Celebrations are a good thing.
Celebrations of anniversaries are a good thing.
Celebrations of a church anniversary is a good thing.
This Sunday the church I pastor is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Truthfully, it is about 2 weeks late due to Fall Break (which takes a ton of people away) being during the actual day of celebration (the 14th). We made the right decision to hold off our celebration because the past two Sundays saw a lot of folks out of town because Fall Break encompassed them both.
OVCF was started by some people who were tired of church as usual. They wanted to be free to to be free. If something wanted to be tried, try it. If it works, good; if not, admit it and move on, but don’t be afraid to try something new. Over the past 10 years we have done that a lot. I came here in November of 2005 so just over a year had passed when I became the pastor. We’ve tried to focus on people not programs. We have been through a lot in the ten years, not all of it good, but God has been with us through thick and thin. I’m not going to repeat all of it here. If you are interested (I bet you are waiting with baited breath), you can catch the podcast of the message on the church website after worship this Sunday.
I realize there are plenty of pastors who wouldn’t change places with anyone. I was one who would UNTIL NOW. I told someone the other day one of the reasons I regret getting older is I am so enjoying the ministry now I wish I was younger. But then again, maybe my age is allowing me to sort through some things and figure out what is important and what is not.
I HAVE NEVER ENJOYED A MINISTRY MORE IN MY 40 YEARS THAN I HAVE THIS ONE.
Sunday I get to speak to the greatest people on the planet: the people (besides my own family and some lifelong friends) whom I love more than anyone else. I have never questioned whether I am to be here nor whether God wanted me to leave. Even though my family lives far away, there is a contentment which comes from knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt you are in the right place, for the right reason, and for the RIGHT PERSON.
Sunday will be special. A crowded facility (we are having one service). I fully anticipate an up-tempo and Christ-honoring worship time. I will be taking a look back at where we have been and then Ryan and I will be talking about the future here and here. I will be presenting the Building Team’s recommendation for expansion, then all of it followed by some of the best eating in the country. Oh yeah!
Thanks for your prayers for me….for us. Lord willing, there will be 10 more years of praising the King in Spencer.
What time are we eating?
Be about 12ish I think Jeff. You are more than welcome to join us. I would be honored to have you come. Let me know and I will look for you.
Congratulations, Bill! This is a wonderful moment for you and your church family! Can’t wait to see what God does in the future.
I truly believe that God asked my husband and I to move here to the mountains 2 1/2 years ago. But it’s been a hard adjustment. Sometimes I think the difficulties are because we ARE in the right place, for the right reason, and for the right person – GOD!
GOD BLESS!
Thanks Sharon. We are excited about it. What mountains do you live near? Are you farming, ranching, or what? Sometimes following God’s lead is not easy.
We’re in Southern California – and the surrounding terrain is too rocky for farming or ranching. But, all the same, it sure is beautiful!
I can feel your excitement and passion through your words more here than ever before. Knowing one’s place and one’s purpose is a joy beyond joys. I will be praying for you during my devotional time in the morning.
I hope it is evident Daniel. thanks so much for your prayers.
Bill I am excited for you and the church folks. There is peace even in the hard times when you know God wants you in the hard times. the things I have learned that count the most were learned in the hard times. Happy Anniversary to OVCF.
Totally agree Betty. We learn to enjoy the good times even more when we go through tough times.
Congratulations to you and your congregation!
I pray you and OVCF many more years in His service!
Thanks on both counts Stephen.
Congratulations – and I believe you’re a good pastor. I can tell by the comments people from your church have left on your blog 🙂 (At least, I thought they were from your church since they called you “Pastor Bill”)
Live long and prosper! 😀
Ironically Zee, the people who call me Pastor Bill on the blog are not usually from the church. 🙂 Here they mostly just call me Bill. I honestly don’t many of them read it.
Hi Bill! congratulations on your anniversary! It just warms my heart to read how much you enjoy your ministry. What a blessing to work in the first place, and then to completely enjoy it and know you are in the right place? That’s just priceless.
I hope you party hearty, dancing before the Lord who led you to your home!
Blessings,
Ceil
Thanks Ceil. I do hope my joy and love come through. We do plan to party, although I don’t think you want to see me dance.
Congratulations, Bill! Like Daniel, I can sense your excitement. You’re blessed to know you’re right where you’re supposed to be.
Blessings to you and your family there at OVCF …
Thanks David. As I have said to others, I am glad you can sense my excitement.
Celebrating with you brother, so happy to “see” God working around the country. Bless you and all you do for the King!
It is good to see God working around the country my friend. I love seeing what He is doing in you and your ministry as well.
Oh, Bill! This sounds like such a fun and exciting Sunday for you and your congregation. God’s richest blessings on you and all God’s people there at OVCF!
I sure hope and plan for it to be a fabulous Sunday Pam. Thanks.
Wow, Bill! Warmest, most joy-fueled blessings as you and your people celebrate all He is and all He’s done.
Truly delighted for you, man …
And celebrate Him we will. 😛
This is awesome, Bill. OVCF sounds a lot like Church of the Cove.
One of these days maybe I will be able to visit. That would be fantastic! Thanks Larry. I consider that a compliment.
Man, that’s awesome to hear. Congrats!
My church actually celebrated a milestone within the last few weeks as well – our 100th birthday. It’s a fairly large church now so it was really interesting to hear more and see pictures of the church so long ago – a tiny little building in what was then a very rural area.
100 is far more fantastic Loren. Not many churches are still alive and kicking and making a difference at that age. That is really cool.