tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40700182675413859922024-03-13T11:35:34.846-04:00Curt HannaPastor of Oasis ChurchCurt Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00093337270244295561noreply@blogger.comBlogger124125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070018267541385992.post-28331445920439630992011-04-30T19:28:00.001-04:002011-04-30T19:28:44.280-04:00April 2011 newsletterI am so excited to write this newsletter! So much has happened the past 6 weeks. There is no way that I can share everything, so let me just hit the highlights. Our "Why the Y?" series was incredible. It was such an honor for me to be able to share how God has placed us as a church in the Greenwood YMCA and what that means for our church. Being a church IN a YMCA and not just a church AT a YMCA means so much more than 99.9999% of people realize. It means being part of what I believe could be one of the greatest church plant movements in history.... Literally! The end of April will also be the end of our "Can You See Him?" series. This series, too, has been very powerful! Over the past six weeks our attendance skyrocketed to numbers that we have never seen! Our average attendance is up from where it was at this time last year by 250%! That is so incredible! While all of this and so much more has been taking place, we have also had the opportunity to support The FCA on the campus of Lander, where God is also doing incredible things! The first week of May will be our next baptism! Awesome! God is moving in peoples hearts and changing people's lives. It's unreal to think that what God is going to do is even more amazing than what He has been doing both in and through Oasis Church! Thank you so much for your prayers and support! Those of you who made a three year commitment have only 2 more months until you finish. Please, lets finish this stage of the church plant strong!Curt Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00093337270244295561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070018267541385992.post-19052652043702702502011-04-28T14:54:00.002-04:002011-04-28T15:46:19.555-04:00Moving Forward!Oasis, I LOVE YOU GUYS! You are amazing. You are head over heels in love with Jesus and so willing to do anything short of sinning to see people meet Jesus and to see His name made famous in Greenwood. Your passion is an inspiration even to me as the pastor! I want to take a minute to share where we are and where we are going.<br />God has absolutely been blowing up our church!... All for His glory! Our attendance is up 250% from where it was this time last year, and our attendance is up 311% from December. We have outgrown one room and really have outgrown our current room. We will be having a baptism this Sunday after Church. Also, I really do believe that this is going to be one of the biggest, if not the biggest service we have ever had!... <br />The future of Oasis Church is going to be insane! Even with the fact that our college students are going home for the summer, with all that God is doing, I wouldn't be surprised to see attendance continue to climb as we go into the summer. Here's the deal. We are out of space. We have always said that we as a church will do whatever it takes to see unbelievers become believers and right now, we have very few empty chairs for unbelievers to sit in. That's a major problem... But it is such a great problem! We currently at best can fit 100 chairs in our current room. we always want to make more space when we see 70-80% of our chairs fill up, b/c that is typically when churches see attendance level off. So... we had 77 this past Sunday, we can set up 100 chairs.. um, that's 77% full.... WE NEED MORE EMPTY CHAIRS! In order to have more empty chairs we need to do one of two things, we need to move to the gym or we need to go to 2 services. We currently don't have the finances to make a transition to the Gym. In order to go to the gym and do it right, we need somewhere in the realm of $15,000 to $20,000. We have a commitment to be excellent in what ever we do and right now, if we transition to the gym with what we have, let's just face the fact that the music and seating arrangement would be like crap. We need some major upgrades to go to the gym. So apart from a major Donation or a significant amount of new tithers, we are going to need to go to 2 services very soon. I know that the idea of 2 services isn't very comfortable, but comfortable believers isn't our goal. And do you know what I really hate... Unbelievers going to hell because church people aren't willing to do something uncomfortable to see lost people meet Jesus! I hate that! I really do believe that you as Oasis won't hesitate to make this transition when it comes our way, but I just want to make sure that we keep our focus. The next phrase will be very important to us as a church for the future. "Empty seats at optimal worship times." What this simply means is that Our optimal worship time is 10:45am, meaning that's where we need the empty seats because that's when unbelievers are most likely to attend. When we make the transition, we need our volunteers to roll with it, and we also need our attenders to be willing to come to the 9am service. I don't know yet when we will be making this transition, but just know that God is doing amazing things in our church and impacting tons of lives. Now we just need to do our part by positioning our church so that we can receive all of God's blessings. Oasis, let's do this... Lets Move Forward!Curt Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00093337270244295561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070018267541385992.post-47968065228940579652011-02-20T20:43:00.003-05:002011-02-20T20:47:50.750-05:00Being a pastor in a YMCA!Being the pastor of a church in a YMCA, I often times get the question "So when are you guys going to get your own building?" I usually respond with "We have the biggest indoor baptistry of any church I know (The pool) and we have a rock wall in our kids area. We have a better building that we could ever build. Why would we leave it?" Then I try to take the opportunity to explain why we really love being in the YMCA and why we plan on never leaving the Y. So I'll try to keep this short, but I want to take this opportunity as Gray's (or Mr. Stallworth or the CEO of the YMCA, however you may refer to him) as his guest blogger, to Share why we love the YMCA.<br /> There are so many details that I could share about our journey as we have really embraced the call to be a church IN the Y and not just a church AT the Y. However, for the sake of time, let me just share a few highlights of why we love being a portable church in the YMCA. First, there is absolutely no better way for us to be good stewards of what God has blessed us with. We meet in the Y's facilities on Sunday morning and when we finish, those facilities are used non-stop all week long. So there are no big buildings that sit empty while our church members aren't there. Not to say that church buildings are bad... because the aren't... they are necessary. However, God has given us an amazing opportunity, and we want to hold on to it. But the facilities are really just a very small part. Second, The Y already has all the programs we need for outreach. As a church we don't have to look into starting programs for our members and for the community. If our church members want to start a soccer league... Already done! If we want to reach out to people outside of our church all we have to do is join in on anything that the Y is already doing! Think about it. How many churches do you know that have 5,000 people from the community come through their doors every week?... Um, I can think of one... Oasis Church. Why