Christ Fund FAQ
1) What does resident of Virginia mean?
Virginia is your permanent state of residency and applicant has lived in the state of Virginia for at least one year.
2) What are examples of school, church, and community extracurricular activities?
School - Student Government Association, National Honor Society, Band, Sports, School Clubs, Step Team, Cheerleading, etc.
Community - Food Bank/Pantry, Volunteering for a non-profit organization, Senior Citizen Center, Library, etc.
Church - Youth Ministry, Usher Board, Choir, Step Team, Praise Dance, etc.
3) What are examples of leadership positions?
If applicant is the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, or any position of leadership within the organization above your membership.
4) What is the Student Activity report?
The Student Activity Report (SAR) summarizes all the information you provided on your FAFSA.
5) What is Expected Family Contribution (EFC)?
Your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is the number that’s used to determine your eligibility for federal student aid. This number results from the financial information you provided in your FAFSA application. Your EFC is reported to you on your Student Aid Report (SAR).
6) What does "member in good financial standing" mean?
The church bylaws Article XXIV have defined basic criteria for minimum acceptable financial standings demonstrated by contributing a minimum of $4.00 per Sunday or $208 per year to the church. Members are urged to tithe to cover their obligations of God as set forth in the teachings of Christ (See Genesis 14: 18-20, Malachi 3:8-10, Luke 11:42 and Luke 14:25-35 and Act 5:1-11).
7) Define active member for at least one year?
Actively partipicating in church worship, tithing, actively involved in one of the many church ministries.
8) How do I find out if my college or university is accredited?
The institution must be accredited and listed on the official web site of the U.S. Department of Education http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/Search.aspx. Go to web site and enter name of college or university.
9) What is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and how do I apply?
FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This form is used to determine the amount of money a family is expected to contribute to the price of attending college/university. The results of the FAFSA are used in determining student grants, work study, and loan amounts.
Apply by clicking here: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
10) What is Christian Development?
Using the knowledge you have acquired about Jesus Christ through your participation in worship service, Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, and bible study, and using this knowledge as an instrument of change in your life and community.
11) What is an application packet?
An application packet consists of all required documents that are needed in order for your application to be considered for the scholarship. See the application packet checklist.
12) What is the deadline to have application packet to the church?
Application packets must be postmarked by May 31, 2013. We will not accept any application packets after the postmark date.
13) How will the recipient(s) be notified?
A letter will be mailed to the recipient(s) in June.
14) What if I have additional questions?
Please send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
15) How are applicants selected?
The Scholarship Selection Committee,appointed by the Christ Fund Scholarship Ministry, will evaluate the following criteria using a Scoring Rubric to select the recipient(s):
· academic performance (determined by GPA)
· financial need (EFC Score)
· participation in extracurricular activities
· 250 - 300 word essay (typed & double spaced)
· letters of recommendation
Christ Fund Scholarship Application Packet Check List
Please review your application for accuracy and to ensure all questions have been answered. Do not forget to sign your application. Also, make a copy of all your documents for your records. Place application and all required documents in one envelope and mail to the church. All application packets must be postmarked by June 2, 2017. We will NOTaccept any hand delivered application packets, incomplete application packets, or application packets postmarked after 6/2/17.
A complete application packet consists of:
□ Completed Application
□ Official high school transcript
□ Page 1 of Student Aid Report (SAR) showing Expected Family Contribution
(EFC)
□ Acceptance Letter to the college/university that will be attended
□ Financial Aid Letter from college/university that will be attended
□ Letter of Recommendation from teacher
□ Letter of Recommendation from guidance counselor
□ Letter of Recommendation from church sponsor, if non-member
□ 250 – 300 word essay typed&double spaced
Christ Fund Ministry

Building a Bridge to the Future

Ò In 2007, Trustee Beverly Smith volunteered to raise funds to establish a scholarship fund for the church. A banquet was held at the Murray Center in Norfolk, Va on July 14th 2007. The banquet raised $10,000 to establish the fund. The Christ Fund Ministry was formed to develop the infrastructure to manage the scholarship. After five years of fund raising, the ministry is scheduled to award its first scholarship in April 2012.
