Category: OVCF News

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #271

Hello everyone and welcome to Midweek Message #271. I’m so glad to be able to spend this short amount of time with you today. Thanks for “inviting me” to your inbox.

As many of you know, Jo and I were not there Sunday. I have shared with you that originally Jo and I had plans to be in Phoenix to honor my friend, Dave, at his celebration of life, but the airlines being “up in the air” about flights and cancellations changed all of that. Since we had already made plans for Pastor Ryan to preach, I wanted to stay with that plan, so Jo and I attended church in Martinsville with our friends Ryan and Amanda Spires. They were here when we celebrated our 21st anniversary several weeks ago and took a walk through our new addition. This was a perfect time for us to worship and spend time with them. I missed being here with you, but appreciated the week off. I’m sure Ryan did a good job.

Speaking of anniversaries: I missed one last week. Actually, I ran out of room but I want to share a milestone with you. On 11/1/2005 OVCF hired Diana to become the new church secretary. (MJ Ramsay had been doing it previously). On 11/5/2005 I was officially hired as the pastor. Our first full weeks were almost simultaneous (she was one week earlier learning the ropes from MJ). So this month, and this time of the month specifically, is officially our 20th anniversary serving OVCF together. I have worked with several church secretaries in my 50+ years in ministry and can honestly say that Diana has been the best of all. (I know she is proofing this and will want to change that but I will hold my ground on this one!) We have seen a lot of water flow under the bridge. From our first office in the building owned by her parents next to Casey’s; to our time at the Sports Complex for worship; to the short stints at OVMS, especially after the flood of ’08; to searching diligently for a place to call home; to finding and purchasing this current building; to the remodel of our current building in 2012 (we could tell you stories 🙂); to hiring Ryan in 2014; to the youth addition being built in 2018; to saving for the past 7 years to be able to be able to build our current addition; to hiring Hannah part-time; to…well, let’s just say I could go on. Diana puts in far more hours than you might think and does it well. I’m honored to be part of this staff, especially working alongside Diana for so many years. And btw: we haven’t always agreed on things, but I’ve learned she always wins.  🙂See? I are smart!!

Okay on to other important matters. Our educator of the week starts a series of Homeschool moms beginning with Christine Chambers. She and Jimmy have been married 15 years and are parents to Eliza (12), Isabella (9), Alexander (7), and Arionna (3). Those four keep Christine hopping with various extra-curricular activities, as well as teaching full-time. Along with that, Christine can also be found helping Jimmy with the restaurant. Whew! I think I need to take a nap.

YOUTH NEWS

• • • Congrats to Akaydia Beckwith and Cooper Wood! They were chosen for the OVMS True Patriot Award. The award recognizes those who demonstrate Perseverance, Academic Excellence, Tenacity, Character, Loyalty and Respect.
    • Meilynn Hess won the Fall Photo Contest at McCormick’s Creek State Park for her picture of the waterfall! There were 200+ entries! Way to go, Meilynn!
    • Backpack Buddies. We will collect non-perishable food for our school children now- December 7. If you have any questions, please ask Diana. You may call the church office (812.828.9840) or email her (secretary@ovcf.org). We have a list of specific items needed (at the info table), but I will also include it below. We will deliver these in time for Christmas break. Here is that list of items they need:
      • • • • • • • • • • • Little Debbie snack cakes
                          • Rice Krispies treats
                          • Fruit snacks
                          • Snack-size chips, pretzels, goldfish crackers
                          • Cookie or cracker packs
                          • Mac & Cheese cups
                          • Noodle soup cups
                          • Cereal cups
    • Many thanks to Geoff Biggs for delivering our shoeboxes to Sherwood Oaks on Monday! We collected 115 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child! 🙂 Thank you!

Don’t forget

• • • This Wednesday, November 19th at 6:00 is our OVCF family pitch-in!
    • The church office will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday and Friday, the 27th & 28th.
    • A Night of Christmas Worship on Sunday, December 21st at 6:00. I will tell you more about this night in the coming weeks. We look forward to seeing you that evening!

