Hello, Oak Chapel Friends,
Happy New Year! As we begin 2014, my prayer is that each of you will experience God’s steadfast love and faithfulness in fresh and new ways this year. I also pray that as a congregation we will be open to new opportunities for ministry both within the walls of our church building and out in our community.
Why not start the new year off on the right foot by joining us for worship this Sunday at 10:30am? We will celebrate the “Twelfth Day of Christmas” and Epiphany – the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child. My meditation, titled “Gifts and Journeys,” is based on Matthew 2: 1 – 12. The service will also include Holy Communion. I look forward to sharing this sacred experience with you.
Below you will find announcements and other important information about upcoming events. Please review and mark your calendars accordingly.
Pantry Items for People to People
On the first Sunday of each month, we continue to collect canned goods and other pantry items for People to People Ministries. Please bring these items this Sunday, January 5.
Card Showers
Bob Olds (Cheryl Rastetter’s Dad) will celebrate his 90th birthday on January 14. His address 1501 North 16th Avenue, Lakeworth, FL 33460.
Betty Franks will celebrate her 95th Birthday on January 22. Her address is 3140 W. Old Lincoln Way, Wooster, OH 44691.
Chili Cook-Off
The 5th Annual Chili Cook-Off, sponsored by the United Methodist Men, is set for Saturday, January 18. Please see Bill Braucher for an entry form. The entry fee is $6.00 and entries are limited to the first fifteen registered. All are welcome to come to the Fellowship Hall that evening between 5 and 7pm to vote for their favorite chili and partake in chili prepared by last year’s winner, Erica Boyer. Macaroni and cheese will also be served as an alternate dish for children and others. Invite your family and friends to join us for this fun evening of food and fellowship.
Casting our Congregational Vision
Our focus on Sunday, January 19 will be visioning and future ministries at Oak Chapel United Methodist Church. During worship Pastor Robin will preach on “The Mission of Servanthood” based on Isaiah 19: 1 – 7. After worship we will have our monthly fellowship luncheon during which Pastor Robin will offer a brief “State of the Church” address and cast her vision for Oak Chapel UMC in 2014. Each ministry area of the church will also briefly share their plans and opportunities for involvement in the coming year.
District Leadership Training
The annual Canal District Leadership Training Event will be Saturday, January 25 at Wooster UMC. Please see Pastor Robin for a brochure and let her know of your interest by next Sunday, January 12.
VBS Showcase
On Saturday, January 18 from 9am till Noon, Oak Chapel UMC will host a VBS Showcase. Cokesbury’s regional Community Resource Consultant, Tami Lynne Clark, will present materials from all seven VBS publishers. Christian Educators and VBS leaders of all area churches are invited to explore and examine the 2014 VBS materials. If you have friends who are involved in VBS at their churches, please invite them to this event.
Opportunities for Ministry Next Week
Sunday, 1/5 – Sunday School at 9:30am
Epiphany Worship Service at 10:30am
Youth groups at 6:30pm
Monday, 1/6 – Retirees Breakfast – Milltown at 8:00am
Bible Study at 10:15am
Wednesday, 1/8 – Morning Circle at Betty Franks’ at 9:30am
Choir rehearsal at 7:30pm
Saturday, 1/11 – United Methodist Men – Green Leaf at 7:30am
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