In A Nutshell | March 27, 2020

Cracking Open the Nutshell

       With a little extra time on our hands during the current coronavirus outbreak, the newly formed Marketing and Communications Committee met online last week through an app called “Zoom.” It was a very insightful and productive meeting, and led to a number of good suggestions, including one that your Pastor resurrect a weekly missive to the congregation, so here we go…

Support for Oak Chapel

             During the current coronavirus outbreak, many of you have inquired about your continued financial support for the church, which is quite noble, but not surprising given the genuineness of your faith and the sincerity of your dedication to our church. 

            In consultation with the Finance Committee, we are suggesting that you mail your tithes and offerings to the church until we have an opportunity to worship together again and add our tithes to the offering plate in person. 

If you are a weekly donor, consider combining two or more weeks (paying a larger amount less often) so the volunteers counting and tracking the money don’t need to spend as much time at the church performing this administrative task. 

            Above all, give thanks to God for Oak Chapel! Pray for our church and our people. Be encouraged; we will be back in the pews soon enough.

Online Option

            We are planning to keep you connected through our weekly online video. Our brief 20-minute worship service can be accessed with a link that will be sent to you each Thursday or Friday for the foreseeable future. You will be able to watch on your computer, tablet, or phone. If you did not receive information for last week’s service, please let us know, and we will be sure to include in future notifications.

           Until we meet again, Blessings and Best Wishes! – Pastor John

In A Nutshell | June 24, 2016

Hello Oak Chapel Friends,
I was overwhelmed by your love and generosity during our final worship and luncheon last Sunday. What a beautiful send-off! Thank you so much to everyone who helped organize the event and all who came. Your presence that day means more than you realize. You are an amazing congregation and I know that God has great things in store for you as you move into new leadership with Rev. Chris. You are in very good hands. You have shown me great hospitality and I know you will love Rev. Chris, Anne and their daughters as much as you have loved me. 
This Sunday, Lay Servant/Speaker Georgia Taylor will bring a message titled “Being a Christian.” Don’t forget that this is the weekend we move to our summer worship schedule — Worship is at 9:30 a.m., followed by Sunday School at 10:30 a.m.
With all of my love,
Pastor Robin

In A Nutshell | June 17, 2016

Hello, Oak Chapel friends,
We had a wonderful, worship-filled time at Annual Conference this week. We celebrated the retirement of Bishop Hopkins and 32 pastors, as well as the ministries of 17 newly commissioned and ordained ministers. We heard reports of various ministries and missions and approved the leadership and budgets for the coming year. The highlight of Annual Conference for me, though, is the closing session when the children who participated in the Annual Conference Vacation Bible School come to sing for us. Having VBS at Annual Conference is something unique here in East Ohio and I am grateful to be a part of a conference that values children in this way. It indicates that children are indeed a priority; they are NOT the “future” of the church, but an integral part of the church today.
 
My spirit was full of joy as I returned home from Annual Conference last night and I’m now preparing for our last worship together on Sunday. You have been a wonderful church family and I am grateful to have served here for five years. Sunday will be a hard day. My sermon, based on Ephesians 3: 14 – 21, is titled “My Prayer for Oak Chapel.” In addition to the choral anthem, Mark Ritchey will provide special music. After worship there will be a fellowship luncheon in Fellowship Hall. Please bring a dish or two to share and your table service.
 
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, 6/19 is Miriam Zech.  Her assistant next Sunday, 6/26 is April Aten.
 
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.
 
Akron Rubber Ducks Game
Friday, June 24 is United Methodist Night at the Akron Rubber Ducks. In honor of his retirement, Bishop Hopkins will throw the first pitch. The Ducks are playing the Trenton Thunder beginning at  7:05 p.m. We will carpool from Oak Chapel at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $8.00. If you would like a ticket with the Oak Chapel group, please reserve your spot by paying Kim Domer by today, Sunday, June 19. This is a firm deadline. Come join and fun and fellowship that night and cheer the Ducks to a win.
 
