Hello, Oak Chapel Friends,
We had a wonderful Rally Day service last Sunday with the Puppets of Grace! I heard many delightful comments from both children and those in their wisdom years. It was a great day with an entertaining message and delicious fellowship and lunch.
Did you know that there were 121 people there last week? Many commented on how good it felt to worship in a full sanctuary. While numbers are not our most important priority, one of the several indicators of church vitality is worship attendance. I have said on more than one occasion that it is my goal for Oak Chapel to have an average of 150 people in worship by the time the Bishop appoints me elsewhere. As you likely know, a few months ago, Georgia Taylor issued a challenge. She challenged us to have two Sundays in a row with 100 or more people in worship before she finishes her infamous prayer shawl. So … we had 121 people in church last week. Do you think we can have 100 this week? I think so! I am planning a science experiment for my children’s message. You won’t want to miss it! My sermon is titled “A Generous Boss” and is based on Matthew 20: 1- 16.
Let’s show Georgia that we can have 100 or more people in worship two Sundays in a row! The winner of the challenge gets to “pie” the other. Georgia better wear her rain gear this Sunday!
Below you will find announcements and other important information about upcoming events. Please review and mark your calendars accordingly.
Nursery Helpers
The helper in the nursery this Sunday is April Aten. The helpers in the nursery next Sunday, 9/28 are Joanne and Kate Jolliff.
Special Offering
The Outreach Committee encourages support of missions both near and far. This Sunday we will receive a special offering for the Northwestern Religious Education program.
Pastoral Coverage
I will be traveling to New York City with the United Methodist Women next Thursday, September 25 through Monday, September 29. Rev. Jon Heavilin, pastor at New Pittsburg UMC, will cover for pastoral emergencies. Rev. Jon can be reached at 330-264-4939 (home) or 330-464-8935 (cell).
Parking Lot Update
The paving of the church parking lot should begin this week. Please note that after the paving, the parking lot will be lined with a new configuration. More details will be included in next Sunday’s bulletin.
Candy Making
It’s that time of year! Preparations are being made for our annual candy-making season. Starting Monday, October 13 and every Monday thereafter throughout October and November, we will gather at 6:15 p.m. to make and cut our famous glass (hard-tack) candy. No experience necessary! We will provide training! Come enjoy the fellowship as we work together.
Annual Bazaar
Have you started working on crafts for the bazaar? There are just five weeks left until our annual bazaar on Saturday, October 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mark your calendars. Invite everyone you know to shop and enjoy the best lunch in town!
Trunk or Treat
Mark your calendars now! The Outreach Committee is very excited about our fourth annual Trunk or Treat, which will be held on Sunday, October 26 from 3:30 – 5:00pm in our parking lot. Decorate your trunk, dress up if you wish, and get ready to hand out candy to the children in our community. There will be snacks and cookie decorating, and a contest for the most creative trunk.
Sunday Evening Bible Study on Luke
Beginning Sunday, October 5, Pastor Robin will lead a six-week Bible Study on the Gospel of Luke. In this study we will explore the author’s purpose for writing this gospel and distinctive themes found in Luke including Christianity’s universal nature and appeal, the role of women in Jesus’ ministry, Jesus’ compassion for those considered “other,” as well as a series of reversals found throughout the narrative. The sessions will run from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Mark your calendars now and plan to attend.
Opportunities for Ministry Next Week
Sunday, 9/21 – Sunday School at 9:30am
Worship at 10:30am
Jefferson School Reunion at 1:00pm
Youth Groups at 6:30pm
Monday, 9/22 – Prayer Shawl Ministry at 5:30pm
Nominating Committee at 6:15pm
Staff-Parish Relations Committee at 7:00pm
Wednesday, 9/24 – Choir Rehearsal at 7:30pm
Thursday, 9/25 thru Monday, 9/29 – UMW Trip to NYC
Thursday, 9/25 – 4-H Pizza Party at 6:30pm
Saturday, 9/27 – 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