NO. 18
A Note From Pastor Eric
What the Psalms are Teaching Us
This summer at Violet we are diving into the heart of worship with a new sermon series called “Summer Songs," where we’re walking through some of the most powerful and personal Psalms. The Psalms give voice to every season of the soul: joy, sorrow, hope, fear, gratitude, and even questions. Whether you’re in a season of celebration or one of struggle, there’s a psalm that meets you right where you are. We will continue to unpack one of these “summer songs” over the next four weeks and discover what it teaches us about God’s character and how we can respond in worship, no matter what life throws our way. Over the last two Sundays, we’ve spent time in Psalm 8 and Psalm 34—what a powerful reminder of who God is and who we are because of Him! Psalm 8 had us looking up at the stars and asking the same question David did: “God, how is it that You, who created all of this, still care so deeply about us?” It’s humbling to realize that the God who hung the moon also knows our name and gives our lives purpose. This past Sunday we moved into Psalm 34, and that one hit a little closer to home for some of us. David wrote it in a really difficult season, but instead of giving in to fear, he chose to worship. Psalm 34:8, “Taste and see that the Lord is good,” reminds us that we don’t have to have it all together to experience God’s goodness. He meets us in our mess, in our worry, and in our waiting. These Psalms remind us that God is both big and close, powerful and personal. And no matter what season we’re in, we can always run to Him.
Be sure to invite a friend with you this week and come ready to let God’s Word refresh your soul. See you Sunday!
Pastor Eric Executive Pastor
Disaster Relief Trailer Deployed for the First Time: Violet Baptist Church Blesses Circleville, OH
On June 15th, Violet Baptist Church’s newly outfitted Disaster Relief trailer was deployed for the very first time—and what an incredible first mission it turned out to be. The trailer, funded and equipped through the generous donations of Violet’s congregation, was sent to Circleville, Ohio, following devastating floods earlier in the month. What followed was a powerful display of both practical help and eternal hope.
In just two days, the Disaster Relief team worked tirelessly, restoring 12 homes impacted by the flooding. The team was large, efficient, and deeply committed to the mission. Their hard work brought tangible relief to residents reeling from water damage and loss—but even more than that, they brought the love of Christ.
The chaplain team that accompanied the workers was equally busy, handing out 54 salvation tracts and engaging in 7 gospel-centered conversations. Two families shared that they plan to begin attending a local church, expressing gratitude for both the help and the hope they received.
One story stood out in particular: a woman named Amy whose home was completely devastated. Everything below two feet had to be removed—furniture, appliances, drywall, memories. But when the team spoke with Amy, she made it clear her greatest concern wasn’t for her home, but for her soul. In the midst of the cleanup, Amy accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior.
It was a moment that captured the very heart of the Disaster Relief mission: meeting physical needs while pointing people to the eternal hope found in Christ.
As the team returned home on Tuesday, they brought back more than just dirty tools and tired muscles—they carried with them stories of transformation, gratitude, and God’s faithfulness. Violet Baptist Church’s investment in the trailer has already borne fruit, and this first deployment is just the beginning.
Click here for a Disaster Relief Video
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
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.
It’s Time for the School Supply Drive!
We’re excited to once again support local students through our annual School Supply Drive!
Violet’s list this year includes:
1.Disinfecting wipes 2.Ziplock baggies (sandwich, gallon, and quart sizes) 3.Pen and pencil pouches 4.Pencils
* Please drop off donations at the Pickerington Public Library
* Deadline: Friday, August 1st
Let’s come together to bless students with the supplies they need for a great school year!
Join us on Sunday, July 6, at 12:30 PM in the Youth Wing for a special time of worship and prayer. Together, we’ll lift up the children in our community, asking God to move powerfully in their hearts during the upcoming week of Mega Sports Camp. Let’s come together in faith and unity, believing that many young lives will be transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ. We’d love for you to be part of this meaningful time! Click here
Come serve with us on July 11th! Volunteers are needed to help warm food at Violet and also to transport to and serve food at Stowe Mission of Central Ohio. Volunteers are needed for the following: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM - Warm food at Violet 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM - Transport food to & serve food at Stowe Mission
Click here
You have an amazing opportunity to help with the Red Cross Blood Drive hosted by Violet on Thursday, July 17th, from 9:00AM - 2:00PM. There are 3 different shifts available for you to help set up the blood drive or to help greet and welcome the community.
Please sign up online to donate blood: www.redcrossblood.org Click here
Please help us welcome our community to Violet!
We are so excited to be hosting the Pickerington Local School District Kindergarten Screening from July 28th through July 31st (8:00AM - 7:00PM each day). Multiple serving times are available. Over 500 Kindergarten families are expected to walk through our church doors over this four day period and we would love for you to be part of this great opportunity to share and show the love of Jesus in very practical ways. Click here
Click here
t’s summertime again and time for the Buckeye Lake Barbecue | J.O.Y. at Violet. (J.O.Y. stands for Just Older Youth and is for people 50 years old and older)
It will be on Saturday, July 12th, starting at 5:00 PM. We will again be having the barbecue at the home of Kent and Cheryl Holaday (Thank you for opening your home).
