Grief Resources

“Grief must be witnessed to be healed.”
— Elizabeth Kubler Ross

On Sunday we considered what it meant to listen to grief instead of avoiding it.  Emma shared a few connections to support groups we wanted to connect you with if you're interested.  Also, Oak Life is a community that deeply cares about our community and if you need to process, we'd love to connect.  Email us if you'd like to learn more: chris.oaklife@gmail.com

Local Community Grief Support Groups

https://www.pathwayshealth.org/grief-support-groups-and-workshops/

http://deathcafe.com/deathcafe/382/

http://www.suttercareathome.org/griefsupport/eastbaysupport.html
 

 

Celebrating Women's History

Who are the women in your life who have shaped who you are?  What women have inspired your faith?  Can you think of important women in church history?

All too often the impact of our sisters, mothers, and daughters has not been as well documented as those of men (if they were documented at all).  Sadly this is common within the church as well.  Therefore we'd like to take a moment during Women's History Month to highlight a few influential women who have shaped the movement of Jesus in important ways.   As we celebrate the impact of these Christ-followers, feel free to join us by sharing about women who have impacted your life or faith in the comments.   Also, you'll find beneath the stories of women a brief further discussion regarding women in the church and some resources in case you'd like to go deeper on these issues. 

It goes without saying, but this is by no means a comprehensive list of influential women and their legacy, but rather a starting point to kick off the celebrating:

St. Monica

Saint Monica was known for her unceasing prayer and intimacy with God.  She was born in North Africa and was the mother of Saint Augustine.  It is said that her faith and example is what set the trajectory for Augustine.  She is honored and recognized for her lifelong faithfulness and perseverance to God.  


Julian of Norwich

Julian was one of the first known female authors.  As a 14th century Christian mystic her book Revelations of Divine Love, is a profound and thought provoking portrayal of the nature of the divine and the human condition.  Many scholars and contemplative Christians look to Julian as a seminal figure in church history and her words have helped countless people connect to God in prayer. 

Here are a couple quotes from her book:

“Our Savior is our true Mother in whom we are endlessly born and out of whom we shall never come.”

“Truth sees God, and wisdom contemplates God, and from these two comes a third, a holy and wonderful delight in God, who is love.”

“Prayer is a new, gracious, lasting will of the soul united and fast-bound to the will of God by the precious and mysterious working of the Holy Ghost.”

“God, of your goodness, give me yourself; you are enough for me, and anything less that I could ask for would not do you full honor. And if I ask anything that is less, I shall always lack something, but in you alone I have everything'.”


Saint Teresa of Avila
 

Teresa of Avila was a Spanish nun, reformer, and author.  She established numerous ministries and authored numerous books.  Her work also includes activism against church injustice and the formation of new monastic communities who sought to live simply and differently. 

Here are a couple quotes from her writings:

"Prayer is an act of love; words are not needed. Even if sickness distracts from thoughts, all that is needed is the will to love."

"For prayer is nothing else than being on terms of friendship with God."

"Pain is never permanent."


Florence Nightengale

Florence Nightengale, inspired by her faith, is credited for creating modern nursing.  No big deal.  She says that her calling to become a nurse came as she was walking with God in a garden one day. 


Anne Hutchinson

Anne was a controversial figure because of her belief that God spoke to her directly and the fact that she openly held meetings at her home where she taught the Bible.  Hutchinson left behind a lasting impression because she symbolized religious freedom. She was also an early proponent of women’s rights and one of the first people to show the struggle women faced. In addition, she helped found the Rhode Island colony and showed the showed the problems in the church.

A couple quotes from her life:

"One may preach a covenant of grace more clearly than another... But when they preach a covenant of works for salvation, that is not truth."

"But now having seen him which is invisible I fear not what man can do unto me."
 

Just a start.
These five women are just the start.  There are countless others who have impacted the church: Mary, Joan of Arc, Heloise, Katharina von Bora, Mother Theresa, and more.

If you'd like a more extensive list, check out Daughters of the Church: Women and Ministry from the New Testament times to the present, by Ruth Tucker and Walter Liefeld. 

 

Further Discussion

The reason we've created moments in our year to celebrate the history of various groups is because these groups have often been neglected or oppressed.  As followers of Jesus we remember that Christ stands against oppression in all forms and stands alongside the marginalized and voiceless.  In Christ the divisions we've created between one another are erased as Paul wrote in Galatians 3:28, " There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus".  So it's in that spirit that we turn our attention to the legacy of women who have given their life to create a better world.  

As a church we recognize that the affects of sexism and patriarchy are real, even within many churches and denominations, and that ongoing efforts are required in order to continue to move our world forward towards God's Shalom.  At Oak Life we celebrate the gifts and callings of everyone a part of our community, regardless of gender.  If you've been to any of our gatherings you may have seen our welcome video / poem which says this simply, "women or man here- everyone can here",  and we mean it.  We believe scripture not only provides numerous examples of women in church leadership but celebrates it.  In fact, as we started Women's History month we even had an entirely women led service.

If you'd like to do some further reading check out the books below.  Or if you'd like to connect over coffee to discuss let us know! 

Beyond Sex Roles: What the Bible Says about a Woman's Place in Church and Family by Gilbert Bilezikian

Why Not Women by Loren Cuningham

A Year of Biblical Womanhood by Rachel Held Evans

Half the Church: Recapturing God's Global Vision for Women by Carolyn Curtis James

 

 

 

Lent : Revisited

Oak Life, did you see or feel ______today?

Each year, Christ followers around the world observe a season of reflection known as Lent. For those who practice it, the 40 days (plus Sundays) leading to Easter provide a time to cultivate awareness of God's presence.