would we ever leave that? Third, the YMCA is an amazing Christian organization, rich in history. As a church, we get to help the Y sow Christian values into the lives of people in our community. Most people see the Y as just a "Swim and Gym", but the Y is so much more, and we are committed as a church to helping the Y plant Jesus values into every area of peoples lives; Mind, Body, and Spirit. The fact is, A permanent church in a YMCA is a win, win, win. We win as a church, The YMCA wins, and most importantly the community wins.There is so much more that goes into this aspect of why we love being a church IN the Y and not just a church AT the Y, but maybe I'll have another opportunity to share in the future.Curt Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00093337270244295561noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070018267541385992.post-23701961610884522342011-02-20T20:43:00.001-05:002011-02-20T20:43:23.060-05:00February Newsletter 2011As I am writing this, we are wrapping up our New Year's Revolution Series and I must say that God has really revealed to me what excites our church. I guess the best way to put it is "give it away". We've been talking about the potential each of us has and the potential that we have as a church to make a kingdom impact in this world. We asked some basic questions like are we really using our influence for God's glory? and how can we specifically use our influence for His glory? This Sunday, which will have already passed by the time that you get this newsletter, we will announce that our church is going to raise $5,000 to dig a well for people who have no access to clean drinking water. Our church has been waiting eagerly to hear how exactly we will be "giving away" our money. This is how we want to influence the world as a church. As individuals, we want to be consistently pouring kingdom principles into the lives of others.<br />If you would like to donate to digging the well, you can mail your contributions to PO Box 49772 Greenwood, SC 29649. Please be sure to mark it "Living Waters"<br />This February we will be doing a series called "I Killed Jesus". Please feel free to listen to our podcasts. It's going to be an intense series where we talk about God's Mercy, Justice, and redemption. We will also talk about the importance of sharing the gospel and our potential as a church to take the gospel into our community.<br />Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)<br />But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our sin; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.Curt Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00093337270244295561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070018267541385992.post-74988714332216497482011-01-18T08:23:00.001-05:002011-01-18T08:23:34.954-05:00January Newsletter 2011The past month has been a really exciting time in the life of our church and in my life personally. On Jan 1-3 We took some of our college students to Passion, a conference for young adults, in Atlanta, Ga. I was fortunate enough to get to tag along and I must say that I was encouraged and challenged to see the faith and excitement of this generation! I have always told our church that God has a history of using young people to change this world and expand His kingdom, And I am convinced that this generation will be no exception. <br /> We are currently in our New Year's Revolution series and God is rocking our church. This series is really challenging our church and me personally to imagine what could happen if we would actually use the influence that God has given us to invest in the kingdom, to give hope to the hopeless. We have no idea how powerful of an impact we have the potential to make in this world.<br /> We will begin Financial Peace University on Feb. 23rd. Anyone can sign up by going to the front desk at the YMCA or by emailing the church at Web@ogreenwood.com. We will meet every Wed. at 7pm and the course will run for 13 weeks through May 18th. The cost is $93 per household. If you want to take the class and don't have the money, please email us and let us know. This course is well worth every penny. I suggest to anyone who is able to take this course, to please do so. I believe that there are so many people who want to give to kingdom causes, but they feel too constricted because they are too far in debt and just don't know how to budget their money. Can you imagine what would happen if only a small portion of christians would begin to budget money in their personal finances for kingdom impact?<br /> Thank you so much to all of you, our supporters, for all that you are doing!Curt Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00093337270244295561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070018267541385992.post-79885538059794266372010-12-21T19:05:00.000-05:002010-12-21T19:06:35.675-05:00December Newsletter 2010It's the holiday season and we are all so very busy. Oasis is just finishing our "OC Christmas" Series. We've been taking a look at Mary's call to birth the savior of the world. We've learned about the fears she may have faced and how she responded to the call on her life. It's been a really powerful series. In January we will be in our "New Years Revolution" series. We'll be looking at how God has the power to move in our lives in revolutionary ways. As we progress into this new year I look forward to all that God has in store for us. I've been spending time in prayer and I am really excited to put some challenges in front of our church. In my heart right now there is nervousness and excitement for the next year. Please continue to pray for us as we try to spread the hope of the Gospel. Thanks to each of you for your support!Curt Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00093337270244295561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070018267541385992.post-31227707033893089982010-11-07T21:58:00.002-05:002010-11-07T22:21:30.532-05:00Discussion timeToday at Oasis we really put a lot of answers and questions out there. This blog is just in case anyone wanted to open a public dialogue about any issues. So here is your chance!Curt Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00093337270244295561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070018267541385992.post-53559270581702016362010-11-04T15:51:00.003-04:002010-11-04T16:06:20.096-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_spaMrtohgsA/TNMRn1GBTWI/AAAAAAAAAFs/NTnDRrNbIGg/s1600/hetero+logo.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_spaMrtohgsA/TNMRn1GBTWI/AAAAAAAAAFs/NTnDRrNbIGg/s200/hetero+logo.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535787742933372258" /></a><br />This past series was really awesome! It was titled Heterosexual Homophobe and I can honestly say that this has been the most exciting series that we have done since launching over a year ago. We handled many topics such as discrimination, Racism, Homosexuality, Hate and so much more. I want to encourage anyone to listen to the past podcasts. Thank you so much to my staff for the ideas and encouragement. I have an amazing staff! The next series coming up is "You Asked for it" Wow, it's going to be intense. We received questions that will blow you away. Click <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/oc-greenwood-podcast/id325348619?ign-mpt=uo%3D4">HERE</a> if you want to listen to the past podcasts.Curt Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00093337270244295561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070018267541385992.post-23842193468014906372010-09-12T17:22:00.003-04:002010-09-12T21:34:36.668-04:00Sunday Sum-up.Today was pretty awesome!... other than my daughter throwing up on the way to church. Needless to say, Morgan and Campbell had to stay home today. She seems to be feeling better, but she has been sleeping most of the day. The message was straight up honest today. If you have any questions about the Holy Ghost and how He works in our lives, then you need to check out today's podcast and the rest of this 4 week series. Here are a few highlights from today.