Hello, Oak Chapel friends,
I write this week’s Nutshell as I continue to watch the news reports of the unfolding events in Boston in the aftermath of the bombings there earlier this week. My heart breaks for the citizens of that city and all who have been affected by those events. In his parenting book, Mr. Rogers wrote, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” Earlier in the week as I watched the first responders and all who immediately stepped in to help, and today as I watch the FBI, police and other officials search for the suspect, I was and am reminded of John 1:5, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness doesn’t extinguish the light” (Common English Bible). Please pray for Boston and for all those who shine light in this dark situation.
This Sunday I will be at Bethel UMC for their regular 9:00 worship service and for a congregational meeting afterwards. During this meeting, the members at Bethel will officially vote about their future as a congregation. Please hold them and me in your prayers during this difficult time of decision and discernment.
Our resident deaconess Pam Domer will preach at Oak Chapel this Sunday. Her message, “Faces of Sisters in Service,” is based on 1 Peter 4: 8 – 11. You won’t want to miss this meaningful worship.
Church Work Day
The Trustees have scheduled a work day for tomorrow, 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!
District Conference
Our Canal District Spring Conference is this Sunday, April 21 at 3:00pm at Johnson UMC in Norton. These annual meetings include lively worship, learning about the great work done at various churches on our district, the introduction of candidates for ministry and voting on the district leadership, budget, and members at large to Annual Conference. Come experience our church’s connection! Meet Pastor Robin in the parking lot at 2:00pm on Sunday if you’d like to go.
Acorn Articles Due
The deadline to submit information for our monthly newsletter is the 15th of each month – that was Monday! If you have items for the May Acorn, have no fear, Elizabeth is offering us grace … again! (Thanks, Elizabeth!) Please submit your items to her via e-mail at efeldman@woosterumc.org (or place printed items in the Acorn box in the church office) by Monday, April 22 at 10am. This is a firm deadline. Thanks for your attention to this matter.
Catch Study
The third session of our Catch study is this Monday, April 22 at 7:00pm. This invitational evangelism study is helping us connect with our community through service and showing God’s love. Even if you have not attended the first two sessions, you are especially invited and welcome. All voices are important in these discussions.
Upcoming “Be. Go. Do.” Series
In preparation for our participation in the “Change the World” event on Saturday, May 18, Pastor Robin’s sermon series titled “Be. Go. Do.” will begin next Sunday, April 28. This series will challenge us in our identity as Christians to move from passivity to action. Starting next Sunday evening, she will also lead a 3-week adult Bible study on this topic at 6:30pm in the library. Everyone is welcome!
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, 4/21 – Blood Pressure Screenings at 11:35am
Spring District Conference (Johnson UMC)at 3:00pm
No Evening Bible Studies or Youth Groups
Monday, 4/22 – Bible Study at 10:15am
Prayer Shawl Ministry at 5:30pm
Catch Study at 7:00pm
Wednesday, 4/24 – Choir Rehearsal at 7:30pm
Saturday, 4/27 – 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