What is a Presbyterian?
The word “Presbyterian” comes from the Greek word in the
Bible that means elder. A Presbyterian congregation is spiritually
overseen by a group of elders, called a session. So, the word Presbyterian
simply
denotes our polity, or form of governance.
What do Presbyterians believe?
We believe in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit,
as one God in three distinct modes of existence. We believe that
God created
all that exists in goodness, but that sin infected His creation.
We believe that the death and resurrection of Jesus is God’s provision
for redeeming creation. We believe that every person is called to respond
to God’s saving grace with faithful discipleship. We believe
the Holy Spirit empowers us to live as faithful disciples, as we
submit to the will of God.
We believe the Bible is the unique, authoritative
and infallible witness to God’s redemptive plan. We believe that God created the Church
to be a visible sign of God’s redemptive community and of human
possibilities. We believe that we are called to love God by loving
one another and all of creation.
We believe that God’s sovereign plan is that
all creation will bow to worship Him and submit to Him. We believe
that faith is marked
by turning from a life of sin and separation from God and by turning
toward a transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. We believe
that every person has been destined to salvation, but that each person
must
appropriate salvific faith for themselves.
We believe that Jesus will come to consummate time and history and bring
His people to Himself. Jesus alone will serve as judge over creation.
He has created a dwelling for His people in heaven, and we will abide
with Him there forever.
Is your church liberal or conservative?
We are a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA). While our denomination
is a fairly diverse body, OPPC stands in the conservative and evangelical
camp. We consider ourselves orthodox in our theology, belief and practice
of the historic Christian faith.
What is the difference between PC (USA) and PCA?
The PCA is a break off group that left the PC (USA) back in the 1970’s.
The main difference between the two denominations is that the PC (USA)
promotes women to full leadership in the life of the church, including
ordination to the office of deacon, elder, or Minister of Word & Sacrament.
We believe God calls people to service by virtue of their gifts and
not necessarily according to their gender.
What kind of worship services do you have?
We have two distinct styles of worship. Our contemporary service (“Context”)
gathers each Sunday at 9:30a.m. It is noted for its high energy, Spirit-led
approach with full multi-media and a live band that plays popular contemporary
Christian music. Our more formal traditional service gathers at 11:00a.m.
and is noted for its liturgy, choir music and hymns.
What are the Christian nurture opportunities at OPPC?
Through the OPPC “Growth Institute” we offer new classes
or seminars each quarter. Our foundational seminars are offered in one
evening on select Sundays. Our elective seminars are offered on Sunday
mornings during the 9:30 and 11:00a.m. Sunday school hours. We also host “Sunday
Night Live” every fall and spring where we gather for dinner and
offer other elective seminars. In addition there are Bible studies offered
during the weekdays for young mothers, a men’s mid-week breakfast
study, and regular Sunday school classes that meet each week. Please
consult the “Growth Institute” brochure for the latest
course offerings.
What do you offer my children?
Our exciting children's programs offer many different opportunities
to worship and learn about God's Word. We offer two different Sunday
school class times that correspond with our worship services at 9:30AM
and 11:00AM.
We have skilled Nursery workers that work with infants to 2 year olds
during both services. During our 9:30 service we offer two video-based,
interactive programs; one that is a high-energy, multi-media worship/Sunday
school for our lower elementary aged children, the other combines live-action
and animation in a engaging format for our preschool and Kindergarten
students. At both worship times, we offer age appropriate curriculum
for our older elementary kids (4th thru 6th) that help them relate
Biblical learning to real life situations. During the 11:00am service,
we offer two hands-on style classes for our younger students: Bible
Time for 3 year olds - Kindergarten and Bible Blitz for 1st - 3rd.
Both programs teach children by learning how to find, understand and
apply God's Word using everyday objects and simple lessons.
We also offer other classes and programs that are of a limited scope
or are seasonal. We have DOT.COM, a pre-youth group that focuses on
mission, for our 4th thru 6th graders. DOT.COM meets twice monthly
and the kids can attend a camp each summer. There is Vacation Bible
School and a Fine Arts Camp that we offer every summer. During our
Sunday Night Live series, we often provide separate children's programs
that focus on a specific topic.
There are holiday events, such as the Easter egg hunt, Advent festival,
and Christmas Eve family worship services, that allow our children
unique and enriching experiences. We believe that our children are
an intregal part of our church and we welcome families to be a part
of our "family".
Do you have small groups?
Yes! We call them Life Groups. Life Groups meet at different times and
on different days, some in homes and some on the church campus. When
they meet at the church campus childcare is provided. Life Groups are
the setting to grow in fellowship with others, to know others and to
be known. Life Groups are the main vehicle for bonding together in
Christ. Please consult a Life Group brochure for more details.
How do I become a member of OPPC?
After attending the Membership 101 class and signing the membership covenant,
new members are received on the first Sunday of a given month. Consult
the worship bulletin to find the next available membership class.
What makes OPPC a unique church?
We are a Purpose-Driven congregation. We believe God has designed us
for specific purposes, and we have tailored all of our ministries
and even our infrastructure around God’s purposes for His people
and church. Our five purposes are worship, fellowship, discipleship,
ministry and mission. We hope you will discover God’s purpose
for your life with us!
What is the vision of OPPC?
Our vision can be summed up in our vision statement: “The vision
of OPPC is to cultivate maturing disciples with spiritual roots like
a mighty oak, and to invite others to grow in the fertile soil of our
life together in Christ.”
