News from the Church on Oakwood: Nov 2017

We’ve had an amazing summer, welcoming 60+ children into the Church for ‘Extraordinary Explorers’ holiday club with crafts, songs, (very) messy games and lots of fun, as the children learnt about Peter; becoming a disciple, trusting and doing amazing things with God’s help, letting his best friend down but then going on to create churches.

Also over the summer, we held Picnics on the Park for people in our local community to join together for crafts and games on Wednesday afternoons and every Saturday night, we had a Film Club with sweets and hot dogs!

In September we warmly welcomed our new Minister, Rev’d Neil Draper and his family into the Church and with Neil’s help have continued to seek God’s guidance into what we should be doing in Oakwood, what to do next and beginning to pray and plan a Church vision.

Our Messy Church continues to grow, as we welcome new families into this fresh expression way of being Church. We meet 3rd Saturday of each month 11am-1pm. (All welcome!)

During October half term, we welcomed families into the Church building for games, competitions, crafts and refreshments 10am-12 noon, Monday-Friday, on the theme of ‘Light in the Darkness’. It was busy but very relaxed, a perfect opportunity to build relationships with families. A simple, but strong message was advertised through the activities each day, that the children and young people were encouraged to take home. It was very well attended each day and as a team, we thoroughly enjoyed being part of something very special.

As a Church, we are beginning to get ready for Christmas as we head towards our Advent Reflection evening; visits from 2 local nurseries for their Christingle services; Experience Christmas for the local school, to name a few, along with other activities and events planned, to invite others to come and know why we celebrate Christmas and what Christmas is really all about.

Welcome to Revd Neil Draper

Neil joined the Circuit this September taking pastoral charge at Alvaston, Mayfield Road and the Church on Oakwood…

Hello,

I consider it a great privilege to be called to work among you in the Derby Circuit.

My roots originate in Derbyshire. I grew up in a small village and attended a little chapel where I made a commitment to follow Jesus for the rest of my life.

I have been married to Tracy for almost 32 years and we have 3 children: Joshua, Hannah & Zara. Tracy works full-time in the pharmacy at Chesterfield Royal Hospital, Joshua also works at the same hospital, as a Charge Nurse. Hannah has just returned from a mission trip in Hong King and is off on her next venture soon. Zara has been studying in Nottingham and has commenced her BA Theology course at Cliff College, which is where I have studied.

As a minister, my heart is for encouraging churches and individuals to aim for their potential as disciples of Christ. I believe each person has a ministry or gift from God, whether ordained or lay.

My passion is experimenting with different styles of worship and music and expanding understanding of the bible through teaching.

The church has everything to offer a world deprived of love & peace. I believe God has chosen us all to be part of that great commission, to go into all the world and preach the gospel.

I am looking forward to getting to know the Derby Circuit and to working with the churches in elevating Jesus Christ and making him known to the world.

Every blessing

Neil