Reviving Oasis: A Midweek Experience of Rest, Joy and Renewal
When I first interviewed at Grace, one of the ministries that immediately caught my attention was Wednesday night Oasis. It’s one of those timeless ideas that feels like a breath of fresh air in our fast-paced world. There was a time when Wednesday evenings were nearly as sacred as Sunday mornings—when sports practices would pause, school events would step aside, and families would gather to rest, reconnect, and reflect.
Grace Church found a beautiful way to keep that spirit alive—a midweek Oasis for all ages, blending fellowship, learning, and worship. But as life speeds up and calendars fill, we’ve seen attendance slowly slip, and it’s time for a fresh breath of life into this cherished tradition.
Yet, at its core, Oasis still pulses with life. Walk our halls on a Wednesday evening, and you’ll see sparks of that original vision: students and their dedicated Study Buddies sharing laughter and tackling schoolwork side by side; the energy of KiDDs Club echoing with joy and creativity; the hum of conversations around dinner tables where new friendships are formed and old ones strengthened.
Starting Sept. 10, we’re breathing new life into Oasis with a renewed rhythm designed for today’s busy lives—but still rooted in rest, community, and spiritual renewal. Here’s what’s coming:
🕠 5:30-6:30 PM — Dinner & Fellowship / Study Buddies
Gather around the table for a hearty meal and good company. Students and Study Buddies will take their plates to their rooms, mixing study time with fellowship in a relaxed setting.
🕡 6:30-7 PM — KiDDs Club / Devotion in the Sanctuary
While KiDDs Club dives into their adventures, adults and families are invited to the Sanctuary for a short but meaningful 15-minute devotion, led by our pastors and deacon, followed by Holden Evening Prayer. I’ll be leading the first four weeks myself, and then our other rostered leaders will take turns guiding us.
This isn’t just another church program. This is your midweek Oasis—a sacred pause to nourish body, mind, and soul. It’s a time to slow down, breathe deeply, and be filled with the kind of strength only found in community and God’s presence amidst the chaos of everyday life.
I hope you’ll join us as we reimagine and revive this treasured Grace tradition. Let’s make Wednesday evenings a sanctuary once again.
With hope and anticipation,
Pastor Jonathan Schnibben
