A handful of individuals were asked to write about their experiences at Heritage Oaks Church. This is part #1 of a series that shares others’ perspectives of the church.
When I first moved to Duncan almost five years ago, I had fallen into living with no spiritual direction or guidance. I had my strong faith and belief in God, but I felt that I did not need a church to worship in. I was comfortable knowing I could pray anywhere; I didn’t need the four walls to do it. Sounding like a rebel, aren’t I? I had plenty of excuses for not attending any church, but God led me to wanting interaction with people who had similar spiritual beliefs as I.
Hebrews 10:24-25 came to life for me the day I arrived at Heritage Oaks Church of the Nazarene.
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
For the first time since I moved to Duncan, I felt a sense of community. My first impressions upon walking inside the church checked off several items on my church wish list. I wanted a sermon I could relate to, I wanted music, and I wanted to know what programs or activities there were for seniors, women, and for school aged children, specifically my grandchildren. It turned out there was a lot of activity that first week. The day’s program covered most of my questions and I found each person I encountered to be helpful, inspiring, and welcoming. I liked the sense of community that I felt with Heritage Oaks Church of the Nazarene.
I wanted to come back to see if my second visit would be as fulfilling, which it was; Pastor Jon’s messages each week seemed to speak to me and the issues and challenges I faced, and his wife Belinda’s calmness inspired and continues to inspire me.
Bringing others to my new “Community” is what I strive for and the only way I know how to do that is by living my ‘talk’ – active participation is what I call it.
“They will know we are Christians by our love”
I loved reading this and it does inspire me to share mine. The scripture references are great too because that’s what it is all about!