Hello, Oak Chapel Friends,
“When you find your definitions in God, you find the very purpose for which you were created. Put your hand into God’s hand, know his absolutes, demonstrate his love, present his truth, and the message of redemption and transformation will take hold.” ~~ Ravi Zacharias
This Sunday we continue our “Gospel in Disney” sermon series with a clip from Beauty and the Beast. My message, titled “A Before-and-After Story,” is based on Acts 9: 1 – 21.
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 just two weeks 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 sign up on the clipboard when you come to worship or see Christy Rickard for more information.
Fall Worship Schedule
On Sunday, September 7, we will return to our Fall/Winter/Spring worship schedule with one service at 10:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary.
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!
Looking Ahead to Charge/Church Conference
Our annual church conference will be held on November 9 at 2:00pm in our sanctuary. At this annual meeting with the District Superintendent and the other churches in our compass group, we will review and evaluate the mission and ministry of our church, set pastoral and staff salaries, approve the annual budget, and elect members of the church council. All church members are encouraged to attend and church leaders are expected to attend.
Church Women United
Church Women United of the Wooster/Wayne County area, will host the Area E meeting, encompassing Massillon, Canton, Medina and Mansfield. The meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Second Baptist Church, 245 S. Grant Street, Wooster, has volunteered to host this event. We are hoping for a good attendance from all of the churches in the Wayne County area. Watch for more information and registration deadline in an article in The Wooster Daily Record. We hope you will become a part of this nationwide ecumenical organization that began in the 1940s. Please see Joanne Jolliff for more information.
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, 8/24 – Heritage Worship at 8:30am
Sunday School at 9:30am
Celebration Worship at 10:30am
Monday, 8/25 – Prayer Shawl Ministry at 5:30pm
Nominating Committee at 6:15pm
Staff-Parish Relations Committee at 7:00pm
Wednesday, 8/26 – Youth Planning Meeting at 7:00pm
Thursday, 8/28 – History Scrapbooking at 6:30pm
4 – H at 7:00pm
Friday, 8/29 – Carpet Cleaning – All Day
Saturday, 8/30 – 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