Homecoming is Here!Dear Olivet Family and Extended Family, It has been a busy month. And in the end of May when things need to be done for the finishing touches of Homecoming, wouldn't you know, things go a little haywire. Last week coming into the office we were without Internet and phone. Being a shorter week due to the holiday weekend (Memorial day), Tuesday was spent on the phone trying to get our system back up and running. Thursday was the earliest we could get a tech out to look at things. Turns out, we were struck by lightning. It took out our modem and our internet line and our phones. Fortunately the copier/printer still was functioning and working but just not printing from computers. So troubleshooting was the order of events last week. I was grateful we had one more Sunday before homecoming for bulletins and directory's to be printed. Thursday did restore our internet and phone line, but today, June 1 - we replaced our phones with operating ones. Our internet line to our printer was replaced and it is now printing jobs from desktops. (If all of these sounds like Greek - believe me, some of it was for me too. It has been trial and error.) Aside from all these things our office is back up and running in normal order - for the most part. We are looking forward to Olivet's Homecoming this Sunday and looking forward to seeing you there. Business Meeting @ A GlanceThe May Business Meeting had... Pastor Search Committee: Tim Tucker has a candidate resume. They are out of Missouri. Has been in communication and wants to get together with the committee regarding him. Tim has a few more questions he wants to go over. Old Business: Ed Wallace of the Finance Committee and recommendation from the church council. They are looking at Signcrafters LED sign for $31,850... Lowest bid. Motion Passed without opposition. Being no other business, the meeting came to an end. Announcements:Father's Day - June 21st US Army Birthday/ Flag Day - June 14 Crafting for Jesus - Ladies Craft Group meets every Tuesday at 10am in the Fellowship Hall. (except the 2nd Tues.) Ladies Morning Out - Ladies visit our Homebound Members - June 9, 10:30AM Men's Breakfast - every Tuesday at Milton's McDonald's at 8AM Church Council:June 8 , 11:30AM Deacon Meeting: June 9, 6PM Business Meeting: June 10, 6PM Food Pantry: Prep Day - June 25 at 9:30AM & Distribution June 27, 9- 11AM - due to Memorial Holiday Prayer Needs:*God would guide Olivet to His choice for next full time pastor and provide what is needed.
* God's Mercy and protection on the USA and our leaders * God's protection on our military and law enforcement. * Awakening in USA for need of repentance and God *God's Mercy and protection on Israel *Protection over members having surgeries and recuperating from surgeries. *Restoration of health to our ill members.
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Examination and Maintaining by J.Smith The month of April began with a good Easter celebrating our Risen Lord and King. We had 99 in attendance. Then following Easter week was the week of meetings: Church Council and Business meeting. During these meetings the church has decided to pursue having VBS again this summer in the same manner as it was last summer. We would host it two Wednesday nights out of June. Those wishing to participate in helping with Olivet’s VBS 2026 are invited to attend the Preparatory meetings following prayer meeting on May 17 and 24. Another item of note, the church is still looking forward to replacing our current sign with a new LED one which would be easier to change and provide more ability to promote church activities. And in regards to membership in the course of the last month, Five new members have joined. Some joined Sunday morning, some joined Sunday evening and some even joined on a Wednesday night. The Lord is working at Olivet. An item of housekeeping was addressed for the church office. The office ventilation ducts were cleaned Easter week. In the cleaning process and searching for the cause of some breathing difficulties, an old manila envelope was discovered in one vent that had molded into the shape of the vent having been up there for at least 12 years and more. Also, in the cleaning process a piece of cardboard was discovered blocking air flow and one air duct was disconnected entirely and blowing air into the attic. So, it was a good reminder to perform maintenance cleaning to keep an environment healthy. As with building upkeep, so too in the Christian walk it is important to do as Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 13:5 – “Examine yourself whether ye be in the faith.” Are we genuine in our love for Jesus or just going through the motions? We were once excited about fellowshipping with other believers and now don’t wish to be bothered? How about being quick to yield to the Lord’s word or resistant? Some of these questions can help you