Oakwood Chapel Church Christ Fund Scholarship Program

The Oakwood Chapel Christ Fund Scholarship provides an opportunity to assist young people in our community to pursue worth while academic dreams. The Christ Fund Scholarship Ministry is now accepting applications for the 2018/2019academic year from eligible high school seniors pursuing undergraduate study at an accredited two or four-year College or university and meeting eligibility criteria can apply. The program will award two $1000.00 non-renewable scholarships annually to qualified recipient(s). Applications will be accepted from 5/1/18-6/2/18. All applications must be mailed to the church and postmarked by Friday, June 1, 2018.The scholarship award may be used for tuition, fees, books, supplies and equipment required for enrollment. Award will be paid directly to the college or university.
The scholarship program is administered by the Christ Fund Scholarship Ministry of Oakwood Chapel Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ. Consideration is given without regard to race, sex, or national origin.
Eligibility
Applicants to the Christ Fund Scholarship Ministry must
· be a resident of Virginia;
· be a high school senior accepted as a full-time undergraduate at a two or four year
accredited college or university;
· be an active member of Oakwood Chapel Church (DOC) for at least one (1) year at the
time of applying; if not a member, applicant must have a church sponsor who is an active
member for at least one (1) year, and in good financial standing, as defined in the church
bylaws, Article XXIV, page 23; Note – sponsor must be age 18 or older.
· have a 3.0 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 grading scale
· complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial need
· Participate in at least two extracurricular activities (community service / church or school
related)
Application Process
Download and print the application. Complete the application. If any fields on the application are not completed, your application will not be considered. Please check for accuracy and completeness before mailing. The completed application and all required documents must be mailed together in one envelope and postmarked by June 1, 2018. We will NOT accept hand delivered application packets, incomplete application packets, or application packets postmarked after 6/1/18.
A complete Scholarship Application Packet consists of:
· Completed Application
· Official high school transcript
· Page 1 of Student Aid Report (SAR) showing Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from
FAFSA.
· A copy of acceptance letter to the college/university that will be attended
· A copy of financial aid letter from college/university that will be attended
· One letter of recommendation from a teacher
· One letter of recommendation from a guidance counselor
· One letter of recommendation from church sponsor, if non member
· A 250 – 300 word essay ( typed & double spaced) on how you will use your Christian
Development or College Education to transform your community
Selection Criteria
The Scholarship Selection Committee appointed by the Christ Fund Scholarship Ministry will evaluate the following criteria using a Scoring Rubric to select the recipient(s):
· academic performance (determined by GPA)
· financial need (EFC Score)
· participation in extracurricular activities
· 250 – 300 word essay (typed & double spaced)
· letters of recommendation Recipient(s) will be notified via letter in June.
1) What does resident of Virginia mean?
Virginia is your permanent state of residency and applicant has lived in the state of Virginia for at least one year.
2) What are examples of school, church, and community extracurricular activities?
School - Student Government Association, National Honor Society, Band, Sports, School Clubs, Step Team, Cheerleading, etc.
Community - Food Bank/Pantry, Volunteering for a non-profit organization, Senior Citizen Center, Library, etc.
Church - Youth Ministry, Usher Board, Choir, Step Team, Praise Dance, etc.
3) What are examples of leadership positions?
If applicant is the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, or any position of leadership within the organization above your membership.
4) What is the Student Activity report?
The Student Activity Report (SAR) summarizes all the information you provided on your FAFSA.
5) What is Expected Family Contribution (EFC)?
Your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is the number that’s used to determine your eligibility for federal student aid. This number results from the financial information you provided in your FAFSA application. Your EFC is reported to you on your Student Aid Report (SAR).
6) What does "member in good financial standing" mean?
The church bylaws Article XXIV have defined basic criteria for minimum acceptable financial standings demonstrated by contributing a minimum of $10.00 per Sunday or $520 per year to the church. Members are urged to tithe to cover their obligations of God as set forth in the teachings of Christ (See Genesis 14: 18-20, Malachi 3:8-10, Luke 11:42 and Luke 14:25-35 and Act 5:1-11).
7) Define active member for at least one year?
Actively partipicating in church worship, tithing, actively involved in one of the many church ministries.
8) How do I find out if my college or university is accredited?
The institution must be accredited and listed on the official web site of the U.S. Department of Education http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/Search.aspx. Go to web site and enter name of college or university.
9) What is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and how do I apply?
FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This form is used to determine the amount of money a family is expected to contribute to the price of attending college/university. The results of the FAFSA are used in determining student grants, work study, and loan amounts.
Apply by clicking here: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
10) What is Christian Development?
