In A Nutshell | April 19, 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, Mr. Rogers wrote, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” Earlier in the week as I watched the first responders and all who immediately stepped in to help, and today as I watch the FBI, police and other officials search for the suspect, I was and am reminded of John 1:5, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness doesn’t extinguish the light” (Common English Bible). Please pray for Boston and for all those who shine light in this dark situation.
 
This Sunday I will be at Bethel UMC for their regular 9:00 worship service and for a congregational meeting afterwards. During this meeting, the members at Bethel will officially vote about their future as a congregation. Please hold them and me in your prayers during this difficult time of decision and discernment. 
 
Our resident deaconess Pam Domer will preach at Oak Chapel this Sunday. Her message, “Faces of Sisters in Service,” is based on 1 Peter 4: 8 – 11. You won’t want to miss this meaningful worship.
 
Church Work Day
The Trustees have scheduled a work day for tomorrow, Saturday, April 20 at 9am. There will be a variety of tasks for people of all abilities. Please help us maintain and beautify our church building and grounds!
 
District Conference
Our Canal District Spring Conference is this Sunday, April 21 at 3:00pm at Johnson UMC in Norton.  These annual meetings include lively worship, learning about the great work done at various churches on our district, the introduction of candidates for ministry and voting on the district leadership, budget, and members at large to Annual Conference. Come experience our church’s connection! Meet Pastor Robin in the parking lot at 2:00pm on Sunday if you’d like to go.
 
Acorn Articles Due
The deadline to submit information for our monthly newsletter is the 15th of each month – that was Monday!  If you have items for the May Acorn, have no fear, Elizabeth is offering us grace … again! (Thanks, Elizabeth!) Please submit your items to her via e-mail at efeldman@woosterumc.org (or place printed items in the Acorn box in the church office) by Monday, April 22 at 10am. This is a firm deadline. Thanks for your attention to this matter.
 
Catch Study
The third session of our Catch study is this Monday, April 22 at 7:00pm. This invitational evangelism study is helping us connect with our community through service and showing God’s love. Even if you have not attended the first two sessions, you are especially invited and welcome. All voices are important in these discussions.
 
Upcoming “Be. Go. Do.” Series
In preparation for our participation in the “Change the World” event on Saturday, May 18, Pastor Robin’s sermon series titled “Be. Go. Do.” will begin next Sunday, April 28.  This series will challenge us in our identity as Christians to move from passivity to action. Starting next Sunday evening, she will also lead a 3-week adult Bible study on this topic at 6:30pm in the library. Everyone is welcome!
 
Save the Date!
On Saturday, May 18, Oak Chapel will join with other United Methodist churches around the globe in the fourth annual “Change the World” weekend. This day of service will challenge us to make a difference in our community and world. There will be three options for service that day for people of all ages and abilities. We will start and end the day with some reflection time and lunch will be served.
 
Next week’s calendar …
Sunday, 4/21 – Blood Pressure Screenings at 11:35am
                   Spring District Conference (Johnson UMC)at 3:00pm
                   No Evening Bible Studies or Youth Groups
Monday, 4/22 – Bible Study at 10:15am
                   Prayer Shawl Ministry at 5:30pm
                   Catch Study at 7:00pm
Wednesday, 4/24 – Choir Rehearsal at 7:30pm
Saturday, 4/27 – Weight Loss Support Group at 9:15am       
 
It is a privilege to be your pastor and to serve among such an amazing community. See you church!!
 
Grace and peace,
Pastor Robin

In A Nutshell | April 12, 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 this week as we experience our own personal encounters with the Risen One?
 
Don’t forget the All Sons’ Banquet and Super Hymn Sing this weekend, too. See below for more details.
 
All Sons’ Banquet
The Annual All Sons’ Banquet is tomorrow! Dinner, consisting of Swiss steak, potato, vegetable and pie, will be served at 5:30pm. The suggested donation for the dinner is $10. If you did not get your reservation in, there may still be a few openings for the dinner. Please check with Bill Braucher. It’s not too late to come to the program, though!  “Let’s Talk Baseball” will be presented by Jim Pfander, the General Manager and COO of the Akron Aeros (and son of our own Rev. Jim Pfander!). The program is free and will begin at 6:30pm. This is a great opportunity to invite your friends, neighbors and co-workers to our church.
 
