our weekly newsletter

January 18, 2015
Spotlight.
Lifegroup Connect
THIS SUNDAY, 12:30-2:30pm
ESL Volunteers Needed
We’re starting two new lifegroup
studies this winter. One is a parenting study called How We
Love Our Kids. The other one is Living Well, our study on
emotionally healthy spirituality. These groups are for
anyone who’s interested. You can get connected to one of
these studies at an event we’re calling Lifegroup Connect.
We’ll have lunch together at 12:30pm, then we’ll connect
you with the study of your choice. You’ll meet with your
new group for 10 weeks here at OPC or at someone’s home.
Childcare is available for the 10-week parenting study for
ages 3-12 for a fee. See the Lifegroups kiosk this weekend or
just show up to the event!
Annual Leadership Conference
Saturday, January 31, 9am-1:30 (doors open at 8:30am)
How does your group or ministry do when it comes to
having conversations that matter? Do you ever have times
when you wish the members of your group would go
deeper so you can really help each other grow spiritually?
Our annual leadership conference will help you facilitate
conversations that arouse a passion for God in you and in
those you lead. The OPC staff will lead you through a skillsbased curriculum from the book Soul Talk by Larry Crabb.
You'll learn how to listen better and lead life-changing
discussions. We'll provide practical information and give
you time to practice what you learn, so you can
immediately implement this in your ministry or group. It'll
be life-changing for you and your members! This event is
for leaders in any ministry at OPC, and also for those
considering becoming a leader. Childcare is available.
ReNew Lifegroups (Support & Recovery)
Mondays @ 7pm
ReNew lifegroups offer support & encouragement in a
secure environment. Choose from the groups listed below.
You’ll find group descriptions on our website
(Get Connected>Ministries>Care & Support). Contact Jane
(248.912.0043 or jane@oakpointe.org) with any questions.
Childcare
is
available
for
a
small
fee
($5 for one child; $6 for two; $7 for 3 or more).
CrossCurrent
DivorceCare
Living Well (EHS)
Grief Share
Growing Seasons (ages 4-12)
Her Story
Men’s Integrity
Parents of Prodigal Adult Children
Recovery Through Christ
The Daniel Plan
We’re offering free ESL classes for
our international friends, and we
need lots of volunteers to make it
happen!
You
can
be
a
conversation partner, help with
administrative tasks, work with kids, and so much more!
There’s a spot for everyone! English-speaking and bilingual
volunteers needed. See the Spotlight kiosk today.
Women’s Winter Groups
Tuesdays, 7-9pm and Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30am
Are you ready to meet new women, gather with old friends,
and study God’s Word together? There are lots of new
onsite groups and studies for you to choose from. We also
have specialty groups for young singles (20’s-mid-40’s),
moms with young children (birth–elementary), and
international and Japanese women. Childcare is available
($5 for 1 child; $6 for 2; $7 for 3 or more). Register online
now at oakpointe.org or see the Lifegroups kiosk. Email
women@oakpointe.org with questions.
Buy-a-Bag
January 24/25 & January 31/February 1
Help us support hungry families in our community by
participating in Buy-a-Bag! For each $20 donation, you’ll
supply one family with a full bag of food and other
necessities. There are currently over 200 families in need,
and food pantry shelves are bare due to the holidays. Stop
by one of the Buy-a-Bag tables to participate on the dates
above. There will be one upstairs and one in the atrium.
Any donation amount is welcome. We’ll also accept
donations of food. Cash or check welcome. Our partners in
this effort are Active Faith (South Lyon) and Northville Civic
Concern.
Les Miserables
March 6-8
Save the date for our spring performance
of Les Miserables! Tickets go on sale
January 31.
Events & More.
Living Well Study
The Christian faith is supposed to produce deep, positive change in a person’s life, so why doesn’t it always work that
way? There’s a critical link between our spiritual health and our emotional health. If it remains undiscovered (and
unhealthy), the result will affect our spirituality and, ultimately, how we love others. Living Well is a journey of selfdiscovery. You’ll come to know and love yourself, the Lord, and others better. The study is based on the book
Emotional Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero and includes additional material from Bob & Shirley Shirock. Groups
will meet for 10-12 weeks. There is a minimal cost for materials. The study will be offered in a variety of ministries at
OPC this year: Women, ReNew, and Lifegroup Connect, and in some neighborhood lifegroups. Email Jen
(jen@oakpointe.org) for more info or visit one of these ministries on our website.
