Oak Pointe Church • Novi

Grief Turns to Joy Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church John 16:12-22 The great promise of the American Dream hinges on one condition: No pain, no gain. It’s in the name of this ambition that many professionals forfeit their families for the corner office. Athletes sacrifice their bodies for the title. And gamblers spend their last dollar for the chance at hitting it big. But do any of these things truly satisfy? In a world marred by longing, striving, and pain, our upcoming message, “Grief Turns to Joy,” will reveal a better way. Join us in discovering a new kind of joy—one that can’t be earned and that never ends.

The Spirit’s Help in Persecution Teacher: Brent Buttermore, Outreach Pastor at Oak Pointe Church John 16:1-11 On July 4, 1918, combined U.S. and Australian infantry marched into battle at the French town of Le Hamel against a German force that outnumbered them 5 to 1. Under the leadership of Lieutenant General John Monash, the Allied forces secured a decisive, and certainly remarkable, victory against their much larger opponent in a mere 93 minutes. History celebrates stories like the Battle of Hamel because there’s something about them that lifts our spirits and fills us with hope. When all seems lost, don’t we like to believe good could still win out in the end? Join us this Sunday as our newest message, “The Spirit’s Help in Persecution,” encourages us in our battle against an enemy even greater than the Axis Powers. Together we’ll unlock the true key to victory.

The World’s Hatred Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church John 15:18-27 In two weeks, our nation will commemorate St. Patrick’s Day, but amid the leprechauns, shamrocks, and corned beef, does anyone remember what we’re celebrating? Maewyn Succat, later known as St. Patrick, was born in Britain in the fourth century A.D. Shortly before Patrick turned 16, his family’s villa was attacked by pirates, who abducted him to their homeland of Ireland and sold him as a slave. It was there, enslaved in a foreign land, that Patrick encountered Jesus. After six years of harsh labor, Patrick finally escaped his oppressors and embarked on a two-year journey home. Safely returned to his family at last, the young man soon began to sense the call of God to do something absolutely mad: journey back to Ireland and share the Gospel with the very people who had enslaved him. Despite fierce opposition, that is exactly what Patrick did. Selflessly, he devoted his life to proclaiming the message of Christ throughout Ireland, by which an entire nation was transformed by the Gospel. As we reflect on the radical, self-giving love of St. Patrick, we recognize the high calling placed on everyone who claims to follow Jesus. Join us this Sunday as our upcoming message challenges how you and I respond to “The World’s Hatred” today.

Spiritual Fruit that Lasts Teacher: Blaine Dennison: Congregational Care Pastor at Oak Pointe Church John 15:9-17 Have you ever placed your go-to order from a restaurant, only to be disappointed? In 2021, fast food giant Taco Bell experienced a widespread shortage of multiple ingredients—including chicken, beef, beans, and its signature hot sauce. The floundering supply chain led once-loyal customers to flood social media with complaints: “For anyone craving Taco Bell tonight, I’ll save you the drive.” Taco Bell learned a hard lesson: You can’t make a burrito without a tortilla. This Sunday, through our newest message, “Spiritual Fruit that Lasts,” we’ll discover a similar lesson—the key ingredient to our spiritual growth, and what happens when we try to produce fruit without it.

The Vine and the Branches Teacher: Pastor Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church John 15:1-8 Since ancient times, sieges have been used by military forces to weaken and subdue their enemies. Victims are cut off from essential supplies, while their attacker counts down the days to their eventual surrender. The effectiveness of a siege lies in its exploitation of basic human needs: a war-torn people can’t survive without food, without water, without medical supplies. Cut off at the source, we soon recognize our weakness and dependency—a reality that’s just as true in our spiritual life. Join us this Sunday as our upcoming message, “The Vine and the Branches,” reveals our true source of life, and what happens when we’re disconnected.

What the World Does Not Have Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church John 14:22-31 Since its Broadway premiere in 1977, Annie has charmed and delighted audiences worldwide. From the stage to the silver screen, the heartwarming story of Annie’s transformation from a penniless orphan to a beloved, billionaire daughter has been told time-and-again. Annie’s rise from “the hard knock life” to “happily ever after” resonates with each of us. Why? We may not be Depression-era orphans, but don’t we long to feel the happiness on Annie’s face? To be chosen? Secure? Loved? Join us this Sunday as our newest message, “What the World Does Not Have,” tells the story of our own Mr. Warbucks – the One who clears away the cobwebs and the sorrow.

Divine Life, Divine LoveJohn 14:12-21 Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church The goal of every great leader is for those who follow to one day surpass them. It’s this principle that motivates coaches to raise up star athletes, the C-Suite to invest in up-and-coming talent, and parents to give their kids every chance at a better life. From families to Fortune 500 companies, we strive to see the next generation go farther and reach higher than ever before. Even Jesus claimed that those to come after Him would do greater things than He had—but how could that be? Join us this Sunday as our upcoming message, “Divine Life, Divine Love,” reveals His vision for our generation, and challenges us to achieve it.

