Hello, Oak Chapel Friends,
There are many exciting things happening at Oak Chapel UMC in the days ahead! Vacation Bible School starts with a supper this Sunday evening at 5:00. Everyone is invited! See details below.
This Sunday marks the beginning of a sermon series on the book of Ephesians. John and Charles Wesley used Ephesians frequently in their preaching and teaching because the first chapter so clearly enunciates the theme of salvation by grace through faith. This week’s sermon, based on Ephesians 1: 1 – 13, is titled “The Interesting Thing About Religion is God.” I hope you will join us! Our special music will be Noami Steckman, cello, and Lynn Wang, bassoon, from the Ohio Light Opera.
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 leads the young children’s Sunday School class that meets during worship each Sunday morning. Her assistant this Sunday, 7/12 is Evelyn Silver. Her assistant next Sunday, 7/19 is Phyllis Weaver.
Vacation Bible School
It’s just two days away! G-Force! God’s love in action! Invite everyone you know to experience God’s unstoppable love and discover how to fuel up and move in and through life with God. The fun begins this Sunday, July 12 at 5:00 p.m. with supper. The opening is at 6:00 and activities will go till 8:30 p.m. There are classes for children of all ages, including an adult class led by Pam Domer. Everyone is welcome! (On Monday through Thursday evenings, supper will begin at 5:30 p.m. with the program running till 8:30 p.m.)
Membership Care Fellowship Luncheon and Speaker
Attorney Glen Buttacavaol who was to speak on fraud and protection of assets is unable to join us next Sunday, July 19. However, we will still have a luncheon and speaker. Jim Foley from The Counseling Center will present a program on Suicide Prevention. Please plan to join us for this very important program and discussion.
Pack the Park
The Akron RubberDucks game on Thursday, July 23 at 7:05 p.m. will be televised as the “Minor League Game of the Week.” This is a first time event for the RubberDucks and it would be great to pack the park to show the rest of the country what a great community and ballpark we have in Akron. As you know, the RubberDucks strive to provide “affordable family fun.” Tickets that night are just $6.00 and can be ordered online. July 23 is Irish night and will feature a hunt for a pot of gold, Irish Stepdancers, and a Main Street Festival from 5 – 7:00 p.m. outside the park. It is also Soap Box Derby Night and the first 1,000 kids in the park will receive a coupon for a Soap Box Derby Mini Car and tickets to the Soap Box Derby. To order online:
1. copy to your browser or click on https://www.ticketreturn.com/ prod2/Buy.asp?EventID=118657#. VZQ4HEaZPms
2. Enter “Special Offer Code”: AKRON (all caps)
3. Click on the drop down box under “Reserved Seating”. “Pack the Park” will appear for the $6 price point. Enter the number of tickets needed; select your seating.
4. Purchase tickets and print them on your printer.
Lincoln Buy-Way Sale at Oak Chapel
Mark Thursday, Friday, Saturday – August 13, 14, and 15 on your calendar for the Lincoln Buy-Way Sale. Once again we will welcome travelers into our Fellowship Hall as we offer clean, gently used items for sale as well as food for the journey – sandwiches, cold drinks, sweet treats and so much more. Items can be brought to the church beginning August 9. You may also set up your own sale table for a nominal payment of $10. Food donations are appreciated. We need helpers for set up on Wednesday evening and helpers on each of the sale days. Call Elizabeth Feldman at 330-465-5782 if you have questions or are willing and able to help.
Ohio Light Opera Music Series
Oak Chapel has been given the opportunity to host Ohio Light Opera musicians this summer. For five weeks (July 5 – August 2), we will have special music provided OLO musicians. The series will be partially funded by our worship and music budget and partially funded by donors. Should you wish to make a contribution toward this music series, please see Jen Moser or Pastor Robin.
Compass Group Mission Trip
Niagara Falls, New York
August 9 – 13
The clergy in our Compass Group are organizing our summer mission trip to serve in the Niagara Falls area. We will be leaving Sunday, August 9 in the afternoon and return in the evening on Thursday, August 13. We will be working at the Community Missions serving in the Soup Kitchen, Food Pantry, Clothes Closet, Furniture Giveaway, and helping with some painting and light carpentry. Community Missions was formed in 1925 to serve the poor and preach the Gospel through deeds and words. They are a Christian organization that believes in an approach to individual wellness and health that is holistic and includes physical, spiritual, emotional, psychological, economic, and social dimensions. For more information visit: www.communitymissions.org.
We will stay at the Joshua Connection Mission House. This is a partnership between two churches which are in ministry together and is set up to provide housing for those doing mission work in the area. There are 4 sleeping areas, restrooms with showers, a kitchenette, a game room, and a large living room. Those going on the trip will need to bring sleeping bags or bedding. We will plan meals as we get closer to the trip date, and provide a list of any other supplies that may be needed.
We are limited to 16 people for this trip. The cost is $175 per person. The first 16 people to send in a $75 deposit will be on the list to go. If you are interested in participating, please contact Pastor Robin. To register, send your deposit to Pastor Kenn Curren at Apple Creek United Methodist Church P.O. Box 265 Apple Creek, OH 44606.
Opportunities for Ministry Next Week
Sunday, 7/12 – Worship at 9:30am
Sunday School at 10:30am
Vacation Bible School Dinner at 5:00pm
Opening of Vacation Bible School at 6:00pm
Monday – Thursday, 7/13 – 7/16 – Vacation Bible School 5:30 – 8:30
Wednesday, 7/15—ACORN Deadline!
Saturday, 7/18 – 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