Hello, Oak Chapel Friends,
I trust you are staying warm in this cold winter weather. As much as I enjoy the four seasons and the variety of weather that comes with living in Ohio, I admit that I am ready for some warmer weather – at least for the temps to rise above single digits on a consistent basis!
This Sunday in worship I will continue the “Upside Down: A Different Way to Live” sermon series. My message titled “You Can Change Your World” is based on Matthew 5: 13 – 20. I hope you will join us as we continue to explore the words of Jesus that challenge and call us to a completely different way of life.
Below you will find announcements and other important information about upcoming events. Please review and mark your calendars accordingly.
Oak Chapel United Methodist WomenTrip to New York City
September 25-29, 2014 (Thurs-Monday)
The United Methodist Women (UMW)are planning a trip to New York City this Fall. The cost is $450 per person which includes transportation, seminar, and lodging. Lodging will be at the Alma Matthews House which is owned by the denomination-wide UMW.
Below is the tentative travel schedule:
Thursday – Travel day – bring sack lunch
Friday – Seminar on Human Trafficking at Church Center for United Nations
Saturday – Free for walking, sightseeing, shopping or theater, or whatever
Sunday – Church together; then more free time
Monday – Travel home
$100 deposit due March 30, 2014 – non refundable, but transferable. The remaining $350 is due prior to travel. Please also plan about $100 extra as spending money for meals, subway/cabs, and any entrance fees or theater tickets
Bible Study on the Gospel of John
Pastor Jim will conduct another Bible Study, this time looking at the Gospel of John. The sessions will be one hour (6:30-7:30 PM) on Wednesday evenings: three sessions before Ash Wednesday (February 12, 19,& 26) and three sessions after Ash Wednesday (March 12, 19, 26). Session one will be an overview of John’s Gospel and how it differs from Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Session two and three will look at stories unique to John: Wedding Feast at Cana, Woman at the Well, Lazarus, etc. After the break for Ash Wednesday, session four will view John’s “I am” statements and John’s use of “signs.” Session five will focus on the Last Supper discourse and the last session on John’s after-Easter stories. The entire purpose of this study is to discover John’s view of Jesus and how it can relate to us today. The sessions will have lively discussion as well as reflections on each session reading assignment. No sign up is required, but if you need a ride, please call the church office and we will have someone pick you up! Bring a copy of the Bible and a friend!
Vacation Bible School Preview and Luncheon
The dates for this year’s Vacation Bible School are July 14 – 18 from 5:30 – 8:30pm. The theme is “Jungle Safari: Where Kids Explore the Nature of God.” In conjunction with our Fellowship Luncheon after worship on Sunday, February 16, we will share a preview of the materials. Come discover how you might help with VBS this year!
Sunday School Explosion
On Sunday, February 23 we will host a Sunday School Explosion. The day will begin with a hot breakfast served in Fellowship Hall at 8:30am. Entertainment during the breakfast hour includes “Science Experiments with Pastor Robin.” There will also be games and prizes. Invite someone new to join you for breakfast and Sunday School that day. It is sure to be a blast!
Compass Group Mission Trip
Our Compass Group will return to New Jersey this summer to do relief and restoration work for those affected by Superstorm Sandy. Last year, four members (Pete & Natalie Bunt and Pam & Kim Domer) and Pastor Robin participated. Pastor Robin is organizing this year’s trip and we’d love to have more folks from Oak Chapel join us. The dates are Sunday, July 27 through Saturday, August 2. The cost of the trip is approximately $350 per person. We will have some fundraisers this Spring to offset this cost. Please prayerfully consider this mission opportunity.
Opportunities for Ministry Next Week
Sunday, 2/9 – Sunday School at 9:30am
Worship at 10:30am
Monday, 2/10 – Finance Committee at 7:00pm
Wednesday, 2/12 – Morning Circle at Betty Franks’ at 9:30am
Pastor Jim’s Bible Study – John at 6:30pm
Choir rehearsal at 7:30pm
Saturday, 2/15 – ACORN Newsletter deadline
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