see how close or far you have grown to the Lord. A good book that helps in establishing assurance and evidences for what a true believer looks like is I John. A short 5-chapter book but it covers many concerns that help in evaluating our walk. Another good book is James – it too is a short book, but it covers many practical ways our faith should be evident inside and out. And just like Spring Cleaning clears out the blockages like our envelope and cardboard in the ducts, so examining our walk helps to clear away those things that may be hindering our walk – and to get right is as easy as asking the Lord in prayer. Business Meeting @ a Glance The April business meeting had... Old Business - Sign - Currently Olivet has saved a good amount for a new sign. In seeking out bids, we have received 3 from A+ Signs, Signcrafters and Yesco. We have also reached out to Stewart - but have not received a response as well as BestLEDSigns.com. New Business - None Being no other business, the meeting came to an end. Announcements: Mother's Day - May 10th Memorial Day - May 25 - Office Closed Crafting for Jesus - Ladies Craft Group meets every Tuesday at 10am in the Fellowship Hall. (except the 2nd Tues.) Ladies Morning Out - Ladies visit our Homebound Members - May 19, 10:30AM Men's Breakfast - every Tuesday at Milton's McDonald's at 8AM Church Council: May 11, 11:30AM Deacon Meeting: May 12, 6PM Business Meeting: May 13, 6PM Food Pantry: Prep Day - May 28 at 9:30AM & Distribution May 30, 9- 11AM - due to Memorial Holiday PRAYER NEEDS: *God would guide Olivet to His choice for next full time pastor and provide what is needed.
* God's Mercy and protection on the USA and our leaders * God's protection on our military and law enforcement. * Awakening in USA for need of repentance and God *God's Mercy and protection on Israel *Protection over members having surgeries and recuperating from surgeries. *Restoration of health to our ill members. Blessed Stillness by J. Smith The month of March has moved quickly. Here we are approaching Palm Sunday and Easter week. At Olivet, the Ladies craft group had much participation in creating glittering key chains and veteran's quilts. This month schools let out for Spring Break, and many folks hit the road for the week - including our Pastor Chip and his family only to be snowed in North Georgia. Upcoming this next Sunday is Palm Sunday, and the service will focus on our Lord's final week before His work at the cross. The church will have a Palm Sunday fellowship following the morning worship along with an Easter egg hunt for the kids in the congregation. There will be no PM service that evening. Easter Sunday we will celebrate our risen Lord's victory in paying for our sins and justifying us before the Heavenly Father. The Olivet choir will sing their Easter musical, "The Resurrection Story" during the AM service. There will be no PM service that night. So, as you can tell it has been another busy month. The Facilities team has been keeping the church in order and will be assisting at Hobbs Middle soon with their upcoming projects. With all this happening here, then there are the international events with the USA, Israel and Iran. continue to pray protection and mercies over our troops and wisdom for our leaders, and that victory will be granted soon. With all of life's busyness, I think of a quote by missionary and author, Elisabeth Elliot, who said, "The devil has made it his business to monopolize on three elements: noise, hurry and crowds. He will not allow quietness." And I don't know about you, but I feel this way most days - hurried. To counter the noise, hurry and crowds for His disciples Jesus told them to come aside by themselves and rest. And Psalm 46:10 says to be still and know that He is God, for He will exalt Himself among the nations and in the earth. So when overwhelmed, rushed, pressed, and exhausted, I realize my neglect of my Savior, and make time to be still , pray or reach scripture. He tells me to cast my cares upon Him, and so I do. He knows what needs to be done each day, and He gladly carries my burdens and me. What a Great Savior! Business Meeting @ A Glance The March business meeting had... Old Business - None discussed New Business - Annie Armstrong Goal set Being no other business, the meeting came to an end. Announcements: Resurrection Sunday - Olivet Musical in AM service - Apr 5 Crafting for Jesus - Ladies Craft Group meets every Tuesday at 10am in the Fellowship Hall. (except the 2nd Tues.) Ladies Morning Out - Ladies visit our Homebound Members - Apr 14, 10:30AM Men's Breakfast - every Tuesday at Milton's McDonald's at 8AM Church Council: Apr 13, 11:30AM Deacon Meeting: Apr 14, 6PM Business Meeting: Apr 15, 6PM Food Pantry: Prep Day - Apr 23 at 9:30AM & Distribution Apr 25, 9- 11AM Prayer Needs: *God would guide Olivet to His choice for next full time pastor and provide what is needed.
