Oak Creek United Church of Christ
"...where faith in Jesus comes alive by nourishing you on life's journey."
5280 Bigger Road (between Whipp and Rahn)
Kettering, OH 45440


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Phone #: (937) 434-3941
Email the Church Office: office@oakcreekucc.net
Email Rev. John Konz, Pastor: jkonz1@woh.rr.com

Sunday Worship Schedule:
8:30 A.M. Faith Conversation Service
10:15 A.M.- Traditional Service with Choir & Children's Sunday School
Church office hours: 9:00-12:00 and 1:00-5:00 Tuesday - Thursday



Senior Lunch Program

March Menu (pdf file)

Senior Resource Connection
(flyer pdf file)




Sunday March 14th Daylight Savings Time Begins

Sunday, March 28th Palm Sunday & Jerusalem Marketplace



2nd Annual Potato Bar Fundraiser!
By Teresa Braden & Sherri Fyffe

Your CE team is hosting the 2nd annual Potato Bar Fundraiser! On March 14th, after service, we hope you'll stay and enjoy a full meal with your church family. The fundraiser is to help the kids to be able to go to camp this summer. Our goal is for ALL our kids to be able to go to summer camp this year. We'll be having salad, potatoes with all our favorite toppings and dessert. This is a donation fundraiser so come in and enjoy a meal and help our kids too!



WE NEED CANDY!!

No it's not the candy monster but the Easter Egg Hunt is coming up faster than we all realize. Please start bringing in individually wrapped candy to fill our eggs. The Hunt begins at 10 am on April 3rd. Contact Teresa Braden for volunteer opportunities. Signup sheets to be posted.

Our Spring Rummage Sale will be held on April 17th, from 9-2. We are accepting all donations for the sale and are storing in the last room on right in the Herbster Hall or in the coat room by the Parlor. It's never too early to Spring Clean!! Do it while the weather is bad and enjoy the warm weather when it comes. Signup sheets will be posted very soon to help setup, work and clean up. Contacts: Sherri Fyffe and Teresa Braden.



CAN DO FOOD Sunday March 21

No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave.

Our pantry is in need of certain items so that we can continue to do the best we can for our neighbors in need. Suggested donations are: bleach, box mixes (potatoes, brownies, desserts), cleansers, cocoa mix, cooking oil, crackers, diapers & wipes, flour, meal helpers, rice, soups (canned & dry), canned tomatoes.



Notes of Appreciation

With heartfelt Thanks to my church family for all their thoughts, cards, visits, calls and prayers. I am so blessed to be a part of the "Oak Creek Family". Love and Blessings . ............ Rick Stamps



We have received the following notes of appreciation from some of the organizations to whom we sent your benevolence monies. The complete letters are on the Member Outreach bulletin board in Fellowship Hall.

Thank you for your recent gift to the ministry of Samaritan's Purse. We have collected, inspected and shipped gift-filled shoe boxes to millions of children across the globe. We appreciate your prayers and support.
Samaritan's Purse International Relief



Thank you for your gift of $300. Your support of The Other Place is deeply appreciated.
The Other Place - until there's no homelessness



Thank you so much for the gift of $100. We will use your support for our 2010 Educational Programs: All Kids Can Learn for math and reading, The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery for science, SMART for healthy cooking, and K12 Gallery and the Dunbar Institute for our art, music and literature programs.
Keith Valiquette, Kids In New Directions



We are pleased to be able to write and say thank you for your gift of $100 - your renewed commitment to the Society of Stephen for 2010. Your congregational continued interest in supporting Trinity Community is greatly appreciated.
Laura M. Farrell and Curt Ankeny



Please extend my thanks to your congregation for their generous donation to Artemis Center. We are deeply grateful for the $300.00 gift. This year, Artemis Center will serve more than 5,000 domestic violence victims and their children. Your gift helps Artemis center provide vital assistance at no cost to our clients.
Susan Darcy, Artemis Center, Dayton's Domestic Violence Resource Agency



Dunkirk Family Camp July 11 - 17, 2010
By Marilyn Priser

Now is the time, with all the snow we've had, to be dreaming and planning for vacations and gifts to ourselves. Dunkirk Conference Center, in Dunkirk NY, was first introduced to Oak Creek families by the John Long family back in 1986. This week of fellowship, growth and fun is now directed by Beth and David Long-Higgins with lots of help from Mary and Shirley Long. Why plan our schedules around this one week? Because it can be one of the most important weeks in the life of our kids, our family and our congregation.

