Hello, Oak Chapel friends,
Fifty days after the Resurrection of Jesus Christ the first Christians (who were mostly Jews) gathered to celebrate the Jewish festival known as Pentecost. At that gathering something so incredible happened that when writing about it, Luke, the author of the book of Acts, could only use metaphors. The sound of a rushing mighty wind. Something like tongues of fire appeared among them with a tongue resting on each one. It was then that they were filled with the Holy Spirit. Three thousand people were so moved by this experience that they were baptized that day and devoted themselves to the ways of Jesus. Some call this day the official birthday of the Church.
We will celebrate that occasion during worship this Sunday, May 19. Wear red to honor this special day.
Change the World
Don’t forget our Change the World event tomorrow! We will begin the day at 8:30am with a light breakfast and a time of reflection. Elaine Sprinkle is making her yummy breakfast rolls. That alone should be incentive to come. At 9:00 we will be sent out to our respective work locations and then will gather back at the church at Noon for another brief time of reflection and a delicious lunch provided by Betsy Bower. Come and join with others as we serve our community. Wear your green Oak Chapel T-shirts. Participants will also receive our brand new rubber wristband bracelets with the church name and motto. How many hands does it take to change the world? Yours! See you there!
Flood Bucket Offering
This Sunday, May 19, and on Sundays, June 2 and June 9, we will have a special offering for flood buckets for UMCOR (The United Methodist Committee on Relief). Flood buckets and other kits offer care for the most vulnerable during times of crisis. They provide vital support for UMCOR’s global development work and make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Your gifts to this cause will be taken to Annual Conference to be loaded on a truck bound for UMCOR’s Midwest Distribution Center.
Church T-Shirts for Sale
Additional sizes of our Oak Chapel T-shirts have arrived and will be on sale in the Narthex on Sunday! They are the perfect attire for outreach activities and other events like fair parking. They are green with the church name and United Methodist logo on the front and say “Serving God and Community” on the back. Sizes Small through 3XL are available. Each shirt is just $10.00. Get ‘em while they’re hot!
Memorial Day Service
On Sunday, May 26, we will have our annual Memorial Day service, coordinated by Arden Boyer, at the Warner-Pioneer cemetery at 9:30am. Please join us as we honor those who have served our country.
Acorn News Due
The deadline to submit information for our monthly newsletter is the 15th of each month – that was Wednesday! If you have items for the June Acorn, Elizabeth is offering us grace. 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, May 20 at Noon. This is a firm deadline. Thanks for your attention to this matter.
Peace with Justice Offering
Next Sunday, May 26, we will have our Peace with Justice Sunday offering. The Peace with Justice gifts change lives in places where the joy of knowing Christ is mixed with the tragedy of violence. This offering aids young and old disciples who are indeed changing lives and changing the world, inspired by Christ’s gospel of love and liberation.
Compass Group Mission Trip
Our Compass Group is planning a mission trip to Ocean, NJ to help with the relief efforts after Superstorm Sandy. The dates are Sunday, July 28 through Saturday, August 3. The cost is roughly $300 per person. Pastor Robin is going and would like others from Oak Chapel to join her. This is a great opportunity for us to “be” the church in the world. Please prayerfully consider participating.
Next week’s calendar
Sunday, 5/19 – Blood Pressure Screenings after worship
Youth Groups at 6:30pm
Change the World Study at 6:30pm
Monday, 5/20 – Bible Study at 10:15am
Prayer Shawl Ministry at 5:30pm
NO TRUSTEES
Tuesday, 5/21 – Compass Group Meeting – Rittman at 6:30pm
Wednesday, 5/22 – Choir rehearsal at 7:30pm
Thursday, 5/23 – Christian Education Committee at 7:00pm
4 – H at 7:00pm
Saturday, 5/25 – 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 in church!!
Grace and peace,
Pastor Robin