her work. So I guess we go to the UPS store to have everything packed and shipped. Then let’s hope Skype or Zoom works. I have already heard of family gatherings that have been canceled. But church life continues and I have several items of interest for you.

First, this coming weekend we have been challenged by Steve and Erin Pendleton to sign up for a 24 hour prayer vigil, particularly focusing on our country. Several signed up Sunday on the physical copy. Monday Diana sent you the link to the Google Docs so you can sign up online. Steve and Erin’s desire is for us to blanket that 24 hour time period with prayer. They are asking you to sign up for a 15 minute time slot, and you can choose as many as you want. Their desire is we take that time for personal confession and repentance, and to also pray for our country and leaders and against the evil forces of the enemy. The dates are December 12-13 from 8:00 a.m. Saturday to 8:00 a.m. Sunday.

Second, because we have had to change our normal fare of fixing breakfast on Christmas morning for the community, we switched gears just a bit. We still have people in the community who are in need of food so we have decided to make bags of food available to anyone you may know. Rather than take a chance that we would have random food brought in, we have compiled a list of food items we would like to have. That list is available here at the building or you can call the church office (812.828.9840) for the list. We would like to have the food here by the 20^th; assemble the bags on the 21^st; and have curbside pick-up from 10-2:00 on the 22^nd. As I mentioned in the last MM, we will not be announcing this to the community but we do want you to help us get the word out by giving us names of folks/families you know who may need some help this Christmas.  One of the important lessons Jesus taught was “when I was hungry you fed me.” We feel that is something we can help with this Christmas. So if you know of anyone who needs help, please give us their information (we have forms to fill out), or have them call the church office giving your name as a reference. If they are unable to pick up the food, we would ask that you deliver it if you gave us their name. If that is impossible please let me know and I will make arrangements to have it delivered. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Jo at 812.821.1897 or the church office (number previously given).  With Covid playing havoc with jobs, school and schedules, I’m sure we all know someone who could use some help.

Third, the magic number is 16!!!  That is the magic number for those who came to our first masked service this past Sunday.  There have been a number of folks who have been tuning in online to watch the live stream but have occasionally mentioned how much they miss “church.” But they feel very strongly about masks being worn and so they have chosen to not come. After talking with some of them, they were excited to consider a masked service separate from our two on Sunday morning. This past Sunday afternoon we had 16 at a 2:00 masked service. Afterwards we had a Q & A time and it was decided to have a masked service the first Sunday of every month at 1:30. Announcements. Prayer time. Communion. Sermon.  The plan is to keep it within an hour. You are more than welcome to come. Just know a mask is required. And pass the word around to others you know who would love to go to church but can’t. I promise no sheep-stealing or recruiting.

I see my space is running short so let me give you some brief information on a couple of items. I can give more detail in the next MM.

• We are going to offer a short Christmas Eve service at 6:00. With the upset of our normal Christmas routine, I thought it would be good to offer a respite. Music. Communion. Short devotion. It should all happen in the space of about 45 minutes. Love to have you.
• The elders of OVCF really do care about each of you. Over the next several months you will be the focus of prayer by each one of them. The directory has been divided evenly (fun fact: 9.6 families. Who is the .6?) During the month of December they will be praying for “their list” and then in January the lists will be swapped. Not only will you be prayed for specifically, you may also expect some form of correspondence (email, card, text) from them. I’m honored to work alongside men who care about more than just making decisions.

Well, my space has run short. Know you are loved.