Vacation Bible School
Monday, July 11 through Friday, July 15. The theme is Under the Deep Blue Sea and festivities will begin with supper each evening at 5:30. Parents are invited for supper. There will be an adult class with the same theme for parents and other adults.
Register online at www.oakchapelumc.com or call the church office.
 
2017 Church Budget Requests
It’s our favorite time of the year–the end of basketball season and the beginning of baseball season, which brings with it our favorite pastime-preparing next year’s budget. Why create a budget? (besides the obvious—it’s required at charge conference)
–       It allows us to allocate our resources
–       It identifies what activities are important to our ministry
–       It establishes benchmarks for income/expense tracking 
Committee Chairpersons: Please provide your 2017 Budget requests to Stuart Mykrantz, Finance Committee Chairman, no later than Friday, July 29. Then, plan to attend the Finance Committee Meeting on Monday, August 8, to discuss your inputs. Requests can be emailed to Stuart at SLMykrantz@aol.com or put in his mailbox in the church office.  Please note: If a committee’s spending pattern is not uniform throughout the year, the 2017 Budget request needs to include the expected spending per month. This helps to forecast cash flow (and the end of year cash carryover) and improve the usefulness of the budget for tracking Year to Date (YTD) expenses. Thanks!
 
Opportunities for Ministry Next Week
Sunday, 6/19 – Sunday School at 9:30am
     Worship at 10:30am
     Pastor Robin’s Farewell Luncheon after church
Monday, 6/20 – Trustees at 7:00pm
Tuesday, 6/21 – Girl Scouts at 5:45pm
Wednesday, 6/22 – Pastor Robin’s last office day                                
Thursday, 6/23 – Pastor Robin moves out
     4- H at 7:00pm
Friday, 6/24 – Rubber Ducks Game – carpool at 5:30pm
Saturday, 6/25 – Weight Loss Support Group at 9:15am
 
 
It has been a privilege to be your pastor and to serve among such an amazing community! I look forward to our final worship together on Sunday!
 
Grace and peace,
Pastor Robin

In A Nutshell | June 4, 2016

Hello, Oak Chapel friends,
Last night I returned from my week at Licensing School. It was a week of both teaching and learning for me as I prepare to take on the role of Dean of Licensing School effective July 1. Events like this show our United Methodist connection. Through your support of me as your pastor, you also participate in the formation of new pastors in our conference. And who knows? One of those new pastors could be appointed to Oak Chapel some day! While it was an exhausting week, these 35 new pastors brought with them such a passion and joy for ministry that it was also exhilarating for the faculty of the school. Thanks for your support of this endeavor. I look forward to sharing the experience with you.
 
During worship tomorrow you will have the opportunity to meet Rev. Chris Statz and his family. To help Rev. Chris get to know the congregation, we have made name tags for everyone. When you arrive, please get your nametag and wear it. There will be baskets in the Narthex to return the nametags so they can be used again in July.
 
Tomorrow’s worship will focus on Luke 7: 11 – 17 with my brief message titled “Resurrection Phobia.” We will also recognize our graduates and Rev. Chris will preside at communion.
 
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, 6/5 is Evelyn Silver. Her assistant next Sunday, 6/12 is Phyllis Weaver.
 
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.
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.
 
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.
 
Opportunities for Ministry Next Week
Sunday, 6/5 – Sunday School at 9:30am
          Worship with Rev. Statz at 10:30am
          UMYF (Youth Grades 7 – 12) at 7:00pm
Monday, 6/6 – Retirees Breakfast – Towne Market at 8:00am
          Art and Soul at 7:00pm
Tuesday, 6/7 – Girl Scouts at 5:45pm
          Finance Committee at 6:30pm
          Administrative Council at 7:30pm
Wednesday, 6/8 – Choir Rehearsal at 7:00pm
Thursday, 6/9 – 4- H at 7:00pm
Saturday, 6/11 – 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 seeing you in church on Sunday!
 
