Hello, Oak Chapel Friends,
We have an exciting and busy weekend ahead of us at Oak Chapel UMC and I hope you will join us for some or all of these events. Tomorrow morning, from 9 a.m. till Noon, the Trustees are hosting a church clean-up day. God has entrusted us with beautiful facilities and we are to be good stewards in caring for our church property. Many hands make light work. Please join us even if you can only come for an hour.
Our District Superintendent Ed Peterson will join us for worship on Sunday morning at 10:30, where my sermon will be titled “Be Prepared: It’s Not Just for Scouts,” based on Matthew 25: 1 – 13. You will have an opportunity to greet and chat with Ed at our Fellowship Dinner following the service. (Please note this is a change from our usual third Sunday dinners). Please bring a dish or two to share, and enjoy a time of fellowship with our new DS after worship.
On Sunday afternoon at 2:00, we will host our annual compass group Church Conference, which will be presided by our DS. During this session we will do some important annual business of the church (approving budgets, salaries, leadership) and worship together as a compass group. Everyone is welcome.
Below you will find announcements and other important information about upcoming events. Please review and mark your calendars accordingly.
Human Trafficking Program
Next Sunday, November 16, our worship theme will be human trafficking. The women of the church who attended the human trafficking seminar in New York City will present music, scriptures, statistics and other information about this topic and will provide the congregation with concrete ways to get involved to abolish slavery today.
Candy Makers and Sales Force Needed
To make our time and effort count, we need YOU to sell our delicious Glass Candy to family, friends and co-workers. And of course it makes a wonderful gift for the mail carrier, teacher, and beautician. A bag (approx. 1 lb) sells for $5 which includes 10 flavors. We also take special orders for one flavor in a bag. We’d love to have you join us on Monday evenings through November 24. We gather at 6:15 p.m. No experience necessary! We will provide training! Come enjoy the fellowship as we work together.
Mark Your Calendars Now … Church Decorating
On Sunday, November 23 we will decorate the sanctuary and other parts of the church for the Advent and Christmas seasons. Join us for a light lunch after worship and then stay to decorate. It will be a great time of festive fellowship. Please indicate on today’s attendance slip if you plan to attend.
Christmas Program
Our annual Christmas program and cookie fellowship will be Sunday, December 21 at 2:00 p.m. This year’s program titled “A Christmas to Believe In” will include students in our youth groups. Adults are welcome too! For more information or if you would like to share your dramatic gifts with the church, please contact Jen Moser.
Advent Worship Series
Did you know that …
· God Is Expectant
· God Is Dangerous
· God Is Jealous
· God Is Faithful
You’ll find out all about it in our exciting new Advent worship series, Under Wraps: The Gift We Never Expected. Each week we’ll explore God’s qualities and how they were fulfilled on Christmas day with the birth of Jesus. Join us this Advent as we unwrap God’s greatest gift, our Savior Jesus. This series is a great opportunity for you to invite a friend or family member to come to church with you.
Jade Tree
The jade tree in our narthex was lovingly tended by Harold Walters in his home for over 65 years. If you would like clippings from this plant to grow your own, please feel free to take some. In addition, if you have interest in caring for this tree in your own home, please talk to Pastor Robin.
Mountain Vision Christmas Party
Thanks to all who answered the call through their donations so that the children of Valley Head, West Virginia could be blessed at Christmas. Anyone wishing to travel with the group to Valley Head for the Mountain Vision Christmas party on December 13, please contact Ann Kahrig 330-201-3874 or Pam Domer at 330-601-3926.
Art and Soul
If you have interest in learning to express yourself through various art media as you grow spiritually this small group may be just the thing for you. This group meets on the first Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m., and welcomes the sharing of ideas and talents. The next meeting will be December 1 and the group will work with mosaic tiles.
Blue Christmas Service
As the Christmas season approaches, the excitement builds: brightly wrapped packages; decorations and lights on the Christmas tree; the scent of pine and freshly baked cookies; unending and upbeat Christmas carols in the stores and on the radio. These are images that most of us celebrate and treasure, yet each year there are many who approach the holiday season with dread. Some are grieving, lonely or feel hopeless. Recognizing that this is a reality for some in our community, on Sunday, December 7, we will have a Blue Christmas service at 7:00 p.m. This more somber service acknowledges the pain and sadness many people experience as the holidays approach, but also encourages people to move toward hope.
Opportunities for Ministry Next Week
Sunday, 11/9 – Sunday School at 9:30am
Worship at 10:30am
Fellowship Luncheon after worship
Church Conference at 2:00pm
Bible Study at 6:30pm
Monday, 11/10 – Candy Making at 6:15pm
Tuesday, 11/11 – Outreach Committee at 10:30am
Wednesday, 11/12 – Choir rehearsal at 7:30pm
Thursday, 11/13 – Worship Committee at 7:00pm
Saturday, 11/15 – ACORN Deadline – This is a firm deadline
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