Hello, Oak Chapel Friends,
The students and leaders of the youth group and I had a fun, enjoyable time at the Project 13:35 conference in Columbus last weekend. I appreciate the value the Oak Chapel congregation places on the youth in our church and am grateful for the time spent with them. I look forward to being in worship with all of you again this Sunday as we celebrate Thanksgiving and the Reign of Christ. My sermon, based on Colossians 1: 9 – 20, is titled “Super Glue.” I hope to see you there!
World Thank Offering
During worship this Sunday, 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.
Church Conference
Our annual Church Conference is Sunday at Smithville UMC at 4:00pm. Why not come and learn more about the ministry and workings of our church and the other churches in our compass group. At Sunday’s session Oak Chapel will highlight its ministry with Mountain Vision. Everyone is welcome and all church leaders are expected.
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 tomorrow, Monday, November 25 at 1:00pm. We hope you will join us!
Candy Making
Monday evening, 11/25, is our last candy-making session. Join us for a night of fun. Our glass candy makes wonderful gifts for teachers, hairstylists, neighbors and co-workers. Each bag, containing two cups of yumminess in ten flavors, is just $5.00. Please buy and sell some today.
Mountain Vision Christmas Party
Our Outreach Committee, the youth group and others will be traveling to Valley Head, WV on Friday, December 6 in preparation for a Christmas party there on Saturday, December 7. They will leave at Noon on Friday and return around 10pm on Saturday. If you would like to go on this overnight mission trip, please see Pam Domer. Also, if you committed to purchase a gift to be given to a child at the Mountain Vision Christmas party, please bring your wrapped package (with yellow form attached) to worship next Sunday, December 1. During the service that morning we will have a blessing of the blankets and gifts, and a prayer for those traveling and participating in this mission project.
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.
Drive-Thru Prayers
In an effort to share the love of God and build relationships with the people of our community, Pastor Robin will host a “drive-thru” prayer station in the church parking lot for the first three Saturdays in December (12/7, 12/14 and 12/21) from 10am – Noon. In the midst of the hustle and bustle of the season, we will offer the peace of Christ and a listening ear. Patrons may pull into the parking lot, share the concerns on their hearts, Pastor Robin will pray with them and then send them on their way with what we pray is a renewed sense of hope and peace. If you are willing to help with this outreach endeavor, please let Pastor Robin know. We want our community to know we care about them.
Doing Online Christmas Shopping?
Your online shopping could benefit Oak Chapel. The United Methodist Church, in partnership with some of the largest online retailers, has built a shopping tool that provides a cash benefit for local churches when you purchase through the UMCmarket — items you’d probably be buying anyway. The retailer does not markup the price — you still pay what you’d pay as you did before. How does it work? Simply create an account at UMCMarket.org and designate Oak Chapel as the recipient of the proceeds. Oak Chapel will receive 1 – 5% of your purchase from online stores and travel sites. Check it out. Please see Pastor Robin if you have any questions.
Administrative Council
The next meeting of the Administrative Council is Monday, December 9 at 7:00pm in Fellowship Hall. At this meeting we will discuss our plans and calendar for 2014. All 2013 and 2014 committee chairmen/women should plan to attend.
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.
Christmas Program /Cantata
Our annual Christmas program this year will be the cantata “Together for Christmas,” under the direction of organist/choir director, Jen Moser. Even if you are unable to sing with the choir on a regular basis, please consider joining us for this special event. There are many opportunities for participation in the program including reading and singing. If you are willing to do a reading, please contact Jen. The program will be presented on Sunday, December 22 at 3:00pm, followed by a cookie fellowship. All are welcome!
Christmas Caroling and Fellowship Luncheon
On Sunday, December 15 we will have a fellowship luncheon after worship. After the luncheon, everyone is invited to go Christmas caroling to our homebound members and friends. If you know of someone who would appreciate carolers coming to his/her residence, please let Pastor Robin know by Sunday, December 8.
Opportunities for Ministry Next Week
Sunday, 11/24 – Sunday School at 9:30am
Worship with World Thank Offering at 10:30am
Church Conference –Smithville UMC at 4:00pm
Youth Groups at 6:30pm
Monday, 11/25 – Bible Study at 10:15am
Decorate for Advent/Christmas at 1:00pm
Prayer Shawl Ministry at 5:30pm
Candy Making at 6:15pm
Wednesday, 11/27 thru Friday, 11/29 – Church Office closed
Thursday, 11/28 – Happy Thanksgiving!
Saturday, 11/30 – 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