Using the knowledge you have acquired about Jesus Christ through your participation in worship service, Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, and bible study, and using this knowledge as an instrument of change in your life and community.
11) What is an application packet?
An application packet consists of all required documents that are needed in order for your application to be considered for the scholarship. See the application packet checklist.
12) What is the deadline to have application packet to the church?
Application packets must be postmarked by June 1, 2018 We will not accept any application packets after the postmark date.
13) How will the recipient(s) be notified?
A letter will be mailed to the recipient(s) in June.
14) What if I have additional questions?
Please send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
15) How are applicants selected?
The Scholarship Selection Committee,appointed by the Christ Fund Scholarship Ministry, will evaluate the following criteria using a Scoring Rubric to select the recipient(s):
· academic performance (determined by GPA)
· financial need (EFC Score)
· participation in extracurricular activities
· 250 - 300 word essay (typed & double spaced)
· letters of recommendation
Christ Fund Scholarship Application Packet Check List
Please review your application for accuracy and to ensure all questions have been answered. Do not forget to sign your application. Also, make a copy of all your documents for your records. Place application and all required documents in one envelope and mail to the church. All application packets must be postmarked by June 1, 2018. We will NOTaccept any hand delivered application packets, incomplete application packets, or application packets postmarked after 6/2/17.
A complete application packet consists of:
□ Completed Application
□ Official high school transcript
□ Page 1 of Student Aid Report (SAR) showing Expected Family Contribution
(EFC)
□ Acceptance Letter to the college/university that will be attended
□ Financial Aid Letter from college/university that will be attended
□ Letter of Recommendation from teacher
□ Letter of Recommendation from guidance counselor
□ Letter of Recommendation from church sponsor, if non-member
□ 250 – 300 word essay typed&double spaced
Church History
+ + + + + Our Church History 1889 ˜ 2016 + + + + +
In the year 1889, Elder William Lee of Halifax, North Carolina moved to Norfolk, Virginia and soon organized a prayer band. The people met and moved from house to house increasing in numbers as they went along. Their membership grew until a larger facility was required. Soon they cleared a tract of land and built a place of worship. The first edifice was located at Blues Corner, which is now "G" Avenue and Sewells Point Road, Norfolk, Virginia.
The Disciples of Christ multiplied rapidly and Elder Solomon Webb was elected as their first pastor. He served faithfully until his death. After the death of Elder Webb, with faith in God, the congregation organized and built a church on the present site. Over the years, several ministers have served dutifully and faithfully as Pastors of Oakwood Chapel: Rev. A. Franklin, Rev. B. J. Shaw, Rev. Edward Jefferson, Rev. T. A. Wood, Rev. Richard Thompson, Rev. W. B. Parks, Rev. J. T. Jones, Rev. Arthur Jones, Rev. R. Thompson, Rev. Moses Eley, Rev. James Moore, Rev. R. A. Stuart, and for twenty-one or more years, Rev. David L. Davenport (1954-1975). After the death of Rev. Davenport, the Associate Pastor, Rev. A. G. Norfleet served as the Acting Pastor for one year, (1976). Dr. C. N. White served faithfully for twenty-two years, (1977-1999). Following him were Rev. Thurman Hines (2000) and Dr. C. L. McKeller (2003-2004).
All through our history, we have learned to trust God and have strived to be a faithful and loyal congregation that works to serve others in serving Jesus Christ. God has blessed us abundantly. Throughout April 1999 to March 2002, we were without a pastor but worship continued, along with a steady commitment to remain on the battlefield for our Lord. God blessed and carried us through, and kept us from harm. In April 2002, Dr. McKeller started effectively serving as "Interim Pastor" for one year. Sensing Gods' direction, by 2003, Dr. McKeller was unanimously elected by the people of God to become the Pastor of Oakwood Chapel Church. Pastor McKeller was installed in March 2003 and remained until May 2004.
From May 2004 and until September 2005, our faithful associates served, fulfilling pulpit and other ministerial duties. By January 2005, a pulpit search committee was formed and scheduled several potential candidates for Pastor to visit and share in worship.
2004-2005: We completed several projects on our building. New windows and air conditioners were installed in the old education annex. Much of 2005, we were without a Pastor but our associates shared pulpit duties along with many visiting ministers.
