THE VIOLET CONNECTION 1 October, 2026 / Vol. 033
WELCOME, SARAH AND CLARA! Clara Harris Financial Director
Sarah Godlewski Ministry Assistant
Sarah and her family have been attending Violet since moving back to Ohio in 2021. She is the proud mother of four beautiful daughters: Grace, Hannah, Nora, and Hope. She is a 2005 graduate of Ohio University with a degree in Math Education. Sarah loves to spend time cheering on her girls’ sports teams, trying new DIY projects, completing puzzles, taking walks, and spending time in the sun (especially at the beach!).
Clara was born and raised in Pickerington and has been connected to Violet through Upward Basketball and Sunday School. She became a member in 2026 and is grateful for the opportunity to serve the church through faithful financial stewardship. Clara is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Accounting, with an expected graduation in 2027. Before stepping into her role at Violet, Clara gained experience in government, private-sector operations, and small-business management. These roles strengthened her commitment to accurate record-keeping, organized financial processes, and managing church finances in alignment with GAAP and biblical integrity. Outside of work, Clara enjoys baking, cooking, crocheting, sewing, playing and watching sports, walking, and caring for her two dogs.
Exciting Ministry Opportunities at Violet
We’re grateful to share that Violet Baptist Church has welcomed a Ministry Assistant and a Financial Director to our team. We thank God for providing these new team members and look forward to the ways they will serve our church family. We’re still seeking people who would like to use their gifts in these roles (click on the links for more information about these positions):
Part-Time Facilities Director
Part-Time IT Director
Part-Time Children’s Administrative Director
Worship Leader
If you or someone you know may be a good fit, please send a resume or inquiry to applications@violetchurch.com. Thank you for praying with us as we continue building a team equipped to serve our church and community.
Looking Ahead with Gratitude This fall is a meaningful season for Violet Baptist Church. After 30 years of faithful ministry, Pastor Rick is preparing to retire. I’m grateful for the way we’ve been able to approach this transition, with care, prayer, and excitement for what God has ahead. Pastor Rick and I have spent these months talking, planning, and preparing for the handoff. I’ve appreciated the chance to learn from his experience and hear his perspective as we look toward the future. The transition has been going very well, and I’m thankful for his encouragement and for the thoughtfulness he has brought to this season. I’m also grateful for the support our incredible staff and church family has shown. Your prayers and kind words have meant a lot to me and my family. Even as leadership changes, our calling remains the same: to love God, love others, and make disciples. I’m looking forward to serving alongside our staff, leaders, and congregation as we continue that work together. Pastor Rick’s final Sunday preaching will be October 25th. After the second service, we’ll gather for a time of fellowship and have a chance to share our appreciation with him. I hope you’ll join us as we celebrate 30 years of ministry and the many lives he has touched. We want to honor him well and let him know how much we care. While I’ll miss having Pastor Rick in this role, I’m so excited for him, Lisa, and their family as he steps into retirement. I hope this next season gives them time to rest and reflect on all God has done through the years of ministry. It’s hard to put into words how honored I feel to serve Violet as the next Lead Pastor. This church is home, and I’m thankful for the trust you’ve placed in me. I look forward to what’s ahead and to seeing how God will lead us in the years to come. Thank you for walking through this season with us. Let’s celebrate Pastor Rick, pray for him and his family, and step into the next chapter together with gratitude and hope.
Pastor Eric
VioletGroups - You feed them!
In Luke 9:13–17, we read the familiar story of Jesus feeding the 5,000. The disciples came to Jesus concerned about the hungry crowd, and Jesus responded with a simple challenge: “You give them something to eat.” I thought about that passage recently while sitting down with one of our VioletGroup leaders. She shared with me how her group has been providing food each month for people living in a homeless encampment here on the east side. So often, when we see a need, our first response is to pray and ask God to help—and we absolutely should pray! But sometimes God may turn the question back to us: “You feed them.” That is exactly what this VioletGroup is doing. They are putting their faith into action and being the hands and feet of Jesus by caring for people right here in our community. Would you pray with me that as they continue to meet these practical needs, God will open doors for relationships to grow and for them to share the good news of Jesus? This is what it means to be a VioletGroup—finding community, discovering purpose, and making a difference so that others can know Jesus.