Grace and peace,
Pastor Robin

In A Nutshell | May 27, 2016

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

In A Nutshell | May 20, 2016

Hello, Oak Chapel friends,
In an effort to live out the church’s mission to “Serve God and Community,” tomorrow we will participate in the annual Change the World event beginning at 8:30 a.m. Come to the church for a light snack, coffee and a brief time of worship before starting our service projects. As in the past a group will be putting together health kits to be taken to Annual Conference in support of the ministries of the United Methodist Church.  Another group will be working with Habitat for Humanity to support this community ministry.  And there will be the opportunity to serve the world as a group will be cutting out denim shoes to share with people in Africa.  At Noon, we will gather back in Fellowship Hall for a light lunch and a time of conversation. Please prayerfully consider participating in this opportunity to reach beyond the walls of our church to share the love of God through these ministries.
 
Our Sunday worship service will focus on our United Methodist Heritage. My message titled “Roots, Shoots, and Branches” is based on Philippians 3: 7 – 14. Hope to see you there at 10:30 a.m.
 
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, 5/22 is Cindy Mykrantz.  Her assistant next Sunday, 5/29 is Cathy Shallenberger.
 
Flood Bucket Offerings
Through the rest of May, we will do a “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).
 
Graduate Recognition Sunday
On 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.
 
Memorial Day Service
Oak Chapel will host its annual Memorial Day service at the Warner-Pioneer Cemetery next Sunday, May 29 at 9:30 a.m. Many thanks to Bill Braucher and Stuart Mykrantz for organizing this service.
 
Joan Kostka Memorial Service
There will be a memorial service for Joan Kostka at the church this Saturday, May 28. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. with the service at 11:00 a.m. Following the inurnment at Wooster Cemetery, there will be a luncheon back at the church.
 
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 on Sunday, June 5. Join us for worship that day to meet Rev. Chris before his move to Oak Chapel, effective July 1.
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.
 
Opportunities for Ministry Next Week
Sunday, 5/22 – Sunday School at 9:30am
            Worship at 10:30am
            District UMW Tea at 2:00pm
Monday, 5/23 – Prayer Shawl Ministry at 5:30pm
            VBS Planning Meeting at 6:30pm
Tuesday, 5/24 – Girl Scouts at 5:45pm
Wednesday, 5/25 – Choir Rehearsal at 7:00pm
Thursday, 5/26 – 4 – H at 7:00pm
Saturday, 5/28 – Weight Loss Support Group at 9:15am
            Joan Kostka Visitation at 10:00am
            Kostka Memorial Service at 11:00am
            Kostka Luncheon at 12:30pm
 
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

In A Nutshell | May 13, 2016

Hello, Oak Chapel friends,
For Christians, Pentecost is a holiday on which we commemorate the coming of the Holy Spirit on the early followers of Jesus. Pentecost is also considered the “birthday” of the church because on that day, three thousand people heard the disciples’ witness and became followers of Jesus. During worship on Sunday we will celebrate Pentecost and officially welcome our confirmands, Bridget and Simon Kitchen, into our community of faith. Come hear what these students have learned this Spring! My brief meditation is titled “Rednecks and Pentecost,” based on Acts 2: 1 – 21. Everyone is encouraged to wear red as a symbol of the power and fire of the Holy Spirit.
 
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, 5/15 is Joanne Jolliff.  Her assistant next Sunday, 5/22 is Cindy Mykrantz.
 
Flood Bucket Offerings
For the next four Sundays, we will do a “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).
 
Health Kits
One of the activities on Change the World Day (see info below) we will be assembling health kits. The items needed for these kits include: hand towels (approx. 16” x 28” – not dish towels); wash cloths; bath size soap (in wrapper); toothbrushes (in wrapper); wide-tooth combs; nail clippers and standard size band-aids. There is a supply board in the Narthex indicating the specific amounts needed. Please check it out!
Graduate Recognition Sunday
On 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.
 
