Oaks Parish

Oaks Parish
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Abiding in Christ Jesus for the renewal of all things.

  1. Podcast Ep 60: Beauty in God’s Sanctuary with Jill Johnson

    2D AGO

    Podcast Ep 60: Beauty in God’s Sanctuary with Jill Johnson

    Mentioned in this episode: A Million Little Ways by Emily P. Freeman Questions or comments about this podcast episode? Click here to email us!

    28 min
  2. Sermon: A Dwelling Place for Glory (February 8, 2026)

    4D AGO

    Sermon: A Dwelling Place for Glory (February 8, 2026)

    Scripture Text: Exodus 25:1-9, 31-40 and 1 Kings 6:11-13 Bryan Buck Quotes for Reflection Peter Marshall Mason, A Biblical Theology of Architecture? The church is not at all like a garage; it is more like a richly furnished home into which we may gladly invite our friends and neighbors. C.S. Lewis, Miracles The archaic type of thought which could not clearly distinguish spiritual ‘Heaven’ from the sky, is from our point of view a confused type of thought. But it also resembles and anticipates a type of thought which will one day be true. That archaic sort of thinking will become simply the correct sort when Nature and Spirit are fully harmonized. Phillip Graham Ryken, Exodus God is a great lover of beauty, as we can see from the collection of his work that hangs in the gallery of the universe. Form is as important to him as function. Thus it was not enough for the tabernacle to be laid out in the right way; it also had to be beautiful. There was beauty in the color of its fabrics, the sparkle of its gems, the shape of its objects, and the symmetry of its proportions. The tabernacle was a thing of beauty. God made sure of this by taking the unprecedented step of endowing its artists with the gift of his Spirit. Application Questions 1. Have you ever worshiped in a space whose architecture deepened your sense of God’s presence? What stood out to you? 2. Why do beauty and utility often feel in tension in church spaces? How might Oaks faithfully hold both together? 3. What elements of our sanctuary help draw your attention toward God in worship?

    25 min
  3. Podcast Ep 59: Remember your baptism; come to the feast

    FEB 3

    Podcast Ep 59: Remember your baptism; come to the feast

    The Oaks Parish Podcast Bryan Buck and Martha Van Houten Questions or comments about this podcast episode? Click here to email us!

    27 min
  4. Sermon: Sacramental Mystery (February 1, 2026)

    FEB 1

    Sermon: Sacramental Mystery (February 1, 2026)

    Scripture Text: Titus 3:3-8 and 1 Corinthians 10:14-22 Bryan Buck Quotes for Reflection Mother Maria Skobtsova, The Second Gospel Commandment Does he not see in our ugliness, in our impoverished lives, in our festering sores, in our crippled souls-does He not see there His own divine image and a reflection of his eternal glory and eternal beauty? And so He will return to the churches and bring all those whom He has summoned to the wedding feast. The Westminster Confession of Faith, chapter 27 “Of the Sacraments” Sacraments are holy signs and seals of the covenant of grace, immediately instituted by God, to represent Christ, and his benefits; and to confirm our interest in him: as also, to put a visible difference between those that belong unto the church, and the rest of the world; and solemnly to engage them to the service of God in Christ, according to the Word. C.S. Lewis, The Weight of Glory In speaking of this desire for our own far-off country, which we find in ourselves even now, I feel a certain shyness. I am almost committing an indecency. I am trying to rip open the inconsolable secret in each one of you-the secret which hurts so much that you take your revenge on it by calling it names like Nostalgia and Romanticism and Adolescence; the secret also which pierces with such sweetness that when, in very intimate conversation, the mention of it becomes imminent, we grow awkward and affect to laugh at ourselves; the secret we cannot hide and cannot tell, though we desire to do both....The books or the music in which we thought the beauty was located will betray us if we trust to them;.... they are not the thing itself; they are only the scent of a flower we have not found, the echo of a tune we have not heard, news from a country we have never yet visited. Do you think I am trying to weave a spell? Perhaps I am; but remember your fairy tales. Spells are used for breaking enchantments as well as for inducing them. And you and I have need of the strongest spell that can be found to wake us from the evil enchantment of worldliness which has been laid upon us. Application Questions 1. When have you dedicated yourself to a course of action that, at first didn't seem to have an impact, but imperceptibly changed you over time? What was that experience like and what was the result? Share with others or journal the details. 2. What questions arise for you regarding baptism and the Lord’s Supper? What clarity comes from the Scriptures? Discuss this with people in your Parish Community to gain further insight. 3. How have you experienced God's presence with you during baptism and the Lord's Supper? Share how that has impacted you in small or even large ways in your faith journey.

