Oasis Church Birmingham: Talks

This week was Pentecost Sunday - the day when the Church celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit. Sarah shares about what that transformational event means for us today!

What does a good leader look like? This year, Oasis is exploring the life of King David - a leader in the Bible who was known as "a man after God's own heart". Ultimately, David's story is one which shows us that God is overflowing with kindness and generosity, that human frailty can’t derail his plans and his purposes, and that the one David’s life is pointing to even in his flaws and failures, the true King, Jesus, really is enough. This week, Alice unpacks an encounter between David and Abigail - the wife of a rude, cruel man named Nabal who mediates between them with wisdom and grace in order to prevent violence. Together, we look at how she beautifully models the True Mediator, Jesus Christ, who bears the violence of humanity on himself in order to bring true and lasting peace.

What does a good leader look like? This year, Oasis is exploring the life of King David - a leader in the Bible who was known as "a man after God's own heart". Ultimately, David's story is one which shows us that God is overflowing with kindness and generosity, that human frailty can’t derail his plans and his purposes, and that the one David’s life is pointing to even in his flaws and failures, the true King, Jesus, really is enough. This week, Rich looks at a story of David in 'The Waiting Room' - an place in-between the passing of Saul's kingdom and the coming of David's. This is a confusing and contradictory time, and David faces the temptation of reaching out and grasping for himself what God has promised in God's own time. As he wrestles with the difficulties of that place though, he offers three valuable lessons on how we too can live with perspective, patience and purpose in times of waiting.

What does a good leader look like? This year, Oasis is exploring the life of King David - a leader in the Bible who was known as "a man after God's own heart". Ultimately, David's story is one which shows us that God is overflowing with kindness and generosity, that human frailty can’t derail his plans and his purposes, and that the one David’s life is pointing to even in his flaws and failures, the true King, Jesus, really is enough. This week, Adrian slows down in the story to look at David in the cave of Adullam - a place which becomes a refuge for him and others as they gather there and are transformed.

What does a good leader look like? This year, Oasis is exploring the life of King David - a leader in the Bible who was known as "a man after God's own heart". Ultimately, David's story is one which shows us that God is overflowing with kindness and generosity, that human frailty can’t derail his plans and his purposes, and that the one David’s life is pointing to even in his flaws and failures, the true King, Jesus, really is enough. This week, Adrian explores a curious encounter between David, his men, and some local priests, where David is given a meal of mercy in the form of the sacred 'bread of the presence' which rested on the altar. Together, we look at what it means to both receive the bountiful, generous mercy of God, and to then be released to share that with others.

This week, Alice shares some reflections on her time working in Nepal. What's God been teaching her whilst she's out there, and why is Jesus good news for us too, whatever our circumstances or situations?

On Resurrection Sunday, Jesus walked out of the tomb and changed everything, for everyone, everywhere. This week, Adrian explores a little more what that amazing truth means for each of us, for our community, and for our world!

This week, on Palm Sunday, Mike explores Jesus's triumphant entry into Jerusalem, and compares the shouts of 'Hosanna' celebrating his arrival with the shouts of 'Crucify!' demanding his death just a week later.

What does a good leader look like? This year, Oasis is exploring the life of King David - a leader in the Bible who was known as "a man after God's own heart". Ultimately, David's story is one which shows us that God is overflowing with kindness and generosity, that human frailty can’t derail his plans and his purposes, and that the one David’s life is pointing to even in his flaws and failures, the true King, Jesus, really is enough. This week, Adrian looks at 'the secret to success', which, as it turns out, is actually nothing to do with success at all! Together, the invitation is to consider three characters and three attributes in the story: Jonathan and his celebration in others, Saul and his heart that constantly compares, and David and his humility, and to see how the truth that Jesus changes everything upends the way in which we are to treat our own success and the success of others.

What does a good leader look like? This year, Oasis is exploring the life of King David - a leader in the Bible who was known as "a man after God's own heart". Ultimately, David's story is one which shows us that God is overflowing with kindness and generosity, that human frailty can’t derail his plans and his purposes, and that the one David’s life is pointing to even in his flaws and failures, the true King, Jesus, really is enough. This week, Adrian zooms in on the personal implications of David's battle with Goliath - focusing on the section of the story where David tries on Saul's armour and finds that it doesn't fit. Together, he invites us each to look at the 'giants' in our lives, and take comfort and courage from Jesus's life, death and resurrection, and the promise of the presence of the Holy Spirit with us.

What does a good leader look like? This year, Oasis is exploring the life of King David - a leader in the Bible who was known as "a man after God's own heart". Ultimately, David's story is one which shows us that God is overflowing with kindness and generosity, that human frailty can’t derail his plans and his purposes, and that the one David’s life is pointing to even in his flaws and failures, the true King, Jesus, really is enough. This week, Mike explores the 'big picture' implications of David's battle with Goliath - delving into the themes in the story which represent some of the big themes across the whole sweep of the Bible. Together, he helps us to look at how this story reveals that the coming Shepherd King, Jesus, is the one we ultimately need; the one who comes to fight the ultimate battle and win for us freedom, hope, and life.

