Live Oak Church August 2019 Newsletter

COVER PAGE

FEATURES WORSHIP AND JUSTICE.....................................................4

OFFICE

CONFORM OR CONFRONT...............................................5

FOOD PANTRY Monday 11:00 - 1:00 Wednesday 8:00 - 11:00

Our worship minister Trent Barnett expresses how we should refect the one we worship.

Cameron Mckenzie writes about being bold in your faith.

BLESSED BY THE BODY......................................................6

Chris Lacara explains the importance of being apart of the church body by serving and volunteering.

SENIOR ADULT MINISTRY...................................................7 GRIEF HURTS.......................................................................8

Our new minister of pastoral care Stephen Hebert describes the pain of grief.

HOLD ON TO JESUS.........................................................10 Faith Stork talks about holding onto Jesus through our life’s adventures.

BRIDGING THE GAP..........................................................12 Carl Doescher shares the imprtance of starting a conversation.

WOMEN’S MINISTRY.........................................................13 ADULT MINISTRIES............................................................16 LET’S BE THE CHURCH......................................................18

Trish Graves describes how our church community came together during VBS.

GOD’S MONEY & YOU

Monday-Thursday 8:00 - 6:00 Friday 8:00 - 2:00

THRIFT SHOP Monday 11:00 - 2:00 Wednesday 8:00 - 11:00 Friday 11:00 - 2:00

CELEBRATING OUR NEW MEMBERS! Karin Burns Jake Cedotal Kim Cedotal Mike Cedotal Tori Cedotal Lillie Collier Alaina Griffin Theresa Griffin George Kippers Margaret Kippers Diana Schenk Kathy Sparks John Sparks

BY JIM OTKEN

August is now upon us. For many of us, August signals the end of a relaxed schedule as school and fall semester activities are plugged into our routine. A few years back, I remember reading something on social media that gave me great pause. “You cannot out-exercise a bad diet.” I thought back over my life and recalled that the times I was exercising the most, I remember that I had an ‘I can eat anything I want’ attitude. All the exercising I was doing was great, but the results could have been better had I eaten a

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LIVEOAKCHURCH | www.loumc.org | August 2019

FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK

FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK August is the month when our students head back to school. Every summer seems to fly by and things we want to do and places we want to go often have to wait till next year. I do hope you had a good summer and were able to get some rest and spend some time with family and friends perhaps during a vacation, long weekend or during the July 4th holiday.

As we get ready for school, our routines become regular and our patterns become more predictable. Often during these times of routines and predictability, we often take for granted our blessings, relationships, and opportunities. This is often noticed by the words we say to each other and the general way we communicate with each other and to our Heavenly Father.

I hope you have a blessed August as we get ready for school, enjoy a couple more days off and prepare for the “Fall” routine of life.

God bless, Dr. Mark Crosby

The Bible teaches us that our words have power and that what we say can help or hurt those around us. The Bible also teaches if we are not mindful of what we say we could cause destruction and heartache.

So in the month of August, we will be preaching on the subject “I can’t belive I said that.” As we explore how to better manage the things we say, the words we speak and to be reminded of the wisdom of God’s word to be “Quick to hear and slow to speak.”

bit healthier. It all made sense, so now I am working on ‘diet’ portion of my life. The same can be said of our walk with Jesus. Scripture calls us to worship, pray, love, serve, and give. We are often not living our best life because we are lacking in one or more of these areas. And if I had to guess which area most of us struggle with, it is giving. The belief that “you cannot out-give God” focuses on Malachi 3:10 which states “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.” What is great about today is that you can change things going forward. You can make those changes to strengthen your walk with Christ, to be more obedient to His Word, and to live your best life yet. Be encouraged, trust God in all areas of your life, and ask Him for guidance in your support of Live Oak.

August 2019 | www.loumc.org | LIVEOAKCHURCH

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WORSHIP AND JUSTICE

WORSHIP AND JUSTICE

BY TRENT BARNETT

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he word “justice” sadly gets a bad wrap in some circles. Many Christians push back against the term “social justice.” Yet the Old Testament speaks of God’s justice almost 200 times, while the prophets speak often of the justice God’s people are called to show. Hosea 12:6 says, “as for you, return to your God, hold fast to love and justice, and wait continually for the Lord.” Micah 6:8 says, “what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” Jesus rebukes the Pharisees as hypocrites for tithing expensive spices while “neglecting the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faith. It is these you ought to have practiced without neglecting the others” (Matt. 23:23). Christians are called to love and serve the least of those around us (Matt. 25:40), and the Old Testament prophets speak often of justice being a trait God’s people are called to employ as they worship the Lord. It’s been said “the prophets vehemently disagree with the idea that worship and justice can be separated” (Brian Zahnd).

So how are worship and justice linked? Aaron Ivey, a leading worship pastor, has written, “Our worship shouldn’t be restricted to songs, but must be expressed through serving, giving, and being merciful AS WE REFLECT THE ONE WE WORSHIP.” Our lives are to be a reflection of who God is - not only who He’s revealed Himself to be, but also who He is in our lives. If we’re going to love people and do justice, we’re only going to be able to do that to the extent our lives reflect the character of Christ. The closer we draw to Christ, the more we look like Him. In today’s culture, we all know of agencies and programs that tackle social justice issues. “Sadly, sometimes the world appears to be more responsive to the world’s brokenness than the churches are. Our culture has embraced a crucial aspect of the gospel more than we have - restoring broken-

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ness” (Aaron Ivey). Yet the social justice offered by the world is merely a Band-Aid to deeper spiritual issues. Christians are called to push past this surface-level compassion. We want people to experience the depth and richness of Christ’s love, and to walk in relationship with Him. This is what biblical love and justice looks like - bringing lost, broken, and hurting people to the wellspring of life - to a relationship with the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ.