This year, Lent begins on February 10th, and many Christians will recognize the day by having ashes placed on their forehead. With Ash Wednesday comes a sense of somberness, and acknowledgement of our sin and mortality—that we came from dust and to dust we will one day return. But the word Lent is derived from words meaning "spring," and the next six weeks of devotion and renewal include a sense of new life, slowly emerging from winter. This fills us with expectation and hope for Easter Sunday, when we celebrate the Resurrection of Christ.

Oak Life may not be the most traditional church, but we want to be able to embrace the beauty and wisdom of our historic and global faith. Our hope is to become more aware of the sacredness of life as we enter into this seasonal rhythm alongside followers of Christ from various backgrounds and denominations. We invite you to reflect on the words we've curated, and join us as we post #didyouseefeel images and contemplation on OakLifeChurch social media. Whether it's in intentional prayer, an image captured, conversation over tea (Aileen is hosting every Tuesday night at 8:15, if you'd like to join), or stray thought, we'll move towards recognizing the presence of God.

Each day pictures will be posted to the Oak Life instagram (@oaklifechurch) with some reflections on the following themes. 

#didyouseefeel Daily Reflections
 

2.10  Patience

2.11  Thirst

2.12  Kindness

2.13  Victory

2.15  Progress

2.16  Faith

2.17  Loss

2.18  Goodness

2.19  Rest

2.20  Discipline

2.22  Temptation

2.23  Love

2.24  Brokenness

2.25  Solitude

2.26  Chaos

2.27  Wonder

2.29  Mercy

3.1  Persecution

3.4  Mystery

3.5  Light

3.7  Forgiveness

3.8  Vulnerability

3.9  Joy

3.10  Community

3.11  Power

3.12  Beauty

3.14  Hunger

3.15  Peace

3.16  History

3.17  Weakness

3.18  Blessings

3.19  Growth

3.21  Self-control

3.22  Wisdom

3.23  Sacrifice

3.24  Promise

Celebrating Black History

“We are makers of history, we are not made by history.” - Dr. Martin Luther King”

Our nation and world have been forever shaped by the lives of countless African American sisters and brothers.  All too often their stories are neglected and forgotten as a result of generations of racism and oppression.  As a church we seek to celebrate these stories as "our" stories, and find ourselves more and more in the movement of Christ which is a movement of reconciliation and liberation from the "powers and principalities" of this world which seek to divide and oppress. 

So for the month of February Oak Life will be remembering and celebrating the stories and legacy of our African American sisters and brothers in a few ways.  On Sunday mornings we'll be highlighting the influence of one individual each week, some one whose faith in Christ was influential on the life they lived.  We'll also be hosting a special Cups & Couches conversation on February 19th to discuss faith and race (click here for more info).  While these small efforts are in no way comprehensive or fully capture the magnitude of Black History, we wanted to foster more awareness and conversation within our community.

Below you'll find our Black History Liturgy for this year.  Let this be a chance to remember the past, grieve the ways in which racism still divides, and pray for Christ's kingdom of reconciliation to be more realized in our world- on earth as it is in heaven.  As you read, notice the feelings that arise, and spend some focused time in prayer.  Also feel free to share in the comments your experiences or stories from the lives of other individuals who are worth celebrating!

Oak Life Black History Liturgy:

Introduction 

As we continue our worship we’re going to do something a little different for the next few weeks by joining with millions around our nation to celebrate Black History month.  

While acknowledging that setting aside one month a year to remember the contributions and the history of African Americans does not fully resolve the deeper issues of racism, prejudice, and injustice, as Oak Life we are committed to working towards the reconciliation of all things that Christ brings.  We also acknowledge that this is by no means a comprehensive list of people, but just a starting point to remember the shared humanity in us all. 

Because in Christ, the dividing walls that separate us are torn down.  

And so we pray for our nation and our cities- for reconciliation.

We remember the scars of our past and ask God to help us heal.

And we celebrate those who have gone before us and brought about change, freedom, justice, and peace.

So during the month of February we are going to pause for a moment each Sunday to celebrate Black History.

Each week we’ll hear from Christian leaders by reading some of their words.

This will help us celebrate, remember, and pray for God’s movement of reconciliation to continue in our lives and in our world.

This will also give us a chance to be led in worship by voices from our past.  

As we read these quotes, we ask that each of us will consider the past and pray for the future.
 

Week 1

This morning we celebrate and honor impact and legacy of Fredrick Douglas who, in addition to being a follower of Christ, was an abolitionist and a preacher.

Let his words lead us in worship this morning.  

“The soul that is within me no man can degrade.”

“I prayed for twenty years but received no answer until I prayed with my legs.”

“One and God make a majority”

Prayer:

“Father thank you for the legacy of women and men like Fredrick Douglas who sacrificed their lives for the sake of your good news.  Help us be inspired by them and learn from them.”

 

Week 2

This morning we celebrate and honor impact and legacy of Sojourner Truth who was, in addition to being a follower of Christ, was also an abolitionist and women's rights activist.

Let her words lead us in worship this morning.  

“Religion without humanity is very poor human stuff.”

“Let others say what they will of the efficacy of prayer, I believe in it, and I shall pray. Thank God! Yes, I shall always pray”

“Truth is powerful and it prevails”

Prayer:

“Father thank you for the legacy of women and men like Fredrick Douglas who sacrificed their lives for the sake of your good news.  Help us be inspired by them and learn from them.”

Week 3

This morning we celebrate and honor impact and legacy of Pastor William J. Seymour who helped initiate the Azusa Street Revival in Los Angeles, which was one of the first racially integrated worship gatherings in America and which is considered the starting point of the modern Charismatic movement which now numbers in the hundreds of millions.

Let his words lead us in worship this morning.  