The menu from City BBQ includes beef brisket, pulled pork, macaroni & cheese, baked beans, buns and salad. We will also have coffee, water and, of course, ice cream with toppings for dessert.
The cost is $5.00 per person. Please register so we know how many people to plan for.
Come and relax while watching the sun on Buckeye Lake, playing games, swimming (if you'd like), listening to music from Violet's Hillbilly Band, chatting and getting to know the group better or catching up.
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!
15 Years of Compassion
Overflow Youth Ministry recently received a “Happy Anniversary” card from Compassion International. Compassion serves over 2.2 million children in 29 countries. They impact these families in poverty through physical, emotional and spiritual care provided through local churches. Our youth group began sponsoring two children through Compassion in May of 2010. Yoel was 6 years old at the time and lives in Indonesia. Myldred was 8 at the time and lives in Ecuador. For the past several years we have been sponsoring Nelson (15 years old) and Sofia (15 years old) in Honduras. Although we were not able to meet them during our mission trip to Honduras in 2023, they were a huge inspiration for our trip. Compassion informed us that over the years we have sponsored 6 children. In addition to our monthly support, we have also sent 41 financial gifts for special occasions like birthdays and Christmas. We have also exchanged 155 letters between our group and our sponsored children. Our students enjoy hearing the letters and seeing the updated pictures of our Compassion kids. We collect for Compassion on the first Sunday of each month in youth group. In 15 years, no money from our youth budget has ever been used to sponsor our Compassion kids. Our students have been faithfully committed to making this happen. They either bring in money on the first Sunday of the month or donate using this link. It is exciting to realize that 2 kids have been hearing the Gospel and seeing it lived out through their local churches for 15 years because of our Overflow students. May our faithful support continue for the next 15 years and beyond!
Thanks, Pastor Keith
Jr High Youth, join us for a fun day at Kings Island, the largest theme and water park in the U.S. Midwest offering more than 40 thrill rides including the big thrills of Orion, Diamondback and The Beast! For a full list of rides and things to do visit- Amusement Park in Mason, Ohio | Kings Island & Soak City Water Park (visitkingsisland.com).
We will be meeting and returning to Violet and the cost is $45 per student.
We hope to see you there!
Click here to register
Our High School Group Is Going To The Fair!
On Sunday, July 27th, we will meet at church at 12:15 PM to go to the Ohio State Fair.
There will be pig races, rides, a circus show, a ventriloquist, cooking demonstrations, Smokey the Bear, live music, a cow made of butter, several parades, and lots of health food! You don’t want to miss it!
We will be back to church at 6:30 PM.
Cost: $10 + $ for food.
Click here to register
Which friends will you invite?
The Junior High Youth group will meet on Wednesday, July 30th from 7:00 to 8:15 PM in the youth room. We will play a fun game, have a snack, and then explore God’s Word about a topic that is important for Junior High Kids. We will then discuss these issues in groups.
Click here to register
During the month of June, VioletKids learned that we are uniquely designed by God! We learned through scripture that God made us original, He made us on purpose, He made us talented, and God made us valuable. Our June scripture memory verse says, “Yet Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our Potter; we all are the work of your hands” Isaiah 64:8).
When there are 5 Sundays in a month, we have a VioletKids Serving Day! We want VioletKids to know that they are never too young to serve others in our church or in our community! This month our kids assembled some fun giveaways that will go to all the participants of Mega Sports Camp! [would love to share pics of this to put in the VC, but won’t have those until we do this on June 29]
Mega Sports Camp is a fun and exciting week for our church, and it is quickly approaching! This camp presents us with the special opportunity to share the Gospel message with kids in our church, as well as many kids throughout our community. Kids will learn key truths about God and his character through various sports skills and team activities. This year’s Mega Sports Camp theme, “In Your Element,” invites kids to discover who God has created them to be. Kids are “in their element” when they experience a relationship with Jesus. We need many volunteers to make this camp successful. Don’t miss out on the joy it is to participate in this camp for kids!
Chelsea Poole Children’s Director
Events & Volunteers
Hey Violet!
It’s not too late to sign up to walk in the Pickerington 4th of July Parade!
We'll meet on Opportunity Way in Pickerington to line up for the parade. Please arrive between 8:30-9:30 AM. The roads will close at approximately 9:45 AM and we don’t want to miss you! The parade begins at 10:00 AM and is about a 2-mile walk. The parade will begin on Opportunity Way, then north on Lockville Road, then west on Columbus Street, then south on Hill Road, and finish at Ridgeview Junior High School. We'll all wear our purple Violet t-shirts. If you do not have yours yet, please indicate the sizes needed for your participants. This should be a fun event and a great way to tell the community how much we love Violet.