So what’s the next step? How do we engage our neighbors and our community the way Christ has called us to? WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST, SO WE POINT TO JESUS FOR HOPE, BUT WE GET INVOLVED FOR HELP. It starts with awakening our eyes to injustice around us.

Our hearts are so often tuned to our own needs and desires, we often ignore others, not by an active decision, but by passive daily routine. So we need to make a daily choice to put the needs of others as a priority in our lives, not just a sidebar or a footnote. CONTINUED ON PG 14

LIVEOAKCHURCH | www.loumc.org | August 2019

CONFRONT OR CONFORM

CONFRONT OR CONFORM : YOUR CHOICE

BY CAMERON MCKENZIE

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ife is full of choices. Everyday every person has to choose if they want to get up, eat breakfast, go to work, or not do any of those things.

Those are the mundane choices we deal with in our lives. Now, if you are keeping up with my articles, last month we learned about how we are free in Christ. How Christ broke our chains and opened our cages, and how often times we choose to sit in that cage and do nothing about it. Taking a step out of the cage, walking free from our sin. That’s a decision I hope each and every person made last month, as it will change your life tremendously.

Now what? We are free from our cages and have allowed Christ to renew our minds and change our beings, but what do we do with that knowledge?

Well, this month in student ministry, that is exactly what we’ve have been teaching our students.

We now have a new choice to make, a new deci-

sion to wake up too. WE GET TO DECIDE IF WE WANT TO BE BOLD IN OUR FAITH AND SHOW THE WORLD WHO WE ARE. Have you ever been bold in your faith and done something that people noticed? What about a time when you could have been bold and decided against it? I’ve got some of both. We probably all have those moments in life when we saw an opportunity to be bold, a chance to stand up for our faith, and choose to conform, choose to do nothing to show that Christ has made us anew. Those moments will stick with a person forever, and I think they should, but they should also empower us to never make that mistake again.

Throughout scripture, people made choices like this. We know the story of Peter, choosing to deny Christ three times that day. Peter! The rock Jesus would build his church on, deciding to conform to the world and not be bold in his faith. I don’t want to focus too much on those stories though. I’d rather share a story when a person decided to show his faith in a bold way, and that leads me to the book of Daniel. The story I want to reminisce on isn’t Daniel when he is in the lion’s den, or even the three friends in the furnace. It’s from before both of these stories when Daniel was still with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. King Nebuchadnezzar had taken over Judah with his armies and was trying to assimilate the Israelites into Babylonian culture. These four men were, among others, chosen to be trained for three years in the kingdom. They were given a certain allowance of food and wine from the king’s finest. These four stood up to the officials and asked if they could only eat vegetables in order to not defile themselves before their God. The officials begrudgingly said yes, and the four men surpassed all expectations and were the best of the best among those chosen to live in the king’s service. This was CONTINUED ON PG 14

August 2019 | www.loumc.org | LIVEOAKCHURCH

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BLESSED FOR THE BODY

BLESSED FOR THE BODY

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BY CHRIS LACARA

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omething that is joyful within our facilities and maintenance crew is how each of the employees does not just work at the church, but they also take time out of the week to volunteer in weekly ministries. Sometimes, these ministries include times that are off the church campus at camps, VBS, or even retreats throughout the year. Each one of our facilities employees dedicates their time to minister to students by sharing the gospel with them,

Our call is not only to work for the church, but also to be part of the church body.” going to events for them, and just hanging out with them. Our call is not only to work for the

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church, but also to be part of the church body. Meeting these students where they are is just as important as their daily duties of the job. A verse that has always stuck out to me is 1 Peter 4:10, which says, “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” What joy it is that God has given us special gifts! We have each been blessed to use these different gifts in ways to serve others and glorify the Lord. Peter continues in verse 11, “… whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever.

Amen.” One of the best parts of this verse is how Peter makes it clear that we serve in joy, not only because we are glorifying the Lord, but because the Lord supplies us with that strength. If we are serving mundane, we miss the opportunity to see the strength we have been given. Throughout our facilities team, we have discussions about our areas of ministry we volunteer and serve in and how we struggle at times or how certain parts of ministry can be very challenging, BUT it is also recognized we cannot do it alone or we are missing out on great opportunities from Jesus Christ. I see the same in our volunteers for the facilities department.

Live Oak Church has great volunteers who serve the Lord out of joy and see serving as a privilege and opportunity bestowed upon them. They use their gifts and talents not to seek out glorification, because that belongs to the Lord, but to seek out what has been given to them by God. I would love to see more people find their gifts and learn how to serve others. I urge each of you to seek out new opportunities of serving with gladness and remember that Jesus Christ is Lord always and forever. Amen!

