How’s that for an educated heading? Nothing earth-shattering in this post. Just two items I wanted to pass along.
First…Sunday afternoon at lunch one of our Sunday teachers came to tell me that we taught the same lesson Sunday. She veered from the regularly scheduled one (is she allowed to do that? 🙂 ) to teach on the 10 lepers. But after watching this, I think her kids had more fun learning than the adults did. Enjoy!!
Second, I have often bragged about the church I pastor. You may actually get tired of hearing about it. But I HAVE to do it this time!! Bear with me please. After reading Shaken Awake by Allen Madding, God touched my heart for those in Owen County who face tough times. We have families who go hungry; some who live in the woods; some who are alone; etc. While meeting with the ladies from the Owen County Chamber of Commerce (Gwen, Brandi & Cassandra) last Thursday about this issue, they asked me if I knew of any church having a Thanksgiving dinner. I did not and found NO ONE was having one. No organization whatsoever! That afternoon I felt a heavy weight on my heart and it didn’t lift until I had made a few phone calls, secured a location (Lion’s Club), and the necessary okay to go ahead with having a dinner. Sunday when I announced it, people came out of the woodwork willing to help (set up, serve, cook, clean up, money). I was blown away once again by the generosity of “my people.” (Yes, I know they are God’s, but I love these people so much I feel like they are “mine.”). Thursday from 11-1:00 we are serving whoever comes through the doors a FREE Thanksgiving dinner!!
Is that not worth writing and shouting about??? My lovely wife has taken on the task of organizing the effort. She will have earned a well-deserved Thanksgiving Day nap. 🙂 OVCF! You guys rock! You have outdone yourselves again! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I am impressed. And I don’t impress easily. I wish I didn’t have plans and could join in. Thanks Bill. And Thanks to “your” people. You just may be winning the hearts of Owen County.
I would LOVE to have you join us Jeff but understand. Your comment made my heart “feel” good. Thanks Jeff and have a Happy Thanksgiving.
You would have enjoyed being there Jeff. I’m going to write about it.
If this story doesn’t warm the cockles (whatever they are), then what could. Good job following where you have been led.
Thanks Daniel. I’m hoping we reach a ton of people with a little warm food and lots of love. hoping you have a thanksgiving filled with God’s abundance.
Always love hearing about “your” church, Bill.
Thanks Larry. And I love talking about it. 🙂
That’s great, Bill. Love when the church is the church…go ahead and brag on them Bill. Good stuff! Happy Thanksgiving
It is nice to see the church do its thing. 🙂 Hoping you and your family have a great day as well.
So blessed to read this, Bill. I know it is going to be a great feast. Have a very happy Thanksgiving! God is so good, isn’t He?
So good to hear from you Melanie! Glad it gave you the excitement it gave me to write about it. And yes He is good. Hope you and your family experience God’s abundant mercy and grace.
Hi Bill! I think that’s what good leaders do. They hear the needs, and try their best to fill them. Yes, we should shout thanksgiving to your wonderful church, but also to you. You listened to your heart, and started that ball rolling! What a wonderful pastor of the flock.
May God bless you and yours this Thanksgiving as you serve the needy, and see yourself in every guest.
Blessings!
Ceil
Thanks for the kind words Ceil. I like that: see yourself in every guest. I hope we have so many the place is crowded to the gills. Hope you and your family have a Thanksgiving filled with God’s abundance.
Happy Thanksgiving, Bill and kudos to your church for organizing a free Thanksgiving Dinner on short notice. May God bless your efforts!
Thanks Pam. Praying for a good bunch to come through the doors. Hoping for God’s blessings upon you and your family.
I am in tears. This is soon amazing. God bless yall. Happy Thanksgiving.
-Peace
While we didn’t serve the number you would and will, we did serve some Allen. Thanks again for the inspiration.
A huge applause for the people of OVCF and to the pastor who lead them. Our home church in LaGrange, Kentucky does that at Christmas…it’s a lovely way to get outside our box and get involved in others lives with some practical ways. I wanted to get to know the ones we invited stories. Thanks for sharing Bill, very encouraging.
Thanks for the kind words Betty. it was a good day.
Thank you Bill, for getting your “Pastor Up!” I wish many, if not all, churches across the country would follow suit!
Thanks Ed for the encouraging note. I would love to start a revolution.
That sounds awesome. I’m a little late to the party, but I hope it went well!
Better late than never. :)it went well.
This made me cry too, Pastor Bill. So thankful for you and how He leads you and your / His people!
Thanks Deb! You obviously have a tender heart.