Jesus is Calling You to Reach Out – May 21, 2016
Please mark your calendars for our annual Change the World Event, Saturday, May 21 from 8:30 a.m. till Noon.  We will have opportunities for service to the church, the community and the world.  As in the past a group will be putting together health kits to be taken to Annual Conference in support of the ministries of the United Methodist Church.  Another group will be working with Habitat for Humanity to support this community ministry.  And there will be the opportunity to serve the world as a group will be cutting out denim shoes to share with people in Africa.  Please prayerfully consider participating in this opportunity to reach beyond the walls of our church to share the love of God through these ministries.
United Methodist Heritage Sunday
Sunday, May 22 is United Methodist Heritage Sunday. We will learn about some of our United Methodist forebears, hear the story of God’s faithfulness to past generations, and look toward the future with hope. Mark your calendar now and plan to attend.
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.
 
Opportunities for Ministry Next Week
Sunday, 5/15 – Sunday School at 9:30am
           Worship with Confirmation at 10:30am
Monday, 5/16 – Bible Study at 9:15am
           Trustees at 7:00pm
Tuesday, 5/17 – Blood Drive – St. Peter’s – New Pittsburg at 3:00pm
           Girl Scouts at 5:45pm
Wednesday, 5/18 – Choir Rehearsal at 7:00pm
Saturday, 5/21 – Change the World at 8:30am
           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 seeing you in church on Sunday!
 
Grace and peace,
Pastor Robin

In A Nutshell | April 29, 2016

Hello, Oak Chapel friends,
Please consider joining us tomorrow morning from 9:00 a.m. till Noon for our Spring Work Day. We will do some general clean-up of the church buildings and grounds, including cleaning windows, picking up sticks and raking. In addition, we will week and mulch at the parsonage. Many hands make light work. Come, even for just an hour. God has entrusted us with a beautiful facility and we want to be good stewards of it.
 
Join us again on Sunday for worship with Holy Communion at 10:30 a.m. Rev. Jim Pfander will bring the message based on Acts 16: 9 – 15.
 
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, 5/1 is Tracy Braucher.  Her assistant next Sunday, 5/8 is Carol Gossage.
 
All Daughters Banquet – Saturday, May 7, 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Think about your favorite shoes…were they shiny? Do they make you feel important? Were they new or hand-me-down? Where did they take you? The Bible tells many stories of shoes, feet and travels. Please join us on Saturday, May 7 at 11:30 a.m. as we share some of these stories and devotions. If you wish to show off your favorite shoes please wear or bring them and be prepared to add your own “footnote” to the program. As a gesture of good will we will accept donations of new and gently used shoes and new socks to be forwarded to local agencies in need. The luncheon will be served by the United Methodist Men!
 
Confirmation Sunday
In the spirit of the initiation of the Church on Pentecost, Sunday, May 15 is Confirmation Day. That day we will recognize the learnings and the gifts and graces of our confirmands – Bridget and Simon Kitchen – and will welcome them as professing members of our congregation. Please join us for this special celebration.
 
Celebration of Pentecost
For Christians, Pentecost is a holiday on which we commemorate the coming of the Holy Spirit on the early followers of Jesus. We will celebrate Pentecost on Sunday, May 15 during worship. The congregation is encouraged to wear red that day as a symbol of the power and fire of the Holy Spirit.
 
United Methodist Heritage Sunday
Sunday, May 22 is United Methodist Heritage Sunday. We will learn about some of our United Methodist forebears, hear the story of God’s faithfulness to past generations, and look toward the future with hope. Mark your calendar now and plan to attend.
Jesus is Calling You to Reach Out – May 21, 2016
Please mark your calendars for our annual Change the World Event, Saturday, May 21 from 8:30 a.m. till Noon.  We will have opportunities for service to the church, the community and the world.  As in the past a group will be putting together health kits to be taken to Annual Conference in support of the ministries of the United Methodist Church.  Another group will be working with Habitat for Humanity to support this community ministry.  And there will be the opportunity to serve the world as a group will be cutting out denim shoes to share with people in Africa.  Please prayerfully consider participating in this opportunity to reach beyond the walls of our church to share the love of God through these ministries.
 