What does a good leader look like? This year, Oasis is exploring the life of King David - a leader in the Bible who was known as "a man after God's own heart". Ultimately, David's story is one which shows us that God is overflowing with kindness and generosity, that human frailty can’t derail his plans and his purposes, and that the one David’s life is pointing to even in his flaws and failures, the true King, Jesus, really is enough. This week, Adrian continues the series by exploring God's focus on the hearts of two individuals - Saul and David - and how important it is for us to tend our hearts well in learning to live centred on Jesus.

What does a good leader look like? This year, Oasis is exploring the life of King David - a leader in the Bible who was known as "a man after God's own heart". Ultimately, David's story is one which shows us that God is overflowing with kindness and generosity, that human frailty can’t derail his plans and his purposes, and that the one David’s life is pointing to even in his flaws and failures, the true King, Jesus, really is enough. This week, Rich kicks off the series by tackling some of the context behind the request from the people of God in the Old Testament to have a king in the first place. In it, he looks at the differences between "the king we want" - which always comes with unexpected consequences - and "the king we need" - who comes in unexpected ways in the person of Jesus Christ.

This week, the Oasis community joined together in the joy of celebrating baptisms! But what exactly is baptism? In this podcast, Adrian explores that very question under two headings: baptism is a sign, and baptism is a seal.

Oasis has begun 2024 with a real focus on prayer; learning to lean into God with thanksgiving. This week, Adrian and Uduak encourage the community to continue to press into prayer, beginning with Jesus's desire for the temple to be a "house of prayer for all nations" and exploring what it looks like to draw close to god and pray with confidence and clarity.

Everyone faces times of waiting in their lives. So how we wait really matters - whether we wait begrudgingly or with anticipation, closed off to God's leading in those moments or open to what He wants to do in our lives. This week, Guest Speaker Charlene Frammingham, from the King's Arms Church in Bedford, explores how God meets with us in our waiting and encourages us to see these times as vital and valuable opportunities for spiritual growth.

In early 2024, the Oasis community is undertaking 25 days of prayer - beginning the year together by coming to God with thanksgiving and worship. This week, Sarah explores some of Jesus' most famous teaching on prayer - commonly known as Lord's Prayer - looking at how it is an invitation into the whole of Jesus' message of good news for a world that desperately needs it.

This week was Vision Sunday - the point at the start of every new year where Oasis takes an opportunity to reflect on all that God has done amongst the community in the previous year, and to look ahead to all He might want to do in the year ahead and beyond. The focus passage this year is from Psalm 100:4-5, tying into the overall vision of 'Legacy: Living Thankfully' "Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation."

In the first message of 2024, Adrian explores how to live centred on Jesus - introducing different FOUNDATIONS to live from, RHYTHMS to live with, and PRACTICES to live exploring. This year, Oasis has also launched a brand new weekly podcast called 'Living Centred', to help us learn from one another about how to live with Jesus at the centre. Find out more about that here: https://medium.com/oasis-church-birmingham/living-centred-podcast-d678a5317b2f

Advent means ‘arrival’ or ‘appearing’, and is an annual season for engaging with the reality of the ‘time between’ the comings of Christ. It is not simply the ‘build up to Christmas’, as if we pretend Jesus has not yet been born and then celebrate his birth. Rather, it is ‘forward leaning’ and engages with the unseen forces at work in the world, facing the darkness, embracing the light, and encouraging us in how to wait patiently whatever situations we are living with. In this third and final talk, Mike explores Luke 1:57-79 - taking a deep dive into the character of Zachariah, and exploring what his song of joy about the birth of his son (John the Baptist) reveals about the one who is to follow, Jesus, the saviour.

Advent means ‘arrival’ or ‘appearing’, and is an annual season for engaging with the reality of the ‘time between’ the comings of Christ. It is not simply the ‘build up to Christmas’, as if we pretend Jesus has not yet been born and then celebrate his birth. Rather, it is ‘forward leaning’ and engages with the unseen forces at work in the world, facing the darkness, embracing the light, and encouraging us in how to wait patiently whatever situations we are living with. In this second talk, Rich explores Luke 1:39-56 - Mary's journey to visit her relative Elizabeth, and her song of praise to God; known throughout church history as 'The Magnificat'.

Advent means ‘arrival’ or ‘appearing’, and is an annual season for engaging with the reality of the ‘time between’ the comings of Christ. It is not simply the ‘build up to Christmas’, as if we pretend Jesus has not yet been born and then celebrate his birth. Rather, it is ‘forward leaning’ and engages with the unseen forces at work in the world, facing the darkness, embracing the light, and encouraging us in how to wait patiently whatever situations we are living with. In this first talk, Alice unpacks Luke 1:5-38 - the story of the birth of John the Baptist, and the appearing of the angel Gabriel to Mary.

Paul writes his letter to the Philippians from the depths of a Roman jail, awaiting sentencing for preaching the good news about Jesus that might end in his execution. Despite that though, Philippians is a book full of joy, comfort, warmth, and connection. The key, as Paul reveals, and as Oasis will be exploring through this series, is that Jesus is enough, full stop. This week, Adrian wraps up the series by reflecting on all that Paul has shared through this letter - how Jesus is enough because he is the one who is with us, sustains us, defines us, transforms us, satisfies us, unifies us, makes us shine, and brings us hope. Jesus is enough, full stop!