Interested in Joining or Hosting a VioletGroup? Click here.
The Welcome Team needs you!
Every Sunday is someone’s first Sunday at our church. Most visitors will make their decision about whether or not to return within the initial minutes of their visit.
That’s why we have a team dedicated exclusively to guest experience.
The Welcome Team at Violet exists to create the best experience guests of Violet Baptist Church have all week.
Will you join us and be part of this important ministry?
Contact Mike Snyder at mikes@violetchurch.com to answer questions and to sign you up today!
Something new is coming, but what could it be? It’s made to help our kids grow faithfully.
New stories to learn, new lessons to share, New ways to discover that Jesus is there.
It’s not a toy, and it’s not a game, But Sunday mornings won’t quite be the same. It’s something for teachers, for kids, and for you— A fresh way to learn what God calls us to do!
That is right, VioletKids is getting a new curriculum!!!!!!! And we are so excited!
The Gospel Project is a Christ – centered curriculum that helps the children dive deep into the big story of the Bible-God’s plan to rescue His people through His son, Jesus Christ. It allows children to move chronologically through the Bible (on a 3-year cycle), at a developmentally appropriate level while being theologically rich and encouraging true heart transformations as they learn about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
We are heading into a season of spiritual growth as we dig deep into God’s Word.
Blessings:
VioletKids is growing and adding new families!
We have some amazing volunteers who are truly the hands and feet of Jesus.
Prayers:
Bring more volunteers who love the Lord to share His word! We truly need you to step up and step into the lives of the VioletKids. God is ready to use you. That every child who enters Violet will hear the name of Jesus proclaimed and that families will come to know Him as their Lord and Savior.
Grab your Bible and get ready to see lives transformed in this exciting season.
In Christ alone, Jen Hunt Children’s Director jenh@violetchurch.com 614-260-2670
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die." John 11:25 NIV
MENTOR ME …Please! Each year, the students who participate in our Super Summer student leadership program are asked to complete an assignment in order to be eligible to participate in the program. The assignment for this year is the MENTOR ME program. Each student is asked to seek out an adult (of the same gender) from our church who would be willing to meet with them for four sessions. The student will bring a “Disciple Me Roadmaps” book with them to each meeting. This book contains 21 discussion-based Bible studies on topics such as purpose, character, contentment, godly decision-making, and conflict resolution. The student will choose the topic for the session and interview the mentor on that topic of faith development. There is no prep work required on the part of the student or the mentor. We simply ask our adults to share their stories and their wisdom with our student leaders. Each session should last about 45 minutes to an hour. Although our students are only required to complete four sessions, we are praying that a bond would form between our godly mentors and students that would go way beyond the confines of those four sessions. Please let me know if you would be interested in participating in MENTOR ME and investing in a student who will help shape the culture and the church now and into the future.
Thanks, Pastor Keith Hurt Next Gen Pastor keithh@violetchurch.com (614)460-9271
Fellowship and Celebration September brought us a sweet time of fellowship as we gathered over delicious donuts in the café! Fresh Donuts in Pickerington provided some truly amazing treats, and it was such a joy to enjoy a sweet snack while spending meaningful time with our church family. As we look ahead to October, we are excited for another special Sunday of Fellowship as we Celebrate Our Pastors . This occasion will be especially meaningful as we honor Pastor Rick and celebrate his final Sunday serving as Senior Pastor at Violet. We hope you will join us as we come together to celebrate, give thanks, and show our appreciation for the pastors who faithfully serve our church family.
Trunk or Teat Volunteers VIOLET FAMILY, WE NEED YOU!!!!
As our community joins us for fun and fellowship at Trunk or Treat 2026 (October 11th from 6-7:30PM), we need your help. From grillers and parking lot attendants to game hosts and craft helpers, there are a variety of ways for you to sign up to serve God and others.
Plus, we needs trunks - LOTS OF THEM!! We're hoping for 80!!! And CANDY!!! Lots of candy!!
To sweeten the deal, we'll have prizes to be awarded for the Best Trunk Decoration and Best Group/Family Costume !!
Please sign up today to help!!
Jamie McCleese Operations Director jamiem@violetchurch.com
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