“There are many wells today, but they are dry. There are many hungry souls today that are empty. But let us come to Jesus and take Him at His Word and we will find wells of salvation, and be able to draw waters out of the well of salvation, for Jesus is that well.”

Prayer:

“Father thank you for the legacy of women and men like William Seymour who sacrificed their lives for the sake of your good news.  Help us be inspired by them and learn from them.”

Week 4

This morning we celebrate and honor impact and legacy of a woman who’s known as “Old Elizabeth” who was an emancipated slave and at the age of 42 became a preacher in the African Methodist Episcopal church.  Her pioneering work as a female preacher and emancipated slave paved the way for millions.  Her memoir, Elizabeth, A Colored Minister of the Gospel, Born in Slavery was published when she was 97 years old and is an important piece of Black history.  

Let her words lead us in worship this morning.  

“Here I had deep sorrows and plungings, not having experienced a return of that sweet evidence and light with which I had been favoured formerly; but by watching unto prayer, and wrestling mightily with the Lord, my peace gradually returned, and with it a great exercise and weight upon my heart for the salvation of my fellow-creatures; and I was often carried to distant lands and shown places where I should have to travel and deliver the Lord's message.”

Prayer:

“Father thank you for the legacy of women and men like Old Elizabeth who sacrificed their lives for the sake of your good news.  Help us be inspired by them and learn from them.”

 

Stories

We just started new conversation called "Stories" at Oak Life on Sunday mornings.  Stories are profound on many levels.  Our sacred texts contain many stories, we get to know one another by hearing each others stories, and Jesus himself taught spiritual truths using story.  As one theologian puts it, "The language of the kingdom is story."

Over the next few weeks we'll be hearing from various voices in our community as we share our stories with one another.  Some of the stories will be life long, some will be simple and anecdotal.  The hope is that we'll all find that God is doing something in our story, and that we are invited to play a part in the story of reconciliation that God is writing in our world. 

As we engage with stories from our lives and the scriptures we're inviting anyone and everyone to share stories from their own journey.  Charlotte has put together a blog in which you can post something that tells a story that is significant to you.  It might be a picture, a poem, a story, a testimony, a reflection, a question, a video or song- anything really.  Story comes in many forms. If you'd like to post a story- you can follow the link above or below, or email it to: oaklifestories@gmail.com

One more quote to illustrate the power of story:

“It is significant I think that in the presence of a story, whether we are telling it or listening to it, we never have the feeling of being experts.  There is too much we don’t know yet, too many possibilities available, too much mystery and glory.  Even the most sophisticated of stories tends to bring out the childlike in us. Expectant, wondering, responsive, delighted, which of course is why the story is the child’s favorite form of speech. Why it is the Holy Spirit’s dominant form of revelation, and why we adults who like to pose as experts and managers of life so often prefer explanation and information.”
                   -Eugene Peterson, Christ Plays in 10,000 Places

New Years Reflection

As our calendars collectively switch out a 5 for a 6, and the furious march of time rolls onward, it's important to pause for a moment to look back at the last year and then forward into the next.  New Years is a chance to celebrate, grieve, and remember all that has taken place over the past 12 months, as well as dream, pray about, and surrender the next. 

Remember.

As the Israelites in the Jewish scriptures were lost in the desert, wandering aimlessly for decades on ends, they often left alters of rocks when God showed up or when they needed to reflect on an important lesson.  In so doing, they created a sense of who they were and where they had been, because it's so easy to forget where we've been isn't it?

What events, relationships, moments, songs, experiences, lessons, or encounters from 2015 should you mark?  What would it look like for us to take some time to capture those things, to build our own altars, to find ways to remember?  What ways has God's presence been felt or been absent?  It's often not until we take the time to reflect and look back that we notice the artistry of God in our lives.  As 2015 comes to a close, be sure to take some time to remember, and find ways to mark what comes to mind.  Maybe you can write a highlight list, craft a poem, journal, take a picture, or create something that captures where you've been.

Surrendering what's next.

As we explore the photo-albums and journals of 2015, we begin to form a deeper sense of where we've been.  We begin to own our scars, even to the point of affectionate celebration.  Our high points become sentimental reasons for humble and sincere gratitude as we remember them, and come to terms with the truth of their fleeting nature.  In the process of remembering where we've been and who we are, we are freer to chart our course and dream about who we will become, and more likely to notice God's presence in the next season of life.  For all that God has been and brought us through over the past 12 months how beautiful is it that there is still new life ahead!

In the book of Lamentations, a book of song, poetry, prayer, and lament (much like Psalsms), we read these famous words: 

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases,
    his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness."
-Lamentations 3:22-23

Here the author reminds us of the profound truth that God is making something new in our lives and in our world, not just every year- but every day. 

This is one of the most common themes of scripture.  God is creating new things, calling us to be re-born, offering us forgiveness and second chances, and inviting us to live life's of faith, hope, and love. 

As we enter a new year, what hopes, dreams, and prayers do you carry?  What areas of your life need a fresh encounter with the God whose mercies are new every morning?  Be encouraged that God is not done yet!  The provocative claim of grace is that we can live into new life through the Resurrection of Christ- that we are being made new by the same Spirit that conquered the grave.   What would it look like for us to trust in the God of new beginnings in 2016?  What if we woke up tomorrow and breathed in newness, anticipation, hope, and expectation that our future is yet to be written and lived, and that God is inviting us into something new?

Our hope and prayer as Oak Life is that we'll find ways to remember all that God has done over the past 12 months, and also surrender the next 12 to the God who's love never ends. 

Advent 2015: Intro and ways to engage

Advent is a season of expectation.  As the days get shorter and night's darkness consumes more and more hours, we reflect on the urgent need for light in our world.  We confess the areas of our lives and our world that seem hopeless, peace-less, joyless, and loveless.  In the process of this reflection, we sense something coming.  Up ahead, in the distance we can see the light of Christ getting closer. 

