Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord from the heavens,
Praise the Lord, in the heights!
Praise the Lord from the earth,
Sea monsters and all deeps,
Fire and hail, snow and smoke,
Stormy wind fulfilling God’s command!
Mountains and all hills,
Fruit trees and all cedars!
Beasts and all cattle,
Creeping things and flying birds!
Praise the Lord!
~~ Psalm 148: 1, 7 – 10, 14b
Hello, Oak Chapel Friends,
As I look out the windows of the parsonage sunroom at the snow in the fields, I can’t help but think that all of nature – yes, even the snow! – praises God! Admittedly, winter is my least favorite season. I could do without the icky icestorms, shivery snow squalls, and numbing nights, yet newly fallen snow is restorative. It gives us a new lens through which to look at the world around us. Snow brings forth beauty from barrenness, divinely decorating the drab and dirty like a fresh coat of paint. It reveals the wonder of creation, praising God. May this snowy season prompt you, too, to praise God!
This Sunday’s worship will focus on Jesus calling his disciples. My sermon, titled “Casting and Mending,” is based on Mark 1: 14 – 20. I hope to see you there!
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 assistants this Sunday are Joanne and Kate Jolliff. Her assistant next Sunday, 2/1 is Cindy Mykrantz.
Art and Soul
If you have interest in learning to express yourself through various art media as you grow spiritually this small group may be just the thing for you. This group meets on the first Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m., and welcomes the sharing of ideas and talents. The next meeting will be February 2.
Superbowl Sub Sale
The United Methodist Youth Fellowship (UMYF – Grades 7 – 12) is selling subs for Superbowl Sunday. Each sub will have ham, turkey, bologna, cheese, lettuce and tomato. Proceeds will benefit current and future youth projects. The cost is $5.00. Orders must be placed by Sunday, January 25. Please see Miriam Zech, Jen Moser or any of the youth. Subs will be available for pick up after worship next Sunday, February 1.
Souper Bowl of Caring
The United Methodist Youth Fellowship is participating in the Souper Bowl of Caring. Between now and Sunday, February 1, they will be collecting money and canned goods to be given to local food banks. Please place these items in the designated pot in the Narthex.
Ash Wednesday Worship
Begin the Lenten journey with Ash Wednesday worship on February 18 at 7:00 p.m. This traditional service will include the celebration of Holy Communion and the imposition of ashes.
Lenten Sermon Series
Many people give something up for the forty days of Lent. Often this “giving up” takes the form of food or a bad habit. But God desires more from us. And for more than forty days. Beginning Sunday, February 22, Pastor Robin will do a sermon series titled “Giving It Up,” inviting her listeners to consider giving up such things as control, expectations, superiority, enemies, popularity and death. Let’s give up more than chocolate this year!
Mardi Gras Madness
Remember last year’s “Sunday School Explosion”? Join us this year for Mardi Gras Madness on Sunday, February 22 at 8:15 a.m. There will be food, fun and fellowship as we celebrate our church’s Sunday School Programs. Look for more information in upcoming bulletins and Nutshells.
Sunday Evening Lenten Services
This year we will 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 at 7:00 p.m. A detailed schedule with each week’s location and preacher will be included in next month’s Acorn and future bulletins and Nutshells.
Girl Scout Cookies
It’s that time of year again! The Girl Scout Troop that meets here at Oak Chapel UMC is selling cookies. If you would like to purchase cookies, please see Terra Aten, Piper or Zoe Everett, or Dasie Nordick.
Lenten Hymn Study
Sing (or read!) your way through this Lenten season with “Will You Come and Follow Me? An Adult Lenten Study on Hymns.” This six-week study, led by Pastor Robin, will examine the texts of various Lenten hymns (one per week). Each session will challenge participants to work through the meaning of the text and how it relates to us today. We will also learn about the hymn writers. The first session of the study will begin with a light supper at 5:45 p.m. on Ash Wednesday, February 18. The remaining five sessions will be on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
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.
Opportunities for Ministry Next Week
Sunday, 1/25 – Sunday School at 9:30am
Worship at 10:30am
Monday, 1/26 – Bible Study at 10:15am
Prayer Shawl Ministry at 5:30pm
Tuesday, 1/27 – Membership Care Committee at 7:00pm
Wednesday, 1/28 – Choir rehearsal at 7:30pm
Thursday, 1/29 – Table Tennis at 7:00pm
Saturday, 1/31 – UMW Presidents/Treas. at Seville at 8:30am
Weight Loss Support Group at 9:15am
Youth Group Making Subs
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