Hello, Oak Chapel friends,
On Tuesday evening we completed our “Catch” study. For the last four months, the Administrative Council and others in the church have studied scriptures and prayerfully considered ways our church can become relentlessly outward focused. Our conversations were enthusiastic and fruitful, and we look forward to implementing plans to engage more with our community and share with them the difference Jesus Christ has made in each of our lives.
One change that will be implemented in July is our summer worship. This year we will offer two worship services each Sunday morning from July 7 through September 8 (Fair Sunday). Our Heritage service will be held in the sanctuary at 8:30am. This service is ideal for those who wish to get an early start on the day or prefer traditional hymns and liturgies. The Celebration service, held in our air-conditioned Fellowship Hall at 10:30am, will feature lively praise music and will make use of our multi-media system. We are very excited about these new opportunities and hope you will invite your friends and neighbors to participate with us.
This Sunday we will celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion and our service will center around the gospel lection from Luke 7: 1 – 10. The sermon is titled “The Faith of an Outsider.” As it is the first Sunday of the month, it is my turn again in the children’s message rotation. I have another fun science demonstration planned. You will surely not want to miss it! Bring your family and friends to experience faith in new and unexpected ways. Hope to see you there!
Kids Day
Oak Chapel UMC is excited to participate in Wooster Kids Day (sponsored by Main Street Wooster) tomorrow, Saturday, June 1 from 1 – 4pm. We will decorate cookies with the children and have information about our church and Vacation Bible School available. This is a great way to show our community the joy of God’s love for all people. There are still opportunities to help. If you would like to participate, please call or e-mail Pastor Robin today.
Pastor Robin away
Pastor Robin will be teaching classes on worship and the sacraments to new pastors at Licensing School at Mount Union University this week, leaving after worship this Sunday and returning on Thursday, June 6. She will have full access to e-mail and will be available for emergencies via cell phone (330-485-6878) during that time.
Flood Bucket Offering
On Sundays June 2 and 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.
Vacation Bible School
We are getting excited about Vacation Bible School! The dates are June 24 – 28. Our Backyard Adventure will include fun outdoor games, crafts, snacks and music, so grab your friends and come on over! There will be classes for all ages. Pastor Robin is teaching the adult class and she just might do some backyard science experiments! Each evening begins with a family supper at 5:30pm, with VBS from 6 – 8:30pm. Register online via the church website at www.oakchapelumc.com or call the church office at 330-264-2537. You won’t want to miss it!
Outreach Day at Drug Mart
On Saturday, June 15 we will offer hospitality to the shoppers at the Drug Mart on the corner of Beall Avenue and Bowman Street. Hot dogs, chips and beverages (as well as church brochures and VBS information) will be shared. This is an excellent opportunity for us to show our community we care. Any proceeds received from the event will be given to Hospice and Palliative Care of Greater Wayne County. If you would like to help that day or can donate cans of pop, please see Cyndi Boyer.
Church T-Shirts for Sale
Our church T-shirts are selling like hotcakes! We currently just have youth sizes and Small, Medium and Large in stock, but more have been ordered!! Shirts are just $10.00 and are the perfect attire for outreach activities and other events like Fair Parking.
Compass Group Mission Trip – Update
Our Compass Group is doing a mission trip to Ocean, NJ to help with relief efforts after Super Storm Sandy last Fall. The dates of this trip are Sunday, August 4 – Friday, August 9. There will be an informational meeting at Apple Creek UMC on Monday, June 10 at 6:30pm. Anyone interested in the trip should attend. The cost is $325 and this includes overnight accommodations at a local church, food and transportation. Pastor Robin and others from Oak Chapel UMC are going and we’d love for you to join us. This is a great opportunity for us to put our faith into action.
Next week’s calendar …
Sunday, 6/2 – Youth Group Water Outing immediately following worship
Evening Bible Study at 6:30pm
Monday, 6/3 – Retirees Breakfast – Milltown at 8:00am
Wednesday, 6/5 – Morning Circle at Betty Franks’ home at 9:30am
Choir rehearsal at 7:30pm
Thursday, 6/6 – Worship Committee at 7:00pm
Saturday, 6/8 – United Methodist Men –Green Leaf at 7:30am
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