Hello, Oak Chapel Friends,
What a beautiful day! The sun is shining, the corn is growing, the wind is softly blowing, and two squirrels are playfully running up and down the trees in the parsonage yard. On days like this I am reminded of the amazing beauty of Creation and I can’t help but ponder the nature of God as the Creator of the Universe. Next week, children of all ages in our church and community will have the opportunity to explore the nature of God as Creator, Provider, Protector, Savior and King. Our Vacation Bible School team has worked hard to create a meaningful experience for everyone. It is a joy to watch the children grow and learn. I hope you will join us next week beginning at 5:30 each evening with a light meal. The program starts at 6:00 p.m. and will end promptly by 8:30 p.m. While the children rotate through their stations (Bible story, crafts, music, service projects, recreation and snacks), the adults will study and discuss a related lesson … and we will even do crafts and snacks, too! VBS is a great week for our church and community. I trust you will be a part of it – through your prayers and your presence.
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 3 of my sermon series “What’s the Least I Can Believe and Still Be a Christian?” My message, titled “Jesus’ Grace: Am I Accepted?” is based on John 8: 1 – 11. 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.
Nursery Helpers
This week’s nursery assistants are Mark and Patti Ritchey. The assistant next Sunday is Phyllis Weaver.
One-Day Mountain Vision Trip
On Saturday, August 2, we will travel to Bethesda, OH with Mountain Vision to provide a one-day VBS and give out backpacks and school supplies to the local children and families. This is an excellent way to share God’s love and show we care. We will leave the church at 7:00 a.m. and eat at Cracker Barrel in Cambridge along the way. The program in Bethesda begins at 11:00 a.m. Lunch will be provided. We usually return to the church around 4:00 p.m. Should you have any questions, please call Ann Kahrig at 330-264-5262 or 330-201-3874.
Lincoln Buy-Way Sale at Oak Chapel
Mark Thursday, Friday, Saturday – August 7, 8, 9 on your calendar. Once again we will welcome strangers into our midst as we offer clean, gently used items for sale as well as food for the journey – sandwiches, a good cold drink, something sweet and so much more. We will be 100% in Fellowship Hall. Items can be brought to the church beginning August 3. You may also set up your own sale table for a nominal payment of $10. Food donations are appreciated. Also we need helpers for set up on Wednesday evening and helpers on each of the sale days. Call Elizabeth Feldman at 330-465-5782 if you have questions or are willing and able to help.
Back to School Bash
Celebrate the start of the school year on Saturday, August 16 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Sponsored by the Outreach Committee, this event will include games, prizes, balloons, a bounce house (large slide with ball pit) for both children and adults, and of course, food! Lots of food! Invite your friends and neighbors to this festival of fun!
Ladies Spiritual Spa Day
There are only a few spots left for the 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. Register with Ed Wirt. For more information, see Christy Rickard.
Blessing of the Backpacks
In preparation for the start of school on Monday, August 18, we will have a backpack blessing during both worship services on Sunday, August 17. Invite your friends, neighbors, children, grandchildren or anyone else you know for this special time of prayer and blessing for the new school year.
Disney Sermon Series
Disney movies have entertained us for over 75 years. Beginning August 17, Pastor Robin will do a four-week sermon series titled “The Gospel in Disney.” This series will look at scriptural themes in four popular Disney movies. Whether you are 4 or 94, you will enjoy the gospel themes presented in a brand new way.
People to People Ministries
People to People Ministries is in need of volunteers to help with their Back to School Project. The goal of this project is to provide children of families in need in our area with underwear, new socks, a voucher for new shoes, school supplies and “nice as new” clothing. The project involves over 700 volunteers. Volunteers are needed as follows:
· Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 2& 3 to help load and unload trucks and set up at the Church of the Nazarene
· Monday – Wednesday, Aug. 4-6 to help with distribution, restock and straightening of distribution area
· Thursday, Aug. 7 – to help with inventory and pack-up, loading and unloading the truck and clean up
Anyone interested in helping may volunteer at www.ptpm.net or by calling project coordinator Laura Groves at 330-262-1662 ext. 213 by July 14.
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!
Opportunities for Ministry Next Week
Sunday, 7/13 – Heritage Worship at 8:30am
Sunday School at 9:30am
Celebration Worship at 10:30am
VBS Decorating at 12:00pm
Monday, 7/14 – Vacation Bible School at 5:30pm
Tuesday, 7/15 – ACORN DEADLINE
Vacation Bible School at 5:30pm
Wednesday, 7/16 Vacation Bible School at 5:30pm
Thursday, 7/17 Vacation Bible School at 5:30pm
Friday, 7/18 Vacation Bible School at 5:30pm
Saturday, 7/19 – 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