Hello, Oak Chapel friends,
My how time flies! How did it get to be August already?! School will start in just a few weeks and we have many exciting things happening at Oak Chapel UMC as Fall approaches!
Natalie and Pete Bunt, Pam and Kim Domer, and I (along with 18 others from our compass group) will be traveling to Red Bank, NJ on Sunday morning to do restoration and relief work for those affected by Superstorm Sandy. We go representing Oak Chapel UMC, serving on your behalf, and look forward to sharing with you upon our return.
While we are gone, the church office will be closed next week, but I’ll be checking voicemail messages each day.
This Sunday each of our two worship services will have a different focus. At the Heritage service at 8:30am, Pastor Jim message titled “Invisible to Spectators” is based on Colossians 3: 1 – 17. At the Celebration service at 10:30am, his message is titled “The Last Supper and This Supper,” based on 1 Corinthians 11: 23 – 26. The sacrament of Holy Communion will be shared at both services.
I also encourage you to attend the combined adult summer Sunday School class in our air-conditioned Sing Mar Room at 9:30am. We have been studying Philip Yancey’s What’s So Amazing About Grace? This Sunday’s lesson, “Skin Deep,” will explore grace and racism, facilitated by Tom and Evelyn Silver. Prayerfully consider joining the discussion on this challenging topic. The lesson outline is attached for your review and consideration.
Please be in prayer for those of us going to Red Bank, NJ next week as well as those traveling to Jacobsburg, OH tomorrow to do a one-day VBS program with Mountain Vision.
Golden Agers Luncheon
We’ve extended the invitation to Oak Chapel friends and community who are 60 years of age and older to join us for our 34th Annual Golden Agers Luncheon on Tuesday, August 13. Gathering will begin at 11:00 with lunch served at 11:30. The speaker is Ann Freedlander Hunt, author of Gone But Not Forgotten: A Freedlander Legacy. After her presentation, she will have books available to sell and sign. They are $20 each. Please RSVP by Friday, August 9 to Betty Franks (330-264-7874) or Joanne Jolliff (330-264-6658).
Buy Way Sale
The weather forecast is perfect for the Buy Way Sale next week! Come join us for food and fellowship under the old oak tree on Thursday and Friday (8am – 5pm) and Saturday (8am – 2pm). And when you come, bring your clean, gently used items for the church sale tables. The proceeds from these items will go the Oak Chapel UMC youth fund, with proceeds from the food sales going to the church general fund. The United Methodist Men will also sell their world-famous home-made ice cream. We need some helping hands on Wednesday, August 7 at 6:30pm for set up, as well as cooking and serving hot dogs and other yummy food on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Please contact Elizabeth Feldman (efeldman@woosterumc.org) for more information.
What Does It Mean to Be United Methodist?
Pastor Robin and Pam Domer will lead a one-day class on United Methodism on Saturday, August 24 from 9am – 2pm. This session will include a brief history of the church, our core beliefs, and helpful information about our church structure. Those interested in joining Oak Chapel UMC are especially invited to attend. And even if you have been a member of Oak Chapel or a United Methodist your whole life, this class will challenge you to live out our Wesleyan heritage. You won’t want to miss it! A light lunch will be provided and the day will end with the celebration of Holy Communion.
Backpack Blessing
In preparation for the start of school on Monday, August 19, we will have a backpack blessing during both worship services on Sunday, August 18. Invite your friends, neighbors, children, grandchildren or anyone else you know for this special time of prayer and blessing for the new school year. Pastor Robin will also begin a four-week sermon series, “A Fresh Start,” that day.
Study Opportunities Survey
Our Administrative Council recently completed the “Catch” Study. As we seek to become a more outwardly focused congregation, we would like to offer more opportunities for individual growth and renewal among our members. Please take a moment to complete this brief online survey to indicate your interest in such classes. We appreciate your time.
Opportunities for Ministry Next Week
Sunday, 8/4 – Heritage Worship Service at 8:30am
Sunday School at 9:30am
Celebration Worship Service at 10:30am
Monday, 8/5 – Retirees Breakfast – Milltown at 8:00am
Wednesday, 8/7 – Morning Circle at Betty Franks’ at 9:30am
Set Up for Buy Way Sale at 6:30pm
Thursday, 8/8 – Buy Way Sale, 8am – 5pm
4 – H at 7:00pm
Friday, 8/9 – Buy Way Sale, 8am – 5pm
Saturday, 8/10 – Buy Way Sale, 8am – 2pm
NO United Methodist Men’s Breakfast
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