LIVEOAKCHURCH | www.loumc.org | August 2019

SENIOR ADULT MINISTRY

SENIOR ADULT MINISTRY

BY LANDRA REED

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ow many times have we asked someone to pray for us and not see the results we were hoping for or expecting.

Sometimes they are answered beyond what we expect. God is truly amazing in every way! He has proven that over and over. So if you’re still a skeptic, just simply turn to the person to your right at church and ask how prayer has worked for them.

mornings. Your dedication and service to our church is truly appreciated. If you would like to help, please call Monica at the church.

On July 25th we enjoyed eating at Zea’s Juban Crossing. It was a We could use some help writing birthday cards. If you would day filled with good food, good like to help, please leave a message for Dot at the church offellowship, and good vibes. On fice. Have a blessed August and see you soon.

August 9th we will be visiting the Old Governor’s If my people, who are called by my name, will humble Mansion in Bathemselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their ton Rouge, followed by lunch wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and I will forgive at Mason’s Grill their sin and will heal their land.” – 2 Chronicles 7:14 on Old Jefferson Highway in Baton Rouge. We will take our Church Bus and depart at 8:45 AM and return at 1:45 PM. Cost: Your meal. Please sign up at the Information Desk.

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I want to give a shout out to our quilters for all their hard work. It is truly amazing how God has used your gift of making such beautiful quilts to give to our veterans.

Thank you for your dedication and love. I would also like to thank those for signing up to work the Connection Center on Sunday

August 2019 | www.loumc.org | LIVEOAKCHURCH

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GRIEF HURTS

Grief Hurts

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would like to do something different in the article you are about to read, and it is something that doesn’t happen too often when an author writes commentary. What I’d like to do for you today, is instead of leading you on the “chase” and bringing you to the “catch”, I’d like to save you the “chase” this once, hand you the “catch”, and just simply talk shop... All of this is just a long way of saying, I’d like to give you the punchline first, and this is – GRIEF HURTS! Have you been there before? Have you lost a grandparent, a parent, a spouse, a brother or sister, or maybe even one of your children? Have you lost a dear friend, a fellow church member, a colleague or a peer? I would say for most of us at some point in our life the answer is yes, and it is quite possible more than one person came to mind as you read the last few sentences. I think we would all agree, the closer the person is to us, the heavier the loss and the more painful the grief really is. The bottom line is – IT HURTS! In some cases, the death of a loved one or friend can come suddenly and without warning, and at other times, it can be a planned event as well, something we expect, something we know is imminent and in our future, something we feel we can prepare for, something we feel like we can brace ourselves for. That’s how life and death is. In the Bible, in the book of James chapter 4, verse 14 it says, “For what is your life? It is like a vapor that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away.”

In Psalm 103, it states in verses 14 thru 16, “For the Lord knows how weak we are. He remembers we are only dust. Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone – as though we had never been here at all.” When you and I lose a family member or a friend, the experience itself paints a very

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LIVEOAKCHURCH | www.loumc.org | August 2019

BY STEPHEN HEBERT

GRIEF HURTS clear picture of the reality of these scriptures.

Once that person or that relationship is torn from our lives, Grief sets in and it is very similar to a wound.

It’s deep, and it hurts. In one way or another, it effects every aspect of our being. Sometimes it feels like it’s going to take all of eternity to get better. Although eventually in due time, healing begins to take place, and layer by layer it slowly but surely scars over. It scars, just like having surgery or recovering from an accident or injury. Over time the pain begins to improve, it becomes more tolerable and somehow we are able to adapt.

As we reach the other side of grief, something is definitely different, and we begin to know and understand that this “different” is going to be the new norm for us, and we will never be the same again.

When we lose someone close to us, our lives are forever changed. We want and wish for things to go back in time to the way things were before. But many times as Christians, it can be hard for us to realize that the Lord is trying to take us somewhere we haven’t been before. Maybe, just maybe, it’s not what has happened to us, but instead what is God wanting to do in us? Trust me, I am well aware when we are in the midst of a storm it is usually difficult to see or discern what the Lord is doing because we are distracted by all of the dark clouds, the howling winds, the peppering rain and the crashing waves that surround us. And this is usually what is going on in our lives when we’ve lost someone that is close to us whether we expected the death or not. But maybe, just maybe, we

should stop for a minute, be still, and pray, asking the Lord what is He doing? Where is He trying to take us? What is He wanting to do in us?

Some of you may know the story. I lost my mom unexpectedly on Christmas night in 2012. I had a house full of family and friends, and everyone had shown up for Christmas dinner except for my mother. She didn’t answer her phone all afternoon as I called her from the ER while I was waiting to get stitches in my left finger and thumb for carelessly cutting myself on a carving knife I used to cut up a brisquette I had made specifically for her. (This is an entirely different story in itself ) Well anyway, when she wasn’t at our house at our meeting time - 5:30pm, we went looking for her, and we found her in her bed at home deceased. This was obviously one of the worst days of our lives, and our Christmas holiday and the celebration of our Savior’s birth, was ruined not only in the moment, but for a handful of Christmas holidays thereafter. I grieved heavily for the next 3 years, more than I could ever explain in a simple article. All I wanted to do was to rush through Christmas and get it over with, just to avoid the memory. But as time went on, I couldn’t help but ask God, “What were you doing here? Where are you trying to take me? What are you wanting to do in me?” I also couldn’t help but think of the scripture in Romans 8:28 where the Bible says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been CONTINUED ON PG 15

August 2019 | www.loumc.org | LIVEOAKCHURCH

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HOLD ONTO JESUS

HOLD ON TO JESUS

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f you know anything about my daughter, you know that she loves horses. Her love of horses came from a very young age. I’m not sure I can adequately describe her love for this animal, but to give you a little insight....when she was four years old, she decided she wanted her hair to be like a horses and gave herself a little trim.

