OUC Fall Newsletter 2023

InOther

WORDS...

A N OA

KWO O D U

NIVERSITY CHU

RCH NEWSLETTER

FALL 202 VOLUME I •

3

Believing HIS Plan for an “Expected End”

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Editor’s Note:

Introducing “In Other Words” Message from our Senior Pastor:

“The Death of Truth”

Debleaire K. Snell, Senior Pastor, OUC and Speaker/Director, BOL Ministries

Stewardship Feature:

“Operation Stretch” Capital Campaign

Follow us:

Prayer Ministries:

Prayer Thrives @OUC!

Editor’s Note by Communication Ministry Leader

Managing Editor Patrice Thomas Conwell Design Editor Jerry Ross Editorial Contributors George Cartwright Maquisha Mullins Photographers Joseph W. Booth Jr. Alvin Goulbourne Jr. Briana Moncur Gianna Snell Pastoral Staff Debleaire K. Snell Senior Pastor

Paul Goodridge General

Kimberly Mann Youth

Kirk Nugent Media

Marc Stephen Raphael Children’s Ministry

Lloyd H. Wilson

Visitation & Bereavement

In Other Words…

is a publication of the Oakwood University Church 5500 Adventist Blvd., Huntsville, AL 35896 (256) 837-1255 www.oucsda.org For submission guidelines, send your inquiry to: communication@oucsda.org

PATRICE THOMAS CONWELL

W

elcome to this first issue of In Other Words… our OUC newsletter. At first thought, you might think that In Other Words… is an odd name for a publication. But let’s consider the phrase.

Aside from being a nod to a certain pastor who uses it often (wink, wink), the phrase has a distinct purpose. Webster’s says it’s “used to introduce a statement that repeats what has been said in a different and usually a simpler or more exact way.”

As a former teacher, that’s right down my alley. An effective teacher teaches each lesson in different ways because students don’t all learn the same way. Also, using various methods reinforces messages, helping students retain the lesson.

In other words, the more you repeat a message in various ways, the easier it is to remember.

See how that worked?

So, what are the messages In Other Words…will help us retain? The vision and mission of our church. Take a minute to read those statements. What do they mean or actually look like?

That’s where In Other Words… comes in. Through stories, nuggets, and pictures, my team wants this newsletter to reflect how you are supporting our church vision and mission through your church engagement.

We want In Other Words… to compel you to action. It’s easy in a church this size to feel that your gifts or efforts aren’t needed or won’t be missed. But you might be missing opportunities to be part of a unified body sharing Christ’s gospel message with others.

Join us in making the vision and mission of OUC tangible, concrete.

If you can’t be as active as you’d like, you can share this publication with someone who doesn’t know much about us.

In other words, let’s work together to become the church that Christ intended.

2023 OUC FALL CALENDAR October 28: October 28: October 28: October 29:

Sabbath Worship Experience Pastor Debleaire Snell and Jonathan Nelson New Member Lunch “Home” Play – 6:00 p.m.

“Creation” Fall Festival

November– “Family and Relationship Series“ November 1: November 4:

Prayer Meeting - Pastor Debleaire Snell Sabbath Worship Experience: Pastor Debleaire Snell – Family Life November 4: “Family” Play – 6:00 p.m.

November 5: Women’s Empowerment Brunch November 8: Male / Female Prayer Meeting Series Begins November 11: Sabbath Worship Experience: Pastor Debleaire Snell – Family Life November 11: Veteran’s Appreciation November 11: Deacons’ Luncheon and Training November 12: Deacons’ Breakfast and Training – 9:00 a.m.

November 12: Veteran’s Appreciation Luncheon and Benefits Presentation - 2:30 p.m.

November 12: Brunch and Bible – 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

November 15: Male / Female Prayer Meeting Series November 18: Sabbath Worship Experience: Dr. Wesley Knight November 18: Committed and Covered - 5:00 p.m.

November 18: Youth Lock-in - FLC November 19: “Day of Service” November 19: Church Board Meeting/Leadership Council Meeting – 9:00 a.m.

November 22: No Prayer Meeting November 25: Sabbath Worship Experience: Pastor Kim Mann November 29: Male / Female Prayer Meeting Series Ends

December

December 2-6: PELC Weekend December 2: Sabbath Worship Experience: Pre PELC – Dr. Barry Black December 6: Prayer Meeting - Pastor Debleaire Snell December 9: Sabbath Worship Experience: The Messiah December 10: Women’s Ministry Planning Meeting December 10: Brunch and Bible – 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

December 13: Prayer Meeting December 16: Sabbath Worship Experience: December 16: Committed and Covered - 5:00 p.m.