The month of October was designated Pastor Appreciation Month years ago by Focus on the Family. It was designed for churches to recognize their pastors for their service. We have never publicized it or made a big deal about it for various reasons. However, I recently read an article titled “How Can I Pray for You?” Here is my answer to that question:

1. 1. 1. Pray that I would find a daily joy in my relationship with God. (Ps.42:1; Mt. 5:6)
      2. Pray that I would not settle for a second rate relationship with Jesus, but will continually grow in holiness and godliness. (I Tim. 4:8; I Peter 5:3)
      3. Pray that I would prioritize prayer and my study of the Word. (I Tim. 4:1-2)
      4. Pray for my marriage and that I will love Jo sacrificially and my children (although they are adults) unconditionally. (Eph. 5:25-30)
      5. Pray that I will love the lost and serve OVCF zealously and sacrificially. (Acts 20:28; Mt. 22:39)
      6. Pray that I will preach God’s Word boldly and without compromise. (2 Tim. 4:2-5)

If you pray those items for me and over me, I would be a most happy man and know that I am being the pastor God wants me to be.

My sermon for this coming Sunday is I Am Not Ashamed from Romans 1-16. I will, Lord willing, see you then. Until then, know you are loved.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #270

Hello everyone and welcome to Midweek Message #270. I hope you are experiencing a fantastic week! Before I go any further, though, first things first. Can anyone please tell me what that white stuff was that was coming down out of the sky Sunday afternoon and Monday morning? Seriously? Already? It is just the middle of November!! 🙂

Please pray for our educator of the week: Cristi Wood. Cristi has been teaching for 15 years. She was at Head Start for 11 and this is her 4th year at MCES. She has been married to Mike for 20 years and they have three children: Kloee, a senior at Indiana State; CJ a 7th grader at OVMS; and Auggie, a 4th grader at MCES. Kloee hopes to teach at MCES in the future. Cristi’s preschool class is one Pastor Ryan reads to each month as part of the Book Buddies program he and I are part of.

Yesterday was Veterans Day. In honor of that, I would like to list the men of OVCF who serve/have served in the military: Logan Cain, Ethan Chesser, Tony Courson, Bruce Davis, Wayne Evans, Matthew Foster, Robert Herrington, Dick Hogan, Bob Jones, Ryan Keene, Matthew Lehmann, Dexter Luck, Terrie MacMorran, Justin Mann, Chad Martin, Ray Monticue, Mark Murphy, Lucas Owens, David Samick, Wade Stoliby, Don Taylor, Ryan White, and Andy Wood. I have tried my best to include everyone. If I have missed someone please let me know. Thanks for your service!!

YOUTH NEWS

I have some pretty exciting news to share about a couple of our young ladies:

• • • Alli Anderson was honored at the Fall Sports Banquet this past week. Alli received the Leadership Award for her cross country team and was recognized for being Academic All-Conference. Mom added a “Proud of you, kiddo” at the end of the announcement.
    • Aubrey Mangia was recognized as Rookie of the Year and was awarded a varsity letter for the 2025 cross country season. Proud parents might have posted this on Facebook.
    • And here is something you will enjoy (and I share this with permission): after talking “smack” all week long, Aubrey and her dad, Tom, ran in a 5K this past Saturday in Indy. Guess who won? By a long shot! Let’s just say it wasn’t the smack talker (dad).  🙂

DID YOU KNOW?