In Christ the darkness and suffering of our world is transformed by the overwhelming brightness of that babe in a manger, that newborn in a feeding trough, God with us.

The word advent derives from Latin and means "coming".  For Christians around the world and over the centuries, this time of the year has a little bit of extra significance.   It's a season of hope and faith as we prepare to celebrate the most provocative birth in all of history, the birth of a scandalously conceived Middle Eastern Jew who would turn the world upside down. 

As you go about your days in the weeks ahead would you take some time to ponder the significance of this season?  Would you notice the darkness in our world and in our lives, and spend some time praying for God With Us to break in with the light of Christ?   In the midst of the hustle and bustle, maybe you can find some time to pause and reflect on the Christ story once more, and as you do- listen for the voice of God speaking into your spirit. 

For the next few weeks at Oak Life, we'll be spending a small part of our Sunday gatherings lighting the advent candles and reflecting on the "I am" statements of Christ as we prepare together to celebrate the Light of the World's humble and revolutionary entry into history.   Also, in what has become an Oak Life tradition, we'll be gathering to sing some songs by candlelight the Sunday evening before Christmas.  (Sunday Dec 20, 5:30pm)

If you'd like to spend some extra time in prayer or reflection, here are a couple ideas- feel free to combine them or add more in the comments:

1) Spend some time reading the gospels again, especially the birth narratives.
2) Pray over the news.  Part of Advent is noticing our need for a savior.  As you watch or read the news pray for God's mercy over our world.
3) Carve our some time of silence / solitude.  Maybe for just 5 minutes a day you can pause and sit in silence.  Sometimes it's helpful to have a written out prayer to help focus.  Try the Lords Prayer or the Jesus Prayer: "Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner."  Another good one is the Serenity Prayer.
4) Light a candle.  It might be helpful to light a candle daily or once a week as a reminder of Christ's light and a way to focus and meditate.
5) Be generous.  Find a way to give back a little more. 
6) Search online for Advent Devotionals.  There are literally thousands out there, so go crazy!  Here is one for starters: http://www.pts.edu/Devotional_1
7) Listen to some Christmas hymns: What child is this, Oh Come Immanuel, Oh Night Divine, etc.

 

Roots & Branches: The Story of Oak Life at year 1.

A little over a 12 months ago, a seedling emerged from the ground: a community called Oak Life Church. From the beginning, Oak Life's story could not be told by just one person, but rather has always been a harmony of lives coming together around the way and the work of a radical first century teacher from an obscure outpost of the Roman Empire, who impossibly changed our world.

A few weeks ago we celebrated our first birthday as a church by remembering where we've come from and dreaming again about what's next.  Our hope has been pretty simple: to follow Jesus and try our best to not get in his way as we grow deeper roots and wider branches together. 

There have been so many stories written in and through Oak Life in the last year and this highlight list cannot possible contain them all- but here is a brief snapshot: 
-We provided a Thanksgiving meal for 400-500 people last fall
-Served a monthly meal at YEAH! homeless shelter
-Got inspired by various forms of art in our Sunday gatherings
-Sent a team overseas to do ministry in Myanmar
-Hosted a Burmese orphan in our homes and lives
-Engaged in numerous tough conversations around race, justice, doubt, faith, and grace, and more. 
-Participated in at least 7 neighborhood cleanups and many community festivals/events
-Grew from a core team of 25 to a community where 40-70 folks gather each Sunday and around 100 folks regularly participate in community life, most of whom didn't know each other year ago
-Started an internship program
-Became a diverse and inclusive community for folks from many different walks of life and religious backgrounds
-Began a deep and meaningful friendship with folks in a local homeless camp
-provided emergency shelter and medicine for some homeless friends
-Way more to capture in this blog.  Check out our instagram to see the pics!
-Weekly invited folks to receive the grace of God through Christ, and to live into that grace.

Looking back on the year is overwhelming. 

How could we have known the ways in which God would move in and through our community? 
The people we would meet, the friendships that would start, the needs that were met, or the prayers that were answered?

One thing is for sure- Oak Life could not be the community it is becoming had it not been for the participation, prayers, passions, and perspectives of the people involved.  We are a beautiful mess- and each of our messes has a part in the story God is writing. 

Last year on our sprout day, we invited people to share their hopes, dreams, and prayers for what Oak Life could be and looking back on it, it's incredible to see the ways God has answered our prayers by growing us into the church we are now.  Click here to read the prayers from last year. 

So as we move forward into whatever God has next for Oak Life, we continued the tradition by having folks write down more hopes, dreams, and prayers for our community, hoping to always be a church where we're on mission together. 

We don't know what's next, but if the past year is any indication of what might lay ahead- we should be really stoked.

Here are the hopes, dreams, and prayers written by folks at our Sunday gathering where we celebrated our first birthday:

