May 2024 Edition

Remembering

J.Smith
The Summer season is here!
Memorial Day is around the corner and Olivet's 60th Homecoming.  Throughout May a few changes have occurred: the church voted Mr. Chip Fox in as Interim Pastor. He has been hard at work learning about the people and ways of Olivet since taking the office. Also, this month the sanctuary required an expense of a new A/c (industrial size) unit, so the building will be ready as we head into the hot, summer, Florida days. And the church foyer is decorated saluting the church members and their relatives who have served in the US Armed Services by displaying their photographs. And with Homecoming there are 60 years of memories for Olivet - 60 years that through the good and bad times, the Lord preserved this church body to be the hands and feet in our Milton community.
   With Memorial day and Homecoming comes memories and remembering. Remembering is a good mental exercise - especially in recalling all the ways God has proven His word faithful time and time again. The problem, I find, is slowing myself down long enough to be still, to prayerfully consider and take time to delight in my Lord and ponder over all His answers to prayer, all His promises fulfilled, and all His goodness to me amidst a broken worlds in which we live.
   Elisabeth Elliott, famed missionary wife of Jim Elliott, is attributed as saying, "The devil has made it his business to monopolize on three elements: Noise, Hurry and Busyness. He will not allow quietness."
   I don't know about you, but I certainly feel that way in my life most days. Ms. Elliott had great insight on many things. May I encourage you as I challenge myself, to turn off the devices, Tv, and radio and do as Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still and know I am God."
   Let us take time to be quiet in our raucous world and linger with our Lord meditating and reflecting on HIs goodness and mercies. He is waiting to spend time with us, His beloved. "And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will He be exalted, that He may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him." Isaiah 30:18 kjv.
    May you have a blessed Memorial Day and Happy Homecoming!

Business Meeting @ a Glance

The May business meeting...
The Pulpit Search Committee - Tim T. said the team was to meet that past Monday, but due to the severe weather the meeting was postponed. They will be going over the questionnaire that will be handed out to the congregation. Then the team will meet with Jim Waters and go over things that are desired in the future pastor. Mr. Waters has a way to filter out resumes things not wanted. Mike W. added that Chip knows the process.

   Bro. Chip said that  Florida Baptist has gone to a network of churches to South East. The committee gives specifics what Olivet is looking for. Example: age, experience, training, salary range, etc. Resumes that fit will then be sent to the church. This saves a lot of time. Resumes will be more in tune with what Olivet is looking for.
  
   Mike asked about finding people from other regions. Chip replied that sometimes people from other regions of the country have a hard time relating and adjusting to NW Florida. From his experience those pastors who were not from here didn't stay long. The committee appreciates your prayers.

Being no other business, the meeting came to an end. Motion to adjourn by Jeannettte H. and 2nd by Mike W.
Prayer was given by Mike W. at 7:10 pm.

Announcements:

Memorial Day - Church Office Closed
Homecoming - June 2, Service begins at 10:30 am. Michael Wayne Smith in concert ( gospel singer) and Jim Waters SRBA Missions Director speaking.
Deacon Meeting - June 11, 6pm
Business Meeting - June 12, 6 pm.
US Army Birthday/ Flag Day - June 14
Father's Day - June 16
Food Pantry - June 22, 9-11 am
*Please Note: Bro Chip and his wife will be Messengers to the SB Convention in Indianapolis, IN the week of June 9. Please be in prayer for their safe travels and for the Convention business.

Prayer Needs:

God would lead Olivet to His choice for the next Full-Time Pastor.
Israel and IDF - God's protection and victory over their enemies.
US Military in the Middle East
God's Mercy on the USA.