From the Pastor

Dear Oakdale family,

Many blessings for a wonderful New Year!!

Grounding and Growth Retreat: All members are invited to attend a church-wide retreat at Oakdale UMC on Saturday, February 1st beginning at 9:00 am to ground ourselves in our purpose and mission and dream together about a vibrant future. We will look at our Strategic Plan and some of the ideas that we might implement for fun, fellowship, financial stability and the future with new members and missions. Every single church member and constituent is invited to participate and be “in the know” about this vital project. We will have time for sharing ideas, hearing best practices and dreaming about how we can fulfil our vision to Praise God, Love Others, Grow Spiritually, Share Jesus as we fulfil our mission to Make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World. I hope you’ll join us!

Bible Study: Our next study will begin on Tuesday, January 7th at 10:30 and continue weekly for eight Tuesdays until February 25th. It is titled, What Does it Mean to be Chosen? This is the official companion study to season 1 of The Chosen, the groundbreaking television series about the life of Jesus. What Does It Mean to Be Chosen? parallels each episode, connecting listeners to the Bible in a brand-new way. It includes: A deeper look at Isaiah 43 and its fulfillment in Jesus and the lives of His followers (including us!)

Being chosen by Jesus has beautiful and far-reaching implications—although it says even more about the Chooser than the chooses. We are loved because He is love. We are saved because He is merciful. We belong to the family of God because Jesus invites us, making the Bible and all its promises as true for us today as it was for God’s chosen people.

The book is available through Amazon in paperback, audio or Kindle format at this link. If you need help ordering your book, please contact Pastor Cheryl. Please also let the pastor know if you are planning on joining us with a quick email or signup on the sheet on the table in the Ladies’ Parlor entryway.

Worship: Our next Worship Series is called Six Stone Jars: The Economy of Jesus. The premise is that a miscalculation has occurred. The wedding guests have drunk all the wine before the party is over. At times, life can feel like we’re “running out” of so much, and scarcity is shutting down the party. In these moments, we are invited to turn to the currency and economy of Jesus. In his economy, the true measure of abundance is fullness for the whole community, not just for some. Let us build the Kin-dom of God by drawing from jars of Hope, Purpose, Healing, Meaning, Vision, and Grace for all people.

Plan to join us for worship each Sunday at 10:30 at the church or on our YouTube livestream at this link.

Pastoral Care: Please contact me when you have a graduation, anniversary, or other special event that you would like me to pray for. When you are facing a difficult decision and would like someone to discuss it with, I am a trained Spiritual Director, here to listen and to offer prayer for wisdom and guidance. When planning a wedding, I can provide premarital counseling and planning for a Christian ceremony. When anticipating a death in the family, let me pray for you and your loved one as they transition from this life to the eternal. I am here to serve you and encourage you in all of life’s situations. I am available by appointment or by chance at the church office.

In Christ’s Love,

Pastor Cheryl