Last weekend, I was with about 60 other Live Oakers at a church retreat held in the Hill Country at U-Bar-U. It was a relaxing way to "do church." We had different workshops like prayer-bead making and archery, music, crafts, swimming, star-gazing, and more. I heard several folks say it was like summer camp. Mostly, we got to have leisurely conversations, the type we don't always make time for in our busy day-to-day lives. On Sunday, there was a casual outdoor worship service, with everyone who wanted to, sharing about their experience of the weekend.
Live Oak is growing and thriving. Experts on church growth will often refer to large congregations as being "a congregation of congregations." We need to be intentional about creating opportunities for members to have those "smaller" community experiences. Events like the retreat or the Fall/Spring camping trips are one way of getting a broad swath of members, but in a more intimate gathering. Another way is through groups that come together around a shared interest, such as the Choir, the Men's group, Soulful Parenting, Book club, etc. And then there are the designated "small groups" like Journey Circles.
And of course, there's service. Helping out, whether it's trimming the bushes with the Buildings & Grounds team, helping our neighbors get nutritious food through Fresh Food for All, or teaching ESL are all great ways of getting to know others in smaller settings.
Our Membership Professional, Barbara Frazell, encourages all new members to consider engaging with "worship plus one." Come to the worship service - it's where we all gather together as an intentional intergenerational community - then add one other smaller gathering: a class, a group, a team. It's a solid way to begin building relationships and finding your place here at Live Oak.