<br /><br />-The Holy Spirit is mentioned over 800 times in scripture.<br />-The second verse of the Bible talks about the Spirit of God.<br />-There are churches that would refer to themselves as "Spirit Filled" that really weird many Christians out.<br />-There are also churches who are the exact opposite and would never dare even mention that the Holy Spirit has any authority.<br />-I believe the more biblical stance is somewhere more in the middle.<br />-The Holy Spirit is our Counselor, Comforter and so much more!<br />-Many believers aren't living a spirit filled life because they either aren't aware of the Holy Spirit or simply resist the Holy Spirit.<br />-You cannot continuously resist the Holy Spirit because eventually you will grieve Him and He may stop pursuing you.<br />-There are 3 different ways that the Holy Spirit ministers to us.<br /> 1. He comforts us.<br /> 2. He counsels us.<br /> 3. He convicts us.<br /> Do not resist His conviction!<br /><br />P.S. Next week is going to rock! don't miss it! We also have a series coming up next that is going to be very interesting. It's going to be called "Heterosexual Homophobe" Before you start calling me a heretic, you may need to hear the podcasts. And yes, it will blow church people up!Curt Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00093337270244295561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070018267541385992.post-22304548173250800092010-09-06T22:24:00.005-04:002010-09-06T22:45:09.590-04:00The Past Few Weeks... and next week.Wow! The past few weeks have been awesome! Since I last blogged we have finished the Are you man enough series and we just wrapped up the are you woman enough series. This past series was so powerful for anyone to listen to, especially for the females. I encourage any female to download all three podcasts and listen to them. I actually only spoke for one week of this past series. The first week we had Carrie Booth come and speak. As a teenager, Carrie dealt with Anorexia and literally almost died. Her testimony is amazing! The Second week I spoke about self confidence and much more. To be honest, I was really worried that I was going to stink it up when I spoke, but God had some amazing truths for our ladies that week. Yesterday, we had Emily Jennings speak. Emily and her husband serve on the campus of NGU and she is very passionate about building real relationships in hope of promoting Christ in the lives of others. I must say that what she had to say will resonate with any female. To get our podcasts, you can just go to <a href="http://www.ocgreenwood.com">www.ocgreenwood.com</a> and click on the podcast tab, or you can go to iTunes and type in the keyword "ocgreenwood." Check it out!<br /><br />P.S. Please give us some feedback if our podcasts are making an impact on your life. We love to know when God is using us to impact your lives. Also, the next series coming up is called "The Ghost". We will be talking about the Holy Ghost, how He works in our lives, and what this means for us as believers.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_spaMrtohgsA/TIWmzkQaRBI/AAAAAAAAAFk/g0NWvyYNBfE/s1600/shapeimage_12.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 172px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_spaMrtohgsA/TIWmzkQaRBI/AAAAAAAAAFk/g0NWvyYNBfE/s200/shapeimage_12.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513996723621086226" /></a>Curt Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00093337270244295561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070018267541385992.post-20366158964690658322010-07-25T21:56:00.003-04:002010-07-25T22:24:26.639-04:00Sunday Sum-up.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_spaMrtohgsA/TEzxBezYYZI/AAAAAAAAAFU/aN1DDyyR0gE/s1600/Are+You+Man+Enough+r2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 155px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_spaMrtohgsA/TEzxBezYYZI/AAAAAAAAAFU/aN1DDyyR0gE/s200/Are+You+Man+Enough+r2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5498034252863267218" /></a><br />This past Sunday we started our new series called "Are You Man Enough?" and it was awesome! But first here are a couple of announcements.<br /><br />-We will be doing three movies in the park this coming fall. One per month beginning in August. They will be a blast!<br />-We will be helping with the Homemade Genius festival in Ninety six on September 11th. We will have the opportunity to connect with a lot of people. We will be there from 6-9 that Saturday night. We will set up a lounge for all those who are at the festival and will be hanging out and giving away free stuff. It will rock!<br />-I definitely want to tell you about Communiversity on the campus of Lander. It's an awesome opportunity to let the Lander Students know who we are. We actually picked up Evan last year at this event. He began attending the church after we gave him some toilet paper. He is now our worship leader! <br />-We need volunteers for each of these events, so if you would like to help, either email the church office or sign up at the guest services table on Sunday. Our ladies at guest services will have more details for you, so don't hesitate to take some questions to them.<br /><br />-Now for today. I don't know if I can really recap without making you think that I am crazy. so if you read this and you wonder if I'm insane... then please listen to the podcast.<br /><br />-Today we talked about how we as men are called to love. Yet somehow, we have this idea that real men are incapable of loving. <br />-I said that there are two things that men need to know about love.<br />1. It takes a pair... No, not like two people... A pair... you know....<br />-Seriously, love is risky... It's actually more than risky. When you choose to love you WILL certainly be hurt and it takes some stuff to put yourself out there in love and open yourself up to be injured emotionally.<br />-The fact is, God was the first one to put Himself out there and love, and he was also the first one to experience a broken heart. He created humanity and all creation and immediately, man sinned against him. After this sin, God had to reconcile the relationship. and this leads us to the next reason that it takes a pair to love with all that you are.<br />-Love takes sacrifice... Sacrifice is required in love. When Adam and Even sinned against God, they realized their nakedness, they realized their sin. In turn God had to make the first sacrifice of all time. He had to kill animals in order to cloth their nakedness. God shed the first blood of all creation. He had to make the first sacrifice.<br />2. It takes a man to love!<br />-In 1 Corinthians Paul talks about love in chapter 13. As a matter of fact, we call this chapter the love chapter. It is a scripture that is frequently read in wedding ceremonies. What I find very interesting is that in this same chapter, Paul talks about putting childish ways behind you and being a man. Guys, it takes a man to love!