Season of Change by J. Smith The second month of 2024 is drawing to a close, and at Olivet it has been an eventful month. The ongoing renovation project of the Fellowship Hall has come to an end. To celebrate this fact, and to make use of the new hall, a belated Valentine luncheon was held following the morning service this past Sunday, Feb. 18. From my understanding, it was a good turnout. Another bit of good news from more of the international scene was the rescuing of two Israeli hostages by the IDF. May we keep praying for the others and the protection of Israel against her enemies. The final bit of news for Olivet in February came at the business meeting on Valentine’s day. Bro. Wendell Stokes, after several months of prayer, announced his retirement due to health and strength not being up to the standard needed to lead Olivet as their pastor. He hopes the process of selecting a new pastor will go quickly and if permitted by the new pastor, the Stokes would like to return to support Olivet. This news was very unexpected and received with submissive yet saddened members. Bro. Wendell’s last Sunday will be Easter morning. Several verses come to mind when such change occurs in life: Romans 8:28 kjv – And we know all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose. Ecclesiastes 3:1 kjv – To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:11 kjv-He makes everything beautiful in His time; He hath set the world (eternal) in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. Lamentations 3:32-33 kjv – And though He cause grief, yet will He show compassion according to the multitude of His tender mercies. He doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men. The good news is that our Lord God is not surprised with these changes. He is the one who orchestrates the times and the seasons. So, He is already working something out for the future of Olivet and the Stokes family. He does not permit these hard changes on a whim but has a good purpose in mind. And as it says in Romans, He is working it all together for good. We may not know or imagine what that may look like, but He does, and He is worthy of our trust, so let us trust Him. (The King James Version of the Bible was used which is public domain.) Business Meeting at a Glance The February business meeting had… Old Business – None New Business – None After several months of prayer, Bro. Wendell announced his resignation from Olivet Baptist. He does desire to come back, if permitted by the new pastor. Bro. Wendell’s last Sunday will be Easter. The business meeting came to a close by Bro. Wendell with prayer at 6:25pm. Announcements: Time Change: Mar. 10 - Roll Clocks Ahead one hour (Daylight savings begins) Deacon Meeting: Mar. 12, 6pm Business Meeting: Mar. 13, 6pm Palm Sunday – Mar. 24 Food Pantry: Mar. 23, 9-11am Easter Sunday – Mar 31 Prayer Needs: *Olivet would select God’s next leader for the church.
*Israel and IDF – God’s protection and victory over their enemies. *US Military in the Middle East *God’s Mercy on the USA
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