Pastor Bill

Midweek message #37

Good morning and welcome to Midweek Message #37.  I find it hard to believe that I am still writing this MM. I started it in order to just keep in touch with you shortly after ‘rona hit and I saw that it was having a greater impact on you and me than I originally thought it would. And I don’t think anyone…ANYONE…ever thought it would still be playing havoc with our lives almost 10 months later. But here we are. Life has changed dramatically in so many ways and I believe I can honestly say it will never be the same. But I’m glad I serve a God who never changes. Who never moves. Who never cracks. Who never panics. Who never bites His fingernails and wonders what He is going to do next. Psalm 27:1 is still true: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”

It will be December 2 when you get this and the Christmas season will be into full swing. No doubt some things will change (we anticipate spending Christmas here this year, for example). Our annual Thanksgiving meal was cancelled (wisely) but an ongoing result of the virus is the change to our Christmas plans. We didn’t do the Giving Tree, opting instead to give a monetary donation to Tri Kappa to help them purchase gifts for children in our community. (We received a really nice note of thanks from them). Every year we also offer a Christmas breakfast at the Lion’s Club. This year that has also changed. There will be NO Christmas breakfast this year. However, we can’t forget about our community. So Jo & I would like your help in reaching people in our community. We all know people/families who will be in desperate need for food. We are asking you to pick up one of the lists of canned goods and non-perishables we would like to include in bags and bring that food to the church building before the 20^th. We will pack them on the 21^st and then distribute them on the 22^nd. It will be curbside pickup only. The exception would be if the person is unable to come then the person giving their name would be responsible for delivering it. But here’s the deal: an open invitation will NOT be given to the community. I hate to say it but every Tom, Dick and Harry will be bombarding us if we do. However, if you know someone who needs help, you can give us their name or have them call the church office (812.828.9840) and have them give us your name as a reference. We will then put together a couple bags of food for them. We anticipate “rogue” phone calls for help (as well as every other food bank in the tri-county area) so unless you give us their name or they give us your name as a reference, they will not receive any food. Sadly, we have to do this because every holiday brings out those who want to “use” the system and organizations. There are forms to fill out with name, address and number of people in the family. We will do all we can to help people the best we can. But as you can see, we definitely need your help in making it happen.  And here is some further help: if you would prefer not to shop for the food, you can give money to me, Jo or the church and we will do the shopping for you! Can’t beat that can you?

On to another subject: there was some interest shown in the “masked” service idea.  I’ve contacted those who did respond. It is not too late to give your thoughts as to whether you would like to attend one. At this point, I plan to offer one this Sunday, the 6^th at 2:00. That will be the initial one and then those who attend can discuss in detail the next steps. This will at least be a starter and then we can go from there.  I can tell you the service will be simple-Communion; the sermon that I preached that morning; and a discussion time following as we try to figure this out in more detail. There will obviously be no nursery or children’s program.  And keep this in mind: anyone is invited to attend! Just remember you must wear a mask.

FYI: Steve and Erin Pendleton have a burden of praying for our country, especially at this time. And I believe we would all agree it is needed. They would like to have a 24 hour prayer vigil on December 12-13 starting at 8:00 a.m. on the 12^th and running through 8:00 a.m. on the 13^th. You will be asked to sign up for 15 minute time slots and you can sign up for as many as you like. You may sign up as a single, a couple or with some friends.  Erin will have a hard copy for you to sign this Sunday and Diana will include a link in the bulletin she will be sending later this week. Steve and Erin will be telling us more from the pulpit during announcement time this Sunday.  Any questions you have should be answered at that time.

The Christmas season is upon us. I know for many this will not a fun time. One of the messages of Christmas is the Love, Joy and Peace available to all. Jesus came to bring and to give all of those to us. Of all people, we who are Christ-followers have the most to be excited about. We have embraced the message of those three words and we have the privilege of sharing that message with a world that so desperately needs it. That last statement-“the world so desperately needs it”- is said every year. But I think it is safe to say it most definitely is true this year. After all 2020 has brought us, Jesus brings us something much, much better. Those three words should resound inside us. Let me challenge you to find someone whom you might know needs to hear about those three words.  In the meantime, always remember you are loved.

Pastor Bill

midweek message #36

Hello and welcome to an early edition of the Midweek Message. I had thought about not doing one this week but after last week’s lengthy MM, I thought I would add this one and just get it out early.