December 20: Prayer Meeting - Pastor Debleaire Snell December 23: Sabbath Worship Experience: Christmas Sermon - Pastor Debleaire Snell December 23: Kicks 4 Kidz Giveaway - 2:00 p.m.

December 27: Prayer Meeting - Pastor Debleaire Snell December 30: Sabbath Worship Experience: Communion – Pastor Debleaire Snell December 31: New Year’s Eve Praise and Thanksgiving Service / Concert – 4:00 p.m.

December 31: Sneaker Ball – 7:30 p.m.

December 31: Fireworks (Tentative)

A MESSAGE FROM OUR SENIOR PASTOR

DEBLEAIRE K. SNELL

The Death

O

of

TRUTH

ne of the unique challenges facing church, culture, and even politics is the slow death of truth. We live in a world where opinion has supplanted the authority of truth. ESPN no longer highlights actual sports, but opinion shows about sports. Most news outlets feature debate shows or political round tables more than they feature the actual reporting of news.

Recently, commentators Don Lemon of CNN and Carlson Tucker of Fox News were relieved of their anchor duties because their color commentary finally crossed lines that their networks deemed inappropriate. Social media lights up on a nightly basis with misinformed or poorly informed opinions that are spewed with the dogmatic force of a literary sledgehammer.

There was once a time when our opinions were informed by truth. In an age where truth is no longer objective, opinion is now the foundation of our subjective truths. We don’t use terms like “the truth.” That type of objective language is rejected in contemporary discourse.

Most people, when referring to the truth in a personal way, use terms like “my truth” or “your truth.”

We don’t look to the news to find the truth. We find news outlets whose perception of truth aligns with our opinion. The people we follow on Instagram or X, formerly known as Twitter, are not people who challenge our views but who reinforce our views. We seek out schools or groups where our core values are celebrated not opposed. And for religious choices, we mine the YouTube rabbit hole deeper and deeper until we find some teacher/ prophet/pastor who says something we vibe with.

The people we follow on Instagram or X, formerly known as Twitter, are not people who challenge our views but who reinforce our views. assertion that we had the truth. And it worked for many generations. But what do we do and what adjustments must we make to reach a fallen culture which shows a constantly evolving contempt for truth?

We shouldn’t abandon preaching the truth of the Bible, Salvation, or prophecy. But we must preach it in the context of compassion, in church environments of care. As the adage goes, people don’t care what you know until they know how much you care. Modalities shift all the time. But the one timeless modality is that of authentic, compassionate care for broken, hurting humanity.

The radical thought shift is where we see love as truth, not some mushy addendum to truth.

Love makes us relevant, attractive, fresh, and it makes the difficult truths of the Bible palatable. This is what Paul tried to teach the church at Corinth. “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing” (I Corinthians 13:1-3, NKJV).

Let this be the great lesson learned during our time. That love is not a diluting of the truth.

It bolsters and reinforces the truth.

This radical cultural shift challenges the Adventist church in a unique way. Our evangelistic branding has been centered around having the truth. What made us stand out was the bold In Other Words... | FALL 2023

Cover Story by our Stewardship Leader DR. EVERETT ROPER

Debt can be both debilitating and demoralizing. Proverbs 22:7 warns us that the “borrower is servant to the lender” who is able to rule. While this is often expressed in the context of personal finances it is true in the operation of church work as well. The application of this proverb is that the wise man or woman will do all he or she can to walk in the path of godly prosperity – to be a lender and not a borrower.

Incurring debt should be a last resort, and getting out of debt as quickly as possible should always be the goal. As a result of various campaigns in our church – the Oakwood Adventist Academy Phase 2 renovation and Phase 3 building projects, the sanctuary Restoration 40 project, and the Family Life Center building project – the Oakwood University Church has generated substantial debt, and now we are ready to start an aggressive Capital Campaign aimed at reducing that debt.

How much debt you ask? Currently, our combined debt is more than $3 million!

Amassing such a large debt is a hindrance that must be eradicated. By failing to adhere to the principles of stewardship we render ourselves incapable of fulfilling God’s will to feed the hungry, assist the poor, and provide for the elderly, children, and youth.

