Hello, Oak Chapel friends,
Holy Week is upon us. During this week of the liturgical year we celebrate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, remember his final meal with his disciples, recall the events of the crucifixion, and celebrate Jesus’ resurrection and victory over death. The celebratory events take place on Palm Sunday and Easter, but the events in the middle of the week are a critical part of the story. I encourage you to join us for worship during this important week. It is only when we sit in the darkness of Jesus’ death that we can fully experience the joy of Jesus’ resurrection.
This weekend we will celebrate Palm Sunday. The sermon, titled “Details, Details,” is based on Luke 19: 28 – 40.
Why not invite a friend to worship with you this Sunday? Hope to see you there!
Catch Study …
If you didn’t attend the first Catch study last month, you can still join us for the rest of the series as we consider changes in the ministry of Oak Chapel United Methodist Church and ask ourselves “How do we reach more people for Christ?” What will be needed to move from a church of people asking “What’s in it for me?” to one asking “How do we reach more people for Christ?” Catch us this Monday, March 25 at 7:00pm in Fellowship Hall.
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. This Sunday, March 24 is the firm deadline to place your order. Please see Elizabeth Feldman if you have any questions.
Holy Week Worship
Next Thursday, March 28 at 7pm we will have a traditional Maundy Thursday worship service. Join us that evening as we remember Jesus’ final meal with his disciples.
On Good Friday evening, 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.
Canned Goods for People to People
We will celebrate Holy Communion during our Easter worship. Since we typically collect pantry items for People to People Ministries on Communion Sundays, please bring them next Sunday, March 31 instead of Sunday, April 7 (UMW Sunday).
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.
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 …
Monday, 3/25 – Bible Study – The Way at 10:15am
Prayer Shawl Ministry at 5:30pm
Girl Scouts at 6:00pm
Catch! Study at 7:30pm
Tuesday, 3/26 –Membership Care Committee at 7:00pm
Wednesday, 3/27 – Choir rehearsal at 7:00pm
Thursday, 3/28 –Maundy Thursday Worship at 7:00pm
Friday, 3/29 – Good Friday Cantata at 7:00pm
Saturday, 3/30 – 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