Hello, Oak Chapel friends,
After worship last Sunday, a church member came up to talk with me about my sermon. The person said, “I get the point, but what do we do with the scripture where Jesus said we will always have the poor with us?” This Sunday, we will explore these words of Jesus as written in John 12: 1 – 8. God works in mysterious ways as my message on this prescribed lectionary text was already in the works! The sermon is titled “No Cost-Benefit Analysis Here.”
Why not invite a friend to worship with you this Sunday? Hope to see you there!
Fellowship Luncheon …
Don’t forget our next Fellowship Luncheon is this Sunday, March 17, immediately following worship. Bring your table service and a dish to share. This is a great opportunity to have conversation and get to know your church family better!
Blood Pressure Screenings …
The nurses on our Membership Care committee are now offering blood pressure checks after worship on the third Sunday of each month. These will be held in the classroom next to the nursery, across from the church office. Please take advantage of this opportunity this Sunday, March 17.
All Sons’ Banquet …
The Annual All Sons’ Banquet will be Saturday, April 13. Dinner, consisting of Swiss steak, potato, vegetable and pie, will be served at 5:30pm. The suggested donation for the dinner is $10. Reservations for the dinner must be made by April 8. The program, titled “Let’s Talk Baseball” will be presented by Jim Pfander, the General Manager and COO of the Akron Aeros (and son of our own Rev. Jim Pfander!). The program is free and will begin at 6:30pm. This is a great opportunity to invite your friends, neighbors and co-workers to our church.
Acorn Deadline …
The deadline to submit information for our monthly newsletter is the 15th of each month – that’s today! If you have items for the April Acorn, have no fear, Elizabeth is offering us grace. Please submit your items to her by via e-mail at efeldman@woosterumc.org (or place printed items in the Acorn box in the church office) by Monday, March 18. Thanks for your attention to this matter.
Attention Treasurers and Leaders of church groups …
The Audit Committee has begun its work reviewing the financial records of each church group. Please submit your ledgers, bank statements & other supporting documentation to Gene Taylor as soon as possible. Should you have any questions, please contact Gene.
Easter Flowers …
Once again this year, we will decorate the altar with spring plants for Easter. If you wish to remember or honor a loved one with a lily, daffodil or tulip plant, the cost is $9.00. Order forms will be in this Sunday’s bulletin or can be picked up in the Narthex. Sunday, March 24 is the firm deadline to place your order. Please see Elizabeth Feldman if you have any questions.
Looking Ahead to Holy Week …
On Thursday, March 28 at 7pm we will have a traditional Maundy Thursday worship service. The word maundy comes from the Latin word mandatum, meaning commandment, taken from some of Jesus’ final words to his disciples as he washed their feet at the Last Supper, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another” (John 13: 34 NRSV). Join us that evening as we remember Jesus’ final meal with his disciples.
The following evening, Friday, March 29 at 7pm, Oak Chapel’s choir and others in the community will present For Such a One as This. This dramatic worship experience is a unique retelling of the greatest story ever told. You will not want to miss it. Invite your friends and neighbors to this meaningful and soul-stirring service.
Our Easter morning schedule will begin with a Sunrise service at 7:30am, followed by breakfast (coordinated by the Sing-Mar Class) in Fellowship Hall. This is a great time of fellowship between the Sunrise Service and Sunday School at 9:30. Our formal Resurrection Celebration will be at 10:30am.
Save the Date!
Our annual Super Hymn Sing will be held on Sunday, April 14 from 4 – 5:30pm, followed by a light meal. We will sing both old and new favorites and there will be special music. If you have a favorite hymn you’d like to sing, please contact Frances Boyer at (330) 264-5133 or greatlifeliveit@sssnet.com. Invite your friends and neighbors. All are welcome.
Next week’s calendar …
Sunday, 3/17 – Blood Pressure Checks at 11:35am
Fellowship Luncheon at 11:35am
Evening Lenten Service – Moreland at 7:00pm
Monday, 3/18 – Bible Study – The Way at 10:15am
Girl Scouts at 6:00pm
Trustees at 7:00pm
Tuesday, 3/19 – Compass Group Meeting – Dalton at 6:30pm
Wednesday, 3/20 – Choir rehearsal at 7:30pm
Thursday, 3/21 – UMW Call to Prayer & Self Denial at 6:00pm
Saturday, 3/23 – Weight Loss Support Group at 9:15am
It is a privilege to be your pastor and to serve among such an amazing community. See you church!!
Grace and peace,
Pastor Robin