Author Archives: Oak Chapel UMC

Hello, Oak Chapel friends, This Sunday, October 11 we will begin a four-week worship series titled Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity. During these four weeks we will explore what the Bible teaches about financial management. Each week we will provide you with some practical tools you can use to assess your financial situationContinue reading “In A Nutshell | October 9, 2015”

Hello, Oak Chapel friends, This Sunday, October 4, we will join Christians around the globe in World Communion Sunday. Come to worship dressed in clothing that reflects your heritage or other countries you have visited. Celebrate the unity in the body of Christ as we gather together at the Table. My sermon titled “Hunks ofContinue reading “In A Nutshell | October 2, 2015”

Hello, Oak Chapel friends, Our worship this Sunday will be led by our Welcoming Ministry Team. The choir will be back in the loft and Mark Ritchey will provide special music. It is sure to be a spirit-filled and inspiring service.   After worship, plan to stay for a fellowship luncheon and speaker sponsored byContinue reading “In A Nutshell | September 25, 2015”

Hello, Oak Chapel friends, I am very excited about our Rally Day service this Sunday, September 20 at 10:30. Come and get into the game! The children’s message will feature a head to head competition between Rev. Jim Pfander and me. The service also includes some other surprises, and the luncheon afterwards will include gamesContinue reading “In A Nutshell | September 17, 2015”

Hello, Oak Chapel friends, Do you remember the childhood adage, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me?” I vividly remember chanting that on the school playground when some bully hollered nasty names and my friends and me. Sadly, it was a childhood lie we all repeated to try toContinue reading “In A Nutshell | September 10, 2015”

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 thanContinue reading “In A Nutshell | September 4, 2015”

Hello, Oak Chapel friends, Last Sunday in my sermon I encouraged everyone to make the most of their time, to be filled with the Spirit and to make melody in their hearts, based on Ephesians 5: 15 – 20. This Sunday you will have an opportunity to make melody in your hearts. Come to ourContinue reading “In A Nutshell | August 28, 2015”

Hello, Oak Chapel friends, I received an e-mail from Robin Kitchen yesterday relaying an adorable conversation between Oliver and his friend Caleb, both age 5. I share part of that conversation here with you.   Caleb: We’re trying out new churches.  Our old one in Ashland is just too far.  We tried “Hope” church last week.Continue reading “In A Nutshell | August 21, 2015”

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 westernContinue reading “In A Nutshell | August 14, 2015”

Hello, Oak Chapel friends, Last night April Aten and I met with Rev. Kenn Curren and four others from Apple Creek UMC to finalize our plans for our compass group mission trip to Community Missions of the Niagara Frontier in New York. While there are not as many people going on this year’s trip asContinue reading “In A Nutshell | August 7, 2015”