Hello, Oak Chapel friends,
Last night April Aten and I met with Rev. Kenn Curren and four others from Apple Creek UMC to finalize our plans for our compass group mission trip to Community Missions of the Niagara Frontier in New York. While there are not as many people going on this year’s trip as in years past – just seven of us – we are looking forward to the opportunity to share God’s love with those in need in Niagara County, NY. We will be working at the mission’s food pantry, soup kitchen and clothing closet, and may also assist with a children’s program. We leave this Sunday after church and will return late on Thursday night. We very much appreciate your prayers for safe travel, for relationship building with those we serve, and the opportunity to shine the light and love of Christ in all we do.
This Sunday in worship we will celebrate the sacrament of baptism with the baptism of Stephanie Long and Brianna & Brandi Bowles. I will share a brief meditation titled “Building Up the Body of Christ,” based on Ephesians 4: 1 – 16. I hope you will join us for this meaningful service at 9:30, then stick around for Sunday School at 10:30.
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, 8/9 is Tracy Braucher. Her assistant next Sunday, 8/16 is Carol Gossage.
Compass Group Mission Trip / Pastor Robin away
Pastor Robin and Lay Leader April Aten are going on the compass group mission trip to Buffalo / Niagara Falls, NY from this afternoon, Sunday, August 9 through Thursday, August 13. During Pastor Robin’s absence, pastoral emergencies will be handled by Rev. Jon Heavilin. Rev. Jon can be reached at 330-264-4939 or 330-464-8953.
Lincoln Buy-Way Sale at Oak Chapel
Next Thursday, Friday and Saturday – August 13, 14, and 15 is 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.
Blessing of the Backpacks
In preparation for the start of school on Monday, August 17, we will have a backpack blessing during worship on Sunday, August 16. Invite your friends, neighbors, children, grandchildren or anyone else you know for this special time of prayer and blessing for the new school year.
Ladies Spiritual Spa Day
Mark your calendars now for our second annual Ladies Spiritual Spa Day to be held Saturday, August 29 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. and will include chicken salad croissants, Strawberry Fields Salad, lemon muffins and beverages. There will be six stations to visit: 15 minute chair massage by a licensed massage therapists, basic manicures by licensed manicurists, wax hands, heated relaxation chairs, homemade hand scrub, and spiritual activities including prayer beads, and a few surprises, of course! The cost is $25 which must accompany your reservation. Reservations are limited to thirty women. Please see Phyllis Weaver to reserve your spot. If you have questions, please contact Christy Rickard or a member of the Membership Care Committee.
Pastor Robin’s New Office Hours beginning August 17
On Tuesday mornings during the 2015 – 2016 academic year, Pastor Robin is serving as an adjunct Field Education instructor at Methodist Theological School in Delaware, OH. This will require a change in her scheduled office hours. She will continue to be in the office on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 9:00 till Noon. On Tuesdays, her office hours will be from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. The church office hours will not change. The office will be open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. till Noon, and will continue to be staffed by volunteers.
Church Leaders for 2016
The Nominations and Leadership Development Committee will soon begin its work of praying and discerning who might be willing to serve in a leadership capacity at Oak Chapel in 2016. Below is a list of ministry areas within the church. If you have an interest in serving the church in one of these areas, please talk to Pastor Robin. Also, if you are approached by a member of the Nominations and Leadership Development Committee, please prayerfully consider their request.
Staff/Parish Relations — works with pastor and staff to manage the ministry of the congregation
Trustees — responsible for the church building, grounds and other assets
Finance — oversees the financial aspects of the church including giving, bills, and audits
Outreach — encourages the church to move beyond the walls through mission and evangelism
Christian Education — responsible for the spiritual development of the congregation
Membership Care — cares for the overall well-being of the congregation
Worship& Music — works with the pastor to plan and implement all aspects of our worship experiences.
Opportunities for Ministry Next Week
Sunday, 8/9 – Worship at 9:30am
Sunday School at 10:30am
Monday, 8/10 – Finance Committee in Fellowship Hall at 7:00pm
Tuesday, 8/11 – Girl Scouts at 5:45pm
Wednesday, 8/12 – Set up for Buy Way Sale at 6:30pm
Thursday, 8/13 – Saturday, 8/15 – Buy Way Sale at 8:00am
Thursday, 8/13 – 4- H at 7:00pm
Saturday, 8/15 – 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