-"To keep sight of all those who need our help."
-"To keep Jesus as the reason for our church"
-"That we would continue to be a diverse and inclusive community."
-"For more transformative, life changing music!"
-"That we would offer relief to people."
-"That the good news of Jesus is at the center of all we do."
-"My hope is that Oak Life would connect with people who have given up on God.  People who have been pushed away, i.e. homeless youth, adults, dicorced, prostitutes, addicts, disabled, socially awkward, and others."
-"I hope that Oak Life will keep the faith in God and continue giving love to everyone.  Thank you for your love for me."
-"That Oak Life would connect with young people in the community."
-"I pray that we would be a community of prayer and quick to offer support for each other in prayer."
-"That we would draw more people in"
-"That we would enter into other peoples lives"
-"To stay cool"
-"A place to explore our gifts in the Body"
-"I pray that at Oak Life we are not afraid to challenge the injustice in the Bay Area."
-"I pray that Oak Life continues to have as large and unique of an impact as it did on me the irst day I walked in- for everyone else :)"
-"I pray for maturity and growth"
-"To be an open and loving community"
-"My hope for Oak Life is that will be a light in the city of Oakland and beyond by demonstrating the love, joy, service, mercy, and peace that Jesus gave to us!"
-"That we would grow in our love, faith, quality, peace, hope in God"
-"That we would fund raise for other non-profits"
-"For increased diversity, increased community, increased collaboration with the secular world sharing the goodness of God with those who don't get the chance to encounter God, for the need for a bigger space :)"
-"My hope is to see healing and restoration to those in our community that need it.  And we can be God's and and feet in making that happen."
-"To Keep God first"
-That God's truth would be sought and spoken here- God's love will be shown."
-"That the Gospel influences everything.
-"That Oak Life community members would regularly be engaged in God's word- recognizeing that is our anchor. To grasp how powerful and life giving it is- to be in it daily."
-"I hope worship evolves into a unique Oak Life experience."
-"For honest, openness, and love"
-"My prayer is that Oak Life continues to encourage genuine faith that builds a community on Sundays, but that also lives beyond the church experience."
-"I hope that everyone finds love and peace within themselves, the world, and God."
-"We pray that God would continue to increasegrace in his community and that this community would respond by having the hard and difficult quesetions/discussions."
-"That Oak Life could be a safe space for difficult discussions and a sanctuary for the lost and troubled."
-"I hope that Oak Life will be a prime example to other churches on how to have loving, healthy, christ centered community.
-"That God's love and mercy shows itself in the actions of this community."
-"To be a place where art is fostered."
-"That we would exemplify Jesus so well that those who interact with us could do nothing but see him."
-"For continued community involvement."
-"That the gifts of the spirit would present in unexpected ways."
-"That we would be a place of healing for people who have been hurt by the church."
-"That we could find a community within the Oak Life community"
-"For Growth"
-"To bring our worship outside into the community."
-"That the resurrection of Christ would fuel all we do.
 

Lyrical Opps / Oak Life: Beautiful Mess

Last week we kicked off a new set of conversation called "Beautiful Mess: Church for the Rest of Us."  Our friends from Lyrical Opposition came through to share some of their spoken word and rap as we worshiped together.  It's so incredible to see Oak Life continue to grow and form and become a safe space for all. 

Matt Evearett put together a video of the morning.  Check it out:
 

Deciding to Serve the Homeless

by Christopher MacDonald

First of all let me say that I really did not decide to serve the Homeless on the level I do here in Oakland. I never envisioned myself under the Nimitz freeway dealing occasionally with people pumped up on drugs or alcohol or the insane decibel levels of noise.

It was decided for me and I am pretty sure not a one of you reading will be asked to do what was to do. Relax.

I am writing this with YOU in mind - regular folk who hold down jobs, have a mortgage (or rent that looks like one) and have to consider the real needs of spouses, kids and pets.

I'm your window. I'll keep it brief.

We have different callings in the Body and one is the calling of "Deacon" or "Deaconess." (The attached art is a "Kanji"" of mine that was requested by a church doing a study on the meaning of being a "Deacon.")
 

Chris would tell you the same thing I will. It simply means being the "the hands and feet of Christ" in the world. Servants in all matters practical. In Acts the deacons looked after feeding the poor and widows. Stephen was a deacon...and it cost him.
 

Fear is a big issue when it comes to the Homeless. I have less than most because if you have met me i am HUGE, street-smart and somewhat fearless.There are reasons for this, but one major one is that I have been divested of all assets.It is very hard to threaten a man with no possessions, no debt and no reputation to protect.

You are NOT in this situation.
 

In that regard it is easy for me to be brave. I think of your situation and I wanna be smart - for you.
 

1) Be sure you are called to serve, then discern to what capacity..
 

It is better to be slightly under-committed than to over-commit and fail. Thus is because respect and remaining true to your word are as important as any physical help you bring. BANK on that.
 

The reason I have street credit is I have always done exactly what i said I would do (except ONCE and I ate humble pie for that and made it right).
 

2) Don't be afraid - They Don't Bite.
 

Most Homeless have taken the big beat down. If they do give you any crap - walk. Immediately.

Just tell them you will be available later if they can be nicer. Usually they will come after you within the block.

When they ask for change and you don't have it don't look away or be dismissive. Look them in the eyes and kindly say "I can't help you today, but I wish I could." You have no idea how much this will matter.

 

 

3) Know What You Are Giving

Maslow never lived on the streets of West Oakland. Sorry.

As I have written elsewhere RESPECT is a huge issue for the Homeless. It is what the Enemy has crushed in them; what Society extracts daily and what only the Church can truly have eyes to see to give back.If I have done anything the last year in Oakland it is that I have shown respect and honored the image of God in men and women who this world sees as value-less. I repudiate that as a lie every single day.

It is not always easy. Some Homeless men and women stink.You have to be ready. Decide ahead of time what you are willing to do and what you are not willing to do.

Once, when I was a pastor I brought a man back to my house to stay over. I setup a place for hm to sleep in the garage. I did not feel comfortable with him sleeping in the house with my young son and my wife. He tried to make me feel guilty. I didn't care. I told him he could go elsewhere if he wanted.

I was clear. Be clear.

I suggest a stance of "Interested Disinterest."

4) Never let politics get involved.
 

I have watched the last 40 years the Churches resources get siphoned off for political influence instead of simple loving action. In ." my view "Jesus plus anything is subtraction." 

