“I came to Oakland Christian Church as a new bride. I had just graduated from Louise Obici School of Nursing. I came from Richmond and I was very shy- hard to believe! My husband, Marvin Winslow was a Chuckatuck boy and knew everyone. I knew no one. His family were members of Oakland so that was where we started attending. It was a wonderful faith based church and had a church family of wonderful, kind people. Some years back, my son, Chip, was in an accident. He was in ICU at Norfolk General for 52 days. Marvin and I stayed the days and our daughter, Elizabeth, stayed the nights. Our Church family supported us with prayer and food all of that time. When he died they were there to help us through our grief. So here I am 60 years after I joined the church and sill in awe of where God leads me.”
Ella Mae Winslow, Bless to be 82 years old!
“I like children’s church because it’s fun”
Isabelle age 11
“Being part of Oakland means that I am part of a family who loves the Lord and is there for me with hugs, prayers, help and love as I journey through life.”
Carole Matt, 76
“I like Oakland because I like the sermons”
Devon age 16
“When I think of Oakland UCC I think of love expressed in countless ways. There are the smiles, hugs and sincere joy and concern in the eyes of those present. There are the willing ears, hands and backs when you have a need, and they are offered without request. There is fellowship. There is the message from a pastor that somehow seems written just for your ears at that time in your life. There is unbelievable music that touches your soul. There are hymns chosen that remind you of someone or some memorable event. There is a willingness to work on projects, big projects, such as Fall Fest, making 600+pies, Stop Hunger Now and beautiful receptions on short notice, sometimes for 200+folks. There is a beautiful sanctuary where one feels the presence of the Holy Spirit. There are magnificent stained glass windows equally as beautiful as those seen in well known European Cathedrals.
Pam
Oakland is a big package of love that I call home because I feel the eyes, hands and feet of God right here in Chuckatuck, Virginia. I am proud to be a member!”
“The music is always beautiful”
Lee and Jenni Langston
“When we first came to Oakland back in 2014, we were greeted by several welcoming people. No one knew us yet they treated us like we belonged. Today, I can honestly say Oakland is my home away from home. Sundays at church rejuvenate me for the coming week. Taking time to talk each Sunday with so many friends, listening to our wonderful choir as well as the message from our paster, makes me happy. I also love that Oakland is such an active church doing so many good things to benefit others and allowing everyone to take part in various church activities if they choose. There is nothing not to love about this church.”
Sharon Burton – Age 81
“Within the walls of Oakland, I discovered a close-knit community of individuals who became an extended family. They were there to celebrate joys, offer comfort during difficult times, and provide unwavering support. The bonds formed within this community of faith taught me the importance of compassion, empathy, and kindness.”
Kathleen, 22
“I am thankful to have grown up with such a supportive community of Christian mentors in Oakland Christian UCC who have showed me the way of God and I hope to be at least half of that to someone one day.”
Peyton, 19
“Being part of Oakland means a lot to me. Being a part of Oakland means having a a place of love and support that I can turn to endlessly. Oakland means a home for me and all others in it.”
Zane, 21
The first thing I think about when asked what being a part of Oakland means to me is family and love. It is a place where I can share my faith with friends, and also my important life milestones. I have seen my children learn about faith and God and build their relationship with Christ over the past 19 years. At Oakland, my family has had 3 confirmations, a baptism, graduations, an engagement at the parsonage, and a wedding. This was all at the church surrounded by our church “family.” It is such a special place to be. I am thankful to God everyday for Oakland Christian Church and the special people that belong there!
Kirsten Creely, 50
“The first time I came to Oakland (Jan 2013), I felt like I had come home. I grew up in UCC, but there weren’t any convenient to where I lived in Virginia Beach and Chesapeake for the past 30 years, so I attended various other churches (most recently, Oak Grove Methodist in Chesapeake). When I moved to Suffolk, I was going to check out several churches. After visiting Main Street Methodist and Providence Methodist, I went to Oakland, and planned to go to Westminster the following week (closer to Lake Prince Woods). I was on my way to Westminster, and suddenly said to myself – What am I doing? I know where I belong! Drove right by and went back to Oakland. I’ve been there ever since
Sandy Barton
We had an interim pastor at the time. She came to visit, and asked me about joining, I told her I really liked the church, but would wait until we got a settled pastor before making the decision to join. She was very understanding, but as the week progressed, I thought again – Why wait? This is where I belong! So I called her back and joined soon after.
My roots in UCC go way back, before I was born. My paternal grandfather, Dr. Elmer Rhodes Hoke, was a minister in the Reformed Church, as it was known then. He was the first president of Catawba College, before passing away at age 38 (probably from leukemia, which was unknown at that time). Hoke Hall dormitory at Catawba was named for him.
In addition to UCC being in my heritage, the people of Oakland were very welcoming and friendly. With all the churches I’ve attended over the years, I’ve never been part of such a warm, loving, and active congregation. To this day, I am constantly amazed at our members and all they do to further the Kingdom of God. They are wonderful examples of what it means to be a Christian.”
I grew up in a Church of Christ in a small town in Michigan, but left it at age 15 and couldn’t find my way back. Sixty years later, my husband died unexpectedly; I was stunned and lost. A few months later I visited the Oakland Church when members were preparing food for the Fall Fest. I was invited to join the group, and several weeks later, the Church. This beautiful, friendly church is my extended family, my neighborhood, my community – my “people.” It’s a sanctuary away from the world’s troubles. Every Sunday I feel happy going in and even better coming out. To me, being a Christian is all about following the “Golden Rule.” This Church is all about that!
Leslie