Hello, Oak Chapel friends,
Time is sure flying by in this New Year! How did it get to be February already? That means that the Lenten season is upon us. Observe a Holy Lent and mark the beginning of the season next Wednesday, February 10 at 7:00 p.m. at our Ash Wednesday worship. This traditional service will include the celebration of Holy Communion and the imposition of ashes.
This Sunday our worship will focus on the Transfiguration of Jesus, as outlined in Luke 9: 28 – 36, with my sermon titled “Seeing Things in a New Light.” As this is the first Sunday of the month, we will celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion. As we fellowship around Christ’s table, please remember those who are physically hungry by bringing canned goods and pantry items for People to People ministries. I look forward to sharing this worship experience 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, 2/7 is Evelyn Silver. Her assistant next Sunday, 2/14 is Phyllis Weaver.
Second Sunday Selfie Day
To enhance Oak Chapel’s presence on our social media outlets, beginning February 14, the second Sunday of each month will be designated as Selfie Sunday. Everyone is encouraged to bring their phone to worship and take a selfie with their pewmate, the pastor, or whomever, and then post those pics to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or other social media with the hash tags #selfiesunday and #oakchapelumc. This is a simple way to tell others you worship at Oak Chapel United Methodist Church! If you don’t know how to post pictures to social media, the pics can also be texted to April Aten (330-234-1940) or Pastor Robin (330-234-7717) and they will post them to the church’s social media sites for you.
Winter Rally Day
It’s just two weeks away! Our Winter Rally Day on Sunday, February 21. The theme of the day is “It’s Snow Fun!” and our worship will center on 1 Corinthians 12:27 where we will explore the uniqueness of snowflakes and their correlation to us. There will be a few surprises in worship so you won’t want to miss it! Then stick around afterwards for our Fellowship Luncheon with more fun and games.
Evening Lenten Worship Services
During Lent we will continue our annual tradition of Sunday evening worship with other United Methodists. This year, all five of the United Methodist Churches in Wooster will participate. The theme is “Finding Home” and offerings will go to Wayne County Habitat for Humanity. The services will be held at 7:00 p.m., except on Sunday, February 21 when Wooster UMC will host Tetelestai. That service will be at 2:00 p.m. The schedule is as follows:
Sunday, February 14 – Oak Chapel UMC with Rev. Tom Fish preaching (John 14)
Sunday, February 21 – Wooster UMC hosting Tetelestai (a Passion Play “It is Finished”) at 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 28 – Moreland UMC with Rev. Kris Patt preaching (Joshua 24:15)
Sunday, March 6 – New Pittsburg UMC with Rev. Robin Dillon preaching (Psalm 84)
Sunday, March 13 – Church of the Cross UMC with Rev. Charlie Tobias preaching (Revelation 21)
Electronic Sign Update
Over the last two years the Trustees and the Memorials Committee have been working to get a new church sign to enhance our church’s presence on Old Lincoln Way. At their meeting on January 18, the Trustees voted to get the necessary permits, and pending final commitments of memorial funds, the sign will be ordered and the necessary foundation work will begin. Renderings of the sign have been posted on the bulletin boards throughout the church building. Take a look!
Church Communication
Pastor Robin sends a weekly e-mail communication (In a Nutshell) on Fridays. This e-mail distribution is also used to notify the congregation or prayer requests and other special announcements. If you would like to receive regular e-mail communication from the church, please notify us at oakchapelumc@yahoo.com. In addition, on special occasions the church uses an automated phone messaging system (Call Multiplier) to remind the congregation of events or church cancelations. If you would like to receive these automated reminder calls, please notify the church office at oakchapelumc@yahoo.com or 330-264-2537.
Church Cancellation Policy
In the event of inclement weather or other emergencies, the decision to cancel worship and/or other church activities will be made by the Administrative Council Chairperson (currently Bob Troutman), the Trustees Chairperson (currently Kim Domer), and the Pastor. The details of the policy are as follows:
· Decisions regarding cancellation of worship will be made by Sunday morning at 7:00
· Church will automatically be canceled in the event of a Level 3 Snow Emergency
· Notifications of cancellation will be communicated via the following methods:
o Announced on Wooster Radio 104.5 WQKT
o Church-wide automated phone tree system
o Church-wide e-mail distribution
o Notice on the church website
o Notice on the church Facebook page
o The church phone voicemail message will indicate if worship is canceled
In circumstances in which the church remains open, parishioners are advised to be cautious and use their own best judgment and discretion regarding church attendance.
Opportunities for Ministry Next Week
Sunday, 2/7 – Sunday School at 9:30am
Worship at 10:30am
No Youth Groups or Confirmation Class
Monday, 2/8 – Bible Study at 9:15am
No Finance Committee Meeting
Administrative Council at 7:00pm – please note change in time.
Tuesday, 2/9 – Girl Scouts at 5:45pm
Wednesday, 2/10 – Ash Wednesday Worship at 7:00pm
Saturday, 2/13 – 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 worshiping with you in church on Sunday!
Grace and peace,
Pastor Robin