Hello, Oak Chapel Friends,
The older I get, the more quickly time seems to go by. How did it get to be the middle of October already? This a busy time of year in the life of our church. In the midst of it all, though, I encourage you to make time to commune with God through the beauty of creation. Reflect on God’s creativity in the amazing array of colorful leaves and know that the God who painted such a beautiful canvas delights in you because he created you and loves you.
This Sunday our worship will focus on the theme of gratitude. The sermon scripture is Luke 17: 11 – 19 and my message is titled “Second Blessing.”
Below you’ll find details about upcoming service opportunities and fellowship events for your consideration.
Mincemeat
We will be making mincemeat tomorrow (Saturday) morning beginning at 9am. We specifically need help cutting apples. Many hands make light work. It’s a great time of fellowship as we prepare these pantry items for the bazaar.
Ready for the Bazaar?
Our annual bazaar is just two weeks away. Saturday, October 26. It takes all of us working together to make this event a success. Bring your craft, pantry and baked items on Friday, October 25. Please see Miriam Zech to sign up to help. We need shoppers, too, so tell your friends, family and co-workers to come that day and stay for the best lunch in town!
Are you missing something from your kitchen?
Check the table in the Narthex for those lost casserole dishes and platters. Anything left there may end up on the “Nice as New” table at the bazaar. J
Glass Candy
As is our annual tradition, we will begin making glass candy this Monday October 14 at 6:15. We continue each Monday through November. A great group of volunteers come and cut the hot candy with scissors and enjoy a great time of fellowship. We welcome new cutters and training is free and easy. Hope to see you there!
Church Women United World Community Day Brunch
This annual Church Women United Day will be held at Wooster UMC on Saturday, October 19. It will start with a brunch served at 9:30am. The program is titled “Is the Door Open to All?” Todd Swallen, the organist/pianist who entertains regularly at West View Manor, will furnish the music. Other guest speakers with disabilities are Gayl Cottrel and Andrea Ball. Tickets are $7.50. See Joanne Jolliff by October 14. Donations of paper products will be collected.
Trunk or Treat
The Outreach Committee is very excited about our third annual Trunk or Treat, which will be held on Sunday, October 27 from 3:30 – 5:00pm in our parking lot. This is a fun outreach event for our community. Decorate your trunk, dress up if you wish, and get ready to hand out candy to the children who come in costume. There will be cookie decorating and door prizes. Don’t miss the festivities. Invite your friends and neighbors!
Laity Sunday
Next Sunday, October 20 is Laity Sunday. Pam & Kim Domer and Georgia & Gene Taylor are planning our worship service during which they will share their experiences from their recent NOMADS mission trip to Camp Findley in New York. Please come to hear their stories and show your support of their work.
Elder-Beerman Fundraiser
Oak Chapel UMC is selling Elder-Beerman coupon booklets. These booklets cost just $5.00 and include up to $500 in savings at Elder-Beerman’s Community Days on November 15 – 16. Oak Chapel gets 100% of the profits from the booklet sales and proceeds will benefit our outreach activities. Please take a pack of booklets to sell to your friends, neighbors and co-workers. Booklets can also be purchased online at http://bit.ly/14juwdl. The booklets will be shipped free and coupons can be used at any Bon-Ton store. E-mail the link to your friends.
Fellowship Luncheons
Our first Fellowship Luncheon of the season will be held after worship on Sunday, October 20. Oak Chapel has traditionally held these luncheons on the third Sunday of each month during Fall and Winter (October through March). Please join us in the Fellowship Hall after worship for some scrumptious food and fabulous fellowship. This is a great way to build and grow relationships with others in our community of faith. Bring a dish to share and your own table service.
Church-wide meetings
In preparation for our annual Church Conference on November 24, we will hold two church-wide meetings after worship on Sundays, October 20 and 27. At the first meeting on 10/20, the Finance Committee and Lay Leadership (Nominations) Committees will present the budget and leadership roster for 2014 and answer questions. The purpose of the meeting on 10/27 is to approve these items for our church conference.
HymnFest
On Sunday, November 10 at 3:00pm Oak Chapel UMC will host a HymnFest to introduce a new ecumenical hymnal. We will also host a worship workshop for area church leaders on Saturday, November 9. Look for more details in next week’s bulletin.
Opportunities for Ministry Next Week
Sunday, 10/13 – Sunday School at 9:30am
Worship at 10:30am
Youth Groups at 6:30pm
Bible Study at 6:30pm
Monday, 10/14 – Bible Study at 10:15am
Nominating Committee at 2:00pm
Candy Making at 6:15pm
Tuesday, 10/15 – Compass Group Meeting– Smithville UMC at 6:30pm
UMW travel to Sterling UMC at 7:00pm
Wednesday, 10/16 – New Testament 101 at 6:30pm
Choir rehearsal at 7:30pm
Saturday, 10/19 – Weight Loss Support Group at 9:15am
Craft Circle at 10:00am
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