I think we are all tired of a lot of things right now.  The virus and all the life changes it is bringing about. The political arena and its mess. The economic upheaval as we “watch” the market fluctuate, unsure of what is to come. The realization that some will truly suffer this Thanksgiving and we feel like our hands are tied. To top it off I suspect many of us don’t feel like being thankful.  Well…my plan for this MM and my hope is that it will give you something to hope in and be grateful for.

Over the past two weeks in my sermon, I have emphasized four reasons why we can be thankful for God’s blessings. I’d like to start out by reiterating them for you:

1. God’s blessings are numerous and varied. God’s blessings are as different as you and I are. We are not cookie cutters, all alike, and all blessed the same way.
2. God’s blessings are beyond what we deserve. When someone asks me how I’m doing I will often answer, “Better than I deserve.”  I am continually amazed and astounded at the richness of God’s blessings on my life.
3. God’s blessings are poured out on the just and the unjust. This is hard for some to understand but it is true. Don’t compare-focus on the way we have been blessed.
4. God’s blessings have a purpose. No follower of Christ was ever meant to keep God’s blessings to himself. I have a saying: “Blessed to bless.”

And keep in mind that sharing your blessings doesn’t mean it has to be money. It can be a smile. A compliment. A kind word.  Go old school and send a note in the mail. The important thing is that we make an effort to share our thanks with someone else by blessing them.

I recently read an article entitled Pastors, Choose Gratitude Over Grumbling.  Obviously it was directed to pastors, especially those who pastor contentious churches. People choose to take sides in the way the church is “run;” the direction it is going; even in politics. He concluded his article by giving eight practical ideas to spur gratitude for the church where God has placed the pastor. I want to modify them some to make them applicable to us all. So here are seven practical ideas which you can use to be grateful for and express that thanks to God:

1. Recall God’s faithfulness and power throughout OVCF’s history. I know some of you do not know our history but God has been with us since our beginning in 2004. We would not be where we are today if not for His blessings. Through floods. Through the temporary meeting place to making this building available. Through struggles and joys, He has always been there.
2. Thank God for His salvation. There is no greater gift given to us than this. Jesus dying on the cross for our sins and the salvation it brings is worth our praise alone. What a huge gesture on God’s part!
3. Observe how God is at work and thank Him for it. Even something like a virus can’t stop God’s work. Take stock of how this time has caused you to grow and mature.
4. Take time out of your day to pause and thank God for the little things that come your way. The kind word of a friend. The hug of a child. The kiss from a spouse. Your job. It just takes recognizing the little things.
5. Tell others about God’s goodness to you. Even over the past 9-10 months we still can find something to be thankful for. Share it with a friend. Make sure your family is aware of God’s faithfulness and goodness.
6. Talk with others about how they are doing. Don’t isolate yourself from others. I have found that when I am “down” sharing with others or spending time with others alleviates that. I come away refreshed. There are ways to do that if not in person.
7. Redirect your heart away from grumbling and complaining. The enemy (Satan) wants to use any opening to get into your head and heart. Number your blessings. Don’t allow those negative thoughts to find a home.

That’s all I have to say for this week. Short. Positive. Encouraging. So I’ll close with this: I am so grateful to be your pastor. Many of you don’t know it but this past week was the anniversary of my first official week in 2004. I have never regretted coming to the small town of Spencer. There have been highs and lows; ups and downs; people coming and people leaving. Some have visited and stayed, while others have visited and never returned. Some have gone to other churches and sadly, some have left and gone nowhere. But that is church life. In reality, that is life…period. I have learned the best thing I can do is to serve the people God has given me, to shepherd them as best I can. So this Thanksgiving, I will be sending up a huge “thank you” to God for you.  Thank you for the privilege of serving you. I love you all.