Thankfully, as a fourteen-year-old she doesn’t feel the need to have hair like horses, but she still loves them. I often wondered what Lauren would be like as a teenager, but I never thought it would involve large animals. It’s through her love of horses that she has discovered rodeos.

We had the opportunity to talk to one of the veterinarians that works at the Houston Rodeo. She told us about a guy that had just come back to compete in the rodeo after having major surgery due to a rodeo injury. In my mind I’m thinking “this guy is all kinds of nuts. Who in their right mind would subject themselves to that kind of

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torture and pain hoping he could stay on the bull to win some money? What is it exactly that cause men to hold on for dear life just to make it to the bell? Why would you want to be slung with drool from these huge animals? Why would you want to be the target of their “affection” after you’ve been thrown off?” Cause if I’m being honest, the thought of being thrown from a bull doesn’t exactly scream a good time for me.

What I have discovered watching these rodeos is that it takes real strength to get back up when you’ve been thrown off balance. Not just physical, but true inner strength. I’ve seen the compassion of people towards their fellow man. In a world of ugliness, I see that there is still good in people when someone is hurting.

When a guy has just been catapulted off a bull and the bull has set his sights on the man on the ground and then sends him flying through the air, I hear the collective gasps of concern of those around him. I’ve seen the riders look for the positive in their competition. They might have been thrown off, but at least they had their feet in the proper position while they were on the bull. I’ve seen the competitors cheer each other on. I’ve realized that the thrill of the ride, is also worth what pain they could encounter if they are thrown off the bull.

LIFE IS A LOT LIKE A RODEO. YOU HOLD ON FOR DEAR LIFE AND JUST HOPE YOU MAKE IT OUT ALIVE AND DON’T FALL OFF THE SADDLE. Every moment of every day is another ride. Some days are awful, some fantastic, some scary, some exhilarating. Each and every day is another chance that we have to make a difference in our life and in the lives of others.

Each bump and twist along this road of life is a learning experience. Some of these learning experiences are for us to learn something, but some of them are for us to invest what we’ve learned into the lives of others.

LIVEOAKCHURCH | www.loumc.org | August 2019

HOLD ONTO JESUS

In Matthew 20, there is an account of two blind men begging for their sight to be healed. The crowd around them tried to quiet the blind men, but Jesus stopped. Jesus was busy doing ministry, but he stopped. He made time for these two men.

BY FAITH STORCK

During our life, we should HOLD ON TO JESUS FOR DEAR LIFE. He is the ONE who makes life bearable when things are falling apart. We live in a fast-paced Life is a lot like a rodeo. You hold on for world. There are so many distractions that are coming at us from many different dear life and just hope you make it out directions. I challenge myself as well as alive and don’t fall off the saddle.” each one of you to just be available for people. Don’t be so distracted by things of the world that we forget to actually be a part of this world we live in. Be willing to put your busy schedule aside to minister to people, even if that just means stopping and enjoying a meal together or making a phone call. You never know what a simple “hello” or “how can I pray for you” will do to encourage someone. If I ask you how you are doing, I really want to know. If you are having a bad day, tell me about it so I can pray for or encourage you.

NEVER BE SO OUT OF TOUCH WITH THE PEOPLE OF LIVE OAK THAT YOU DON’T HAVE SOMEONE TO CALL WHEN YOU NEED SOMEONE TO LEAN ON. This is just one way that we can continue to grow the feeling of community here at Live Oak.

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August 2019 | www.loumc.org | LIVEOAKCHURCH

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BRIDGING THE GAP

BRIDGING THE GAP sation. What I mean is that, this game has been a meeting ground for me personally as well as in ministry. Personally, my dad and brother live many miles away and this game has provided my family the ability to communicate. Not only communicate, but to do an activity together that we used to do in the past when we were together, which was playing games.

Now I know you are thinking, “Carl, what does this game have to do with students in ministry?” I’m glad you asked. This is what I call, “bridging the gap”. BRIDGING THE GAP MEANS CLOSING THE GAP BETWEEN MY LIFE AND A STUDENT’S LIFE. An area where I can meet a student where they are.

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BY CARL DOESCHER

y now, I believe every parent who has a child over the age of five has heard about the world phenomenon called, Fortnite. It is a game over the past year that has made over 3 billion dollars in revenue. Additionally, many well known dances of this generation has blossomed out of this game such as the “Floss”, “Hype”, and “Orange Justice.”

On the other hand, Fortnite has been the product of frustration for some parents with children because the game is always at a student’s fingertips. If he or she is anywhere, whether it is at a friend’s house, in the car, at home, or even at the grocery store, the game is accessible.

Being in Student Ministry, this game is a common connection for conver-

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From spending hours on this well known game, I have been able to have quality conversations with students. These conversations mostly start off with “Carl, where we dropping?” or “Carl, come get my reboot card!” Either way, A CONVERSATION HAS STARTED. As a result since many students at this age don’t open up in person, this gives them the opportunity to do so because now we are in an element that they are comfortable with.