I happened to have been a Liberal...like most in the Bay Area...but not enough energy was going to direct action. I saw that the Church was missing a huge opportunity to be truly counter-culture. To simply provide food, shelter, medical help and for the Love of God to be seen fresh-faced in a selfish and love-less world gone mad on power, violence and image.


It was said of the early Believers "behold how they love one another." As things continue to get worse in our culture the salt and light that the Church exhibits will be how we - against all reasons and wisdom off this world - continue to love. Nothing shows this more than that we love those who have nothing to offer us in return (ostensibly)

I think you can still be a Republican, Democrat or Independent (etc) - fine. But really - our allegiance is as Kingdom folk first. And when we are called to account the question will be "when did we clothe you, feed you, visit you in prison Lord?" I mean...really..this is gonna be the question....right?"

When I arrived I just wanted to find a healthy church for myself. I found one: You. I did not expect to end up in the Tent City. I had been a high paid executive.As an example, I had advancing interviews with Jawbone (yes, that Jawbone...and they courted me)  to be the head of their marketing department worldwide back February. That fell flat once I felt the call to the Homeless.
 

Lucky me.
 

But when I landed and the camp was immediately sick I sent off an email to this new pastor. It was like ordering in a air-drop of supplies. Cold meds, water, supplies...all in 12 hours time.
 

That was Oak Life's first response.
 

Since then ...tents, sleeping bags, food...good counsel. I have not been alone in my work. . 


As I leave you (because it looks like I am off to Seminary - as all young men of 58 should do) you will be on your own when it comes to the Homeless in Oakland as far as having an "inside man." We could have done more. I should have done more.

But we didwhat we would and it's up to you now. The few of you who God will give a burden and a fire to.
 

I talked it over with Fred...my co-worker from the beginning (oaklandhomless.wordpress.com) and his advice is solid. your best way to get your feet wet is to volunteer in Richmond at the mission there. It has a ton of people and will give you an idea.
 

A real effort in Oakland has yet to be seen. Sorry. You can name "ministries" but I have seen them and I ain't buying. Just me. We need to go deeper, get more serious and be - frankly - more theological.
 

But then - that's the sort of thing a young guy going off to seminary would say - right?

Calling all Revolutionaries

Before we had a name, values, a meeting space, etc., we were just a bunch of dreamers hoping to follow Christ on his mission here in Oakland.  In many ways, nothing has changed.  Exactly one year ago today we posted this on our old blog.  Someone reminded me of it, so I thought I'd repost again.  Though we've grown and become a church of sorts since this was posted, every word of it is still true for us.  I'm still just as excited to see how God continues to shape and form this community.  

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Do you ever sense that you were created to be a part of something bigger than yourself?

I’m convinced that no force can change our world like the Church: the family of people who follow Jesus.

Recently we began to invite people to join our launch team for the church plant.  This is a big step that requires faith and sacrifice.  Essentially we’re asking people to move from being spectators at church to living out church.  We’re calling people to become the hands and feet of Jesus in the most tangible way: through his community.  We’re looking for people who believe in the revolutionary and radical potential of the movement that Jesus started.

In the story of the early church in the book of Acts, we read about a community that lived radically different lives than culture at large.  They met together regularly for friendship and support and even SOLD THEIR POSSESSIONS to provide for those in need.  They faced opposition because of their commitment to Jesus’ movement.  They were made fun of, lost business and relationships, and were in physical danger, all because they believed in what they were doing.

We believe God is calling people to this same level of radical living.  That He is calling us to take a huge step of faith and move into the unknown, trusting that He will provide.

We want to live out church and not just go to church.  We want to love our neighborhoods sacrificially.  We yearn to give ourselves away so that others can have new life in the same way that Christ gave himself away for us.  We desire to be a movement of people that stands against injustice and stands with the poor, the broken, and the hurting.  We long to offer the greatest hope anyone has ever encountered to those who are without hope.  We hunger to see God move in us and through us, to break down walls, to free the enslaved, to heal suffering, to explode light into darkness, and to love like only the Author of love can.

Will you join us?

Our world needs people who are passionate about being the church, not just going to church.  If you’re interested in joining our launch team and helping create a new space for God’s love to meet people in the East Bay, let’s talk.

Yes. The God you never Knew.

Do you ever get the sense that folks think God is "anti" everything?  So many people know Christians by what they are against- 'Don't do this, keep away from that, no drinking or smoking, etc'.  Maybe some of us have bought into that idea of God is like this... that He's the God of "no".  After all- just look at the 10 Commandments.

For many of us that leaves us with a faith that's caught on a leash.  That we're always trying to make sure to avoid things instead of living into them.  

What if God was a God for us?  Who cared about us living rich, full, beautiful, and joyful lives?  What if God was a God of "Yes" instead of "No"?  

Over the next few weeks at Oak Life we'll be reflecting on the Book of Ecclesiastes together and learning to receive God's Yes for our world.  Come be a part of the conversation!  10AM Sundays at The New Parkway Theater.  www.oaklifechurch.com

More than a Fan.

On Sunday we began a new conversation called "More than a Fan".  Our hope is to move from spectator to participant in our faith and lives.  We'll be posting quotes/thoughts/ideas here.  Check out the spoken word piece introducing the topic below and below that is a graphic you can use for your phone screen saver to remind yourself of our conversation that Nicole Made:  

Good Friday

Good Friday, ironically named, is a time of mourning.  Today we grieve the reality that an innocent human being was brutally executed on behalf of the world.  We reflect on the nature of our own darkness and surrender all of it onto the cross.  That Christ receives all of our darkness, depravity, and sin out of love onto himself.  It's graphic, it's bloody, it's painful, it's horrifying, it's scary, it's sad, and yet it's hopeful.  Isaiah the prophet writes of our suffering servant and Lord: 

Isaiah 53:4-6

4 Surely he has borne our infirmities
    and carried our diseases;
yet we accounted him stricken,
    struck down by God, and afflicted.
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions,
    crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the punishment that made us whole,
    and by his bruises we are healed.
6 All we like sheep have gone astray;
    we have all turned to our own way,
and the Lord has laid on him
    the iniquity of us all.