We are days away from our biggest outreach to the community, Mega Sports Camp and we still need a lot of help!
Mega Sports Camp is a weeklong outreach from July 7th to 10th from 6-8:30 pm. Each day, kids will discover how to become champions, both in sports and in their faith. They'll engage daily with the Bible in music, interactive Bible stories, and Scripture memorization. Kids will rotate from basketball, volleyball, and soccer or they can participate in cheerleading only.
Through action-packed sports training sessions mixed with interactive rallies, kids will have fun in this year's theme - IN YOUR ELEMENT.
MEGA Sports Camp® In Your Element invites kids to discover who Jesus has made them to be. To be in your element means to thrive in your environment and excel in the strengths God has given them. Kids are in their element when they’re in a relationship with Jesus. This week, kids will learn from the life of Jesus’ disciple Peter what it looks like to be in your element. In Your Element is designed for kids to engage with the science that supports sports. They'll learn what it takes to be a better athlete and to grow as a follower of Jesus. This Camp is for Kids who have finished Kindergarten-5th grade. Violet, we need you! Please serve with us! There are so many volunteer options, please check out the registration on our website or church center app or reach out to me for more details!
Thank you, Jamie McCleese
Event & Volunteer Director jamiem@violetchurch.com
Click here
Let's represent our church in the Pickerington 4th of July Parade.
We'll meet on Opportunity Way in Pickerington to line up for the parade (you'll get the exact location about a week before the parade).
Please arrive between 8:30-9:30 AM. The roads will close at approximately 9:45 AM and we don’t want to miss you!
The parade begins at 10:00 AM and is about a 2 mile walk.
Parade Route The parade will begin on Opportunity Way, then north on Lockville Road, then west on Columbus Street, then south on Hill Road, and finish at Ridgeview Junior High School. We'll all wear our purple Violet t-shirts. If you do not have yours yet, please indicate the sizes needed for your participants. This should be a fun event and a great way to tell the community how much we love Violet.
*We also have an opportunity to donate candy to be passed out along the parade route (you can drop that off in the Resource Hub between now and July 4th).
Click here
COME OUT AND PLAY!
JOIN US for sports fun at MEGA Sports Camp, where kids will get tools to help them in sports and life. Kids can rotate from basketball to volleyball to soccer or they can participate in cheerleading only.
Each day, kids will discover how to become champions, both in sports and in their faith. They'll engage daily with the Bible in music, interactive Bible stories, and Scripture memorization.
Through action-packed sports training sessions mixed with interactive rallies, kids will have fun in this year's theme - IN YOUR ELEMENT .
MEGA Sports Camp® In Your Element invites kids to discover who Jesus has made them to be. To be in your element means to thrive in your environment and excel in the strengths God has given them. Kids are in their element when they’re in a relationship with Jesus. This week, kids will learn from the life of Jesus’ disciple Peter what it looks like to be in your element. In Your Element is designed for kids to engage with the science that supports sports. They'll learn what it takes to be a better athlete and to grow as a follower of Jesus.
This Camp is for Kids who have finished Kindergarten-5th grade.
Hello Violet,
Our worship ministry is proud to announce our intern for the summer Josh Naess!
Here is a word from Josh:
"Hi, my name is Joshua Naess. I have been serving in the worship ministry since 2022. This summer I am serving as an intern for the worship ministry alongside Michael Weimar. My internship will run from June into August. During this time I will be spending time in various roles throughout the worship ministry such as playing drums with the band, and serving in technical roles with the church. I am very excited about worship ministry because of the many opportunities it presents to serve in our church on a weekly basis. I am excited to grow in my faith and better learn the production aspects of worship ministry."
Michael Weimar Worship Pastor
Josh Naess
Marketing & Communications
Sharing the Light: Why Communication Matters at Violet
At Violet Baptist Church, our mission is to love God, love others, and make disciples. Every Sunday, that mission echoes in our worship, teaching, and fellowship. But between Sundays, how do we keep our church family informed, connected, and inspired? That’s where communications and marketing come in—not as business tools, but as ministry tools. Whether it’s through a social media post, a printed flyer, an email update, or a Sunday morning announcement, our goal is simple: to point people to Jesus and help them feel seen and valued along the way. We want every parent to know when VioletKids Ministry meets, every student to feel invited to youth events, and every neighbor to hear that they’re welcome here.
Some goals for the future are to:
Share more stories of life change and service through video and social media Streamline how events are promoted across platforms Strengthen our connection with the community through digital outreach Equip ministry leaders with clear, creative tools to invite and inform
But beyond the logistics, communication at Violet is ultimately about hospitality—creating space for people to encounter truth, feel encouraged, and take their next step of faith.
We invite you to pray for our communications efforts and to be part of the conversation! Share your testimonies, tag us on social media, and let us know what information helps you stay engaged. Together, let’s use every channel possible to declare the hope we have in Christ.
Rachel Stone Marketing & Communications Director rachels@violetchurch.com
Links
website
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online