What to Expect at oakland
We've all been there. Going to a new place where you don't know anyone can be nerve wracking. And if you haven't attended church, or it's been a while, not knowing what to expect can illicit some extra unwanted butterflies.
We'll share some details here, but feel free to contact us at OaklandChristianOffice@gmail.com, or message us on Facebook to ask any questions you may have.
Oakland is a friendly, welcoming church, full of warm and genuine individuals who are always excited to share our community and fellowship with more people. We strive to make sure every person, be it a first-time guest or a long-time member, feels valued, welcomed, and cared for. Check out the About section to read more about what we believe and see below for our core values.
The church has several entrances from both sides of the building. The wheelchair accessible entrance on the East side of the building. Our Welcome Team will happily guide you from any entrance into the sanctuary.
Sunday School is held from 9:30 until 10:15 in all classrooms and the sanctuary. If you would like to join into a Sunday school class, let anyone know and we will get you situated in age-specific classrooms, from nursery aged to retirees. If you get in before these classes have been let out, feel free to join in the adult class in the sanctuary, or help yourself to a cup of coffee while you wait.
Before our 10:30 service, there is a smiling member of our Welcome Team stationed at each entrance to the sanctuary. They have bulletins available to share with you our upcoming events and the order of the Worship Service. Let the Welcome Team member know that you are a first-time guest, and they will give you some welcome gifts and make sure you have seats if the sanctuary is filling up. If you are late, someone will help you find a seat, or can add chairs to the back of the sanctuary.
Our service is non-denominational, and we have a very diverse congregation leading to different levels and styles of interaction.
After service, our pastors would love to meet you and see how they and Oakland can assist you going forward. A member of the Welcome Team (or anyone from the congregation) will be happy to introduce you to Pastors Nick and Mark. If you're feeling bold enough, feel free to introduce yourself!
If you are still uneasy, remember these things:
We were all first-time guests at one point. We all had the jitters and felt awkward early on. Let's be real - it's relatable. Any one of us will be willing to be your own personal welcome guide. Don't be shy! Share your feelings with any one of us and let us know how we can help. It will make the transition a little easier. And you might make a friend for life!
Oakland is a giant family with arms wide open for more! And there is no pressure to make commitments you aren't comfortable with. Start with service and see where it leads! Oakland is a judgement free zone. Wear what is comfortable, praise God however you are moved to, or bring your coffee to sip while you contemplate the message.
Speaking of judgement free, each of us at Oakland is broken - human and flawed - and we all have different spiritual needs and reasons for them. There is nothing in your life that should keep you from attending church. No past experience, no current habit or struggle, and no future worry should stop you from fellowshipping with other believers. Come as you are. Don't feel that you have to change something about you before you can come to church and worship our Lord.
We are led by good and genuine men. Pastor Nick and Pastor Mark are down-to-earth, passionate people who recognize they are human and flawed too. They teach with concern and love for each person they minister to, dedicated to the Scripture, and led by the Spirit.
You don't have to come alone! Bring a friend! Even if they won't return with you next time, it might help to have a buddy to share the uncertainty with.
Last, but never least, pray. Or ask any of us to pray for you and with you. God can and will provide peace and comfort as you make the brave step to come to church.
We'll share some details here, but feel free to contact us at OaklandChristianOffice@gmail.com, or message us on Facebook to ask any questions you may have.
Oakland is a friendly, welcoming church, full of warm and genuine individuals who are always excited to share our community and fellowship with more people. We strive to make sure every person, be it a first-time guest or a long-time member, feels valued, welcomed, and cared for. Check out the About section to read more about what we believe and see below for our core values.
The church has several entrances from both sides of the building. The wheelchair accessible entrance on the East side of the building. Our Welcome Team will happily guide you from any entrance into the sanctuary.
Sunday School is held from 9:30 until 10:15 in all classrooms and the sanctuary. If you would like to join into a Sunday school class, let anyone know and we will get you situated in age-specific classrooms, from nursery aged to retirees. If you get in before these classes have been let out, feel free to join in the adult class in the sanctuary, or help yourself to a cup of coffee while you wait.
Before our 10:30 service, there is a smiling member of our Welcome Team stationed at each entrance to the sanctuary. They have bulletins available to share with you our upcoming events and the order of the Worship Service. Let the Welcome Team member know that you are a first-time guest, and they will give you some welcome gifts and make sure you have seats if the sanctuary is filling up. If you are late, someone will help you find a seat, or can add chairs to the back of the sanctuary.
Our service is non-denominational, and we have a very diverse congregation leading to different levels and styles of interaction.
After service, our pastors would love to meet you and see how they and Oakland can assist you going forward. A member of the Welcome Team (or anyone from the congregation) will be happy to introduce you to Pastors Nick and Mark. If you're feeling bold enough, feel free to introduce yourself!
If you are still uneasy, remember these things:
We were all first-time guests at one point. We all had the jitters and felt awkward early on. Let's be real - it's relatable. Any one of us will be willing to be your own personal welcome guide. Don't be shy! Share your feelings with any one of us and let us know how we can help. It will make the transition a little easier. And you might make a friend for life!
Oakland is a giant family with arms wide open for more! And there is no pressure to make commitments you aren't comfortable with. Start with service and see where it leads! Oakland is a judgement free zone. Wear what is comfortable, praise God however you are moved to, or bring your coffee to sip while you contemplate the message.
Speaking of judgement free, each of us at Oakland is broken - human and flawed - and we all have different spiritual needs and reasons for them. There is nothing in your life that should keep you from attending church. No past experience, no current habit or struggle, and no future worry should stop you from fellowshipping with other believers. Come as you are. Don't feel that you have to change something about you before you can come to church and worship our Lord.
We are led by good and genuine men. Pastor Nick and Pastor Mark are down-to-earth, passionate people who recognize they are human and flawed too. They teach with concern and love for each person they minister to, dedicated to the Scripture, and led by the Spirit.
You don't have to come alone! Bring a friend! Even if they won't return with you next time, it might help to have a buddy to share the uncertainty with.
Last, but never least, pray. Or ask any of us to pray for you and with you. God can and will provide peace and comfort as you make the brave step to come to church.
next steps
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JOIN US - Service every Sunday at 10:30 AM
LEARN WITH US - Sunday School for all age groups offered every Sunday at 9:30 AM. Adult Bible Study every Tuesday evening at 7 PM. CONTACT US - Through Facebook or email OaklandChristianOffice@gmail.com Pastor Nick: 757-968-2424 |
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IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS for guests and members alike
Church Constitution Oakland Core Values Oakland Vision 2025 Membership Application Missions PrayGiveGo List Sunday Helpers Team Lists: Security Team Cleaning Team Children's Church Team Sunday School Nursery Workers Worship Nursery Workers Usher Team Welcome Team |
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We exist to know Christ and make Him known.