Hello, Oak Chapel Friends,
We have an exciting mission-focused weekend ahead at Oak Chapel! Tomorrow we will participate in the United Methodist “Change the World” weekend. This day of service will challenge us to make a difference in our community. We will start the day with a time of reflection at 8:30 am, then split into three project groups: volunteering at the Wayne County Humane Society, cleaning up at Warner-Pioneer Cemetery and making layettes, health kits and cards at Oak Chapel. We will gather back at the church at 11:30am for conversation and lunch. I look forward to seeing you there!
On Sunday morning, we have an engaging worship service planned during which we will hear the story of how God is working both in the lives of the people in Liberia and in the lives of those who traveled there in February on a Farmer-to-Farmer mission trip. With slides and stories, Elizabeth Feldman and Jean Brugger from Wooster UMC will talk about their mission in Harrisburg, working with St. John’s UMC. After worship we will offer an African lunch—modified of course. Please plan to stay for more fellowship.
Below you will find announcements and other important information about upcoming events. Please review and mark your calendars accordingly.
Nursery Helpers
Terra Aten is our nursery coordinator and works in the nursery each Sunday morning. Her assistant this Sunday is Cathy Shallenberger. Her assistant next Sunday (5/25) is Cindy Mykrantz.
Memorial Day Service
Next Sunday, May 25, we will have our traditional Memorial Day service at the Warner-Pioneer cemetery at 9:30 a.m. Many thanks to Arden Boyer who coordinates this service each year. Please join us as we honor those who have served our country.
Reception of New Members
We will welcome new members to our congregation on Pentecost – Sunday, June 8. If you are interested in joining our fellowship, please contact Pastor Robin.
United Methodism Class
On Saturday, May 31 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Pastor Robin and Pam Domer will lead a one-day class on United Methodism. Those interested in joining Oak Chapel UMC are especially invited to attend. And even if you have been a member of Oak Chapel or a United Methodist your whole life, this class will challenge you to live out our Wesleyan heritage. A light lunch and childcare will be provided.
Calling All Scrapbookers!
The History and Records Committee has started scrapbooking pictures, memorabilia and other historic documents and they could use your help! The group plans to meet on Thursdays at 6:30pm in the Fellowship Hall. For more information, please contact Elizabeth Feldman or April Aten.
Summer Worship
Similar to last year, beginning Sunday, June 22, we will offer two worship services on Sunday mornings. Our Heritage worship service, held in the Sanctuary at 8:30 a.m., is ideal for those who wish to get an early start on the day or prefer traditional hymns and liturgies. The Celebration service, held in our air-conditioned Fellowship Hall at 10:30 a.m., will feature lively praise music and will make use of our multi-media system. We are very excited about these opportunities for worship and hope you will invite your friends and neighbors to participate with us. The two worship services will run through August 31. We will return to one worship service (10:30 a.m.) in the sanctuary on September 7.
Mission Trip to New Jersey
It’s not too late to sign up for our compass group mission trip to New Jersey! Four members of Oak Chapel are registered and there is room for more to experience the joys of helping those affected by Superstorm Sandy. The dates are Sunday, July 27 through Saturday, August 2. The cost is $350 per person and we are doing some fundraising to offset this cost for participants. A $25 deposit is required by June 1. Please prayerfully consider this opportunity. See Pastor Robin for more information.
Parking Lot Fund Update
To date, we have received $11,920 for our parking lot fund. We will now do chip and seal instead of packed gravel. We appreciate your continued support of this project.
Helping Hands Fund
The “Helping Hands” Fund supports our church’s outreach program, but is not part of the Outreach Committee’s responsibility. Therefore it is funded by designated donations only. The Pastor has discretionary use of these funds. Funds from this account are provided directly to a vendor/company to provide financial relief to those in our community needing assistance. At the present time this account is in need of funds if we are to continue our outreach to those in need. Please consider making a donation to this cause. Be sure to mark your envelope or check “Helping Hands Fund.”
Opportunities for Ministry Next Week
Sunday, 5/18 – Sunday School at 9:30am
Worship with Africa Update at 10:30am
Africa Luncheon following worship
Blood pressure screenings following worship
Saplings at 6:30pm
Monday, 5/19 – Trustees at 7:00pm
Tuesday, 5/20 – Table Tennis at 7:00pm
Membership Care Committee at 7:00pm
Wednesday, 5/21 – VBS Planning Meeting at 6:30pm
Choir rehearsal at 7:30pm
Thursday, 5/22 – History and Records Scrapbooking at 6:30pm
Christian Education Committee at 7:00pm
4 – H at 7:00pm
Saturday, 5/24 – 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