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Getting Closer to God -- Religious Education in Ocean Grove
The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association (OGCMA) "God's Square Mile at the Jersey Shore" Presents GETTING CLOSER TO GOD
 
Religious Education for Adults, Teens and Kids is an Integral Part of Summer at Ocean Grove

Contact: David Lotz, 609-203-2342, lotzflash@gmail.com
 
OCEAN GROVE, N.J., July 11, 2016 /Christian Newswire/ -- When a group of dedicated ministers founded The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association (OGCMA) in 1869, they understood that Christians needed a summer break from the woes and duties of daily life. But they also understood that the brain and the heart are muscles that must be exercised year-round in order for people to live increasingly happier and more productive lives through their faith. So, they believed that the peaceful water, clear air and delightful sunshine of the Jersey Shore would be ideal for "A place of respite where religion and recreation should go hand in hand."
 
Accordingly, religious education has always been an essential part of planned activities at Ocean Grove. Over the years, the founders and their descendants themselves, increasingly learned how to make religious study more heartfelt, soulful, and enjoyable. And during this, OGCMA's 147th season and the early decades of the 21st Century, being creative and constant in religious education is the bedrock of spiritual opportunity at Ocean Grove. "It's not enough to call yourself a Christian and go to church on Sunday," says Dr. Dale C. Whilden, OGCMA's president. "It is vital to continually bring new information, energy and joy to your faith so that you can deepen your relationship with God and reflect His love in all aspects of your feeling and behavior."
 
BIBLE HOUR IN BISHOP JANES TABERNACLE
Bible Hour is held Monday thru Saturday at 9:00 a.m.
(babysitting service for children ages 6-months to 3½-years is available
Monday thru Friday in the Youth Temple for Bible Hour attendees)
 
BIBLE HOUR LEADERS:
July 11-16, Pastor Christian Andrews, Lead Pastor, Park Church, Tinton Falls NJ
July 18-23, Rev. Roger Casey, Resident Teacher, Milford Evangelical First Presbyterian Church, Milford PA
July 25-30, Rev. Dr. Duffy Robbins, Prof. of Youth Ministry, Eastern University, St. Davids PA
August 1-3, Rev. Dr. Tom Tewell, Founder/President, Macedonian Ministry, Atlanta GA
August 4-6, Rev. David Cotton, Pastoral Assistant, First Presbyterian Church, Manasquan NJ
August 8-13, Jay Seegert, Co-Founder/Managing Director, Creation Education Center, Waukesha WI
August 15-20, Dr. Paul Maier, Prof. of Ancient History, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo MI
August 22-27, Dr. James W. Fleming, CEO, Biblical History Center, La Grange GA
August 29-September 3, Pastor Bill Beckelman, Senior Pastor, Calvary Chapel Coastlands, Eatontown NJ
 
CONTEMPLATION AND CELEBRATION
 
Sanctuary – Within the framework of contemplative worship music and moments of silence, this service is offered to those seeking a safe place to come before the Lord, resting in His presence while developing a deeper intimacy with Him. Wednesdays thru September 28th at 6:30 p.m. in the Bishop Janes Tabernacle.
 
Gospel Ministries – One of the most popular religious offerings at Ocean Grove! All are welcome at the Boardwalk Pavilion to enjoy a wide variety of blended contemporary/traditional services, dedicated hymn programs, and presentations of the Gospel through music and message. Indeed, this series brings the message of salvation as clearly as possible, sows Gospel seeds, and gives folks the opportunity of understanding and receiving Christ as Savior by being born-again into His family. This series involves local and touring music groups and solo artists; area church music groups and choirs; and praise and worship teams, some including drama, puppets, comedians, Gospel magicians, college outreach teams – and more! Thru Sunday, September 4th
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays – 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
Saturdays – 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m.
Sundays – 2:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m.
 
BEACH BIBLE STUDIES
 
July 12, 19 and 26 – 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. – Ocean Grove Beach – no charge
Rev. David Cotton
"Four Voices – One Story"– Explore the four Gospel accounts of Jesus through the unique voices of Matthew,
Mark, Luke and John.
 
July 11, 18, 25 and August 8, 15 – 7:00 p.m. – Main Avenue Beach Under the Pink-Striped Umbrellas – no charge
Ladies, Gather Under the Umbrellas
Bring your own beach chair and a friend. This will be a Ladies Only time for fun, friendship, and a focus on God in small spontaneous group discussions. (The Bishop Janes Tabernacle is the rain location)
 
ADULT EDUCATION AND CONFERENCES
 
August 8 and 9 – 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. – Bishop Janes Tabernacle – no charge
Jay Seegert
Monday: "Creation vs. Evolution – The Case For Science" / Tuesday: "Faith Is Not A Four-Letter Word"
 
August 11 and 12 – 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. – Youth Temple
Global Leadership Summit (Live Simulcast)
This is a 2-day, world-class, leadership event already experienced by more than 170,000 leaders worldwide and representing more than 14,000 churches. It is crafted to infuse vision, skill development and inspiration, telecast live from the Willow Creek campus near Chicago. You can join in by calling 732-775-0035 ext 100 in advance for discount fee code and registration information.
 
August 22 thru 26 – 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Community Room – $125 + $1.50 service charge
Dr. James W. Fleming
"Miracle Stories of the Bible" – This in-depth study examines the various ways scholars have interpreted ancient texts. In all these stories, Dr. Fleming will discuss the human need, the presence of God, and a sense of wonder.
 
September 17 – 9:00a.m. to 4:15p.m. – Youth Temple - $25 + $1.50 service charge
Beth Moore (Live Simulcast)
Beth Moore founded Living Proof Ministries in 1994 to teach how to love and live on God's Word. This is a special educational and spiritual event you won't want to miss.
 
CHILDREN AND TEEN PROGRAMS
 
Thornley Chapel – Mon. – Fri. – 9-10a.m. – Ages 3½ -7
This program is designed to introduce youngsters to the awesome life adventure of faith in God through Bible lessons, songs, games, and crafts.
 
Children's Church – Sundays thru August 14th – 10:15a.m. – Ages 4-7 and 8-11
A special time of age-appropriate worship for those 4-7. Those 8-11 will attend a small group Bible Study. Both will be held in the Youth Temple.
 
Riptide – Mon. – Fri. – 9-11 a.m. – Ages 8-11
A program designed to take pre-teens to a new level of relationship with God through Bible lessons, worship, recreation, and crafts, in the Youth Temple.
 
Breakfast Club – Mon. – Fri. – 9-10 a.m. – Ages 12-17
Dive into the day with breakfast and a relevant message from the Bible, followed by games at the Boardwalk Pavilion.
 
The Current – Sundays thru August 14th – 7p.m. – Ages 12-17
A great time of worship led by the Youth Ministry staff in Thornley Chapel West, offering opportunities for sharing, singing, prayer, and for hearing a relevant Word directly from the scriptures. College students are also welcome.