A comment from someone who visited our church

"attended an outdoor church service this morning. YES... it was cold, mostly due to the wind. I met a lot of nice, new friends. the last time I attended a sunday morning service... it was held in a large, beautiful, heated sanctuary. I tell you this: the wind this morning was warmer than the artificial, glossed-over, fancy congregation that embodies the ornate building." -A visitor to the Church at Oakwood.

Thanksgiving Banquet Review!

The Sunday before Thanksgiving found the community of Oakwood alive with people, food, and a spirit of love and acceptance. City of Hope Outreach planned and organized a lunch for people inside and outside Oakwood.


There were many people impressed with effort from City of Hope and its volunteers. Gina, who once lived in Oakwood, said, “I really appreciate the work Phillip and CoHO are doing here.” Several people discussed how simply odd it seemed that a group would just give away so much food.

Before the meal began, the area was swarmed by volunteers from churches and ministries from the Conway area. “I volunteer here because I really enjoy making a difference and serving people and this is a great place to do so,” explained a volunteer from UCA’s Chi Alpha. He continued, “I plan to volunteer here again.” These volunteers served food in a buffet style line and also took it to people eating at tables.

Phillip Fletcher, the director of City of Hope Outreach, spoke about the presence of food in throughout the bible. From the passover feast to the last supper and finally the final marriage supper. He related these events to the lunch in Oakwood, saying that both would find believers of all backgrounds, regardless of social class, ethnicity or wealth. After delivering a powerful message, Phillip asked for blessing for the food and everyone ate.

As people began finishing their food, Nicolle Fletcher, announced and began reading people’s card board testimonies, their personal stories of conversion featuring a description of themselves before salvation on one side and after salvation on the other. Everyone clapped and cheered as signs we’re flipped delivering messages of, “Victim” to, “Victorious” and, “Addicted” to, “freed.”

The event came to a close with Phillip speaking again, this time on hope. He delivered a message laying out the need for God by all people, regardless of wealth, ethnicity or social class. Phillip closed in prayer and volunteers cleaned up, distributing all the leftover food they could.

Written by Brent Nelson

Moments in the Word PART 2

Dear Friend,

If you were satisfied with the Heaven described in the last post, I would strongly encourage you to CHECK your salvation! 

If you can find satisfaction in anything at the end of this life other than CHRIST you are LOST!  The Heaven described in the last post is HELL!  I know you are saying, "Seriously how could one describe hell with all the natural pleasure that were noted in that description?"  Simply put, it was void of Christ!

What was lost in the Garden of Eden after Adam and Eve sinned?  They lost God! Not that God could not find His way to them but their sin caused a separation between man and God.  In that separation they were punished.  They had life without God/Christ.  Christ was in the beginning with God and in deed was God (that was a sidebar). Christianity without Christ is just a bunch of "good morals" that will lead you to Hell.

Heaven is about CHRIST! Let's paint a new picture...

If you walk into the gates of Heaven and hear the words, "Well, done my good and faithful servant." Then you walk into what seems like a throne room and the only thing there is God the Father and Christ on His right hand. 

Would you be satisfied? 

Is Christ enough for you?

Sincerely,
Nicolle

Moments in the Word

Would you describe Heaven? 
What does it look like? 
What does it feel like? 
Who is there? 
What color are the streets? 
What does your room look like? 
How many jewels on your crown?
What questions do you have?
What are you most thrilled about? 
Is it that your spouse is there with you?
Maybe your father, mother or grandparent?

What are you most looking forward to in Heaven?

My friends I want you to take this time and ask yourself these questions, then answer them.  You don't have to do it here, but I do want you to take this time and think on what is being asked. I hear people all the time say when I get to Heaven I'm going to ask God this or that.  Have you ever heard or said this, "I can't wait to get to Heaven to see my (family or friend)"?

Let's think a little harder....

What if Heaven was this.....

You with no sickness, and with all the friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever saw, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted and experienced.  There were no human conflict or any natural disasters.
Could you be satisfied with Heaven if it were just like this?

To be continued.......