Hello, Oak Chapel friends,
Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed with all that is going on in the world around us and even within our own selves? Grief, fear and worry can cause us to be in great turmoil. Emotional storms within us can be as hard – and perhaps even harder – to handle than external physical ones. To see us through the rough times in life, God provides us with protection and peace. Now that protection doesn’t mean that troubles won’t occur, but God’s presence is there with us. To fully realize that presence, however, we must admit our vulnerability and need for it. I invite you to come to worship this Sunday where we will examine this theme. My message titled “Vulnerability and Protection” is based on Ephesians 6: 10 – 20. We will also celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion together. I look forward to worshiping with you!
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, 9/6 is Pam Domer. Her assistant next Sunday, 9/13 is Cathy Shallenberger.
Summer / Fall Schedule
This Sunday, September 6, is the last day on our Summer worship schedule. Next 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.
People to People Collection
Please remember to bring in canned goods and other nonperishable items as we come to the Lord’s Table the first Sunday of each month. These items will be shared with People to People ministry to help those in need in Wayne County.
Bibles for Africa
For several weeks beginning this Sunday, September 6, you will have an opportunity to share with young persons in Harrisburg, Liberia. Twenty-four Bibles will be on a table in the Narthex. We encourage you to pick one up, take it with you to worship, use it during the scripture readings, pray over it and then write a note of encouragement on the inside cover. Two or more people can write in the same Bible. In November these Bibles will shipped to Africa in a container that will arrive in Harrisburg, Liberia during Elizabeth Feldman’s next Farmer-to-Farmer mission trip in January. These Bibles are the same version (CEB) as those used in Oak Chapel’s youth program and that are given to our third graders. The kids in Harrisburg will be thrilled with them! We appreciate your participation in this.
New Study by Adam Hamilton
The Sing-Mar Adult Sunday School Class meets each week in the Sing-Mar Room next to the office. This fall, experience faith through Paul, Christianity’s greatest teacher and missionary as we study Adam Hamilton’s The Call. You’ll see where some of the most dramatic events in the spread of Christianity took place and gain an understanding of Paul’s missionary travels. All are welcome.
Call to Serve
Are you looking for a ministry that will allow you to answer God’s call to serve and yet fit in your already too busy schedule? We are looking for an individual who would be willing to take on the responsibility of managing the People to People donations. The ministry would involve boxing up the People to People donations on the first Sunday of each month and delivering them to People to People. Please contact Pam Domer in the church office if you are interested in serving our church and the community in this way.
Rally Day
Our Annual Rally Day is a day when we celebrate the Christian Education programs at Oak Chapel. It will be held Sunday, September 20 and our worship theme will be “Get Into the Game!” Worship will be followed by a Fellowship Luncheon. Beverages and hot dogs with all the fixings will be provided. Please bring your table service and a dish to share. Bring a “Get Into the Game!”-themed dish and you could win a prize. There will be indoor and outdoor games to enjoy during the fellowship time. It’ll be a day full of surprises you won’t want to miss!
Fair Parking
We will be parking cars again this year at East of Chicago Pizza and Swift Auto Parts during the Wayne County Fair (Saturday, September 12 through Thursday, September 17). As you know it takes many people to fill all the time slots we need to cover. There are empty slots available and the sign up sheet is on the narthex table. Please pick a time or two to park cars, if you are able. Thank you in advance for your help!! This project is a great fundraiser for our Church! Please see Christy Rickard or call her at 330-439-3201 with any questions.
Church Leaders for 2016
The Nominations and Leadership Development Committee has begun 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, 9/6 – Worship at 9:30am
People to People Collection during worship
Sunday School at 10:30am
Monday, 9/7 – Labor Day – Church Office CLOSED
Tuesday, 9/8 – Retirees Breakfast – Town Market at 8:00am
Girl Scouts at 5:45pm
Outreach Committee at 6:30pm
Saturday, 9/12 – Wayne County Fair Begins
United Methodist Men – Green Leaf at 7:30am
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