<br /><br />There was so very much more that I shared today, if you get a chance, please listen to the <a href="http://web.mac.com/ocgreenwood/OC/Podcast/Podcast.html">podcast</a>... It very well could change your life. The word of God is powerful!Curt Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00093337270244295561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070018267541385992.post-23156710120890079342010-06-27T22:24:00.003-04:002010-06-27T22:42:19.630-04:00Sunday Sum-up.This past week we had the opportunity to help Lake Russell Baptist Church with their new church facilities. I want to say a special thanks to Brandi, our do all, amazing staffer... Also known as our administrative assistant. She was there almost every day keeping things straight. she was a huge blessing to me because I wasn't able to be there nearly as much as I needed to be. Thank you so much Brandi. Also, a huge huge thanks to my wife for still loving me after this crazy week. I had a ton of stuff going on with my business, we have a home study for our adoption process that we have been trying to get ready for, and we had the mission week with Lake Russell. Not to mention that all of this took place on the week of her birthday and I didn't get home on her birthday until 10pm. She is amazing! And also, thanks to all of you who helped this past week. Lake Russell was so appreciative for all that you guys invested in their church and the kingdom.<br /><br />Here are a few highlights from today's message:<br /><br />Often times, we worship the sabbath instead of worshiping Jesus.<br /><br />3 things we need to know about the Sabbath.<br /><br />#1. -We are no more holy or right whether we observe the sabbath on Saturday, Sunday, or any other day.<br />Romans 14:5-6a<br /><br />#2. -We value the object lesson over the lesson.<br /><br />Colossians 2:16-17<br /><br />The fact is, God has given us the example of the Sabbath to teach us about heaven, and we completely miss the point. We end up being more excited about keeping our day than we are about celebrating Heaven as the true sabbath rest.<br /><br />#3. -It's a shortcut to righteousness. <br />-Observing the Sabbath makes us feel good about ourselves.<br /><br />Colossians 2:20-23<br /><br />-Going to church on Sundays can often times be nothing more than something to make you feel good. As if you have done better than those who didn't go to church.... because it's the right thing to do.<br />-It doesn't matter if you observe the sabbath for yourself... for your own ego... If that's why you go to church, then you would have been better off to just stay at home.<br /><br />Does your faith go beyond Sunday?<br /><br />-John 4:21&23<br /><br />What do you do when you are not at church... and why do you do those things? Is it to honor God or to puff up your ego? <br /><br />P.S. Hey... Perfect religious people... get over yourselves... you're not that great!Curt Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00093337270244295561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070018267541385992.post-30154663796892559082010-06-17T23:03:00.003-04:002010-06-17T23:21:37.269-04:00Sunday Sum-up.I have literally not had time to write a blog this past week until tonight. Sorry for the late post. I HAD to post about this past Sunday even though I'm late.<br /><br />First, a couple of important things<br />1. We will be having no service on July 4th. The 4th is on a Sunday this year, and we want all of our volunteers and attenders to be free to spend time with their families.<br />2. Our mission week is next week. If you want to sign up for a time to help build Lake Russell Baptist Churches new church building, please let us know. You can email the church to tell us when you can be there. Our email is Web@ocgreenwood.com<br /><br />Okay, so this Sunday was amazing. I really felt like the Lord worked in the hearts of everyone in attendance. The greatest thing was that we had a guy give his life to Jesus!... That's what it is all about! YEA! <br /><br />Here's a few highlights.<br />-We read from John Chapter 4<br />-Read it and listen to the podcast. God's word is POWERFUL!<br />-Jesus HAD to go through Samaria.<br />-Jesus went to the most sacred places of the most lost people, and yet that is exactly what the church tends to teach it's members not to do.<br />-Jesus went to Jacob's well in order to abolish every ounce of hatred between the Jews and the Samaritans.<br />-The culture of lost people is our current day Samaria and the church is doing no better than the Jews did reaching the Samaritans.<br />-Churches are fighting over paint and carpet, meanwhile people are dying and going to Hell because we don't have time to share the gospel because our petty arguments are taking up all of our time.<br />-One of our greatest challenges is that we tend to worship our sacred places more than we worship the Savior.<br />-Our love for our sacred places are keeping people from the Gospel!<br /><br />-Are you worshiping the church, Sunday, the church building , or just the idea of church, instead of worshiping Jesus?<br /><br />-Let's choose to be part of a new church. A church that is filled with "True worshipers" who worship in spirit and in truth.<br /><br />-A guy met Jesus this past Sunday! Heaven is one more person crowded! That's why we do what we do. We are so blessed to be part of God's gospel of salvation!Curt Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00093337270244295561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070018267541385992.post-17147179298654828502010-06-08T23:12:00.004-04:002010-06-08T23:46:30.441-04:00Sunday Sum-up.<span style="font-weight:bold;">Important Announcement</span>: Summer mission.<br />We will be helping Lake Russell Baptist Church with building their new church. This will happen only two weeks from now. So you don't have much time to sign up. The dates are June 21-26th. For those who would like to participate, please let us know when you can help. You can basically help at any time during those days, even if it's a day after work. I'm so excited that we get the chance to help a church that has been so supportive of us from day one. Lake Russell has supported us financially, in prayer and through the encouragement of their pastor. Oasis, Let's blow Lake Russell away with how much we help them. If you don't know how to use a hammer or a paint brush, don't worry, their is something for everyone. You can sign up several ways. Sign up by emailing the church at web@ocgreenwood.com, going by the guest services table over the next two Sundays, or just by telling one of the staff. Bring some friends if you want... that would rock! This is an amazing opportunity to help the kingdom advance. Let's do this full on!<br /><br />Sunday Sum-up<br /><br />This past Sunday I just talked to Oasis as a family about what I so desperately want our family to be like.<br /><br />-First off, I promised Oasis that we would never play it safe. Our church will always be a go hard or go home church. The problem with so many American churches is that we just want to be comfortable. The only problem with this mindset is Jesus... and the Bible!<br /><br />-I shared three family rules that we will constantly break at Oasis.<br /><br />-1. The Perfect family rule.<br /> Oasis will never be a family of perfection. We will always be a church full of screwed up people. Because if we weren't screwed up then what would be the purpose of Jesus hanging on the cross? Besides, who gets the glory when God does amazing things through messed up people?... He does! So if you think you are too messed up to go to church, then Oasis is just the place for you.<br /><br />-2. The Predictable family rule.<br /> Oasis will never be a church that tries to control you and turn you into some sort of Christian robot. Church people can be so stupid when it comes to telling christians what they can and can't do. I had a guy tell me that I needed to burn my Guns and roses CDs years back... man that would have been a huge mistake! "Every Rose has it's thorn...".... Guitar solo..... YEA! The most powerful thing I can do for you as your pastor is to teach you about the freedom that comes with Christ and then Unleash you to do crazy things for Jesus!