Second Chances Come in Bundles Life is all about second chances, especially when it comes to our faith. Last year at this time, we were boldly planning for a year of transformation at Oak Chapel. Then the pandemic hit, and all “you-know-what” broke loose. On the surface, the first half of 2020 looks like aContinue reading “In A Nutshell | August 14, 2020”
Author Archives: Oak Chapel UMC
In A Nutshell | August 7, 2020
Navigating an Uncertain Landscape It’s almost impossible to get lost these days. GPS systems in our car and on our phone provide voice-assisted, turn-by-turn, navigation to keep us on the right path. Wouldn’t it be great if life itself were that simple? Each day we encounter various intersections that require a quick decision.Continue reading “In A Nutshell | August 7, 2020”
In A Nutshell | July 31, 2020
Standing Firmly on Our Faith Where did our summer go? How will things look this fall? What will the coming year bring? Right now, our heads are swirling with these types of questions and many others as we head into August and ponder a future filled with uncertainty. Clearly, this has been a challenging yearContinue reading “In A Nutshell | July 31, 2020”
In A Nutshell | July 24, 2020
Paving the Way through Perseverance There are many similarities between pastoring and coaching. Whether it is a church or a team, the leader must provide guidance, leadership, assurance, inspiration, encouragement, and so much more. However, neither a pastor nor a coach can be an effective leader unless the congregation or the team is fully committedContinue reading “In A Nutshell | July 24, 2020”
In A Nutshell | July 17, 2020
Time to Awaken from Our Summer Slumber The coronavirus has changed our lives in many ways — both great and small. One of the seemingly less significant consequences has been the temptation to sleep longer and more often. After all, with more time on our hands, many of us are opting for additional down timeContinue reading “In A Nutshell | July 17, 2020”
In A Nutshell | July 10, 2020
Relief from the Dog ‘Daze’ of Summer Given the fact that Oak Chapel resides in an agricultural community, it only makes sense for us to pay attention to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, especially when it comes to the “Dog Days of Summer.” This 40-day period, which runs from July 3 through August 11 and coincidesContinue reading “In A Nutshell | July 10, 2020”
In A Nutshell | July 3, 2020
Let Freedom Ring On this Independence Day weekend, when we celebrate the great and glorious gift of freedom, we give thanks for the many brave men and women who so courageously put their lives on the line to establish and maintain the countless liberties we enjoy today. At the same time, our nationContinue reading “In A Nutshell | July 3, 2020”
In A Nutshell | June 19, 2020
On with the Show Well, we made it through our first in-person service in three months last Sunday, and for the most part things went well. It was great to see everyone, and most people seemed to feel comfortable and safe. To top it off, the weather was just perfect, so we are planning toContinue reading “In A Nutshell | June 19, 2020”
In A Nutshell | June 12, 2020
Nutshell – And Away We Go Jackie Gleason used to open his variety show in the mid-to-late sixties by saying, “And Awaaay We Go!’ That’s kind of the way I feel heading into our first weekend of in-person worship in three months. I am happy, excited, and, well, just a little apprehensive, hoping that we’veContinue reading “In A Nutshell | June 12, 2020”
In A Nutshell | June 5, 2020
Nutshell – New Life As I close in on my first anniversary at Oak Chapel, I continue to be overwhelmed by God’s many blessings, the undeniable influence of those who serve him. My appointment here has been life changing, and the birth of our first two grandchildren has given me new hope for a betterContinue reading “In A Nutshell | June 5, 2020”