October 28

Written by Bill Grandi on October 28th, 2024

Where do I start?

Owen Valley Christian Fellowship (OVCF), the church I have pastored (I start my 20th year in November) just celebrated her 20th anniversary yesterday. I will draw your attention to the previous post here to get the story behind the story. My purpose in this post is to share with you some of what happened, but then to tell you where I have been the past two month in my preaching and to tell you how I brought it to a close.

WHAT WE SAW YESTERDAY:

  • We saw a lot of volunteers show up to set up and tear down and multiple things in between.
  • We sensed the presence of God as we sang and shared.
  • We heard some testimonies from people as to why they chose OVCF to be their home.
  • We experienced some really, really (did I say really) good food.  🙂
  • We also found out why we are looking forward to being in a larger auditorium that will be big enough for one service.

WHAT WE HAVE SEEN THE PAST TWO MONTHS:

The church has a “WELCOME HOME where…” outlook.  That can be seen in the series I just finished preaching:

The Gospel is Preached

Jesus is Honored

Grace is Offered

Lives are Changed

Obedience is Encouraged

Along the way I also talked about love and had messages on Ruth and Philemon. But the key to our ongoing future is being a place where people are welcomed. I concluded the series yesterday with a sermon on Luke 15:11-32 and the parable of the Loving Father/Lost Son. Due to the venue and the presence of tons of children (it is called antsy), I cut things fairly short by emphasizing the love and concern the father showed for his lost son. When he saw his son coming, he set aside all decorum and ran to him, putting his arms around him and welcoming him home. It didn’t matter what his son had done; all that mattered was that he came home. We are that son; God is that father. 

The purpose of home is to be a place of acceptance and love. A place of safety and refuge. Without compromising the truth of the Gospel, OVCF desires to be that kind of home. We aren’t always going to get it right, but we will always try to be the place people can call home.  Would you please pray for us as we continue seeking to put that into practice?

 

6 Comments so far ↓

  1. Pam says:

    So glad everything went well yesterday! Your church has vision for the future and love for the lost. May God bless every step of the way as OVCF moves forward while celebrating the past!

  2. Yes, Bill, I will keep you, Jo and OVCF in my prayers, that through you all, more and more prodigal sons (and daughters) will come home to Him.
    Blessings!

  3. Ryan S. says:

    Sounds like you had a memorable and enjoyable 20 year anniversary. A place of safety and refuge is definitely needed, especially for those who are broken and in need of restoration.
    I am praying that OVCF continues to be that place for years to come!

    • Bill Grandi says:

      Thanks Ryan. I truly hope that for OVCF whether I am here or not. And as I tell you every time we are together or I tell Jo when we leave you and Amanda: I miss you guys. But I also know you were where God wants you right now. At least until next Sunday. 🙂