Hello, Oak Chapel Friends,
Christmas is now less than a week away. Are you ready? Have you made the appropriate preparations to welcome Jesus Christ into your heart once again this Christmas?
We have many activities at Oak Chapel this weekend to help you get into the Christmas spirit and we hope you will join us for some or all of them. Tomorrow 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. Meet us in the church parking lot by 2:00 p.m. Our route will take us approximately three hours to complete.
On Sunday we will continue our “Under Wraps: The Gift We Never Expected” sermon series with a message titled “God Is Faithful” based on Isaiah 49: 13 – 18 and Matthew 1: 18 – 25. I look forward to worshiping with you for this Fourth Sunday of Advent service at 10:30 a.m. Then come back to the church in the afternoon for our annual Christmas program and cookie fellowship at 2:00 p.m. This year’s program titled “A Christmas to Believe In” will include students in our youth groups and some adults in the congregation. Bring some cookies and enjoy the program and fellowship.
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 Mark and Patti Ritchey. Her assistant next Sunday, 12/28 is Phyllis Weaver.
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, 12/21 – Blue (signifying eternity)
Wednesday, 12/24 – (Christmas Eve) – White (signifying purity)
Sunday, 12/28 – Gold (signifying riches)
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.
Helping Hands Fund
Thank you for your continued support of our Helping Hands Fund. This fund, administered at the discretion of the pastor, provides assistance to people in need. Since its inception at the beginning of 2014, monies have been disbursed from this fund to help two families with utility bills, one individual with a child support payment, six individuals/families with gas and/or grocery cards, and we provided gift cards for three local families to make Christmas a reality for their children. Thank you for making a difference through this fund!
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.
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.
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.
Opportunities for Ministry Next Week
Sunday, 12/21 – Sunday School at 9:30am
Worship at 10:30am
Blood Pressure Screenings after worship
Christmas Program and Cookies at 2:00pm
Monday, 12/22 – NO PRAYER SHAWL MEETING
Staff-Parish Relations Committee at 7:00pm
Wednesday, 12/24 – Christmas Eve Worship at 7:00pm
Thursday, 12/25 – Happy Birthday, Jesus!
Saturday, 12/27 – 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