* God's Mercy and protection on the USA and our leaders * God's protection on our military and law enforcement. * Awakening in USA for need of repentance and God *God's Mercy and protection on Israel *Protection over members having surgeries and recuperating from surgeries. *Restoration of health to our ill members. Run the Race by J. Smith The month of February has proven itself true in being a short month. Here we are on the verge of March at the end of the week. Throughout the course of this month, the pastor has continued his new series on 2 Peter – the Growth Epistle. Having wrapped up dealing with False Teachers, he will be heading into Chapter 3 regarding Christ’s Return. If interested in listening and not able to be in attend on Sunday mornings – all AM sermons are posted Monday to the church website: www.olivet.us/sundaysermons.html. The Pastor Search Committee is working towards finding the Full Time Pastor the Lord has for Olivet. Please be in prayer that the Lord would guide and protect in this process. In more international news for the month the Winter Olympic Games have come and gone. I know some folks didn’t really get into watching the games, and I understand. I liked tuning in to watch some of the competitions – the skiing always amazes me as I never have been. One course the skier was speeding 75 mph down the hill. That could be frightening if you don’t know how to stop correctly. The speed skating competitions were interesting in seeing the speed but also stamina required. We even had an athlete from Crestview in women’s speed skating who won bronze for the USA. But one story of one young man who was an ice skater for the US stuck with me most, his parents were killed in the airline – helicopter crash over the Potomac a year ago. In the bio piece the network did on him, I learned he did ice skating coaching to children just as his parents did. He said that was therapy for him after their death. I could understand how it was a healthy therapy – he was having to think about others, and in doing so helped him through his grief. I don’t know if he won any medals, but the night I watched he did a performance that was flawless, and he was proud of it dedicating it to his folks. I was happy for him. As believers we are striving for the prize and rewards of heaven. Hebrews 12:1 says, “let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Like the Olympians who had to put pleasures aside in order to train focused on the goal of competing in the Olympics with the ultimate goal of medaling, we too are to be focused on the goal of eternal rewards and winning souls for our Lord. And even when we blunder, our Lord is still able to use us just as He did the apostle Peter. Because our God can work all things together for good (Rom. 8:28) So, may we run well for our Lord and King Christ Jesus. Business Meeting @ a Glance The February business meeting ... Reports were received. Old Business - None New Business - None Being no other business the meeting came to an end. Announcements: Crafting for Jesus - Ladies Craft Group meets every Tuesday at 10am in the Fellowship Hall. (except the 2nd Tues.) Ladies Morning Out - Ladies visit our Homebound Members - Mar. 10, 10:30AM Men's Breakfast - every Tuesday at Milton's McDonald's at 8AM Church Council: Mar. 9, 11:30AM Deacon Meeting: Mar. 10, 6PM Business Meeting: Mar. 11, 6PM Food Pantry: Prep Day - Mar. 26 at 9:30AM & Distribution Mar 28, 9- 11AM Palm Sunday: Mar. 29 - Fellowship and Easter Egg Hunt Prayer Requests: *God would guide Olivet to His choice for next full time pastor and provide what is needed.
