Dear Family and Friends of Oaklawn,

Well, the voting is done and the tally came in at 63 in favor of the Long Range Proposal and 104 against. We need

to say thank you for the hard work the Long Range Planning Committee put to the task. Jennifer West, Keith

Finch, Pam Morphis, Sandra West, and Brent Fountain put in a tremendous amount of time seeking the plan they

believed God has for this church. They met most every other Monday night for two years. They spent time in prayer,

studied books, read articles, talked to other churches, talked to convention leaders and did all they could to know what God

has for us. A great deal of gratitude is owed them. I especially want to say thank you for the way they handled themselves

during the three question and answer sessions. They did a great job. The entire church may not have agreed with the plan,

but we must respect their hard work and dedication.

The question has been asked, “Why did we even have a Long Range Planning Committee?” The answer is sim-

ple, we always need to be looking to the future. This church is like many churches, in that Pastors have come and gone.

Each Pastor brings a new vision or a new plan and it may or may not be similar to the last plan the prior Pastor put forth.

For a church to be healthy, it has to decide what God has called it to be and do in the time and place it finds itself situated.

I believed the membership could take ownership of a vision that began at the grassroots level and spread to the

membership as a whole. When the vision comes through a group of church members who have had a long term stake in

the plan, it should have the ability to carry the church into the future. When new pastors arrive, they will know the plan

God has for this church and will not feel a need to create a new one. Knowing the calling God has for the church will also

bring stability and direction to the body. Everyone will know what God is doing, and all ministries can be compared to the

church’s plan for evaluation.

I have seen God move. There were people who really took this plan before God and sought His guidance. As a

whole, the congregation did not allow differences of opinion to cause great division within the church body. The way this

congregation was able to take a critical vote, disagree, and then come together is a sign of the great work God has done in

this body of believers over the past five and a half years. I know God has great plans for this church and I look forward to

seeing them carried out by His people.

With this in mind, I am asking everyone, who desires to see God use Oaklawn, to read a few books and be pre-

pared to come together on Sunday nights starting during the month of June. We will meet with everyone who is inter-

ested and we will discuss: 1. Who we are as a church: positives and negatives. 2. Who we believe God is calling us to

be in the future. 3. Then we will develop a plan for helping us move from who we are now to who God desires us to

be in the future. This is a great opportunity to see God move. I hope you will attend and share what God has laid on your

heart. Everyone is invited. God is doing Great Things in this body of Believers called Oaklawn Baptist Church. I hope

you are finding your place here.

Below are some books I would like for you to read before we begin meeting. If you need help purchasing them, let

me know and I will get you copies. If you can only read 1 or 2, they are in order of importance.

The Kingdom-Focused Church: A Compelling Image of an Achievable Future for Your Church by Gene

Mims (Hardcover - May 2003) new: $13.59 48 Used from $4.83 - at Amazon.com

Simple Church: Returning to God's Process for Making Disciples by Thom S. Rainer and Eric Geiger

(Hardcover - Jun 1, 2006) Buy new: $13.59 58 Used & new from $9.99 --- at Amazon.com

Essential Church?: Reclaiming a Generation of Dropouts by Thom S. Rainer and Sam S. Rainer

(Hardcover - Sep 1, 2008) Buy new: $13.59 40 Used & new from $10.14 --- at Amazon.com

Comeback Churches: How 300 Churches Turned Around and Yours Can, Too by Ed Stetzer and Mike

Dodson (Hardcover - May 1, 2007) Buy new: $12.23 41 Used from $9.50 - at Amazon.com

Can We Do That? Innovative Practices that will Change the Way You Do Church by Ed Young

(Paperback - Dec 1, 2004) Buy new: $11.69 32 Used & new from $0.99 --- at Amazon.com

2 3

We express our Christian Sympathy

To the family of Heness Cible Pack who died on 3/25

To Tanja Sharp and Family in the death of her Sister’s Nephew, Zachary Norris on 3/30.

To Anthony Smith in the death of his friend, Brian Barber who died on 4/5.

To Samantha, a friend of Linda Smith’s, whose husband died. He was 38 years old and they had only

been married four months.

To Linda and Brent Fountain in the death of her Father, and to Marisa Ferrell in the death of her

Grandfather, Joe Roberts who died on 4/25.

Congratulations … To Amber and Kasey Scott on the birth

of their son, Marcuz Dwaine Scott, born on April 7th, ,

weighing 7lbs, 13oz. and 20” long. The proud Great-Grandmother is Linda Schultz!

THANKS is such a small word and it doesn’t really express how much your efforts are appreciated in and around our church. Operation Inasmuch was a wonderful example of how you minister to others. Some cooked, some made dolls, others landscaped or visited the people at Kerner Ridge Assisted Living, with our friend John Largen. Some watched the kids of those involved, while others bagged groceries at the Harris Teeter or worked on cars for area ladies. We had 55 people conducting 10 projects and there’s no telling how many people’s lives were touched through the prayers and ministries. You glorified the Lord in all that you did.