From what I can gather, some students are more receptive and engaged when they are playing the game because they aren’t having to speak to an adult face to face in a room that is quiet where it is awkward, but have casual conversation. Each and every student has their own element. If a person is able to find that element then a connection can be

LIVEOAKCHURCH | www.loumc.org | August 2019

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WOMEN’S MINISTRY

WOMEN’S MINISTRY

BY JAN TATE

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t is a joy leading our Deeper Life Bible Study for Women on Tuesdays at 6:30 PM in Room #2. We recently just finished studying the Book of James. Our study guide was by Beth Moore and was entitled Mercy Triumphs.

James 1:23-25 is one of the Scripture passages that spoke to our group.”For if anyone is a hearer of the Word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of a person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.”

We wanted our Bible study to be more than just studying the Bible. We wanted to obey God’s Word and do what He says. We wanted Bible study to affect our behavior and our daily life.

As a result we contacted a Nursing Home and they gave us a list of six people who never have visitors. Ladies in our Bible study chose to select a name and start visiting them. The lady I took is always in the dining room. She never stays in her room. I introduced myself to her

and told her I wanted to be her friend. She was so excited! She started calling other residents and proclaimed to them, “ Jan wants to be my friend!” I took two of my granddaughters to meet her. What did she say? “Now I have three friends!” She loves seeing pictures of my family and our garden. We read the Bible and talk about Jesus. I have been blessed. I have a new friend, too!

Our study of the Book of James also moved us to start a collection for people in need.

Every week we contribute the amount the Lord puts on our heart.

These contributions will be given to our Benevolence Fund to help those in need. We discovered through our study of James that when we become doers of God’s Word we are blessed and discover people are just waiting to be our friend.

Up next? Come join us in our new Beth Moore study...The Patriarchs: Encountering the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

We are meeting on Tuesdays at 6:30 PM in Room # 2. We would love to have you.

August 2019 | www.loumc.org | LIVEOAKCHURCH

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WORSHIP AND JUSTICE continued from pg 4

Biblical justice can’t be done from the sidelines. “Proximity changes perspective. If we got close enough, it would bother us enough to make a difference” (Reggie Joiner). Mother Theresa said, “Everywhere, wherever you go, you find people who are unwanted, unloved, uncared for, just rejected by society - completely forgotten, completely left alone.” We have to get in the trenches with people to experience their reality. Only then can we know what steps to take to bring the light of Christ to their brokenness.

As we bring God’s justice to the lost and hurting, our spiritual lives and our worship are enriched because we are actively engaged in helping bring God’s kingdom “here on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt.

6:10). Make the decision today to take up Jesus’ challenge to actively live out what He called one of the most important commandments: to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matt. 22:39).

CONFRONT OR CONFORM continued from pg 5

their chance to fit in, this was their chance to show their new king how obedient and willing to follow orders they were. but they decided instead to be bold, they decide to follow God in all things, including what they were to eat and drink.

Now, this decision might not seem like a bold statement in today’s society. Plenty of people choose to go on special diets. For them though, it was their first chance to stand up for their God even in a rival’s palace, and they did. This allowed them to see God’s favor in their lives, and gave them courage for future choices to be bold. Later in Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego make another choice and decide not to bow down and worship this king. What a decison to make in front of everyone, especially people ready to kill you for it! I don’t want to pretend that choosing not to eat the king’s food wasn’t a hard decision, but it wasn’t as bold of a choice as not worshiping him when commanded to.

That first step in boldness taught them to rely on God in all choices, and in all circumstances, and later in life it allowed them to make more bold decisions. So be bold in all that you do, these choices will

BRIDGING THE GAP continued from pg 12 built. For some, it is when they have a basketball in their hand, for others it may be as they draw, whatever it may be, it is important to bridge the gap.

Doing this has allowed me to share the hope that Jesus brings to His people, receive real questions from students, as well as catch up on where they are in their walk with God. It is all about getting one step closer to a student by taking the time to figure it out.

We witness this through Jesus’ time on earth that He met His creation in the middle of their situation.

For instance, in the account of the woman at the well, she was a Samaritan and Jesus was a Jew. At this time, Jews and Samaritans did not associate with one another. But Jesus comes into the world and says I’m willing to get into her situation, no matter what the circumstances, reputations, or weirdlooks. As a result, the woman is able to have a meeting with her Savior, which changed her life forever.

If He would have never met her where she was this would have never taken place and that is why it is important for God’s people to bridge the gap.

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LIVEOAKCHURCH | www.loumc.org | August 2019

CONTINUED ARTICLES

GRIEF HURTS continued from page 8

BY STEPHEN HEBERT

called according to His purpose.” Now I know I love Him. I knew and recognized at the time I was called according to His purpose. I just didn’t have a clue how in the world He was going to work out such a terrible event like this – my mom dying unexpectantly on Christmas night – and somehow work it out for my good. I know this scripture well and would easily list it as one of His many promises in His Word. I also know He holds true to His promises as well, so I anxiously awaited what He had in store, and I would catch myself frequently challenging Him during prayer to prove it to me.

