Hello, Oak Chapel friends,
There was a great article in today’s Daily Record about our compass group mission trip to New Jersey. The article can be read online at http://the-daily-record.com/religion/2013/08/23/local-volunteers-work-for-a-future-with-hope.I have also attached a pdf file of it for those wishing to have a permanent copy.
This Sunday we will continue our “A Fresh Start” sermon series. My sermon, “Fitting In,” is based on 1 Corinthians 12: 12 – 31. Mark Ritchie is playing the piano at the 8:30 Heritage service. Come early, stay for Sunday School, and stick around for the Celebration service at 10:30, too.
I 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, “The Church Backslides,” is a challenging one about legalism and how it corrupts grace and destroys our faith. I have attached the lesson outline here and anticipate some lively conversation!
Pastor Robin Away
I will be away next week from Tuesday, 8/27 through Saturday, 8/31. I’ll be back in time for worship on Sunday, September 1. If you have a pastoral emergency, please call my cell phone at 330-485-6878.
Rally Day
Saddle up your horses and join us for our Rally Round Up on Sunday, September 15 during 10:30am worship. We will recognize our Sunday School teachers and Bible study leaders, as well as give Bibles to those students entering 3rd grade. Pastor Robin’s sermon, titled “I Know the Trail I Want You to Ride,” will be based on Jeremiah 29: 11 – 14. After worship we will gather for food, fellowship, fun and some good ol’ horsing around at Grossniklaus Lake (at the end of Cherry Lane). You won’t want to miss the festivities! Wear your Western gear and bring a friend!
Fall Worship schedule
We have enjoyed our Heritage and Celebration worship services this summer. We received a lot of positive feedback for both services. There is some interest in permanently adding an 8:30am service and that will be considered as we explore the possibility of adding multi-media capabilities and upgrading the sound system in the sanctuary. On Sunday, September 15, we will return to one worship service at 10:30am in the Sanctuary. We look forward to worshiping together again, lifting our voices as one in praise to God.
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.
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.
Betty Taylor’s 80thBirthday
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) 651-2169. Let’s show Betty how much we love her! If you’d like to carpool from the church, please contact Joanne Jolliff. Directions and maps are available in the church office.
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.
Opportunities for Ministry Next Week
Sunday, 8/25 – Heritage Worship Service at 8:30am
Sunday School at 9:30am
Celebration Worship Service at 10:30am
Monday, 8/26 – Prayer Shawl Ministry at 5:30pm
Saturday, 8/31 – Weight Loss Support Group at 9:15am
Itis a privilege to be your pastor and to serve among such an amazing community. See you in church!!
Grace and peace,
Pastor Robin