THE VIOLET CONNECTION VIOLET BAPTIST CHURCH NO.2
A Letter From The Pastor BY RICK WILLIAMS
IN THIS ISSUE
Meet The Deacons
Serving as a pastor at Violet has been a great joy, especially because of the faithful deacons I have the privilege of working alongside. When I first arrived at this church in 1996, I quickly realized the importance of having a strong deacon team. We began by providing training for our deacons, and one of the key principles we learned was the idea of being partners in ministry. Our focus was on creating a deacon ministry, rather than a deacon board. Deacons are dedicated to serving the Lord and our church, and we are grateful for their faithful commitment. This month, we are taking the time to honor and recognize our deacons. Please join me in giving thanks to God for these men and their unwavering dedication to the Lord and our church.
Ministry Highlights
Living, Breathing Testament of God’s Miracles
Meet The Deacons
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
Mark Painter
Mark and Nancy started coming to Violet around 2012. Mark went to high school in a small town in Michigan, then went to Michigan State University where, through many trials, he finally crammed a 4 year Bachelor Degree into 5 1/2 years. Mark moved to Columbus in 1986 and currently lives in Pataskala in the Villas at Foor Farms. Mark and his wife, Nancy, were high school sweethearts and were married in 1968, which means that they have been married for over 55 years. The Painters have two sons, a daughter, and 9 grandchildren. They enjoy attending sports events and activities their grandchildren are involved in. Mark is involved with prison prayer ministry in Ohio prisons, and co-teaches two VioletGroups. Mark is outgoing, loves people and Jesus his Savior. He enjoys making hospital visits and praying with others.
1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV
Jim Barber
Jim and his wife, Christy, originally from South Dakota, have been part of Violet Baptist Church since 2007. Married in 1985, they are proud parents of two daughters, Ashley and Lauren, and doting grandparents to Branson (11), Madison (2), and Jackson (1). After serving in the military, they now relish their retirement, spending quality time with their grandchildren and exploring new places. Active participants in our church, Jim and Christy often volunteer their time and services. You might spot Jim behind the coffee counter on some Sundays, serving warm cups of joy. He is always ready to lend a hand where needed. Jim also spends his time at the Stowe Center and is an active member of the JOY (Just Older Youth) Group and a VioletGroup. If you happen to see him around, don’t hesitate to greet him. They truly embody the spirit of our church.
Kent Holaday
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
Kent had the dream childhood of growing up on a farm with a pony and numerous pets, but the best benefit was working with his Dad everyday. He married his high school sweetheart, Cheryl, while attending college at Purdue. Kent and Cheryl celebrated 60 years of marriage this Valentine’s Day. Kent’s other true love was aviation and he joined the Air Force through the ROTC program and flew fighters for almost 23 years. The Holadays moved about every 3 years and lived 9 of those years overseas. After retiring from the Air Force, he continued flying all over the world with NetJets. His wife, Cheryl, taught on several levels: at high school, 4H, scouts, and at church, leading a wonderful group of senior ladies. They were blessed with 3 children, 4 granddaughters, and 4 great- grandsons. Kent had strong Christian parents, which he attributes to being a Christian today.
Colossians 3:23- 24 ESV
John Smith
John Smith retired from the US Postal Service after 34 years. Most of his life was spent in the Columbus area, settling in Reynoldsburg after marrying his wife, Janis, 51 years ago. They were blessed with two daughters, Jennifer and Jeanna. From those daughters, they have two sons-in-law, Jason and Craig, and four grandchildren, Isaac, Luke, Ian, and Emma. Family is a high priority in John's life. In 2018, John and Janis moved to the countryside northwest of Lancaster, where they are within 8 minutes of their children and grandchildren. John and Janis enjoy traveling (often with their family), walking, being with friends, and reading. John plays golf, enjoys the outdoors, and is the family chicken tender. Through his adult life, John has been active in various ministries and enjoys serving.
