Pastor Thomas' Blog

To All:

I was informed last week that our church will have 3 interns this year as part of the Ministerial Internship Program.

Two of the interns currently serve in ministry here at the local church – Michael and Shelley Adams.

I’m thankful for what they do each week and for those that help them in any way!

The 3rd intern is from another local church and I look forward to meeting her in early September.

God has great things in-store for this local church and I’m glad to be a part of it!

Pastor Thomas

To All:

This past Sunday morning I preached about the harvest.

Over the last several weeks, God has been dealing with me about expanding our reach, trying to reach others for the Kingdom of God.

For those that attend, you know that space has been an issue for us.

I was challenged this past Sunday that we can not allow anything to stop us from “REACHING THE HARVEST”.

I realize that this means looking at things differently to ensure we are maximizing every possible option.

I ask each person that reads this post to stop and pray of me and this local church that we will have the mind of God over the next several weeks as we deal with this issue.

To God Be The Glory!!!

Pastor Thomas

To All:

Wendy and I had a great time this past weekend at FUSION!

I’m excited about what God is doing in the Church of God in Florida and consider it a privilege to be a part of it.

More than anything, let’s continue to pray that we all see new birth into the Kingdom of God!

Pastor Thomas

To All:

After four years, the vision of operating a Christian academy as a ministry of Ocoee Church of God has happened.

On Monday, August 24, 2009 LIGHT Christian Academy opened for the 09-10 school year with 16 students ranging from grades 1 – 11.

This step is part one of a two-phase process, with part two being the opening of LIGHT Christian Childcare, serving pre-school aged children.

The journey has been long (and at times very trying) but GOD is faithful!

Until next time!

Pastor Thomas

To All:

What a great God we serve!

On Thursday – I passed my Ordained Bishop Exam!

Praise the Lord!

Also, Michael and Shelley Adams passed their Exhorter Exams!

It was a great day!

See you Sunday!

Pastor Thomas

To All:

We are still getting calls about the seminar that will occur this Thursday and Friday with Rev. Harold Hanks.

The event will begin at 7pm in the church sanctuary.

You don’t want to miss this event!

Pastor Thomas

To All:

I received a call just before mid-night last night that my Grandmother Odom was not doing well and would not be with us much longer.

I was out the door in about 10 minutes headed to Shands at the University of Florida Hospital in Gainesville, Florida.

My mom had arrived in Ocoee to spend a few days with us, so she also traveled with me.

We arrived at 1:30am (Tuesday AM) – to find out that my grandmother had passed about 6 minutes after I hung up the phone with my Granddaddy Odom.

After checking on a few other things, we headed back to Ocoee, FL – arriving back home just before 5am this morning.

Please continue to keep the Odom family in your prayers during this time.

God Bless!

Pastor Thomas

To All:

On Thursday and Friday of this week, our church will host Rev. Harold Hanks as he conducts his Biblical Principles Financial Seminar!

The event will begin at 7pm each night!

This event is free and open to everyone!

For more information, please contact the church office at 407-656-8011!

Pastor Thomas

To All:

LIGHT Christian Academy and Childcare (LCAC) continues to move forward!

Today, the OCHD stopped by for their inspection – everything went well!

The panel box for the fire alarm system should arrive this week and then after a day or so of programming and testing, we should be ready for the final inspection!

I had a great meeting today with Commissioner Boyd regarding the parking lot improvements, etc.

A school in Jacksonville, Florida has several student offices that we are trying to relocate to Ocoee next week!

Please pray for us – we are 3 weeks away from our start date and we have a lot still to do!!!!

Thanks!

Pastor Thomas

To All:

If you were not with us this past Sunday – you missed it!

Rev. Robert Martin was scheduled to preach the 11am and 6pm services.

Our church choir (Voices of Victory) was scheduled to re-launch after a long break.

These things happened – and it was wonderful!

Rev. Martin preached his heart out – we have cd’s if you want one! They are worth the cost!

HOWEVER, THERE IS MORE!!!

The AOG organization is in O-town this week for their general council meetings and Ocoee COG was honored to have the following folks with us:

Rev. Ronnie Jarman and family
Rev. Holt
Sis. MacDonald and children

It doesn’t stop there!

Gospel Group Psalm 101 had an afternoon sing in the area, so they decided to stop by and have church with us at 11am!

Yep, I invited them back for the PM service and they did a fantastic job!!!

God is good!!!

C U Sunday!

Pastor Thomas