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Hello Great Family,

Day Five…Oakwood’s Hope & Help for the Oxford community.

This has been an ongoing difficult week for people in our community.  The vigil last night in downtown Oxford was further validation to me how raw and on edge everyone, understandably, remains right now. However, I am grateful that you have been a caring church and tried to serve our community through this the best you could.

Our prayer is that new people will come to an Oakwood service tomorrow, along with our regular family attending one of the morning services (remember, we have two services now…9am & 11am).  After the tragic events of 911, many people went to churches seeking solace and hope. Churches were packed that first Sunday but gradually the seekers stopped attending.  I am passionate that we will be ready to welcome, love and deliver a message of hope and encouragement in an environment of peace.  Please feel comfortable to invite people to attend with this reassurance.  Now is the time people might attend a church service with their friends.  We have postponed “Picture Day” for a week out of respect and to simplify our day tomorrow.

Upon receiving some good advice, I plan to move forward with our Christmas series, "The Wonder of Christmas".  I have changed the order of messages in order to deliver the most appropriate message tomorrow.  Now more than ever, we need to hear the WONDERful message of hope in God's Christmas story.  We will also be singing new Christmas songs which enhance the message.  Communion will also be part of our worship tomorrow.

I have asked all of our servants (ministry workers) to be very careful to make our services stress and anxiety free.  I will also try to be calming and bring it down a notch or two.  We pray to help you leave with a spirit of peace, encouraged through God’s Word to face the days ahead.

Our Elders will be available after both services to pray with anyone, and we will have a professional Christian counselor available to meet with students, parents and staff of Oxford High School after both services in one of our classrooms.

I hope to see you tomorrow!

God Bless,
P.D. (Psalm 139)