Articles from the Pastor

I want to issue you a challenge for 2025. Whatever obstacles that you face in the new

year, trust God to help you overcome them by faith and trust in God’s transforming

power. Is this biblical, you might ask? Absolutely! After warning Christians of the wiles

and pitfalls of the devil, the Apostle Paul gives this advice. In Ephesians 6:13

“For this reason, take up all the armor that God supplies. Then you will be able to take a

stand during these evil days. Once you have overcome all obstacles, you will be able to

stand your ground.”

Now, how does this help us face the future? It helps us to understand that God’s got

our backs. Nothing takes Him by surprise and, if we are faithful, He’ll give us the ability

and wherewithal to face and overcome whatever obstacle that is put before us.

That means we can overcome the growth obstacle and add at least 10 to the morning

attendance in 2025. That means we can attract new families with children and youth so

we have a more rounded appeal to people who might consider us as a church home. It

means we can overcome wrong attitudes, bad decisions, thoughtless actions and

unwise acts.

Would you, along with me make this your faith goal for the new year? As a Christian I

will, with Christ’s help, overcome obstacles as I face them, In Jesus name, Amen.

Let me share with you some of our accomplishments together in 2024

There was one saved this year.

We had a tremendous revival with Pastor Danny Goins.

We had three concerts: Eventide, The Melton Family and The Profitts.

We had a Visioning Conference on August 24 th . With State Pastor, Jeff Matas.

We had seven guest speakers including Paul Fox, Sherman Beville,

Ashley Lucas, Cheryl Thill, Isaac Jines, Joe Binford, and Bobby Lehigh who

shared multiple times.

We participated in our annual County-wide Revival at the Campground.

We participated in our annual Southeast Indiana Church of God Campmeeting.

Three of our Saints were promoted to Heaven; Bud Kirby, Virgil Meeker and

Jeane Huddleston, all of whom will be greatly missed.

Personally, I participated in two of the three funerals. I was able to make some visits

even though I have been dealing with cancer. Much appreciation to Bobby Leahight

and Jim McVey for making several visits together. I represent the church on the

Steering Committee of Pastors’ Fellowship. I served as Vice Chairman and now as

Chairman of the Board of Governors for our campgrounds. I’ve been in the ministry

since 1972 and ordained since 1975. As of April of 2025 I will have served as your

Pastor for six years and it is a privilege.

I again greatly appreciate my wife, Cathy for her support of me and her teaching,

singing and piano playing which enriches us all. I am thankful for Paul Fox who is our

Church Chairman and also the Chairman of the Church Council; Becky Hull who is the

Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and Bobby Leahigh, our Minister of Visitation for all

of the things he does for our congregation. Gracious thanks to all who serve on Boards

and Committees. I thank the Lord for His help and guidance for me and the church

during 2024.

As we look forward to the future, may our motto for 2025 be:

WE ARE TO BE CHRISTIANS OVERCOMING OBSTACLES!

Respectfully submitted,

Pastor William P. Means