Hello, Oak Chapel Friends,
Spring is here! I am excited that the snow has melted and new buds are springing forth. These signs represent new opportunities for all of creation, including us. God continuously offers us new opportunities for growth in our relationships with God, others and ourselves. I trust that as you water plants for new growth this spring, you will water and nurture your relationships with God, others and yourself, too.
This Sunday we continue our “Giving It Up” sermon series, with a message titled “Giving Up Our Lives,” based on John 11: 1 – 44. I hope to see you in worship!
Below you will find 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 Tracy Braucher. Her assistant next Sunday, 3/29 is Joanne Jolliff.
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. The last day to order is this Sunday, March 22. Order forms are located in the church office and in the Narthex. The cost of each plant is $10.00.
Sunday Evening Lenten Services
Our last evening Lenten service is this Sunday, March 22 at Moreland UMC with Rev. Jon Heavilin preaching. Come be inspired by the preaching and fellowship with other United Methodists.
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.
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.
Maundy Thursday worship
The word maundy comes from the Latin word mandatum, meaning commandment, taken from some of Jesus’ final words to his disciples as he washed their feet at the Last Supper, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another” (John 13: 34 NRSV). Join us on Thursday, April 2 at 7:00 p.m. as we remember Jesus’ final meal with his disciples.
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, 3/22 – Sunday School at 9:30am
Worship at 10:30am
Lenten Service at Moreland UMC at 7:00pm
Monday, 3/23 – Bible Study at 10:15am
Prayer Shawl Ministry at 5:30pm
Staff-Parish Relations Committee at 7:00pm
Tuesday, 3/24 – Girl Scouts at 5:45pm
4-H at 7:00pm
Membership Care Committee at 7:00pm
Wednesday, 3/25 – Lenten Hymn Study at 6:00pm
Choir Rehearsal at 7:00pm
Thursday, 3/26 – UMW Call to Prayer & Self-Denial at 6:00pm
Christian Education Committee at 7:30pm
Saturday, 3/28 – 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