Moses, take your shoes off!

This Sunday's children's message was about Moses and the burning bush. The flames got a little tangled, but God was still able to speak through the bush.

Missions Fundraiser

The Mt. Olivet MMI and WMF have been running a concession stand at the annual Memorial Day horse auction for 20 years. This year we raised over $1750 for missions. A special thank you to everyone who came out and volunteered. (And no, those aren't horse burgers on the grill!)

Pastor's Penpoint - "Busy May!" - June 2010

It has been an interesting month since I wrote last month's "Pastor's PenPoint".

• I was able to finish my Master's degree at Liberty University (thanks to the emotional support from my family and the church ... and thanks to the church for the financial support of my education);
• Dan and I had the opportunity to meet with Bishop Steve Whipple and his wife Sandy;
• I met with the PRC to discuss my future call as the pastor of Mt. Olivet - with Dan as Outreach Minister;
• I met with the UB Cluster Leader, Pastor Denny Sites to discuss my journey as pastor;
• Dan and I met with Pastor Denny, Kevin Lam and Sandra Shank to be examined for consideration of Local Church License; and
• Dan and I met with the Administrative Board who approved Kevin's recommendation to the board to grant Dan and I the Local Church License.

Whew! It has been mind blowing to witness God's quick hand at work in these situations. I can tell you that a month ago, I may have been thinking about the next steps as pastor, but had no idea it would result in this much activity, discernment, conversation and decision less than a month later. While Dan was encouraging me and cheering the process on - I can also tell you he had no idea that he also would seek the license or the doors that seem to be opening for him in ministry.

I'll let Dan speak for himself, but as for me - I will disclose to you my intention to continue for the next year to take the steps that will lead to National Conference License and ultimately (as God leads) to seek ordination in the United Brethren Church.

I tell you this not to brag or to direct attention to myself - but rather to remind you of the ministry here at Mt. Olivet that calls us all to service alongside each other. I do not minister here by myself or even with Dan ... we all minister together. My family's willingness to seek this path is the next step in a long journey to faithful obedience in accepting God's call.

As we are a UB church, I wanted to take these steps to indicate to you the congregation, and to the denomination, that we are not simply playing church here, but we are part of Jesus Christ's holy church, and strengthening those binds will only strengthen our resolve to seek out the lonely, hurting, disappointed and burned out with the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

I continue to be encouraged, loved and ministered to by this church family. I am grateful that our family has the opportunity to labor, worship and share fellowship alongside each of you. May God bless our intention, and our action, on His behalf.

Praise be to God,
~Pastor Todd