OASIS, or Outstanding Adults Sharing in Service, is a large group of senior adults spending time together at Crossway Church.

The mission statement of the group is “to provide a welcoming environment wherein members can connect with each other, grow in the Lord, and serve the Lord with all their mind, heart and strength.”

The group is intended for those over age 60, but as leader Ron Goldman says, “if someone a little under 60 comes, we won’t turn you away. We meet once a month. Meetings feature a potluck lunch and prayer. Once a year, they have a special brunch featuring delicious breakfast casseroles, fruit, and biscuits with homemade jam.

“Four times a year, we have our own worship service,” Goldman explained. “We enjoy the old hymns. We have a guest speaker. We do different things. For Valentine’s Day, the church staff served us. About twice a year we’ll have a game day. We have played ‘The Price is Right,’ and that was a lot of fun.”

Goldman said the average attendance at meetings is 60-85 people, and some even come from Louisiana.

Pastor T. J. Tennison credits Goldman with getting the group started. 

“Ron’s done a tremendous job with this group,” Tennison said. “He came to me a few years ago . . with the idea. They have (the potlucks) and take trips. Once a quarter, they have a Sunday night worship.

“One of the things they do that I love is they highlight someone. Someone who has been really faithful, a servant, and they research their life, from childhood. They bring them to the front and have a ceremony where they honor their faithfulness.”

Lively games enhance the gatherings, adding laughter, fun and prizes. On Wednesday, each table nominated two people to participate in the game, “Password,” led by Goldman, who served as host and emcee for the gathering. While one of the pair remained seated with their back to the whiteboard, a word was written that they could not see. Using one-word hints, the other partner tries to help them guess the word. Two pairs competed against each other. Whichever pair guessed the word first was the winner.

When the word “preacher” was given, the hint “T.J.” caught Tennison’s attention. He perked up and turned his attention to the game when someone yelled “long-winded!”

The group burst into laughter and Tennison responded with, “Hey, (the last sermon) was five minutes shorter.”

The table for the winners of the game featured goodies like Oreos, Hershey’s Kisses and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. But the runners-up also had a prize table, with items like Cheerios, Raisin Bran and Little Debbie snacks. No one went away empty-handed.

The quarterly evening worship service features singing – mostly traditional hymns – led by a special musician, a lesson and a dessert fellowship afterwards.

In 2023, the group took a five-day trip to Branson, Mo. In addition to shopping and meals, the group attended live shows each day.

It’s not all about fun and food for the OASIS group, though. They also support missions in many ways. This year, they raised more than $10,000 to support the WinShape camp for kids that is hosted at Crossway. OASIS volunteers also helped in the kitchen during the camp to provide snacks for the children. The Christian camp is for elementary school kids, and the money raised helps provide scholarships to pay the fees for children who otherwise could not afford to attend.

“We enjoy the group,” said Mike Jones, of OASIS. “Us old folks.” He paused, then added, “well, we’re not real old!”

The group is open to anyone, whether a member at Crossway or not. For more information about OASIS or Crossway Church, visit crosswaychurch.com.