Hello, Oak Chapel Friends,
As our culture celebrates this season of thanks, it is important for us as Christians to offer our praise and thanksgiving to God. I invite you to do that in worship this Sunday as we celebrate Christ the King Sunday and World Thank Offering. My sermon is titled “An Audit of One’s Soul” based on Matthew 25: 31 – 46. Then stay after the service to help decorate our church for the Advent and Christmas seasons. A hot lunch will be served. It will be a great time of fellowship as we work together. The more, the merrier … AND the quicker the job will get done. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday at 10:30!
Below you will find announcements and other important information about upcoming events. Please review and mark your calendars accordingly.
Advent Breakfast
The Kingdom Seekers and Stewards of Faith Sunday School classes will host our traditional Advent breakfast on the first Sunday of Advent, November 30. Come for a tasty meal and fellowship with one another beginning at 8:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.
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.
Poinsettias
There is still time to order a poinsettia for the altar during Advent and Christmas. Each plant is $10 and you may choose from red, white or marble. These can be dedicated in honor or memory of a special person or event. They will be in place for worship on December 14, and may be taken home after Christmas Eve worship. Order forms can be found in the Narthex or call the church office. Orders are due by Sunday, November 30.
United Methodist Women’s Unit Meeting
A special unit meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 4 at 7:00 p.m. Each member is asked to bring a favorite nativity for display and will be given the opportunity to share why it has special meaning. Also on the program is our pledge service and installation of officers. The UMW TAXI will be running. Please let someone know that you would like to come but need transportation.
Colors of Christmas
On Sunday, November 30, we will begin our annual Oak Chapel tradition of the “Colors of Christmas.” Members are encouraged to wear something reflecting each week’s color.
Sunday, 11/30 – Green (signifying life)
Sunday, 12/7 – Purple (signifying royalty)
Sunday, 12/14 – Red (signifying sacrifice)
Sunday, 12/21 – Blue (signifying eternity)
Wednesday, 12/24 – (Christmas Eve) – White (signifying purity)
Sunday, 12/28 – Gold (signifying riches)
Mountain Vision Christmas Gifts
If you took names of children to purchase gifts for the Mountain Vision Christmas party, please bring your gift-wrapped packages to worship next Sunday, November 30. We will have a blessing of the gifts before they are taken to the children in Valley Head, WV.
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.
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.
Opportunities for Ministry Next Week
Sunday, 11/23 – Sunday School at 9:30am
Worship at 10:30am
Simple lunch and decorating after worship
Monday, 11/24 – Bible Study at 10:15am
Prayer Shawl Ministry at 5:30pm
Candy Making at 6:15pm
NO Staff-Parish Meeting
Thursday and Friday, 11/27 – 28 – HAPPY THANKSGIVING
CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED
Saturday, 11/29 – 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