One more thing: last week I mentioned about looking into a “masked” service.  Response has been positive. If you are interested, please let me know.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #35

These are crazy times aren’t they? There is one thing we can say for sure. Life sure isn’t boring, is it?  Take this past Sunday, for example. After about 6 weeks of all virtual we finally got back to in person worship. That first Sunday saw 88 people make their way here. It slowly and steadily grew into the 90s but then we were able to open the children’s wing for classes and we found ourselves hitting the 120s. Still below pre-COVID by a lot but at least we were making our way back. Then this past Sunday all virtual again. Thanks for adjusting for that.

If you tuned in Sunday you heard why. Thursday, the 5^th, Diana and I met with some ladies outside at the MyPath pavilion. Tuesday we learned that one of them tested positive for COVID, so we decided to be cautious and quarantine. It was decided I would preach on Sunday with only three people here-Ryan, Jo and me.  That new equipment worked well and I hope you were able to tune in and listen.

So what now? The elders met last night (Monday) to figure that out.  We remain committed to upholding the values we established earlier this year:

• We want to be safe.
• We want to learn as we go and continually improve.
• We want to follow the rules.
• We want to go slow as we ramp up.
• We will continue live streaming.

IMHO we have done fairly well with those. We have maintained that if you are in the high risk or vulnerable group that you either consider watching live stream or wear a mask. At the meeting I presented an article I found which asked what should churches do now that COVID is spiking again?  The main reason I did that is to ask: Do we need to take a step back?   The answer: yes and no. Here is what we decided:

1. We will have two services in person this Sunday and continuing forward. We believe gathering together is so sacred that we need to keep the in person option open.
2. We will do our best to honor the capacity limit of 50 people each service/area based on our county metric being ORANGE right now. We will not turn anyone away. If we exceed that limit, we may add additional service times to alleviate our crowding.
3. We will continue to arrange seating, as we have been, to allow for appropriate social distancing.
4. Although we will not make it a requirement, we encourage the use of masks, especially for those who are at high risk or have an increased vulnerability. We love to see everyone but if you are in the high risk or vulnerable group or unsure about participating, please consider joining us for the live stream services.

None of the leaders is in favor of not having in person service. We will do everything we can to accommodate what will allow us to meet in person.

In fact, here is something we tossed around (an idea given to us by someone): We would like to try a “masks required” service (a service where everyone wears a mask) on a different day/time of the week. It may be scaled down some but it will at least give some folks the chance to see others. Are you interested in that? Please let me know:

• What day or night works for you?
• How often would you like to meet?
• Would you be okay with a scaled down service that might not include the Worship Team?

And one more thing on that: the youth program WILL meet this Sunday at 10:45. The teachers can’t wait to see their students again.

I have to put a plug in here for Ryan. When we knew we were going online only this past Sunday, Ryan decided to do the same for the Sunday night ROOTS youth group. The attendance was about half but I appreciate Ryan’s heart to not go rogue, but also to creatively have something for the teens.

I was not going to have a MM next week due to Thanksgiving but with the length of this one, I was unable to include some information. Look for a MM message the early part of next week. I guess I could call it the EMM (Early Midweek Message).

Thanks for understanding and “going with the flow” this past Sunday. It has been said that OVCF has always been a church that adapts well. We have had to do that with floods and construction. And now we can say that about COVID. I’m honored to be the pastor of such fantastic people and to serve alongside some good men who truly love Jesus and OVCF.  Love you all!

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE 34

Good morning and welcome to MM #34!  I hope you are having a great week so far and that the rest of the week is even better.  Okay…so where to start? Well, I can promise you this: it will not be politics.  Tell you what. Let’s make a deal.  Let’s leave all that junk behind during this MM and talk about some good things.

The past few MMs I have tried to focus on people who are making a difference.  I have told you about the teachers and helpers in our youth department.  I wrote about how some of our young people are taking the initiative and helping our youth program by leading in worship during their group time.  I told you about the two ladies who make sure our youth sign in area is running smoothly. And last week I mentioned to you about the individuals who are helping in the live stream area. This week I want to draw your attention to the other “unsung” heroes on Sunday mornings.