• • • November 5, 2025, was “Back to the Future” day? If you have ever seen the movie when Marty goes back in time he looks at a newspaper dated November 5, 1955. I bet you didn’t know that!!  🙂
    • Did you also know that October 21st was “Back to the Future” day? (It is seen when they go into 2015). I know…thoroughly unnecessary trivia. Someone sent me screen shots of both of those historical events. They thought I might be interested. Hmmmm.  🙂
    • (To more serious matters): Our first meeting of those interested in a Special Needs Ministry as part of our children’s ministry here at OVCF was this past Monday night?
      Those attending were (in alphabetical order): Mary and Akaydia Beckwith, Tami Grandi, Angela Mayle, Hannah Morse, Carolyn Myers, Tad Nicholson, David and Adienne Robertson, Klaudia Stahl, Gavin and Jenna Wells, JuliAnne Wiegand, plus Hannah Pendleton, Pastor Ryan, and me. I’m excited to see how this will develop over time.
      There is still a lot of work ahead of us as we plan for this vital future ministry. Every one of the folks who were there have a passion for this group of young people.
    • Did you also know there is a Children’s Ministry Breakfast here at OVCF this coming Saturday? From Pastor Ryan: I bet you already know, but I just have to say it: We have an amazing team of ministry leaders and teachers! This Saturday they are gathering to celebrate what God is doing in our Kid’s Ministry and to continue growing as effective ministers with our kiddos. Would you pray for them? And for our families? If you would like to serve with our Kid’s Ministry team, I’d love to talk with you more and help you find the right fit and ministry for you!
    • Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes are due the 16th so they can be delivered to Sherwood Oaks (the collection point) on the 17th?
    • We have scheduled a church family pitch-in for Wednesday, November 19th at 6:00? We moved it up a week due to Thanksgiving Day being on the 27th. The pitch-ins have been a great opportunity to meet new folks, to laugh, share good food, and just to relax for an evening with friends and family.
    • The church office will be closed the 27th and 28th for the Thanksgiving holiday?
    • That we are participating in Backpack Buddies again? We will be collecting non- perishable food for our school children from November 16-December 7. Diana has printed out a list of needed items-that list is on the info table. I will include it in next week’s MM. You’re welcome to leave donations on the table in the hallway (the current shoebox location)!  🙂
    • We will be having a special Sunday night Christmas worship service on December 21st? It will start at 6:00, and will include singing of Christmas songs, communion and a closing candlelight service. I invite you to take a little bit of time to join your church family and friends to celebrate the birth of Christ.

We all experience disappointment from time to time. This past week Jo and I experienced it. Ever since my friend, Dave, passed away in September from his 18 month battle with a glioblastoma, we have anticipated and planned to be at his Celebration of Life this coming weekend. I purchased tickets several weeks ago and we have been corresponding with Susan about coming and how excited we were to see her and vice versa. But the government shutdown and the subsequent airline cancellations have affected our plans. I called and the agent said one of the early non-stop flights from Indy to Phoenix would be cancelled, but they did not know which one. So rather than mess with the possibility that our flight might get cancelled at the last minute, I rescheduled them for February of 2026. We are both disappointed we will be unable to go this weekend. But I have learned that God always has a purpose for what He does. Maybe I will be needed around here. Maybe Susan will need us more in February. There are supposed to be over 120 people in her house on Saturday. A February date will allow us to spend some personal time with her. The plan was for Pastor Ryan to preach this weekend and that is staying the same. Jo & I plan to visit another church with our friends, Ryan and Amanda Spires. We will miss being with you, but know you are loved.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #269

 Hello everyone and welcome to Midweek Message #269. Thanks for taking the time to read it. There is a lot of information to consider in this week’s MM. I will do my best to keep you up to date on all that is happening this month.

Please remember to pray for Rachel Nicholson, our educator of the week. Rachel has been teaching for 23 years and has been teaching special needs at MCES (inclusion teacher) for 4 years. She and her husband, Dale, have been married for 21 years and have one son, Tad, a 14 year old at OVMS. Tad is active in baseball and cross country.