Eric Jones
Eric has been attending Violet since 2001. He graduated from Reynoldsburg High School and from Ohio University. While attending O.U., he met his best friend and future wife, Tara. They married in 1997 and have two amazing daughters, Sydney and Teagan. For many years, he and his family lived in Reynoldsburg, but they moved to Carroll, Ohio in 2012. Eric enjoys rooting for the Ohio State Football team and the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is passionate about spending time outdoors: hunting, fishing, hiking, and working in his yard. Throughout the years, Eric has enjoyed serving at the church in many roles including Upward Basketball Coach, Building and Grounds, and running sound and lighting for the Worship Team. He is currently a Youth Leader with the Junior High Youth and a member of a great VioletGroup!
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Philippians 2:3- 4 ESV
Larry Sigman
Larry was raised in an old Methodist church in West Virginia, but found Jesus in 1965 at a Baptist Mission Church in Stevenville, Newfondland, Canada. His family joined Fairwood Baptist in 1966, where he served as a Sunday School Teacher, Baptist Men’s Director, and was ordained as a deacon in 1969. He and his late wife, Ginny, also served as youth leaders. He served at Brookside Baptist for several years before he came to Violet. It was Larry’s privilege to serve as the first director of Senior Ministries (JOY Group) at Violet. He currently serves as a deacon.
Richard Jent
Richard was born and raised in southern Kentucky. He has been married to his wife, Lucille, for 56 years. They have one son, Joshua, and one grandson, Chandler. Richard is a Vietnam veteran with the Army 1st Cav Division. He worked over 35 years in the administrative/education division with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections. He has been a deacon at two former Southern Baptist churches. Richard and his family joined Violet fifteen years ago because of the Children’s Department for their grandson, Chandler. He is a retired basketball official, so he really enjoyed working in the Upward program for many years. Richard enjoys watching Kentucky basketball and New York Yankees baseball and is a proud member of the ROMEO VioletGroup.
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Galatians 5:13- 14 ESV
Lee Espartero
Lee has attended Violet since 2015. He is originally from California and moved to Pickerington, Ohio in 2006. He married his wife, Riza, in 2000 and they have three children: Andrew, Rylee and Zetta. Lee enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, playing basketball, snowboarding and volunteering with VioletKids on Sunday mornings.
Steve Wilson
Steve Wilson joined Violet Baptist Church in July 2002 and started serving as a deacon in 2018. Steve was born in Colorado Springs and grew up in West Virginia. Steve and his wife, Lori, were married in August, 1980 while Steve was serving in the USAF. They lived in Illinois, New Mexico, West Virginia and Maryland before moving to Pickerington in 2002. Steve has two daughters - Rebekah and Kathryn, two sons-in-law – Matt and Duncan, and two grandchildren – Mason and Scarlett. Steve enjoys traveling, spending time with family and watching Ohio State football. Steve has served in VioletKids for 20 years and loves being involved in his VioletGroup and serving the Lord.
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6 ESV
Ryan McCleese
Ryan has been a part of Violet Baptist Church since 2003. He and his wife, Jamie, were married at Violet in 2004 and have 3 beautiful children. He joined the Deacon Team in April of 2014. Ryan enjoys helping coach his kids in sports or attending their games and track meets. During his down time, he enjoys relaxing at home.
Not Pictured: James Poole, Sr.
Hello, Violet Family!
As I was praying about what to share with you this month, God kept prompting me to share what is on my heart. So here it is…
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
I want nothing more than the seventy-five thousand people in our community of Violet Township and Pickerington to not only know of Jesus but to have a personal, life transforming relationship with Him. If Violet Baptist Church shut its doors today. Closed shop. Turned off the lights. Left. Would anyone in our community know? Would anyone in our community even care? These two questions drive me every day, these two questions demand my attention. One of my favorite quotes is, “Many times the church gets stuck because the WAY we do church becomes more important than WHY we do church.” It is so easy to get caught up doing church that we forget that the ultimate call is to be the church. The reality is that a lot of churches, no matter the location or size, seem to struggle to engage their community because they are disconnected from them. Now more than ever, our community desperately needs the church to be present and purposeful. I want to share with you a few things Violet is doing to increase our engagement with our neighbors and community through our mission to Love God, Love Others and Make Disciples. 1.What are the needs in our community? We have tried to be very intentional to carve out time to discover what the real needs are within our community. We have engaged with Pickerington school administrators, The City of Pickerington, Violet Township, Parks & Recreation departments, First Responders, Government agencies, and local business leaders who are for our community, and Christian Counseling Agencies who will be on site on a weekly basis at Violet in the near future.
