Oaks Parish

Scripture Text: Ephesians 2:1-10Mike KellyQuotes for ReflectionCS Lewis, The Problem of PainWe have so concentrated on one of the virtues — "kindness" or mercy— that most of us do not feel that anything except kindness to be really good or anything but cruelty to be really bad.....The real trouble is that "kindness" is a quality fatally easy to attribute to ourselves on inadequate grounds. Everyone feels benevolent if nothing happens to be annoying him at the moment… If, being cowardly, conceited and slothful, you have never done a fellow creature great mischief, that is only because your neighbor's welfare has not happened to conflict with your safety, self-approval, or ease.

During week 3 of Lent, we invite you to listen to the following reflection at any point during the week; it loosely follows the practice of Lectio Divina - listening to the Word of God and responding in prayer.Music © Courtland Urbano // Special thanks to Courtland Urbano, for his contribution of music to these daily reflections.All Scripture is from the New Revised Standard Version © National Council of Churches (1989 )All prayers are from the Book of Common Prayer © Public Domain (2019)

During week 3 of Lent, we invite you to listen to this reflection at the end of your week, as an opportunity to look back on your week using the prayer practice of Examen.Music © Courtland Urbano // Special thanks to Courtland Urbano, for his contribution of music to these daily reflections.All Scripture is from the New Revised Standard Version © National Council of Churches (1989 )All prayers are from the Book of Common Prayer © Public Domain (2019)

Scripture Text: 1 Peter 1:13-25Bryan BuckQuotes for ReflectionRudyard Kipling, “The Way through the Woods”They shut the road through the woodsSeventy years ago.Weather and rain have undone it again.And now you would never knowThere was once a road through the woods.J.I. Packer, Rediscovering Holiness“Holy” is both biblical languages means separated and set apart for God, consecrated and made over to Him. In its application to people, God’s “holy ones” or “saints,” the word implies both devotion and assimilation: devotion, in the sense of living a life of service to God; assimilation, in the sense of imitating, conforming to, and becoming like the God one serves. For Christians, this means taking God’s moral law as our rule and God’s incarnate Son as our model; this is where our analysis of holiness must start.J.C. Ryle, HolinessMost people hope to go to heaven when they die, but few, it may be feared, take the trouble to consider whether or not they would enjoy heaven if they got there. Heaven is essentially a holy place. Its inhabitants are all holy. Its activities are all holy. To be really happy in heaven, it is clear and plain that we must be somewhat trained and made ready for heaven while we are on earth.Henri Nouwen, Out of SolitudeGive me eyes to see and ears to hear. I know there is light in the darkness that makes everything new. I know there is a joy beyond sorrow that rejuvenates my heart. Yes, Lord, I know that you are, that you act, that you love, that you indeed are Light, Life, and Truth. People, work, plans, projects, ideas, meetings, buildings, paintings, music, and literature all can only give me real joy and peace when I can see and hear them as reflections of your presence, your glory, your kingdom.Application Questions1. How is God’s holiness important for our culture today?2. Peter’s exhortation is to live as foreigners with reverent fear. How would that reshape your life?3. As we begin the season of Lent, where do you sense the need for holiness in your life?

During week 2 of Lent, we invite you to listen to this reflection at the end of your week, as an opportunity to look back on your week using the prayer practice of Examen.Music © Courtland Urbano // Special thanks to Courtland Urbano, for his contribution of music to these daily reflections.All Scripture is from the New Revised Standard Version © National Council of Churches (1989 )All prayers are from the Book of Common Prayer © Public Domain (2019)

During week 2 of Lent, we invite you to listen to the following reflection at any point during the week; it loosely follows the practice of Lectio Divina - listening to the Word of God and responding in prayer.Music © Courtland Urbano // Special thanks to Courtland Urbano, for his contribution of music to these daily reflections.All Scripture is from the New Revised Standard Version © National Council of Churches (1989 )All prayers are from the Book of Common Prayer © Public Domain (2019)

