Worship Guide
September 6, 2026
Welcome!
NEW TO FAIR OAKS?
We’re glad you joined us this morning! We recognize that this is an unusual way to meet for the first time but we still want to get to know you, hear your story, and serve you in any way we can. If you’d like to know more about Jesus, receive prayer, or get connected to people who would love to love you (or all the above), simply click the connect button and tell us how we can help.
We are a House of Refuge.
If you find yourself in an unplanned pregnancy, we want you to know that you are not alone. God sees you & loves you, and as God’s people, so do we. Click here to learn more about how we can help support you in this journey.
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT FAIR OAKS
+ Safe Refuge Walkathon | Saturday, Sept. 12, 9am–12pm
Join Safe Refuge for Children and Families for a family-friendly 5K walkathon right here around the Fair Oaks parking lot. Together, we’ll raise funds to provide safe, temporary homes for children while their families navigate times of crisis. Go to saferefugecf.org/walkathon to learn more and to register.
+ Love Life Youth For Life Prayer Walk | Saturday, Sept. 12, 9–11am
Youth from around the nation will be gathering for worship, prayer, and a peaceful public witness for the dignity of every human life. Join us as we stand with the next generation and pray for God to bring hope and healing to mothers, children, and our community. The local gathering will be held at 1633 Oakland Blvd., Walnut Creek, CA. Learn more at lovelife.org/youthforlife.
+ Quarterly Members Meeting | Sunday, Sept. 13, 5–7pm
Join us on the evening of Fair Oaks' 70th anniversary as we share a meal, pray together, and hear an update from our elders as to what's ahead for our church. We’ll provide the main dish and drinks. If you are able, please bring a side or dessert to share with your table (7 people) to fill out the meal.
Sermon Notes
John #35: Pruning & Prayer (John 15:1-2, 7-9)
Today’s Big Idea: If you want to abide, pray.
God’s Work: Pruning (vv. 1-2)
2 kinds of pruning:
He cuts off non-fruit bearing branches.
He prunes the branches that are producing fruit, so that they will become even more fruitful.
Our Work: Prayer (vv. 7-9)
2 reasons we struggle to pray:
We don’t really believe that apart from Jesus we can do nothing (v. 5).
We don’t really believe Jesus’ heart for us is as kind as he describes it in v. 9.
Response
After the sermon, we take some time in our service to reflect on and respond to the work of the Spirit in our lives. Here's 3 ways you can do that.
1. Prayer (for everyone)
Whatever stuff has come up for you today, you were not made to navigate this alone. Let us know how we can pray for you and support you as you seek to respond to the work of the Spirit this week!
2. Communion (for followers of Jesus)
Communion is a powerful way we can remember the gospel and rest in the finished work of Jesus.
3. Give (for those who call Fair Oaks home)
Giving is a great way for our hearts to respond to God’s generosity toward us and to help more people meet Jesus. Learn more.
Last Week’s General Fund Giving
$6,058.15
Weekly Budgeted
$10,165.67
2026 Total
$340,358.41 (96%)
Last Week’s Campus Renewal Funds Raised: $13,673.97
Total Campus Renewal Funds Raised: $467,882.57