Hello, Oak Chapel Friends,
Happy Valentine’s Day! On this day when we tell the special people in our lives how much we love them, I want to take a moment to tell all of you how much I love and appreciate you. I am grateful to be a part of this community of faith. Even more importantly, though, I want to remind each of the extravagant and never-ending love of God. God’s love for us is immeasurable and I hope that you will take a few moments (or more!) today to sit in quietness and let God remind you of that love. May you feel wrapped in God’s amazing love and presence today!
This Sunday in worship I will continue the “Upside Down: A Different Way to Live” sermon series. My sermon titled “A Higher Standard” is based on Matthew 5: 21 – 37. Hope to see you then!
Below you will find announcements and other important information about upcoming events. Please review and mark your calendars accordingly.
Vacation Bible School Preview and Luncheon – THIS Sunday
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.” On Sunday at our Fellowship Luncheon, there will be a preview of this year’s materials. Come and bring a dish to share, then discover how you might help with VBS this year!
Table Tennis
On Saturday, February 22, the United Methodist Men will host an evening of table tennis in our Fellowship Hall. Bill Stewart will offer a demonstration on the rules of play and techniques. Please join us and invite a friend for this evening of learning, fun and fellowship!
Sunday School Explosion
Next 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!
Oak Chapel United Methodist Women Trip 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
Ash Wednesday Worship
Ash Wednesday is the first day of the season of Lent. On Wednesday, March 5 at 7:00pm, we will gather in the sanctuary to mark this occasion. Pastor Robin will preach on Exodus 32: 1 – 24 with a message titled “Written in Stone.” There will also be the imposition of ashes.
Bible Study on the Gospel of John
It is not too late to join Pastor Jim’s Bible Study on the Gospel of John. The sessions are one hour (6:30-7:30 PM) on Wednesday evenings: two more sessions before Ash Wednesday (February 19 & 26) and three sessions after Ash Wednesday (March 12, 19, 26). Session two and three will look at stories unique to John. 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!
Sunday Evening Lenten Series
During the season of Lent, we will continue our tradition of gathering for evening worship with the Moreland and New Pittsburg United Methodist Churches on Sundays at 7:00pm. There will be a time of fellowship after each service. The schedule is as follows:
Sunday, March 16 – Rev. Tom Fish preaching at Oak Chapel UMC
Sunday, March 23 – Rev. John Heavilin preaching at Moreland UMC
Sunday, March 30 – Rev. Robin Dillon preaching at New Pittsburg UMC
Sunday, April 6 – Rev. Jim Pfander preaching at Oak Chapel UMC
Please mark your calendars and plan to attend!
Lenten Sermon Series
During Lent (beginning Ash Wednesday, March 5 and ending Easter Sunday, April 20), Pastor Robin will do a sermon series titled Journey of Stones. Begin praying about friends and neighbors you can invite to join you for this upcoming series.
Opportunities for Ministry Next Week
Sunday, 2/16 – Sunday School at 9:30am
Worship at 10:30am
Blood Pressure screenings after worship
Fellowship Luncheon after worship
VBS Preview during Fellowship Luncheon
Monday, 2/17 – Bible Study at 10:15am
Trustees at 7:00pm
Wednesday, 2/19 – VBS Planning Meeting at 5:45pm
Bible Study – John at 6:30pm
Choir rehearsal at 7:30pm
Saturday, 2/22 – Weight Loss Support Group at 9:15am
Table Tennis at 7:00pm (sponsored by United Methodist Men)
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