Hello, Oak Chapel Friends,
Thanks to all who prayed for me this week as I did my final interviews with the Board of Ordained Ministry. I am pleased to announce that I have been affirmed and recommended for Full Membership as an Ordained Elder in the East Ohio Conference. I am so very grateful for the love and support of the Oak Chapel congregation throughout this process. Ordination will be held at our Annual Conference at Lakeside on Tuesday, June 16 at 7:30 p.m.
This Sunday we continue our Lenten series “Giving It Up.” During worship we will celebrate Holy Communion and my sermon, “Giving Up Expectations” will be based on Genesis 12: 1 – 4a and John 3: 1 – 17. We will also have our monthly collection of pantry items for People to People Ministries.
Below you will also find other announcements and important information about upcoming events. Please review and mark your calendars accordingly.
Sunday Evening Lenten Services
This Sunday we begin 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 are 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
Prayer Workshop
On Saturday, March 14 from 9:30 a.m. till Noon, Pastor Robin and others will lead an experiential workshop on prayer. Participants will learn about various forms of prayer and spiritual disciplines including lectio divina, iconography, prayer beads, the Examen, journaling and walking a labyrinth. The season of Lent is a good time to incorporate new disciplines and everyone is invited.
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, 3/1 is Phyllis Weaver. Her assistant next Sunday, 3/8 is Miriam Zech.
Lenten Hymn Study
Even if you missed the first two sessions of Pastor Robin’s Lenten Hymn Study, you may still join us next Wednesday, 3/4. Sing (or read!) your way through this Lenten season with “Will You Come and Follow Me? An Adult Lenten Study on Hymns.” This study examines the texts of various Lenten hymns (one per week). Each session challenges 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 class sessions are on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
The remaining schedule is as follows:
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”
World Day of Prayer
Church Women United will host its annual World Day of Prayer Service on Friday, March 6 at 1:30 p.m. at Congress Community Church. The theme is “Prayer for All Occasions” with speaker Gayl Cottrel. There will be an ingathering of paper products. We will carpool from Oak Chapel, leaving promptly at 12:59 p.m. For more information, please contact Joanne Jolliff at 330-264-6658.
Church Cancellation Policy
On these cold and blustery days, we are reminding you of our church cancellation policy:
In the event of inclement weather or other emergencies, the decision to cancel worship and/or other church activities will be made by the Administrative Council Chairperson (currently Bob Troutman), the Trustees Chairperson (currently Kim Domer), and the Pastor. The details of the policy are as follows:
Decisions regarding cancellation of worship will be made by Sunday morning at 7:00
Church will automatically be canceled in the event of a Level 3 Snow Emergency
Notifications of cancellation will be communicated via the following methods:
o Announced on Wooster Radio 104.5 WQKT
o Church-wide e-mail distribution
o Notice on the church website
o Notice on the church Facebook page
o The church phone voicemail message will indicate if worship is canceled
The electronic phone tree will NOT be used in these circumstances so please be sure to check one of the communication methods listed above.
In circumstances in which the church remains open, parishioners are advised to be cautious and use their own best judgment and discretion regarding church attendance.
Opportunities for Ministry Next Week
Sunday, 3/1 – Sunday School at 9:30am
Worship at 10:30am
Youth Groups at 6:30pm
Lenten Service at Wooster UMC at 7:00pm
Monday, 3/2 – Retirees Breakfast – Town Market at 8:00am
Bible Study at 10:15am
Art and Soul at 7:00pm
Wednesday, 3/4 – Lenten Hymn Study at 6:30pm
Choir Rehearsal at 7:30pm
Friday, 3/6 – Wooster UMC Staff Retreat at Oak Chapel at 9:00am
World Day of Prayer Meet in parking lot at 12:59pm
Saturday, 3/7 – Weight Loss Support Group at 9:15am
UMW Executive Committee 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