<br /><br />-3. The Passive family rule.<br /> Christians are so good at coming up with spiritual reasons that they don't have to do anything... "But God says get along with everyone." Yea, but read that whole verse and read it in context. Do you really think that Jesus was aiming to get along with everyone when he consistently called the pharisee snakes and a brood of vipers.... Um.. NO! The spiritual cop out is a skill that is well acquired by many church people. It's like this... If your grandmother is lost and laying on her death bed. DON'T call me to come and pray for her... that is a cop out so that you don't have to talk to her. Get on your knees beside her bed, pray for her and share the gospel with her. Just because I'm the pastor, that doesn't mean I have a red phone on my desk with a direct line to God. However, I do have Him on speed dial... but so should you if you are a believer.<br /><br />Commit today to serve Jesus boldly and faithfully.Curt Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00093337270244295561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070018267541385992.post-55810136144990848712010-05-31T13:43:00.002-04:002010-05-31T13:57:11.369-04:00Sunday sum-upA couple of things before we get into the Sunday sum-up.<br />1. This coming week is going to be awesome! I'm really looking forward to sharing what I feel God has to say to Oasis.<br />2. Our next series "Partial Truths" is going to rock your face off!!<br />3. I'm hoping to share very soon about one of the opportunities that we have this summer as a church. Be there this Sunday to find out about it.<br /><br />This past Sunday we talked about real relationships and how Oasis is dependent on it's members to have real relationships with real people. Here are a few highlight thoughts.<br /><br />-You can not establish and maintain a real relationship without serious effort.<br /><br />-Most Christians are entirely too passive when it comes to their relationships, faith and most everything else in life. We are often times willing to pray about anything... or at least say we will... but we are very hesitant to actually do anything.<br /><br />-You have got to be confident in yourself and in your God if you are ever going to maintain a healthy relationship.<br /><br />-Needy friends are annoying friends. Suck up your whinny attitude and realize that the world doesn't revolve around you nor should it.... If it did, we'd all be in real deep poo!<br /><br />-Forgiveness should be consistent in our relationships as believers. However, it seems to be what we lack more than anything else.<br /><br />-If you want to see a bitter human being just go into most any church in America and hang around for a business meeting. You'll likely hear about how Joe is still mad at Betty because her dad painted the walls the wrong color in 1978... Man, Church people are so good at holding grudges.<br /><br />-The God that we claim to follow is a God of Love, Grace, and forgiveness. Yet it seems as if our relationships are lacking those three things more than anything... Why? <br /><br />-Commit today <br />-to put effort into your relationships <br />-to find your self worth in Jesus <br />-to forgiveCurt Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00093337270244295561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070018267541385992.post-86059221933416694352010-05-23T22:56:00.002-04:002010-05-23T23:16:44.842-04:00Sunday Sum-up.Today was our second week in or Flashback series. Last week we talked about what it means to forget your first love. This week, we talked about broken hearts. Here are some highlight thoughts.<br /><br />-The fact is, most of us respond inappropriately to pain when it occurs in our lives.<br /><br />-We talked about 4 main questions to face when dealing with pain.<br /><br />1. Do I even need to respond to the pain?<br />-Some pain, and some people who inflict pain in your life are just not worth responding to.<br />-When it comes to people, the best way to know if you should even respond to what they have to say about your life is to determine if they love you, or if they are just being selfish.<br /><br />2. Is relieving the pain a sufficient response?<br />-Some pain in life will go away with time.<br />-Sometimes you just need to cope with the pain until it goes away.<br />-Many times though, even with this pain, there is something to learn.<br />-Learn what you can when you are afforded the opportunity. Even if... Especially if those lessons come with pain.<br /><br />3. Do I need to respond to the source of my pain?<br />-Many of us go through life just trying to cope with pain as if it will eventually go away. but the fact is, much of our pain stems from something in our past that has got to be dealt with head on.<br />-Maybe today is the day that you need to determine to get help with the pain that you are carrying around. <br />-Maybe start by talking with a friend<br />-Maybe just admit that you need to see a counselor.<br /><br />4. Will this pain make me better or bitter?<br />-Pain is a necessity in life. <br />-God uses pain to draw us closer to Him.<br />-Unfortunately, pain is a result of sin.<br />-Is the pain in your life a direct result of your own sin?... Maybe you just need to confess your sin to God, repent, and draw near to Him.<br />-Is the pain a result of someone else's sin?... Maybe you need to deal with the affects of what their sin is doing in yours and other peoples lives... maybe you need to confront them...<br /><br />Always remember...<br />-Pain is necessary-Somehow it fits perfectly into His perfect plan<br />-Pain is beneficial-You have a choice... Will it make you better or bitter?<br />-Pain is temporary-one day, He will wipe away all of your tears and sorrows.<br /><br />My hope for you is that God would disturb your heart in a tremendous way!<br /><br />I'm tired... Good night!Curt Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00093337270244295561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070018267541385992.post-40984465917238995892010-05-15T23:24:00.004-04:002010-05-15T23:58:00.161-04:00Just back away from the door.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_spaMrtohgsA/S-9tNmtMNcI/AAAAAAAAAFM/qh9TxztjsEg/s1600/wooden-screen-door.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_spaMrtohgsA/S-9tNmtMNcI/AAAAAAAAAFM/qh9TxztjsEg/s200/wooden-screen-door.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5471712152774260162" /></a><br />It has been forever since I blogged. Typing this at 11:30 pm reminds me why I quit blogging. I have something that I felt like God was saying to me so clearly today and I just wanted to share it. I have three kids, and on occasion one, two or all three will tag along behind me every step that I take. My little girl is the most proficient at this. Often times I'll be outside and she stands at the door and cries to come out with me, so I open the door and let her out. Then, naturally at times I will be inside and she wants to come in with me, so I let her in. Now when I let her come out with me I have no problem opening the door because I just pull it open and she comes out. however, our screen door on the back porch opens out, so when she wants to come inside with me, I have to get her to back away from the door before I can open it. Otherwise, if I open the door I'll knock her down the steps onto a hard patio. We run into this problem every time that she wants to come in. She stands right outside the door with tears running down her face begging me to open the door, and I bend down and talk to her through the screen and explain that she has to move away from the door before I can open it. It's really quite a heartbreaking scene. Her tears break my heart, but I can't do anything to help her until she backs away from the door. She does everything that she can to try to get in. She hopelessly stands on her tip toes and tries to open the door, she knocks on the window, she cries, and she begs her daddy to let her in. But not until when she finally listens to me and backs away from the door can I open it, and I don't hesitate to open it. Then she comes in, I give her a hug and kiss, I comfort her and we move on... until we find ourselves in the same position in a couple more hours.