Hello, Oak Chapel Friends,
I trust you are all staying warm on these frigidly cold days!
This week is Baptism of our Lord Sunday. My message “By Water and the Spirit” is based on Mark 1: 4 – 11. As we hear the story of Jesus’ baptism in the Jordon River, we can reflect on our own baptisms and God’s claim on each of our lives. This Sunday we will also have the added blessing of the baptism of Rob Jester, and Rob and Sue are going to join the church. The weather forecast indicates that the temperature should be a little warmer on Sunday. I hope you will join us for this meaningful service.
Below you will find announcements and other important information about upcoming events. Please review and mark your calendars accordingly.
Children’s Sunday School Assistants
Terra Aten is the leader of the young children’s Sunday School class (PreK to 2nd grade) that meets during worship each Sunday morning. Her assistant this Sunday is Tracy Braucher. Her assistants next Sunday, 1/18 are Alice and Ewing Giffin.
Pastor Robin on vacation
Pastor Robin will be on vacation from Wednesday, January 14 through Tuesday, January 20. Pastor Jon Heavilin (New Pittsburg UMC) will cover for pastoral emergencies. He may be contacted at 330-264-4939 (home) or 330-464-8953 (cell).
Chili Cook-Off
The annual Chili Cook-Off sponsored by the United Methodist Men is scheduled for next Saturday, January 17, 2015. Doors open at 5:30pm. Come and enjoy great chili with over a dozen varieties of flavors! Everyone can sample all of the offerings and can vote for their favorites! Cash prizes are offered for the first, second and third place winners. The fun begins at 5:30 p.m. and the votes are counted and the winners selected around 7:30 p.m. Corn bread and other delights will also be served. Admission is by donation. Reservations are not required. Everyone who loves great (and exotic chili) is most welcome.
January Fellowship Luncheon
Our monthly Fellowship Luncheon will be Sunday, January 18 after worship. In honor of Ed Wirt’s 75th Birthday, he is providing the meat (ham) for our meal. Please join us for this celebration by bringing a side dish and/or a dessert, as well as your table service.
District Leadership Training
The annual Canal District Leadership Training Event will be Saturday, January 24 at Johnson United Methodist Church in Norton from 9:00 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. We will carpool from the church, leaving at 8:15 a.m. There will be a keynote speaker in the morning as well as workshops in the morning and afternoon. The cost of the lunch is $8.00. 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 Pastor Robin for a registration form. Deadline to register is Wednesday, January 14.
Table Tennis Anyone?
The Table Tennis Club meets every Thursday from 7—9 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Everyone is invited as our intent is fellowship and outreach. Feel free to come regardless of your skill level. Nothing is needed in the way of equipment— everything is provided. It is recommended you wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Please contact Bill Stewart at 330-347-4130 with any questions.
Looking Ahead to Lent
Our Lenten journey will begin with our traditional Ash Wednesday service on February 18.
We will also continue our annual tradition of Sunday evening worship services with other United Methodist Churches in the area. In addition to Moreland and New Pittsburg UMCs, this year Wooster UMC will join us for this time of worship and fellowship. The services will be Sundays, March 1, 8, 15 and 22. More information will follow in the weeks to come.
Lastly, during Lent, Pastor Robin will lead a mid-week study titled “Will You Come and Follow Me.” This six-week study is based on Lenten hymns. Sessions will be held on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. and everyone is welcome. More information will be available in upcoming bulletins and newsletters.
Opportunities for Ministry Next Week
Sunday, 1/11 – Sunday School at 9:30am
Worship at 10:30am
Monday, 1/12 – Bible Study at 10:15am
Administrative Council at 7:00pm
Tuesday, 1/13 – Residents in Ministry Mtg at OC at 1:00pm
Wednesday, 1/14 – Choir rehearsal at 7:30pm
Thursday, 1/15 – ACORN DEADLINE!
Table Tennis at 7:00pm
Saturday, 1/17 – Weight Loss Support Group at 9:15am
Chili Cook-Off at 5:30pm
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