Hello, Oak Chapel friends,
School starts next week. Can you believe it? Where has the summer gone? There’s something about back-to-school that makes everyone feel the possibility of a fresh start. Getting new school supplies is fun and that new pencil box, markers, and notebooks give the feeling of starting with a clean slate. Back-to-school can ignite these feelings in adults as well – it’s almost like a mini-new year! Back-to-school season is also a time of refocus for the church, bringing people together to start new spiritual disciplines and open themselves to new ways for the Holy Spirit to flourish. This Sunday I will begin a new sermon series, “A Fresh Start.” My sermon, based on Psalm 145: 13 – 21 and John 8: 1 – 11, is titled “Backpack Blessings: Taking God with You.” We will also have a blessing of the backpacks. All students are encouraged to bring their backpacks for prayer and blessing. A new sermon series and the new school year are the perfect time to invite someone new to worship. Who will you bring to church this week?
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, “Grace Abuse: Cheapening Grace and Robbing Its Power,” will explore the ways we abuse and misuse this precious gift God has given us. Prayerfully consider joining our discussion of this important topic.
Impromptu Fellowship Luncheon
We have leftover Johnny Marzetti from the Golden Agers Luncheon on Tuesday so we will have an impromptu fellowship luncheon after the 10:30 Celebration service this Sunday, August 18. Bring a side dish or dessert and your table service, and join us for some yummy food and conversation.
Fair Parking
Oak Chapel has a great tradition of parking cars at East of Chicago Pizza and Swift Auto during the Wayne County Fair (September 7 – 12). It gives us visibility in our community and is a wonderful fundraiser for our church. Christy Rickard is organizing volunteers for this year’s event. Please sign up on the clipboard in the Narthex (and the back of Fellowship Hall) after each of our worship services. Wear your green Oak Chapel UMC T-shirt, too! Please see Christy for more information.
Rally Day
Our Annual Rally Day will be held Sunday, September 15 during worship in the sanctuary at 10:30. The theme is “Rally Roundup.” After worship we will gather for food, fellowship and fun at Grossniklaus Lake (at the end of Cherry Lane). You won’t want to miss the festivities!
Betty Taylor’s 80th Birthday
Did you know that Betty Taylor will be 80 this year? Her daughter, Sharon Baker, is hosting an 80th Birthday party for her on Sunday, September 1 from 4 – 8:00pm. Please do not bring gifts – your presence is Betty’s present. The celebration will be at Sharon’s home at 14960 Twp Road 464, Lakeville, OH 44638. Please RSVP to Sharon at nsmcbaker@gmail.com or (419) 657-2169. Let’s show Betty how much we love her!
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee has begun its work developing our preliminary budget for 2014. All committee chairpersons should submit your committee’s 2014 budget requests to Stuart Mykrantz by September 1 for the Finance Committee’s consideration.
Looking Ahead to the Bazaar
Our Annual Bazaar, sponsored by the United Methodist Women, will be Saturday, October 26 from 10am – 2pm. Are you working on craft items to sell? It’s not too early to start.
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 history of the church, core beliefs, and helpful information about our church structure. Those interested in joining Oak Chapel UMC are especially invited to attend. Even if you have been a United Methodist your whole life, this class will challenge you to live out our Wesleyan heritage. A light lunch will be provided and the day will end with the celebration of Holy Communion.
Opportunities for Ministry Next Week
Sunday, August 18 – Heritage Worship Service at 8:30am
Sunday School at 9:30am
Celebration Worship Service at 10:30am
Fellowship Luncheon after 10:30 service
Blood Pressure Screenings after 10:30 service
Monday, August 19 – Trustees Meeting at 7:00pm
Tuesday, August 20 – NO MEMORIALS COMMITTEE MEETING
Thursday, August 22 – 4 – H at 7:00pm
Saturday, August 24 – United Methodism Class at 9:00am
Weight Loss Support Group at 9:15am
UMW Executive Meeting at 10:30am
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