I have served in the medical field for nearly 30 years now. During that time, I worked as a Surgery Nurse for more than 12 years. I was involved in Cancer Research for approximately 10 years, and for the last 7 years (since that dreadful Christmas night when I lost my mom), I have had the privilege of serving the terminally ill and their families as a Hospice Nurse and Chaplain. Although I prayed for it time and time again, I never imagined how God would be able to use this terrible event and the painful grief that would follow, for His glory in my life. Looking back at the journey, I truly had no idea what was going on. But I trusted Him, and I never lost faith in His sovereignty over this world and over our lives.

Does losing a loved one or friend hurt? Sure it does! Beyond the shadow of a doubt! Isn’t the grief experience like having a deep, painful wound that is never going to heal?? Absolutely!! But Brothers and Sisters lest we forget: Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and I am life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, yet shall they live, and whoever lives and believes in me, they shall never die.”

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. I died, and behold I am alive for evermore, and I hold the keys of hell, death and the grave.” Jesus said, “Because I live, you shall live also.”

Does this article catch us in a time of Grief? Maybe, just maybe, we should stop for a minute, be still and pray? Ask the Lord: What is He doing? Where is He trying to take us? What is He wanting to do in us? Maybe, just maybe, it’s not what has happened to us, But instead what is God wanting to accomplish in us and through us?

Grief Support Group Starting Soon!

FACILITATED BY MINISTER OF PASTORAL CARE STEPHEN HEBERT

BEGINNING AUGUST 13TH 7PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM WILL MEET 2ND TUES. EACH MONTH FOR MORE INFORMATION EMAIL STEPHEN@LOUMC.ORG August 2019 | www.loumc.org | LIVEOAKCHURCH

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ADULT MINISTRIES

Adult Ministries

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”

Matthew 6:33

BY SAM LOBELLO MEN’S MINISTRY

It’s hard to believe I have been on Staff at LOUMC for seven years. I can remember when I first arrived wondering what percent of our congregation was composed of men. The reason I was curious was because the congregations I had served the Lord through for 32 years before coming here were clearly lopsided with males comprising far less of the congregation than females.

Why did this concern me? Because the Bible clearly designates the man as the spiritual leader of the family. My concern was for Christian families...for men to be true to God’s call to our lives to be faithful to Him, to worship Him, to grow in Christlikeness and to honor Him in our homes and in His world. Almost seven years ago I stood in the Audio/Visual Booth and looked out at our congregation during a full 10 o’clock Worship Service here at LOUMC. My spirit was lifted as I scanned the congregation and took note of the large number of men present.

Our congregation was easily 50 percent men. God put it on my heart that day of the need to strengthen our Men’s Ministry.

If you haven’t already, I encourage you to join us in our journey toward Christlikeness as we study, worship and fellowship together in Men’s Ministry. Some of my greatest joys in ministry have been seeing men surrender their lives to Christ. I have seen men who came to embrace Jesus as their Savior and desire to live under His Lordship. They begin to grow and mature into Godly husbands and parents, as well as faithful men who bless many others. In this God is glorified and His Kingdom in served!

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LIVEOAKCHURCH | www.loumc.org | August 2019

Sam Lobello Director of Adult Ministries email: sam@loumc.org

ADULT MINISTRIES

REFUGE

Been wrestling chemical dependency issues? Do you want to stop? Would you like some help in staying clean? Come join us on Thursdays at 7:00 PM in Room #2 for REFUGE! Our REFUGE Group is a Christ Centered Support Group helping people who struggle with addiction. REFUGE is a unique blend of instruction, support encouragement and accountability. The teaching and sharing that takes place within our group is very helpful and what we teach is often life changing! If you wrestle with addiction issues we are here to assist you on your journey to life recovery!

GLOVES MINISTRY

After building several sets of steps, rails and ramps in our Watson community our Gloves Ministry has turned its attention to our Church Campus. Recently they fixed a water leak and repaired the floor in our Thrift Store. As this article is being written our Gloves Ministry Team is preparing to build shelves in the new location for our Church Library.

Most of our Gloves Ministry Team members are retired. They, along with others have served our Watson community tirelessly for years. Our Gloves Ministry Director is Greg Hooper. Potential projects are to come to me, Bro. Sam, as the Staff Member assigned oversight of Special Ministries. You can reach me by calling the Church Office at 664-4801 or emailing me at sam@loumc.org. If you are interested in serving on our Gloves Ministry Team please contact me. Our Gloves Team can sure use your helping hands!

THE THRIFT STORE

Our Thrift Store has a variety of clothing and household items available for our Watson community. It is a non-profit organization which ministers aid to those in need. Most come to shop, but some come to socialize with friends. We invite you to come shop and visit with us!

Currently we are in need of volunteers. If you can help out on one of the three days we are open each week that would be a tremendous help to us! We are open Monday and Friday, 11:00 AM- 2:00 PM; and Wednesday 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM. We are grateful for our hard working Thrift Store Volunteer Team. Without them this ministry would not be possible. If you would like to join our Volunteer Team call our Thrift Store Director, Peggy Langois at 665-1314 or call the Church Office at 664-4801. We would love to have you on our Thrift Store team!

FOOD PANTRY

Our Food Pantry provides food assistance for families who are in need. This year our pantry has assisted 316 families with necessary food assistance compared to 257 families last year at the same time. This ministry is carried out by volunteers. We are so grateful for their dedication and hard work We are funded by designated offerings to LOUMC, donations to our Food Pantry Fund and supported by local businesses and schools.