What makes church camp so important?
-- It provides a glimpse of Christian living that can't be experienced anywhere else.
-- You give yourself and your loved ones the opportunity to learn again the importance of your faith.
-- It is the ultimate "gift that keeps on giving" as you recharge your batteries and regroup for another year.
-- You have the opportunity to share with others of all ages in the fun and creativity of each day.
-- You spend time a little closer to God's creation, while still having the benefits of electricity, showers, prepared meals and no dishes, which are good for the soul.
-- Camp is a safe space to leave the pressures and expectations of your everyday world behind, while focusing on what is most important: faith in God, growing as a family, expanding our vision for the Christian life.
Early bird discounts are in effect until April 15 and first time campers receive 50% discounts. Colored brochures are at the Information Table and you can chat with Mary & Bob Fannin, Cristie DeBuhr, Sherri Fyffe, Jeff Kerr and Marilyn Priser for more details.



Senior Connection
By Judy Hudson

As a community outreach, Oak Creek is providing a lunch for "seniors" in the community who would like to partake of a nutritious hot lunch 3 days a week - specifically on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. As mentioned, the only qualification is being "of a senior age" -, as well as wanting to engage in meaningful conversation with those gathered around the lunch table. Being a community event does not restrict lunch to those of the "community" but also includes those of Oak Creek UCC who would like to come and partake of a very tasty meal - at a reasonable cost of just $2.00 (that is a suggested donation - it is not absolutely necessary that you pay )- the lunch is free for those who so desire. There has been a slow response to the lunches to date - perhaps because of the weather, perhaps because Oak Creek folks do not know that "they are invited" to partake of this lunch as well.

Our Senior Resource coordinator, Sandy Sillin, is a very dedicated representative who has made her way into the hearts of lunch folks. She has shared with us that her 24-year old son will be arriving in the states for a short stay. He is currently serving in Iraq and has been involved in combat missions first hand. While here, we suggested that Sandy invite her son to lunch so that we at Oak Creek can take the opportunity to thank this soldier for the sacrifices he is making on our behalf in a country half a world away. When we know the date that her son will be at lunch, we will spread the word and would like for a lot of our Oak Creek folks to be on hand for this "welcome home" and "thank you" to her son. At the end of his short leave, he will be returning to Iraq to complete his mission.

Again, we invite you to be part of this special event to make this soldier feel at home in our midst, and to express our thanks in a very warm and American way. Let's do lunch!!



Donations to aid Haiti are still being accepted. The Ash Wednesday offering for Haiti totaled $153.



Start saving your newspapers, magazines, catalogs, office & school paper and mail to put in the recyclable paper bin that will be delivered in the next couple of weeks to the church parking lot.



JOY Circle
By Judy Hudson

In January, because of conflicting schedules, we will hold our meeting on MONDAY, March 8th, 7:30 p.m. at the home of Sara Maxwell. As always, we would be delighted to welcome anyone who would like to join us at our evening JOY Circle meeting. We view a pertinent topic narrated by a well-known author and engage in discussions afterwards. The evening comes to a close with fellowship over a light dessert and beverage. If you would like additional information, please feel free to contact Judy Hudson.



Circle 2

Circle 2 will meet on Wednesday, March 10th at 10:30 a.m. in the parlor. Rev. John will show the video "Open" by Rob Bell for discussion. It is a program about prayer - Why does God answer some prayers and not others.



New Horizons Women's Prayer Lunch
By Judy Hudson

New Horizons Women's Prayer Lunch will be held on Saturday, March 20. This has been a winter "for the record books" and as such, we have been hesitant to plan an activity, but we would like to invite you to join your friends and dine over fine food and good conversation - at a destination yet to be determined. March may have weather that may still be questionable and uncertain so keeping that in mind we will plan lunch somewhere very close by. Keep an eye open for the signup sheet which will have the date and destination included. Again, we will plan this lunch for Saturday, March 20 so pencil the date in your calendars and plan to get out, shake off the "cabin fever" and have lunch with friends.



Men's Luncheon
By Gary Gravette

The Oak Creek Men's Luncheon group will meet for lunch on Tuesday, March 16th at the Starlight Diner on Wilmington Pike at Woodman Drive. We will meet at 11:30 a.m. We can order from the menu. If you have any questions, contact Gary Gravette or Jacque Schneider. See you at the Starlight.



