Hello, Oak Chapel Friends,
My goodness, how did it get to be December already?! Time surely flies! This season surely is a busy one. You can see evidence of that right here in this Nutshell. It’s so easy to get caught up in the preparations and the celebrations that we lose sight of the true meaning of this season – the Incarnation and God’s willingness to come and living among us; to be with us. God is with us! Take some time during this season to reflect on God’s presence in your life – in the “busy”ness and the quietness, God is always there.
I invite you to join us for worship this Sunday as we light our second Advent candle – the candle of peace. We will continue the “Unwrapped” Sermon series with this Sunday’s message titled, “God Is Dangerous,” based on Nahum 1: 3 – 5 and Matthew 2: 1 – 3. We will also celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion and pantry items for People to People. I look forward to worshiping with you!
Below you will find announcements and other important information about upcoming events. Please review and mark your calendars accordingly.
Nursery Assistants
Terra Aten is our nursery coordinator and works in the nursery each Sunday morning. Her assistant this Sunday, 12/7 is Pam Domer. Her assistants next Sunday, 12/14 are Joanne and Kate Jolliff.
Blue Christmas Service
Recognizing that grief and loss are a reality for some in our community, this Sunday night, December 7 at 7:00 p.m., we will have a Blue Christmas service. This more somber service acknowledges the pain and sadness many people experience as the holidays approach, but also encourages people to move toward hope.
Parsonage Open House
Out of gratitude for the love of this faith community and in the spirit of the Christmas season, Pastor Robin cordially invites all members and friends of Oak Chapel to a Parsonage Open House on Sunday, December 14 from 4 – 6pm. Come see the parsonage and enjoy some snacks and fellowship.
Christmas Caroling
On Saturday, December 20 at 3:30 p.m., everyone is invited to go Christmas caroling to our homebound members and friends. This is a great way to both experience and share the joy of the season. If you know of someone who would appreciate carolers coming to his/her residence, please let Pastor Robin know by Sunday, December 14.
Wayne County Choral Union Christmas Concert
The Wayne County Choral Union will present its annual Christmas concert on Tuesday, December 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 301 N. Market Street, Wooster. The concert is free of charge, though there will be an offering to offset program costs. Everyone is invited.
Christmas Eve
Our Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship will include a brief service of lessons and carols, a short meditation and Holy Communion. Join us on Tuesday, December 24 at 7:00pm as we celebrate the birth of the Christ child.
Colors of Christmas
Throughout Advent we will continue our annual Oak Chapel tradition of the “Colors of Christmas.” Members are encouraged to wear something reflecting each week’s color.
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)
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.
Table Tennis Anyone?
The Table Tennis Club is meeting every Thursday from 7—9 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Everyone is invited as our intent is fellowship and more importantly—outreach. Feel free to come regardless of your skill level. Bring some neighborhood kids with you, too. With their parents’ permission, of course. Nothing is needed in the way of equipment— everything is provided. It is recommended you wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Anyone wishing “one-on-one lessons,” please call Bill Stewart at 330-347-4130. These lessons are free of charge. Anyone wishing “private lessons” can also call Bill. He will ask for a donation only for these private lessons. All lessons will be given at Oak Chapel. Bill is a certified instructor for the American Table Tennis Association and can help the beginner become proficient. The experienced player can be improved to win more of those games with neighbors, friends, relatives—in basements, garages and family rooms.
District Leadership Training – Save the Date!
The annual Canal District Leadership Training Event will be Saturday, January 24 at Johnson United Methodist Church in Norton. The sessions will address leadership of various committees needed to equip the saints for the work of ministry. Anyone may attend. All church leaders should attend. Please see upcoming bulletins for additional information.
Plea from the Church Office
Committee Chairpersons – Please begin to put your 2015 meeting dates on the master calendar in the office for inclusion in the bulletin, In a Nutshell and The Acorn. Also, please submit copies of minutes from all committee meetings to the office for filing, and please be ready to share notes and wisdom with the incoming chairperson.
Opportunities for Ministry Next Week
Sunday, 12/7 – Sunday School at 9:30am
Worship at 10:30am
Youth Groups at 5:30pm
Blue Christmas Service at 7:00pm
Monday, 12/8 – Finance Committee at 7:00pm
Friday – Saturday, 12/12 – 12/13 – Mountain Vision Mission Trip
Saturday, 12/13 – United Methodist Men – Green Leaf at 7:30am
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