This Sunday, September 24, Dr. Taylor will continue the sermon series on the first eleven chapters of Genesis - Reformatting the Disc.  (Genesis 6:9-22; 7:17-24)  The story of the flood is a story of judgment, an illustration of what happens to the world when it rejects God, and God beginning from the beginning again. What are we to make of this story of God’s destruction and remaking of the world?

The book of Genesis is the foundation for all of our theology. Any discussion of theology -  from a biblical perspective - eventually finds itself grounded in these early chapters of Genesis.  Genesis is incomparably significant for our theology because it tells the story of God’s work of creation, the starting point for redemptive history.  Look under the Sermons tab - then Current Series for the Scripture texts and summary for each of the upcoming sermons.

This Sunday, September 24, 9:15am...

In this early Fall 5-week long Sunday School class, we will explore the concept of identity formation.  How and why it has become such an important, even critical priority in our world today.  In view of the world’s ideas of identity formation, we will contrast the Biblical perspective, with the goal of helping us to maintain a sense of continuing to be “salt & light” in the midst of our friends and neighbors.

Colossians 3:3-4 “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”

Sunday, September 10, 2023 – Introduction:  Understanding Identity

Sunday, September 17, 2023 – Traditional versus Modern Identity

Sunday, September 24, 2023 – How Did We Get to Now?

Sunday, October 01, 2023 – Christian Identity:  How is it Different & Better?

Sunday, October 08, 2023 – How to Grow a Christian Identity

Continuing this Sunday, September 24, 4:30 to 6:00pm, this 13-week Christ-centered program helps people apply biblical principles as they deal with the emotions and life stresses following the death of a loved one.

Continuing on Sunday, September 24 @ 6:00pm, Pastor Walter Taylor will continue a seven week series on the Sermon on the Mount, that body of teaching from Jesus contained in Matthew chapters 5 through 7. In these three chapters of Matthew, we get something like a Charter for Life in the Kingdom of God.  What does it mean to live in the Kingdom of God already here on earth?  How do we deal with the commands of Jesus that often sound so heavy?  What does it mean to "turn the other cheek?"  How can one be "blessed" and "persecuted" at the same time?

Monday, September 18 at 7:oopm, the women of the church are invited to study the Bible together in the Disciples' Classroom.  This ongoing study will focus on the Old Testament wisdom book of Proverbs.  As study guide, the group will use A Women's Workshop on Proverbs by Diane Bloom.  Diane's commentary on Proverbs is interesting, easy to use, and will lead to meaningful conversation.  You do NOT need to purchase a book, since you will be provided with everything you need.  This group is all about growing in faith together.  The Women's Bible Study is led by Assistant Pastor Agnes Taylor and Elder Sue Jones.  Our study will be a time of  spiritual growth and a time of fellowship and friendship with a wonderful group of women.  If you have any questions, please contact Agnes Taylor at 910-278-9741.

Tuesday mornings at 10:00am, this is a group for everyone who likes to read and discuss books that help us grow in our faith, while enjoying a good cup of coffee or tea (and of course some goodies). The book we will be discussing together is

Blessed: Experiencing the Promise of the Book of Revelation

by Nancy Guthrie.  Many Bible readers struggle to understand the book of Revelation.  But it was written to reveal, not hide, what Jesus wants us to know. And it holds out a promise to us - the promise of being blessed.  You can purchase the book on your own, or you can contact Agnes Taylor and she will provide the book to you.  This group meets in the Disciples' Room, and is moderated by the Assistant Pastor Agnes Taylor.  If you have any questions, please contact Agnes Taylor at 910-278-9741.  (You are welcome to join "mid-book"!)

Wednesday mornings at 9:30am

In a world filled with all sorts of truth claims – even “find your own truth” – Jesus stands alone. He boldly proclaims Himself as the only source of freedom, peace, truth, meaning, sustenance, security, and everlasting life with God. Which leaves us asking: Are Jesus’s claims true?