During week 1 of Lent, we invite you to listen to this reflection at the end of your week, as an opportunity to look back on your week using the prayer practice of Examen. Music © Courtland Urbano // Special thanks to Courtland Urbano, for his contribution of music to these daily reflections. All Scripture is from the New Revised Standard Version © National Council of Churches (1989 )All prayers are from the Book of Common Prayer © Public Domain (2019)

During week 1 of Lent, we invite you to listen to the following reflection at any point during the week; it loosely follows the practice of Lectio Divina - listening to the Word of God and responding in prayer. Music © Courtland Urbano // Special thanks to Courtland Urbano, for his contribution of music to these daily reflections. All Scripture is from the New Revised Standard Version © National Council of Churches (1989 )All prayers are from the Book of Common Prayer © Public Domain (2019)

The Oaks Parish Podcast Bryan Buck & Martha Van HoutenEpisode Links:Rich Habits Podcast on Apple or SpotifyPracticing the King’s Economy - Rhodes, Holt, and Fikkert

Scripture Text: 1 Timothy 6:6-19; Luke 12:13-21Bryan BuckQuotes for ReflectionRandy Alcorn, Money, Possessions, and EternityWater is a gift of God. Used properly, it gives life. Out of control, it floods, drowns, and destroys. Fire is a gift of God. Out of control, it brings horrible destruction and death. The greater a thing's potential for good when used rightly, the greater its potential for evil when used wrongly. So it is with money—it has vast potential to be used for either good or evil.Kim King, When Women GiveMoney is simply a tool. Right? How do we use this tool? There are only three options: We can save. We can spend. We can give. None of these choices is inherently good or bad. What makes money good or bad is its use.C.S. Lewis, Mere ChristianityIf our expenditure on comforts, luxuries, amusements, etc, is up to the standard common among those with the same income as our own, we are probably giving away too little.Thomas Merton, The Seven Storrey MountainAs the week went on, the house began to fill, and the evening before Holy Thursday there must have been some twenty-five or thirty retreatants in the monastery, men young and old, from all quarters of the country. Half a dozen students had hitch-hiked down from Notre Dame, with glasses and earnest talk about the philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas. There was a psychiatrist from Chicago who said he came down every Easter, and there were three or four pious men who turned out to be friends and benefactors of the monastery— quiet, rather women personages; they assumed a sort of command over the other guests. They had a right to. They practically lived here in this guest house. In fact, they had a kind of quasi-vocation all their own. They belonged to that special class of men raised up by God to support orphanages and convents and monasteries and build hospitals and feed the poor. On the whole it is a way to sanctity that is sometimes too much despised. It sometimes implies a more than ordinary humility in men who come to think that the monks and nuns they assist are creatures of another world. God will show us at the latter day that many of them were better men than the monks they supported!Application Questions1. What do you learn about your own heart from the parable of the Rich Fool?2. Creating a cushion, ditching bad debt, and planning ahead are essential movements that enable generosity. What is God calling you to focus on in this season in order to become a cheerful giver?3. Looking back at this series, what’s your biggest takeaway?

