UTILIZING 8 OAK STREET FOR SABBATH REST A Vision for Ponds

History In the fall of 2006, the homeowner of 8 Oak Street, acting on a gentleman’s agreement between her late husband and a church member, notified the church that she would be selling her home. The decision was made to purchase the home, and on December 8, 2006 the documents were signed.

Why purchase the house at 8 Oak Street? The house will allow us to follow God’s plan by connecting with the community in new, dynamic ways. Through prayer, study of scripture and discussion the consistory has heard God calling the church to move into a greater mission role to Oakland and the surrounding communities. Purchasing the house addresses God’s calling for us to be in mission to people with physical, relational, and spiritual needs. Ultimately, the Kingdom of God benefits. Specifically, Ponds Reformed Church benefits with the house providing additional space for a growing congregation.* *Capital Campaign FAQ Handout

What was the vision for the house at 8 Oak Street? The house would become a new “doorway” for the ministry and mission of Ponds Reformed Church to a local community so loved by God. Upstairs Main floor Basement *Capital Campaign FAQ Handout

The upstairs … will be used to relocate our church offices. This meets a real need for space. By moving the offices we can use the present office space for a secure and functional nursery. Since acquiring the house, an alternate, very accessible space has been renovated and beautifully decorated as a nursery in Fellowship Hall. Therefore, we don’t have space needs at this time.

The basement… of the house will be used by the Christian Action Committee. Food can be collected, stored and distributed to needy families. Working in tandem with the Center for Food Action in Mahwah, Ponds can be a “first stop” where Oakland residents can receive immediate help and information about long-term help from the Center for Food Action. A food pantry has been established in the Old Fellowship Hall.

The house will serve as a gathering place for people of all ages within the community to come and find a welcoming, warm place. This is a real community/church need. Based on research of 250 people within Oakland, there is no place for people to gather, to share, and to be heard. Starbucks arrived in Oakland. Will Nedds established a youth center in the Oakland library. Ponds Youth Center continues to grow with 30 students.

Let us celebrate that needs we identified in 2005 are being met today.

Where is God calling us to participate in God’s mission?

Sabbath Rest “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

Imagine… A place where a family can find rest from financial, relational, emotional turmoil. A place where a person can find security. A place where a person can find healing and restoration. A place to experience God’s transforming love. A place to find his/her calling.

Imagine… A family finding financial rest Helping others find a job or develop plans for a new career path and get necessary education. Provide people time to be less stressed and therefore: Time to heal after a job loss. Time to be a family. Time to work on relationships. Time to obtain additional education.

Imagine… a congregation involved in such a way that our efforts were more than treatment of the symptoms but brought about deep, lasting change. Imagine…after months sending families forth, as new creations, free from the powers that bound them.

Can you imagine this? Is this something you discern through Spirit and scripture, God calling us into? Throughout the spring, consistory members want to know your thoughts. Let’s start talking.