A Pearl, Thanksgiving, & Community: Oak Life Updates
 
Full Image
yd2 yd2

A Pearl, Thanksgiving, & Community

This week was another fun addition to our "Storyteller" conversation as we explored the Parable of the Pearl found in Matthew 13.  As we considered some of the dynamics of Jesus' chosen metaphor of the Kingdom being like a precious pearl, we were challenged and encouraged to think about the things of highest value in our lives and also how God can turn our brokenness into sacred beauty.  Like most weeks our gathering was live streamed on facebook, so you can check it out by clicking here if you missed it.  Next up in our series will be the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant and it should be another thought-provoking and challenging convo as Lillia teaches us!  Also, this coming weekend is a big one for Oak Life as we distribute Thanksgiving Meals to the community on Saturday and then host a special "Friendsgiving" on Sunday evening.  Details below!

As always there are lots of things going on beyond Sundays in the life of our community, be sure to check it all out!
Things Going on In and Through Oak Life:

ROOTS:

 Oak Life Friends-giving!  This Sunday!!!! We're hosting a potluck style Friends-giving on Sunday November 18th at Chapter 510 from 6-9pm.  Come hang out and bring something to share!  Please let us know what you plan on bringing by filling out this perfect potluck form.


Childcare this Sunday!  Oak Life is stoked that we now have the resources to have childcare!  As we continue to grow, we currently have childcare every 3rd Sunday of the month during the sermon portion of our gathering.  Kids are welcome in service every other week. 

Kapwa Takeover Sunday December 2nd: We're super excited that our friends from Kapwa the Band will be leading us in worship and also sharing some of their songs with us as they take over the first Sunday in Advent!

Greg is getting ordained, ask him a question!  This Sunday we're going to be doing a brief congregational interview with Greg who has for the past year been on an ordination tract with Oak Life.  If there is something you'd like to ask him about the process, his life, or faith, email us back!

Baptism Saturday December 1st: Join us as we celebrate an Oak Lifer getting baptised at Lake Temescal!  Baptism is a special way to mark an internal faith in Christ with an outward symbol and if you have any questions or would like to learn more, let us know!  We'll have some snacks, but feel free to bring a lawn chair/blanket, food to share, drinks, or lawn games.  It should be a beautiful time together!

Got a Prayer request? Every week, the Oak Life Prayer team spends time praying for Oak Life. If you'd like to have us pray for you during the week, please submit your prayer request here, http://bit.ly/oaklifeprayers . Feel free to include your Name and contact info if you'd also like one of us to reach out personally to you. For those who would like to know more info or to join the prayer team, contact monica.a.tzeng@gmail.com.  Also, the prayer team meets every 4th Monday at 7pm.

Volunteering at Oak Life:  Pretty much everything that happens in Oak Life is a result of folks from the community participating in making us what we are.  We're currently in need of some more volunteers in areas like music, coffee, set up, and media.  If you're rooted at Oak Life we hope you'll commit to volunteer on one of these teams at least once every other month or so.  If you'd like to volunteer or get more info email Greg: greg.oaklife@gmail.com



Life Groups: Fall groups are meeting at various times/locations.  To learn more click here

Generosity Towards Oak Life: Oak Life's roots and branches depend on the generosity of it's community members.  If you'd like to practice financial generosity towards Oak Life, which pays for our rent, staff, and ministry expenses- you can do so online through our website here.   There are options to give on a one-time, monthly or periodic basis.   If you have any questions regarding financial stuff at Oak Life you can send an email to the team: finance-team@oaklifechurch.com


Facebook Group:  Got a prayer request or community event you'd like to share?  Join our Facebook Group to keep the conversation going.  Also, most Sunday's we live stream part of the service!


BRANCHES:

Operation Cranberry Sauce - This Saturday!!!! On November 17th, Oak Life will be joining CrossWinds Church and others in an area wide distribution of Thanksgiving meals to the community.  We'll need volunteers to pass out the meals from 9:30-11am.  If you're interested in supporting, just email us back. 

Myanmar Trip: Oak Life has been blessed to have many friends and partnerships with local communities in Myanmar.  In past years we've sent medical teams, donated computers to local schools, and supported various ministries.  This January a few folks will be going to visit and bring supplies on behalf of Bridges Myanmar.  If you'd like to learn more or join the group email Cory: eramcgarveyc@gmail.com

Third Sunday Giving Update:  Once a month we give away our entire offering to a local group or cause and it's been super encouraging to see the ways we've been able to join in good work in our community. This month we heard Women's Cancer Research Center we were able to raise $323 to support their work.  If you'd like to watch a thank you from some of our third Sunday partners click here.


Homeless Community Support: Oak Life is connected to a local camp community and we're always looking for donations to bring our friends.  Current needs include: bottle waters, clipper/bart cards, packs of socks, cold meds, and gift cards.  If you'd like to donate, just bring something in on a Sunday and we'll deliver it that week.

Social Justice Team: We‘re steadily building momentum on our first project! (details to come) We‘ve also been developing relationships with other social-minded organizations including, OCO, LavaMae, and The Interfaith Council of Alameda. Our current focus is around how we can work toward impacting the housing crisis in our community. If you'd like more info you can contact Greg who will be helping to facilitate: greg@oaklifechurch.com


Other Stuff?  Got ideas for other ways we can serve our community?  Want to start a new group?  Interested in organizing a hike our outing? Oak Life is a community led church- so let's make it happen.  Just shoot us back an email.




That's all for now!



Grace and Peace, 


Chris Scott


Oak Life Church
www.oaklifechurch.com
Sundays 10AM at The New Parkway Theater
474 24th St, Oakland, 94612
Twitter / Instagram: @oaklifechurch
Practice Generosity to Oak Life
Twitter Instagram Vimeo
Sundays 10AM at The New Parkway Theater
472 24th St. Oakland, 94612