Paul writes his letter to the Philippians from the depths of a Roman jail, awaiting sentencing for preaching the good news about Jesus that might end in his execution. Despite that though, Philippians is a book full of joy, comfort, warmth, and connection. The key, as Paul reveals, and as Oasis will be exploring through this series, is that Jesus is enough, full stop. This week, Lucy (with the help of Chika and Davina) unpacks two instructions and a promise from Philippians 4 - exploring how Paul's encouragement to not worry (1) and to pray (2) and grounded in the promise of peace that Jesus offers.

Paul writes his letter to the Philippians from the depths of a Roman jail, awaiting sentencing for preaching the good news about Jesus that might end in his execution. Despite that though, Philippians is a book full of joy, comfort, warmth, and connection. The key, as Paul reveals, and as Oasis will be exploring through this series, is that Jesus is enough, full stop. This week, Adrian looks at how Jesus is enough when we fall out - recognising that as humans, there will be times when we disagree with one another and time when we hurt one another. In those moments, we need to know that Jesus is enough to sustain us as a community, and that his desire is for us to be reconcilled and reunited in the joy of the unity that he has for us.

Paul writes his letter to the Philippians from the depths of a Roman jail, awaiting sentencing for preaching the good news about Jesus that might end in his execution. Despite that though, Philippians is a book full of joy, comfort, warmth, and connection. The key, as Paul reveals, and as Oasis will be exploring through this series, is that Jesus is enough, full stop. This week, in an all-age service, Adrian explores Paul's encouragement for everyone who seeks to follow Jesus to live like runners and citizens - two metaphors for the Christian life that can help each of us journey with God in all we are living with. As it's an all-age meeting, there are a number of points where the congregation got into smaller groups to discuss questions - the gaps have been removed, but don't be afraid to pause the recording at those moments and consider your answers before moving on!

Paul writes his letter to the Philippians from the depths of a Roman jail, awaiting sentencing for preaching the good news about Jesus that might end in his execution. Despite that though, Philippians is a book full of joy, comfort, warmth, and connection. The key, as Paul reveals, and as Oasis will be exploring through this series, is that Jesus is enough, full stop. This week, Mike asks the question of what we are each rejoicing in. The Apostle Paul's status, in his culture, was untouchable - he was everything anyone could want to be, and he did everything he was supposed to have done. And yet, none of that was worth anything to him any more. Jesus had changed everything, and this new way of living, utterly tansformed, is one that we are each invited to enjoy and embrace.

Paul writes his letter to the Philippians from the depths of a Roman jail, awaiting sentencing for preaching the good news about Jesus that might end in his execution. Despite that though, Philippians is a book full of joy, comfort, warmth, and connection. The key, as Paul reveals, and as Oasis will be exploring through this series, is that Jesus is enough, full stop. This week, Adrian explores the invitation to "shine like stars" - that living knowing that Jesus is enough (full stop), means that we don't have to live as if we are carrying around heavy weights of obligation. Instead, there is a way of freedom and lightness which God is longing to see characterise our lives, and shine out to others.

Paul writes his letter to the Philippians from the depths of a Roman jail, awaiting sentencing for preaching the good news about Jesus that might end in his execution. Despite that though, Philippians is a book full of joy, comfort, warmth, and connection. The key, as Paul reveals, and as Oasis will be exploring through this series, is that Jesus is enough, full stop. This week, Rich explores how a life lived knowing that Jesus is enough, full stop, means an invitation to be part of a new community, a new humanity, and a new world. This is the context behind the great poem of Philippians 2 - it's all about the Jesus who is both the foundation of this new community, and the model for this new community.

This week, it was Birthday Sunday at Oasis (24 this year!) and the community celebrated by baptising two individuals in the church. During the morning, Adrian shared about how baptism is like moving house - a celebration of a move from an old life to a new - and unpacks the key features of the new life in the new house that all are to enjoy in Jesus.

Paul writes his letter to the Philippians from the depths of a Roman jail, awaiting sentencing for preaching the good news about Jesus that might end in his execution. Despite that though, Philippians is a book full of joy, comfort, warmth, and connection. The key, as Paul reveals, and as Oasis will be exploring through this series, is that Jesus is enough, full stop. This week, Alice continues the series by posing the question: "What am I living for?". This question helps us understand Paul's comments in this chapter as he ponders whether (as he awaits a sentencing which may lead to his execution) it would be better for him to die and be with Christ, or to live and continue in his work.

Paul writes his letter to the Philippians from the depths of a Roman jail, awaiting sentencing for preaching the good news about Jesus that might end in his execution. Despite that though, Philippians is a book full of joy, comfort, warmth, and connection. The key, as Paul reveals, and as Oasis will be exploring through this series, is that Jesus is enough, full stop. This week, Adrian continues the series by exploring how the truth that Jesus is enough (full stop) means that God is committed to working in our lives to bring transformation.

Paul writes his letter to the Philippians from the depths of a Roman jail, awaiting sentencing for preaching the good news about Jesus that might end in his execution. Despite that though, Philippians is a book full of joy, comfort, warmth, and connection. The key, as Paul reveals, and as Oasis will be exploring through this series, is that Jesus is enough, full stop. This week, Adrian introduces the series, unpacking the foundation of grace and peace that characterises Paul's life and shapes everything he is about to talk about in this letter.

