NO. 19
A Note From Pastor Rick
Dear Church Family,
Have you ever wondered how God could possibly bring good out of a situation that seems hopeless? Have you faced seasons of betrayal, disappointment, or waiting—and asked, “Where is God in all of this?”
This August, join us at Violet Baptist Church for a powerful 5-week sermon series called Meant for Good: The Life of Joseph.
Joseph’s life, found in Genesis 37–50, is one of the most remarkable stories in all of Scripture. It’s a story of family conflict, betrayal, false accusations, undeserved suffering, and long seasons of waiting. But through it all, God was at work behind the scenes—turning pain into purpose and using every twist and turn to accomplish His perfect plan. Just as Joseph declared to his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good…” (Genesis 50:20), we’ll discover how God can take the hardest parts of our lives and redeem them for His glory.
Each week we’ll uncover lessons of faith, resilience, forgiveness, and trust that meet us right where we are—whether we’re in a pit, a prison, or a palace.
Join Us and Bring a Friend!
This is the perfect series to invite family, friends, and neighbors. Everyone faces hardships. Everyone needs hope. Let’s discover together how God is writing a bigger story—one where even what was meant for harm can become a testimony of His goodness.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Rick
A Note From Pastor Eric
Summer Songs, a look back at what God’s been doing through the Psalms
It’s been a joy to walk through the Psalms together this summer! I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities to preach from Psalm 8, Psalm 34, Psalm 122, and Psalm 127. Each Psalm has challenged us, encouraged us, and reminded us just how personal and powerful God’s Word really is. In Psalm 8, we were reminded that even though God is massive and majestic, He’s also mindful of us. That truth never gets old, He created the whole universe, and yet He knows you and me by name. Psalm 34 helped us see that worship isn’t just for when life is good, it’s for the hard days, too. God is close to the brokenhearted, and He invites us to taste and see His goodness, even in the middle of struggle. Psalm 122 stirred our excitement about being together in God’s house. We celebrated what it means to be part of a church family, where peace, unity, and worship come together as we center our lives around Jesus. And then Psalm 127 challenged all of us who tend to overwork and over-worry (guilty!). We saw that unless the Lord is building our lives, we’re just spinning our wheels. Trusting Him brings rest, not just results. It’s been amazing to see how God has moved in our hearts over these weeks. And the good news? He’s not finished. We’re excited for what’s next, but we’re also taking what we’ve learned with us, trusting more, worshiping deeper, and letting God shape our homes, hearts, and church.
Thanks for being part of this summer journey. I'm looking forward everything God is doing in and through Violet Baptist Church!
Pastor Eric
A Note From Pastor Keith
It is hard to believe that I have begun my 19th year of serving at Violet! As a church family, we have seen many changes in that time. One thing that has remained consistent is our church’s determination to reach and disciple children and youth. We have and will continue to make changes to our structure that will allow us to most effectively serve children and youth. As a pastoral team, we decided that it would be beneficial for my title to become “Next Gen Pastor.” This new title will allow for greater consistency between the VioletKids and Overflow Youth program by combining both under the title of “Next Gen” ministry. As the Next Gen Pastor, I will provide oversight for the VioletKids Ministry, which is under the direction of Jen Hunt, our new Children’s Director. In addition, we are adding Emily Hendershot to our staff as Youth Discipleship Director. Emily will focus on connecting with and discipling students, leading the youth worship band, and increasing the effectiveness of our Overflow Youth Ministry social media presence. We are very excited to join forces with Jen and Emily to more effectively reach the next generations for Jesus. It is an honor to continue to be part of what God is doing in and through Violet!
Pastor Keith
Jen Hunt Children’s Director
Emily Hendershot Youth Discipleship Director
Violet Township will begin construction at the Milnor Road and SR 204 intersection on August 11, 2025. During this initial phase, drivers can expect some flagging operations and traffic delays in the area. Please note that the intersection is scheduled to close completely on September 2, 2025, with an estimated reopening date of October 20, 2025. The project is expected to last approximately 50 days, but the timeline is weather dependent and subject to change.
The Women of Faith VioletGroup enjoyed getting out into the woods in July. We had a picnic under the trees at Blacklick Woods Metro Park. Afterwards, we courageously tried out the unique Canopy Walk back in the park by the Nature Center. There is something for every age group there. Children can safely slide down a firepole or climb up a big ladder. Someone in a wheelchair or using a walker can enjoy looking down on the treetops. We took advantage of the benches so we could chat. It's a lovely, short walk above the trees. Our group family grows sweeter in times like this.
Gail Reid VioletGroup Leader
Grief is a journey, and we all go through it at some point in our lives. It is never easy losing a loved one, and I know this all too well.
