We had a great group on Sunday for our planning retreat. We broke out into different groups: Hospitality, Outreach, Missions, and Family Ministries. Each group worked hard to define their area and then dream how the church could grow in these areas. They did an excellent job!
We are eager for when we can really hit the ground running. In the meantime, we are looking forward to Cooking Matters, creating a homeless outreach with partners, having a back to school event, installing a basketball goal for our neighbors to come and enjoy, expanding on offerings at the food pantry, movie nights, bowling nights, evening out for parents, creating more ways for people to come and experience our hospitality.
We will soon be filling in our calendar. We already have and it is a joy to see the church back in action.
When I first came, I started using Isaiah 61:3 in conjunction with the newsletter:
To care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion,
give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes,
Messages of joy instead of news of doom,
a praising heart instead of a languid spirit.
Rename them “Oaks of Righteousness”
planted by God to display his glory.
I see this in this church, we are small but we are "Oaks of Righteousness." We are called to care for the needs of others. We are here offering joy in the community when doom seems alive, We are here to build God's kingdom here by showing God's grace to those that are in need. We are here opening our doors and our hearts. We have been planted by God to display God's glory! We will keep being the church and we will flourish and show the community around us God's glory.
In my first month of working at Oak Forest, I have heard so many words of excitement and encouragement from you all. You have been such a kind and welcoming congregation. I am so glad God led me here!
In the following months, I am hoping to reopen the nursery and restart the children’s Sunday School class. I feel that it is important to begin offering a space just for children to learn about Christ in the ways that benefit them best. We will begin Sunday School in the late Summer or early Fall, while also considering how to keep our children safe until vaccines are available to them. Additionally, we are hosting a Back to School event in August, which will hopefully draw in families from our community. Even more exciting news- we will be having Vacation Bible School this year! It will be on the first three Sundays of October, after our worship service. Even though VBS will look different this year, I think it will still be a hit!
My goal is not only to expand our church’s Children’s Ministry but to offer support and make meaningful connections to families in our church and community. I fully believe that Children’s Ministry is a part of Family Ministry, which means that all members of a family need to be supported and heard for our work to be effective.
Finally, I want to say thank you to everyone who has reached out to me and offered kind words and support. I am so blessed to be a part of this church, and I see great things in our future!
We have been working towards returning to worship and activities since Covid. There have been new people joining our church as staff and as members! As we gear up for worship expanding in August, we wanted some of your feedback on what you missed, what you love, and work to create the best worship experience for you. Please take a couple of minutes to fill out this survey about worship. Thank you!
Would you consider picking up a six-roll pack of toilet paper and/or a box of Depends (does not have to be the name brand) the next time you're shopping and donating to our pantry? This helps our friends accessing the goods at our food pantry an opportunity to stretch their budgets for other needs while these two are being met.
Our goal is 240 six-pack toilet paper rolls (1,440 total) and 12 boxes of Depends (or any other brand) by December this year.
If you would prefer to contribute funds to purchase these items, visit https://www.oakforestumc.com/give.html, or mail a check to:
Oak Forest United Methodist Church
2415 S. Fair Park Blvd.
Little Rock, AR 72204
Tickets on Sale!
Drive Thru Service
No Meeting in July!
In June, we served 43 Households!
July Food Pantry Dates:
July 1st & July 15th
July Calendar
1st - Food Pantry
11-1
6th - Methodist Family Awards Luncheon
(Fellowship Hall)
7th - United Methodist Women
(Fellowship Hall)
Bell Choir
5:30-6:30
11th - Children's Ministry Committee
After Church
(Fellowship Hall)
12th - Central District Leadership Meeting
6:00
(Fellowship Hall)
13th - Food Pantry Committee Meeting
6:30
Zoom
14th - Bell Choir
5:30 - 6:30
15th - Food Pantry
11-1
21st - Bell Choir
5:30 - 6:30
28th - Bell Choir
5:30 - 6:30
We invite you to pray for these individuals daily. If you have a prayer request that you would like added to our prayer list, contact us.
Jim Pringle
Bob & Sherri Sowa Mavolene Booth
Kaye - Jean's sister
Twila Wilson
Kris Bell
Carol's Mother
Roxie, Jana's Sister-in-Law
Trinette's Mother
Don and Nancy Patten
Family members with Cancer Caregivers
Essential Workers
Doctors
Nurses
Our World
For those in need of healing
For Our Church
