Hello, Oak Chapel Friends,
Great things are happening at Oak Chapel this week! We are in the midst of the Lincoln Buy Way Sale – which runs till 5:00 today and from 8:00am till 2:00pm tomorrow. Come on by to fellowship with others over a delicious lunch and yummy homemade ice cream, and to purchase some great treasures.
Next Saturday afternoon we will host a Community Back to School Bash. I hope you will not only consider being a part of this event, but will also invite your friends to join you. Sponsored by the Outreach Committee, this event runs from 4:00 – 7:00pm and will include games, food, balloons, and a bounce house that has a large slide with a ball pit. Both children and adults can enjoy the bounce house. There will also be a drawing for a free iPod Touch and other prizes. Last week a postcard was sent to homes within a 3-mile radius of the church about this and other events at Oak Chapel. We are planning for 150 people and I hope YOU will be one of them!
This Sunday I will complete the “What’s the Least I Can Believe and Still Be a Christian” sermon series with a message titled “Jesus’ Resurrection: Is There Hope?” based on Matthew 28: 1 – 7. I look forward to worshiping with you!
Below you will find announcements and other important information about upcoming events. Please review and mark your calendars accordingly.
Blessing of the Backpacks
In preparation for the start of school the week of 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. This series also presents an excellent opportunity to invite your friends and neighbors to join us for worship. Please prayerfully consider who you will invite.
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.
Fair Parking!
The Wayne County Fair is less than a month away! One of Oak Chapel’s largest fundraisers is managing the parking lots at East of Chicago Pizza and Swift Auto Parts during the Fair. This activity gives us great visibility in the community, but it also requires lots of volunteers. If you are interested in helping with this venture, please contact Christy Rickard.
Rally Day – Puppets of Grace
Mark your calendars now! The Puppets of Grace will return to Oak Chapel UMC for our annual Rally Day on Sunday, September 14. Children of all ages will appreciate this award-winning troupe’s show and message. Invite your friends and neighbors to this fun and inspiring event!
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
Opportunities for Ministry Next Week
Sunday, 8/10 – Heritage Worship at 8:30am
Sunday School at 9:30am
Celebration Worship at 10:30am
Monday, 8/11 – Nominating Committee at 6:00pm
Finance Committee at 7:00pm
Thursday, 8/14 – History Scrapbooking at 6:30pm
Christian Education Committee at 7:00pm
4-H at 7:00pm
Friday, 8/15 – ACORN NEWSLETTER DEADLINE
Saturday, 8/16 – Weight Loss Support Group at 9:15am
Back to School Bash at 4:00pm
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