Oak Lawn Community Baptist Church

Worship Service: 10/04/2026, 9:30am

Welcome to Oak Lawn Community Baptist Church

At Oak Lawn Community Baptist Church, we support people as they seek to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We are an American Baptist Church in partnerships with American Baptist Churches of Rhode Island and American Baptist Churches, USA. We are ecumenically minded and seek opportunities for worship and service with other community churches.

Our church welcomes diverse families. We provide for Christian Education (Sunday School) for school aged children, as well as a nursery for pre-school children during worship services.

A very important part of our worship at Oak Lawn Community Baptist Church is our music program. We have been blessed with a strong music ministry consisting of a Sanctuary Choir, Hand bell Choir, two organists, and many musically talented members who readily share their gifts during the worship services throughout the year.

At the conclusion of worship every Sunday all are invited to the fellowship hall to join in conversation and refreshments.

Oak Lawn Community Baptist Church is located at 229 Wilbur Avenue in Cranston. We warmly invite you to worship with us on a Sunday morning at 9:30 am. Until then, may our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ richly bless you!

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From The Pastor

October 2026

Pastoral Musings

Every year at this time, I have the goal of trying some version of a

pumpkin spice latté. And every year, October ends without me having followed through. I may still be the only person in the country who has yet to try one. I guess like most of us, I tend to go with what’s familiar instead of branching out into something new and different. While there’s much to be said for what’s comfortable, there is also something to be said for trying something new.

Fall is a time when many of us are moving into new territory. Students

are starting new classes, and some are moving into new schools. Our church program year is starting off with a new theme, “You are Part of God’s Plan.” On Rally Day, as part of this, Christian Ed provided us with questionnaires about our likes and interests. In the weeks ahead, we’ll have opportunities during coffee hours to share these with each other. Personally, I’m looking forward to conversations about whether you would rather be a superhero or a villain!

Our Fall Bible Study is also underway exploring Paul’s letter to the

Philippians with the guidance of Max Lucado. Even as Paul wrote this letter from prison, he urged his readers to share in his joy. In true Paul fashion, he shared the good news of Jesus to everyone he encountered, both his fellow prisoners and his jailers. Doing so, Paul found that his message changed hearts and minds. It’s a reminder that each encounter we have with others is an opportunity to shine forth God’s love and care.

May this Fall be a time of blessings for you as God guides you into new

opportunities. I look forward to hearing about the new things you are trying!

Blessings and Peace,

Pastor Linda

Note from the Moderator

Hello Everyone!

Just a quick note to say hello and Welcome Back for a new Church season as we head into the Fall. As I mentioned at the end of the Church Life meeting, I apologize in advance for the mistakes I WILL make during my first time in the Moderator role.

Over the summer, the Boards have had their organizational meetings, and are ready to continue God’s work through our Church. The Board of Christian Education is planning Fall activities for the congregation, in addition to starting the new Church School year. The Deacons are reviewing and updating our memberships rolls, as well as continuing to plan and support our weekly services. The Trustees continue to care for

the Church property as well as our finances.

The most visible activity will be the construction work for

Phase I of the Handicap Accessibility Project. Construction and

renovation work is always disruptive, but please keep in mind

the disruptions are temporary, while the benefits will be long

lasting. There will be more to come on this topic.

So, please join me with a spirit of hope and excitement as we

begin a new Church year!

May God’s Peace and Blessings be with you,

John McCann, Moderator

The Legend of the Dogwood

There is a legend, that at the time of the Crucifixion, the dogwood had been the size of the oak and other forest trees. So firm and strong was the tree that it was chosen as the timber of the cross.

That it was used for such a cruel purpose greatly distressed the tree. Jesus, nailed upon it, sensed this, and in His gentle pity for all sorrow and suffering said to it "Because of your regret and pity for My suffering, never again shall the dogwood tree grow large enough to be used as a cross. Henceforth it shall be slender and bent and twisted, and its blossoms shall be in the form of a cross... two long and two short petals. And in the center of the outer edge of each petal there will be nail prints, brown with rust and stained with red, and in the center of the flower will be a crown of thorns,

and all who see it will remember."

Submitted by: Robin Butzier

REPEAT DAILY

STAYING POSITIVE IS A MUST

PRAYING IS A MUST

IGNORING NEGATIVITY IS A MUST

STAYING FOCUSED IS A MUST

REMAINING HUMBLE AND GRATEFUL IS A MUST

BEING ON A MISSION TO BE AT PEACE, AND FINDING

A BETTER YOU, IS ESSENTIAL TO LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE

AUTHOR UNKNOWN