Connect OPC
Sunday, February 8, 10:30-11am in Rm. 138
New to Oak Pointe? Here's a place to start! We'd like to invite you to Connect OPC. It's an informal gathering we have
once a month that will help you "connect the dots" here at Oak Pointe. Connect OPC is designed to give you a brief
overview of the church and provide you with resources you need to discover which next steps are right for you.
You'll meet some of our staff as well as others who are also new to Oak Pointe. No need to make a reservation; you
can simply show up! Your kids are welcome too. We'd love to meet them! We meet in Room 138, located on the
lower level, at the west end of the building. Our Welcome Center hosts will be glad to direct you. Questions? Contact
Debra (debra@oakpointe.org or 248.912.0043).
Online Giving
Interested in the convenience of online giving? Visit www.oakpointe.org for more info. Online giving is a safe and
convenient way to support the ministries at Oak Pointe Church. It also helps us save money on the labor to process
checks. With your online giving account you can schedule your giving as you wish (weekly, monthly), and you can
also check your contribution history, update your personal information, and register and pay for events online.
Contact Susan (susan@oakpointe.org) with any questions.
Kids & Students.
Baptism Class for Kids
Saturday, January 24, 9:30-11am in Rm. 137
Do you have a 3rd, 4th, or 5th grader who’s interested in being baptized or just wants to learn more about it? This
fun class will teach him or her all about baptism. It’s also a requirement to participate in the Adventureland Kids'
Baptism on Sunday, February 22. To register, please contact Christi (christi@oakpointe.org or 248.912.0043).
Parents, need a CUE?
The Parent Cue app puts the lessons your child is learning in the palm of your hand! Parent Cue provides simple
CUES that will help you impact your child in little ways throughout the week. The app is available now for iPhone,
iPad and Android. Have questions? Contact karenp@oakpointe.org.
the ROCK (6th-8th grade)
Thursday Nights
The ROCK is our group for middle school students, and it meets every Thursday night at 7pm in the Student
Center. They’ve got teaching, live music, a snack shop, games, small groups, and more! Check it out on
Thursday nights! Email Alli (alli@oakpointe.org) with any questions.
Sunday Mornings
Our Sunday class is a great way for 6th, 7th & 8th graders to learn and make new friends at the same time! Class
meets the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Sundays of every month at 9:15am in the Student Center. It’s super fun and
students will love it! We encourage students to attend the worship service on the first Sunday of the month.
Contact Alli (alli@oakpointe.org) for more info.
707 (9th-12th grade)
Wednesday Nights
Our high school group, 707, meets every Wednesday at 7pm in the Student Center. With rockin’ music, great
teaching, and crazy games, it’s a great place to meet up with your friends, and make new ones too! Contact
Chelsie (chelsie@oakpointe.org) for more info on Wednesday nights or upcoming 707 events.
Adults & Lifegroups.
Lifegroups @ OPC
Oak Pointe is a church of lifegroups! They’re a priority around here. A lifegroup is a gathering of 3-12 people who
come together on a regular basis to encourage one another, grow in Christ, and develop meaningful relationships.
Not only do we have “independent” groups meeting all across Metro Detroit, but most of our ministry areas are
based in lifegroups… they’re everywhere! We’re convinced that they’re a vital part of a healthy life and relationship
with God. Stop by the Lifegroups kiosk or contact Gail (gail@oakpointe.org) to learn more.
Young Couples
Lifegroups
If you’re engaged or newly married, our young couples' lifegroups are looking for you. They meet weekly to
study the Bible, socialize, and pray together. For more info, please contact Jen (jen@oakpointe.org), or stop
by the Lifegroups kiosk on any weekend.
North Community Group
Every other Thursday evening
This group gathers every other Thursday for Bible study and snacks! They also sometimes do dinners and
other activities on the off-weeks, and they’re planning to do service projects during the year, too. This group
doesn’t have children…yet! Contact Justin (twoseam31@yahoo.com or 734.637.3467) or Bethany
(bethany.mcdade820@gmail.com or 734.417.2935).
Young Adults
College-Age (18-24)
Join other men & women who are in school or working locally for worship, Bible study, and community.
Check the Oak Pointe College Ministry Facebook group for details or contact Matt & Emily Minard
(college@oakpointe.org).
Elevate (24-34)
Worship and Community
Join other young adults for worship, teaching and community. Elevate meets weekly at the Saturday night
service for worship & teaching. Look for them in the front of the Worship Center. Bi-monthly they get
together after the service, too. Contact Jen with questions (jen@oakpointe.org or 248.912.0043).
