OFWB Community News

20/11/2025

Psalms for the Soul by Linda Herring

The Bible speaks to us, but the Psalms speak for us. God is the creator. He has incorporated many of His principles into nature, allowing us to see His handiwork and learn about Him. The Bible says, “consider the ant. Here are a few of the characteristics of the ants. Preparation, cooperation, perseverance, diligence, unity, and the list could go on. God wants us to observe the lowly ant that He created to work in a community. There is much to learn from the created world. Jesus challenges us to consider the birds. Birds do not reap or gather grain but rather assume their food will be supplied as it always has been. The lesson is that the Lord, who provides for birds, can be trusted to meet His people’s needs as well. He is faithful and His promises to never leave us or forsake us. Do not let the stresses of the day steal your Psalm. Contact me at [email protected].

19/11/2025

December 6 & 13! Whaley's Chapel Church!

18/11/2025

The Cape Fear Conference meet today at St Mary’s Grove, Benson.

Moderator: Rev Jeff Daughtry
Worship Leader: Rev Stephen Prescott
Scripture and Prayer: LM Christian Gonzalez
Host Church Rep: Mr Honeycutt
Wall of Honor Recipients: Rev Doug Seymour and (in memory of) Mr Carl Warren, Oak Grove Church
Morning Message: Rev Wesley Taylor
Unofficial Totals: 28 Ordained Ministers present (15 absent excused). 1 Licensed Minister (3 absent or excused). 25 churches representing (by delegation or pastor). 6 churches absent.

18/11/2025

📣 Attention Cape Fear Conference Ministers

Please note that there will NOT be a November Ministers Meeting this month.

This is due to the Cape Fear Conference Annual Meeting.

Our next Ministers Meeting will be in March 2026, and additional details will be sent out as we get closer.

Thank you! — Vicki Medlin

18/11/2025

UMO invites alumni, students, parents, and community members to campus for its annual Homecoming and Fall Festival, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, November 21–22, 2025. Atlantic Casualty Insurance Company will once again serve as the presenting sponsor for the highly anticipated 2025 Homecoming Weekend, underscoring the company’s continued commitment to UMO and the broader Mount Olive community.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21
The weekend tees off with the Alumni Golf Tournament at Southern Wayne Country Club. Registration and lunch begin at 11 AM, with a 12 PM shotgun start. Cost: $75 per player / $300 per team. Alumni and friends are welcome.
Friday evening, Kornegay Arena hosts the opening night of the Pickle Classic Basketball Tournament, one of the longest-running college basketball tournaments in the nation. The UMO men’s team faces Middle Georgia State University at 7 PM.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22
Start the day with the UMO Alumni Association Annual Meeting at 9 AM in Video Conference Room 114/115, followed by the Alumni Awards Ceremony, Memorial, and Worship Service at 10:30 AM in Rodgers Chapel.
At 12 PM, UMO women’s basketball tips off against Bluefield University in Kornegay Arena.

Meanwhile, Kemp Commons transforms into the festival hub at noon with concerts, food trucks, vendor booths, and a Kids Korner. The FREE concert music lineup includes:
• UMO Chapel Band (12:00–12:30 PM)
• UMO Music Choirs (1:00–1:30 PM)
• Carolina Sound (1:45–2:15 PM)
• Luke Shamblin & Friends Band (2:45–3:15 PM)
• The Amazing Lounge Lizards (3:45–4:45 PM)
• Eli Winders Band (5:30–6:30 PM)

From 1–6 PM, Laughinghouse Hall will host the UMO Student Art Show, Ceramics Sale, and Pottery Demonstrations, featuring student works as well as alumni artists Frank Grubbs and Mary Ann Barwick.

At 3 PM, the Athletics Hall of Fame Ceremony will take place in Southern Bank Auditorium, honoring a new class of Trojan greats.
The festivities conclude with the UMO men vs. Emory & Henry University at 7 PM in Kornegay Arena. Ticket pricing matches Friday’s schedule.

UMO President H. Edward Croom said, “Homecoming and Fall Festival is a time of reconnection and celebration. We’re grateful to Atlantic Casualty Insurance Company for returning as our presenting sponsor, and we look forward to welcoming alumni, friends, and neighbors for a weekend that showcases the heart of Trojan Nation.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION / TICKETS
Pickle Classic Tickets:
• Single Game Tickets: $12 in advance, $15 at the door
• Full Tournament Pass: $18 in advance for the entire weekend, $25 at the door
Presale tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at umo.edu/homecoming.
• Contact Tina Loy in Athletics at [email protected] for more information..
For Homecoming & Fall Festival details:
• Visit www.umo.edu/homecoming for tickets and the full schedule.
• Contact Dwayne McKay at [email protected].

17/11/2025

Rose of Sharon Church Youth enjoyed an outing today to give back to others! They delivered 52 prepared bags to the Williamston House that included some hygiene items, coloring books, word cross search books, socks and crafts! The bags were filled by the same youth you see in the pictures! They enjoyed this activity, and it was nice to see them be so involved!

17/11/2025

Tickets Available at

https://beyondtheblind.com/

17/11/2025

UMO Sunday Video - Continue to support and pray for UMO in it's ministry to young people and families.

Video by UMO

17/11/2025

Today at St Mary’s Church, New Bern, the Eastern Conference ordained Rev Gray Harrison as an ordained minister.

Members of the Ordaining Council: Revs Mike Scott, Craig Simmons, Harry Bryan, Ashley Trogden, and Jimmy Sowers.

Ordination Message: Rev Michael Coombs

Special Music: Pam Jenkins, Keith Mallard, and Danny Miller

15/11/2025

We extend our deepest thanks and appreciation to you for providing free meals and free education through the Caleb's Dollar Ministry to these less fortunate children. This act of kindness is a powerful demonstration of compassion and community support, offering a lifeline to families and planting the seeds for a brighter future for the children.

15/11/2025