To All:
On Tuesday of this week I met with a couple that will most likely be the Hispanic Pastors here at Ocoee.
The couple is very passionate about ministry and have a huge heart to see the plan of God brought to pass.
They are excited about the vision that God has for Ocoee and desire to be a part of that plan.
Please continue to pray about the Hispanic Ministry as we are hoping to launch in the month of March!
Until later…
Pastor Thomas
To All:
As many of you know, our church choir (Voices of Victory) went to sing at a revival in Umatilla last night!
I must say – our choir did a FANTASTIC job!
We are thankful to the Umatilla COG for allowing us to come over and invade their space and for how they made us feel so welcomed!
My prayer is that God will continue to bless and direct them (and us) during these last days!
God Bless!
Pastor Thomas
To All:
This past Wednesday night I started a sermon series on the topic of Prayer.
I must say, I really enjoyed the message and it has helped me to become a better person!
Over the next few weeks, my goal is to not only create a prayer culture but to get every person in my church involved in a consistent prayer life.
Next week, our topic will be Personal Prayer: Conversations With God (Dealing With Life’s Disappointments)
I’m thankful to the COG for the material that they have provided to the pastors to help with the Prayer Initiative.
I hope that each of us will realize that “Prayer Does Change Things!”
Pastor Thomas
To All:
Parts and pieces of the Vision Plan are already beginning to come together.
1. The COG State Office phoned yesterday – they have received everything that is needed for the underwriting application – I meet with them next Tuesday, January 13 to discuss the details.
2. Today at 10am, I am meeting with the potential Hispanic Pastor – Pastor Raymond. He and his wife will possibly serve as our Hispanic Pastor in the coming weeks!
3. Several folks have contacted me about assisting with several of the other plans listed in the Vision Plan – I’m so excited!
4. Tonight, I am starting a mid-week sermon series on Prayer – something that each pastor was encouraged to do from the International Offices. In our world today, it’s going to take prayer just to make it day-to-day!
5. Our church choir (Voices of Victory) will be singing on Thursday night in a Revival in Umatilla!
God is a GREAT GOD!
Pastor Thomas
To All:
Today, I had the privilege to conduct a funeral service for Sis. Glenda Sawyer.
Sis. Glenda was a person that was confident in her Lord and everyone around her knew it!
Even though it is always tough when we lose a loved one, it is a little better when we are confident that our loved one knew Jesus Christ as their Saviour! This was the case with Sis. Glenda.
Please continue to keep the Sawyer family in your prayers!
Pastor Thomas
To All:
For some time now, the Ocoee COG has had a desire to purchase a piece of property adjacent to its current location.
About 15 months ago, the asking price was $210K.
At that time, the church offered $187K, however, no deal was ever reached!
Well – how time changes things!
About 2 months ago, I received a call from the investment group that now owns the property.
The person on the line began to share details regarding the property with me.
I advised him that I was very aware of the property and the details.
The person I was speaking with was named Paul.
Paul said “Pastor, I want to sell you that land.”
To make a long story short, we now have a signed contract on the property!
The contract price is $86K, down by $124K from 15 months ago! Praise The Lord!!!
In addition, the owner is willing to owner finance the land at 5% interest!
During a Called Church Conference on Sunday, January 4, there was a 93% vote to move forward with the purchase.
Today, I submitted the needed paperwork to the COG State Executive Offices in order to obtain their approval.
My Regional Bishop, Chris Dutruch, has been very supportive of this plan and I appreciate his encouragement!
If all goes well, we are hoping to close on the land before the end of the month!
Please continue to pray that God’s will is done!
Pastor Thomas
To All:
Yesterday, Sunday, January 4, was Vision Sunday ’09!
As a part of this service, I was able to present my ministry vision that I believe God has given me for Ocoee Church of God!
It was truly a great day!
Some of the highlights of the day consisted of the following:
1. appointed a new youth leader for L.I.G.H.T. Youth Ministries
2. appointed an executive assistant that will be working in the church office
2. introduced plans to open a childcare facility and christian academy as a ministry of our church
3. introduced plans to begin a Hispanic Ministry as a ministry of our church
I am excited about what God is doing!
Pastor Thomas
To All:
Tomorrow has been set aside as Vision Sunday – 09!
During the AM Worship Service, I will be presenting the Ministry Vision that I believe God has given me for Ocoee Church of God!
As with any vision, it will include short term and long term ministry ideas that I beleive we will use to impact our community for Jesus Christ!!!
I’m looking forward to a great day!!!
Pastor Thomas
To All:
Today was a great day!
We continue to make improvements around the church campus.
Today, the storage shed behind the parsonage was cleaned out and the storage shed behind the fellowship hall was cleaned out and removed from campus.
What a difference this has made.
It is amazing how much ‘stuff’ one can accumulate over the years.
Also today, our Thrift Store, Second Blessings, had a fantastic day in sales.
Second Blessings continues to help people in our local area!
I’m so glad to be a part of what God is doing at Ocoee Church of God!
If you live in the Orlando, FL area, you should come and visit us – I’m sure you will feel loved!
Until next time…
Pastor Thomas
To All:
Here are the funeral arrangments for Sis. Glenda Sawyer.
Visitation will be Sunday at Collison Funeral Home in Winter Garden from 4pm – 7pm.
The service will be Monday at Collison Funeral Home in Winter Garden beginning at 11am.
Please continue to keep the Sawyer Family in your prayers during this time!
Pastor Thomas
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