Psalm 23 is one of the most famous and beautiful poems in the book of Psalms - a source of comfort, encouragement and challenge to generations of people around the world. It's a Psalm "for all seasons", with an appeal to everyone, no matter what stage of life they are in or what circumstances are surrounding them. Over the summer of 2023, Oasis is spending a few weeks dwelling on this incredible Psalm and hearing from different members of the community about how they have known the Lord as their shepherd through different seasons of life. This time, Jean unpacks what it means to "dwell in the House of the Lord, forever", and there's an opportunity to hear from Sinead and from Chris about how they've known the goodness of God through some challenging times.

Psalm 23 is one of the most famous and beautiful poems in the book of Psalms - a source of comfort, encouragement and challenge to generations of people around the world. It's a Psalm "for all seasons", with an appeal to everyone, no matter what stage of life they are in or what circumstances are surrounding them. Over the summer of 2023, Oasis is spending a few weeks dwelling on this incredible Psalm and hearing from different members of the community about how they have known the Lord as their shepherd through different seasons of life. This time, Alice introduces the central part of the psalm, and then there are contributions from Bolaji and Uduak about how they've known God with them in navigating cultural change, and from Andy about how he has known God with him in times of anxiety and depression.

Psalm 23 is one of the most famous and beautiful poems in the book of Psalms - a source of comfort, encouragement and challenge to generations of people around the world. It's a Psalm "for all seasons", with an appeal to everyone, no matter what stage of life they are in or what circumstances are surrounding them. Over the summer of 2023, Oasis is spending a few weeks dwelling on this incredible Psalm and hearing from different members of the community about how they have known the Lord as their shepherd through different seasons of life. In this first week, Rich gives an overview of the series, and there's a chance to hear from Janet about how she has known God's leading beside still waters in her work, from Charlie about how she has known God restoring her soul during burnout, and from Faith about how she has known God's leading in paths of righteousness on pilgrimage.

Honour - a word often treated in our culture with a range of reactions from indifference to confusion to cynicism - is central to the culture of 'home' that Oasis is building together. It's all about how we are each invited to live seeking to build others up, rather than tear them down; bringing dignity rather than shame. The 'Building a Culture of Honour' series is all about how, as a community, we learn to live knowing that we have been honoured by God, living in the good of that honour, and showing that honour to others. This week, Adrian explores how all of this impacts the shape of our church gatherings - how each of us, when we come, has something to offer, and how we can increasingly honour one another as we meet together.

Honour - a word often treated in our culture with a range of reactions from indifference to confusion to cynicism - is central to the culture of 'home' that Oasis is building together. It's all about how we are each invited to live seeking to build others up, rather than tear them down; bringing dignity rather than shame. The 'Building a Culture of Honour' series is all about how, as a community, we learn to live knowing that we have been honoured by God, living in the good of that honour, and showing that honour to others. This week, Mike looks at Spiritual Gifts. As a body, we come together to share the gifts we've been given, recognising that not everyone has every gift, but that everyone is needed. Mike unpacks from 1 Corinthians 12 how gifts are given to draw attention to Jesus as Lord, be for the common good, get presented as gifts not impositions, and should come with humility (recognising that they are from God, not us).

Honour - a word often treated in our culture with a range of reactions from indifference to confusion to cynicism - is central to the culture of 'home' that Oasis is building together. It's all about how we are each invited to live seeking to build others up, rather than tear them down; bringing dignity rather than shame. The 'Building a Culture of Honour' series is all about how, as a community, we learn to live knowing that we have been honoured by God, living in the good of that honour, and showing that honour to others. This week, Rich looks at the twin themes of how we honour others by standing with them through the ups and downs of life, and celebrating others for who they are. Together, we explore how honouring flows from the foundation of how God has honoured us, draw on what we can learn from the way Jesus honoured others, and consider some practical steps to honouring one another by opening ourselves to how the Holy Spirit might want to encourage someone.

Honour - a word often treated in our culture with a range of reactions from indifference to confusion to cynicism - is central to the culture of 'home' that Oasis is building together. It's all about how we are each invited to live seeking to build others up, rather than tear them down; bringing dignity rather than shame. The 'Building a Culture of Honour' series is all about how, as a community, we learn to live knowing that we have been honoured by God, living in the good of that honour, and showing that honour to others. This week, Adrian looks at how honour can be shown by protecting through clothing, caring and bringing dignity, which all flows from how God has and continues to treat us.

Honour - a word often treated in our culture with a range of reactions from indifference to confusion to cynicism - is central to the culture of 'home' that Oasis is building together. It's all about how we are each invited to live seeking to build others up, rather than tear them down; bringing dignity rather than shame. The 'Building a Culture of Honour' series is all about how, as a community, we learn to live knowing that we have been honoured by God, living in the good of that honour, and showing that honour to others. This week, Alice looks at how we are invited to live knowing honour and showing honour as a community because of, rather than in spite of, our differences. Each of us is unique, and that matters! God isn't looking for identikit followers, and He has crafted each of us individually so that together we might reveal something of the wonder of who He is in a way that each of us by ourselves could never do.

