ministries & outreach
Oak Grove Mennonite Church is known for its impactful ministries that serve both the congregation and the broader community. The church focuses on meeting spiritual, emotional, and physical needs through various initiatives. These ministries are designed to cater to individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life, providing opportunities for worship, fellowship, and service.
Christian education
The Christian Education Commission is responsible for coordinating Sunday School classes of all ages. We also collaborate to provide Sunday evening programming for pre-schoolers through high school. In addition, our commission oversees the church library which is available to all members of the congregation. We also coordinate other activities throughout the year like back-to-school supply distribution and assisting with summer camp registration.
Nurture
& Care
The function of the Nurture and Care Committee is to monitor and oversee the nurturance, family life and fellowship of the church. This is demonstrated through organized activities such as fellowship dinners, church retreats, ice cream socials, and other family-oriented activities throughout the year. We also organize meals and help for people in need within each Sunday School class, participate in recognizing special groups in the congregation such as those persons who have reached the age of 80 years, and coordinate care packages for college students. Additionally, we welcome persons who are new to the congregation and Sunday School classes and help assimilate them into the life of the congregation. The Food Committee is part of Nurture and Care and coordinates preparation and serving of fellowship meals, funeral dinners, election day dinners, special meetings, and Bible School program refreshments.
Oak grove youth
We believe the youth have so much to contribute to the church, and we cherish the opportunity to get to know each student more deeply as they navigate this exciting and sometimes challenging stage of life.
Youth in grades 6-12 can participate in a variety of programs. Sunday School for Jr. High and High School students meets from 10:45–11:30 AM after the church service. Sunday evening gatherings called JYF (Junior Youth Fellowship) and MYF (Mennonite Youth Fellowship) run from September to May and include Bible study, games, service projects, and fun outings. Throughout the year, we host fundraisers to support retreats and summer mission trips. High school students can also join a mentoring program, pairing with an adult from the congregation for fun, faith, and personal growth.
All youth are welcome—bring a friend and join us! Please reach out to Lara Shoemaker with any questions.
The Grove
The Grove is a church run community center located at 123 North Detroit Street in West Liberty. Our aim is to foster a space for the community to come together, to meet needs, and to share life. It has been used by various community groups including the Girl Scouts, West Liberty Soccer Association, West Liberty Ball Association, and homeschool cohorts. We also open the space for private events like baby showers, holiday parties, and birthday parties. Everything is by donation. If you are interested in using The Grove for your club, community group, or event, please contact the church by filling out our contact form, emailing church@oakgrovemennonite.org or calling 937-465-4749. Please download and fill out a building usage form.
West liberty Cares Emergency Fund
Oak Grove administrates a community emergency fund that is sponsored by donations from local churches, organizations, and individuals. The emergency fund is available to assist individuals and families in the West Liberty-Salem School District who may not be able to pay an entire utility bill, make a monthly rent payment, get their car repaired, etc. The financial assistance is for short-term needs only. If you are in need of help, please contact us at 937-465-6640. Donations to the Emergency Fund may be made through the church. Please earmark them for the West Liberty Cares Emergency Fund.
West Liberty Cares food pantry
The Food Pantry is located at South Union Mennonite Church at the corner of US Hwy 68 and St. Rt. 508. The pantry provides bags of non-perishable food items once per month as well as household items such as shampoo, deodorant, laundry soap, etc. Vouchers for Thoman’s IGA for perishable food and for MCC Thrift Shop for clothing and shoes are also available. Visitors to the pantry must register in advance and provide proof of residency in the West Liberty-Salem School District. To register, call 937-465-6085.
Children Ministries
Children's Church
Children’s Church is for kids aged 3 through 3rd grade. It happens during the sermon portion of the Sunday worship service. Kids get to hear a Bible story and do a craft. This time gives them an opportunity to meaningfully learn from the Bible in a way that they may not yet be able to do from the sermon. And in 25 minutes they return to the sanctuary for the rest of the service.
Bible Bonanza
Bible Bonanza is a Sunday evening program for children from preschool through 5th grade. Our aim is to teach kids important verses in the Bible and work on memorizing them, but more importantly, to discover how God’s word applies to our lives. Kids get to hear a story, do a craft, learn music, and play games together. We meet on the first three Sundays of each month from September to May.
Outreach Commission
The vision of the Outreach Commission is to share the love of Jesus with others by planning and offering service and giving opportunities and promoting mission efforts both locally and globally to persons of all ages. Examples of events and opportunities to serve through Oak Grove Mennonite Church may include Back to School events; volunteering at the local food pantry; Christmas giving opportunities; relief efforts, support and donations locally and around the world; concession stand volunteering at West Liberty-Salem School, etc. We welcome you to serve with us!
