Hello, Oak Chapel friends,
Today is Good Friday, the day we set aside to remember the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. I have always had a difficult time calling this day “good” as it is a day of death; a day of darkness and mourning. The only reason we can call it “good” is that God overcame death through the resurrection. Death did not – and does not! – have the final word. Last Sunday at the close of worship, I encouraged you to come to our Holy Week services. Tonight at 7:00 is the Good Friday cantata titled “For Such a One as This.” It is a very moving dramatic and musical presentation about Jesus’ last days and hours. Come, sit in the darkness of Jesus’ death, for then and only then, can we truly celebrate the light and the joy of the resurrection.
Our Resurrection celebration begins on Sunday morning at 7:30. The youth will lead this service. They have prepared a fun and meaningful skit that you won’t want to miss. Then stick around for breakfast provided by the Sing-Mar class at 8:15am. Jen Moser has some activities for the kids between breakfast and Sunday School at 9:30. Then join us for our traditional resurrection worship with communion at 10:30.
Why not invite a friend to worship with you this Sunday? Hope to see you there!
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 this Sunday, March 31 instead of Sunday, April 7 (UMW Sunday).
UMW Sunday
The United Methodist Women will lead worship on Sunday, April 7, with guest speaker, Dr. Maggie Jackson. In honor of this day and because of the United Methodist Midwest Mission Distribution Center’s great need for layette kits, we are asking people to bring one or more of the following items to worship that day.
- 6 Cloth diapers—pre-folded or plain diapers only. NO disposable diapers.
- 2 Shirts—undershirts or onesies
- 2 Wash cloths—infant size only; no adult wash cloths
- 2 Gowns or Sleepers
- 2 Diaper pins—must have protective plastic closures, no regular safety pins
- 1 Sweater or jacket—must open from front, may be hand-knitted, crocheted or sewn (hooded sweatshirts acceptable)
- 2 Receiving blankets—30”x30” or 30”x 32” sizes only, no crib blankets
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.
Super Hymn Sing
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.
Church Work Day
The Trustees have scheduled a work day for Saturday, April 20 at 9am. There will be a variety of tasks for people of all abilities. Please help us maintain and beautify our church building and grounds!
Save the Date!
On Saturday, May 18, Oak Chapel will join with other United Methodist churches around the globe in the fourth annual “Change the World” weekend. This day of service will challenge us to make a difference in our community and world. There will be three options for service that day for people of all ages and abilities. We will start and end the day with some reflection time and lunch will be served.
Next week’s calendar …
Sunday, 3/31 – Easter Sunrise Service at 7:30am
Easter Breakfast at 8:15am
Traditional Resurrection Worship at 10:30am
Monday, 4/1 – Retirees Breakfast – Milltown at 8:00am
Wednesday, 4/3 –Morning Circle at 9:30am
Choir rehearsal at 7:30pm
Saturday, 4/6 – 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