<div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>As we experienced this same drama a few times today, I felt like God was saying something so profound to me. I felt like He was saying "See Curt, that's exactly what you are doing to me. I want so badly to open some doors for you and Oasis, but you are doing everything that you can to open those same doors. You are reaching for the door knob, but it's not yours to turn. I just need you to stop trying to open those doors. Just back away, wait on me, and I won't hesitate to open them for you. You are just so impatient. You are my child, don't you think that it would delight me to have you in my presence? Just back away and let me open the door." I don't fully know what this means yet, but over the past few months I feel like I've been in the process of understanding it. We'll see where it takes us. </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Oasis, I love all of you guys. There is no doubt in my mind that God wants to do amazing things in our church. You are so dedicated. You just get it. You get that Oasis exists so that lives can be changed, so that Jesus' name can be made famous, and that rocks my face off! Let's just step back and see what kind of doors He will open for us. It's His presence that makes the difference. We can't force anything amazing to happen. Let's just follow Him and see what doors He opens. Keep in mind though, that we have to work hard to follow him. I'm not saying I want us to be idle. Let's do our best to stay right on His heels as He works. Beg Him to open some doors. Pray that I will have the wisdom as your pastor to know which doors to back away from and wait on Him to open. Thank you for charging the gates of Hell with me. I love you guys!</div>Curt Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00093337270244295561noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070018267541385992.post-44691217993636587332010-02-07T21:31:00.003-05:002010-02-07T21:50:31.950-05:00Sunday Sum-up<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_spaMrtohgsA/S2977py70GI/AAAAAAAAAFE/63dU5hM8xAU/s1600-h/cow+picture+for+blog.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_spaMrtohgsA/S2977py70GI/AAAAAAAAAFE/63dU5hM8xAU/s200/cow+picture+for+blog.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435699540021465186" border="0" /></a><br />Today was amazing! Have you ever had those weeks when everything seems to be falling apart? Well, there were a few occasions when this past week felt like one of those weeks. for some reason though, even with all the stuff that came my way, I felt like God was saying to me "I'm in control". So I didn't worry, but I did wonder how this Sunday was going to go. We knew coming into this week that we were going to be short on volunteers and then I found out that we would be short 4 more volunteers. We knew this morning where everyone was and the fact is it's just life. None of them were just skipping out, they just had life things to do. So we set up this morning with a MAJOR skeleton crew, and after cutting a few corners, it went really well. Then came the thing of "what if it's just us few volunteers?" Well, it wasn't. We had a great crowd and even picked up three brand new volunteers officially. We talked about the purpose statement of Oasis, which is "Love God, Love Others, Serve the World, and Make Disciples." I also talked a little about my journey and how Oasis Came to be. If you would like to know a little of what Oasis is about, and why we are planting this church, then listen to the podcast. You can search for it on I-tunes with the key word "ocgreenwood" It will pop right up. You can also go to our <a href="http://web.mac.com/ocgreenwood/OC/Podcast/Podcast.html">podcast</a> tab on our web site. Today was awesome... and yes, we really do shoot sacred cows in the forehead, throw them in a ditch, and spit on them as we walk away. :)<br />BIG REMINDER:<br />On March 7th we will be at the Homemade genius building for our worship service instead of at the YMCA and we will be starting 15 minutes earlier at 10:30 instead of 10:45.Curt Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00093337270244295561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070018267541385992.post-5412025250944100092010-01-31T19:29:00.002-05:002010-01-31T19:47:33.784-05:00BaptismToday we had our first baptism since we launched in August. Baptism is always very exciting to me because it is such a beautiful picture of Christ, His sacrifice on the cross, and new life in Him. If you've ever wondered why Christians baptize, I encourage you to check out the <a href="http://web.mac.com/ocgreenwood/OC/Podcast/Podcast.html">podcast</a>.<br />Next week we begin a seven week series about the very simple, but difficult issues that new believers always face called Discipleship 101. Other members of the staff will get an opportunity to teach during this series and I'm very excited that they are willing to share their hearts. You will be floored by the passion in these guys. I encourage you to be there for this next series if you've ever had any questions about everyday life as a believer.<br />Just a reminder to Oasis. <a href="http://www.newspring.cc/unleash/2010/">Unleash</a> is coming up on March 4th and we need to know by this coming Sunday if you would like to go. I encourage anyone who can possibly go to please make it a priority. I promise you that you will be amazed at the inspiration and passion that flows out of New Spring church. I'm so excited to get to share a little next week about how <a href="http://www.newspring.cc/unleash/2010/">Unleash conference</a> helped to inspire the existence of Oasis Church.<br />Oasis, also don't forget that we have Movies in the park coming up and we also have our public launch coming this September!Curt Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00093337270244295561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070018267541385992.post-37073265963190080362009-12-27T21:01:00.003-05:002009-12-27T21:21:12.823-05:00Sunday Sum-up.Today was a good day at Oasis Church. Attendance was low as I'm sure most churches also had low attendance this holiday Sunday. However, today was awesome because everyone seemed to be very excited about gathering together to worship today. We actually set everything up an hour or so ahead of schedule and tore everything down a good thirty minutes faster than normal, which was odd since we were short handed. Like I said, for some reason, everyone was very excited and moving at a rapid pace to prepare to spread the message of Jesus. I'm very excited about the next few months because churches typically see good attendance during the first few months of the year and I'm hoping to see a lot of visitors and there-by people accepting Jesus!<br /><br />I have been taking a break from blogging if you haven't noticed, but I did want to take a minute tonight just to give a quick update. Here are a few random thoughts.<br /><br />-We hired a worship leader as of lastt week. His name is Evan Beaver and he is amazing! he has a staff blog, so check him out at <a href="http://www.evanatoc.blogspot.com/">www.EvanatOC.blogspot.com</a><br /><br />-Christmas was great. I always love celebrating the birth of our Savior.