Blessed Are the Meek: Oak Life Updates
 
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Blessed Are the Meek

This week we continued our  "Blessings" conversation by considereding the third beatitude, "blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth".  As we unpacked the meaning of meekness as restrained and faith-full strength rather than weakness, we were invited to counter-culturally walk in humility and faith rather than the defensiveness, ego, and self promotion so common in our world.  We also took a moment during our gathering to honor Mother's Day as one of our Oak Life Mom's, Gina, shared a poem she wrote to Moms before we gave out some special gifts!  Like most Sundays our conversation was live streamed on facebook in case you missed it.  Over the coming weeks we'll be doing a beatitude each Sunday and will be hearing from a few different speakers.  We'll also be reading a few different reinterpretations of the beatitudes as a way to immerse ourselves in their meaning. This Sunday Pastor Jonathan Williams from Forefront NYC will be joining us and leading us through the fourth beatitude, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled" .  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:

Guest Speaker this Sunday:  Pastor/author Jonathan Williams from Forefront NYC will be joining us and leading us through the fourth beatitude, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled" .

Community Hang / Bingo Night May 14th: Come hang out with us at The New Parkway Theater for Bingo Night!  We'll be meeting on the mezzanine (above the lobby) at 6:45 to get some food and hang out- then Bingo begins at 7:30.

Beatitude Poem/Reinterpretations: As we continue our "Blessings" series we're hoping to start each conversation off with a different version of the Beatitudes.  If you'd like to write one, or know of one that you found meaningful, send them our way!

Spiritual Formation Group:  Gina is leading a monthly 6 session group in some of the contemplative practices around being with God, others, and ourselves.  Space still open!  For more info email Gina:ginanormancounseling@gmail.com

Childcare at Oak Life: Oak Life is stoked that we now have the resources to have childcare!  As we continue to grow, we currently offer childcare every 3rd Sunday of the month for kids 9months - 4ish years of age during the sermon portion of our gathering (hopefully every Sunday in the future as we can afford it!).  Our next Sunday with childcare is May 19th.  Kids are welcome in service every other week. 

Life Groups:  Oak Life runs two main "sessions" of life groups, one in the Fall and one in the Winter/Spring. Click here to see what groups are running for the Spring session or to sign up. 


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 . You can 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. 

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.  If you'd like to check out the places to volunteer 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:

Community Justice Team Survey & Presentation: We want to hear from you, please fill out this survey! The Community Justice Team is launching their efforts by listening to the Oaklife community, with the aim of discerning what concerns and causes matter most to you. Your feedback is invaluable! We have already conducted some one-to-one meetings and are continuing to do so, so let us know if you prefer to speak directly with somebody on the team. Contact Darren at dfnewell@gmail.com if you have any questions.  We'll also be hosting a presentation to share with the church more about what we're up to and how to connect on Sunday June 2nd after service at Adams.


Project Peace Day of Service: Our next time serving the community with Project Peace is Saturday June 1st and we'll be at  Garfield Elementary again!  Click here to RSVP. This is a great way to get involved in the community and serve!

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. Over the past 12 months Oak Life has given away almost $8,000!!! This month we heard from and donated $836 to Youth Spirit Artworks in support their work creating a tiny home village for homeless youth!  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.



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
337 17th st #102, Oakland, 94612
Twitter / Instagram: @oaklifechurch
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Sundays 10AM at The New Parkway Theater
472 24th St. Oakland, 94612