Honour - a word often treated in our culture with a range of reactions from indifference to confusion to cynicism - is central to the culture of 'home' that Oasis is building together. It's all about how we are each invited to live seeking to build others up, rather than tear them down; bringing dignity rather than shame. The 'Building a Culture of Honour' series is all about how, as a community, we learn to live knowing that we have been honoured by God, living in the good of that honour, and showing that honour to others. This week, Adrian kicks off the series, giving an overview of the idea of honour, where it comes from, and what it means in our society, as well as exploring how God honours each of us and what that means for how we live.

The Apostles' Creed is an ancient statement of faith that has united generations of Christians from different times, different places, and different traditions as an essential guide to the basics of Christian belief. It's full of rich truth to explore and dwell on together - which is exactly what Oasis is doing in this series! For the final week, Adrian looks at the 'Amen' - a way of finishing the Creed that transforms a statement into a prayer. It points to who we are together as a community, how we connect to the Creed during different seasons of life, and ultimately to the very personification and embodiment of 'Amen' itself: Jesus.

The Apostles' Creed is an ancient statement of faith that has united generations of Christians from different times, different places, and different traditions as an essential guide to the basics of Christian belief. It's full of rich truth to explore and dwell on together - which is exactly what Oasis is doing in this series! This week, David explores 'I believe in the Life Everlasting'. The Bible is more interested in Eternal Life as a quality of life not a quantity of life that goes on forever. 1. Eternal Life is experiencing and knowing Jesus 2. Eternal Life is what we all need 3. Eternal Life starts now

The Apostles' Creed is an ancient statement of faith that has united generations of Christians from different times, different places, and different traditions as an essential guide to the basics of Christian belief. It's full of rich truth to explore and dwell on together - which is exactly what Oasis is doing in this series! This week, Mike explores 'the resurrection of the body'. Whose bodies? Ours! Together, we look at how the Christian faith is the most body-positive worldview there has ever been - founded in the fact that God made humans in His image, clothed Himself with humanity, and in Christ lived, died and rose again to redeem our bodies ahead of their eternal future.

The Apostles' Creed is an ancient statement of faith that has united generations of Christians from different times, different places, and different traditions as an essential guide to the basics of Christian belief. It's full of rich truth to explore and dwell on together - which is exactly what Oasis is doing in this series! This week, Adrian explores 'the forgiveness of sins'. How does an invitation to receive forgiveness transform everything about how we live - both within ourselves and in the way we respond to those around us?

The Apostles' Creed is an ancient statement of faith that has united generations of Christians from different times, different places, and different traditions as an essential guide to the basics of Christian belief. It's full of rich truth to explore and dwell on together - which is exactly what Oasis is doing in this series! This week, Adrian explores 'the communion of saints'. What does it mean to be part of the church, and how should we give ourselves to building communities that express God's heart of love and grace for the world?

The Apostles' Creed is an ancient statement of faith that has united generations of Christians from different times, different places, and different traditions as an essential guide to the basics of Christian belief. It's full of rich truth to explore and dwell on together - which is exactly what Oasis will be doing in this series! This week, Rich considers the "holy catholic church" - the universal church across all of time and space - and how being welcomed into this family changes how we are to relate both to ourselves and to the church itself.

This week is another opportunity to pause and take in the wonder of what Easter means - how the fact that Jesus died, was buried, and rose again changes everything. In this message, Lucy explores Jesus encountering two disciples on the Road to Emmaus.

This week is another opportunity to pause and take in the wonder of what Easter means - how the fact that Jesus died, was buried, and rose again changes everything. In this message, Adrian spends some time leading the community through how we can each 'see and savour' the risen Jesus again.

John's account of Jesus' life pairs together the dramatic scenes of Mary annointing Jesus with oil and Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. From these two stories, Sarah unpacks what it is to live with extravagant worship and extravagant love - two characteristics which everyone is invited to know and enjoy!

The Apostles' Creed is an ancient statement of faith that has united generations of Christians from different times, different places, and different traditions as an essential guide to the basics of Christian belief. It's full of rich truth to explore and dwell on together - which is exactly what Oasis will be doing in this series! This week, Adrian invites us to spend time considering the Holy Spirit. Who is the third person of the Trinity, and what is their work in our lives all about?

The Apostles' Creed is an ancient statement of faith that has united generations of Christians from different times, different places, and different traditions as an essential guide to the basics of Christian belief. It's full of rich truth to explore and dwell on together - which is exactly what Oasis will be doing in this series! This week, Alice explores what it means that Jesus is ascended, seated at the right hand of the Father, and will return one day as judge. In it, we look at how Jesus, through his life, death and resurrection, becomes "the judge, judged in our place", who enables us to live together with him free from condemnation.

The Apostles' Creed is an ancient statement of faith that has united generations of Christians from different times, different places, and different traditions as an essential guide to the basics of Christian belief. It's full of rich truth to explore and dwell on together - which is exactly what Oasis will be doing in this series! This week, Rich begins by looking at Jesus' descent into hell. Why is this ancient truth, which sounds strange to our modern ears, good news? As we explore more of what Jesus did in descended, we then look together at the resurrection - how the one who allowed himself to go to the grave could never have been contained there - and all that means for us today.

The Apostles' Creed is an ancient statement of faith that has united generations of Christians from different times, different places, and different traditions as an essential guide to the basics of Christian belief. It's full of rich truth to explore and dwell on together - which is exactly what Oasis will be doing in this series! This week, Mike considers Jesus's suffering, his crucifixion, death, and descent. In it, we see how Jesus comes to associate himself with us completely in our humanity, taking on our death that we might join him in his life, receiving his inheritance as a child of God.

