Connecting to OCC

by Jennifer Frye

On Saturday, January 15, new members, staff and some volunteers gathered for the first Connecting to OCC class of the year. It was not only the first class of the year, it was the first to be held on a Saturday morning. The class is designed to help new members get better connected to the body. It also serves as a time of fellowship for members to meet one another, and also to meet the staff.

Lunch was provided and all present feasted on homemade barbecue, cheesy potatoes, pretzel salad and cookies. A special thanks to Linda Kemper and her team for the delicious menu. After lunch, everyone settled in and prepared for class. Bill Geiger wanted to start the class with introductions, and everyone was asked to tell their name, as well as tell of an experience with a volunteer who had made them feel welcome. As we went around the room there was one thing in common - everyone was impressed with our greeters. Whether it be a smiling face, or someone knowing their name, they felt welcomed when they entered the doors. The Brays were particularly encouraged that their neighbors, Wendell and Emma Blair, had invited them. Sonya Havens was impressed with a lady in KIDS Celebrate who took one-on-one time with her and her child to make them feel welcome. As we came to a close with this exercise, everyone present saw that we are extremely volunteer dependent. It takes volunteers to operate the church.

The class continued by describing the 5 strategies of Okolona Christian Church: Surrender, Search, Serve, Study and Support. The class was told how each of these strategies fit into the mission of Okolona Christian Church, and each member was encouraged to apply these to their own life. At the end of the class, each person was offered the opportunity to express an interest in a ministry and get connected. That is our hope for all members - to find somewhere to serve where they feel truly connected.

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