* God's Mercy and protection on the USA and our leaders * God's protection on our military and law enforcement. * Awakening in USA for need of repentance and God *God's Mercy and protection on Israel *Protection over members having surgeries and recuperating from surgeries. *Restoration of health to our ill members. Love, Pray & Keep Looking Up by J. Smith The month of January – the beginning of a new year- at Olivet has been quieter. But, it has provided a chance to plan for the coming year. Around property the wait for the LED lights is over, as they are now installed and greatly illumine the parking lots at night. (However, it is affecting a neighbor behind us, so pray that we can find a remedy that will work.) Like last January, we awoke Sunday, Jan. 18 with a dusting of snow in Florida on the day the service emphasized the Sanctity of Life – both are miracles of God. Moving forward, the Pastor Search Committee has several candidates they are evaluating and hoping to speak with one. Please be in prayer for this that the Lord would have His way. As we are taking things day by day, it seems the world around us is growing more and more chaotic. By the looks of things 2 Tim. 3:13web is coming to pass, “But evil men and imposters will grow worse and worse deceiving and being deceived.” Since I was a little girl, I have seen an exponential increase in lawlessness, but especially it has become visible and shameless in the last five years. For instance, I can sit at a stop light and see multiple cars blatantly run a red light – not scraping by on the tail end of a yellow but the light is red before their tires hit the intersection. There is no thought of other drivers just selfishness. It reminds me of what Jesus said in Matt. 24:12web, “Because iniquity (sin, wickedness, etc.) will be multiplied the love of many will grow cold.” I believe we are seeing this begin to play out in our days. All one has to do is watch the evening or national news. Even Isaiah 5:20web is on full display too and God will deal with such people as He warns, “WOE to those who call evil good and good evil…” So with all this uncertainty and evil, what should our mindset be for 2026? According to scripture the Lord would have us loving, praying and looking up. Matt. 5:44web –Jesus commands, “But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you.” - You may wonder how do we love such hateful people? Because we know the bigger picture – eternity, and apart from Christ all men are doomed. So, we love knowing they don’t know who they belong to, and we pray that the Lord will remove the blinders. Why look up? Because Jesus is coming soon. Titus 2:13web – “We wait for our blessed hope- the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” And you know, if you are looking for Him, there is even a reward – 2 Tim. 4:8, but I’ll let you look that up for yourself. As we begin 2026, may we shine as lights in our dark world and love, pray and keep looking up. Business Meeting @ a Glance The January business meeting ... Reports were received. Old Business - None New Business - None Being no other business the meeting came to an end. Announcements: Ladies Morning Out - Feb. 10 at 10:30 am Crafting for Jesus - Ladies Craft Group meets every Tuesday at 10am in the Fellowship Hall. (except the 2nd Tues.) Men's Breakfast - every Tuesday at Milton's McDonald's at 8AM Church Council: Feb. 9, 11:30AM Deacon Meeting: Feb. 10, 6PM Business Meeting: Feb. 11, 6PM Food Pantry: Prep Day - Feb. 26 at 9:30AM & Distribution Feb 28, 9- 11AM PRAYER REQUESTS: *God would guide Olivet to His choice for next full time pastor and provide what is needed.
* God's Mercy and protection on the USA and our leaders * God's protection on our military and law enforcement. * Awakening in USA for need of repentance and God *God's Mercy and protection on Israel *Protection over members having surgeries and recuperating from surgeries. May God Bless You This Christmas by J. Smith Here we are at the end of another year. How did we get here so fast? This year has been one of transformation for Olivet - having gone through the Deep Dive and applied principles learned, the church is moving forward. We have focused on Reaching, Relating and Raising People to Jesus as is our mission statement. We have people active and pursuing ways of reach their communities for Christ. Our Benevolence has faithful volunteers in serving those in need monthly in Milton. Olivet has grown in attendance with more families with children joining the church and attending. And into the new year, the Pastor Search Committee will be more active in pursuing a new full-time senior pastor. Please continue in prayer for the Lord to lead and guide and push Olivet through the doors He has for us while shutting the doors we don't need to go through. Sunday, Dec. 21 was Olivet's Christmas Cantata - Sing We Now of Christmas. The Children's choir also participated with singing some carols in the service in celebration of Christ's first coming. Then for Christmas Eve and Christmas day, New Years Eve and New Years Day Olivet will have no services and the church office will be closed in honor of the holidays. It brings to mind a song I learned when listing to a Bing Crosby Christmas album, and it's called "Christmas is a Comin'" and I have grown to appreciate it as one of my favorites because it captures the spirit of generosity and blessing as Christ was generous and blessed us when we had nothing to offer Him. One line from the song goes, "Christmas is a comin' and the lights are on the tree. How about a turkey leg for poor ol' me. If you haven't got a turkey leg, a turkey wing will do. If you