Therefore, to get out of debt as quickly as possible, we are happy to announce a major capital campaign called Operation Stretch. The remaining term of the loan is just under 15 years, but Operation Stretch is an aggressive approach to pay the loan off in just three years.

To make this happen, Operation Stretch will require each family unit to go above and beyond what they are doing now and commit to contributing an additional $250 per month.

The success of Operation Stretch will allow our church to pay off the loan 12 years earlier while paying 87% less on interest. Doing so will save the church more than $900,000 in interest! But, more importantly, paying off this loan will free us to dedicate funds to support the church’s mission.

When we launch Operation Stretch in November, start making plans now to join us as we aim to be faithful stewards of God’s funds by stretching your sacrificial giving!

In Other Words... | FALL 2023

S

n e e

on

e h t

Sc

e n e

»

C U O

M

i

st i n

e i r

s

A Message from Family Ministries Leaders DRS. MALCOLM AND NICHOLE TAYLOR

Building Healthy, GOD-connected Families God gave our fore parents two gifts when they were expelled from the Garden of Eden. Family through the marriage bond was one of those gifts. We believe our God-given duty is to protect what He has given us to steward. As such, we aim to foster good family health in our church and community.

The family system has been and is under attack by Satan because he knows that the destruction of the family leads to the destruction of our communities and churches. As a married couple of 25 years with three adult children, we know and understand the hardships that our families can face. Our passion is to help build healthy, God-connected families.

» » » »

We will achieve our goals by providing activities and programming for married couples and parents, and through women, men, and singles ministries. Here’s what we’ve offered thus far to support our vision:

Vision: Through the abounding love and sacrificial grace of Jesus Christ, Family Ministries aims to strengthen couples, families, and individuals; inspire hope; and bring healing.

» » »

Mission Family Ministries places special emphasis on the entire family as well as on each member who makes up the group. Family Ministries is committed to enhancing the bonds that bind each member of the family, the union that unites husband and wife, the unique link that exists between parents and children, and the bonds that connect families both within the religious community and outside it.

»

Goals: » Family Life Ministries aims to support and strengthen families by assisting them in laying a

solid foundation with God at the center.

To support couples in building a solid foundation for a Godly marriage.

To strengthen and encourage the entire family system.

To provide opportunities for families to enjoy themselves and spend valuable time together.

To empower families to become more devoted to Jesus and incorporate their faith into daily living.

»

»

Evening of Rhythm and Romance.

Lover’s Lane Bowling.

Make it Last Forever (Couples over 30 years of marriage share their wisdom).

Honeymooner’s Club Brunch (Couples married under ten years or less).

Committed & Covered: All Things Marriage and Family monthly broadcasts on OUC’s YouTube channel and Facebook.

Parenting with Purpose (Empowering Parents to Do It God’s Way!) biweekly meeting on Zoom.

If you missed out on any of those activities, we hope you enjoyed these recent events: Stepping in the Name of Love: Couples 5K Walk Wrapped in Love (Community initiative to support Clearview cancer patients with new blankets during chemotherapy and radiation treatments).

A Message from Prayer Ministry

DR. RAMONA L. HYMAN

#PRAYER THRIVES @ “The house of God is to be a place of prayer,” said Pastor Debleaire Snell, senior pastor of the Oakwood University Church (OUC) and director/speaker for Breath of Life ministry, during the “United in Prayer” prayer emphasis weekend held July 15-16, 2023.

Anchoring the weekend was Pastor Snell’s Holy Spirit anointed message, “Something Within Me.” Di-Dri Hurt, a “digital disciple” of the OUC prayer team, said the lesson she garnered from the message is “I do not need to confront my accusers or my conspirators. I need to be faithful to God, staying in prayer.”

Prayer ministry leader Sister Shirleyann Cherry reminded the church family and community that God admonishes each person to pray “without ceasing.” Thus, prayer intercessors were present at prayer stations located around the church to pray with people and to hand out thematic Bible promise cards.

Pastors Furman Fordham and Paul Goodridge hosted an afternoon intergenerational online panel discussion, “United in Prayer: Baptism of the Holy Spirit.” Seven panelists (Stephanie Johnson-Dingome, Taylar Johnson, Akivah Northern, Pastor Gabe Taylor, Marsha Miller, Lenroy James) answered pivotal questions around that topic. The panel ended with prayer for specific requests made by attendees.

