November 28, 2019
Counting our blessings was one of the transformative soul training exercises included in James Bryan Smith's Good and Beautiful God. When we count our blessings, we count you! We are all thankful for the opportunity to serve alongside this great family of faith.

Happy Thanksgiving from the staff of OBC!
This Advent season, as we celebrate the 300th anniversary of Isaac Watts penning the beloved Joy to The World you will see, hear, and feel joy around OBC. You will see it in the sanctuary decorations that reflect the simple beauty of joy. You will hear it in the words spoken and sung during worship. You will feel it, we pray, as you gather each week to prepare for the coming of the Christ-Child.

On Sunday, during both worship services, we will dedicate our new Advent wreath to the memory of Elaine Sealy who faithfully served OBC, and reflected the light and joy of Christ in many ways.

For details about all the opportunities during Advent, please click the button below.
Welcome, Sandee

On Sunday we had the joy of welcoming Sandee Moore into the fellowship of Oakland Baptist Church. Sandee is originally from Georgia, but has spent many years in the Chester and York area. She works at York Prep Academy as the HR Director and loves to read.

Sandee comes to us after hearing several of her friends talk about the great things going on at OBC! Let's make her feel welcome as she experiences what those friends have shared with her.
Advent Workshop - December 1
Workshop, 4PM-4:45PM
Worship, 5PM-5:30PM

Join us for an afternoon of activities and worship as we prepare ourselves for the journey through Advent. There will be an opportunity to make a special Christmas decoration that will help you and your family focus on the true joy of the season. There will also be craft and storytelling stations for children. We will end our time with worship which will include a Moravian Lovefeast (cider and hot cross buns). We are asking that each family make a $5 donation at the Advent Workshop to offset the cost of supplies.
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Connie Maxwell Christmas
Gifts Due December 1

REMINDER: Connie Maxwell are due by December 1. They need to be be returned wrapped, in a box for safe transport. There are over 230 gifts to be sorted, packed and delivered so please be sure to return yours by the 1 st . Thanks to everyone who has helped make this a special Christmas for the children at Connie Maxwell.
 
Thanks so much!
~Jane Lanford and Jane Rawls
Staff Wreath Benefit
Voting Begins December 8

Back by popular demand, but with a twist. This year the staff will each decorate a wreath for their door. Decorated wreaths will be displayed by December 8. We encourage you to visit the hallway and vote for your favorites. Votes will be cast in the form of a monetary donation. The money raised from our door competition will be used for the OBC Day School Scholarship Fund. This fund allows students to be part of this great program even if a tragic situation prevents their parents from being able to pay all of the tuition. We are excited about showcasing our creativity, but we are even more excited about helping children continue to receive an education that is 
Ministry Center Stockings
December 1 -22

You are invited to pick up a stocking from the table outside of the Sanctuary and fill it with socks and underwear (all sizes needed, children-adult) for the Ministry Center. After it has been filled, place it under the Christmas tree in the Sanctuary. If you forget to grab a stocking, no worries! Your donation can still be placed under the tree. These simple Christmas gifts will be a huge help and blessing for those who visit the Ministry Center. 
Christmas Benevolence Fund

Poinsettias will be in the Sanctuary during Advent. You are invited to make a donation toward the Poinsettias in honor or in memory of loved ones. All donations will be placed in the Benevolence Fund to assist those in our community who are in need. The cost is $10 per name. The last day to make donations is December 8, 2019. You may make a donation by clicking the button below. Thank you for your continued support of our missional outreach to those in need!
Merry Makers Christmas Dinner
December 10 @ Noon

The Merry Makers will gather in the Fellowship Hall at Noon on December 10 to celebrate the joy of the season. Tickets are on sale now until Tuesday, December 3rd. Tickets are $10 per person and may be purchase in church office.

We will enjoy a delicious meal of chicken cordon bleu, macaroni and cheese, green greens, roll, cheesecake with fruit topping, tea and coffee. Bring your Christmas spirit and joyful hearts as we enjoy our special entertainers, fellowship together, and give praise for the blessing of the Christmas season.
Basketball Clinic
January 10, 17, 24, & 31

Four and five year olds are invited to participate in our OBC basketball clinic. This clinic which will take place on Friday evenings (January 10, 17, 24 & 31) will give participants an opportunity to learn basic basketball skills, gain confidence, learn teamwork and have fun with friends. The clinic will be coached by Krista Hayes and other awesome helpers. The cost is $15 which includes a shirt. To sign up, please click below.
State of the Church

Save the date for our State of the Church Worship service at 10:30AM on January 12. Following worship we will enjoy a covered dish luncheon in the gym.
2020 Summer Trips
for children and youth

It's time to start making plans for the summer. As you make those plans we hope they include our Children's Passport Camp and Youth Mission Trip.

Children's Passport Camp
July 6 - 9, $360
PASSPORT kids  is a 4-day, 3-night children’s camp filled with fun faith-building programming and hands-on missions education. It is for children who have completed 3rd – 5th grade. Camp is held at Montreat Conference Center, in Montreat NC. At camp, we will discover God’s love and practice being followers of Jesus through Bible studies, missions education, recreation, and worship. If you have questions, please contact Kim (kshaw@oaklandchurch.com). To reserve a spot on this trip click the button below.