Lifegroups
Elevate has lifegroups that meet throughout the area on various nights for men and women. Contact Jen
(jen@oakpointe.org) if you’re interested in being in one. It’s a great way to meet people!
Wreck League
Monday evenings in the Worship Center
Join Elevate for some fun & recreation each week. Questions? Call Dan Fisher at 517.914.4333.
Journey (35+ singles)
Lifegroups
Lifegroups are a great way to connect with others in your area. Although we don’t have Journey-specific
groups, there are general groups meeting near you. For more info, email Gail (gail@oakpointe.org). She’d
love to answer your questions and get you plugged in.
Women
Lifegroups in the Comfort of a Home or Coffee House
We have ongoing women's lifegroups meeting in homes and coffeehouses throughout the north, south, east
and west communities. There are numerous studies and opportunities to meet women and to develop
friendships. The available groups are continually being updated on our website. Please review the list of
groups and contact the group leader directly if you’re interested.
MOPS
1st & 3rd Mondays, 7:15-9:15pm in Rm. 138
Register now for our MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group, and hang out with other moms! MOPS is for all
mothers with little ones at home (birth-kindergarten). Find support & encouragement while you build
friendships throughout the year. Childcare is available during monthly meetings. There are also playdates
and a Mom’s Night Out every month. You can register right on our website: oakpointe.org
(Get Connected>Lifegroups>Women’s Lifegroups). Contact Sarah Luczak (mops@oakpointe.org or
614.325.8399) with questions.
Need Resources? We have them!
Would you like to lead a women’s group in your home? We have lots of DVD studies including Beth Moore,
Priscilla Shirer and more. Email women@oakpointe.org for more info.
Men
Lifegroups
We have about 20 men’s groups meeting throughout the area. There are various days & times to choose
from. Check out our website to find a group near you. Questions? Email Jen (jen@oakpointe.org).
Groups for Men in Career Transition
We have two lifegroups for men who are unemployed or who are in career transition. Come together for a
time of prayer, study, encouragement and networking. Both groups meet on Mondays at 9:00am.
-West Community: Java House in South Lyon (Pontiac Trl. between 9 & 10 Mile); Rod Rhoad (248.207.6377)
-East Community: Einstein Bros. Bagels (12 Mile Rd. & Orchard Lake Rd. in Farmington Hills); Blaine Dennison
(734.353.0764)
Cancer Care
Monthly Meeting
Sunday, February 1, 10:30-11:15am in Rm. 248
Please join us for support & encouragement while you’re on this journey. We’d love to meet you. Questions?
Contact cancercare@oakpointe.org.
Please let us know!
Have you or a family member just been diagnosed with cancer? Email Sharon Garnham
(cancercare@oakpointe.org).
Prayer.
We believe that prayer is vital to our ministry and our lives. We want to talk to God and seek His direction as we move
ahead with everything we do. That’s why we’ve made prayer one of our core values & priorities. We have many
opportunities for you to be part of our prayer movement, so check out the list below and email Beth Swis
(beth@oakpointe.org) if you have any questions.
Monday Night Prayer
7-9pm
Please join us as we come together for worship and prayer for the needs of our church and community. You’ll find us
in the Prayer Room (Rm. 146) or outside (weather permitting) near the east doors.
Monthly Prayer Meeting
First Wednesday of each month, 6-7am in Rm. 146 (Prayer Room)
Start your day in prayer on the first Wednesday of every month. Meet some new people and find community as you
pray together for the needs of the church and community. Questions? Email Rod Rhoad (rod@oakpointe.org).
Outreach Prayer
If you’d like to be part of a team that prays specifically for Oak Pointe outreach events, sign up on our website or
email Beth (beth@oakpointe.org). You’ll then receive emails with info on upcoming events, and details on what to
pray for. What an invaluable team! We hope you’ll consider being a part of it!
In-Service Prayer
Did you know that there’s a team of people who pray during each of our weekend services? They pray for the
teaching pastor, the people listening to the message, the kids, students, and everything else that’s going on during
the service. If you’d like to join them in prayer, feel free to show up to the Prayer Room on any Saturday or Sunday
before the service. Individuals & families are welcome. If your life group is interested, please sign up with Beth
before you attend.