Matthew 28:19-20 NIV
2.Who is for our community? Time is limited, and energy is not limitless. What I know is that our greatest resource is not money or buildings, those are vital for ministry, but our greatest resource is passionate Christians leveraging their one life to make an eternal impact for His kingdom. Whenever we discover a new need, God always surfaces an enthusiastic leader to step up and partner with us. We strive to partner with those with a heart for serving broken and hurting people. We want to partner with the business leader who desires to leverage their resources for kingdom purposes. We want to do ministry alongside the non-profits who value partnership and collaboration. We want to multiply the vision and actively seek out like-minded people who are for our community and our mission to further God’s Kingdom. 3. How do we streamline our strategy for maximum impact? A saying I hear in a lot of churches I go into is, “We are building the plane in the air.” Those words have come out of my mouth! Does that sound messy? Yes! Does it drive my inner strategic mind crazy? Absolutely! Let me just pause here and clarify. I am not talking about thoughtless decision-making that leads to poor stewardship. What I am saying is we can never wait for the perfect scenario to launch something; perfect scenarios do not exist and that would require no faith. When we discover the right need, start with prayer, gather the right people, build a God sized strategy, and move into action, God will show up in a mighty way! Along the way we must make wise decisions that position the idea and strategy for success and yes, take a gigantic leap of faith trusting that God will fill in the gaps as we move forward. If Loving God, Loving Others and Making Disciples is going to be more than a mission statement on the wall of our church, we need everyone engaged and involved. When people experience God’s love in action, they want to know more about it because it’s foreign to them. When this happens, doors will open to life transforming conversations about Jesus. In a culture where the conversation is focused on what the church is against, we can change the narrative by living out what the church is. In Christ Alone, Pastor Eric
A Note from Pastor Brian:
Thank you all for your faithful giving to missions. What an exciting thing to see that our Christmas Mission Offering exceeded the goal! I am thankful to be part of a church that gives to missions. As many of you know, we are a part of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). One of the unique aspects of being part of the SBC is that we come together to do missions. As a church, we do this in several different ways. First, we tithe our annual budget to missions. This means that a portion of all general fund giving goes to the cooperative program. Second, we give 60% of our Christmas Missions Offering to SBC missions. So, of this 60%, half of it goes directly to support North American missionaries, and the other half goes to support international missionaries. In addition, we continue to partner with Chanku Waste Ranch as well as Creators Fellowship Church in South Dakota. We have also had opportunity to directly support the needs of some of our missionaries around the world. For instance, we helped by giving toward a new air conditioning system in a church in Greece last year and our Disaster Relief Team from Ohio installed it. Again, I am so grateful for the faithfulness of all of you who give above and beyond to missions.
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
Violet and Disaster Relief
As a church family, we have an amazing opportunity to show and share the love of Christ through Disaster Relief. Violet has already had a group of people that have taken the training and are ready to be deployed. Some of the opportunities that are available to you are as follows: Chainsaw Team, Communications Team, Flood Recovery Team, and Food Team. The next training will be at Jersey Church on March 2. Please go to this link to do the online training and to sign up if you are interested:
2 Corinthians 9:7-8 NIV
https://www.scbo.org/dr
Part of the Christmas Mission Offering this year will go toward the purchase of a recovery trailer. This trailer will allow us as a church to respond to needs in our community. We are planning to focus on a Chainsaw Team, Flood Recovery Team, and Rebuild Team. Once this trailer is established, we could also be called on to team up with the state teams that are deployed. (Pictured below is a Disaster Relief trailer in Waverly, OH)
VioletKids February is commonly known as a month to celebrate love. On Sunday mornings last month, VioletKids took a deep dive into what loving someone really looks like! Our preschool kids learned that Jesus loves everyone and that, ultimately, He wants to be our forever friend. Our elementary kids took an adventure in kindness! We learned that kindness is a fruit of the Spirit and an important characteristic of people who follow Jesus. In February, we launched the opening of our VioletKids Care Closet. The Care Closet contains donated (like new) items for anyone who may have a need for something such as diapers, winter coats, blankets, etc. If we do not have something in our space, we will do our best to find whatever is needed! If you would like to get involved in this ministry, or know of a family in need, please reach out to Chelsea Poole or Jamie McCleese. Our February event was Father-Daughter Dance 2024! This event was open to the community, and it did not disappoint! With over 100 people registered to attend, we had a DJ, a photo booth, and lots of yummy Valentine’s treats. Thank you to all those who helped to put this event together, including the ones who helped set up, decorate, and serve food during the dance. It was fun to serve together and was definitely a memorable evening for many fathers and their daughters.