SEVERAL CALENDAR ITEMS TO MARK DOWN:

• • • Monday, November 10th: A meeting for those interested in a Special Needs Ministry here at OVCF. The meeting will start at 6:00 and I will try hard to dismiss by 7:00. This meeting will be a brainstorming session to gather ideas for starting a special needs ministry as part of our children’s ministry. There will come a time when we will need to have this in place and it is vital that we begin planning now. I currently have 14 people who have expressed an interest in being involved. If you would like to see what is happening or would like to be included in the planning, please feel free to come to the meeting.
    • Sunday, November 16th: Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes are due.
    • Monday, November 17th: Delivery of shoeboxes to the collection site at Sherwood Oaks Christian Church. What a treat it will be to deliver 113 shoeboxes that will go to children all over the world.
    • Wednesday, November 19th: OVCF church family pitch-in. Due to the Thanksgiving holiday falling the next week on Thursday, we decided to move the pitch-in up a week.
    • Thursday-Friday, November 27th & 28th: The church office will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday.

YOUTH NEWS

• • • Several of our Sunday morning teachers in our children’s program gave up their Saturday last week to attend a training event in Columbus, IN. A total of 7 teachers went and I heard it was well worth it. Thanks to all of our teachers who attended! We are thankful for all of our teachers who volunteer their time in our children’s classes! 🙂
    • This coming Saturday is the Dare 2 Share Day of Global Youth Evangelism livestream for our Roots youth. It will take place at the East home from 10:30-5:00. Lunch will be provided. To RSVP or if you have questions, please contact Pastor Ryan (812.585.0545).
    • Saturday, the 15th, there is a Children’s Ministry Breakfast for all youth workers here at the church. If you have any questions please see Pastor Ryan or Hannah Pendleton.

This past Sunday, Aaron and Sonia Clausman spoke about their mission to Pakistan (she is from there). Due to the safety issue a video presents in the wrong hands, the information part was muted and not shown. Even though some of you were present, you were unable to write the information down and asked me how you could get it. With Aaron and Sonia’s permission it is included below:

Aaron Clausman
812.876.3057
aclausman@gmail.com
Sonia Clausman
812.391.8965
Nicerose239@gmail.com
pakistanshallbesaved.com

How you can partner with them:

1. 1. 1. Pray for us.
      2. Help us continue being the hands and feet of Jesus in Pakistan.

Late last year the elders began taking steps to foster new elders, but to also give those who were serving a chance to take a sabbatical (at least a year off). Before we started that process in earnest, Robert (Bobby) Anderson came on board as an elder. Last November, when the process was started, Jeff Carlson took a sabbatical. Jeff had been on the leadership team of OVCF since its inception in 2004. Jeff was able to take his sabbatical because of Bobby joining our team. Tom Mangia began serving as an elder which allowed Wayne Akerson to take his sabbatical. Wayne had served OVCF as an elder for over 4 years and his work schedule so it was the perfect time. This past Monday, Jeff Carlson returned to the eldership after his sabbatical had run its course. We are in discussion with a couple of other men who are considering becoming an elder. What you should know is that each man works through a two-session study with me. We study what an elder is; why we have a plurality of elders; what an elder does; with the final session on the characteristics/qualities of an elder according to I Timothy and Titus. It is not an issue we take lightly, just picking a “body to fill a spot.” We work together as men who love Jesus and love OVCF.

My sermon this week is Real Power on Display from John 9-Acts 6. I look forward to sharing that with you this Sunday. And just in case you don’t know or haven’t been told lately: you are loved.

Pastor Bill

MIDWEEK MESSAGE #268

Hello everyone and welcome to Midweek Message #268. It is always good to chat with you and let you know some of what is happening at OVCF and with the people of our church family.

SUNDAY IS A DAY FOR US TO REMEMBER!

