Hello, Oak Chapel Friends,
Tomorrow Pam Domer and I will teach a class on United Methodism from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. 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 will be provided.
This Sunday we will celebrate the Ascension of Jesus Christ with the sacrament of Holy Communion. My sermon titled “Going Up?” is based on Acts 1: 1 – 11.
On Sunday immediately following worship I will be heading to Alliance. I am teaching at the Local Pastors Licensing School at the University of Mount Union beginning Sunday afternoon through Friday, June 6. While I am gone, I will be available via e-mail, text and phone. Please hold the new pastors as well the other instructors and me in your prayers during this week of intensive training.
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
We continue to collect canned goods and other pantry items for People to People Ministries. Please bring these items on the first Sunday of each month.
Nursery Helpers
This Sunday’s nursery assistant is Jim Pfander. The assistant for next Sunday, June 8 is Miriam Zech.
Flood Buckets
This Sunday, June 1 and next Sunday, June 8 we will collect coins in our “jingly” buckets. These offerings will be taken to Annual Conference for Flood Buckets. Flood Buckets are supplied by the United Methodist Committee on Relief to enable people to begin the overwhelming job of cleaning up after a hurricane or flood.
Wear Red for Pentecost
Next Sunday, June 8 is Pentecost when we celebrate the arrival of the Holy Spirit. The liturgical color is red, symbolizing fire. Everyone is encouraged to wear red that day.
Reception of New Members
We will welcome new members to our congregation on Pentecost – next Sunday, June 8. If you are interested in joining our fellowship, please contact Pastor Robin.
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.
Upcoming Sermon Series
On Sunday, June 22, Pastor Robin will begin a seven-week sermon/worship series based on an exciting new book What’s the Least I Can Believe and Still Be a Christian? During this unique study we will discuss several things Christians don’t need to believe. For example, we don’t need to believe that good Christians don’t doubt or that it is OK for Christians to be judgmental and obnoxious. However, we will spend most of our time studying what Christians do need to believe. In short, Christians need to believe in Jesus – his life, teachings, example, death and resurrection. A great benefit of these beliefs is that they provide promising answers to life’s most profound questions including: What matters most? Am I accepted? Where is God? What brings fulfillment? What about suffering? And is there hope? This series provides a great opportunity to invite family members, friends, neighbors and co-workers to visit our church during this seven-week event.
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 next Sunday, June 8. Please note the deadline has been extended one week. Please prayerfully consider this opportunity. See Pastor Robin for more information.
Spaghetti Dinner
To offset the cost of the New Jersey mission trip, the Outreach Committee is hosting a spaghetti dinner after the 10:30 a.m. worship service on Sunday, June 29. We will serve spaghetti, meatballs, salad, and bread. Please see April Aten for more information.
Attention Committee Chairmen and women!
Please provide your 2015 Budget requests to Stuart Mykrantz, Finance Chairman, and Bill Braucher, Treasurer, no later than Thursday, July 31. Then plan to attend the Finance Committee meeting on August 10 to discuss your inputs.
Save the Date! Back to School Bash
On Saturday, August 16, the Outreach Committee will host a Community Back to School Bash on the church grounds. The event, held the weekend before the start of school, will include a barbeque with all the fixings, games for all ages and a bounce house for kids. Mark your calendar now and begin thinking about who you will invite to this event.
Opportunities for Ministry Next Week
Sunday, June 1 – Sunday School at 9:30am
Worship at 10:30am
Saplings at 6:30pm
Monday, June 2 – Retirees Breakfast – Milltown at 8:00am
Art and Soul at 7:00pm
Tuesday, June 3 – Welcoming Team Meeting at 7:00pm
Wednesday, June 4 – Morning Circle at Betty Franks at 9:30am
Choir rehearsal at 7:30pm
Thursday, June 5 – History & Records Scrapbooking at 6:30pm
Saturday, June 7 – Weight Loss Support Group at 9:15am
United Methodist Women Exec at 10:30am
Outreach Committee @ Wooster Kids Day
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