haven't got a turkey wing, then God bless you." and the chorus goes: "God bless you gentlemen, God bless you. If you haven't got a thing for me, may God bless you." And isn't that why we celebrate - at the appointed time, God the Father sent His Son into the world, to be Son of God and Son of Man - available to all. All who had nothing but sin and darkness to offer, and yet, He came to rescue and bless us. Do you and your loved ones know the blessing of Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? He came, was born in a barn and then 33 years later died upon a Roman cross to pay for our sins. He rose again the 3rd day victorious - the punishment paid. All He asks of us is repent and believe. Merry Christmas! Business Meeting @ a Glance: The November business meeting had... Old Business - None discussed New Business - Tim T. presented the budget for 2026. Some discussion took place regarding Benevolence funding and how expenditures would first be paid from the budget and then would resort to the designated funds. Motion to accept the new budget was made by Jerrell T. and 2nd made by Sue W. Being no other business the meeting came to an end. Announcements: New Years Eve - Dec. 31 - Church Office Closed - No Service Ladies Morning Out - Jan. 13 at 10:30 am Crafting for Jesus - Ladies Craft Group meets every Tuesday at 10am in the Fellowship Hall. (except the 2nd Tues.) Men's Breakfast - every Tuesday at Milton's McDonald's at 8AM Church Council: Jan 12, 11:30AM Deacon Meeting: Jan. 13, 6PM Business Meeting: Jan. 14, 6PM Food Pantry: Prep Day - Jan .22 at 9:30AM & Distribution Jan .24, 9- 11AM Prayer Requests: *God would guide Olivet to His choice for next full time pastor and provide what is needed.
* God's Mercy and protection on the USA and our leaders * God's protection on our military. *God's Mercy and protection on Israel *Salvation Awakening at home and abroad. *Protection over members having surgeries and recuperating from surgeries. Thanksgiving by J.Smith November - the cotton harvest north of town has begun, and we are vast approaching the end of the month with our national celebration of Thanksgiving. This month at Olivet has been busy. Beginning on Nov. 2, the church had its annual Harvest Dinner at which they surprised the church staff by showing their appreciation. Another project ongoing since October has been the Operation Christmas Child. Olivet set the goal this year of finishing 50 shoe boxes to send. Instead, Olivet far exceeded their goal by turning in 71 boxes Nov. 16 - the deadline. Those 71 children will be a given a Christmas surprise and the message of the gospel in their own language thanks to the generosity of the members at Olivet. And, it is hard to believe, we will be celebrating Thanksgiving next week. A time we can reflect on all the ways the Lord has blessed and carried us through the trials, tribulations, joys and jubilations of 2025. Did you know it is God's will for us to give thanks? How can we have a grateful heart even in difficult times? These are some things the Lord has reminded me on this year: Romans 8:28 - "All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose." If you have accepted Christ Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior, this applies to you. We may not always understand all we are going through, but we can trust in the God who holds all in His hands, and He promises to work it for good. Matthew 28:20 - "I am with you even unto the end of the age." Jesus told this to His disciples, and it still stands for us today. We don't face this fallen, hateful world alone, but He is with us to help us. That is something to be grateful for. Job 2:10 -"...shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips." Job is our example in times when we just don't understand, but we keep clinging to our Lord. Perhaps the trial is God displaying His confidence in His people who will honor Him, defying Satan through adversity like Job did. Lastly, we can be grateful because this world that seems to be falling apart at the seams is not all there is. Revelation 22:12 - "And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be." Jesus promises that He is coming quickly and bringing His reward with Him. So, even in the hardships, it is a reminder that this world is just a stepping stone if you know Jesus Christ. He will be coming soon to claim His church, return to dealing with Israel, and then to set up His Kingdom. Is this not something to be grateful for - eternity with our loving Savior. Happy Thanksgiving. Business Meeting @ A Glance: The November Business Meeting After the reports from the various departments, there was... Old Business: None to discuss New Business: Goal for Lottie Moon set to $5,000. Being no other business the meeting came to an end. Announcements: Thanksgiving - Nov. 27 (Church Office Closed - Nov. 26-27) Dec. 14 - Florida Baptist Convention Speaker - Dr. Rummage in morning service Olivet Christmas Cantata - Dec. 21 morning service Christmas Eve - Dec. 24 - Church Office Closed - No Service Christmas Day - Dec. 25 - Church Office Closed - No Service New Years Eve - Dec. 31 - Church Office Closed - No Service Ladies Morning Out - postponed until the new year Crafting for Jesus - Ladies Craft Group meets every Tuesday at 10am in the Fellowship Hall. (except the 2nd Tues.) Men's Breakfast - every Tuesday at Milton's McDonald's at 8AM Church Council: Dec. 15, 11:30AM Deacon Meeting: Dec 16, 6PM Business Meeting: Dec. 17, 6PM Food Pantry: Prep Day - Dec. 18 at 9:30AM & Distribution Dec. 20, 9- 11AM Prayer Requests: *God would guide Olivet to His choice for next full time pastor and provide what is needed.
