I often tell the church I pastor that my desire is for OVCF (Owen Valley Christian Fellowship) to truly be a family, to be a safe harbor where weary travelers can find their bearings, and where hurting people can find healing. We aren’t perfect, but we are trying our best to be that safe place, that place where people can find grace and freedom from the devastating effects of sin and shame. Here is why it is so important to me:

In 2002, our daughter, Janna, moved to Columbus, Ohio for a job in a corporate daycare. She began attending a church where she met her future husband. She also met some girls at the daycare, one who eventually began serving in the youth department at a church in Powell, where they would buy a home. For almost 15 years they attended that church, and when possible took an active part. (They, like so many, had a very active, sports-minded son which involved some Sundays). After 15 years that marriage ended and Janna had to move into an apartment because she couldn’t afford the house. After unrelated incidents, she needed to move back into the school district so Braden could continue going to the same school system he started in and was involved in. During those two years of upheaval, the church she had been involved in for close to 15 years never contacted her. No one called (not a friend). No one visited (not even the pastor). No one offered any help. She was alone, until Mike came along. Sadly, I know of others that happened to as well. So…while I have always wanted the church to feel and be like a family, that cemented my drive to make it happen. Mike’s death heightened her need for the church to be there. It was her “other friends” who came to her aid, not the church. Fortunately, her ex’s recommitment to Christ and Braden’s desire to attend church with his mom has at least drawn her back to the place she once knew. Are they reaching out to her? I don’t know. What I do know is that I shudder to think that might happen here.  Now you know why the church being “HOME” is so important to me.  Thanks for listening. Let’s make it happen!

I write what I call the Midweek Message (MM) to the folks at OVCF and others who have requested it. (You may do so as well). I wrote #303 this week. I began the MM during COVID to use as a way to stay in touch. I used to write every week but since the beginning of the summer began writing every other week. I wrote the previous thoughts in this week’s edition because I am beginning a new series this coming Sunday called “There’s No Place Like Home.”