Category Archives: In A Nutshell

Hello, Oak Chapel friends, This Sunday, we will celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion and continue our sermon series “Be. Go. Do.” in preparation for the Change the World event on Saturday, May 18. The sermon, titled “Shorten the Distance” is based on Acts 16: 6 – 10. I encourage you to read the scriptureContinue reading “In A Nutshell | May 3, 2013”

Hello, Oak Chapel friends, In preparation for our participation in the “Change the World” event on Saturday, May 18, this Sunday I will begin sermon series titled “Be. Go. Do.” This week’s message, “Be the Change You Seek,” is based on Acts 9: 1 – 20. I encourage you to read this scripture before Sunday.Continue reading “In A Nutshell | April 26, 2013”

Hello, Oak Chapel friends, I write this week’s Nutshell as I continue to watch the news reports of the unfolding events in Boston in the aftermath of the bombings there earlier this week. My heart breaks for the citizens of that city and all who have been affected by those events. In his parenting book,Continue reading “In A Nutshell | April 19, 2013”

Hello, Oak Chapel friends, As we continue the season of Eastertide, this Sunday’s scripture centers on another of the disciples’ encounters with Jesus after the Resurrection. The sermon titled “Encore Performance: The Catch, the Meal, the Commitment” is based on John 21: 1 – 19. Why not invite a friend to worship with you thisContinue reading “In A Nutshell | April 12, 2013”

Hello, Oak Chapel friends, This Sunday is United Methodist Women’s Sunday for which the theme is “Sisters in Service.” Join us for worship with guest speaker, Dr. Maggie Jackson. Come support the work of the UMW and see who will be honored with this year’s Special Mission Award. Bring a sack lunch for the UMWContinue reading “In A Nutshell | April 5, 2013”

Hello, Oak Chapel friends, Today is Good Friday, the day we set aside to remember the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. I have always had a difficult time calling this day “good” as it is a day of death; a day of darkness and mourning. The only reason we can call it “good” is that GodContinue reading “In A Nutshell | March 29, 2013”

Hello, Oak Chapel friends, Holy Week is upon us. During this week of the liturgical year we celebrate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, remember his final meal with his disciples, recall the events of the crucifixion, and celebrate Jesus’ resurrection and victory over death. The celebratory events take place on Palm Sunday and Easter, butContinue reading “In A Nutshell | March 22, 2013”

Hello, Oak Chapel friends, After worship last Sunday, a church member came up to talk with me about my sermon. The person said, “I get the point, but what do we do with the scripture where Jesus said we will always have the poor with us?” This Sunday, we will explore these words of JesusContinue reading “In A Nutshell | March 15, 2013”

Hello, Oak Chapel friends, This weekend is Daylight Savings Time. Set your clocks ahead one hour on Saturday night to be sure you are not late for church! This Sunday’s worship will focus on a very familiar parable in the gospel of Luke –the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15: 1 – 3, 11bContinue reading “In A Nutshell | March 8, 2013”

Hello, Oak Chapel friends, On Monday evening we held our first session of Catch, a new invitational evangelism program that will help us become relentlessly outward focused in service and love. There was great attendance with a variety of ages and voices represented. I was encouraged by the energy in the room and the spiritContinue reading “In A Nutshell | March 1, 2013”