From the Pastor's Desk

Dear Church Family,
        Easter Sunday is always a special day at Oakland, but I believe this one will be a special, special day despite the chance of rain.  If it is raining, we will have our Easter sunrise Service in the Sanctuary.  That will be followed by our Annual Easter Breakfast.  Our Deacons are preparing for a lot of people, so make plans to come and eat.  Then everyone will be attending Sunday School, followed by our morning Worship Service. I will be baptizing several people.  This is also Tom and Pam’s last Sunday with us. And unless it is thundering and lightning or just pouring down rain, we will have a Groundbreaking Ceremony following our morning service.  You don’t want to miss it!
Beginning April 3rd, I will take a break from the book of Matthew to preach a series I’m calling, “Doing Church”.  The series will end on May 1st with the first anniversary of our “Building Together As One” Building Campaign.  I’m asking each of us to reach deep into our pockets and let’s give a “Hallelujah” offering on that day...to the general offering and to the Building Fund. God has much work for us to do as a church and most of it takes financial resources.
I want to ask you to be praying much for God’s power to be poured out in our services, for deep conviction of sin and hearts of repentance.  Pray for visitors who are here every week.  Pray for the spiritual temperature of our church.  Pray for me as I study and prepare God’s messages for us.  Pray for laborers for the harvest, for workers in His vineyard.  Pray against the enemy, Satan.  Pray for souls to be saved. Pray for God’s will to be done at Oakland.  Lastly, pray for each other.
I read recently that we are always asking God to answer our prayers. “Wouldn’t be nice if, just for once, we would answer one of His prayers”.

Serving the Savior,
Pastor Mike