    26 min
  5. The Liturgical Feasts Ep 5: The Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord (Candlemas)

    JAN 27

    The Liturgical Feasts Ep 5: The Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord (Candlemas)

    With Special Guest Marie Emmett Sources and Further Reading on Candlemas: The Liturgical Home: The Feast of the Presentation (Candlemas)The Presentation of Our Lord: The Message of CandlemasWhat is Candlemas and how to observe it (University of Notre Dame / McGrath Institute for Church Life)Sacred Seasons: A Family Guide to Center Your Year Around Jesus (by Danielle Hitchen) In this podcast series, we have a chance to explore how the historic Christian church has marked time for centuries through special seasons, feasts, and other noteworthy days - and how we can embrace the value and beauty of these liturgical celebrations in our own community. Music: “The Size of Grace” © Courtland Urbano Upcoming Episodes of The Liturgical Feasts Podcast Series: March 17: The Feast of the Annunciation (3/25) May 12: The Feast of the Ascension (5/17) May 19: The Feast of Pentecost (5/24) May 26: The Feast of the Holy Trinity (5/31)

    25 min
  6. Sermon: The Work of the People (January 25, 2026)

    JAN 26

    Sermon: The Work of the People (January 25, 2026)

    Scripture Text: 1 Peter 2:4-10 and Hebrews 10:19-25 Bryan Buck Quotes for Reflection Tish Harrison Warren, Liturgy of the Ordinary I need rituals that encourage me to embrace what is repetitive, ancient, and quiet. But what I crave is novelty and stimulation. James K.A. Smith, Desiring the Kingdom Being a disciple of Jesus is not primarily a matter of getting the right ideas and doctrines and beliefs into your head in order to guarantee proper behavior; rather, it's a matter of being the kind of person who loves rightly--who loves God and neighbor and is oriented to the world by the primacy of that love. We are made to be such people by our immersion in the material practices of Christian worship--through affective impact, over time, of sights and smell in water and wine N.T. Wright, Hebrews for Everyone Faith isn’t something you can just drum up like that by your own efforts. It’s what comes when you are looking hard at the object of faith, namely Jesus – or, if you like, God seen in the light of, and in the face of, Jesus. The whole letter has been about Jesus, and about who we are as a result of who he is and what he’s done. Thinking that through, and holding firmly on to it, produces the complete assurance Hebrews is talking about. Application Questions 1. What do you notice about the difference between cognitive and embodied learning? 2. Liturgy is defined as “the work of the people.” How do you paradoxically experience God’s grace while doing this “work.” 3. Why would Peter say that we are chosen to proclaim the excellencies of God? How does this aim change your relationship to God this week?

    27 min
  7. Podcast Ep 58: The Beauty of Liturgy for the Heart

    JAN 20

    Podcast Ep 58: The Beauty of Liturgy for the Heart

    The Oaks Parish Podcast Bryan Buck and Martha Van Houten Questions or comments about this podcast episode? Click here to email us!

    33 min
  8. Sermon: The Shape Of Our Loves (January 18, 2026)

    JAN 19

    Sermon: The Shape Of Our Loves (January 18, 2026)

    Scripture Text: Psalm 115 and Romans 12:1-2 Bryan Buck Quotes for Reflection James K.A. Smith, You Are What You Love The heart is the existential chamber of our love, and it is our loves that orient us toward some ultimate end or telos. It’s not just that I “know” some end or “believe” in some telos. More than that, I long for some end. I want something, and want it ultimately. It is my desires that define me. In short, you are what you love. William James, Psychology: The Briefer Course All our life, so far as it has definite form, is but a mass of habits - practical, emotional, and intellectual - systematically organized for our weal or woe, and bearing us irresistibly toward our destiny, whatever the latter may be. Martin Lloyd Jones, Authentic Christianity A man's god is that for which he lives, for which he is prepared to give his time, his energy, his money, that which stimulates him and rouses him, excites, and enthuses him. The Songs of Jesus, Timothy & Kathy Keller Idols are usually good things turned into ultimate things because we look to them to give us the significance and security that can come only from God. How can we “put away” our idols? Whenever you see your heart in the grip of some kind of temptation, anxiety, or fit of anger, ask: How are my feelings being caused by an inordinate hope for something to give me what only Jesus can? How does Christ give me so much more fully and graciously and suitably the very things I am looking for elsewhere? Application Questions 1. Reflect on a personal passion in your life. How has this affection practically shaped your life for good or ill and what does this dynamic reveal? 2. Identify a love at work in your heart that rivals God. When you deconstruct the habit that supports this love what insight to you gain for its transformation? 3. Why is liturgy so good for keeping us in an abiding relationship with God?

    27 min
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About

Abiding in Christ Jesus for the renewal of all things.

Information

  • Creator
    Oaks Parish
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    250
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Oaks Parish 2023
  • Show Website
    Oaks Parish