August Edition 2025

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.