The Oaks Parish PodcastBryan Buck & Martha Van Houten

Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 8:1-9; Malachi 3:6-12Bryan BuckQuotes for Reflection:The Spirit of the Reformation Study Bible, MalachiThe book may serve as a catechism for times of doubt and disappointment, during which people in the visible church are tempted to disengage from their covenant God. The prophets ministry was to light the lamp of faith in a disheartened people by reminding them of God’s electing love and to set forth the continuing obligations of the covenant to those who truly knew God.Randy Alcorn, Money, Possessions, and EternityParting with money wasn't any easier for the people of Israel than for us. In fact, most of them were far poorer and worked a great deal harder for their money than we do. Yet tithing was so built into their lives that it became "natural" to them in the best sense. In times of national obedience, their fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, and business partners-everyone around them—practiced tithing. It became a way of life. When they went their own way and stopped tithing and withheld freewill offerings, God told them they were robbing him. Then he invited his people to test him by going back to tithing and giving voluntary offerings. The tithe was a divine invitation to test God's promises to provide (Malachi 3:8-12). Tithing begins as a duty but can become a delight, leading to joyful voluntary giving. For faithful Israelites, unclenching their fists and opening them to God had a thousand trickle-down benefits. Is it any different for us today?Irenaeus of Lyons, Against HeresiesThe Jews were constrained to a regular payment of tithes; Christians, who have liberty, assign all their possessions to the Lord, bestowing freely not the lesser portions of their property, since they have the hope of greater things.John Cortines & Gregory Baumer, True RichesWe shouldn’t give to things because we care about them deeply. Rather, we should give to things because God cares about them deeply. Giving often starts as an obedient step of faith before it blossoms into joyful love over time. Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”Application Questions:1. Why is giving a tenth of our income so important for our life with God?2. Have you trusted God in tithing even when it was difficult? If so, what was the result?3. Take a moment this week to check-in on your tithe. What action do you need to take?

The Oaks Parish Podcast with Bryan Buck & Martha Van HoutenEpisode Notes & Links:Click here to submit a question for the Cheerful Giving series.Recommended Reading:Money Boss Mom by Jamie A BosseRedeeming Money by Paul David TrippTrue Riches by John Cortines & Gregory BaumerWhen Women Give by Kim KingMoney, Possessions, and Eternity by Randy AlcornGod and Money by John Cortines & Gregory Baumer

Scripture Text: Genesis 3:1-24 and Luke 19:1-10Bryan BuckQuotes for Reflection:Tim Keller, Counterfeit Gods Money cannot save you from tragedy, or give you control in a chaotic world. Only God can do that. What break the power of money over us is not just redoubled effort to follow the example of Christ. Rather, it is deepening your understanding of the salvation of Christ, what you have in him, and then living out the changes that that understanding makes in your heart-the seat of your mind, will, and emotions.Kim King, When Women Give We were made to give. Scripture tells us that God made men and women in his image (Genesis 1:26-27), so we were made to love. We were made to enjoy what our Creator enjoys. We were also made to act with authority and responsibility toward all God has created on earth and entrusted to us. We share this responsibility with each other and with God.Basil of Caesarea, In Time of Great Famine and Drought, 4th century Preserve gratitude like a precious deposit within your soul, and from it you will receive a double portion of delight.Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline If what we have we receive as a gift, and if what we have is to be cared for by God, and if what we have is available to others, then we will possess freedom from anxiety. This is the inward reality of simplicity. However, if what we have we believe we have gotten, and if what we have we believe we must hold onto, and if what we have is not available to others, then we will live in anxiety.John Cortines & Gregory Baumer, True Riches What is deeply within my heart, underneath my financial behaviors? If our hearts are full of gratitude for who God is and what he has given us, then we’re poised to experience the joy of God with our money. If our hearts are full of pride at what we can experience or accomplish, we’re on a road that tragically leads away from the true riches of life with God.Application Questions:1. Made in God’s image, we are created for generosity. What impact does this have for you personally?2. Among the barriers to generosity noted in the sermon, what’s most challenging for you?3. The gospel moves us from pride to gratitude. How can that change your relationship with money?

The Oaks Parish Podcast with Bryan Buck & Martha Van HoutenEpisode Notes & Links:Click here to contact Steve if you’re interested in financial counseling.Recommended Listening:Motley Fool Money (Apple Podcasts or Spotify)Money Guy (Apple Podcasts or Spotify)Rich Habits (Apple Podcasts or Spotify)Recommended Reading:Money Boss Mom by Jamie A BosseRedeeming Money by Paul David TrippTrue Riches by John Cortines & Gregory BaumerWhen Women Give by Kim KingMoney, Possessions, and Eternity by Randy AlcornGod and Money by John Cortines & Gregory Baumer

