Hello, Oak Chapel Friends,
This has been a challenging week for our congregation as we grieve the loss of one of our members (Juanita Martin) and journey with the Braucher family through the highs and lows of news about Sue’s transplant and its complications. We desperately try to come to grips with such circumstances and find ourselves asking the age-old question, “Why?” And the truth is that we may never understand the “why,” but through it all God is present and is “with” us. I had been planning this Sunday’s sermon long before this week, yet it seems to be a “God thing” that my sermon for this Sunday, based on Matthew 28: 16 – 20, is titled “With.” I hope you will join us for worship on Sunday morning at 10:30.
Just a reminder that I will be at Annual Conference next week. I will have limited Internet access, but will be available via cell phone (330-234-7717). The church office will be closed on Monday, June 16 and Wednesday, June 18.
Below you will find announcements and other important information about upcoming events. Please review and mark your calendars accordingly.
Summer Worship
Next Sunday begins our summer worship schedule. 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.
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.
Nursery Helpers
Today’s nursery assistant is Dick Silver. The assistant for next Sunday is April Aten.
Vacation Bible School
Don’t forget our Vacation Bible School is scheduled for Monday, July 14 through Friday, July 18 beginning with supper at 5:30 each evening. Invite the children you know to participate in this fun week of learning about God and God’s love! Register online at our church website – www.oakchapelumc.com. There are also plenty of opportunities to help. See Jen Moser for more information.
Attention Committee Chairmen and women!
Please provide your 2015 Budget request 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.
Upcoming Sermon Series
Next 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. This series provides a great opportunity to invite family members, friends, neighbors and co-workers to visit our church during this seven-week event.
Opportunities for Ministry Next Week
Sunday, 6/15 – Sunday School at 9:30am
Worship at 10:30am
Memorial Service – Juanita Martin at 3:00pm
Monday, 6/16 through Thursday, 6/19 – Annual Conference
Monday, 6/16 – Trustees at 7:00pm
Tuesday, 6/17 – Membership Care at 7:00pm
Saturday, 6/21 – 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