“Serving the Olney area since 1801” That’s quite a legacy for Oakdale Emory United Methodist Church. This church isn’t just a building. It is a landmark of faith and community.
Oakdale Emory United Methodist Church started small. It grew into a congregation of 1300 people. Pastors Kevin Baker and David Deans lead this vibrant community. They offer diverse programs for all ages.
Imagine the sounds of vibrant worship filling the air. Picture children laughing during fun Bible-based lessons. Envision youth participating in energetic activities. Think of people finding support in caring groups. Oakdale Emory provides all these opportunities.
The church has a clear mission. It wants to take the Gospel into all of life. Oakdale Emory strives to be Christ-centered. They focus on Jesus. They emphasize following Him. Radical hospitality is another key value. The church welcomes everyone as a member of God’s family. They seek to transform lives through a personal relationship with Jesus. They reflect the demographic diversity of the local community.
Oakdale Emory once embarked on a significant expansion. The “Faith Is Building” Campus Expansion Plan cost $3.5 million. It aimed to improve the church’s facilities and accessibility. The project included several key improvements. A prominent welcoming entrance along Georgia Avenue was created. Access for people with disabilities was improved. The main Sanctuary gained over 100 seats. A central common space was added for informal gatherings. Additional meeting and classroom space was provided. The nursery space became more accessible and conveniently located.
Oakdale Emory faced a challenging time. The church voted to disaffiliate from the United Methodist Church. This decision came with a significant financial hurdle. Oakdale Church needed to raise $4 million to keep its property. This amount covered mission shares, pension liability and a portion of the property’s assessed value.
Despite the financial challenges Oakdale Emory remained focused on its mission. The church continued to serve its community. They are committed to making disciples. They want to catalyze a disciple-making movement.
Oakdale Emory demonstrates resilience. It shows a deep commitment to faith and community. Whether in its current building or elsewhere the church’s mission continues. The story of Oakdale Emory is one of faith building and serving.