<br /><br />-I'm excited about our discipleship 101 series that we will be starting in a few weeks! If you know anyone who breaths, invite them. There will be much to take in.<br /><br />-We launched a new series this week called Girls and Glitter and it is going to rock!Curt Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00093337270244295561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070018267541385992.post-22920074896905414832009-11-30T20:48:00.003-05:002009-11-30T20:50:20.007-05:00Guest Blog (Eric Hawthorne)This weeks guest blogger is Eric Hawthorne. Eric is our creative pastor and I must say that he does a fantastic job! Thanks Eric for all that you do and for your passion for Jesus!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I find it odd that Curt would ask me to be a guest blogger because I have my own blog to contend with. But, since I never blog there, why not blog here. That kind of sounds like a Dr. Suess Book. <br /><br />A few weeks ago, Johnna and I were riding with some good friends to a Clemson football game and I was asked a deep and profound question. "What's so good about the iphone?". Well rather than answer this question in this blog posting, allow me to share with you what I realize looking back on the conversation. I have recognized that I have become an advocate for products and services among my friends and family. There is nothing new about this concept, some call it word of mouth and others call it bragging. If you pair my love for all things Apple with my passion for consulting others about the latest technologies, I would say I have a pretty powerful testimony. It doesn’t stop with the iPhone either. I recently found myself proclaiming Kasasa Checking the best investment since gold. Even while I write this, I fight the urge to explain what Kasasa checking is and how it works. The question I'd like to pose is simply this; what are you an advocate for? Or better yet, who are you an advocate for? <br /><br />If you know Jesus, then you should be spreading the word of Christ. Not just saying; "hey, Jesus is awesome", but rather being passionate about God's word as though you believe in what you're doing in your life. You should be unable to stop talking about his grace, mercy, and love. So much that people around you actually see how amazing Jesus is -> to be quite possibly so convincing that others believe in your product, your service, your savior.Curt Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00093337270244295561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070018267541385992.post-7714434432490995752009-11-11T22:12:00.003-05:002009-11-11T22:19:19.125-05:00Guest Blog (Meredith Haynie)This weeks guest blogger is Meredith Haynie. She is an awesome follower of Christ. She joined in with Oasis about 10 months before we actually launched. So she's been part of the core group almost from the very beginning. Here is what she had to say about what God has been doing in her life through Oasis.<br /><br />Oasis Church has changed my life in more ways than I could ever explain. Before finding Oasis, my life (during my college years) revolved around partying, drinking, and going out. I made decisions that I still don’t understand how God could ever forgive me for or why He would. Even though I was doing these things I still claimed to be a Christian. During that time being a Christian, to me, was simply believing in God and calling on Him when I had no one else to call on. God was not number one in my heart and He fell pretty low on my list of priorities. Looking back, I now realize that not a single part of me was acting like a child of God, I knew Him and knew what He expected of me but I was too wrapped up in the “fun” life to worry about God. That “fun” life began to take a toll on all aspects of my life- school, family, relationships, etc. For years I continued this party life until one day I could no longer deny the need for some major changes in the way I was living. I stopped the partying and drinking and began to try and rebuild my relationship with Christ. I knew I could build it back up to a certain point on my own, but to get where I wanted to be with God I needed a church and a church family that could help me through the difficult, trying times.<br /> <br />For way too long I didn’t find a church home, I tried to do it all by myself. Not because I didn’t want to find one, but I never felt confident enough to go to a new church by myself because of the fear of looking like an outsider. However, about a year ago, a friend and I were talking about church and I was telling her the issues I was having with finding a church in Greenwood when she told me about Oasis and invited me to come. I decided to go the next Sunday. This decision has proven to be one of the most amazing and life-altering decisions I have ever made.<br /> <br />That first Sunday, a year ago, when I walked into the Oasis service I knew I was finally where God wanted me to be. I felt so accepted and welcomed by everyone. But more than that, I felt God’s presence. I realized immediately that these people were REAL. Their love for God was real and their desire to bring people closer to God was real. It was not a show like I have seen before; it was real people simply doing what God had called them to do. I have never been as happy as I was that day, when I knew I was finally doing what God wanted me to do.<br /> <br />Since that first Sunday, my relationship with God has grown immensely. Because of Oasis I am truly experiencing God’s presence in my life now. I smile just thinking about Him, I love talking to Him, and I have the most amazing, indescribable feeling knowing that He is right there with me no matter what. I now know what being a Christian really means, but more than that I know what it feels like to be a true Christian, no other feeling in this world can compare to the feeling I have knowing I have given my life to Christ. Oasis gave me a second chance and a new life, a life that revolves around God and fellowship. Without Oasis, I don’t know where I would be today. Not only have I developed a new, deeper relationship with God through Oasis, but I have also made wonderful friends who I know I can count on for years to come. Oasis has shown me what God is all about. Being a part of Oasis has renewed my spirit, my faith, and my love for life.<br /> <br />God is so incredibly AWESOME! He knew exactly what I needed in my life…Oasis Church.<br /><br /><br />Oasis, as your pastor, I want you to know what a difference your love for Jesus and your love for others is making in the lives of people. Just keep being real! Meredith, thank you for your love for Jesus, for all that you invest in Oasis, and for all that you invest in my children!Curt Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00093337270244295561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070018267541385992.post-76182768051375900772009-11-08T19:44:00.003-05:002009-11-08T21:04:48.777-05:00Sunday Sum-up.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_spaMrtohgsA/Svd4ssbmLII/AAAAAAAAAE8/xsx2NHkU5JI/s1600-h/sports_fan.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 136px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_spaMrtohgsA/Svd4ssbmLII/AAAAAAAAAE8/xsx2NHkU5JI/s200/sports_fan.