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
1 John 4:7-8 NIV
VioletKids
March is a special month as we prepare to celebrate Easter! We are busy getting ready for our annual community Easter event with a few fun updates this year. Our church family shows up in big ways to serve our local families through our holiday events. We welcome your help and involvement in Easter Egg-Stravaganza, which will be held Saturday, March 16th from 10AM-12PM.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 NIV
CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED WITH THIS FUN, FAMILY EVENT!
Good Friday Services 4PM (All Family Service) 6PM (All Family Service) Easter Services 8AM (All Family Service) 9:30AM (VioletKids Available) 11AM (All Family Service)
When I first attended Super Summer in 2007 I knew that I was involved in something special! Many denominations struggle to raise up leaders, but the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio have developed an intentional program to do just that! Super Summer invites youth pastors from across the state of Ohio to identify their student leaders. These are students have completed grades 7-12, are serious about their faith, and long to make an impact for Christ. These students are sent to Cedarville University for a week in June where some of the best pastors and youth leaders in the state converge to train student leaders at each grade level. In order to participate in Super Summer, students must meet the leadership requirements established by their churches. At Violet, our students must serve at church, have a godly testimony, and meet youth group attendance requirements. They must also complete an application, an interview, and an assignment to be eligible to attend Super Summer. Our Super Students would tell you that Super Summer is worth all of the work that it takes to attend the program. Last year there were 450 adults and students who engaged in heart-felt worship and highly focused student leadership training. Through the years, several students from Violet have surrendered to the call to full time ministry at Super Summer. Others have received training to make an impact for Christ in part time or volunteer leadership roles in local churches and ministries. Please pray for these students who are stepping forward to grow as followers of Jesus and as leaders of others. -Pastor Keith Super Summer A Student Leadership Program That is Second to None!
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6 NIV
Events
Hello everyone,
Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
Despite February being a short and cold month, we managed to fill it with a lot of exciting events and activities here at Violet. Our highlight was the heartwarming Father-Daughter Dance, where we welcomed numerous father figures and daughters from our community. I am grateful for the dedicated volunteers who adorned the activity center with twinkling lights and delightful decorations, as well as the Women’s Ministry for presenting an adorable treats table. It truly was a magical evening! As we continue our outreach to the community, we are thrilled to announce our ongoing collaboration with Pickerington Parks and Recreation. Every Wednesday and Thursday evening, we will be hosting a range of programs. You can find more details about these programs on their website: Parks & Recreation (https://www.ci.pickerington.oh.us/departments/parks- recreation/). If you are able to volunteer as a greeter, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. Looking ahead in March, we are gearing up for one of our most significant outreach events of the year – the Easter Egg- Stravaganza. I am excited to once again connect with our community through this joyous and fun-filled event. Please consider how you can contribute on Saturday, March 16th. If you would like additional information about any of these events or are eager to get involved, please feel free to contact me at jamiem@violetchurch.com.
Romans 15:7 ESV
Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm for our community efforts.
Jamie McCleese office: 614-833-0171 www.VioletBaptistChurch.org
Save The Date Men’s Mission Trip May 3-11, 2024 Men’s Retreat August 9-11, 2024
women’s ministry Main Event: The 2024 Violet Women’s Retreat is just a few weeks away – March 22nd-24th at the Berlin Resort, Millersburg, Ohio, in the heart of Ohio’s Amish Country! Enjoy a weekend of praise and worship , time in God’s Word discussing persevering during life’s tough seasons and living with a spirit of gratitude and contentment. There will be time to explore beautiful Amish country, check out all the unique shops, relax, play games, sit around the fire pit, and just have a great time with a bunch of girlfriends as we draw nearer to God on a deeper level together. The last day to register and pay for the retreat is March 7th. Please sign up via the Church Center app or at violetbaptistchurch.org, click on “events”, and scroll to the 2024 Ladies Retreat. Multiple rooming and pricing options are available and include the total cost for your two nights accommodations, continental breakfast on Saturday and Sunday morning, and dinner on Friday and Saturday night. We’re looking forward to seeing you in Amish Country!
