News
Why do we gather on Sunday mornings? Why do we sing the songs, prayer the prayers, light the candles, preach the sermons? What’s the point of all this? Is church just another enterprise that demands our attention? Are we here to build the next boutique brand? Join us starting January 15th as we embark on a new teaching series called “Building A Community of Love.”
Along with Advent, Christmastide, and Epiphany, our year-end fund drive is upon us! But what exactly are we asking you to give toward? First and foremost, The Oceanside Sanctuary is a church! Every Sunday, we worship together in a safe and inclusive community of faith that welcomes all people. But that is not all we do!
Last Sunday’s 147th anniversary celebration was an especially sweet time. As we reflect on the gathering, we are struck by the remarkable community of welcome and care God is building at our church. For us, more than ever, last Sunday morning felt like home. Community seems to be our theme during this season of OSC’s congregational life.
This October we are soft-launching our new community groups with fall “dinner and dialogue” gatherings in October and November, hosted by members of OSC (just like you!). These groups will be a great opportunity to build closer relationships and learn to have safe, open conversations about how the teachings of Jesus relate to our lives.
With fall arriving, we are launching “Branches”, our new 3-session leadership training class. This class will teach healthy leadership practices through three interactive Zoom sessions. This class will equip you to lead in an inclusive, inspiring, and impactful way in accordance with our core values and practices.
Our Sanctuary Band is growing and needs additional volunteer musicians and singers. If you are interested in learning more or would like to join our next Wednesday rehearsal, email joey@oceansidesanctuary.org.
We’ve learned a great deal together over the past eight weeks from scripture about the Art of Community: the priority of connecting with God’s transformational presence, how God liberates us from fear to embrace our differences, and how a community of difference empowered by the Spirit acts in genuine caring and loving ways. This is just the kind of community we hope to build at The Oceanside Sanctuary!