Graduate Recognition Sunday
On 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.
 
Opportunities for Ministry Next Week
Sunday, 5/1 – Sunday School at 9:30am
          Worship at 10:30am
          Confirmation Class at 6:00pm
          Youth Group at 7:00pm
Monday, 5/2 – Retirees Breakfast – Towne Market at 8:00am
          Bible Study at 9:15am
          Art and Soul at 7:00pm
Tuesday, 5/3 – Girl Scouts at 5:45pm
             SPRC at 7:00 pm
Wednesday, 5/4 – Morning Circle at Betty Franks’ at 9:30am
          Choir Rehearsal at 7:00pm
Saturday, 5/7 – Weight Loss Support Group at 9:15am
          All Daughters Banquet at 11:30am
 
It is a privilege to be your pastor and to serve among such an amazing community! I look forward to seeing you at work day tomorrow!
 
Grace and peace,
Pastor Robin

In A Nutshell | April 22, 2016

Hello, Oak Chapel friends,
John F. Kennedy once said, “Change is the law of life and those who only look to the past or the present are certain to miss the future.” We at Oak Chapel UMC are in the midst of a time of change and transition. In times like these it is easy to cling to the past and what once was, or want things to remain just as they are right now. By doing that, however, we miss the opportunities ahead of us. I trust that you have begun praying for our church in the midst of this change – for me and the congregation at LeRoy UMC as we prepare for my move there, for Rev. Chris Statz and the congregations at Independence and Seven Hills UMCs as they prepare for Rev. Chris’ move to Oak Chapel, and all the members of Oak Chapel as we both grieve and look ahead. Rev. Chris and I will be meeting this week to discuss the transition and to schedule some opportunities for him to meet our congregation before his move here in July.
 
I hope you will join us for worship this Sunday. My message “Choose Love” is based on John 13: 31 – 35. See you then!
 
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, 4/24 is April Aten.  Her assistant next Sunday, 5/1 is Tracy Braucher.
 
Spring District Conference
Our Annual Spring District Conference will be held this Sunday, April 24 at Wooster UMC from 3:00 – 4:30pm. At this meeting we worship, hear about ministries at various churches on our district and elect district delegates to our annual conference session for 2017. All church members are invited to attend.
Church Work Day
The Trustees invite all members of the church to participate in our church work day on Saturday, April 30. We will gather that day to do some general clean-up of the church building and grounds including cleaning windows, picking up sticks and raking. Many hands make light work. Please join us at 9:00 a.m. and work as long as you can. We should conclude by Noon. God has entrusted us with a beautiful facility and we want to be good stewards of it.  
 
All Daughters Banquet – Saturday, May 7, 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Think about your favorite shoes…were they shiny? Do they make you feel important? Were they new or hand-me-down? Where did they take you? The Bible tells many stories of shoes, feet and travels. Please join us on Saturday, May 7 at 11:30 a.m. as we share some of these stories and devotions. If you wish to show off your favorite shoes please wear or bring them and be prepared to add your own “footnote” to the program. As a gesture of good will we will accept donations of new and gently used shoes and new socks to be forwarded to local agencies in need. The luncheon will be served by the United Methodist Men!
 
Jesus is Calling You to Reach Out – May 21, 2016
Please mark your calendars for our annual Change the World Event, Saturday, May 21 from 8:30 a.m. till Noon.  We will have opportunities for service to the church, the community and the world.  As in the past a group will be putting together health kits to be taken to Annual Conference in support of the ministries of the United Methodist Church.  Another group will be working with Habitat for Humanity to support this community ministry.  And there will be the opportunity to serve the world as a group will be cutting out denim shoes to share with people in Africa.  Please prayerfully consider participating in this opportunity to reach beyond the walls of our church to share the love of God through these ministries.
 