Prayer Requests
If you have a prayer request, you can submit it online at www.oakpointe.org, stop into the Prayer Room on Saturdays
or Sundays during all services, or fill out a prayer card. Prayer cards are available in the Prayer Room and at the
Welcome Center. You can also feel free to call the church office during the week at 248.912.0043.
Personal Prayer (after each weekend service)
You’ll notice some of our pastors and elders and their wives standing at the front of the Worship Center (near the
stage) after each service. They’re waiting to talk or pray with you. Feel free to meet with them if you want prayer,
have questions, or just need to talk.
Serving & Job Opportunities.
OPC Snowmen
We have a brand new team at OPC! The Snowmen will help our facilities staff team with shoveling & salting at our
two main entrances. We’re looking for sixteen guys to serve just two Sundays this winter (now through March 22).
On your Sundays, you’ll stay “on duty” during both services. On days when it’s snowing or it has snowed, you’ll arrive
a little earlier (8:15am). This very special team will give us safe sidewalks for our adults & kids this winter! If you’d like
to be a Snowman, contact Keith (keith@oakpointe.org or 248.912.0043).
An Opportunity to Serve Middle School Students in Our Community
Would you be willing to make a difference in a kid’s life? We use the church vans to pick up students in Novi & South
Lyon so they can attend the ROCK on Thursday evenings. We’re looking for volunteers to drive the vans on Thursdays
twice a month. Male and female volunteers needed. If you can help, please contact Lisa (lisad@oakpointe.org or
248.912.0043).
Guest Services Team
We’re looking for friendly people to serve on our Guest Services team. If you’re interested, email Dawn
(dawn@oakpointe.org).
Usher Team
The ushers help to create a comfortable atmosphere during our services. They help people find seats,
facilitate communion, and generally keep an eye on the Worship Center to make sure everything goes
smoothly. Our ushers serve on a rotating basis. We have a HUGE need for ushers for the 5:15pm service
(Saturdays) on the 2nd & 4th weekends of the month. We also need ushers for the 11:15am service on any
weekend of the month.
Security Team
Our Security Team provides a secure environment for our children’s program and the building at large. We
think they’re pretty great! Serve just once a month at any service you choose! We need additional team
members in all three services.
Adventureland Opportunities
Adventureland Welcome Center
Help greet and welcome our visitors on Saturdays. Adventureland needs volunteers to help check in families and
greet new people. Best of all, you can volunteer and still make it to the service! Please contact Jenny (248.912.0043 or
jenny@oakpointe.org).
Super Saturday Special!
Be a part of the amazing balloon crew! Bring a friend and have some fun while you inflate and maintain the colorful
balloon towers in the Adventureland rooms. Volunteers are needed on Saturdays (morning or early afternoon). For
more info, please contact Jenny (jenny@oakpointe.org or 248.912.0043). If you can help but can’t do Saturdays,
please still contact Jenny!
Van Driver/Rider Needed
We pick up kids in our community who need rides to church on Sunday mornings. They love coming and we love
sharing the love of Jesus with them! To continue this ministry, we need just two more high school volunteers to ride
in the church van on Sundays (9:15am service). You can choose to serve as little as one to two times a month! If you
can help, contact Lisa (lisad@oakpointe.org or 248.912.0043).
Coming Up.
January
18
Lifegroup Connect
31
Leadership Conference
February
8
Communion during all services
Connect OPC
Ezra 8 Day
20-22
Winter Blast (grades 6-8)
28-Mar 1
Winter Retreat (grades 9-12)
Missions.
2015 Zambia Trip Opportunities with Oak Pointe Church (OPC)/Living Hope International (LHI)
Please contact Brent (brent@oakpointe.org or 248.912.0043) for more info.
April 2015
OPC/LHI Trip to Ndola, Zambia (2 weeks)
Vacation Bible School
Focused on Christian education for children. This will involve biblical lesson plans prepared and approved in advance,
games that relate to or add to the curriculum being taught, day field trip(s) as appropriate and funded by the team’s
fundraising efforts in advance of the trip.
Construction
Working alongside our Zambian brothers and sisters to accomplish a pre-selected assignment based on the skills of the
volunteers and the current needs of the LHI campus building schedule. Skilled and unskilled workers are both welcome.
Projects might include cement work, electrical, plumbing, roofing and painting. The only requirements are a willingness to
work and a servant’s heart. Some tools will be required; others will be provided on-site.
Outreach / Water Filters
Focused on sharing Christ and clean water with the Zambian people. This will involve sharing the good news of Jesus Christ
through use of the Evangicube, evangelism, and water filters. Suggested skills include ability to use evangelistic techniques,
Some knowledge of apologetics, or a basic understanding of world religions. Training provided.
