Becoming more like Jesus

By Andy O'Connell and Ruth O'Connell

We've just started a new series looking at Jesus' teaching and invitation to follow his narrow way. “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:13-14)

Investing in generous giving - Gift Days 2023

By Steve Jones (on behalf of the Elders)

Steve Jones, OCC Senior Pastor, introduces our founding vision for the church - and how that leads us to prepare for our 2023 Gift Days on Sundays 18 and 25 June, and 2 July.

Steve Jones (on behalf of the Elders)

Expectancy (part 1)!

By Andy O'Connell

One of a series of blogs from team visits to Bethel Church (Redding, California), a large and well-known church that God is using to serve the body of Christ more widely. See my previous blog here.

In previous blogs I noted some of the really straightforward learnings from my recent trip to Bethel, as well as the first two challenges (risk-taking, and fivefold leadership) that I've had to process more.

Gift Day Update

By Andy O'Connell

Now that the dust has settled, we wanted to report further on the Gift Days in September 2021. 

As Sanjay said in a previous blog, "through September, we spent four weeks looking together at money! We walked with Jesus towards Jerusalem, looking at four stories about money in Luke 19-21. We considered our attitude in giving, the aim of our giving, the amount we give, and what God does when we use our money for His Kingdom. …

Gift Days (September 2021) - an update

By Sanjay Mahtani

Through September, we spent four weeks looking together at money! We walked with Jesus towards Jerusalem, looking at four stories about money in Luke 19-21. We considered our attitude in giving, the aim of our giving, the amount we give, and what God does when we use our money for His Kingdom. Through it all, we remembered that we give because God is the ultimate giver - for God so loved the world that He GAVE Jesus! 

Forward Together!

By Sanjay Mahtani (on behalf of the Elders)

September is here, a new year has a begun! Perhaps more than usual this year, the autumn can be a time of particular hope, vision, and expectation. As people move to Oxford during Sept-Oct, it’s our habit to take a few weeks looking at our vision as a church. But this autumn, we’re spending four weeks looking at both vision and money. Why would we do that?! 

Sanjay Mahtani (on behalf of the Elders)

Investing in our Future - Gift Days 2021

By Andy O'Connell (on behalf of the Elders)

In 21-22 we want to invest in development / growth / breakthrough, especially in our four Future Focus goals. 

To do this we want to invest in releasing more time from some members of staff and leadership, in order that they can increase their focus. Ideally, we want to increase capacity (time) for these people. If you're not sure who's who, look here

Andy O'Connell (on behalf of the Elders)

10 dynamics of our church finances

By Andy O'Connell

At the church news and prayer evening this week, one of the things Steve Jones explained was some of the dynamics affecting our church finances. Below, and to respond to your questions, Andy unpacks that a little more, so if you have any more questions please ask him!

Andy O'Connell

The barometer of giving

By Andy O'Connell

Part 3 of a 3 part blog. Part 1Part 2.

This is a barometer. A barometer helps us understand what is going on with the weather, which is always a bit hard to work out (esp in Britain). It helps us understand something that is a bit complicated. A barometer doesn't tell us everything we need to know about the weather, but it tells us enough to discern what is going on.

Andy O'Connell