Welcome our guest speaker today, for Mission Sunday, Bill Babione! Bill is originally from Willard, Ohio. He has served twenty-eight years with Cru (Campus Crusade for Christ). Twenty-three of those years were spent in Eastern Europe.

Bill, wife Wini, and children Susanna, Ben, and Ellie, now live in Xenia, Ohio where Bill serves on a team that gives leadership to the international work of Athletes in Action.

Bill also leads an initiative called Momentum Ohio, which partners with former Ohio State basketball players who are following Jesus and desire to spread the Gospel in Ohio. The ministry has shared Christ with 1200+ people, most of whom have been high school and middle school basketball players and their coaches. 140+ people have come to faith in Christ as a result of hearing the Gospel!

If you wish to support Bill’s ministry financial, you can do so by giving a one-time gift today. Mark your check or envelope – Babione – and place it in the offering plate. If you wish to provide the Babiones with on-going support, please see Bill after the service.

Join us after the service as we enjoy a potluck meal together with the Babiones. During lunch, you are encouraged to write letters for the Operation Christmas Child boxes as well as pack a shoebox or two!

October is letter writing month for Operation Christmas Child. Here are some TIPS and IDEAS:

• Print rather than use cursive
• Address your envelope “To: My new friend” or something similar
• Do Not seal the envelopes
• Include a photo of yourself if you can
• A good opening line would be, “I packed this box/picked these items for you. I hope you like them!“
• Add a favorite Bible verse
• Tell them you're praying for them

Our youth discipleship ministry, Koinonia, begins a new season next Sunday, October 20th following the morning service. (This is a change in time from previous years.) During this kick-off meeting, we will enjoy sub sandwiches and learn what is in store this year.

The weekly meetings will include friendship for the kids, fellowship for the adults, and a time for everyone to grow in their relationship with God and each other. We encourage anyone interested in studying God’s word, encouraging Ripley youth to grow in their faith, or learning how to make disciples attend Koinonia.

Young people of all ages are welcome. Adults, whether you have kids, no kids, or grandkids, you’re invited! Stop by the Information Center to sign up so we know how many subs to order.

Please note: On potluck Sundays, Koinonia will eat with the rest of the church family then hold a Ripley Youth Book Club meeting afterward.

The Lay Council has begun preparing for our annual church meeting in November. Please submit to the Lay Council moderator, Don Rhine, or Pastor Eric any topics you would like the Council to consider placing on the agenda. The deadline for consideration is October 20th.

Today, following the service, stop in the foyer and sign up to be an Awana Prayer Partner. Bonnie Rhine will be there to help you. The kids love receiving your notes of encouragement!

Beverage Time, the 3rd Saturday of each month, at the local McDonald's, is for any and all ladies! Join them at 10:00 am in Willard, on October 19th.