What is the power of a church in the world?

Almost 152 years ago, a few families gathered in an humble log cabin in the small town of Dallas, Tx to worship their God. Dallas, by all measures at the time, was not much more than an outpost located on White Rock Lake en route to Cowtown (Ft. Worth). At only 8000 citizens, it was an insignificant town during an insignificant time with insignificant people . Yet, by the grace of God, those families began a spark in the dry wilderness that took flame and created an amazing blaze that is now the Highland Oaks Church of Christ. And though the decades have come and gone, one thing has remained true about this church: its undying commitment to the city of Dallas and the world.

This Sunday represents another milestone in the life of this church. Almost 24 years to the day, this church made a bold move to come out of the city and move to the outskirts of town. God rewarded that boldness and vision and the church grew both in numbers and impact. And now, this weekend, the church makes an equally great dedication. However, this does not involve a move to another site; instead our dedication played itself out in the decision to stay right where we were and to minster to our surrounding neighborhoods. In a day and time when all churches have been running from the urban environment, Highland Oaks has boldly staked its claim on the surrounding community and to its discipleship.

In order to make this church a viable place of ministry in the coming years, much work had to be done to renovate the existing campus. To that end, faith-pledged monies have been used to restore and upgrade our existing worship space, including all new seating, sound, lighting, flooring…well, everything! The configurations of walls were changed and traffic patterns simplified. We’ve also added a café called “The Well” that will serve as a conversational hub for our members to enjoy and fellowship. In addition, many other parts of the campus have been changed, including our Chapel, Fellowship Hall, signage, and landscaping. And we’re not done there, as future plans include the addition of a Student Complex, Children’s facilities, and administrative area. Indeed, the future of this great church is very bright and with God in the driver’s seat, we are all along for an amazing ride!

And what of this church’s impact in the community and the world? It would be easier to number the grains of sand on the seashore than to tell of the number of lives that have been touched because God allowed this church to continue through the ages. From the jungles of Africa to the apartments across the parking lot, Highland Oaks has served as a lighthouse of the Gospel for more than 15 decades. And who could have imagined that a few people with a dream to worship their Lord and Savior could have changed so many? Only God could have believed that reality and brought it to bear upon this great church…and thousands more just like Highland Oaks…that His mission of reconciliation might be carried on in the world…until the day of Christ.

May God bless this great church with His Spirit.

As you worship this week:

Meditate – on the amazing things that God has done in history of HOCC.
Contemplate – the new opportunities for ministry that the Lord will bring in this new phase of church life.
Seek – God to ignite a fire in your heart and a passion for ministry in the church.
Find – the Lord’s blessing in your worship and work at HOCC

Resounding Themes:

Active and Living God
Message of Christ’s Redemptive Purpose
Christ in Us, the Hope of Glory

Getting READY to Worship

Ready, Set, READ

Acts 2

Ready, Set, MEDITATE

- At first read, what do you find most intriguing about this chapter? What is Peter’s role at Pentecost? Why is that so significant, knowing just who Peter is?

- After Pentecost, how does the church respond? What do they give up to be the Church? What do they gain? What does Acts 2 have to say about the Church and its role in the world? In each other’s lives?

- What “Pentecost-style” things have you witnessed God do in this church? How important is Highland Oaks mission to the North Dallas area – and beyond. How are you specifically becoming a part of the work at HOCC? Where will God take this church next?

Ready, Set, PRAY

And Lord God, Creator, Father, and Sustainer, we declare Your majesty and dominion over our lives and in this church! For you have displayed Your faithfulness throughout the decades…and as we have had faith, we have strived to keep in step with Your will for us.

Lord, as we celebrate our reentry into our new auditorium, we invite you into this room, inhabiting every space, surrounding every detail with your glory. For it is truly all about you! Anything good in this life, we have as a direct gift from Your hand. We do not celebrate ourselves in this endeavor, but seek wholly to be both humbled and blessed by Your graciousness.

Lord, we celebrate You. Would You continue to bless as we equal our faithful response to Your leading.

We love You and embrace Your Son as our true Savior. And its in His precious name, the name above all names, that we offer this blessing over the Highland Oaks Church.

AMEN.

Ready, Set, WORSHIP!