We are excited to invite you to examine Jesus’s claims for your own life in John’s Gospel: The Truth.

To register. go to www.mybsf.org to create an account.  Then log in to your account, click on the Find a Group (upper right), then follow each prompt to select the Oak Island class.  For further info, contact Allison Pickard in the church directory, or through the church office - 910-278-9741.  Also see www.bsfinternational.org

Do you love to sing? The Chancel Choir welcomes singers age 14 and above to join us at 3pm each Wednesday, and gathers at 10am each Sunday to make a joyful noise! We sing SATB traditional choral arrangements and are a friendly bunch who love to sing. For info, contact Donna Winrich at 704-798-9842.

Children's Sunday School meets on Sunday mornings at 9:15am. (same time as our Adult Sunday School.)  Our children are using lesson material from Great Commission Publications to help them get to know and understand the stories of the Bible, and become followers of Christ.  If you have any questions about this program, please contact Agnes Taylor at 910-278-9741. 

Nursery care is available every Sunday for infants and children through age 4.  Our nursery is a comfortable place for them while parents attend our 10:30am worship service.  If you have any questions about the nursery program, please contact Keena Starnes through the church office at 910-278-9741.

Children's Church is offered for children age 5 through 5th grade during the 10:30am Sunday worship service.  Children stay in worship until the Sermon and then scurry off to their own place.  If you have questions about this program, please contact our Assistant Pastor Agnes Taylor through the church at 910-278-9741.

Martha's Circle’s purpose is to develop and grow spiritually, create a caring community within the church and in Oak Island, Southport, and Boiling Spring Lakes.  We meet every second Monday; September through May at 11:00 AM.  There's a short Scripture lesson and prayer, followed by a business meeting, along with a snack & beverage.   Martha’s Circle takes its name from Martha in the Bible, who was always serving others.  Join us for meaningful ministry and Fellowship!

From the Heart is a group for women of all ages who are interested in service and outreach projects, both within the church and the local community.  It is the perfect group for those who are interested in hands-on activities.  The group meets quarterly at the church to make plans for the ensuing quarter.  For more information, please contact Sue Jones through the church office at 910-278-9741.

The “Walk to Emmaus” refers to the trek Jesus made with two disciples on the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus on the day of His resurrection.  (Luke 24)  The disciples cherished the inspiring and instructive discussions they had during that walk with Christ.  For many decades, Protestants around the world have been similarly inspired to hold Emmaus Walk Retreats (sometimes called Chrysalis weekends) to explore how to live the call to discipleship.  Participants are encouraged to continue meeting after their spiritual weekend retreat for ongoing support, instruction, growth, and encouragement.  

The Emmaus Group at Oak Island EPC is a group of local people who have previously participated in an Emmaus Walk Retreat or Chrysalis weekend at some point in their lives, and meet to reinforce each other’s  core commitment to living in union with Christ in their daily lives.  Our Emmaus Reunion Group meets the first and third Fridays of the month at 8:00am at the church.  To learn more about Emmaus Walk Retreats, or local Reunion Groups in the Oak Island / Southport area, please contact Glenda Dennis at glendaden1@bellsouth.net or 910-620-1842.

Do you enjoy needlepoint, scrap-booking, card-making, quilting, ornament-making or any other creative endeavors?  Got stalled mid-project and need some motivation to finish?  Run into a problem with your project and need some advice?  The Crafting Club meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month from 1:00 - 4:00 in the Fellowship Hall.  Bring whatever craft interests you, and enjoy some laughter, snacks and fellowship.  Everyone is welcome, so bring your crafty friends.  A Cricut Explore 3 machine (with laptop and Design Space software) is available if anyone wants to use it.  If you have any questions, please contact Rebecca Jarvis at rebeccahess@hotmail.com.  Letting her know if you plan to attend is helpful (so she brings enough food) but RSVP is not required.  Hope to see you there!