About OIC

Recent Messages

2010/2/14
Which Way are You Looking?
Hebrews 11
Kami Alexander
mp3 24:36 11.3 MB PDF 24:36 62 KB
2010/2/7
Lay Up Treasures in Heaven
Matthew 6
Dan Parry
mp3 30:07 6.9 MB PDF 30:07 324 KB
2010/1/31
Restoring the Image
Genesis 1
Jack Marshall
mp3 47:35 10.9 MB

Click here to see all messages!

What to Expect

We want you to feel comfortable at OIC, with no surprises. So here are a few questions you might ask about what it would be like to visit OIC.
What style are the worship services?

OIC's worship is contemporary and casual. Most of the songs we sing are modern praise songs, but some traditional hymns are also included. The teaching is typically verse-by-verse through a book of the Bible. On Saturday evening, we are so casual that we serve a drink to everyone as they come in!

It is also common after both services for people to go eat together at a local restaurant for more fellowship, and new visitors are always welcome to join in - it's a great way to get to know people.

How long do the services last?

Both the Saturday evening and Sunday morning worship services last about 90 minutes, so Sunday is from 10:00 till about 11:30, and Saturday evening is from 6:30 till about 8:00.

Usually there is a set of about three praise songs, followed by the Bible message, then announcements, then about three-five more worship songs. On the first Saturday and Sunday of every month, we share communion (sometimes called "the Lord's supper" or "euchurist") together, after the first song set and before the message. Sometimes we also have special presentations of various types, but we try to keep the total time within 90 minutes.

What should I wear?
You can wear whatever you are comfortable in. You will see people wearing everything from jeans & T-shirts to suits & ties (and an occasional kimono) - anything is fine.
What happens when I arrive?

On Sunday morning, if you are arriving near the time for the 10:00 Sunday worship, there will be a table set up in the foyer with many ushers and greeters to welcome you and answer any questions.  You will be given a bulletin, and at the table you can check out an interpretation radio if you need Japanese language assistance.

If you are arriving earlier, there are many activities that start at 9:00:

  • English conversation class: Room 301
  • Sign language class: 1F foyer (behind the elevator)
  • Bible study: Room 407
  • In the main hall, the worship team will be rehearsing, but you are welcome to go in and sit down anytime you want.

On Saturday evening, just go directly to the 4th floor, and then to Room 407 at the end of the hall.  If you have arrived early and there is no one in that room yet, Pastor Dan and possibly others will be in the church office, Room 404 - feel free to just go in and say hi.

If you arrive late to either of our services, don't be shy - come in quietly and join us anytime.

Will I be expected to give money?

During the second set of songs we will pass baskets to collect tithes and offerings from our regular congregation to be used for the expenses of the church and our support of outreach activities and missions. However, there is no obligation, especially for visitors.

You will be given a bulletin when you come in, and it will include an offering envelope and a "Share & Communicate Card". If you would like to tell us who you are, or if you have a prayer request or comment, you can fill out the Share & Communicate Card and put it in the offering basket. Whether or not you give an offering or fill out the card, we would like you to put both in the offering basket, because we reuse them.

Is there something for my children?

During the Sunday morning worship, there is age-graded Sunday School for children from pre-school age and elementary school age every week, and youth group for junior high, high school, and college age once a month.  Bring your kids to the main worship hall with you, and right after the first praise song set all the kids and teachers will go to their classrooms for the rest of the worship time.

We do not have a nursery to care for babies or toddlers, but you are welcome to bring them into the worship hall with you.  If you need to feed them or take them away from the worship hall, there is usually a "mother's room" provided in room 303, where you can still hear the audio from the worship hall.

The Saturday evening worship is small and has no separate provisions for children, but all ages are always welcome.