Hello, Oak Chapel Friends,
Happy New Year! My wish for each of you in this New Year is that you will experience the presence and love of God in new and unexpected ways.
So often in the new year we make resolutions to change, but these are often difficult to sustain. I recently read a post on a United Methodist leadership blog that offered an interesting perspective on this. It’s called “Four New Year’s Resolutions that Matter” and can be found at this link. http://umclead.com/new-years-resolutions/ I commend it to your reading.
This Sunday we will celebrate Epiphany – also known as “Three Kings Day” or the “Twelfth Day of Christmas” – with the sacrament of Holy Communion. My sermon, titled “The Troubling Star” is based on Matthew 2: 1 – 12.
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, 1/4 is April Aten. Her assistant next Sunday, 1/11 is Tracy Braucher.
Baptism of Our Lord Sunday / New Members
The Baptism of the Lord Sunday is a day to commemorate the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. This celebration is typically held the Sunday after Epiphany. On Sunday, January 11, as we recall Christ’s baptism, we will also baptize a new member of the congregation. If you are interested in being baptized or joining the church, please speak with Pastor Robin.
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!
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, 1/4 – Sunday School at 9:30am
Worship at 10:30am
Youth Groups at 6:30pm
Monday, 1/5 – Retirees Breakfast – Town Market at 8:00am
Bible Study at 10:15am
Art and Soul at 7:00pm
Wednesday, 1/7 – Morning Circle at 9:30am
Worship Committee at 6:30pm – Note change in Date/Time
Choir Rehearsal at 7:30pm
Saturday, 1/10 – United Methodist Men – Green Leaf at 7:30am
Weight Loss Support Group at 9:15am
United Methodist Women Exec at 10:30am
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