Hello, Oak Chapel Friends,
How did it get to be the middle of December already? Where has the month gone? I know many of you are busily preparing for Christmas – shopping, wrapping gifts, making cookies, getting ready for family celebrations, etc. This season of Advent is indeed one of preparation. In the midst of the flurry of activity, though, I encourage you to carve out some time to not only be physically prepared for Christmas, but to also be spiritually prepared to receive the greatest gift of all – Jesus Christ. Why not worship with us this Sunday as we continue our series on “Christmas gifts that won’t break”? This week my sermon is titled “The Gift of Joy,” based on Matthew 1: 25 – 28. After worship we will gather for our traditional 3rd Sunday Fellowship Luncheon. Then at 1:00 we will go Christmas caroling to some of our homebound members. I hope you will join us for some or all of these festivities on Sunday as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus Christ.
Last Saturday, I hosted our first “drive-thru” prayer station. Though only one person came through, it was very meaningful. We will continue the “drive-thru”prayer station tomorrow – December 14 – and next Saturday, December 21 from 10am – Noon. If you know someone who could use a little encouragement this season, tell ‘em to drive by! We want our community to know we care about them.
Card Showers
Today (December 13) is Dorothy McCloud’s 94thBirthday. When you see her in church on Sunday, be sure to wish her well. If you’d like to send her a card – albeit a bit belated – her address is The Oaks at Shady Lawn, 15028 E. Lincoln Way, Dalton, OH 44618.
Also, on January 2, Clayton “Kate” and Joanne Jolliff will celebrate their 65th Wedding Anniversary. In lieu of a party this year, they will gather with their immediate family for a celebration. If you would like to wish them well on this special occasion, their address is 8702 W. Old Lincoln Way, Wooster, OH 44691.
New Adult Sunday School Series
This Sunday the Stewards of Faith Sunday School class will begin a new series based on the movie Flywheel. This movie, produced by the makers of Fireproofand Courageous, is about a dishonest used cars salesman who decides to become the salesman that God wants him to be –with surprising results. The class will spend the first four weeks of the study watching the movie with discussion of the characters. Beginning in January there will be eight sessions of Bible study based on various movie clips. The Stewards of Faith class meets in Fellowship Hall at 9:30am and they welcome all youth and adults to join them.
Wayne County Choral Union Concert
The Wayne County Choral Union will present its annual Christmas concert on Tuesday, December 17 at 7:00pm at Wooster United Methodist Church. It will be a delightful program including classic, traditional and newer music, as well as a carol sing-a-long.
Christmas Cantata –Together for Christmas
The choir will present a cantata titled “Together for Christmas” on Sunday, December 22 at 3:00pm. This musical presentation will explore the importance of the gathering of the family of God during the Christmas season, both emotionally and spiritually. A blend of refreshing new music, beloved carols and traditional melodies, with simple narration, this presentation will draw all listeners into the story of the nativity and nurture the congregation toward hope, peace, joy and love. This is a great non-threatening opportunity to invite your friends and neighbors to experience the hope of Jesus Christ during this Christmas season. Please plan now to join us!
Christmas Eve
Our Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship will include a brief service of lessons and carols, a short meditation and Holy Communion. Join us on Tuesday, December 24 at 7:00pm as we celebrate the birth of the Christ child.
Colors of Christmas
We continue our annual Oak Chapel tradition of the “Colors of Christmas.” Members are encouraged to wear something reflecting each week’s color.
Sunday, 12/15 – Red (signifying sacrifice)
Sunday, 12/22 – Blue (signifying eternity)
Tuesday, 12/24 – (Christmas Eve) –White (signifying purity)
Sunday, 12/29 – Gold (signifying riches)
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.
District Leadership Training – Save the Date!
The annual Canal District Leadership Training Event will be Saturday, January 25 at Wooster UMC. Let’s take advantage of training offered right in our backyard. The sessions will address leadership of various committees needed to equip the saints for the work of ministry. Anyone may attend. All church leaders should attend.
Opportunities for Ministry Next Week
Sunday, 12/15 – Sunday School at 9:30am
Third Sunday of Advent Worship at 10:30am
Blood Pressure Screenings after worship
Fellowship Luncheon after worship
Christmas Caroling at 1:00pm
Monday, 12/16 – Bible Study at 10:15am
Trustees at 7:00pm
Wednesday, 12/18 – Choir rehearsal at 7:30pm
Saturday, 12/21 – Weight Loss Support Group at 9:15am
Drive-Thru Prayers – 10am till Noon
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