Hello, Oak Chapel Friends,
The Epistle writer James tells us to “be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (1:22) and that “faith without works is dead” (2:26). On Sunday morning twelve people from our compass group of local United Methodist Churches will travel to northern New Jersey on a mission trip to do restoration work with those affected by Superstorm Sandy in October 2012. Pam, Kim, and Katy Domer and I are excited to be a part of this team. Our theme for the week is “Putting Feet to Faith in New Jersey” and we are grateful for the support of the Oak Chapel congregation to help us do just that. We appreciate your prayers for our travel and those serving on our team – for health and safety and that God will provide opportunities for us to stretch and grow in our faith, as well as learn new skills. We also ask for prayers for those in New Jersey whom we will serve that they may see the light of Christ in the members of our team and feel hope for their futures.
This Sunday, Georgia Taylor will preach about “Hands” based on Matthew 9: 18 – 29. Please be in prayer for Georgia as she prepares and delivers her message, and support her and the ministry of the church through your presence on Sunday morning.
Below you will find announcements and other important information about upcoming events. Please review and mark your calendars accordingly.
Pastoral and Office Coverage 7/27 thru 8/2
While the Domers and I are on the New Jersey mission trip next week, the following individuals are covering church office hours from 9am – Noon each day: Ed Wirt (Monday), Miriam Zech (Tuesday), Evelyn Silver (Wednesday), and Gene Taylor (Thursday). For pastoral emergencies, please contact Rev. Jon Heaviln at 330-464-8953 or 330-264-4939.
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!
One-Day Mountain Vision Trip
Next 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. Please call Ann Kahrig (330-264-5262 or 330-201-3874) or Jen Moser (330-749-0532) for more information.
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.
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.
Service within our Congregation
The Nominations and Leadership Development Committee has begun its work of praying and discerning who might be willing to serve in a leadership capacity at Oak Chapel in 2015. On our Sunday worship attendance slips you will have an opportunity to indicate your willingness to serve in the following areas. If you are unable to come to church, please reply to this e-mail with your response.
Staff/Parish Relations — works with pastor and staff to manage the ministry of the congregation
Trustees — responsible for the church building, grounds and other assets
Finance — oversees the financial aspects of the church including giving, bills, and audits
Outreach — encourages the church to move beyond the walls through mission and evangelism
Christian Education — responsible for the spiritual development of the congregation
Membership Care — cares for the overall well-being of the congregation
Worship& Music — works with the pastor to plan and implement all aspects of our worship experiences
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, 7/27 – Heritage Worship at 8:30am
Sunday School at 9:30am
Celebration Worship at 10:30am
Monday, 7/28 – Prayer Shawl Ministry at 5:30pm
Staff-Parish Relations Committee at 7:00pm
Tuesday, 7/29 – Membership Care Committee at 7:00pm
Thursday, 7/31 – History Scrapbooking at 6:30pm
2015 Budget Requests due!
Saturday, 8/2 – One day Mountain Vision VBS at 7:00am
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 next Sunday!
Grace and peace,
Pastor Robin