Our Food Pantry is open on Mondays from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM and Wednesdays from 8:00 AM-11:00 AM. We are glad to join God in ministering to families in our Watson community throughout the year.

If you have questions concerning our Food Pantry or would like to volunteer or give to our Food Pantry please contact Dale Clark, our Food Pantry Director at 243-5678. Thank you for supporting our Food Pantry Ministry with your time, offerings and prayers!

August 2019 | www.loumc.org | LIVEOAKCHURCH

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THE PEOPLE ARE THE CHURCH

LET’S BE THE CHURCH

A

lesson we recently had in Children’s Church was defining who or what is the church. When I asked the question to my group of kindergarteners through 4th graders, the answers didn’t surprise me. All but one gave the same answer: buildings. Bricks, wood, floors, gyms, Sunday School rooms, and the list went on. But Thomas, Thomas just simply said, “The people. The people make the church. We are the church.” This kid is spot on.

God uses the church to get His work done here on earth, and our church stepped up big time to make our biggest ever VBS happen. We had over 100 people volunteer for everything from prep work and cleaning to leading children. Sometimes people want to volunteer but are afraid they “don’t know enough” or “what if something happens and I can’t be there one night so I’m afraid to commit?”

There are so many reasons why people are afraid to commit but this year our church stepped up big time and made the commitment. They did it! And because of you, we were able to minister to over 800 people each night and even more through Facebook live.

Our volunteers had more fun than ever and you could sense “community” happening all around. New friendships and relationships being formed - between volunteers. Between volunteers and kids. Now that’s what it’s about. Being the church, serving God’s people, building relationships. Let’s continue to be the church and sit back and watch God work through us.

BY TRISH GRAVES

To sign up for announcements and activities for our ministries, please read the following instructions: Nursery to Preschool aged children text @liveoak34 to 81010 Kindergarten through 4th grade text @loumck to 81010 5th and 6th grade text @loaxis56 to 81010

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LIVEOAKCHURCH | www.loumc.org | August 2019

August 2019 | www.loumc.org | LIVEOAKCHURCH

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BIRTHDAYS

WE WOULD LIKE TO WISH A HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR MEMBERS BORN IN AUGUST August 1st August 7th Sarah McCumsey August 17th Donna Griffith Heather Ray Patty Plitt Kelli Brazzell Sarah Gehling Shelby Easterly Sissy Truax Cole Stringer Christopher Owens Trish McLean Joe Bellue Charles Whitten Damon BuckhalTyler Genre Josh Dyer Ryan Rushing Justus McClary Matthew Robertter Augst 27th son Summer Orges Kevin Kojeski Cooper Tholborn Rebecca Tripp Charlie Hickman Kaleigh McKenzie Ashlyn Crosby Augst 13th August 18th Parker Dougay Ray Terral August 2nd Paige Martin Sheryl Leblanc Hal Rasberry August 22nd Joyce McCulley Kelli Varnado Kristi Hunt Austin Albin Darrell Pitzer Flavia Risher Donnie McClenMichael Rogillio Austin Aguillard Darren Donze Julie Hardee Stephanie Hetrick don Danielle Militello Bryce Gilbert Kristopher Sanchez Jeffery Fairchild Aaron Heuvel Darrell Lambert Aidan Hodges Matthew Cobb Justin Dantzler Claire McClure Amanda Biscotto Jason Miller August 19th August 3rd August 8th Nicholas Donze Holly Hood Luke Cowart Dolores Corkern Jackie Brown Lillian King Beckham Messina Abby Wilson August 28th Jimmy Salpietra Samantha Falke Maythel Young August 14th August 23rd Laurie Petty Al Williamson Alexis Duplessis Laura Hall Danny Wilson Gene Willard Bill Justice Liz Chedraui Brandt Glover Lisa Morris John Fletcher Betty Aswell Libby Rabalais Michelle Duplantis B J Tadlock Sabrina Hughes Cindy Hetrick Darryl Roshto Renee Adams Kimmithy Robinson August 4th Gena Stevens Missy Tycer Cayla Johnson Hudson Babin Casey Foster Connie Gerstein Douglas Flitter Michael Gelpi Kendall Wilson August 29th Selvi Rose Jamie Baumann Michael Holman Daniel Schmolke August 24th Craig Coleman E.J. Kennard Lisa Perkins August 9th Alyssa Walock Jimmie Price Matt Hornsby Sarah Larroquette Ryan Biscotto Jimmie Price Cade Perkins Val Taylor Clayton Guillory Jalynn Desrosiers Madi Phillips Kathi Price Stevie Easley Hayley Matherne August 30th Ella Gunthrie Dawson Kennard Lisa Derouen Savannah Buck- Terrie Crosby August 15th Ellis Gunthrie halter August 10th Annette Anthony Candace Ricket Woody Kent August 20th Wilson Perkins Carmel Sumich Ella Dunnam Ty Schollian Patrick Droddy Gerrie West August 5th Julia Degreenia Ray Barnett Paisley Scavona Nicholas Flitter Denean Hilbert Pam Firmin Dylan Ott Patrice Smith August 25th Derrick Johnson Jake Dawson Judy Arceneaux Jadyn Talbot Bridget Moore Cheryl Hayes Candace McKenTravis Fossett Logan Labauve Andy Arceneaux Jennifer Belcher Mark Peake zie Linsay Risher Randall Bordelon August 31st Tara Carradine Branson Hunt Spencer Gremillion Cameron Ruiz Cassady Perkins Hadley Leonard Shawn Raborn Leslie Prescott Rena Murphy Brooklyn Venable Halle Varnado Augst 11th Marcus Botos Caitlin Griffin David Gunter Houston Stewart Beau Devenney Lisa Lambert Rose Barraco Cherri Ockman Reed LeBoeuf Zach Cowart August 6th Dennis MontAugust 16th August 26th Ryan Leblanc Camille Babin Charles Leblanc gomery Cheryl Matheny Will Easley Chuck Rodriguez Augst 21st Rodney Griffin Landry Smart Stacey Wascom Terry Johnson Tanya Rogers Lela Buhler Michael Joyce Augst 12th Bruce Troxclair Will Easley Sonya Godwin Linda Roy John Ray Jay Nesom Stephen Cobb Eric Campbell Kevin Cutrer Robert Waltman Bradley Lovette Hannah Johnson Hannah Bunch Carole BrockJessica Taylor Beverly Ory Brody Bruce smith Austin Larroquette Brandon Car- Heath Johnson Jane Landsiedel Noah Bruce Ardith Arneal Lily Joyce raway