The Apostles' Creed is an ancient statement of faith that has united generations of Christians from different times, different places, and different traditions as an essential guide to the basics of Christian belief. It's full of rich truth to explore and dwell on together - which is exactly what Oasis will be doing in this series! This week, Adrian looks at the person of Jesus - one who is the Christ, the Son, the Lord, and one of us; God Himself, come to draw us near.

The Apostles' Creed is an ancient statement of faith that has united generations of Christians from different times, different places, and different traditions as an essential guide to the basics of Christian belief. It's full of rich truth to explore and dwell on together - which is exactly what Oasis will be doing in this series! This week, Adrian looks at the God who is in HImself creator, almighty, and Father - a God of unimaginable power, awe and creativity, and yet also tenderness, closeness and care.

The Apostles' Creed is an ancient statement of faith that has united generations of Christians from different times, different places, and different traditions as an essential guide to the basics of Christian belief. It's full of rich truth to explore and dwell on together - which is exactly what Oasis will be doing in this series over the coming months! This week, Mike kicks off the series by looking at the first two words, "I believe"; giving some background to the Creed and exploring why it is good news, and how it opens conversations that draw us to Jesus and help us to live in the good of all He has done.

In the final part of the Oasis 'New Year's Pause', a series of standalone messages designed to help us reset our focus on God at the start of 2023, Rich explores God's meeting with Gideon in Judges 6. Together, we look at how God's promise that He is with us changes everything - whatever situations or circumstances we might be facing.

This week, Adrian encourages the community to create space for 'shoes off' moments with God - times when, like Moses at the Burning Bush, a person's shoes come off as a way of saying that they aren't going anywhere.

This week, Adrian outlines the 2023 Oasis Vision - 'Legacy: Navigating Transition'. Together, he invites us to consider four areas of church life and personal growth - Connection, Building, Capacity and Environment - and what God might be calling us to in each of them.

In the first Oasis Message of 2023, Adrian explores eight practices to help us each stay centred on Jesus in the coming year.

In this third and final talk from our three-part 2022 series exploring Advent, Alice continues to unpacks Isaiah 40:1-11 - exploring the darkness of our world and the promise of the light drawing near.

In this second talk from our three-part 2022 series exploring Advent, Mike continues to unpacks Isaiah 40:1-11 - exploring the darkness of our world and the promise of the light drawing near.

In this first talk from our three-part 2022 series exploring Advent, Adrian unpacks Isaiah 40:1-11 - exploring the darkness of our world and the promise of the light drawing near.

We have been journeying through the story of a remarkable woman in the Bible called Ruth; exploring how this is a story of God bringing incredible hope in the midst of despair, light in the midst of darkness, and peace in the midst of uncertainty. Today Adrian brings the series to a close. We reflect on the hope given to Ruth and Naomi and we are once again led to the the hope we have in Jesus and the meal of hope he gave us.

We are currently journeying through the story of a remarkable woman in the Bible called Ruth. Together, we'll be exploring how this is a story of God bringing incredible hope in the midst of despair, light in the midst of darkness, and peace in the midst of uncertainty. Adrian shows us how the theme of hope is worked out in the beautiful image of being brought into the family line. As Ruth’s life as a Moabitess was transformed as she became part of the family of Boaz through marriage so we too are transformed as we are adopted into God’s eternal family. Let us meditate on the blessings of belonging to the family of God and hear the Spirit as He prompts us to share with others this week. Scripture: Ruth 4v1-12, Eph 1v5, Roms 8v38-39

We are currently journeying through the story of a remarkable woman in the Bible called Ruth. Together, we'll be exploring how this is a story of God bringing incredible hope in the midst of despair, light in the midst of darkness, and peace in the midst of uncertainty. This week Mike leads us to see Jesus in the story of Ruth, reflecting on what Christian Hope might look like.

We are currently journeying through the story of a remarkable woman in the Bible called Ruth. Together, we'll be exploring how this is a story of God bringing incredible hope in the midst of despair, light in the midst of darkness, and peace in the midst of uncertainty. This week Adrian guides us to see 'the story behind the story (what God is doing). God is revealed as the God of 'Hesed'. Hesed is the Hebrew word for faithful (and sacrificial) loving-kindness.

This term, we're journeying through the story of a remarkable woman in the Bible called Ruth. Together, we'll be exploring how this is a story of God bringing incredible hope in the midst of despair, light in the midst of darkness, and peace in the midst of uncertainty. This week Rich leads us through the next part of Ruth and Naomi's journey. Naomi's authenticity in describing her emptiness is an inspiration to all of us to be honest with God about how we feel. Yet she continued to trust in God and went back to Bethlehem to be part of the community of God's people.

