Continuing Sunday, April 7 - Chosen By God

A 6-part video series from Ligonier Ministries & 

RC Sproul.

Many people reject Reformed theology or Calvinism because they believe it teaches that God drags people kicking and screaming into the church against their will. This, however, is a gross distortion of the biblical doctrine of election, which is grounded in God’s love for His people. In this series, Dr. Sproul carefully explains the meaning of God’s sovereignty in the work of redemption and shows how it relates to the will of man.

March 24 - Everyone Believes this Doctrine

April 7 - God's Sovereignty

April 14 - What is Free Will?

April 21 - Man's Radical Fallenness

April 28 - Does God Create Unbelief?

May 5 - The Divine Initiative

Each video will be about 30 minutes in length, and we'll have time following

each video for discussion and Q & A.

Friday, April 26 & Saturday, April 27 -- Beginning Friday evening, we will have a church retreat at the Fort Caswell Coastal Retreat and Conference Center.  For details, see Page 3 of the March Newsletter (on this website).  Join in for a great time of fellowship, relaxation and encouragement.

March 17 Note!!!  Although the registration deadline has passed for us to secure our reservation, we still have room for additional participants.  You can still sign-up if you'd like to attend!

Remember the $50 per-person fee will cover all the activities, the historic tour, the Saturday morning and midday meals and snacks.

Beginning Sunday, February 4, 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.

No matter what the circumstances, grief is a painful process.  Our GriefShare support group is for people dealing with the death of a family member or friend.  GriefShare is a safe, welcoming place where people understand the difficult emotions of grief.  Over 13 weeks, you'll find relief and comfort as you learn what to expect in the days ahead and how to navigate your personal grief process.  Since there are no neat, orderly stages of grief, you'll learn helpful ways of coping with grief, in all its unpredictability - and gain solid support each step of the way.

Topics include how to manage grief-related emotions such as loneliness, anxiety, sadness, anger and regret; how to cope with the changes in your life and relationships.; how to recognize what is normal in grief; and what to do if you feel stuck or hopeless.

For more information, you can contact a Assistant Pastor Rev. Agnes Taylor.

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 are 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"!)

From the Heart is beginning 2024 with an outreach to help the homeless in our community.  Working with Southport-Cares, we will be preparing Hygiene Bags for individuals in need.  Southport-Cares is in the process of doing a count of the number of homeless individuals in the area.  As part of that effort, we will be obtaining the following travel size items:  shampoo, soap, toothbrushes & toothpaste, protein bars, energy drinks and other items.  the completion of this short-term project is set for January 24.

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.

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

Update:  The Missions Ministry thanks the congregation for the donation of 86 gift cards to the Angel Tree for Christmas 2023.  Donations totaled $3,545, and were provided to the Oak Island Resource Center for distribution to families in our community.  The gift cards will enable parents to purchase clothing for children, and food and household supplies for families.

The Town of Oak Island is reaching out to our community requesting help in making Christmas a little bit brighter  for individuals and families in need.  2023 is the 20th year that the Town of Oak Island Resource is collecting and distributing Christmas gifts to the community.

Names are collected of children and families in need from the schools, law enforcement, and social services.  The Resource Center coordinator evaluates each families' request to determine if they qualify for the program, and distributes gift cards accordingly.  Gift cards can be purchased from Food Lion, Lowes, Publix, Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, Academy Sports, Shoe Show (@ Walmart Plaza), Belk, Big Lots, Belk, Rack Room (in Shallotte), or Amazon.  Gas cards are also appreciated.  Be sure to note the amount of the gift card on the outside envelope, and place gift card in the gift-wrapped donation in the narthex or next to the church office.  The last day to make a contribution is Sunday, December 10

Share your love of Christ with those less fortunate in Oak Island.  Jesus said, "Whenever you did this for one of the least important of these brothers of mine, you did it for me."  Matthew 25:40  

Monday Evenings @ 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 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.

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. 

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!

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.

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!