June 2015
OPC Trip to Lusaka, Zambia (2 weeks)
Medical/Vision/Dental Clinic
Focused on bringing much-needed medical, vision, and dental care to the people of Lusaka. Trip involves the treatment of
Zambians by doctors and dentists through physical examinations, dental procedures, and administration of medications
and glasses. Team members must be licensed medical doctors, surgeons, dentists, optometrists, ophthalmologists,
residents, or similar trainees.
Outreach/Water Filters/Jesus Film/Stadium Outreach
Focused on sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with children & adults through the use of the Evangicube, soccer, water
filters, The Jesus Film, a large stadium outreach event, and games. Suggested skills include ability to use evangelistic
techniques, some knowledge of apologetics, sports background, or an understanding of world religions. Training provided.
Pharmacy
Focused on providing assistance to the medical/vision/dental teams by providing medication, glasses, and treatment to
Zambians who have been seen in the clinics. Suggested skills include some medical knowledge, detailed-oriented
personality, or formal training in nursing, dentistry, or vision in a professional setting. Training provided.
October 2015
OPC/LHI to Ndola, Zambia (2 weeks)
Housemother Training
The housemothers are the primary caregivers at LHI, but they lack formal education in discipline and psychological
abandonment issues experienced by many of the children. This education is essential to their relationship with the children.
The ideal volunteer will be a mother/grandmother who is willing to receive training by a licensed counselor prior to
traveling to Zambia. Licensed counselors welcome.
Vision (1 week)
This team will give potential donors or partners a chance to touch & feel the mission of LHI and its impact on the
surrounding community and the country of Zambia.
Cody Partnership.
Current Opportunities
•
Young Life: Mondays, 3:30-4:30p at Don Bosco. Contact: Shannon Gaston (313.515.9751/s.gaston@yahoo.com)
•
Mentors: Every other Monday, 10:50 to 11:50a, plus interaction/communication with students on nights &
weekends. High commitment. Contact: Kurt Alber (248.672.7333/kurta@oakpointe.org)
•
Athletic Boosters Volunteers: Support for athletic banquet to be held in May 2015. Contact: Dave Gulau
(248.245.9935/david.gulau@am.sony.com)
Upcoming Opportunities
•
Basketball Concessions: Games are Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Contact: Bob Buccellato
(313.805.8892/rbuccell@att.net)
•
Mentors: Every other Monday, 12:25 to 1:25p, starting January 12, plus interaction/communication with students
on nights & weekends. High commitment. Contact: Kurt Alber (248.672.7333/kurta@oakpointe.org)
•
Home Ec./Cooking Class help: Thursdays, 9:00a-3:20p. Fridays, 9-11a. Cooking weekly in March, April and May.
Serve for a few hours or all day. Serve weekly or occasionally. Also looking for someone to coordinate scheduling
for this. Contact: Kurt Alber (248.672.7333/kurta@oakpointe.org)
•
Possible future ministry: Reading with elementary students at Mann Elementary (a Cody feeder school) during
the school day. Contact: Kurt Alber (248.672.7333/kurta@oakpointe.org)
Ministry Partnership Opportunities.
Interested in Foster Care or Adoption?
The Foster Care Navigator Program offers a free service for any Michigan resident interested in becoming a foster
parent, or anyone who is currently a licensed foster parent. This dedicated recruitment and support team seeks to
empower foster parents and invite others to consider becoming foster parents. It’s made up of experienced foster
and adoptive parents who act as daily advocates for Michigan's foster families and children. For more info, contact
the Foster Care Navigator Program at 888.335.3882 or www.fcnp.org. If you’re interested in adoption, contact the
Adoption Navigators at 800.589.6273.
Weekly Opportunities
Central Detroit Christian (CDC)
Central Detroit Christian (CDC) has lots of opportunities to get involved. For more info, please contact Gail
(gail@oakpointe.org).
Prison Ministry
Our Prison Ministry reaches out to a forgotten society with the love and compassion of Jesus. The Women’s
Prison Ministry has been instrumental in leading many young female inmates to Christ at the Women's
Huron Valley Correctional Facility. Email Artice Ann (womensprisonministry@oakpointe.org). Our Men’s
Prison Ministry visits male inmates on a weekly or biweekly basis. Email Brian
(mensprisonministry@oakpointe.org).