Hello, Oak Chapel Friends,
Fifteen people from Oak Chapel (the youth, their leaders and Ann and Wayne Kahrig) are on their way to Valley Head, WV to provide a Christmas party for the children and families there through Mountain Vision. Please hold them in your prayers for safe travel and that each of them will reflect the light of Jesus Christ in their interactions this weekend.
This Sunday we will continue our “Under Wraps: The Gift We Never Expected” sermon series with a message titled “God Is Jealous” based on Deuteronomy 6: 4 – 13 and Luke 10: 25 – 28. I look forward to worshiping with you for this Third Sunday of Advent service at 10:30am. Then come back to the parsonage between 4 and 6pm for my annual parsonage open house. It will be a good time of snacks and fellowship as we share the spirit of the Christmas season with one another.
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 assistants this Sunday are Joanne and Kate Jolliff. Her assistants next Sunday, 12/21 are Patti and Mark Ritchey.
Colors of Christmas
Throughout the Advent and Christmas seasons 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, 12/14 – 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 next 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.
Christmas Caroling – Note change in time!
On Saturday, December 20 at 2:00 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.
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.
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.
Table Tennis Anyone?
Starting again in January, the Table Tennis Club will meet 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.
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.
Church Office Closed During Christmas Week
The church office will be closed from Thursday, December 25 through Friday, January 2 and will re-open on Monday, January 5. Pastor Robin will be in and out of the office during that time, but will not have set office hours. She will be available for appointments and emergencies. Please call her cell at 330-234-7717.
Opportunities for Ministry Next Week
Sunday, 12/14 – Sunday School at 9:30am
Worship at 10:30am
Parsonage Open House from 4:00 – 6:00pm
Youth Groups at 6:30pm
Monday, 12/15 – Bible Study at 10:15am
Trustees at 7:00pm
Wednesday, 12/17 – Choir rehearsal at 7:30pm
Saturday, 12/20 – Weight Loss Support Group at 9:15am
Christmas Caroling at 2:00pm (Note change in time!)
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