• Did you know that every week I send an outline of my sermon to Diana, Ryan Spires (who still puts content on our website) and hand-deliver one to Jo? I’m guessing you can probably figure out why I do that. 🙂 Every week Jo sits in front of the computer and types my outline on Power Point slide after Power Point slide. She does the same for all the songs we sing. She proofs it over and over to make it right. Even Tami has helped some. I think she is fantastic! (No bias there). Week after week she does all the typing and except for help occasionally from Kathleen Glaser Armacost and Tami, she is there every week for both services.  Fun fact: I have occasionally said, “Hon, please put up the next slide” and it wasn’t her…it was Kathleen! I sure am glad Gary is a good guy!
• Every week several people run the sound board. Times have changed and with new technology they may think they are not as important, but I disagree! After all, they control my mic. (Now that is scary!) Thanks Ray, Linda, Macy, Vicki, and Emily (a newbie)!
• I’m betting I forgot someone so look for an apology next week. LOL

Every week there are some forgotten people. They are those who tune in online and watch the live stream. It is easy to forget them as “out of sight out of mind” but that would not be fair. They stay home for various reasons. I know some who have jokingly (least I hope it is) commented they really enjoy watching church from their recliner, in their pajamas, and a bowl of cereal in their lap. I hope it isn’t in their lap but in their bowl. Others are watching because of health reasons. I know some who are watching because they are unable to come so far. My friend, Dave from Arizona, is one of them. I also know there are some who prefer to stay home due to Covid.  All are legitimate reasons (except maybe the recliner one 🙂 ) but truthfully, I am glad to see there are those who watch. That is why live streaming is here to stay. I miss seeing the folks on a personal basis but respect their wishes and it warms my heart to know they still care enough to watch. I long for the day when we can all rejoice together again.

We have been through a lot in 2020. If you don’t mind, I’d like to share some thoughts with you from Dr. Lee Warren, a brain surgeon and a podcaster I listen to. The book of Habakkuk in the OT is a very short but powerful book. Habakkuk asks the same questions we all have asked sometime in the past, in the present, or may in the future: Why? and How long?  Here are six helpful lessons I gleaned from Dr. Warren’s podcast;

1. God’s ways are different than ours, but we can trust Him.
2. God is always in control, even in times of great chaos and confusion.
3. God always wants what’s best for us, but sometimes getting there is really hard.
4. Our job is not to always understand HOW God works, but to trust that He IS working on our behalf all the time.
5. We can never find peace or joy in circumstances, only through faith.
6. We get frustrated when we think God should work on our timeline, but we get peace when we relax and realize His timing is always perfect.

If you take the time to read Habakkuk you will notice he wants answers to his questions. I’m going to be honest: being patient and waiting is not a strong suit of mine. I’ve gotten better as I’ve matured but it sure is taking a long time! I think the lesson we can learn is important. We have no control over things in our life-daily routine, spouse, children, world events, you name it- but we know the One who does. I figure it’s time to trust Him with my daily life and the outcome of every day. Any takers with me?

On a more serious note: with the recent outbreak of Covid in our community, we have decided it is wiser to cancel our Thanksgiving meal for the safety of all involved.  Maybe Christmas will be different!  I love you all.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #33

Good morning and welcome to MM #33!  I appreciate you taking some time from your busy day to cozy up and read this.

