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First Village Gathering a success
The Adventure has Begun!
Our first Village Gathering went well. We were excited to have over two dozen join us. We worshipped, learned about prayer, prayed, took of the Lord's Table, had some great desert, and shared together. About a dozen others wanted to come but had other commitments.
While Tammy and I have planted a church before, the Village concept is new, so we will be making adjustments along the way until we feel we have the right balance and richness. One thing we want is strong relational connection in the Village, and we'll be seeking to add more of that vital component into the mix of our next gathering. We're confident about the core vision, and also excited about experimenting a bit together until we get the right "recipe." We'll be listening to your thoughts as we move forward.
We will meet again next week, same time and same place. The details are in the right hand column.
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Second Village Time in the Works
For those of you who have trouble making Village Gatherings on Thursday, we plan to start a second Village soon on another evening. Eventually, as we grow in numbers, Villages will be on most days of the week and at various times. Fill out the questionnaire at the bottom of this Newsletter to give your input on best times for you.
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Over Two Dozen attended our first Village Gathering
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What's your niche?
I
was excited when people began to ask important questions about the
future. Some were asking about when we could begin a Youth Village for
teens. Others were wondering about what arrangements could be made for
children. Others wanted to have a way of sharing how they could
contribute their gifts and talents to the ministry of Great Oaks.
I
have arranged for you to take the best online gift assessment I've
found. It's called assessme.org. I've purchased enough assessment
packages so that all of you that are considering Great Oaks Church,
both those who were at the Village and those who couldn't come, can use
this outstanding tool. Just click here, or click on the AssessMe.org button in the right hand column. You can then register and dive in!
We
know that not everyone is ready to serve at this time, and that's OK.
But if you are ready, we want to discern together where God may be
calling you to find fruitful service.
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Children
Children and Youth who are able to participate in Villages are very welcomed. We had two children who participated in our first Village Gathering, and they brought joy to our meeting.
For the younger children who can't participate, we have arranged for someone to watch your children at our next Village gathering, so bring them along if you'd like to do so. We're arranging a place in the Gibbons basement for the children, there will be a mat to play on, and a TV and DVD available for videos. Also, if the weather is nice, there is a kindergarten playground at the elementary school behind the Gibbons home with no streets to cross to get there.
We'll be paying someone to watch the children, so if everyone with children could pitch in a bit that'd be helpful. If you have questions, just give Kim Utley a call at 248-495-9124. Please let Kim know how many children you will be bringing so we can be properly prepared.
Youth
We would like to start a Village that is especially designed for teens once we find the right person to lead. We can't commit to a time frame because we have to wait until the right person has come on board and expressed willingness. Please pray for the Lord to open this door soon. In the meantime, please respond to the questionnaire below to let us know how many teens you have who might be interested.
Some families may choose to have their teens attend a Middle or High School ministry at an existing church, such as Kensington, until Great Oaks has a strong teen ministry in place. We believe that is a very acceptable solution.
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Village Gathering
When: Thursday, April 9, 7-9 pm
Where: Home of...
Bill and Patti Gibbons
5533 Folkstone Drive
Troy, Michigan 48098
Directions: Click for Mapquest
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Our Mission
(Isaiah 61:1-3)
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor... that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, to display his splendor. |
Opportunities to Serve
Below are areas we'll need people to serve right away or very soon.
- Children Care Co-op
- Children's Teacher
- Financial Bookkeeper
- Intercessor (praying for needs of those attending Great Oaks, praying for the ministry of Great Oaks)
- Musicians (specify instrument)
- Search for facility
- Village host home (your home is available for a Village and can hold 20-30 people)
- Village Pastor (hospital calling & praying for the sick as needed)
- Village Refreshments
- Village Stephen's Minister
- Village Worship Leading
- Vocalists
- Youth Leader
- Youth Teacher
- Feel free to add something we may have forgotten
Note: We'll have other needs as the launch date approaches, including sound and lighting techs, set up crews, website development, worship and drama team members, children and youth ministry workers and director, prayer team members, and more.
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Want to Learn More about Great Oaks?
Great
Oaks Church is a new church plant in Rochester Hills, Michigan. We are
still in the "gathering" stage, meaning we are working to gather the
initial core group to launch the church. You are welcome wherever you find yourself in your life or spiritual journey.
If you would like to learn more about Great Oaks, feel free to email
Pastor Paul Bradford or call him at 616.886.5500. We will also be
holding periodic interest meetings. If you have signed up to receive
this update, you'll receive notice as these occur. You are also welcome
to join us at one of our Village Gatherings (see above).
If you aren't on our emailing list, you can sign up by clicking below.
If you need to edit your contact information, you can do so by clicking the "Update Profile/Email Address" link at bottom of this email.
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