Women of Faith Conference

Greensboro Coliseum November 6th & 7th

"A Grand New Day"

There is still time to register (until May 31) Sign ups for Women of Faith Conference-

November 6th&7th. Information flyers and sign up sheets are available in the Sanctuary ~

$99 registration is due May 31st. If anyone would like to sponsor a lady or make a donation to the fund,

please mark your envelope “Conference Scholarships”.

Sonshine Sisters News Thank you to the seven who joined us for our April

Ladies Night out. We enjoyed a Women of Faith DVD & played Bible Bingo. On that note I would like to add that

the Sonshine Sisters is open to ladies of ALL ages. If transportation is ever an issue please notify the church

office or Shannon Broadnax

Mark your Calendar now!!! We will be having a regularly scheduled Sonshine Sisters

mission or study on the 1st Monday of EVERY month beginning in June.

Splash into summer with the Sonshine Sisters

on Monday June 1st at 7:00pm in the Education Building. We will begin EMBRACE (NC

Baptist Women's Mission & Ministries).

Let HIS Light Shine, Shannon Broadnax

Dear Oaklawn Church Family,

There is so much that I want to say, so many memories and experiences that I will always remember and treasure but mostly the kindness and love that you have shown me. April 15th marked my 5th anniversary of service to my church family. What a privilege and honor it has been to serve here and to be a part of this wonderful church family.

Five years ago when I knew that our church needed some help here in the office, I wasn’t sure if this is really what God wanted me to do. My church family has always been there to support me and our family through the good times and the bad times. So began the prayers for guidance in what I should do. I always knew that God was preparing me for something but I just wasn’t sure what it was until I came here. And now, it has come time to retire ... May 29th seems so far away and yet I know that it will be here before I know it!

It has come to that time in my life when I want to spend some time with my family. Our grandson, Dylan is almost 13 years old, Alsyon is 5 1/2 years

old and in October we will welcome our newest grandchild! I remember how special the time with my Grandmother was and I want to have that time with them! I have always loved the time that I got to spend with our daughters, and now they are adults and have families of their own. They really are a lot of fun! I am looking forward to gardening, cooking, catching up

on my reading and some “Brenda” time.

There are so many people that I need to personally thank for all your help throughout these years. First of all, the staff. Wow! We are so fortunate to have Pastors and staff who love our church and want to serve God in everything they do. They are good and Godly men. It has been a pleasure to serve with them. Our Office Volunteers, I could not have gotten all the things that I needed to get done without your help. You are invaluable! I have gotten to know you in a way that I would never have if I had not worked here in the office. You are so special to me and I will always be grateful to you for everything you have done for me! Next, are the Wednesday Night Meal Preparers … I thank you for including me when you fixed breakfast, for letting me come in and take a break to chat with you! So many of you have shared in many ways, for making my day with donuts, flowers, a slice of your favorite cake and so many other special things you have done.

God has truly blessed me. I am so thankful for the opportunity to serve with you as we strive to reach others for Christ. I look forward to serving with you in the days ahead, just in a different way! See you on Sunday!

Love in Christ, Brenda West

Job Opening

Communications Secretary Please go to our web site:

www.obcyes.org

for more information

A Family Sharing Fai th

Oaklawn Baptist Church Staff

Todd Haley, Senior Pastor (cell: 336-406-0806) toddhaley@oaklawnbaptist.org

Jim Saul, Associate Pastor (cell: 336-577-6080) jimsaul@oaklawnbaptist.org

Charles Kennedy, Interim Music Pastor charleskennedy@oaklawnbaptist.org

Brian Price, Youth Pastor (cell: 336-420-0973) brian@oaklawnbaptist.org

Brenda West, Office Administrative Secretary brenda@oaklawnbaptist.org

Amy Gillette, Pianist 4

Sewing Class on

Saturday,

May 9th at 9:00am

Bring your sewing machines to the Education Building and let’s get together!

Men on A Mission

Sunday, May 3, at 1:30pm

Be sure to sign-up for this very special ministry. A sign-up sheet

is located in the foyer of the sanctuary or see Scott Haynes or

Brent Fountain.

Jr. Church News

May is a wonderful spring month. Two

holidays are very important to our May

calendars: Mother’s Day and Memorial

Day. Both days are set aside to say

THANKS for special blessings. However, we need to take

time to say THANKS to God for His many blessings to us –

everyday of every month!

