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SEEKONK - Scott Oakland, who serves as pastor of the New Beginnings Evangelical Church, believes that the Bible is the most effective way to stay in touch with Christ.

Oakland, 47, was installed as pastor of New Beginnings last November. The church is located behind The Copy Shop on Taunton Avenue.

As a child, Oakland went to Newman Congregational Church in East Providence, R.I., where he lives with his wife and daughter. In 1994, Oakland had a spiritual awakening that led him to become born again. The need to be cleansed from sin was a strong motivating factor.

"I confessed my sin to God and acknowledged I was separated from God, and that I needed a savior, and that he saved me. I didn't need any outside work to get me saved, it was simply by faith alone that I was saved," Oakland recalled of the pivotal moment in spiritual life.

"Previously, I was living for myself, for my own selfish goals, needs, desires. Since being saved I've learned to live the word of God and to put God first above all else in life." New Beginnings has eight members and features Sunday worship services at 10:45 a.m., and a Bible Study on Thursday evenings. Oakland hopes to attract members of other churches who may not be satisfied with the services offered to them.

"Our goal is to reach out to the community and let people know what salvation is," Oakland said, adding he hoped that the members of New Beginnings would "grow in the faith and knowledge of Christ."

Oakland is satisfied with the location behind The Copy Shop, noting it's a "clean space" on a main road. But, he acknowledges, moving to a larger space is a possibility.

"It may not have all the trappings of a church building, but neither did the First Century Christians. If it was good enough for them, it's good enough for me, but if the Lord will allow us to move outside to a larger space, then I'm all for it," Oakland added.

New Beginnings Evangelical church is located at 294 Taunton Ave. Contact the church online at www.nbechurch.org or by telephone at 508-336-4038.