Those attending Sunday’s prayer breakfast experienced a delicious breakfast and uplifting program. Dr. Janice Johnson Browne, Sister Gwen Shepherd, and Jedidiah Ayivor provided music, and Mrs. Joyce Vernon and Mr. David Person were honored for their service to the church and community, respectively. Mrs. Judy Dent, Oakwood Academy principal, presented a spirit-filled testimonial, reminding the audience that “this is God’s world; [we] are just living in it,” and that “God will always come through.”

Marsha Miller, an online member of the prayer line who traveled to OUC from Texas for the weekend said, “I felt like I was truly baptized by the Holy Spirit.” Taylar Johnson, who coordinates the prayer table at the mid-week prayer meeting, said the “prayer emphasis weekend was a moment to pause and mindfully think about the power of prayer and the Holy Spirit.”

Prayer is thriving at OUC. In the words of Pastor Snell, “Our hope is that the body of Christ would see a strong prayer life as something that is attainable for all. The overarching idea is to move prayer from being an optional activity to an essential activity.”

In Other Words... | FALL 2023

M HOW DO YOU DEFINE MEDIA MINISTRY?

by KIRK NUGENT

MEDIA PASTOR

Left photo: OUC online member Di-Dri Hurt is baptized

by Pastor Snell.

Right photo: Hurt’s famlily and friends celebrate her baptism.

any define media ministry, or online ministry, as people who use media skills to serve the Lord, and this is partially true; but ending the definition there misses the most crucial piece. At OUC, media ministry means expanding the traditional walls of the church to include a growing membership who view the worship experience and also take part.

Meet New

Members

Charmaine Veronica Jennings Fleurant is a native of Nassau, Bahamas

who lived much of her adulthood in Miami, Florida. She is the mother of six adult children and grandmother to one. Her eldest child graduated from Oakwood University (OU) in 2013.

Consider Di-Dri Hurt, from Florida, who walked through Bible truths with the OUC family online from her home. She joined Prayer Ministries, becoming an active dedicated member. While she became an official OUC member through profession of faith, she traveled to OUC to be baptized by Pastor Snell in August 2023.

Fleurant moved to Huntsville in 2020. She works as the head baker at OU’s Blake Center where she specializes in vegan desserts and is the sole mixologist of “Ambassador Punch.” She attributes her love of baking to her grandmother.

Fleurant likes cowboy boots, black & white movies, and Classic Radio. She also writes plays and crochets.

We have many online members who join our worship experience before or after attending their local church. However, a growing number of online members and visitors watch us in real time with no plans to go anywhere else. Our online community is their community, and we want to create spaces where we can form deep bonds and celebrate all that God is doing for each of us.

James and Carlise Stewart moved to Huntsville from Chicago in

October 2018 to take advantage of the warmer weather and lower cost of living. They joined OUC in January 2023.

James is extremely funny and outgoing, and always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone who asks. Carlise is fun and outgoing too and has a genuine love and heart for all of God’s people.

Media Ministry isn’t just cameras, lights, and microphones. It’s a catalyst that enables real people to touch real people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, both around the corner and around the globe.

The Stewarts feel very comfortable and at home being a part of the Oakwood/Breath of Life family and appreciate everyone who has shown them much love and compassion.

Advertise your business or specialty in our next issue!

Email communication@oucsda.org with your Ad request or listing for our busines directory. Ads must be submitted at least 2 weeks before publishing dates below.

In Other Words... | FALL 2023

WINTER (3rd Friday in January) SPRING (3rd Friday in March) SUMMER BREAK FALL (3rd Friday in October)

All ads must be approved for quality and content.

Ads that require design services will incur a fee.

FULL PAGE AD (INTERIOR)

$350

1/4 PAGE AD $125

1/8 PAGE AD $75 BUSINESS CARD $75

(BACK COVER) $500

HALF PAGE AD $200

To Order Products Scan QR Code Or Visit Our Website

Botanical Rx Pain & Allergy Relief Products Fast-acting & Long-lasting We Harness the We Harness the Potency of Potency of Nature's Medicine Nature’s Medicine

Testimonials "Simply put, this [allergy & sinus relief] product works - as advertised!

Might have even staved off Covid... not sure. But I'll buy it again."

J. R., OUC Member

As a runner I've used the Cramp Relief product. I would only use it when I got a cramp and it worked great. Now I put it on before my long runs."

11

G. Cartwright, OUC Member

Botanical Rx

Family of Products

botanical-rx.com botanical-rx.com

ft

™

�

Legacy Living Products, LLC Phone: (251) 957-8010 Email: service@)legacylivingproducts.com