June Edition 2025

The June Whirlwind

by J. Smith

Summer has started with a whirlwind. Olivet began the month with our annual homecoming on the first Sunday of June. We had a good turn out with Glorybound performing their gospel music and Dr. Mike Wiggins, retired pastor of Pine Terrace Baptist, bringing the message. Our charter members were in attendance: Nellina Larson and Charles Jarvis with their families. Also, former pastor Bro. Wendell Stokes and his wife, Brenda, joined us for the celebration.
    The next event was Father's day when again the Lord blessed with a higher attendance and a growing group of children for our Children's sermon and children's church. As every year, we honored the dads in our congregations with a gift - this year's was a compass which coincided with Bro. Chip's message - A Psalm for Father's.
    Father's day also turned out to be Bro. Chip's birthday, and the church made sure to wish him a blessed year by inundating him with his favorite food - chocolate.
     To finish the month - Olivet is having VBS again after a several year hiatus. Starting this past Wednesday, June 18, and finishing this Wednesday, June 25. We have VBS instead of the usual evening service.  The first night we had 25 children in attendance and their parents participating. The theme is learning to magnify God with Psalm 34:3 being the theme verse.
    God works using all sorts of interests and skills to relate, reach and raise people to His Son. The last Sunday of the month, June 29, we will have a highlight for the Christian Motorcycles Association showing how they support local mission efforts. Two of our attendees, Walter and Gloria W., are involved with the group. This opportunity can provide Olivet members with another way to be directly involved with mission work.
   Internationally, a lot has happened over the last two weekends with the war between Israel and Iran broadening to shades of Ezekial 38-39 , in which this prophecy  can be more clearly seen coming together with the players it mentions: Rosh- Russia, Persia - Iran, and Togarmah - Turkey and more. This prophecy spells out - God will draw Russia to move against Israel  in coalition with these and other nations, but Israel will then be alone. God, Himself, will deliver, defend and save His nation Israel. 
   I don't believe we are there yet, because the USA is helping Israel and, I believe, the UK offered some of its support too. But, with antisemitism, sadly, on the rise, one can see how such a day will come and perhaps sooner than expected.
    So, as we are the church, a kingdom of priests - intercessors, let us intercede for Israel, the USA and our leaders, our military and God's mercy that souls may be saved in these days. Let us keep looking up for our Redeemer is coming, but may we continue to serve Him faithfully until He comes.

Business Meeting @ a Glance

The June Business Meeting had...
Old Business: LED sign estimates - began investigating the cost for replacing our current lighted sign with an LED programmable sign. First quote back was 32-36,000 dollars. 

New Business: Air quality check up - after looking up several companies, requested a free inspection and quote from one based in Gulf Breeze. Checking into the office a/c due to some health concerns with the secretary. This is in progress. 

Being no other business, the meeting came to an end.

Monthly Announcements:

Independence Day - July 4th
Ladies Bracelet Workshop - July 7 at 9:30am in the Fellowship Hall.
Ladies Morning Out - July 8 @ 10:30am
Church Council Meeting: July 14, 11:30 am
Deacon Meeting: July 15, 6pm
Business Meeting: July 16, 6pm
Food Pantry - Prep: July 24, 9:30am
Distribution: July 26, 9-11 am

Prayer Requests:

• God's leading in choosing the next Pastor for Olivet
• Israel and IDF - God's protection and wisdom
• US Military in Middle East - God's protection and wisdom
• God's mercy on the USA.
  
• Those in Olivet battling sickness and surgeries.