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LIVEOAKCHURCH | www.loumc.org | August 2019

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August 2019 | Calendar of Events A TIME AND A PLACE FOR EVERYONE For more information about groups and events visit www.loumc.org or call (225) 664-4801

WEEKLY CALENDAR

SUNDAY 8:00 AM TRADITIONAL - SANCTUARY 9:00 AM NEW MEMBERS CLASS - RM#16 10:00 AM TRADITIONAL - SANCTUARY 10:00 AM CASUAL CONTEMPORARY - FLC 11:30 AM CONTEMPORARY - SANCTUARY MONDAY 6:30 PM MEN’S BIBLE STUDY - ROBERT POOLE’S HOUSE TUESDAY 6:30 PM WOMEN’S MINISTRY 6:30 PM MEN’S DEEPER LIFE WEDNESDAY 8:00 AM QUILTER’S MINISTRY - FLC 6:00 - 7:30 PM CIA - 3yrs to 4th GRADE 6:00 - 8:00 PM Axis56 - MIDDLE SCHOOL 6:00 - 8:00 PM 78Jump - JUNIOR HIGH 6:00 - 8:00 PM FocalPoint912 - HIGH SCHOOL THURSDAY 6:30 PM REFUGE - RM #2 7:00 PM MID WEEK WORSHIP - CHAPEL

ADULT EVENTS

NEW MEMBER’S CLASS 4 WEEK CLASS THAT RESTARTS THE FIRST SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH 9 AM IN ROOM #18 FOR MORE INFO EMAIL SAM@LOUMC.ORG GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP JOIN US FOR OUR NEW GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP! BEGINNING AUGUST 13TH AT 7PM. THIS GROUP WILL BE MEETING THE SECOND TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH AND WILL MEET IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM. FOR MORE INFO EMAIL STEPHEN@ LOUMC.ORG MEN’S PRAYER BREAKFAST SECOND SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH. THIS MONTH OUR MEN’S PRAYER BREAKFAST WILL FALL ON SATURDAY THE 10TH AT 7:30 AM

YOUTH EVENTS

GUY’S LOCK IN FRIDAY AUGUST 2ND 7PM - 7AM FOR COMPLETED 5TH - 8TH GRADE

FAMILY EVENTS FRIDAY 5:30 IRON MAN STUDY - CONFERENCE RM BACK TO SCHOOL BASH SUNDAY AUGUST 18TH FROM 2PM - 6PM LOCATED AT CAMP ISTRUMA August 2019 | www.loumc.org | LIVEOAKCHURCH

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LOUMC STAFF

Coming together from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences, our skilled team of pastors and ministry professionals are the backbone of Live Oak. Their ideas and leadership help shape the direction and mission of our organization as we continues to grow. Dr. Mark Crosby Senior Pastor

Rev. Tommy Bergeron Stephen Hebert Director of Pastoral Care

Jim Otken Treasurer

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Minister of Pastoral Care

Linda Holdman Administrative Assistant

Cameron McKenzie

Carl Doescher

Paullena Sumrall

Kim Pamplin

Junior High Minister

Office Professional

LIVEOAKCHURCH | www.loumc.org | August 2019

Middle School Minister

Office Professional

LOUMC STAFF

Rev. David Orges

Monica Martin

Rev. Sam Lobello

Executive Pastor

Church Administrator

Rev. Dickie Davis Associate Pastor

Director of Adult Ministies

Rev. Trent Barnett

Rev. David Easley

Trish Graves

Faith Storck

Director of Worship Ministries

Danny Wilson

Audio Engineer

Assistant Music Director

Chris Lacara Maintenance Director

Children’s Ministry Director

Dale Strickland Maintenance Assistant

Children’s Ministry Assistant

Amos Chassaing Housekeeping

August 2019 | www.loumc.org | LIVEOAKCHURCH

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Live Oak United Methodist 34890 La Hwy 16 Denham Springs, LA 70706

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July 2019 Edition