Hello, Oak Chapel Friends,
While preparing for this Sunday’s worship which will focus on the start of Jesus’ ministry and his healing of the man with the unclean spirit as recorded in the Gospel of Mark, I was reminded of a Celtic blessing I learned in seminary. Its words and tune were written by John Bell of the Iona Community. This is my blessing and prayer for each of you today.
God to enfold you, Christ to uphold you,
Spirit to keep you in heaven’s sight;
So may God grace you, heal and embrace you,
Lead you through darkness into the light.
My sermon, titled “Broken and Needy,” is based on Mark 1: 21 – 28. We will also celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion. 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 assistant this Sunday, 2/1 is Cindy Mykrantz. Her assistant next Sunday, 2/8 is Jim Pfander.
All Sons Banquet – New and updated information
The United Methodist Men’s Annual All Sons Banquet will be held on Saturday, February 21. The speaker is Mike McClintock, who will share his experiences of bicycling across the country. Look for further details in next week’s Nutshell and bulletin.
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 is this Monday, February 2.
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.
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.
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!
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 on Sundays at 7:00 p.m. The schedule is as follows:
March 1 – Rev. Tom Fish preaching at Wooster UMC
March 8 – Rev. Charlie Tobias preaching at Oak Chapel UMC
March 15 – Rev. Robin Dillon preaching at New Pittsburg UMC
March 22 – Rev. Jon Heavilin preaching at Moreland UMC
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.
The schedule is as follows:
February 18 (5:45 p.m.) “Lord, Who throughout These Forty Days”
February 25 (6:30 p.m.) “Will You Come and Follow Me (The Summons)”
March 4 (6:30 p.m.) “Lord of the Dance”
March 11 (6:30 p.m.) “To God Be the Glory”
March 18 (6:30 p.m.) “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”
March 25 (6:30 p.m.) “All Glory, Laud, and Honor”
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.
Opportunities for Ministry Next Week
Sunday, 2/1 – Sunday School at 9:30am
Worship at 10:30am
Youth Groups at 6:30pm
Monday, 2/2 – Retirees Breakfast – Town Market at 8:00am
Bible Study at 10:15am
Art and Soul at 7:00pm
Tuesday, 2/3 – Outreach Committee at 10:30am
Wednesday, 2/4 – NO Choir rehearsal
Thursday, 2/5 – Compass Group Clergy Mtg @OC at 12:00pm
Table Tennis at 7:00pm
Saturday, 2/7 – 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