This is the picture of God's love for us, that God would go through the unspeakable horror of being crucified for each of us.  And in so doing enter into all of the brokeness of the world.  That as those nails broke into his flesh, Jesus was experiencing indescribable anguish for us.  For you.  

This is the God Christians worship.  A God not distant from human suffering, but more aquatinted with it then we are.  A God that entered into our suffering, walks with us, and overcomes it all.  Subsequently, the symbol that Christians around the world identify with is the cross- a Roman execution device.  The cross, the death of Christ is a source of great power, hope, and our very salvation.  Because we know that death is not the final word, that resurrection is the final word.  But in order to have resurrection, we have to go through the cross.  Today we remember the scandalous and counterintuitive act that redeems the world.  

Would you spend some time in solitude today, this Good Friday?  

Spend some time reflecting on the crucifixion.  Let your imagination identify with this man who, out of infinite love, was thrust onto wooden beams, exposed and bloody, and hung high by nails for you.

Take some time to read through the passion narrative found in the gospels:
-Mark 15:33 to 16:8 
-Matthew 27:52 to 28:20
-Luke 23:44 to 24:12
-John 19:29 to 20:18

As you reflect- maybe ask yourself some questions:
-Where in my life do I need the hope of the cross?  That darkness and death are not the end?
-What darkness do I need to bring to the light of the cross.  Are there things to confess? If so, surrender them to God and receive forgives.
-How can I identify more with the suffering of others, like Jesus?
-Do I fully understand the extent of God's love for me? 

Further Reflections on Race and Faith

On Sunday our friend Ronné Sims led us in a discussion around race and faith.  Wherever we come from as we enter in this discussion politically, economically, racially, or theologically, our aim is to be ambassadors of Christ to each other and to our world.  That what unifies us is the Gospel of Christ, that we are all sinners in need of mercy.  For some of us, Ronné's words were nothing new, and for others, they were really challenging.  While we certainly all don't have to agree at Oak Life, we do hope that at the very least we can take a posture of listening and learning.  And we're definitely grateful for the chance to learn from our sister this last week.  

Below are some further resources that Ronné provided for anyone who wants to engage this conversation further.  Also feel free to post comments or questions below.
 

Books cited and/or helpful for more discussion:

Alexander, Michelle. The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness. The New Press, 2012

Blackmon, Douglas A. Slavery by Another Name: The Re-Enslavement of Black Americans from the Civil War to World War II. Anchor Books, 2008

______________________________________________________________

To join other faith communities and organizations in providing a social safety net for all citizens of Oakland, contact:

Oakland Community Organizations (OCO) 

www.oaklandcommunity.org  (510) 639-1444

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CEASEFIRE OAKLAND/LIFELINES TO HEALING

Far too many people in our community have died before their time.  Far too many people are wasting their lives in prison. Oakland Ceasefire/Lifelines to Healing is a movement to stop the killings without sending more people to jail.

Across the community-faith leaders, residents, schools, neighborhood organizations, social services, public agencies and law enforcement are uniting to build a culture of peace and healing in our community.

Walk our neighborhoods:  Fridays 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm

March 20 - Cosmopolitan – 988 85th Avenue

March 27 – At Thy Word – 8915 International Blvd

April 3 - Allen Temple – 8501 International Blvd

April 10 - First Mt. Sinai-1970 86th Avenue

April 17 - Cosmopolitan – 988 85th Avenue

April 24 – At Thy Word – 8915 International Blvd 

For more information on Oakland Ceasefire/Lifelines to Healing 

call 510 639-1440 or email fridaycommunitynightwalks@gmail.com

 

Graceland Recap:

This Sunday we finished up a series of conversations centered on grace.  Though our "Graceland" theme is over, our hope is that the concepts of grace will continue to shape who we're becoming.  

Each week we had the privilege of hearing a different spoken word piece as we engaged with this beautiful and challenging subject.  Below are links to each piece and the highlight video, and below that are some quotes that were used throughout the conversations, enjoy!  (Also- feel free to check the podcasts for the messages and convesrations)

Big time props to Matt Evearitt for putting these together!


From Week 1:

This Sunday we're starting a new conversation called "Graceland". Each week a different artist will be sharing a unique work as we reflect on the disruptive, provocative, and beautifully-unfair dynamics of God's grace. Stoked for what should be a very meaningful series of conversations. All are welcome.

Below you'll find some musings, quotes, and thoughts on grace in no particular order:
 

-The notable Greek scholar, Dr. Spiros Zodhiates described grace as ‘the undeserved, unearned and unmerited favour, benefit or kindness.’ He further added, ‘a favour done without expectation of return; absolute freeness of the loving-kindness of God to men finding His only motive in the bounty and free-heartedness of the Giver.

-A parable about grace:

A dispute once arose between the Wind and the Sun, which was the stronger of the two, and they agreed to settle the point upon the issue – that whichever of the two soonest made a traveler take off his cloak, should be accounted the more powerful.

The Wind began, and blew with all his might and main a blast, cold and fierce as a Thracian storm; but the stronger he blew, the closer the traveler wrapped his cloak around him, and the tighter he grasped it with his hands.

Then broke out the Sun. With his welcome beams he dispersed the vapor and the cold; the traveler felt the genial warmth, and as the Sun shone brighter and brighter, he sat down, quite overcome with the heat, and taking off his cloak, cast it on the ground.