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28 NIV
Looking ahead! Please save the dates for more opportunities to connect and grow with the ladies at Violet:
June 9, 2024: We will have a Ladies Luncheon at Violet Baptist Church from 12:30-2:30PM. There is no cost to attend.
August 24, 2024: We will join a Going Beyond Ministries live simulcast from Athens, GA that features Priscilla Shirer called Experience the Truth of Scripture and the Power of Prayer from 7:30AM-3:30PM at Violet Baptist Church. The cost to attend is $15 and it includes a boxed lunch.
September 22, 2024: We will have a Ladies Luncheon at Violet Baptist Church from 12:30- 2:30PM. There is no cost to attend.
October 19, 2024: We’ll go “Walk, Talk, Pray” in Hocking Hills, OH. We’ll depart Violet at 9AM. Please bring a sack lunch.
October 25-26, 2024: We will attend Living Proof Live with Beth Moore at Brentwood Baptist Church in Brentwood, TN. More information to come regarding Hotel Reservations and Group Ticket Prices.
December 15th: We will have a Ladies Christmas Celebration at Violet Baptist Church from 12:30-2:30PM. There is no cost to attend.
March Devotional – “Maybe you’re not where you thought you’d be at your age..maybe you’re walking through a heartache you never thought would be your reality…maybe your dreams have been marked by deep disappointment or loss…Friend, whatever disappointment you are walking in today will not be the end of your story! When life is not what you expected and you don’t know how to navigate your current reality, you can cling to these Truths from God’s Word as an anchor and hope to your weary soul: When life doesn’t look like I thought it would, God is still good and He’s not finished with me yet (Jeremiah 29:11). When l think I’ll never recover, God redeems it all, He won’t waste a thing (Romans 8:28). When I’m fearful and tempted to give up on the future, God will take my hand and give me the strength to trust Him again (Isaiah 41:10)."
Have a wonderful month & hope to see you in Amish Country! Karen Bramlish Women’s Ministry Leader
Kelley’s story is one of determination, faith, and a healthy amount of resiliency. Being born a healthy little girl, it was shocking to say the least, when after several visits with medical specialist, Kelley was diagnosed at age 5 with a very rare autoimmune disease called Rasmussen’s Encephalitis. As Rasmussen’s progresses, it causes seizures unresponsive to medication, and deterioration of half of the brain, or one hemisphere. The only cure is to have that half of the brain removed or disconnected. Kelley had surgery at John’s Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland on February 16, 2012. She had the left half of her brain removed. Living, Breathing Testament of God’s miracles BY: NANCY PHILHOWER As you may imagine, this type of surgery requires extensive therapy to recover. Immediately after surgery, Kelley had to relearn how to walk, talk and eat again. She pushed herself continually, and, through the prayers and support from so many, she kept beating the odds. Today, Kelley is a Senior in High School at Liberty Christian Academy, playing on the Varsity Basketball Team, a member of National Honor Society, attending Wright State University in the fall to follow her love of Anatomy, and has just returned from a mission trip in Costa Rica. While in Costa Rica, she gave a testimony about her life’s challenges and encouraged the people of the village where she was working. She reminded them that “God is always with you through the good and the bad.”, ending her testimony with reading the verse John 16:33 in Spanish. Although Kelley has been through such an extreme amount of adversity, she continues to have an abundant amount of faith in God, and has become a living, breathing testament of His miracles.
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take
heart! I have overcome the world.
John 16:33 NIV
have you noticed?
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Kara Bottoms and her exceptional team at PPA Agency for their outstanding dedication and hard work in designing our new logo and branding guidelines. Their creativity and expertise have truly brought Violet's mission to life in a way that surpasses our expectations. We are grateful for their commitment and professionalism throughout this process. Thank you for helping us shape our brand identity and for honoring Violet's vision with such excellence.
We’d love to hear from you. Has your VioletGroup recently come together to serve the Lord? Tell us about it. What’s happening in the ministry where you serve? We’d love to hear about it. You can email rachels@violetchurch.com with your stories and photos.
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