Hello, Oak Chapel friends,
Our Rally Day service on Sunday was a great success. Many commented on the great spirit of our worship together and seeing the sanctuary full. Special thanks to April Aten, our Christian Education Chairwoman, for organizing the event. We are now back in full swing with Fall activities and events. Our ongoing Monday morning and Sunday evening Bible studies will begin next week on Monday, 9/23 and Sunday, 9/29, respectively. And Pastor Jim will lead a six-week study on the New Testament on Wednesday evenings beginning 10/2. I encourage you to join a Sunday School class and/or a Bible study group. While worship offers us an opportunity to praise God and be encouraged in our faith, small group studies are the places where our faith is really strengthened, challenged and deepened.
In the midst of the hustle and bustle of Fall activities, it is easy for us to get distracted and divert our attention away from God. To help us keep our focus, this Sunday I am beginning a two-week sermon series on Sabbath. This week’s sermon, titled, “Keeping Sabbath time,” is based on Genesis 2: 1 – 3.
Below you’ll find details about upcoming service opportunities and fellowship events for your consideration.
Mystery Goes Hollywood
Do you like live theater? Like to eat? (The latter goes without saying here at Oak Chapel!) Let’s do both! A mystery comedy, “Mystery Goes Hollywood” is being presented at The Amish Door in Wilmot. Dates and prices are: Friday, October 18 matinee: $35.50 ($32.50 for group of 10 or more); Friday and Saturday evenings: $38 ($35.50 for 10 or more). Reservations are required and prices include a bountiful meal served family style. This gives three dates to select from. These are good shows and not too far from home. A list will be in the narthex and those interested can select a preferable date or two. More definite arrangements will be determined according to interest and Betty Franks will contact you.
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.
The BAZAAR is coming!!
The countdown begins! Our annual bazaar is just five weeks away. Saturday, October 26. Have you started your projects? Have you considered in which area you would like to work? It takes all of us working together to make this event a success. And of course, we need shoppers, too, so tell your friends, family and co-workers to come that day and stay for the best lunch in town! In preparation for this event, we will make mincemeat on Saturday morning October 12. Candy making begins Monday October 14 at 6:15pm.
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.
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.
Opportunities for Ministry Next Week
Sunday, 9/22 – Sunday School at 9:30am
Worship at 10:30am
Monday, 9/2 – Bible Study at 10:15am
Prayer Shawl Ministry – CANCELED
Finance Committee at 7:00pm
Tuesday, 9/24 – Membership Care Committee at 7:00pm
Wednesday, 9/25 – Staff-Parish Relations Committee at 6:30pm
Choir rehearsal at 7:30pm
Thursday, 9/26 – Christian Education Committee at 7:00pm
Saturday, 9/28 – District UMW Meeting – Hudson at 9:00am
Weight Loss Support Group at 9:15am
Itis a privilege to be your pastor and to serve among such an amazing community. I look forward to seeing you in church on Sunday!
Grace and peace,
Pastor Robin