The Oasis Family Church celebrated its 2nd anniversary and dedication of its newest building addition.
Pastor Andy Loos enthusiastically led the church in singing and celebrating the milestone. The children’s group performed several spirited songs led by Children’s Minister Jennifer Loos. To complete the morning of festivities, the church enjoyed a potluck dinner.
Veteran pastor Andy Loose has watched his church grow from meeting in a parishioner’s home, to the meeting room at Helping Hands to a brand-new facility just three miles south of town on State Highway 173.
He is rightfully proud to note that the congregation has doubled in size since they first started meeting several years ago. Church attendance tops 150 in attendance on any given Sunday. The festivities brought out a multitude of people, as well as quite a few children and teens.
The church acquired the property from Pastor Emeritus Dennis Thompson and wife Chela. Thompson shared with Loos that he felt that the property was always destined to house a church.
Loos asserts that the “Lord brought us here.” He constantly alludes to the church as a growing and living institution which has been “planted.”
The church has a wide variety of programs designed to engage all types of congregants. Loos considers it a multi-generational church. It provides a setting where casual clothing, cowboy hats, and even some golf attire are welcomed into the sanctuary.
Even though the congregation has more elder members, there are teens and families also visibly involved. While the teachings are strictly Bible based, the music is modern and worthy of toe-tapping. A praise band is on hand to keep everyone engaged.
The new building addition contains a wellstocked children’s room designed for teaching and play. There is a nursery section and a pre-school area. School age children are also given space to learn. On Tuesday evening, the church hosts an “extreme kids” group.
There is even a bus from the nearby elementary school to take the students to the after-school church group.
Oasis Family Church offers a youth and preteen group as well as several Bible studies. A Ladies Christian book club meets at the church once a week.
There are two Bible studies, one Tuesday morning at 10 AM and one on Wednesday evening at 6 PM. A newcomer class is also available to orient those who want to experience all the church provides.
The church emphasizes a team approach to church leadership. A team of church members related their experiences on a mission trip to Reynosa, Mexico during the anniversary celebration. Pastor Loos says that one of the church’s goals is to be active in the community.
Church members have participated in several holiday parades with floats manned by adults and kids. One of the church’s main commitments is to serve, according to Loos.
Loos states that he feels that the congregation is the “best” in Bandera. He maintains they have the “best” families, talent and resources. They were lucky to have “brought the right people together at the right time.”
Creating a “genuine atmosphere of love and acceptance here, having a friendly feeling and joy in the Lord” were top priorities for the congregation, Loos explains. Loos’ jovial demeanor and big personality makes every visitor feel like part of the church family.
Church members are quick to relate to visitors how they came to join the church. Some came to find a new church home, and some came to check out the programs, and some are drawn to the upbeat spirit of the group. A main purpose for most is to determine if the teaching is strictly Bible based.
Located at 1420 TX-173 in Bandera, the church provides two main services. On Saturday evening at 6 PM, a more modern service is available. On Sunday morning at 10 AM, a traditional service is presented with a prayer session beginning at 9:30 AM.
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