For the Kids, Mrs. Dean

Dear fellow Christians, Thank you for your prayers, cards and food during our recent difficulties. Roger and I are both home from the hospital and praying for a fast recovery and for God’s blessing on our friends

and family for their love and concern during this time. Ginger and Roger Bauguss

Dear Friends, We want to thank you for the beautiful plant you sent in memory of our wife and mother, Ruby Adams, who is the sister of “Pete” Elliott of your congregation. Your sympathy and all your prayers are much appreciated.

Fred, Bob, Barbara Adams and Family

Dear Oaklawn Family, Thank you so much for your prayers, visits and calls during my recent illness and hospital stay. Your thoughtfulness and kindness is much appreciated. I am so blessed to have such dear friends.

Brett Boger

There will be NO meeting in May, BUT we will have lunch together on Sun.,May17, after worship service at

THE OLD PLACE, past Siler City. +++++++++++

Our trip to Victory Junction in April was beyond words and there isn’t enough room to tell it all. The children who come there for camp, all have special needs that are met on a one-on-one basis by the counselors and staff. With a “race car” theme through-out, they are loved and shown Christ’s love at every “turn”. From all over the world, people donate hand made afghans and bears for each child to enjoy and keep. They have plenty to do, with horseback riding, bowling, fishing being just a few of the wonderful activities available to them. Located on about 100 acres of land, donated by the Petty family, Adam Petty’s dream of such a facility has been fulfilled and is touching the lives of thousands. We were blessed to be able to tour the camp and hope that you have the chance to do the same.

Virginia Marshall

PrimeTimers News & Notes

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A monthly publ ica t ion of Oaklawn Bapt is t Church, Winston -Salem, North Caro lina

Volume 38, No. 5 May ~ 2009

The May 10th….. Mother’s Day

The day that we officially recognize the many blessings and sacrifices that are uniquely a Mother’s.

From Mothers- to-be all the way to Great-Great Grandmothers, lives have been molded and directed by your love and example.

Take this opportunity to HUG, THANK, LOVE

and MINISTER to one of these special women. In the morning service, we will

have our BABY DEDICATION. Please contact the church office, by May 3rd to be included in this

special Mother’s Day celebration.

GET READY FOR VBS … June 22-29 *Monday ~ 6:00 - 9:00pm *Registration is at 6pm.

Tuesday - Friday ~ 6:30-9:00 Hop on board the Boomerang Express as Vacation Bible School takes a train ride across the Land Down Under! As kids wind their way through Australia, they’ll discover the vastness of God’s love, and they’ll learn that no matter where they go or what they do in life, it all comes back to Jesus. Sign-up Today or See Zac & Ashley Martin for more info! A meeting for Leaders/Teachers will be announced soon. WATCH THE WEEKLY BULLETIN!!

Sunday evenings, 6:00pm-7:30pm

in the GSMB led by Brian Price

Deacon’s Meeting Date Change

For the month of May, our Deacon’s Meeting date will change. We will not be having evening services on the date in which our regular meeting is scheduled. So, we will meet … Sunday, May 17 at 4:30pm

Please note the change on your calendar!

We have TWO ongoing Bible Study Groups.

Starting Tuesday, May 5, Helen

Cox will be starting Part II of the study of the book of the Revelation. The class will be

each Tuesdays, ONLY at 9:30am, at Helen’s home

(120 Vogler Dr. W-S) 788-0300 for info.

**********************

On the first and fourth Thursday of every month at 7pm, Brent &

Linda Fountain host a Bible Study in their home (1231 Quaker Way Ave., K’ville) 992-9618 for info

GOD is good all the time and All the time GOD is good! Our youth ministry is in the process of renovations on the new Student Life

Center. It is going well and is close to completion. We do still need your prayers and your support. Please ask the LORD to show you how you might help with labor, supplies and/or finances. The students are very excited about having this great space for worship and fellowship and they appreciate all you do to support them.

Each year, we raise funds for our student summer camp. This year we will be going to the MFUGE Mission Camp. Our BBQ fund raiser brought in almost half of what we will need. We will be doing some other things to raise the balance, such as a yard sale and/or an auction. If you would like to sponsor a student or 2 or more, please let me know.

I thank GOD for my Oaklawn family, for your love and support for our youth. There will be some added ministry opportunities in our new Student Life Center, so please seek GOD’s wisdom about if and where He would have you come along side our youth.

In His Service, Brian Price (336-420-0973)

Church Conference

Sunday, May 31

following

the

GOSPEL Journey

Study in the GSMB

Graduate Recognition ~ Sunday, May 31 During the Morning Worship Service,

we will recognize our 2009 Graduates.

Please submit your

Graduate’s name and

school info to the

church office

BY MAY 10.

May 31 is the 5th Sunday

of the month!

Breakfast/Large group

S.S. begins at 9am.

Bring your favorite breakfast dishes.

The Church Office will be closed on

Monday, May 25

in observance of Memorial Day.