- What are services like?
- What should I wear?
- Can my kids stay with me?
- What do Nazarenes believe?
- How can I get to know people at your church?
Our two Sunday morning services are similar in flow, with some differences in
musical style. Each service includes some songs, prayer for people, a collection
of tithes and offerings (of course), and a message based on biblical truth.
Sometimes there are dramas or short video clips to illustrate a point.
Our Early Service (begins at 8:15am) is best described as "blended" in style.
We use a grand piano and electric keyboard to accompany a small group of singers
as they lead traditional hymns and familiar praise choruses. Our choir usually
sings the offertory song. In the past few weeks, we've added some light drums
and a bass guitar to the mix.
Our Contemporary Service (starts at 10:45am) features familiar choruses and
contemporary Christian pop music. A couple of guitars, full drum set, a bass,
keyboard and piano accompany the praise team.
Lyrics to the songs are projected on the screen behind the stage during both
services.
The biblical text and theme of the message are the same in both services,
although the delivery and illustrations are adapted for the congregations'
individual styles.
Clothes. Synthetic or natural, retro or modern.
Seriously, you'll see men in everything from blue jeans to suits and ties,
and women dressed in jeans and dresses. If you can swing "business casual,"
you'll fit right in - but we honestly care more about your being here than what
you're wearing.
Absolutely! Children of all ages are welcome at all of our services. We don't
have separate services for the teens on Sunday morning - many of them choose to
sit way up front on the right-hand side.
Our preteens (5th and 6th grades) rotate in and out of Club Naz (Children's
Church), where they help lead the worship time, serve as ushers, and serve in
other ways to help Club Naz be a great service for the younger kids.
Club Naz is targeted at children from kindergarten through fourth grade. Like
"Big church," Club Naz has singing, prayer, object lessons, and biblical
teaching - but it's presented in ways that keep their interest and keeps it real
for their lives.
The even-younger set has large-group and small-group time so they can build
relationships with their shepherds (small-group leaders) and experience Jesus'
love first-hand.
There's a great description of our statement of beliefs here, and the formal
definition according to the Nazarene denominational web site here.
Basically, it boils down to the Apostle's Creed: We believe in the Trinity of God the
Father, God the Holy Spirit, and God the Son, Jesus Christ. We believe that the
Bible was inspired by God, and that it includes everything we need to know about
how to live the way God wants us to. We believe that all people need to be
forgiven, and that Jesus' death on the cross and resurrection was enough for
each person to be reconciled with God.
We also believe that faith in Jesus is much more than "fire insurance" - it's
more than a get out of jail free card. Building a relationship with Jesus can,
and should, change your life. Part of that chance will affect behaviors, but the
larger change is loving people the way Jesus does.
There are lots of ways! You can check out our calendar here to see all the
activities we have planned - there's something for every age group, from the
toddler's play dates, through children's and teen activities, family and
single-adult evenings, to our "Prime Timers" group that meets Tuesday mornings.
One of the best ways to plug into the Oakland family is through our Sunday
School ministries for all ages. Sunday School is about much more than just
studying the Bible (although that's a big part of it!): the small-group feel of
our classes allows people to get to know each other and share life together.
That can sound a bit intimidating, but you should know that we're not going to
push you.
One thing you'll discover right away is that there are people at Oakland who
are just like you, struggling with the same things that make your life ...
interesting.
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