• • • Our 21st anniversary celebration is now in the history books. It will go down as a day of joy, laughter, reminiscing, visits from old friends who came back to celebrate with us, new faces, food (lots of it), and a walk through of our new building with the chance to write Scripture or prayer requests on the exposed lumber. Thanks to everyone who contributed in some way and made it a day to remember.
    • Just FYI: I saw some of the requests on the stud walls and if any of them come to fruition it will most definitely be a day of rejoicing.
    • Before any online giving had been tabulated, we had over $8000 given toward the Building Fund to continue the work on our addition. With the online giving, a total of $9444.28 was given!!
      Thank you!! 🙂
    • We crossed the 200 barrier in attendance. I had one of our visitors say, “Now I know why you need to expand.” Confirmation from a new voice is nice.
    • What’s next? We are still waiting for the outside doors to come in and then be installed. When that happens HVAC will soon be installed, with electric and plumbing to follow.
    • The entryway from our current building to the new building will not be opened until the doors come in (they are expected in 4-5 weeks) and our HVAC is installed, due to security and heating. With the weather getting colder it would be hard to keep our current auditorium comfortable, as well as be cost effective.
    • Meanwhile, if you would ever like to walk through the building, we invite you to come when the office is open and take a walk through. As you do we ask that you pray as you do so for God to do a mighty work in that place and in His people who are meeting there. We are already praying for lives to be transformed.
    • We have always strived to keep you informed and up-to-date and promise to continue doing so either from the pulpit, through emails, or through the MM.
    • Oh, by the way: here are some of the comments on the post-it-note board in the new addition. People were asked to comment on their impressions/thoughts.
      • • • 1 Service! More room to grow 🙂
          • I like 1 srvic (a younger child…at least I hope) 🙂
          • More open and meeting new people
          • More room for the pre-school class!! (heart emoji)
          • One service. Meet new people
          • Room for a fellowship area, space for growth (heart emoji)
          • Designated meeting space for adults that isn’t the children’s classrooms
          • Can’t wait to get to know more of my church family better! (heart emoji). Excited for space to serve others
          • I’m so looking forward to see the early service people we started with 21 years ago! Praise God for what HE has done. May we make Him proud.

Don’t forget to pray for Angela Mayle as our educator of the week. Angela is the inclusion teacher for the Kindergarten classes at SES. She helps students who are struggling with the basic foundations-spelling, math and reading. She has been married to Brent for 25 years and they have one daughter, Addison, a junior at OVHS. When Jo and I go to SES to read to the K classes it is not unusual to see Angela sitting on the floor cross-legged teaching the kids. I said Sunday that she has my ultimate respect for 3 reasons: 1) she is sitting on the floor; 2) she is sitting cross-legged; and 3) she can still get up from the floor! 🙂

YOUTH NEWS

• • • Several of our young people were given the Top Cat Award for this past 9 weeks of school. The Top Cat is given to students who are helpful, friendly, and show the school’s life skills. Congratulations to Sophia Kropack and Brantley Schneider for their award!
    • Tanner Wood has been chosen as VP of the Student Council at SES. That deserves a Big High 5 (which I got Sunday).
    • The Girl’s Cross Country season came to an end in Brownsburg this past Saturday. Alli Anderson and Aubrey Mangia ran well and both set significant PRs, going under 22 minutes. But no one advanced. Liam Hogan, a friend of many of our young people, also had a big PR and went below 17 minutes, but did not advance. Tom Mangia, Aubrey’s father, said they had a good day, but it is probably the toughest regional in the state.
      Well done and great season Alli and Aubrey!

Have you remembered to be praying for Anna East? Anna is serving with YWAM (Youth With A
Mission) in New Zealand until the middle of February.

I thought it was pretty cool when Sonia Clausman, Aaron’s wife and Elijah and Abigail’s sister-in- law, was able to share that when she was a child she was a recipient of an Operation Christmas Child shoe box!! We have said all along that in addition to receiving a shoe box, each child also receives a gospel booklet in their language of God’s love for them. Sonia’s family still lives in Pakistan and her father pastors a church there. An added bonus: this coming Sunday Aaron and Sonia are going to share their love for mission work, especially in Pakistan. They will be speaking about 10-15 minutes in each service. I look forward to hearing more. Join us please.

My sermon Sunday is The Impact of One Life from Luke 19-John 8. I’ll give you a preview. I’m going to speak about 5 lives that were changed by Jesus and why. See if you can figure out the 5. See you then. Know you are loved. 🙂
Pastor Bill

P.S. My 2026 theme: STILL THE ONE! More info coming!!