United Marriage Encounter (UME) Weekend to be held March 12-14, 2010 at Ramada Inn on Wagner Ford Road. A UME weekend combines Christian values and a practical method to improve communications between husband and wife. The weekend gives a couple time to focus on each other, free from the distractions of everyday life. For more information contact Elva and Noel Blatt.



Thank You to our Oak Creek Angels

Remember: YOU can recognize an Angel on the Bulletin Board!

-- To Judy Hudson for her wonderful picture taking and photo presentations.

-- To Mike Carman, Gayle Chrisler, Elva Blatt, Pastor John, Jane Shimmin and their helpers for our festive and fun Mardi Gras Dinner.



One Great Hour of Sharing

Love. Faith. Compassion. Jesus showed us how to live out of these qualities for a purpose larger than ourselves. On March 14, we will dedicate our offerings to One Great Hour of Sharing, for ministries of the United Church of Christ that reach out with love, faith and compassion to people in 90 countries. The Internet has created a virtual global community for our contemporary techno-lifestyle. Strangers "speak" to strangers through online forums and blogs on all sorts of subjects. By responding to an unseen stranger's request for a recipe or a political opinion we offer a kind of welcome and hospitality. In contrast, how are we responding to the desperation of unseen strangers who are in need because of war, poverty and natural disasters? The One Great Hour of Sharing Offering provides one very significant way. Matthew 25:38 asks, "When was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you?" Through One Great Hour of Sharing we respond faithfully to strangers with hospitality and welcome. We create a community of generosity and caring when we give to support the many compassionate ministries of this offering. Jesus said, "Truly, I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me."



Help decorate the sanctuary for Easter!

Potted Easter lilies and mums can be ordered from the Kiwanis Club for $9.00 each.
The lilies will have 5 to 7 blooms and the mums will be assorted colors.
Order blanks will be available in the Sunday bulletin and must be received by March 26th.
Please include payment with your order.



Jerusalem Marketplace has returned!

On March 28th journey back to the time when Jesus walked the streets of Jerusalem and imagine what he saw. We'll be having numerous booths including banner making, basket making, fruit/veggie bar, and many more. Many will be wearing period costumes. We'll be having Sherri's mom (Frances Smelko) here on March 14th to measure and sew costumes right there during our potato bar fundraiser. Fabric can be provided or you can bring your own for her to make. We would love to have a pottery booth and jewelry booth but need some input on these. Know anyone who would like to do these booths? Call Sherri Fyffe with info.



Notes of Appreciation

I would like to thank all of Oak Creek and especially the 2009 Consistory for their wonderful support and encouragement during my term as President. It was a great year of change and growth. Everyone worked very hard and made my job especially easy. Thank you for the lovely flowers, card and $50 gift certificate to Hobby Lobby. The flowers looked lovely on my dining table, the card was very sweet and I will make excellent use of the gift certificate. Many blessings to all of you and especially Mary Fannin as she begins her year as Consistory President. Thank you. Elva Blatt



Dunkirk Family Camp

The dates are July 11-17 for this year's journey of fun, fellowship and inspiration at our Dunkirk Conference Center in Dunkirk, New York. Oak Creekers of all ages and family arrangements have been deepened, strengthened, encouraged and blessed by God's love at this beautiful site for over twenty years. Early Bird discounts in effect until April 15 and first time campers receive 50% discounts. See Mary & Bob Fannin, Cristie DeBuhr, Sherri Fyffe, and Marilyn Priser for more information.



Journey UCC and Common Grounds have started a new Ministry Initiative of Dayton's Interfaith Community
For more details visit Journey UCC



ECUMENICAL YOUTH WORSHIP
Spread the word! Details are at Journey UCC and Journey's MySpace.

Here are links to past bands' myspace pages!




Our Mission: We live in a world where people are looking for a Bible-based value system that will give meaning to life. Here in Oak Creek Church, we welcome you to join with us as we seek to live out the commandment of Christ for us to love one another as he loved us from the cross.

"We welcome you to Oak Creek United Church of Christ, where faith comes alive. We are a growing church committed to following Jesus wherever he takes us.  So if you're ready for an adventure, why not give us a call, or, better yet, join us for an event.  We're here to help you make your life the best it can be. We hope you will find the information on this website helpful. If you have any questions or feedback, don't hesitate to contact us."

On behalf of our entire church family, we sincerely welcome you to the fellowship of Oak Creek United Church of Christ.

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