February 18, 2026 Newsletter

February 18, 2026

Welcome to the Wildermouth Church Newsletter!

As I sat down to write this edition of our newsletter, I found myself wrestling with what to share. Should I revisit some of the important reminders we often talk about—like linking your Kroger Rewards Card to Wildermuth Memorial Church so a portion of your purchases supports our Missions Fund? Or perhaps highlight that this Friday we once again have the opportunity to serve by helping set up the local Food Pantry? Maybe I should encourage participation in a New Members Class and invite those who are interested to take the next step toward membership here.

But then I realized that all of these opportunities—and more—are already shared throughout this newsletter each week. I also considered writing about Lent: what it is, why we observe it, and what it means for our faith. Much of that conversation has already taken place in our new Tuesday Bible Study at Carroll Cup Coffee House. Still, a couple of reflections from that time together have stayed with me.

First, we talked about how the Apostle John shared what he had seen, heard, and learned—and we were challenged to ask ourselves if we are doing the same. Are we allowing excuses to keep us from sharing the gospel with others? Or do we love people enough to help them honestly confront their condition—separated from God and bound by sin? Individually and collectively, what are we doing to help others find life and hope in Christ?

The second challenge centered on the phrase “practice the truth.” In 1 John 1:6 we read: “If we say that we have fellowship with Him and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.”

Friends, rather than repeating announcements or urging participation in specific activities, I want to invite us—especially during this Lenten season—to reflect on our personal habits and our daily walk with Christ. Are we truly practicing the truth in our lives?

If you’d like to explore this more deeply, I invite you to join us on Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m. at Carroll Cup Coffee House. I believe God has something meaningful to say to each of us as we seek to follow Him more faithfully.

Grace and peace,
— Pastor Vance

Pastor Vance's Ventures

For your convenience, below is Pastor Vance’s tentative schedule for the next few days. (It may vary depending on emergency situations, meetings, etc.)

Appointments can be made by calling/texting 614-706-3040 or email at pastorvance@wildermuthchurch.com

Wed 2/18

Kiwanis @ Noon

GPS – Somerset @ 7 PM – Ash Wed

Thurs 2/19

Office by Appointment

Ministerial Assoc Meeting @ 6:30 pm

Friday 2/20

Office by Appointment

Food Pantry Setup @ 6:30 pm

Saturday 2/21

Ministers EQUIP Conference 8am-2pm

Sunday 2/22

Worship @ 10AM

Board Meeting @ 11:30

Monday 2/23

Office by Appointment

Tuesday 2/24

Bible Study – Carroll Cup – 9AM

Office by Appointment

Wednesday 2/25

Kiwanis @ Noon

GPS – Somerset @ 7PM

Meetings, events, and Worship services

God and People Stories (GPS)Ministries, an outreach ministry by Pastor Vance in our area.

GPS Ministries — Somerset

Join us Wednesday evenings at Wannabees (the sign out front says “Main Grill”) at 105 W Main St, Somerset, OH. We fellowship over a meal between 5-7 PM (arrive as you can, purchase your own meal from their great menu) and Bible study starts at 7.
Contact Pastor Vance if you would like transportation to this service.

Ministry / Volunteer Opportunities

We invite all to share your gifts during our Worship Service
It could also be by sharing a poem, some musical gift, or other talent during our services. It could even be to serve as a Song Leader during our Worship time, or in some other way.

BC Food Pantry - Monthly (typically the 3rd Friday of the month)
Come join us as we minister to our community by helping with the setting up for the Bloom Carroll Food Pantry.

- Approx 6:30 - 8 PM at Shalom UMC, 4925 Plum Rd NW, Carroll -

Minister to others by bringing in donations of canned Dog and Cat Food

to Wildermuth Memorial Church. We serve as a collection site for these items.

Would you consider helping Wildermuth Church in supporting missionaries by linking your Kroger rewards card to Wildermuth Memorial Church, ID # RJ186.

If you do not shop at Kroger, then please note that all money donated in the Missions cup by our offering plate also goes to this mission’s support.

Looking to the Future

• Saturday - Feb 28th at 6 PM - Gospel Concert featuring Kameron Waits!

We will have a dinner after the concert – Please sign up with what you will bring

• Several Concerts are getting scheduled for 2026.

Flyers will be attached to the newsletters.

• One of our long-range visions for our church is to become a host church for two different youth groups.

Trail Life for boys and American Heritage Girls are Christian based Scout-like organization for youth ages 5 to 18.
We will need a minimum of 5 adult males and 5 adult women to commit to being the leadership teams in order to get these troops chartered.

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February 25, 2026 Newsletter

February 26, 2026

What is Lent—and why does it matter? Lent is the 40-day season (not counting Sundays) leading up to Easter. It mirrors the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness and recalls the 40 years the Israelites wandered in the desert. More than a stretch of days on the calendar, Lent is an invitation: a sacred time to slow down, reflect, repent, and prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter and the celebration of Christ’s resurrection. While Lent is most often associated with Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican traditions, many Protestant churches—including ours—have found it to be a meaningful season of spiritual renewal. Lent helps us examine our lives, turn again toward God, and make space for the Spirit to form us more fully into Christlikeness. I also want to remind you about our upcoming New Members Class , which you’ll see more details about later in this newsletter. This class is open to anyone—whether you’re considering membership or simply want to learn more about Wildermuth Church. Together we’ll explore our rich heritage, our theology and doctrine, and how our church is structured. And then comes the challenge. Each of us has THE ONE—that person God has placed on our heart. During this Lenten season, I invite you to intentionally invest in that relationship. Pray for them. Walk with them. Perhaps, as God works, that relationship will grow to the point where they join you for a New Members Class. Better yet, perhaps God is stirring something deeper—leading you, or your ONE, toward baptism. With that hope in mind, I am making arrangements for a Baptism Service on Easter morning. If you—or someone you know—are feeling led to be baptized, please reach out and let me know. I would be honored to walk with you in that step of faith. Grace and peace as we journey through this Lenten season together.