It sure is hard to believe Thanksgiving will be here in just a few weeks. Even amidst the year we have had time still seems to fly right on by us.  This came home to me even more as I have been working on sermons. I finished my two sermons involving Thanksgiving and have been working on my Christmas sermons.  Now, that will get you wired!  Christmas already?  Yep, in less than two months.  6 ½ weeks. 51 days. Sorry I don’t know the amount of hours, minutes and seconds. The math taxed my brain to figure out the weeks and days.  🙂  Anyway, time flies by us. I guess that is why one of my philosophies to enjoy life while I can. Make the best of it now. No, I’m not espousing my best life is now. I am saying that we need to live life fully and abundantly as Jesus said we could.  (John 10:10)

One of the “most fun” things I have done over the past couple of years is the Real Men Read program.  It was sponsored by the United Way in Bloomington. They asked for men to read to Kindergarten classes. Ryan was the first of us when he started reading to Cara King’s class at MCES.  He liked it so well I thought I would try it. I have been reading to Mrs. Lee’s class at SES for the past 3 years. The RMR program was suspended this year in Owen County (for some crazy virus thing) so I contacted Mrs. Lee about reading on my own. Tami, our daughter, is a Kindergarten teacher so she has plenty of books I can borrow and Mrs. Lee said that it sounded like a great idea. We have had to make some changes, like I had to read outside the first time. It has been cancelled several times for various reasons (one of them because it was raining) but today (Tuesday) I am scheduled to read. It has to be outside, which I am okay with. That may be sort of tough to do in the winter months though.  🙂  So I will enjoy it while I can.  Maybe I can do “Frosty the Snowman” one of those days!!  Given how cold it might be maybe I could find a book about Frosty and his popsicles. Okay…I can see you rolling your eyes as you read.  But then again, maybe I gave you a chuckle at my lame attempt at humor.

The past few weeks I have tried to focus on the youth area and highlight them some. This week I’d like to begin a couple of weeks focusing on some adults. During the pandemic when we were shut down, we were just one of many churches who were not ready for broadcasting our services. But that first Sunday, Tami took her iPhone and broadcast to our FB group. I heard I was like a bad Japanese movie- the audio and video were not in sync. Each week Tami worked hard at making it better and she succeeded. I was still like a bad Japanese movie. An actor I’m not. 🙂 Then someone donated money to buy some new equipment and the quality changed overnight. First, thanks to the person who made the donation! Second, I owe a big, huge shout out to Ryan for getting the equipment up and running! He was way out of his comfort zone when we started this. I can’t say enough about how Ryan persevered, wanted to give up, then kept going. Until…Joe Pavich stepped up to the plate. Man, Joe was a lifesaver. He saved Ryan’s sanity. And he saved a lot of headaches. Each week it improved. Joe trained Karen Turner to do the live stream and she now does the first service.  Austin, whom Ryan met while doing ministry at the high school, is now involved in helping with the second service. So my shout out this week goes to those involved in the streaming of our weekly services. Thanks Ryan, Joe, Karen and Austin!

One last thought: I mentioned earlier than I have been working on Christmas sermons. My theme is A Grand Production. (Every time I type that my fingers want to do “Grandi” instead of Grand. Why is that?) It hit me this morning how appropriate the Christmas message is. Today, Tuesday, is voting day.  I have no clue how it will turn out. Neither do you.  I would ask two things though: First, we all remain civil to each other even though we may disagree on our choices. Second, we pray for our country no matter the results. Only God can bring the spiritual revival which is needed. But what struck me as I worked on my sermon this morning was how relevant and how the Christmas message of “Peace on earth” is so desperately needed. And just think: we have the story to share.  There is no question our country is in an upheaval.  Hate speech. Mean acts. Vitriolic words. Cities burning. Peoples’ lives taken for granted.  I wrote a blog about what Jesus has done for E.VE.R.Y.O.N.E. because to Him All Lives Matter.  I based it on Romans 10: 9-17 where it uses the word “Everyone” twice and the word “All” once.  The love of Jesus is for all people-no matter their class, color, creed, political persuasion, lifestyle, status, job, or lot in life. He loves each one and offers His peace to all.  My prayer for you, for me, for our world, is to come to Jesus, the only One who can give the meaning to life so many crave.