Scripture Text: Matthew 25:14-30Bryan BuckQuotes for Reflection:Tim Keller, Counterfeit Gods As a pastor I’ve had people come to me to confess that they struggle with almost every kind of sin. Almost. “I spend too much money on myself. I think my greedy lust for money is harming my family, my soul, and people around me.” Greed hides itself from the victim. The money god’s modus operandi includes blindness to your own heart. Jesus warns people far more often about greed than about sex, yet almost no one thinks they are guilty of it. Therefore we should all begin with a working hypothesis that “this could easily be a problem for me.” If greed hides itself so deeply, no one should be confident that it is not a problem for them. How can we recognize and become free from the power of money blind to us? Randy Alcorn, Money, Possessions, & Eternity Stewardship isn’t a subcategory of the Christian life. Stewardship is the the Christian life. After all, what is stewardship that God has entrusted to us life, time, talents, money, possessions, family, and his grace? In each case, he evaluates how we regard what he has entrusted to us-and what we do with it. Scott Badger-Saye, Following Jesus in a Culture of Fear When our moral lives are shaped by fear, and safety is worshiped as the highest good, we are tempted to make health and security the primary justification for right action. We thus lead timid lives, fearing the risks of bold gestures. Instead of being courageous, we are content to be safe. Instead of being hopeful, we make virtues of cynicism and irony, which in turn keep us a safe distance from risky commitments. We are more likely to tell our children to “be careful” than to “be good.” The extravagant vision that woudl change the world gets traded in for the passive axiom “do no harm.” Application Questions:1. What are 2-3 words that summarize your relationship with money? 2. What questions or concerns would you like God to address in your heart during this series? 3. If God owns everything and we are merely stewards, what difference does this make for your life?

The Oaks Parish PodcastMartha Van Houten & special guest Matt DiBiasioClick here to learn more about our work with Family Promise and volunteer!

Scripture Text: Matthew 2:1-23Mike Kelly

Special thanks to Alex Wenig, Director of Music at Oaks Parish, for her contribution of music to the podcast! From “Offering” © Alexandra Adkins, 2011:Sonata For 2 Violins In D Major, Op. 3, No. 6: IV. Allegro Ma Non Troppo (Jean-Marie Leclair, 18th century)Sonata For 2 Violins In D Major, Op. 3, No. 6: I. Andante (Jean-Marie Leclair, 18th century)All Scripture is from the New Revised Standard Version © National Council of Churches (1989 )All prayers are from the Book of Common Prayer © Public Domain (2019)

Special thanks to Alex Wenig, Director of Music at Oaks Parish, for her contribution of music to the podcast! From “Offering” © Alexandra Adkins, 2011:Sonata For 2 Violins In D Major, Op. 3, No. 6: IV. Allegro Ma Non Troppo (Jean-Marie Leclair, 18th century)Sonata In E Major, Op. 1, No. 15: III: Largo (George Frideric Handel, 18th century)All Scripture is from the New Revised Standard Version © National Council of Churches (1989 )All prayers are from the Book of Common Prayer © Public Domain (2019)

Scripture Text: Psalm 98Bryan Buck

Special thanks to Alex Wenig, Director of Music at Oaks Parish, for her contribution of music to the podcast! From “Offering” © Alexandra Adkins, 2011:Sonata For 2 Violins In D Major, Op. 3, No. 6: IV. Allegro Ma Non Troppo (Jean-Marie Leclair, 18th century)Trio Sonata In G Major, Op. 3, No. 6: II. Grave (Arcangelo Corelli, 17th century)All Scripture is from the New Revised Standard Version © National Council of Churches (1989 )All prayers are from the Book of Common Prayer © Public Domain (2019)

