Hello, Oak Chapel friends,
School is out, the sun is shining and the temperatures are warm. Summer has arrived! Though summer does not technically start for another few weeks, this weekend marks the beginning of summer barbeques and other outdoor activities. Yet Memorial Day weekend is much more than that. Memorial Day is a time to pause with thankfulness and reverence for those who gave their lives for the freedoms we experience in this country, one of which is the freedom to gather as a community of faith. This Sunday we will recall that sacrifice at our annual Memorial weekend service at the Warner-Pioneer Cemetery. Please join us there at 9:30 a.m. and BYOC (Bring Your Own Chair).
Our Sunday worship in the church sanctuary at 10:30 a.m. will focus on Luke 7: 1 – 10 with my message titled “Faith and Mercy.” I hope to see you at both services on Sunday morning!
Below you will also find other announcements and 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, 5/29 is Cathy Shallenberger. Her assistant next Sunday, 6/5 is Evelyn Silver.
Pastor Robin Away
Pastor Robin will be away next week for her annual teaching week at the East Ohio Local Pastors Licensing School at the University of Mount Union. She is leaving immediately after worship this Sunday, 5/29 and will be back late Friday night, 6/3. She will be available via e-mail and cell phone (330-234-7717) for emergencies during the week.
Special Camping Offering
Next Sunday, June 5 there will be a special offering to provide scholarship money for students at Oak Chapel to attend summer camp. We currently have three youth registered for Camp Wanake: Zoe Everett and Brancyn and Benjamin Miller. A week at summer camp can be a powerful, life-changing experience. Please consider a contribution toward this experience for these youth.
Graduate Recognition Sunday
Next Sunday, June 5, we will honor our graduates. If you know of anyone graduating from high school, college, or other post-secondary education, please notify the church office.
Summer Worship Schedule
As we did last year, our Sunday schedule will flip for the summer months. Beginning Sunday, June 26, worship will be at 9:30 a.m. in the sanctuary, followed by Sunday School at 10:30 a.m. This schedule will continue through Labor Day weekend.
Wooster Kids Day
The church will host its annual cookie decorating booth at Wooster Kids Day on Saturday, June 4 from 1 – 4:00 p.m. The Outreach Committee is looking for people to help with this fun endeavor. If you are willing to bring your hands and a smile that day, please contact Pam Domer at 330-601-3926 or pamdomer@gmail.com.
Meet Reverend Chris Statz
Our new pastor, Rev. Chris Statz and his family will worship with us next Sunday, June 5. Join us for worship that day to meet Rev. Chris before his move to Oak Chapel, effective July 1. We will have nametags for people to wear that day to help Rev. Chris get to know everyone.
Pastor Robin’s Farewell Luncheon
Pastor Robin’s last Sunday is June 19. Following worship that day we will host her farewell luncheon in Fellowship Hall. The meal will be our typical carry-in lunch with some special touches. For more information, please contact Elizabeth Feldman at 330-465-5782 or eflogil@gmail.com.
Flood Bucket Offerings
This Sunday, May 29 will be our final “jingly bucket” offering for Flood Buckets. Please bring your spare change (or bills and checks!) to help those in times of crisis. The total offering, along with health kits, will be taken to Annual Conference and given to the Midwest Distribution Center of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).
Opportunities for Ministry Next Week
Sunday, 5/29 — Memorial Day Service – Cemetery at 9:30am
Worship at 10:30am
Monday, 5/30 – Memorial Day – Office Closed
Tuesday, 5/31 – Church Library Work Day at 10:00am
Girl Scouts at 5:45pm
Wednesday, 6/1 – Morning Circle at Betty Franks’ at 9:30am
Choir Rehearsal at 7:00pm
Saturday, 6/4 – Weight Loss Support Group at 9:15am
Wooster Kids Day at 1:00pm
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