Opportunities for Ministry Next Week
Sunday, 4/24 – Sunday School at 9:30am
               Worship at 10:30am
               Burckhart Family (Fellowship Hall) at 3:00pm
Monday, 4/25 – Bible Study at 9:15am
               Prayer Shawl Ministry at 5:30pm
               Vacation Bible School Meeting at 6:30pm
Tuesday, 4/26 – Girl Scouts at 5:45pm
Wednesday, 4/27 – Choir Rehearsal at 7:00pm
Thursday, 4/28 – 4 – H at 7:00pm
Friday, 4/29 – Saturday, 4/30 – Girl Scout Overnight
Saturday, 4/30 – Church Work Day at 9:00am
            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

In A Nutshell | April 8, 2016

Hello, Oak Chapel friends,
Please join us for worship this Sunday, April 10. Though the day is titled “United Methodist Women’s Sunday,” our worship focus on “community agriculture” will provide meaning for everyone. Elizabeth Feldman will give a brief update on the “Farmer to Farmer” project of which she’s been a part on Harrisburg, Liberia. Kelsey Desmond, the Program Assistant of Seminary Hill Farm at the Methodist Theological School in Ohio will be the main speaker. The farm not only supplies food for the seminary dining hall, but CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) shares for those living in the community. Come hear about this exciting ministry.
 
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, 4/10 is Phyllis Weaver.  Her assistant next Sunday, 4/17 is Miriam Zech.
 
Northwest Territory Concert – Tomorrow Night
Reservations for the United Methodist Men’s All Sons Banquet are now closed. However, everyone is invited for the entertainment tomorrow evening, April 9: Northwest Territory Bluegrass Band.  This band has traveled both nationally and internationally and their music not only includes bluegrass, but gospel, country and folk as well. The program, which is sure to please, will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary.
 
New Member Sunday
We will receive new members at Oak Chapel UMC next Sunday, April 17 during worship. Anyone wishing to join the church should contact Pastor Robin by Monday, April 11. We look forward to officially welcoming folks into our fellowship.
 
Special Fellowship Luncheon
Next Sunday, April 17 we will have a special Fellowship Dinner hosted by the Franks Clan—Eleanor, Esther, Betty, Betsy and Miriam. After dinner we will be treated to a slide show of the Wayne County Courthouse Renovation. It will be presented by Scott Wiggam, County Commissioner and son-in-law of the Grape Lady (If you have been an Oak Chapel-ite for a long time, you should remember her!) The same Fellowship Dinner rules apply- bring a dish or two to share and your own table service. It would be a great time to invite friends to Oak Chapel for our Sunday Service and dinner or even just to see the presentation.
 
Church Work Day
The Trustees invite all members of the church to participate in our church work day on Saturday, April 30. We will gather that day to do some general clean-up of the church building and grounds including cleaning windows, picking up sticks and raking. Many hands make light work. Please join us at 9:00 a.m. and work as long as you can. We should conclude by Noon. God has entrusted us with a beautiful facility and we want to be good stewards of it.  
 
Thank You!
Thank you to those who contributed to the copier fund. We have met our goal. The pastor and office staff greatly appreciate this new, more efficient (and more cooperative!) machine. Thank you.
 
Pastor Robin away
Pastor Robin will be taking some time off this week. Except for worship next Sunday, April 17, she will be gone this Tuesday, April 12 through Tuesday, April 19. For pastoral emergencies during her absence, please contact Rev. Jon Heavilin at 330-264-4939 or 330-464-8953.
 
Opportunities for Ministry Next Week
Sunday, 4/10 – Sunday School at 9:30am
              Worship (UMW Sunday) at 10:30am
Monday, 4/11 – Bible Study at 9:15am
              Finance Committee at 6:30pm
              Administrative Council at 7:30pm
Tuesday, 4/12 – Girl Scouts at 5:45pm
Wednesday, 4/13 – Choir Rehearsal at 7:00pm
Thursday, 4/14 – 4-H at 7:00pm
Friday, 4/15 – Acorn News Due!!                                                          
Saturday, 4/16 – 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