* God's Mercy and protection on the USA and our leaders * God's protection on our military. *God's Mercy and protection on Israel *Salvation Awakening at home and abroad. *Protection over members having surgeries and recuperating from surgeries. A Personally Involved Lord and God  by J.Smith Autumn has arrived in Milton, Florida. The pumpkin patches are in full swing, and the people are getting lost in corn mazes at the north end of the county. The peanuts are being harvested and soon in November so will the cotton crops. At Olivet Baptist another busy month is almost complete. Over the passing days, Olivet has begun its promoting and collecting of shoe boxes for Samaritan's Purse: Operation Christmas Child. The goal for this year was to fill 50 boxes. So far, a good amount have been returned already. The final return date is Sunday, Nov. 16. Also, this month was the Annual Santa Rosa Baptist Associational meeting. This year it was held at Cora Baptist in Jay, Florida. Bro. Chip and his wife, Janet, Ms. Shirley P. and Mr. Kenneth T. attended as messengers representing Olivet. October has been a creative month for our ladies too. The new crafting group - Crafting for Jesus - has been meeting every Tuesday (except for the 2nd Tuesday as to not compete with the Ladies Morning Out). The ladies have been at work creating "quilted hugs" which is a quilted shawl for our home bound members, and pillowcase dresses to give away in some of the shoe boxes. Even this upcoming Monday, Oct. 27 the ladies will have another bracelet workshop beginning at 9:30 am in the Fellowship Hall. Another item of interest was the baptism service that took place the last Sunday evening of September at one of our deacon's homes located on a cove on the Blackwater River. There several of our new members were baptized and some very unique photos were captured of the event. One that had people talking the most is this one highlighted here. It was a favorite because of the sun ray coming down on the folks in the water being baptized giving the impression of how personally involved our Lord is in the lives of His people - and the fact of the matter is, He is. I Peter 5:7 ASV - Casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He careth for you. Psalm 55:22a KJV - Cast thy burden upon the Lord and He will sustain thee. Both of these verses show the Lord's personal involvement, but also our need to cast our cares. Casting, being as we living in fishing territory, is like casting a net. You release your net - you release your care to Him telling the Lord all that burdens you and why. His word tells us if no one else seems to care - He Does. The Psalmist even testified that the Lord will sustain. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines "Sustain" as to give support or relief to; to supply with nourishment; to keep up, to support the weight of; to buoy up; and etc. The God of the universe makes the promise to those who fear Him, He will help. He is willing to be involved, but how often do we truly cast our cares on Him and leave it with Him? He is ready and willing to aid us. He is everyday protecting, directing, providing and seeing us through in many ways that we take for granted. As we head into the Thanksgiving season, we can be grateful for a compassionate Heavenly Lord who cares for us - individually. Business Meeting @ a Glance The October Business Meeting After the reports from the various departments, there was... Old Business: None to discuss New Business: None to discuss Being no other business the meeting came to an end. Announcements: Time Change - Nov. 2 - Fall Back 1 hour Marine Corp Birthday - Nov. 10 Veteran's Day - Nov. 11 Thanksgiving - Nov. 27 (Church Office Closed - Nov. 26-27) Ladies Morning Out - Nov. 11, 10:30AM Crafting for Jesus - Ladies Craft Group meets every Tuesday at 10am in the Fellowship Hall. (except the 2nd Tues.) Men's Breakfast - every Tuesday at Milton's McDonald's at 8AM Church Council: Nov. 10, 11:30AM Deacon Meeting: Nov. 11, 6PM Business Meeting: Nov. 12, 6PM Food Pantry: Prep Day - Nov. 20 at 9:30AM & Distribution Nov. 22 9- 11AM Prayer Requests: *God would guide Olivet to His choice for next full time pastor and provide what is needed.
