Hello, Oak Chapel Friends,
I am very excited about this coming weekend! It is an honor and a privilege for our congregation to host the Hymn Fest activities that have been planned in conjunction with the Calvin Institute for Christian Worship. As a co-sponsor of this event, the Institute pays the expenses of their staff who are participating with us.
Tomorrow’s workshop “Dealing with Change in Worship” is geared toward pastors, music directors and others involved in regular worship planning, but anyone may attend. The session will begin promptly at 9am and will conclude by Noon.
On Sunday morning at 9:30am, Dr. Robin Knowles Wallace, Professor of Worship and Music, will lead a combined Adult Sunday School class in Fellowship Hall. Even if you do not regularly attend Sunday School, consider participating this week. Robin has a passion for worship and teaching and she exudes grace in everything she does. She is a dear friend and mentor and I am excited that she is taking part in this weekend.
Rev. Kathy Smith, Associate Director of the Calvin Institute for Christian Worship, will worship with us on Sunday morning at 10:30am. Her message “An Avalanche of Mercy” is based on the Beatitudes found in Matthew 5: 1 – 12.
Invite your friends and neighbors to our Hymn Fest on Sunday afternoon at 3:00. Our theme is “Singing God’s Story of Love” and we will sing both old and new favorites. There will be a “pick up” choir, directed by Dr. Robin Knowles Wallace. Rehearsal for the “pick up” choir will be Sunday at 2:00. All voices are welcome!
As you can tell I am pretty excited about this weekend. I hope you will join in the festivities. Below you will find info about other upcoming opportunities and events.
Pastor Robin away
Pastor Robin will be at the Fall clergy retreat from Monday afternoon through Thursday afternoon next week (11/11 – 11/14). The office staff will check messages each day and will alert her of any urgent needs. She is also joining the youth on their Project 13:35 trip to Columbus on Saturday, 11/16 and Sunday, 11/17.
Acorn News Due
The next edition of The Acorn will be a combined December/January issue. Articles are due next Friday, November 15. This is a firm deadline. Committee chairpersons and church leaders: Please submit your news electronically to oakchapelumc@yahoo.com or place a printed copy in The Acorn mailbox in the church office. All church family news is welcome. Pictures add a special touch and are always welcome.
Christmas Poinsettias
Share in the festive mood by ordering a poinsettia to decorate our sanctuary for Christmas. Poinsettias may be offered in honor or memory of a special person or event. Flowers will be arranged in the chancel for worship on Sunday, December 15. Orders must be received no later than next Thursday, November 14. Each plant is $8.00. Checks should be made payable to Oak Chapel UMC. Order forms may be found in the Narthex. You may take your poinsettia home after the Christmas Eve service.
Candy Making
Our candy making is in full swing and we are grateful for all the sugar and corn syrup that has been donated. We use 36 pounds of sugar and five quarts of syrup each week to make approximately 50 pounds of candy. That being said, we are in need of more sugar and syrup. If you have not been able to join our “stripping and cutting” party on Monday nights, perhaps you would consider helping us with supplies. AND – we need everyone to buy and sell some candy for us. Each bag, containing two cups of yumminess in ten flavors, is just $5.00. It makes a great teacher/neighbor/dentist J gift for the holidays.
Decorating the Sanctuary for Advent and Christmas
Preparing our beautiful sanctuary for the Advent and Christmas seasons is one way to set our hearts and put us in the right spirit for this sacred season. You are cordially invited to a festive decorating party with music and snacks on Monday, November 25 at 1:00pm. We hope you will join us!
World Thank Offering
During worship on Sunday, November 24, we will celebrate World Thank Offering. Last year on World Thank Offering Sunday we encouraged you to start a Gratitude Box and put in coins each time you were thankful for some aspect of your life. November 24 is the day to bring those coins forward. (Our United Methodist Women’s Treasurer would be grateful if you’d convert those coins to paper – either dollar bills or a check!) Through Thank Offering contributions mission projects are supported in all 50 states and in almost 100 countries. When we have an attitude of gratitude, life is better for all of us.
Rent-a-Youth
The youth are offering their services to church members. Anyone interested in “renting” a youth for a donation (amount based on what you feel the job is worth or what you are able to pay) should contact youth leaders Shawn at 330-473-9849 or Katy at 330-749-3460. The youth leaders will then coordinate with you and the youth they feel are best suited for the job. The kids are willing to work hard raking leaves, doing housework, shoveling snow, etc. They hope this will be a great way to earn money for youth projects and serve the congregation as well.
Blue Christmas Service
As the Christmas season approaches, the excitement builds. For many, this is a time to celebrate and treasure, yet each year there are many who approach the holiday season with dread. Some are grieving, lonely or feel hopeless. Recognizing that this is a reality for some in our community, on Sunday, December 1 at 4:00pm, we will have a Blue Christmas service. This more somber service acknowledges the pain and sadness many people experience as the holidays approach, but also encourages people to move toward hope.
Parsonage Open House
Out of gratitude for the love of this faith community and in the spirit of the Christmas season, Pastor Robin cordially invites all members and friends of Oak Chapel to a Parsonage Open House on Sunday, December 8 from 3 – 7pm. Come see the parsonage and enjoy some snacks and fellowship.
Opportunities for Ministry Next Week
Sunday, 11/10 – Sunday School with Dr. Robin Knowles Wallace at 9:30am
Worship at 10:30am
Hymn Fest Choir rehearsal at 2:00pm
Hymn Fest at 3:00pm
Monday, 11/11 – Bible Study at 10:15am
Candy Making at 6:15pm
Tuesday, 11/12 – Outreach Committee at 10:30am
Wednesday, 11/13 – Choir rehearsal at 7:30pm
Thursday, 11/14 – Christian Education Committee at 7:00pm
Poinsettia orders due by 8:00pm
Saturday, 11/16 – Youth Project 13:35 in Columbus overnight
Weight Loss Support Group at 9:15am
It is 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