Youth Mission Trip
July 12-17, $200

Youth currently in 6th-12th grade are invited to spend the week in Asheville, NC being immersed in a variety service opportunities. The week will also include Bible study, creative reflection, worship and recreation. If you have any questions, please contact Leigh (lreynolds@oaklandchurch.com). To reserve a spot on this trip click the button below .
Have you made the switch?
Church Life App ends December 31

Your Church Life App and online portal will no longer be accessible after December 31. If you have not started using Breeze, our new Church Management Software, now is the time!

Click below to connect to Breeze. If you are yet to download this app, click "Breeze Instructions" below to get started. If you have any trouble logging in please email Leigh (lreynolds@oaklandchurch.com).
Sullivan Support

Below are a couple ways you can help support the educational efforts of Sullivan Middle School while making a difference in the lives of students and teachers.

  • Reading Buddies - you would listen to students read and help them with basic comprehension. You would be reading with a student who is reading below grade-level and needs one-on-one help.
  • Greeters - you could be the smiling face that helps a student begin their day on a positive note. You simply stand in the hallway from 7:45-8:15AM and welcome students with a smile and a kind word.

Both of these opportunities are based on your schedule (not everyday!). If you have questions, please contact Kelly Scott (scottks@winthrop.edu). If you are willing to help support Sullivan click below to sign up.
Global Missions Offering

As of the end of October we had collected $22,856 toward our goal of $30,000 for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship's Global Missions Offering. Thank you to those who have given to help support the great work of our field personnel around the country and abroad. Even though Mission Month is over, if you have not given to this offering, it's not too late. If you would like to make an online donation, click the link below and put "Global Missions Offering" in the comments line.
Taste of Oakland Cookbook

As a part of our celebration of Oakland's 70th anniversary we are creating a "Taste of Oakland" Cookbook. Just imagine how many friendships have been formed, hearts have been nurtured, and stomachs have been filled while enjoying pot-luck meals at OBC!

Just like a pot-luck meal isn't complete without each person's dish, our cookbook will not be complete without each person's favorite recipes. Please submit up to four of your favorite recipes (appetizer, side dish, main course, breakfast, dessert, bread, etc) by December 31. You may email your recipes to cookbook@oaklandchurch.com. We are so excited for this Taste of Oakland and look forward to seeing your recipes! 
#growingatobc

We invite you to help share our story this year by posting pictures from events (Sunday School, Worship, Bible Study, Meals and more) and including in your caption #growingatobc. We would also love for you to tag us on Facebook and Instagram @obcrockhill when you post pictures from OBC.
December 4: Taco Bar, Chips and Salsa, Refried Bean, Salad Bar, Dessert
December 11: Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Green Peas, Salad Bar, Dessert
December 18: Spaghetti, Salad Bar, Dessert

Dinner begins at 5PM each week
 
Pricing for dinner:
Adults: $6.50 (6th grade and above)
Children: $3.50 (5th grade and under)
$25 max per family
Click the button below for an electronic copy of our current Ministry Guide. Within the Ministry Guide you will find an outline of our goals for the year as well as information about many of our opportunities and activities.
Join Us Online!
Even if you can't make it to OBC on Sunday, we hope you will still join us for worship. Our traditional service is streamed live each week. For easy access, bookmark the link below or subscribe to our YouTube Channel.
Thank you for helping us be the presence of Christ at the crossroads of life through your financial contributions. Click the button to give online.  You will be directed to a secure PayPal link which allows you to use your debit or credit card to make online contributions.
As a community of faith we grieve with one another, we endure difficulty with one another and we also CELEBRATE with one another. We invite you to share your accomplishments, milestones and other sources of good news so we can celebrate with you. Email the office (obcoffice@oaklandchurch.com) with your good news and we will share it in the Weekly Update.
December 2: Norman Culbreth, Anna Robinette, Will Shaw
December 3: Jane Allen, Faye Kelly, Sherrie Faulk, Shelby Boyette, Michael Prater, Jr., Jonah Whisonant
December 4: Kathy Wright, Lee Whitaker, Bellamy Gore
December 6: Jeri Allen, Hughlene Lucas, Bryan Anderson, Jim Perry
December 7: Matt Doyle
Serving in Worship
December 1, 2019

Deacon of the Week: Judy Mobley

8:45AM Audio: Phillip Reynolds & Kevin Davis
11:00AM Audio: Jack Hudson & Brett Emmerton

Acolyte: Carter Odom
Crucifer: Bailey Odom

Worship Greeters: Peggy Goodson, Carole Cosper, Rob Ervin, John Snipes, Clayton Neal

8:45AM Childcare: Staff
11:00AM Childcare: Staff

Scripture: Romans 13:11-14
Anthem: Keep Your Lamps
Click the button below to see what's happening at OBC this month.
November 24, 2019

Budget Total Receipts: $6,554.00
Budget Needed Weekly: $18,431.00
Budget Required YTD: $866,257.00
Budget Received YTD: $761,869.87
Over/(Under) Budget:$ (96,395.13)
Expenses YTD: $771,102.44
Got News?
If you have an announcement for the Weekly Update, please send it to the church office by Monday at noon! obcoffice@oaklandchurch.com
Minister On Call

If you have an emergency or need to speak with one of our ministers after 5 PM during the week or over the weekend, please call 803-328-3864 and press 0 to leave a message for the on call minister. Your phone call will be returned quickly.