Hello, Oak Chapel Friends,
As I write this morning, the sun is shining brightly through the window and the expected high temperature is 53 degrees. What a contrast to recent weeks! I cannot tell you how excited I am to see evidence of Spring! It will be here soon. Thawing out gives us the opportunity to get back to our normal routines – or start new ones! I hope you will join me in worship this Sunday as we celebrate Scout Sunday. We will recognize current and former Scouts during the service. If you have ever been involved in Scouting, wear your uniform, badge or a pin. My sermon, titled “Giving Up Enemies” is based on Matthew 5:43 – 48 and Luke 19: 37 – 44. After worship, we will have our last fellowship luncheon of the season. Bring a dish or two to share and your table service.
Also, don’t forget … tomorrow I will be leading a practices of prayer workshop from 9:30 a.m. till Noon. We will start our time together in the Sanctuary, then move to a variety of prayer stations downstairs. Wear shoes that you can take on and off easily. Hope to see you there!
Below you will also find other announcements and important information about upcoming events. Please review and mark your calendars accordingly.
Children’s Sunday School Assistants
Terra Aten leads the young children’s Sunday School class (PreK to 2nd grade) that meets during worship each Sunday morning. Her assistant this Sunday is April Aten. Her assistant next Sunday, 3/22 is Tracy Braucher.
Spring Plants to Decorate Sanctuary for Easter
Please consider ordering a spring plant (lily, daffodil, tulip or pansy basket) to help decorate our Sanctuary in celebration of the resurrection of Christ on Easter Sunday, April 5. See order form in this week’s bulletin. The last day to order is this Sunday, March 22. The cost of each plant is $10.00.
Sunday Evening Lenten Services
We continue annual tradition of Sunday evening worship services with other United Methodist Churches in the area. Please join us for this time of worship and fellowship. The services are at 7:00 p.m. The remaining schedule is as follows:
March 15 – Rev. Robin Dillon preaching at New Pittsburg UMC
March 22 – Rev. Jon Heavilin preaching at Moreland UMC
Lenten Hymn Study
Even if you missed the first few sessions of Pastor Robin’s Lenten Hymn Study, you may still join us next Wednesday, March 18. 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. Next week’s lesson will focus on the hymn “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.”
Easter Egg Hunt
Oak Chapel’s annual community Easter Egg Hunt is planned for Saturday, April 4 at 10:00 a.m. this year. The event will feature pictures with the Easter Bunny, an Easter Egg Hunt and games and activities. Please share this upcoming event with your friends and neighbors.
Women’s Christian Prayer Network Annual Spring Breakfast
A special invitation is extended al all area women for the 23rd Annual Women’s Spring Prayer Breakfast, “Precious in His Sight,” on Saturday, March 21 from 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. at Jake’s Restaurant, 6655 E. Lincoln Way, Wooster. Music and Presentation by Melanie Murphy Miller (Miss Ohio 2006 and Mrs. Ohio 2011). A buffet breakfast will be served for $13 each. The money and reservations are due by this Sunday, March 15. Call Marilyn Mokma of the Women’s Christian Prayer Network for more information. All women are invited for this special morning of fellowship, music, inspiration and prayer.
United Methodist Women’s Call to Prayer and Self-Denial
The Oak Chapel United Methodist Women will host the UMW groups from Shreve and Wooster UMCs for their annual Call to Prayer and Self-Denial on Thursday, March 26 at 6:00 p.m. The theme is “A Gesture of Gratitude.” A light soup supper will be served.
Good Friday Cantata
Members of the choirs of the Church of the Cross, Moreland, Oak Chapel and Wooster United Methodist Churches will present the Good Friday Cantata “The Shadow of the Cross” on Friday, April 3 at 7:00 p.m. at Oak Chapel. This Tenebrae service will include music, readings, and the extinguishing of candles. Invite your friends and neighbors for this meditative and moving service.
Opportunities for Ministry Next Week
Sunday, 3/15 – Sunday School at 9:30am
Worship (Scout Sunday) at 10:30am
Blood Pressure screenings after worship
Fellowship Luncheon after worship
Acorn Deadline!
Youth Groups at 6:30pm
Lenten Service at New Pittsburg UMC at 7:00pm
Monday, 3/16 – Bible Study at 10:15am
Trustees at 7:00pm
Wednesday, 3/18 – Lenten Hymn Study at 6:30pm
Choir Rehearsal at 7:30pm
Saturday, 3/21 – 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