* God's Mercy and protection on the USA and our leaders * God's protection on our military. *God's Mercy and protection on Israel *Salvation Awakening at home and abroad. *Protection over members having surgeries and recuperating from surgeries. Hold on to Your Crown by J. Smith September has been a month of life changing proportions. Going into it, we never imagined how it would play out. Usually, it is a month full of storm worries and preparations, and yet, this month has been strangely calm by God's mercy and grace - at least weather-wise. However, another storm was brewing the second week in September. A spiritual battle storm that would reveal itself before a nation and the world. The demise of Mr. Charlie Kirk came abruptly causing shock and heartache to many- especially to those in the Christian community. Mr. Kirk was in the adversary's sight - the adversary who goes about like a roaring lion (I Peter 5:8). Why? One reason was because he was bold for Christ Jesus, and he encouraged others to be as well. Satan cannot stand that. Since Mr. Kirk's untimely passing, his faithful witness for his Savior has only been broadcast all the more. And like a young Egyptian statesman told his guilt sick, shepherd brothers - what you meant for evil God meant for good. That statesman was Joseph, Jacob's son. So, as in Joseph's case, it has been seen these past few weeks what was born out of evil and hate only caused the gospel and the life changing effects of Christ in one's life to be all the more proclaimed. Even after watching the memorial Sunday, Bro. Chip admitted he's never heard so many political figures proclaim Christ Jesus. And only by being filled with God's Holy Spirit could a grieving widow, Mrs. Kirk, have the strength to speak before myriads of souls and declare Jesus Christ who forgives, and because of His forgiveness, she could forgive the man who assassinated her husband. That was the Lord in His people on display for a viewing world to see. Are we living so closely to our Lord Jesus that we think like He wants when the tragedies of life are allowed to strike? (Even in Job we see that satan claimed Job's devotion was merely store bought but bring agony and he would curse and abandon God. God knew the character of Job, and that His man's faith was genuine and would prove satan wrong.) The days are short. Evil men will grow worse and worse according to scripture. Jesus exhorts us to know He is coming soon and let no one detour you and take your crown by wrong teaching or lethargy for Him. (Rev. 3:11) Let us repent, believe and live for the Lord who died to save us from an eternity of torment meant for the devil, and may we be found faithful to hear Him say to us, "Well done good and faithful servant...Enter into the joy of your Lord." (Matt. 25.23). Business Meeting @ A Glance The September business meeting had... Old Business: The benevolence has been cleaned. New Business: Nominatons for Deacons- have at least 3 men nominated. Vote will take Sunday morning, Sept. 28. SRBA Annual Meeting - Oct 19 - need 5 church messengers. There will be no PM service that night. The even will be held at Cora Baptist in Jay FL. Messengers to represent Olivet: Bro. Chip and Janet F., Tim and Susan T., Shirley P., and alternate Keith T., Motion to accept these names to be messengers for Olivet made by Mike W., 2nd by Charles G., Motion approved. Committee Changes- Donna C. announced for Security Team, that Scott R. had stepped down from his positions. Keith T. agreed to join the committee and now just needs to be approved by the nominating committee. Also, Ed W. is nominated as an Assistant Treasurer. Motion to approve him for the position if the Nominating Committee agrees - Mike W. 2nd Shirley P. Motion approved. Being no other business, the meeting came to an end.