Thus the Sun was declared the conqueror; and it has ever been deemed the persuasion is better than force; and that the sunshine of a kind and gentle manner will sooner lay open a poor man’s heart than all the threatenings and force of blustering authority.


- “Grace is a dangerous, slippery slope”

-"The law says IF, Grace says Free"   

- “Laughter is the closest thing to the grace of God.” ( )

-Bono on Grace:

“It’s a mind-blowing concept that the God who created the Universe might be looking for company, a real relationship with people, but the thing that keeps me on my knees is the difference between Grace and Karma…

You see, at the centre of all religions is the idea of Karma. You know, what you put out comes back to you; an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, or in physics – in physical laws – every action is met by an equal or opposite one.  Its clear to me that Karma is at the very heart of the universe.  I’m absolutely sure of it.

And yet, along comes this idea called Grace to upend all that “As you reap, so will you sow” stuff.  Grace defies reason and logic. Love interrupts, if you like, the consequences of your actions, which in my case is very good news indeed, because I’ve done a lot of stupid stuff.

That’s between me and God. But I’d be in big trouble if Karma was going to finally be my judge. I’d be in deep shit. It doesn’t excuse my mistakes, but I’m holding out for Grace. I’m holding out that Jesus took my sins onto the Cross because I know who I am, and I hope I don’t have to depend on my own religiosity.

The point of the death of Christ is that Christ took on the sins of the world so that what we put out did not come back to us, and that our sinful nature does not reap the obvious death. That’s the point. It should keep us humbled….its not our own good works that get through the gates of heaven…

If only we could be a bit more like Him, the world would be transformed.  All I do is get up on the Cross of the Ego; the bad hangover, the bad review. When I look at the Cross of Christ, what I see up there is all my shit and everybody else’s. So I ask myself a question a lot of people have asked: Who is this man?  And was He who He said He was, or was he just a religious nut?  And there it is, and that’s the question.  And no one can talk you into it or out of it.”


I know, to banish anger altogether from one's breast is a difficult task. It cannot be achieved through pure personal effort. It can be done only by God's grace. (Mahatma Gandhi)

-“Grace isn’t defined- it’s demonstrated” (Phillip Yancy)

"The best demonstrations of grace usually come from pilgrims, activists, and artists." (Phillip Yancy)

-“Whatever the reasons, when forgiveness happens it is always a miracle of grace. The obstacles in its way are immense” ( Miroslav Volf )
 

“Grace is the unbelievable yet true news that you are accepted, though you’re unacceptable” (Tony Campolo)

Introduction to Lent / Ash Wednesday

Lent is a time of preparation and reflection as we anticipate the resurrection.  It often includes intentional times of fasting, praying, and almsgiving.  If you'd like to engage with this significant time in the church calendar, check out the video or the reading plan below.  Remember- it's all about relationships, so find ways to engage with other folks too!  Also, feel free to leave comments or questions below.

Lent Reading Plan:  
https://www.biblegateway.com/reading-plans/lent?version=NIV

#xmarksoaklife

Oak Life Insta Scavenger Hunt

As part of our "X Marks The Spot" conversation, and as we reflect on Jesus' teaching that "where your treasure is, there your heart is", we're doing something a little different and fun.  We're doing our first ever Insta-Scavenger Hunt.  Here is the info- should be fun:

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to complete this photo scavenger hunt by next Sunday. When pictures are posted use the hashtag#xmarksoaklife. If you don’t have instagram, you can email your pics to chris.oaklife@gmail.com or post them on the Oak Life facebook page. There will be two prizes: one for the most items completed and one for the funniest overall selfie (you’ll get something from the something store:)).


Locations:

At Lake Merritt

At Peets Coffee

The New Parkway (you can do today) 

With a favorite person 

With your favorite food

With something Oakland 

With the Bay Bridge. 

With some one from Oak Life

With something you treasure

Continuing the Conversation regarding Ferguson

On Sunday at Oak Life we had one of the most encouraging gatherings so far.  After a week that was filled with both the blessings of Thanksgiving and challenges of division in our country, we sensed God leading us to reflect on the recent events in Ferguson together as these events are being deeply felt by our community and city and have implications for our faith.  Even though this could have been a polarizing discussion, our time together was filled with humility, vulnerability, hope, and unity.  The gospel truly has the power to transcend all of the boundaries and divisions we've created.  What a great witness Oak Life can be to our city and nation as we continue to live out the gospel as a church and create a culture of listening and grace! 

We know that these conversations must continue for healing to take hold, so we asked our friend Dr. Liz Lin to put together a few resources for us to go deeper.  There are also a few other resources here including a video Matt put together for our Sunday gathering and a link to some videos from Project Peace.  We're working on a few other ideas to keep things going  (including posting the podcast soon) so stay tuned!    Here is the list from Dr. Lin, you can check out her blog here (http://mynameiselizabeth.com):

(Just a heads up- this list is put together in order to continue this discussion, we may not agree with everything in these resources.  One of Oak Life's values is Intellectual Engagement after all!)

Reading on Theology/Race/Power:

Disunity in Christ, by Christina Cleveland

Divided By Faith, By Michael Emerson and Christian smith

Unpacking The Invisible Knapsack By Peggy Mcintosh (4 pg PDF)

The Wolf Shall Dwell with the Lamb, by Eric Lew

The Case for Reparations, by Ta-nehisi Coates, 

Black Like Me, by John Howard Griffin

The New Jim Crow by  Michelle Alexander

Cultural Intelligence: Improving your cq to Engage our Multicultural World, by David Livermore

Disunity in Christ, by Christina Cleveland

Film: 
The Color of Fear 

Project Peace Lectures on Race and Faith:
http://www.projectpeaceeastbay.org/Race-And-Faith

Reactions in Oakland (filmed by Matt Evearitt)