Sunday at 10 on Halvorsen Street. Coffee is on at 9:30.
Eight Oaks has met on the east side of Aurora since 2009. About 120 people, one service, done by 11. Kids from babies to fifth grade have their own rooms downstairs while you're in the service.
418 Halvorsen Street, Aurora, IL 60505. Step-free entrance on the east side.
Your first Sunday, start to finish
- 9:30 Doors open. Coffee in the foyer, and usually something from Renee's bakery.
- 9:45 Kids check in at the first table inside the door. A volunteer walks them downstairs.
- 10:00 We sing four or five songs. The words are on the screen and nobody minds if you just listen.
- 10:25 Pastor James teaches for about 25 minutes. This fall we are working through the Gospel of Mark.
- 11:00 A last song and we are done. Most people stay for coffee until about 11:30.
- Parking
- Park in the east lot off Halvorsen Street. The six spaces nearest the door are marked for guests, and the two accessible spaces are right beside the ramp.
- Kids
- Babies through fifth grade go to Eight Oaks Kids during the whole service. You get a matching pickup tag, and only you can collect your child. You can also keep them with you; plenty of families do.
- What to wear
- Most people come in jeans. A few people dress up. Either is fine.
- Getting around
- The east door has a ramp and no steps. The main room, restrooms and the kids wing are all reachable without stairs (there is an elevator to the lower level). Large-print song sheets are at the welcome table.
A church small enough to notice when you miss a week
Eight Oaks started in 2009 with about 30 people meeting in a rented school gym. Now it is about 120 on a typical Sunday, four staff (two of them part-time), and a building on Halvorsen Street we bought from a VFW post in 2015.
Most of what happens here is done by volunteers. When someone has surgery or a new baby, the meal sign-up is usually full by Monday night. Once a month a group works a Saturday shift at the Aurora food pantry, and anyone can come along.
How Eight Oaks started
A welcome from James Holloway, Pastor (since 2014)
“I was a hospital chaplain for nine years before I came here. Most of that job was sitting with people and listening. A good part of this one is too.”
James preaches most Sundays and is in the foyer before and after the service. If you would like to talk, find him by the coffee, or email the office and he will set up a time that week.
Last three Sundays
This fall: the Gospel of Mark, chapters 1 to 8
Questions people ask before they come
Most Sundays there are a few first-time guests, so probably not. Nobody asks you to stand up or introduce yourself. Sit anywhere and leave whenever you like. If you want someone to show you around, look for Renee or anyone in a green "First Visit" lanyard by the front door.
Whatever you would wear to a friend's house. Most people are in jeans and a sweater; a few dress up. There is no dress code.
One hour, 10 to 11. About 25 minutes of singing, a 25-minute talk from the Bible, a prayer and a closing song. On the first Sunday of the month we also share communion, and guests are welcome to take part or let the plate pass.
Babies through fifth grade go downstairs to Eight Oaks Kids for the whole hour: a short Bible story, songs, a snack (nut-free) and play time. Every volunteer has a background check. You get a matching tag at check-in and only the adult with that tag can pick up. Kids are also welcome to stay with you in the service.
No. There is an offering box at the back of the room, and that is it. Members give online or by check. Guests are not expected to give.
Yes. The First Visit Class on the first Sunday of each month, right after the service, is mostly questions from people who are new. James also meets one-on-one with anyone who asks; email the office to set up a time.
Tell us which Sunday, and Renee will meet you at the door.
The visit form takes a minute. You'll get directions, parking and kids check-in details by email. We read every message and reply within 2 business days.