Pastor Thomas' Blog

I had to run some church errands today so I decided to take the church van.
While at a traffic light, I noticed the driver of the vehicle beside me trying to get my attention.
I lowered the window on that side and the driver asked: “Do you have the info for your church on a card?”
I replied: Pull over at the next building, I’ll give it to you.”

Needless to say, the gentleman just moved to Ocoee from New York, where he attended the Church of God and is looking for a new church home in our area!

I’m trusting that I will see him this weekend in service!

Pastor Thomas

Well, it has been a while since I have blogged, so I thought I would stop by for just a few minutes!

Summer is here – I’m excited that school is out for the year.

Here are a few things that will happen over the next few weeks:

1. Florida Church of God Campmeeting

2. Three weeks of FL Youth Camps

3. PYFC Youth Camp

4. OCOG Campmeeting

In addition to the above, we are working on several projects around the church.

Lord, give me strength!

Blessings!

Pastor Thomas

I was asked to participate in an event at Jr. Convention. The things we do for students…Lord, help me.

You can watch the video by clicking the following link: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10200639829340232

Pastor Thomas

Well, in the coming weeks, we will do what many other pastors have done…we will pack up our things at the parsonage in Ocoee and get ready to move.

What is different about this move than most others is we will continue to serve as pastors at Ocoee Church of God!

Yes, you read that correctly – we are moving out of the parsonage in Ocoee – but remaining as the lead pastors in Ocoee.

Earlier this month, I presented a vision plan to our congregation which was passed by the church body during a called church conference on Monday, February 11.

In short, the plan includes the following:

Part 1:
a. The Odoms will move back to their personal home in Ocoee.

Part 2:
a. The on-site parsonage will be used as administrative offices and classroom space for Sunday School and Wednesday night programs – giving the students must larger rooms compared to what they have now.

b. Amplify Student Ministries (ages 3-11) will also have a designated location in the site.

Part 3:
a. The former space used for administrative offices and classrooms will be used to house phase two of Light Christian Academy and Childcare which includes the launching of a K3/K4 program. Tentative launch date is August 2013.

Continue to pray that God will bless and direct Ocoee Church of God to do all we can for the Kingdom!

Pastor Thomas

On Tuesday, February 19, I was honored to be with the Cargil Family for an event celebrating the release of their cd – NEW!

As part of the event, Meariah was asked to play a duet on her violin with her teacher, Mary.

I must say – I have a LOT to be thankful for!

My prayer is that God will continue to use me and my family in any way He decides!

I’m grateful to be a Christian, husband, father and pastor!

You can watch the video by clicking on this link: Meariah performing with her violin teacher, Mary Cargil

Blessings!

Wednesday night I preached a message entitled: Things That Accompany Salvation

I have not been able to totally remove the points from my thoughts over the last 48 hours, so I thought I’d share them here!

Things That Accompany Salvation

1. A Joyful Noise goes with Salvation – Psalms 98:4

2. A Yoke goes with Salvation – Matthew 11:29-30

3. A Fruitful Life goes with Salvation – 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

4. A Clean Life goes with Salvation – Isaiah 52:11

Be Blessed!

Pastor Thomas

Well, over the last few days, I’ve had the opportunity to spend time with a lot of family members on both sides.

I must say, that while we have our differences, I enjoyed the time we spent together.

It reminds me somewhat of the body of Christ.

We are all different.

Your church may do things differently than the church down the road.

You music may differ from the music I like.

Your style and presentation of the gospel may take a different approach… but … if we are all serving, truly serving, Christ, we are part of the same family.

I’m thankful for all that God has done for my family in 2012.

I look forward with anticipation towards 2013 and all that God has in store for us and I hope it includes the rapture of the church.

God bless.

Pastor Thomas