After much prayer and fasting, God blessed us with the Rev Dr. Earl James Eaddy, Sr., to serve as Pastor. In June 2006, we gathered to celebrate and thank God during an installation service and banquet in honor of Dr. Eaddy and family. Our church members, family and friends, all came together at the Airport Hilton Hotel, in a formal banquet to celebrate our new pastor. Our guest for the installation and banquet was Rev Be Louis Colleton and Shiloh Baptist Church, Landover, Maryland. A host of community Pastors, government officials, to include Senator Yvonne Miller of the Fifth District of Virginia Commonwealth were in attendance. Pastor Colleton preached the installation sermon and Pastor Ricky Lee of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Chase City Virginia, was the principal speaker at the banquet.
This year we are celebrating our 127th year of Christian service in the Oakwood community. We are on the move, “Winning Souls for Jesus Christ Here and Everywhere.” This is our mission, with the motto we shout responsively, in a call and response, from week to week: “Each One, Win One for Jesus Christ.” We seek those who are lost and in need. Oakwood Chapel is a place of healing for the sick.
We are moving forward with new Christian vitality and spiritual energy expressed through various ministries. We have invigorated Christian Education with increased attendance at Sunday School and Weekly Bible Study. Our congregation is growing and focused on making new disciples through a progressive Christian Education ministry, under the leadership of faithful disciples and a rotating schedule of over fifteen teachers. Our Bible Study is designed around a discipleship curriculum, using the latest computer assisted multimedia approaches. Membership educational progress is tracked and assessed through a new membership course, a right hand of fellowship and church pinning ceremony, with advancing levels of courses, up through completion of 116 credits hours, which leads to the Oakwood Discipleship Diploma.
There is now a fully furnished Library on the second floor for all to enjoy. We installed a local network with servers to connect a computer lab, multiple classrooms, the library and the administrative offices using a router with wireless and cable internet connectivity. We now have fully automated administrative functions throughout the Church and Academy. Three trustees: Keisha Britt, Beverly Smith, and Sharon Smith completed a yearlong training program and were installed. Also, three deaconesses: Barbara Phillips, Devika (De De) Rawls and Rachel Smith, underwent yearlong training, to include completion of a final ministry project and were ordained into the diaconate. A Christ fund ministry is established with the strategic goal of creating a one million dollar endowment for the purpose of youth development and academic scholarship. On July 14 2007, Senator Yvonne Miller, served as the keynote speaker at a special banquet where more than $10,000.00 were raise to organized and initiate the Christ Fund. To date the fund has grown to approximately $40,000.00 endowed. The church has aggressive education enrichment efforts through the Library Ministry. We have provided over $5000.00 in tuition assistance and routinely provide financial awards to students on the honor roll along with those who score a perfect 600 on the Virginia State Standard of Learning (SOL) test.
Under Dr. Eaddy’s leadership, God has blessed the church with these accomplishments along with many other developments. We now have a modern, state of the art elevator, put in and paid for in full, without any interest financing. Our youth ministry is thriving with many new expansions, including a dedicated game room, opened weekly with refreshments, learning activities and adult supervision to foster Christian fellowship and spiritual development among the youth of the congregation and community.
This year, as we celebrate 127 years of Christian service in this community, we are hopeful and encouraged by the wonderful signs and wonders that God is doing through the body of Jesus Christ. Dr. Eaddy’s 2009 publication of, Oral Accounts, Views and History of Oakwood Chapel Church of Christ (Disciples of Christ), LE Publishing, Suffolk, Virginia, represents a significant milestone that chronicles the life of our faith communityand how God has so faithfully moved among us.
We thank God that we have accomplished so many things across the years with so little. We were enabled by the power of Jesus Christ, which strengthened us. Some great sacrifices were made over decades and a century and we reaped the blessings of God. Our belief, faith, and determined discipleship to follow Jesus Christ will continue to lead us towards even greater victories. All praise and honor to God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Christian Education
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Christian Education is designed to help believers prepare for their walk of faith and obedience. This department of Christian Education is committed to all age levels of teaching ministry. Courses and seminars are designed to equip our disciples (members) to fulfill the ministry of Jesus Christ in the world. The goal of this department of Christian Education is to present those elements of discipleship that leads the equipping of the saints and the development of a practical plan of discipleship where members have an opportunity to be engaged in prayer, study, worship, and life-long learning, seeking to carry out the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ. Sunday School Ministry This ministry provides a systematic approach to the studying and understanding the Bible, ultimately leading to spiritual growth and maturity. Classes begin at 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. each Sunday.
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Church Of The Week
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