Hello, Oak Chapel Friends,
The excitement is building at Oak Chapel! Both kids and adults are looking forward to our Back to School Bash tomorrow from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. The bouncehouse with slide and ball pit was delivered this morning and I’ve already had church members ask if they can come to test it out tonight! There will be food, games and door prizes, including an iPod. It’s a free event so grab your friends and family and come join the fun!
On Sunday morning we will have our annual blessing of the backpacks at both services. Sunday also marks the beginning of our “Gospel in Disney” sermon series. Why not invite a friend to join you for worship? The sermon titled “A Fascination with Humans” is based on Psalm 8 and will include a clip from The Little Mermaid.
Below you will find announcements and other important information about upcoming events. Please review and mark your calendars accordingly.
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. There will be a sign-up sheet at church on Sunday.
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!
Wipe Out Ebola
The United Methodist Church has been present with the people of West Africa since the beginning of the Ebola epidemic this spring. As the disease picks up speed, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is ramping up its response. The 3Cs Mission of the East Ohio Conference is partnering with Med Wish to send a container of supplies, gloves, masks, and gowns. We need financial commitments and prayers to make this happen. Take this opportunity to be the hands feet and heart of Jesus to people in West Africa. See more at
All are invited to a Camphor Partners meeting this Sunday, August 17 at 2:30 at Brecksville UMC to talk more about what is happening in Liberia, at Camphor Mission with UMVIM teams, solar energy project, and more.
Because there is no cure or vaccine for the Ebola virus, education is crucial in stopping the spread of the deadly outbreak. Learn the challenges facing families of Ebola victims and of the doctors and nurses fighting keep people healthy. “We are women. We are strong. Don’t just sit there, do something.” This Liberian UMW chant is a rallying cry in the country. Liberian women played a major role in ending the country’s 14-year civil war and now hope to end the outbreak of Ebola. On Sunday, August 24 at 5:00 at Celebration UMC in Cleveland see Pray the Devil Back to Hell, the movie made about their efforts to stop Charles Taylor, Liberia’s former president, and learn what you can do to stop Ebola.
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, 8/17 – Heritage Worship at 8:30am
Sunday School at 9:30am
Celebration Worship at 10:30am
Blood pressure screenings after worship
Monday, 8/18 – Trustees at 7:00pm
Tuesday, 8/19 – Akron Rubber Ducks Game meet at 5:30pm
Wednesday, 8/20 – New York City Trip Meeting at 7:00pm
Thursday, 8/21 – History Scrapbooking at 6:30pm
Friday, 8/22 – AirGas using church parking lot
Saturday, 8/23 – Weight Loss Support Group at 9:15am
UMW Executive Committee at 10:30am
Ladies Spiritual Spa Day at 12:00pm
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