My name is Laurie Walsh, and in the last several years, I have lost my husband, my brother, my mother-in-law, as well as many other close relatives. After losing my brother and watching my mom grieve for the loss of her son, I felt the Lord lead me to do something to not only help her but also to help others who have lost those near and dear to them. It was then that we went and spoke with Pastor Brian to see what we could do to help those who are grieving not only in our church but in our community. Pastor Brian then searched and found Grief Share. Grief Share is an adult-based, Christ-centered program that guides individuals after the loss of a loved one, whether it be a family member or a friend. It is a 13-week session with three parts: Video Session, Small Group Discussion, and a Participant Guide. It will not take away your grief; however, it will help you navigate through losing your loved one. If you are struggling in your grief, I recommend that you try Grief Share. We do two 13-week sessions on Wednesday evenings every year, one in the fall/winter and one in the winter/spring. If you would like to know more about Grief Share, please feel free to reach out, and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18
Laurie Walsh lulu31968@aol.com (614)946-6448
Click here
Please join us every Tuesday night from 6-7PM in the VioletCafé as we meet to pray.
If you would like to respond in obedience and be baptized by immersion, sign up today and a pastor will contact you. Baptism symbolizes the believer’s faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Savior; the believer’s death to sin; the burial of the old life; and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Jesus Christ.
Click here
Attention Men! Grab a friend and join us at Round Lake from August 8th through 10th.
This year our guest speaker will be Reagan Wagoner (Reagan's Clip).
The schedule for the weekend will include some group events as well as Round Lake’s traditional activities such as axe throwing, basketball, volleyball, fishing, swimming and more!
The cost of this year's retreat is both nights for $110 or one night for $55!
We look forward to seeing you there!
Click here
tAt our Annual Church Business Meeting on Wednesday, August 13th, at 6:00PM in the Worship Center, we will discuss and vote on the 2026 Budget. All Violet Members are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Church Members may pick up their Budget Packets at the Violet Members' Gathering on July 31st or on Sunday, August 3rd or Sunday, August 10th.
We will plan to vote on the 2026 Budget on August 13th, if we have a quorum of Violet Members present. If there is no quorum present, we will vote on Sunday, August 17th.
Lives Are Changed at Super Summer!
Twenty students and eight adults from Violet were part of the Super Summer Student Leadership Program at Cedarville University this summer! Super Summer applies Biblical truth to develop Christian leaders to make a Kingdom impact. Students who have just finished 7 grade through their freshman year in college receive training that is specific to their grade level. Some of the top pastors and leaders in the State Convention of Baptists in Ohio come together to invest in our student leaders. th Students at each individual grade level worship together, hear teaching from gifted SCBO pastors, and then discuss application of the lessons in small groups. The students choose a total of 6 elective classes to attend during the week. Here is a sample of some of the elective classes offered: Responding to the Call to Ministry, Character Matters, Church Planting, Mental Health and Leadership, and Understanding How You Are Wired to Worship. Our evening worship services featured worship led by TakeHeart and messages from Pastor Dean Inserra from City Church Tallahassee. He spoke on “Permanent Things” that are “Unending.” His messages encouraged students to build their houses on the rock of Christ’s teaching, to stay anchored to God and His Word, and to live from a place of intimacy with Jesus. Our speaker led our students in an extended time of prayer each evening. This year we had a record involvement with 475 participants. We moved to 2 evening worship services to accommodate the growth and also to allow our speaker to customize the messages according to the younger and older age groups. Students indicated that the following decisions were made this year at Super Summer:
21 received salvation 35 were called to full-time ministry 72 were called to missions
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Emma McElroy is an Overflow student who will be a junior at Bloom-Carroll High School in the fall. She participated in “Yellow School” at Super Summer. This school for upcoming juniors emphasizes “Leading By Serving.” When I asked Emma about her Super Summer, she replied “Super Summer was an amazing experience. There is nothing like it. Super Summer is hands- down the best camp I've ever been to. I loved being around peers who are serious about their faith like me. We learned, in Yellow School, how to be servant leaders and respond to God's calling in our lives in order to obey the Great Commission.” Kevin Bowman serves as a Youth Leader in the Overflow High School Youth group. He attended Super Summer for the first time this year and served as a small group (“family group”) leader. Here are Kevin’s comments about his experience in Green School with upcoming High School Seniors: “I really enjoyed my experience at Super Summer and the interaction I had with the young people both in my “family group” and from our church. It was also great to connect with the other adults who attended. Green school’s theme of “Understanding Biblical Worldview” was very interesting and important. The opportunity to discuss the lessons with our family group afterwards was enjoyable and effective. The evening worship/sermons also gave us much to contemplate and think about. Overall, Super Summer was a faith-enhancing and gratifying experience.” Please pray that each of our Super Summer students would continue to pursue Jesus and the specific Kingdom contribution that God has for them. Also, please go take a few minutes to check out the Super Summer recap video below!
Thanks, Pastor Keith
Hey Jr. High Youth!
The Jr. Highers will meet at church at 12:15 PM on Sunday, August 17th to go get lunch at Wendy’s / Tim Horton’s and then go to Get Air Trampoline Park in Pickerington! We will be back to the church by 3:15 PM. Each jumper will need to have an online waiver form signed by parents. The waiver can be completed anytime here.