Overcoming a Troubled Heart Teacher: Caleb Middleton, Middle School Pastor at Oak Pointe Church John 14:1-11 Whether the terror of 9/11, the desperation of the Great Recession, or the hysteria of the COVID-19 pandemic, the generations that make up our church today have known hardship. We’ve known grief. We’ve known fear. And that’s not to mention the storms raging in our personal lives—from broken marriages and lost jobs to addiction and abuse. Not one of us is immune. And we all seem to be searching for the antidote. Join us this Sunday as our upcoming message, “Overcoming a Troubled Heart,” offers healing to our aching hearts, restless minds, and searching souls.

Urgent Hour, New Love Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church John 13:31–38 Few things get fans riled up like a debate over the GOAT. Recognition as the Greatest Of All Time has become one of the most sought-after titles in professional sports, where athletes dedicate their lives to reaching new heights. 2023 marked a historic year as LeBron James shattered Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s 38-year tenure as the leading scorer in NBA history and Tom Brady retired from the NFL with record-breaking stats that outperformed the legendary Drew Brees. Millions responded in praise. Fans could barely contain themselves. And these are just games. Join us this Sunday as our newest message, “Urgent Hour, New Love,” invites us to watch with awe as the true GOAT raises the bar, shatters the standard, and blazes a new record. Do you have what it takes to reach it?

Love Betrayed Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church John 13:18-30 Immortalized by Shakespeare’s, “Et tu, Brute?” the assassination of Julius Caesar by his own nephew, Marcus Junius Brutus, is perhaps one of the most infamous betrayals in human history. Brutus is joined in the annals of history by such villains as Revolutionary War traitor Benedict Arnold and US Navyman-turned-USSR informant John A. Walker. Their double-crossing, back-stabbing actions, even unto taking another’s life, never cease to astonish us. And yet Scripture tells of a betrayal more awe-inspiring and history-defining even than these. Join us this Sunday as our newest message, “Love Betrayed,” brings us face-to-face with the man who forsook Love itself—and the one who let him do it.

Love Demonstrated Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church John 13:1-17 Jennifer Garner made headlines this fall when a paparazzo captured a touching moment between the millionaire actress and a man experiencing homelessness. While passing out bags of basic necessities, Garner noticed a man without any socks or shoes. Moved, she leaned down, took off her own socks and shoes, and handed them to him. The millions who applauded Garner’s actions reveal a truth about all of us—that despite the fame, wealth, and power we’re used to praising, there’s something about a humble, gentle act of kindness that cuts to our core. Join us this Sunday as our newest message, “Love Demonstrated,” tells the story of an even greater kindness. One that changed the course of history. One with the power to change you, too.

The God of the Year Teacher: Brent Buttermore, Missions / Outreach Pastor at Oak Pointe Church Zechariah 3:1-5; Job; Luke 23:32-43. With 2024 peeking its head around the corner, it’s the time of year when millions of Americans form their New Year’s resolutions. Research shows that saving more money is a top priority for many in the year ahead, along with reducing work stress and spending less time on social media. While many of us turn our attention to our plans, hopes, and dreams for the year to come, have we paused long enough to reflect on the year that was? Join us this Sunday as our newest message, “The God of the Year,” invites us to consider who we were in 2023. Whether good, bad, or ugly, we’ll take a look at our 2023 selves through God’s eyes.

Veiled in Flesh Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church John 1:14 Each Christmas seems to be even bigger and brighter than the one before. Advertisers vie for our attention through eye-catching displays, larger-than-life decorations, and – most of all – same-day shipping. And the $960 billion projected in holiday spending says they’ve got our attention. The question is, in the haze of twinkly lights and Black Friday sales, have we lost sight of Christmas? We hope you’ll join us this Sunday as our special Christmas Eve message, “Veiled in Flesh,” compels us to ask, “What has me marveling this holiday season?” Together, we’ll uncover what many have missed: the true glory of Christmas.

Fullness of Grace Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church John 1:15-18 For many, the Christmas season wouldn’t be complete without re-runs of timeless holiday films. Beyond the well-loved scenes of wintry weather and family festivities, you might be surprised at what many of these classics have in common: a second chance. From “It’s a Wonderful Life” to “A Christmas Carol,” there’s something about a new beginning – a fresh start – that draws us time and again. This Sunday, our newest message, “Fullness of Grace,” offers a front-row seat to the story of our own second chance. Join us as we experience the Hope that’s shaped the movies we love most.

True Light Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church John 1:6-13 “A person, device, or event which resembles what an individual or a group might be looking for, but it is only meant to lure them.” Historians estimate that decoys were invented as early as 2500 BC, when Egyptians placed clay ducks in the Nile River to bait and capture birds. Since that time, decoys have become a trusted strategy of hunters, soldiers, and even criminals seeking to attract their prey. What makes a decoy so effective? It looks, sounds, or feels like the real thing. Join us this Sunday as our newest message, “True Light,” exposes the decoys seeking to lure you and me today. In a world full of false hopes and empty promises, do you know the real thing?