Announcements: Ladies Morning Out - Oct. 14, 10:30AM Crafting for Jesus - Ladies Craft Group meets every Tuesday at 10am in the Fellowship Hall. (except the 2nd Tues.) Men's Breakfast - every Tuesday at Milton's McDonald's at 8AM Church Council: Oct. 13, 11:30AM Deacon Meeting: Oct 14, 6PM Business Meeting: Oct. 15, 6PM Food Pantry: Prep Day - Oct. 23 at 9:30AM & Distribution Oct 25, 9- 11AM Prayer Needs: *God would guide Olivet to His choice for next full time pastor and provide what is needed.
* God's Mercy and protection on the USA and our leaders * God's protection on our military. *God's Mercy and protection on Israel *Salvation Awakening at home and abroad. Fear and Faith by J. Smith August - the hot sweltering month and the end of summer for students and teachers. At Olivet it has been another busy time. On Aug. 4, ten members were able to attend the prayer walk at Hobbs Middles School at 8am. They walked the grounds praying for the students and teachers and the new school year. They also treated the teachers to some donuts for their first Monday back. The following Monday, Aug. 11, the big day arrived, and students returned to the classrooms. Last week was busy at Olivet too, because of the Church council meeting, Monday; Deacon's meeting, Tuesday; and the church's business meeting, Wednesday. With busyness and change comes a certain amount of trepidation or fearfulness. Life is that way here on earth - there are job insecurities, financial strains, health issues - all that can test the saint of God. But it is during those times the Lord is watching to see do we come to Him with our troubles and trust, or do we continue hanging on to our troubles and fret. Fretting seems to be a natural default for many, myself included. But this year, the Lord has brought my family through some health scares, and in the moment all I could do was get on my knees and plead the promises that God has provided in His word and confess the things that scared me most. In the moments of being scared and not understanding, I could lean on my Savior and God, because I knew He had a reason. My job was to do my best to abide in Him and trust Him to do what He said He would do. And even in the moments of weariness, I had to tell Him, I needed Him to carry my burdens because I didn't have the strength. And He did. Those days still have the same uncertainties as the days before, but the Lord carried my burdens because my soul did not feel weighted down or weary. We serve a gracious and great God. The first part of 2 Chronicles 16:9 kjv says, "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him." In other words, the Lord is waiting for the opportunity to help and bless us if we are loyal to HIm, trusting in Christ our Savior. As a new school year and church year begins, may we serve our Lord loyally and see HIm show HImself strong. Business Meeting @ a Glance The August Business Meeting had... Old Business - New Sign: prices ranging $17,000-40,000. Talked with Church council - they recommend moving the van money that was moved to the general fund to a designated line item for a new church sign. ... Judy G mad the motion to move the van money from the general fund to a designated line item. 2nd made by Tony R. Motion passed with no opposition. New Business - Deacons: Policies and Procedures for the Deacons requires that after 3 years a re-vote is needed. This is to nominate and vote for deacons. Those rotating off can be re-voted upon and new names can be added. Men rotating off: Roland H., Mike W., Bruce F., In September they will present Deacons for vote. By procedure any one can nominate or submit a name to the church or deacons. Next the Deacons will examine them. An individual can nominate twice as many men as are needed. Nominate up to 6 men. Olivet needs 4 men as deacons at the least. Being as there was no other business, the meeting came to an end. Olivet Announcements: Ladies Morning Out - Sept. 9 at 10:30 am Patriot's Day - Sept. 11 Men's Breakfast - Every Tuesday at Milton's McDonalds @ 8 am. Church Council: Sept. 15 at 11:30am Deacon's Meeting: Sept. 16 6pm-9pm Business Meeting: Sept 17, 6pm. USAF Birthday - Sept. 18 Rosh Hashana/ Feast of Trumpets - Sept. 22-24 Food Pantry: Prep day - Sept. 25 at 9:30am and Distribution Sept. 27 from 9-11am. Prayer Needs: *God would guide Olivet to His choice for next full time pastor and provide what is needed.
* God's Mercy and protection on the USA and our leaders * God's protection on our military. *God's Mercy and protection on Israel *Salvation Awakening at home and abroad. |
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