Hello, Oak Chapel friends,
The Wayne County Fair is over for another year. And what a great time it was! Thanks to all who helped by parking cars.
Saddle up your horses and get ready for our Rally Round Up this Sunday, September 15. During our 10:30am worship service, we will recognize our Sunday School teachers, welcome new members and dedicate the “eternal flame” given to Oak Chapel by Bethel. My sermon, based on Jeremiah 29: 11 – 14, is titled “I Know the Trail I Want You to Ride.” 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!
Acorn News Due
The deadline for the October Acorn is this Sunday, September 15. Please submit your articles, pictures and general news information to Elizabeth via e-mail at efeldman@woosterumc.org or place your printed copy in the Acorn mailbox in the church office.
Community Service
Oak Chapel is seeking individuals who would be willing to volunteer one or two afternoons a week to make a Community Latchkey Program a reality for families in our area. The program would serve elementary students from neighboring school districts that have bus transportation in our immediate area. We would offer a safe place for elementary students to go after school until their parents get off work. The program would run daily from approximately 3:00-6:00 p.m. We would meet in Fellowship Hall, provide snacks, homework help and activities for the children. Please prayerfully consider if this is where God is calling you to be Christ’s hands, feet and heart. Contact Pam Domer at 330.601.3926 if interested.
Mark Your Calendars Now!
On Sunday, November 10, we will host a HymnFest in our sanctuary at 3:00pm. Oak Chapel UMC was selected by the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship to host this event to introduce a new hymnal, Lift Up Your Hearts. Dr. Robin Knowles Wallace, Professor of Worship and Music at Methodist Theological School in Ohio, will lead a combined adult Sunday School class at 9:30am that day and will direct a “pick up” choir at the HymnFest that afternoon. We are very excited about this opportunity. More information and details will be shared in future Nutshells, Acorns and bulletins.
World Communion Sunday
On Sunday, October 6, we will join Christians around the globe in World Communion Sunday. Members are encouraged to dress in clothing that reflects your heritage or other countries you have visited as we celebrate the unity of Christ’s body in the four corners of the world.
Blessing of the Animals
In recognition that God loves all of creation and that animals play an important role in our lives, we will have our second annual Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, October 6 at 3:00pm. We hold this event on the Sunday closest to October 4 – the Feast Day of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals. We will gather under the oak tree for a time of thanksgiving and prayer, then Pastor Robin will pray for and bless each person and animal present. Please make sure your pet is on a leash or in a pet carrier. If you cannot bring your animal, bring a picture. Last year we blessed dogs, cats and a turtle. All animals welcome! In the event of inclement weather, we will gather in the Narthex.
Coming Soon! New Testament 101!
This class, led by Pastor Jim, will take an adult look at the New Testament so that the readers might be able to use the Bible as a spring-board for prayer. Beginning October 2 and continuing for the next six Wednesday evenings from 6:30 – 7:30pm, these sessions will examine various books of the Bible in detail. There will be assigned readings beginning with the second session. At the conclusion of the six weeks, the participants will have examined: an overview of the New Testament; several gospels in detail; a brief biography of Paul; and several letters of Paul in detail. Please indicate your interest in this class on the attendance slip in this Sunday’s bulletin.
Adult Bible Studies
The adult Bible study groups will start meeting again the week of September 22. The Sunday evening group meets at 6:30 pm in the church library. This group will focus on knowing, loving and serving God. The Monday morning Bible study group meets at 10:15 am in the church library and will be participating in a comparative study of the Synoptic Gospels, Matthew, Mark and Luke. New participants are always welcome. For more information on either of these studies contact Pam Domer at 330.601.3926.
Opportunities for Ministry Next Week
Sunday, 9/15 – Sunday School at 9:30am
Rally Day Worship at 10:30am
Blood Pressure screenings after worship
Picnic at Grossniklaus’ after worship
Monday, 9/16 – Trustees at 7:00pm
Tuesday, 9/17 – Outreach Committee at 10:30am
Wednesday, 9/18 – Choir rehearsal at 7:30pm
Saturday, 9/21 – Weight Loss Support Group at 9:15am
Itis a privilege to be your pastor and to serve among such an amazing community. Yeehaw! See you at our Rally Round Up!!
Grace and peace,
Pastor Robin