Cost: $17 (includes jump socks) + $ for lunch.
Bring a friend!!
Click here to register
On Sunday, August 24th, the High School Youth Group will meet at church at 12:15 PM to go to Kent and Cheryl Holaday’s house on Buckeye Lake.
We will have lunch, swim in their pool, and go fishing.
Remember to bring your fishing and swimming gear!
We will be back to church at 4:15 PM.
This is a great way to say goodbye to summer!
Click here to register
There is no cost for this event!
The Jr High Youth group will be meeting at church on Wednesday, August 27th at 6 PM to go to Rita’s Italian Ice in Gahanna!
Most menu items are between $5-$8.
We will be back to church at 8:15 PM.
How many friends will you invite?
Click here to register
During the month of July, VioletKids learned that we are broken, but God makes us new! We learned through Scripture that God knows our thoughts, God knows our hearts, God knows our actions, and God knows our needs. Our July Scripture memory verse says, “God create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10).
VioletKids had a great week at Mega Sports Camp 2025! Kids learned that they are most in their element when they understand that they are uniquely created by God to do good works! We loved seeing so many of our children and youth helpers participate in the activities of the week. Thank you to all who helped make it an exciting week for our kids and community!
Events & Volunteers
Violet Baptist Church: Reaching the Community!
July was a busy month with a lot of events and community outreach.
On July 4th, we walked in the Pickerington Parade, handing out cups, candy, and information about Violet. We had so much fun! Thank you to everyone who helped with this event; we had a lot of fun and can’t wait to do it again next year! From July 7th to July 10th, Violet hosted Mega Sports Camp. During this time, we had around 65 volunteers and 170 kids throughout the week. I am so thankful to all who served leading up to this week and during the week. This is a huge community outreach, and we could not have done it without so many people serving! We had so many different areas to serve, from behind the scenes to working directly with the kids. Each night, the kids would start in the Worship Center for an opening rally where we would sing and dance, followed by an overview of the lesson for the evening. The kids would then rotate to a sports session. Every night, the kids would also have a devotion time in their small group where they would learn more about Jesus from their huddle coach leaders. The end of each evening concluded back in the Worship Center with a Bible story, gospel presentation, and music. On July 11th, adults and youth served at Stowe Mission. We have many faithful volunteers who serve at Stowe on the second Friday of every other month but could always use more. If you are interested in learning more about this serving opportunity, please reach out to me.
The Pickerington Local School District used the VioletCafé on July 15th for a Town Hall Meeting with the new superintendent. Throughout the year, the VioletCafé is often used by the school district for meetings and training.
And to round out the month of July, Violet hosted Pickerington Local Schools Kindergarten Screening. We had many Violet greeters here to welcome all the families and help pass out snacks and donated school supplies.
Wow! What a month! Thank you for an awesome month of serving our community together. I am looking forward to all the events and community outreach planned for this fall. If you would like more information or help getting plugged in, please reach out to me.
Thank you, Jamie McCleese
Event & Volunteer Director jamiem@violetchurch.com
Click here for the Mega Sports
Camp Recap Video
Marketing & Communications
Telling the Story of What God Has Done: Why Your Testimony Matters
At Violet Baptist Church, our mission is clear: Love God, Love Others, and Make Disciples. One of the most powerful ways we can live out that mission is by simply sharing our stories—our testimonies of what God has done in our lives. When we think about “church marketing,” we often picture signs, social media posts, or event flyers. But the most authentic and impactful message we can offer the world isn’t a slogan or a campaign—it’s you. Your story. Your faith journey. Your testimony has power. It doesn’t need to be dramatic or polished—it just needs to be real. Maybe God brought you through a difficult season. Maybe He gave you peace when you least expected it. Maybe you’re still waiting, and He’s giving you strength day by day. Whatever your story looks like, someone else needs to hear it.
When you share what God has done in your life, you:
Encourage others in their faith. Many people in our church and community are walking through similar struggles. Your story may be the hope someone else needs to keep going. Build deeper community. Vulnerability invites connection. As we open up, we find others who say, “Me too.” Celebrate God’s goodness. Testimonies aren’t about us—they’re about Him. Every story shared gives glory to the One who is always working for our good (Romans 8:28).
We are working to tell the story of what God is doing at Violet—from Sunday services to mission trips, from small groups to answered prayers. And we want to include your voice.
If God has moved in your life, we would love to help you share it—whether that’s a written testimony, a short video, or even just a quote for social media. Don’t worry, you won’t be on your own! We’ll walk with you through the process and help you tell your story with clarity and confidence.
You can make a difference in someone’s life just by being willing to share what God has done in yours.
If you’re interested in sharing your story, email me or touch base with me some Sunday morning. You don’t have to be a writer or a speaker—just be willing to say, “Here’s what God has done.”
Let’s be a church known not just for what we do, but for how we testify to the goodness of God in every season. Together, let’s keep building faith, deepening community, and giving God all the glory.
Rachel Stone Marketing & Communications Director rachels@violetchurch.com
Links
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