Hello, Oak Chapel Friends,
Tomorrow we celebrate the birthday of our nation. Flags are flying and fireworks will light up the night sky. People will attend barbeques, parades and other gatherings with a heightened sense of patriotism. It is true that we are blessed to live, play and worship in a nation that values freedom and the rule of the law. We strive as a nation to a more perfect union, one where all people can experience true freedom and justice. But even with those heady ideals, we have fallen short many times as a nation. We are, after all, fallible human beings who are always tempted to put ourselves before others. We always struggle against the tendency toward sin. While the Declaration of Independence ignited a grand new experiment in the republic we now call the United States of America, there is a more important and long-lasting freedom that we celebrate as Christians. It is our freedom in Jesus Christ. This July 4th, Independence Day, celebrate the freedom we enjoy as a nation, but also celebrate the freedom we are given by the One who created us and the very ground we walk on. We are free indeed.
This Sunday we continue our summer worship with the Heritage service at 8:30am in the Sanctuary and the Celebration service at 10:30am in Fellowship Hall. We are now in Week 2 of my sermon series “What’s the Least I Can Believe and Still Be a Christian?” My message, titled “Jesus’ Priority: What Matters Most?” is based on Mark 12: 28 – 34. I hope to see you Sunday!
Below you will find announcements and other important information about upcoming events. Please review and mark your calendars accordingly.
New Jersey Mission Trip
Thanks to all who came to the spaghetti dinner to support the mission trip to New Jersey at the end of July. If you would still like to make a contribution to offset the cost for the participants, please place your gift in the offering plate, designating it “New Jersey mission trip.”
New Membership Database Software
We have a new membership database system! As we merge our systems, we want to be sure all the information we have is correct. We are asking everyone to submit their vital statistics to the church office. You will have an opportunity to submit this information on the attendance slip at church on Sunday. If you are unable to come to church, please reply to this e-mail with the following information: your name, address, phone number, preferred e-mail address, birthdate, anniversary (if applicable), baptism date, date you joined the church (if member), and emergency contact (name, relationship, phone #). Thanks so much for your help with this!
Vacation Bible School
VBS is just a week away! And we are excited! Join us Monday, July 14 through Friday, July 18 beginning with supper at 5:30 each evening. The theme is Jungle Safari: Where Kids Explore the Nature of God. Pastor Robin is also leading an adult class on each day’s lesson. Invite everyone you know to participate in this fun week of learning! Register online at our church website – www.oakchapelumc.com. There are also plenty of opportunities to help. See Jen Moser for more information.
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.
Ladies Spiritual Spa Day
The Membership Care Committee is hosting a ladies spiritual spa day on Saturday, August 23 from 12:00pm – 3:30pm. The cost is $25.00 per person and includes lunch, a 15-minute chair massage by a licensed massage therapist, manicure by licensed manicurist, wax hand massage, gift bag, spiritual activities, a chocolate fountain and more. Resister early as space is limited. Register with Ed Wirt. For more information, see Christi Rickard.
Lost and Found
Are you missing a dark green, square, soft side cooler? an umbrella (or five!)? a Woman’s Columbia fleece vest? a green Army glove? a clear blue platter with a fleur de lis handle? a blue water bottle? or a Ducky Dynasty travel mug? If so, please check out our lost and found located on the shelf next to the elevator in the administrative wing.
Have You Seen the United Methodist Handbook?
The United Methodist Handbook is a great resource that includes important information such as United Methodist teachings, church structure and organization, denominational initiatives, what it means to be a worldwide church, connectional giving information, a glossary of United Methodist terms and much more! We give copies of the handbook at our United Methodist classes, but always have extra hard copies in the office. If you would like one, please see Pastor Robin or Pam Domer. The booklet is also now available online. Check it out! http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/unitedmethodist/handbook/
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.
Nursery Helpers
This week’s nursery assistants for this week are Joanne and Kate Jolliff. The assistants for next Sunday are Mark and Patti Ritchey.
Opportunities for Ministry Next Week
Sunday, 7/ 6 – Heritage Worship at 8:30am
Sunday School at9:30am
Celebration Worship at 10:30am
Monday, 7/7 – Retirees Breakfast – Milltown at 8:00am
Art and Soul at 7:00pm
Tuesday, 7/8 – Outreach Committee at 6:30pm
Wednesday, 7/9 – Administrative Council at 7:00pm
Thursday, 7/10 – Golden Agers Luncheon at 11:30am
History Scrapbooking at 6:30pm
Lay Leadership/Nominating at 7:00pm
4 – H at 7:00pm
Saturday, 7/12 – United Methodist Men – Green Leaf at 7:30am
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