Special thanks to Alex Wenig, Director of Music at Oaks Parish, for her contribution of music to the podcast! From “Offering” © Alexandra Adkins, 2011:Sonata For 2 Violins In D Major, Op. 3, No. 6: IV. Allegro Ma Non Troppo (Jean-Marie Leclair, 18th century)Sonata For 2 Violins In D Major, Op. 3, No. 6: I. Andante (Jean-Marie Leclair, 18th century)All Scripture is from the New Revised Standard Version © National Council of Churches (1989 )All prayers are from the Book of Common Prayer © Public Domain (2019)

Scripture Text: Isaiah 9:2,6-7; Jeremiah 33:14-18; Luke 1:26-28; Luke 2:1-20

Special thanks to Alex Wenig, Director of Music at Oaks Parish, for her contribution of music to the podcast! From “Offering” © Alexandra Adkins, 2011:Sonata For 2 Violins In D Major, Op. 3, No. 6: IV. Allegro Ma Non Troppo (Jean-Marie Leclair, 18th century)Sonata In E Major, Op. 1, No. 15: III: Largo (George Frideric Handel, 18th century)All Scripture is from the New Revised Standard Version © National Council of Churches (1989 )All prayers are from the Book of Common Prayer © Public Domain (2019)

Special thanks to Alex Wenig, Director of Music at Oaks Parish, for her contribution of music to the podcast! From “Offering” © Alexandra Adkins, 2011:Sonata For 2 Violins In D Major, Op. 3, No. 6: IV. Allegro Ma Non Troppo (Jean-Marie Leclair, 18th century)Trio Sonata In G Major, Op. 3, No. 6: II. Grave (Arcangelo Corelli, 17th century)All Scripture is from the New Revised Standard Version © National Council of Churches (1989 )All prayers are from the Book of Common Prayer © Public Domain (2019)

Special thanks to Alex Wenig, Director of Music at Oaks Parish, for her contribution of music to the podcast! From “Offering” © Alexandra Adkins, 2011:Sonata For 2 Violins In D Major, Op. 3, No. 6: IV. Allegro Ma Non Troppo (Jean-Marie Leclair, 18th century)Sonata For 2 Violins In D Major, Op. 3, No. 6: I. Andante (Jean-Marie Leclair, 18th century)All Scripture is from the New Revised Standard Version © National Council of Churches (1989 )All prayers are from the Book of Common Prayer © Public Domain (2019)

Special thanks to Alex Wenig, Director of Music at Oaks Parish, for her contribution of music to the podcast! From “Offering” © Alexandra Adkins, 2011:Sonata For 2 Violins In D Major, Op. 3, No. 6: IV. Allegro Ma Non Troppo (Jean-Marie Leclair, 18th century)Sonata In E Major, Op. 1, No. 15: III: Largo (George Frideric Handel, 18th century)All Scripture is from the New Revised Standard Version © National Council of Churches (1989 )All prayers are from the Book of Common Prayer © Public Domain (2019)

Scripture Text: Isaiah 11:1-10; Luke 2:8-20Bryan Buck

Special thanks to Alex Wenig, Director of Music at Oaks Parish, for her contribution of music to the podcast! From “Offering” © Alexandra Adkins, 2011:Sonata For 2 Violins In D Major, Op. 3, No. 6: IV. Allegro Ma Non Troppo (Jean-Marie Leclair, 18th century)Trio Sonata In G Major, Op. 3, No. 6: II. Grave (Arcangelo Corelli, 17th century)All Scripture is from the New Revised Standard Version © National Council of Churches (1989 )All prayers are from the Book of Common Prayer © Public Domain (2019)

Special thanks to Alex Wenig, Director of Music at Oaks Parish, for her contribution of music to the podcast! From “Offering” © Alexandra Adkins, 2011:Sonata For 2 Violins In D Major, Op. 3, No. 6: IV. Allegro Ma Non Troppo (Jean-Marie Leclair, 18th century)Sonata For 2 Violins In D Major, Op. 3, No. 6: I. Andante (Jean-Marie Leclair, 18th century)All Scripture is from the New Revised Standard Version © National Council of Churches (1989 )All prayers are from the Book of Common Prayer © Public Domain (2019)

