NO. 21
A Note From Pastor Rick
Dear Church Family,
Life is full of pressures that try to shake our faith. Between cultural confusion, false promises, and personal struggles, many of us ask: How can I stay grounded in what’s true?
This October, we begin a six-week sermon series called Standing Firm , a verse-by-verse journey through the book of 2 Peter . Written by the apostle Peter near the end of his life, this short but powerful letter equips believers to hold on to God’s truth, grow in grace, and live with hope as we look forward to Christ’s return.
Each week, we’ll discover how to: •
Build an unshakable faith in a shaky world Recognize and resist false teaching
• • • •
Grow stronger in godly character
Trust the promises of God
Live with confidence in Christ’s return
Peter’s words are as timely today as they were 2,000 years ago. Our world is filled with voices competing for our attention—but God calls us to stand firm on His Word and His promises.
We invite you, your family, and your friends to join us for this important series. Whether you’re new to the faith or have been walking with Christ for years, you’ll be encouraged and equipped to live with clarity and courage in uncertain times.
Let’s stand firm together in the hope and truth of Jesus Christ! Pastor Rick
A Note From Pastor Brian
Statistics
You can find statistics about almost anything—sports, the weather, exercise—the list goes on. But today, I want to share just two powerful statistics I came across this past month.
1.Stowe Center – In just one month, 257 meals were served! That’s incredible—257 opportunities to meet both physical and spiritual needs. 2.Camp U Can – This is a summer camp run by our state convention for boys living in urban areas, and our church has supported it since it began in 2019. Director Reginald Hays shared these
exciting results from Camp U Can 2025: 91 campers attended from across Ohio 25 campers accepted Jesus Christ 13 campers were baptized during camp
These aren’t just numbers. Each one represents a life that has been touched by the love of Christ. So here’s the question: How are you adding to the story behind these kinds of statistics?
Links
website
A Note From Pastor Keith
An Overflow High School Holaday Getaway!
Kent and Cheryl Holaday graciously opened their Buckeye Lake house to our high school group at the end of August. This was a great opportunity for our students to celebrate the end of the summer, and to mark the beginning of the new school year. After the Holadays provided lunch, students went swimming in the pool, or kayaking in the lake. Kent spent two hours taking students for rides on their boat and innertubes. It was a wonderful afternoon to enjoy God’s creation while spending time with nearly 50 Violet members. I am so grateful to the Holadays for opening their home and for investing in our students. I was reminded once again why I love this church!
September was a beautiful month—both outside and inside with VioletKids!
Our students learned the truth that they are fully known by God.
Elementary Theme: “I am known” Preschool Theme: “God knows me”
Through Bible stories, they discovered how others in Scripture were known by God and how their lives were forever changed.
Memory Verse: Elementary: “Humans see what is visible, but the Lord sees the heart.” – 1 Samuel 16 Preschool: “The Lord sees the heart.” – 1 Samuel 16:7c We also launched a new Sermon Resource for families! It includes discussion questions and conversation starters to help you continue the faith conversations with your children throughout the week. You can find this resource on the Church Center app as well as the VioletKids page of our website. On September 14, we held a VioletKids Leader Huddle for current volunteers and those interested in serving. It was such a blessing to gather for fellowship and hear how the Lord is moving through VioletKids Ministry. God is truly at work, and we are expectant for even greater things ahead! There’s a Place for You in VioletKids Ministry! We’d love for you to join us in being the hands and feet of Jesus to our children. Opportunities include: Sunday mornings (both hours) Sunday evenings in Gopher Buddies or Olympians More details about Gopher Buddies and Olympians will be coming soon as we build our team. If you’re interested in serving on Sundays, reach out—we’ll walk you through the process. God is ready to use you to care for His sheep.
In Christ alone, Jen Hunt Children’s Director 📧 jenh@violetchurch.com 📱 614-260-2670
Community Impact
September has been a full and exciting month here at Violet! You may have noticed how busy our building has been during the week as we host a variety of groups from the community. We love being able to open our doors and serve in this way. One highlight was the launch of LifeWise Academy programming with our local schools. They also hosted a special event that showed the incredible impact this ministry is having on students, families, and the community. A few Sundays ago, we also enjoyed a sweet time of fellowship in the VioletCafé with donuts from our local shop, Fresh Donuts. It was such a joy to connect, meet new people, and share a treat together—I’m looking forward to doing this more often! Looking ahead, fall brings one of our biggest community outreaches: Trunk or Treat on Wednesday, October 22, from 6:00–7:30 PM. This event is only possible with your help! From grillers and parking attendants to game hosts, craft helpers, and trunks filled with candy—there’s a place for everyone to serve. Please consider signing up to be part of this special evening of outreach.
As always, if you’re looking to get connected and serve, I’d love to help you find the right place. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.
With gratitude, Jamie McCleese
Community Impact Director 📧 jamiem@violetchurch.com
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