This term, we're journeying through the story of a remarkable woman in the Bible called Ruth. Together, we'll be exploring how this is a story of God bringing incredible hope in the midst of despair, light in the midst of darkness, and peace in the midst of uncertainty. This week, Sarah continues leading us through the story as Ruth commits to walking with her mother-in-law Naomi. Walking to Bethlehem. Walking with God. Walking into an uncertain future; "despair and hope travelling side by side"

This term, we're journeying through the story of a remarkable woman in the Bible called Ruth. Together, we'll be exploring how this is a story of God bringing incredible hope in the midst of despair, light in the midst of darkness, and peace in the midst of uncertainty. On this first week, Adrian helps us set the scene, unpacking the context that the story takes place in, and looking at how in a moment when hope is desperately needed, God is the one who brings that hope. The same is true for us today - in an uncertain and changing world, hope = Jesus.

On our Birthday Sunday this year, Adrian shares about God's faithfulness to us as a church community over the past 23 years - looking at how he's been faithful in the past, is faithful in the present, and will be faithful in the future.

The Bible offers us 'Wisdom for Life' - a way of living well in the world which means that even when times are difficult, we can know Christ, the wisdom of God, with us on the journey. This theme particularly comes through the book of Proverbs - short, snappy statements that encourage us to meditate on God's word and all it to shape how we live and act and think. This week, David explores how drawing near to a generous God causes us to be generous in turn. As our country faces a cost of living crisis, how are followers of Jesus to think about money? Together, we look at how generosity begins with, is sustained by, and is defined by the ongoing relationship we have with Jesus, which changes everything about how we approach both times of need and times of plenty.

The Bible offers us 'Wisdom for Life' - a way of living well in the world which means that even when times are difficult, we can know Christ, the wisdom of God, with us on the journey. This theme particularly comes through the book of Proverbs - short, snappy statements that encourage us to meditate on God's word and all it to shape how we live and act and think. This week, Mike explores how we can know wisdom within anxiety. We live in a particularly anxious culture, in a time of much uncertainty, and we each need to hear again and again the Bible's invitation to come and encounter a God of steadfast, unchanging security. He longs to meet us in whatever we are experiencing, and enable us to know again His light yoke and easy burden.

The Bible offers us 'Wisdom for Life' - a way of living well in the world which means that even when times are difficult, we can know Christ, the wisdom of God, with us on the journey. This theme particularly comes through the book of Proverbs - short, snappy statements that encourage us to meditate on God's word and all it to shape how we live and act and think. This week, Alice looks at how we can know wisdom in our friendships - both how we make them, and how we shape them. Together, we explore an example from Luke of a group of friends who showed tremendous faith in bringing their friend to Jesus, and how we can seek to be those kind of friends ourselves.

The Bible offers us 'Wisdom for Life' - a way of living well in the world which means that even when times are difficult, we can know Christ, the wisdom of God, with us on the journey. This theme particularly comes through the book of Proverbs - short, snappy statements that encourage us to meditate on God's word and all it to shape how we live and act and think. This week, Adrian looks at how we know wisdom in times of uncertainty - when everything around us is confusing and unclear, how do we know which way to go? To help us with this, we think through the practice of pausing, centering and continuing; a framework that helps us keep our eyes fixed on God and lean into Him when we're not sure which way to go.

The Bible offers us 'Wisdom for Life' - a way of living well in the world which means that even when times are difficult, we can know Christ, the wisdom of God, with us on the journey. This theme particularly comes through the book of Proverbs - short, snappy statements that encourage us to meditate on God's word and all it to shape how we live and act and think. This week, Adrian explores how our words matter - particularly this week in the context of celebrating Child Dedications, but also as something which is applicable to all of us throughout our lives! How can we be using our words in a way that is gentle, considerate and life-giving?

The Bible offers us 'Wisdom for Life' - a way of living well in the world which means that even when times are difficult, we can know Christ, the wisdom of God, with us on the journey. This theme particularly comes through the book of Proverbs - short, snappy statements that encourage us to meditate on God's word and all it to shape how we live and act and think. This time, Rich looks at Wisdom's beginnings - what it means when Solomon tells us that it is the "fear of the Lord" which stands as the foundation of all knowledge and understanding. Together, we explore how the fear of the Lord isn't a negative thing that causes us to shy away from God, but when rightly understood is an incredibly freeing way of living that enables us to draw near to God and learn to walk in his ways.

In the first of our new series exploring the book of Proverbs, Mike looks at how the Bible offers us 'Wisdom for Life' - a way of living well in the world which means that even when times are difficult, we can know Christ, the wisdom of God, with us on the journey. This talk is from an all-age meeting, so along with a journey through the Bible, stopping at Solomon, the book of James, and 1 Corinthians 1, there are also some games, quizzes and giveaways (sadly not available on catchup!).

In the Gospels, Jesus had some of his most profound encounters with different individuals whilst sharing a meal. What do these encounters teach us about Jesus, his invitation to us, and the opportunity to open our tables to others? This week, Will explores Jesus at Mary & Martha's house - looking at Jesus is someone who is always fully present with His Father and with those around Him. His invitation to us is to be those who act the same, present to God and present to those around us.

In the Gospels, Jesus had some of his most profound encounters with different individuals whilst sharing a meal. What do these encounters teach us about Jesus, his invitation to us, and the opportunity to open our tables to others? This week, Adrian takes us through Jesus's encounter with Zacchaeus - a man who is completely transformed by being seen by Jesus. Together, we look at what it is that Jesus SEES us, invites us to CENTRE on him, and then calls us to SHARE all we have known with others.