Well, I’ll step off my soapbox and say thanks for reading.  I hope you have a great rest of the week. I say this seriously: I love you.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #32

Good morning and welcome to Midweek Message #32. It sure has been an eventful time hasn’t it? Jo and I went to the Owen County Chamber of Commerce Annual “Banquet” that wasn’t a banquet at the Tivoli Monday night. This community sure is blessed with some super people. Aaron LaGrange was pictured as Wolverine (it was super hero night) and honored for his work with Backpack Buddies. In his short speech he mentioned those who are part of his “inner three” and one of them was our own Linda St. John.  Also, while Marce King was giving a very good overview of this past year, she talked about the Back to School Expo that was moved from the Middle School to the Fairgrounds. She recognized OVCF for its donation to the Chamber for the purchase of supplies.  In the past around 400 backpacks with school supplies were given away. This Expo gave away over 600+ packs! I was honored to help on that day but was really proud of the church when we were mentioned.  And to top off the evening I had the chance to meet one of Tami’s high school friends and a friend who represented Duke Energy. When they found out about Backpack Buddies, they presented Aaron a check for $2000 to help. That was a phenomenal gesture to benefit a program for 1 out of 5 kids in Owen County who would go without food on the weekends and school breaks.

Speaking of youth, I want to highlight a few.

• First, I owe an apology to Hannah Pendleton. When I was praising the teachers and helpers in our youth area in last week’s MM, I did not know Hannah had helped the previous Sunday. So I humbly apologize and grovel for forgetting to mention Hannah. Is that good enough Hannah? 🙂 And no, she graciously said nothing. I told her mom ahead of time.
• Second, did you know that every Sunday some of our teenagers lead the young people in worship? No? Well you should know that Gracie and Mollie Wainscott, Emily Wyatt, Micah Nally and Justin Chandler (runs the Power Point for them) do that. They come early on Sunday afternoons to practice before Roots and then early on Sunday mornings to set up. I love that our teens are involved in such a meaningful way. Thank you teens for leading the way!
• Third, each week two ladies help at the check in desk. They may not be young people, but the fact they are helping in the youth area classifies them as such. (You can pay me later MJ and Kori). Mom and daughter make sure all the children and parents are taken care of every Sunday by checking them in and giving them their name tags. Some may not think it is important but not this guy! Nor Ryan! Nor any parent who has children entrusted to us on Sunday morning. Thank you MJ and Kori for being consistent and steady in your appearance and ministry.

I’d like to let you know of something which is developing. In the past we have offered a Thanksgiving meal at the Lion’s Club from 11-1:00 on Thanksgiving Day. Covid has changed a lot of things and one of those is the meal this year. We have decided to only offer delivery or curbside pick-up at OVCF this year. I will miss the personal interaction that we had with folks who came to eat lunch with us, but this is a good alternative for this crazy year. However, this may not happen at all. Unless someone steps up as a coordinator for the meal by Wednesday, November 3^rd, we will have to cancel the meal. Jo, Tami and I will be in Ohio for Thanksgiving (Wednesday through Friday) so we will be unable to be involved on that day. We will be willing to help get you started and I will work with the person who steps up to be in charge of delivery. That really doesn’t leave much time but it can be done!! So if you are reading this and would be willing to oversee the meal, please let me know ASAP. We (Jo & I) plan to coordinate the Christmas breakfast so that meal is covered.

Operation Christmas Child is in full mode (more boxes are available). The church is donating money to Tri Kappa for their “Christmas Shopping for Kids” program. Christmas breakfast will happen (unless something alters that plan) and we plan to give bags of food to those who need them.

Here is some great news!  Our offering last week (Anniversary Sunday) was over $4800. We divided the money evenly between Operation Heal Our Patriots, Dottie’s Refuge (a local women’s ministry), and a clinic in Liberia, where Frog is working hard to get the clinic open. Thank you so much for being so generous.

This Sunday’s sermon is on “What about Searing Loss?”  I’d love to have you check in-either in person or online.  Until then, know you are loved.

Pastor Bill