Hello, Oak Chapel friends,
April Aten and I have just returned from our compass group mission trip to Niagara Falls. While there, we worked at Community Missions of the Niagara Frontier. This mission, which offers a variety of crisis, social and mental health services, is the largest provider of basic human needs in western New York. While there we did a variety of work including serving in their food kitchen, working in their clothing closet and food pantry, and renovating one of the rooms of their food pantry which included pulling up carpet, painting and tiling the floor. It was a very good experience which we will share with the congregation in the coming weeks. In the meantime, feel free to ask us questions. We’d love to share our stories with you.
This Sunday during worship we will have a blessing of the back packs. All students (preschool through college) are encouraged to attend to receive a blessing and special gift. During worship we will also continue our sermon series on the book of Ephesians. My message titled “Learn to Live a Life of Love” is based on Ephesians 4: 25 – 5: 2. I look forward to our time together on Sunday morning at 9:30!
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, 8/16 is Carol Gossage. Her assistant next Sunday, 8/23 is Carol Gossage.
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.
Hymn Sing Sunday
On Sunday, August 30 we will have a hymn sing during our morning worship service. We’re compiling a list of favorite hymns and would like everyone to participate. On the back of this Sunday’s (or next Sunday’s) attendance slip, please list your top three favorite hymns. We will tally the results and sing the Top Ten (or twelve or fifteen) on Sunday, August 30. You may also reply to this e-mail with your favorite hymns. Thanks for participating!
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.
Summer / Fall Schedule
We continue our Summer schedule (9:30 a.m. worship; 10:30 a.m. Sunday School) through Labor Day weekend – Sunday, September 6. On Sunday, September 13, we will return to our Fall/Winter/Spring schedule with Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. and worship at 10:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary.
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, 8/16 – Worship with Backpack Blessing at 9:30am
Sunday School at 10:30am
Blood Pressure Screenings after worship
Youth Groups at 6:30pm
Monday, 8/17 – Trustees at 7:00pm
Tuesday, 8/18 – Girl Scouts at 5:45pm
Saturday, 8/22 – 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