Special thanks to Alex Wenig, Director of Music at Oaks Parish, for her contribution of music to the podcast! From “Offering” © Alexandra Adkins, 2011:Sonata For 2 Violins In D Major, Op. 3, No. 6: IV. Allegro Ma Non Troppo (Jean-Marie Leclair, 18th century)Sonata In E Major, Op. 1, No. 15: III: Largo (George Frideric Handel, 18th century)All Scripture is from the New Revised Standard Version © National Council of Churches (1989 )All prayers are from the Book of Common Prayer © Public Domain (2019)

Scripture Text: Micah 5:1-15; Luke 2:1-7Bryan BuckFrom "Lessons in Carols"Oaks Parish

Special thanks to Alex Wenig, Director of Music at Oaks Parish, for her contribution of music to the podcast! From “Offering” © Alexandra Adkins, 2011:Sonata For 2 Violins In D Major, Op. 3, No. 6: IV. Allegro Ma Non Troppo (Jean-Marie Leclair, 18th century)Trio Sonata In G Major, Op. 3, No. 6: II. Grave (Arcangelo Corelli, 17th century)All Scripture is from the New Revised Standard Version © National Council of Churches (1989 )All prayers are from the Book of Common Prayer © Public Domain (2019)

Special thanks to Alex Wenig, Director of Music at Oaks Parish, for her contribution of music to the podcast! From “Offering” © Alexandra Adkins, 2011:Sonata For 2 Violins In D Major, Op. 3, No. 6: IV. Allegro Ma Non Troppo (Jean-Marie Leclair, 18th century)Sonata For 2 Violins In D Major, Op. 3, No. 6: I. Andante (Jean-Marie Leclair, 18th century)All Scripture is from the New Revised Standard Version © National Council of Churches (1989 )All prayers are from the Book of Common Prayer © Public Domain (2019)

Special thanks to Alex Wenig, Director of Music at Oaks Parish, for her contribution of music to the podcast! From “Offering” © Alexandra Adkins, 2011:Sonata For 2 Violins In D Major, Op. 3, No. 6: IV. Allegro Ma Non Troppo (Jean-Marie Leclair, 18th century)Sonata In E Major, Op. 1, No. 15: III: Largo (George Frideric Handel, 18th century)All Scripture is from the New Revised Standard Version © National Council of Churches (1989 )All prayers are from the Book of Common Prayer © Public Domain (2019)

Scripture Text: Isaiah 7:1-17; Matthew 1:18-25Bryan Buck

Special thanks to Alex Wenig, Director of Music at Oaks Parish, for her contribution of music to the podcast! From “Offering” © Alexandra Adkins, 2011:Sonata For 2 Violins In D Major, Op. 3, No. 6: IV. Allegro Ma Non Troppo (Jean-Marie Leclair, 18th century)Trio Sonata In G Major, Op. 3, No. 6: II. Grave (Arcangelo Corelli, 17th century)All Scripture is from the New Revised Standard Version © National Council of Churches (1989 )All prayers are from the Book of Common Prayer © Public Domain (2019)

The Oaks Parish Podcast with Bryan Buck & Martha Van HoutenEpisode Notes & Links:The Learning CircleChristian Meditation - James FinleyLife of the Beloved - Henri NouwenA Year with Thomas MertonThe Sacrament of the Present Moment - Jean-Pierre de Caussade

Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 7:1-17Ed Gall

The Oaks Parish Podcast with Bryan Buck & Martha Van Houten

Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 5:1-12; 6:1-7:2

The Oaks Parish PodcastBryan Buck & Martha Van Houten

Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 4Bryan Buck

The Oaks Parish PodcastBryan Buck & Martha Van Houten

Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 3:1-4:1Bryan Buck

The Oaks Parish PodcastBryan Buck & Martha Van Houten

1 Samuel 2:1-36Bryan Buck

Oaks Parish Podcast © 2023

Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 1:1-28Bryan Buck