In the Gospels, Jesus had some of his most profound encounters with different individuals whilst sharing a meal. What do these encounters teach us about Jesus, his invitation to us, and the opportunity to open our tables to others? This week, Alice unpacks Jesus' feeding of the 5000 (plus!), exploring how the simple offering of a boy's packed lunch demonstrates that whatever our situation, whatever we are living with, Jesus is enough.

In the Gospels, Jesus had some of his most profound encounters with different individuals whilst sharing a meal. What do these encounters teach us about Jesus, his invitation to us, and the opportunity to open our tables to others? This week, Rich explores a conversation at the house of a pharisee which is all about HONOUR. Together, we look at what honour is, how it's fundamentally about the question "Who am I, and how should I live?", and what Jesus teaches throughout the conversation about how we get to be those who live receiving, enjoying and offering honour.

In the Gospels, Jesus had some of his most profound encounters with different individuals whilst sharing a meal. What do these encounters teach us about Jesus, his invitation to us, and the opportunity to open our tables to others? In the first message, Adrian explores the story of Jesus' encounter with a sinful woman in Luke 7 - how he is revealed as the ultimate host, and the contrasting pictures of welcome and sharing that are portrayed by the different individuals present.

This week, we take some time to explore the person of the Holy Spirit - learning together how Paul speaks about the Spirit from Romans 8, and all it means for us today.

In the final part of our series exploring the practice of hospitality, Mike looks at how the call to hospitality is a call to lives lived showing justice and mercy to those most in need in our community.

In the next part of our new series exploring the practice of hospitality, Adrian unpacks our call to show hospitality to our neighbour - not shutting ourselves in, but pouring ourselves out for the good of others.

In the next part of our new series exploring the practice of hospitality, Rich explores the call of hospitality to one another - how God is building His church to be a place of unique welcome, reflecting the welcome He has shown to humanity since the dawn of creation.

In the first of our new series exploring the practice of hospitality, Adrian takes us through the whole story of the Bible to enable us to encounter a God of Hospitality - one who both REVEALS and EMBODIES the hospitality that we are to know and offer.

In John 10:10, Jesus declares that He came in order that we might know LIFE IN FULL, and over the course of the rest of the Gospel of John, he begins to unpack what that life looks like and how it is to transform us. In this final part of our series exploring the Gospel of John, Adrian takes us through the charcoal breakfast - a moment when Jesus brings restoration to Peter and in doing so demonstrates the restoration that He is longing to bring to each of us.

In John 10:10, Jesus declares that He came in order that we might know LIFE IN FULL, and over the course of the rest of the Gospel of John, he begins to unpack what that life looks like and how it is to transform us. This week, David delves into the story of Jesus's reunion with Thomas. Just as the risen Christ meets Thomas in his doubt and grief and brings comfort, peace and wholeness, so too is He here with us to bring the same, whatever our situations.

In John 10:10, Jesus declares that He came in order that we might know LIFE IN FULL, and over the course of the rest of the Gospel of John, he begins to unpack what that life looks like and how it is to transform us. On this Easter Sunday, we celebrate Jesus's resurrection from the grave, as Alice helps us unpack why this amazing news changes everything for us - just as it did for Mary, the first person to encounter the risen Christ.

In John 10:10, Jesus declares that He came in order that we might know LIFE IN FULL, and over the course of the rest of the Gospel of John, he begins to unpack what that life looks like and how it is to transform us. This week, we consider the crucifixion - Jesus' death on the cross, and the unique way that John presents this momentous event. Together, we explore the layers of meaning and the depth of significance to what Jesus does in giving himself over to death, and how it's to shape our lives both in this Holy Week and beyond.

In John 10:10, Jesus declares that He came in order that we might know LIFE IN FULL, and over the course of the rest of the Gospel of John, he begins to unpack what that life looks like and how it is to transform us. This week, Rich takes us through Jesus' arrest in the garden and interrogation before Annas and Pilate in John 18. As we explore the chapter together, we take some time to consider what is revealed about the hearts of Judas, Annas, Peter and Pilate, before finally looking at what it reveals about the heart of Jesus himself.

This week, we celebrated baptisms together! As we did that, Adrian shared about how baptism is like a housewarming party - a celebration of a move from an old life to a new - and unpacks the key features of the new life in the new house that we are to enjoy in Jesus.

In John 10:10, Jesus declares that He came in order that we might know LIFE IN FULL, and over the course of the rest of the Gospel of John, he begins to unpack what that life looks like and how it is to transform us. This week, our guest speaker for the week, Liam Thatcher, unpacks Jesus' prayer for our unity from John 17:20-26. Together, we explore how this unity comes as an incredible gift for us to receive, and invites us to a life of boldness and faith in response.

In John 10:10, Jesus declares that He came in order that we might know LIFE IN FULL, and over the course of the rest of the Gospel of John, he begins to unpack what that life looks like and how it is to transform us. This week, Mike explores John 16, unpacking Jesus's description of who the Holy Spirit is and what He comes to do, and inviting us to receive again the Life in Full that the Spirit brings.

In John 10:10, Jesus declares that He came in order that we might know LIFE IN FULL, and over the course of the rest of the Gospel of John, he begins to unpack what that life looks like and how it is to transform us. This week, Adrian explores John 15, looking at what it means for Jesus to be 'The True Vine', and how that shapes the meaning and identity that we are to live with.