The Bible is a great source of stories showing us our brokenness, and how Jesus heals us and cares for our needs. Think about the woman at the well (John 4:5-26). She is drawing water every day, alone and heartbroken. She is not only looking for water to still her thirst, but also for love that could truly fulfil her needs. She meets Jesus at the well. During their conversation, Jesus reveals himself to be the true Source of love. Read up more from Ari Savuoja’s sermon “Living Water” held on Sunday, 19.1.2020 (BF)

Open on certain Thursdays from 5pm to 7pm:
16.1., 30.1., 13.2., 27.2., 5.3., 19.3., 2.4., 9.4., 16.4., 30.4. and 7.5.
Tuira church (Myllytie 5)
Entrance from parking lot side.

Come, meet others and spend time together. Tea for free!
Arranged by Tuira Parish of The Evangelical-Lutheran Church in Finland (BF)

New Wine (https://newwine.fi, https://www.new-wine.org) will arrange its ”Encouragement Days” in English in March by means of Rev. Richard Thomas, Stephen Broadie and Dan Allen from the UK, see below.

Organised in English (interpretation into Finnish) by Oulu Free Church (Vapaakirkko, Kirkkokatu 34) and the Cathedral Parish of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oulu (Keskustan srk-talo, central congragation hall, Isokatu 17):

Thu 26.3. at 19 Gospel Evening (Vapaakirkko)

Fri 27.3. at 19 Helmi Young People Evening (Vapaakirkko)

Sat 28.3. at 10-17 Encouragement Day (Keskustan srk-talo)

Encouraging and motivating teaching to strengthen faith. In addition, prayer and praise. Free entry. Coffee/tea 4 EUR in cash. Lunch at own cost in restaurants downtown Oulu 12-13.30.

Sun 29.3. at 11 Worship Service (Vapaakirkko)

More detailed programme to be published in Rauhan Tervehdys (BF)

Sunday, 1.12.2019
Worship service led by Hany Fernando
Time: 16:00
Place: St Luke’s chapel
During the message there is Sunday school for the children
After the service there is fellowship time for everyone to chat with each other over coffee/tea and snacks.

Sunday, 8.12.2019
Christmas Carols. Bring your friends and family to sing along the most popular carols in Advent, including music performances and readings to get prepared for the festive season, and enjoy a moment of peace.
Time: 16:00
Place: St Luke’s chapel
After the carols there is glögi and gingerbread for everyone. 

Sunday, 15.12.2019
Worship service led by David Olsen
Time: 16:00
Place: St Luke’s chapel
During the message there is Sunday school for the children
After the service there is fellowship time for everyone to chat with each other over coffee/tea and snacks.

Continue reading »

You are welcome to join this year’s Thanksgiving Potluck on Friday, 29 November at 17.30, Salvation Army, Isokatu 4, 5th floor, Oulu. A potluck dinner is a common meal prepared by people bringing dishes to enjoy together. So, please bring a dish – hot or cold, cooked or baked – from your home country and share it with others :-) The dishes can be stored from 17.30 onwards in the kitchen. We’ll start with a devotion at 18.00, and then continue having a good time together throughout the evening until approx. 20. (BF)

Summary of Hany Fernando’s sermon on 27 October 2019:
How do you answer this question if you stand in the court? Do you think that a man who has been in prison fits to raise a child. Warren Wiersbe shared his experience and answering either “Yes” or “No” struggled him. He mentioned several pastors and missionaries who were in prison before but brought big impacts on others’ lives.
Paul addressed himself as a prisoner of Christ and he declared this in his epistles, e.g., Ephesians 4:1, Philemon 1 and 9, 2 Timothy 1:18. In Romans 1:1, he called himself a slave of Christ.

What does it mean?
1) He emphasised that his imprisonment was due to his apostolic activities (Philippians 1:13)
2) He acknowledged Christ’s providence through his imprisonment (Acts 28:17-31)
3) He encouraged the readers not to be ashamed about his status (2 Timothy 1:18). He was never ashamed as Jesus’ follower (read Luke 9:26)
Living as believers in this wicked world brings many consequences such as exclusion from certain activities or groups, objects of insulting and mocking, etc. However, these kinds of consequences only last a very short time compared to being with God eternally. (HF)

According to one story a man went to a Christian teacher to ask for instructions on how he could be a better Christian. The teacher replied that he didn’t have any help for that but that he could give a remedy which would create love towards God. “That is what I really need,” replied the man. The teacher answered back, ”It is love for your neighbours, and for all people.” We cannot directly love almighty God except by thanking him. Another way to love God is to love that which God loves: sinful people. It is not a reward or approval for getting to heaven but a gesture of thanksgiving to God for saving us. Read up more on this by accessing Ari Savuoja’s sermon “Love is” from 20 October 2019. (BF)

The Bible tells us that there a special times when God is calling, or when God is coming to make himself known to us. Read up more about it by means of Ari Savuoja’s sermon from 25 August 2019. (BF)

Welcome to join our BBQ – weather permitting – on Saturday, 31 August. Come to meet us (a bunch of Christians from various denominations) at 15.30 in front of St. Luke’s Chapel. You only need to bring your bicycle, something to grill, suitable clothes and a good mood – we’ll cheer you up anyway… We shall cycle together to Kellonkartano (10 km), a Christian recreation centre at the seaside north of Oulu. We may also be able to offer a car ride to a few people – please sign up, so we can check whether it can be arranged. We will have a bonfire in the yard and play some outdoor games together. We should be back at the starting point at around 19.00 pm. Sign up by 30 August by email to bastian[at]oief.fi. In case of bad weather, we will cancel the event via this blog entry on Saturday by 11.00 am (BF)