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401918987290684546" /></a><br />"You can be a christian with out being a fanatic." Really?! Seriously? I've heard this statement before, and every time that I hear someone say it, it gives me chills. Why is it okay to be fanatical about something as long as it doesn't have eternal significance? Perfect example... Sports. Now I love painting my entire body orange or garnet just as much as the next guy, but let's face it, most all of us have an easier time with fanatical behavior at a sports event than in our morals, actions and beliefs. Today was our second week in our practical atheist series. A practical Atheist is someone who says that they believe in God, but they live as though He does not exist. Here are a few thoughts from today. The basic mindset that we sought to challenge is "Hey, you can love Jesus without going crazy about it."<br /><br />-ANOTHER PERSON CROSSED OVER FROM DEATH TO LIFE TODAY!!!!<br /><br />-Christians have a distinct ability to make God want to puke.<br /><br />-Jesus gave everything for us, but we don't want to give much of anything to Him.<br /><br />-When it comes to Jesus, here are a few things that we are stingy with; time, money, possessions, family, relationships and much much more.<br /><br />-Lukewarm Christianity is an oxymoron.<br /><br />-Yes, I did say nipple today in the message...Sorry, I didn't know that it is a "bad word."<br /><br />-Listen to the podcast from today, I feel sure that it will challenge you. www.OCgreenwood.com and click on podcast.<br /><br />-Our volunteers are AMAZING!<br /><br />-I don't really think that nipple is a bad word.<br /><br />-People's lives are being changed because there are people in Oasis church who choose to love!<br /><br />-I'm so looking forward to this weeks guest blogger. One Miss Meredith Haynie.Curt Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00093337270244295561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070018267541385992.post-10724148597552333572009-11-04T22:45:00.002-05:002009-11-04T22:49:53.725-05:00Morgan Hanna (Guest Blogger)So this week's guest blogger is none other than my own beautiful wife. Here's her thoughts.<br /><br />I was 17 years old when I went on my first missions trip. Lake Russell Baptist Church took a leap of faith and sent 3 fearless leaders on a van with 13 teenagers to New Brunswick Georgia to do missions for Golden Isle Ministries. I remember it like it was yesterday, the not so air conditioned gym, where we slept, ate and showered. The wake up calls from our cook at 5:30 am came way to early because our nights didn't end until well after midnight, yet, we made it. We moved our ministry from place to place, setting up our sets, making things from scratch, working our fingers to the bone to get things "just right" because we had to give God our best. From that trip on, our motto was "set it up, take it down". To this very day we all know exactly what that phrase means, it is engraved on every single part of our being because we knew what it meant to pitch in and give it all for God's glory. The phrase seems silly and yes we still get so tickled thinking about those amazing adventures that we sometimes wet our pants from laughter, but that phrase is now one of the reasons Oasis Church means so much to me.<br /><br />Portable church....whoever heard of a portable church? I never had until my crazy, insane, Christ following husband informed me that a portable church is exactly what Oasis would be. Now, 10 years after our first mission trip, Curt and I and the rest of Oasis is setting up and taking down, just like God had planned for us so many years ago. I'm not sure I can explain this because I am terrible with words, but being portable has taught my kids and I a valuable lesson in what church really should be. Church isn't a building.....seriously??? YES, seriously! Church is the body of Christ, the people who gather together, worship together, fellowship together. Church is about forming relationships with new people, inviting them in and then sending them out to continue the cycle. Church is NOT about the color of the walls, the flowers in the vestibule or the size of the auditorium, church is your congregation. My prayer is that Oasis NEVER has a permanent building.......we don't want to be content, we don't want to become complacent! If every single church we plant is portable, then so be it. I'm prepared to "set it up and take it down" for the rest of my life, are you? Oasis is preparing me for the next step and even though I am uncertain of what that step may be, I know that God is preparing my heart and the hearts of those who need to be reached. Thank you God for allowing me the opportunity to serve you in this life, I am so unworthy.<br /><br />My wife is so amazing! To this day we still laugh about "set it up, tear it down." We had no Idea what God was preparing us for. Morgan, I love you so much. I am blessed to the nth degree to spend the rest of my life with you!Curt Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00093337270244295561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4070018267541385992.post-50964080626945910942009-11-01T21:53:00.002-05:002009-11-01T22:18:56.528-05:00Sunday Sum-up.Today was awesome! The highlight by far was that one person at Oasis Church gave their life to Christ today! That is so freakin' awesome! That brings the total to 4 people who have given their lives to Christ since we launched 14 weeks ago! I feel like we have been going for years and yet I feel like we just started last week. I am sooooo full of excitement for what God is doing in our presence. Steven Cathcart led worship today and I must say that he did a fantastic job. I've known Steven for years and I love him dearly. He has more musical talent in his pinky toe than most people have in their whole body. I absolutely LOVE that he has a desire to use his talent for God's glory. Today we began our series entitled "Practical Atheist". What is a practical atheist you ask....? A practical atheist is someone who believes in God but lives as though He doesn't exist. A recent Gallup poll has shown that some 94% of Americans believe in God or some form of God. Yet, how many people actually live as though they believe in Him? This is a huge issue in the American church. Here are a few random thoughts from today.<br /><br />-So many of us claim to know God, but our actions tell a completely different story.<br /><br />-God expects us to strive for perfection, but He doesn't expect us to attain perfection... That's what Jesus is for.<br /><br />-Someone gave their life to Christ today!<br /><br />-We can so easily miss who God is due to our blind conceit.<br /><br />-Our volunteers ROCKED IT OUT today! <br /><br />-I love our volunteers!<br /><br />-I love our staff!... As always, I'm am looking forward to this weeks staff meeting.<br /><br />-Hell is one person less crowded today!!<br /><br />-If you are really all in with God, instead of fixing your life, He will ruin it... In a really good way!<br /><br />-We have got to understand what it means to fear God.<br /><br />-If you missed today, listen to the podcast. www.ocgreenwood.com then click on Podcast.<br /><br />-We saw salvation take place first hand today!!!<br /><br />-Many people made a renewed commitment to God today! AWESOME!<br /><br />-I absolutely LOVED the new bulletins today. Eric did a fantastic job on them.<br /><br />-I love how our volunteers own the call that God has placed on their lives.<br /><br />-Jesus took on YOUR SIN!... Yes YOURS!<br /><br />-If you are coming to Oasis next week BRING A FRIEND!... or 10, it could change their eternity!<br /><br />-Remembering a quote from this week, "People aren't looking for friendly churches, they are looking for friends." Oasis, it is soooo imperative that we be completely real with people!<br /><br />-We've got camping for cans coming on Dec. 4-5th!<br /><br />-God is AMAZING!Curt Hannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00093337270244295561noreply@blogger.com0