Super Hymn Sing
Our annual Super Hymn Sing will be held this Sunday, April 14 from 4 – 5:30pm, followed by a light meal. Frances Boyer has planned the program to include both old and new favorites. There will be special music including Miriam Zech and Mark Ritchey. Invite your friends and neighbors. All are welcome. Come and make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
 
Sunday Evening Bible Study
The Sunday evening Bible study started a new series last week, The Miracles of Jesus. Healer of diseases. Master of nature. Conqueror of demons and death. Jesus not only preached the kingdom of God in word, but he demonstrated it in power through his miraculous deeds. This unique, in-depth look at the miracles of Jesus will open your eyes to their impact on the lives he touched, what they reveal about God’s heart, and their significance for us today. This study is at 6:30pm on Sundays and is led by Evelyn Silver.
 
Upcoming “Be. Go. Do.” Series
In preparation for our participation in the “Change the World” event on Saturday, May 18, Pastor Robin will do a four-week sermon series titled “Be. Go. Do.” This series will start on April 21 and will challenge us in our identity as Christians to move from passivity to action. Starting that evening, she will also lead a 4-week adult Bible study at 6:30pm. Those in the “Miracles of Jesus” series will participate and resume their study at the completion of this series.
 
District Conference
Our Canal District Spring Conference will be held on Sunday, April 21 at 3:00pm at Johnson UMC in Norton. These annual meetings include lively worship, learning about the great work done at various churches on our district, the introduction of candidates for ministry and voting on the district leadership, budget, and members at large to Annual Conference. Come experience our church’s connection!
 
Church Work Day
The Trustees have scheduled a work day for Saturday, April 20 at 9am. There will be a variety of tasks for people of all abilities. Please help us maintain and beautify our church building and grounds!
 
Save the Date!
On Saturday, May 18, Oak Chapel will join with other United Methodist churches around the globe in the fourth annual “Change the World” weekend. This day of service will challenge us to make a difference in our community and world. There will be three options for service that day for people of all ages and abilities. We will start and end the day with some reflection time and lunch will be served.
 
Next week’s calendar …
Sunday, 4/14 – Super Hymn Sing at 4:00pm
                   Youth Groups at 6:30pm
                   Sunday evening Bible Study at 6:30pm
Monday, 4/15 – Bible Study at 10:15am
                   Girl Scouts at 6:00pm
                   Trustees at 7:00pm
Wednesday, 4/17 – Choir rehearsal at 7:30pm
Saturday, 4/20 – Church Work Day at 9:00am
                   Weight Loss Support Group at 9:15am
                   Craft Circle at 10:00am
 
It is a privilege to be your pastor and to serve among such an amazing community. See you church!!
 
Grace and peace,
Pastor Robin

In A Nutshell | April 5, 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 UMW unit meeting following the service.  
 
Why not invite a friend to worship with you this Sunday? Hope to see you there! 
 
UMW Sunday
In honor of this day and because of the United Methodist Midwest Mission Distribution Center’s great need for layette kits, we are asking people to bring one or more of the following items to worship that day.
* 6 Cloth diapers—pre-folded or plain diapers only. NO disposable diapers. 
* 2 infant undershirts
* 2 Wash cloths—infant size only; no adult wash cloths
* 2 Gowns or Sleepers
* 2 Diaper pins—must have protective plastic closures, no regular safety pins
* 1 Sweater or jacket—must open from front, may be hand knitted, crocheted or sewn (hooded sweatshirts acceptable) 
* 2 Receiving blankets—30”x30” or 30”x 32” sizes only, no crib blankets
 
Sunday Evening Bible Study
The Sunday evening Bible study will begin a new series this week, The Miracles of Jesus. Healer of diseases. Master of nature. Conqueror of demons and death. Jesus not only preached the kingdom of God in word, but he demonstrated it in power through his miraculous deeds. This unique, in-depth look at the miracles of Jesus will open your eyes to their impact on the lives he touched, what they reveal about God’s heart, and their significance for us today. This study begins at 6:30pm and will be led by Evelyn Silver.
 
Upcoming “Be. Go. Do.” Series
In preparation for our participation in the “Change the World” event on Saturday, May 18, Pastor Robin will do a four-week sermon series titled “Be. Go. Do.” This series will start on April 21 and will challenge us in our identity as Christians to move from passivity to action. Starting that evening, she will also lead a 4-week adult Bible study at 6:30pm. Those in the “Miracles of Jesus” series will participate and resume their study at the completion of this series.
 
District Conference
Our Canal District Spring Conference will be held on Sunday, April 21 at 3:00pm at Johnson UMC in Norton. These annual meetings include lively worship, learning about the great work done at various churches on our district, the introduction of candidates for ministry and voting on the district leadership, budget, and members at large to Annual Conference. Come experience our church’s connection!
 
All Sons’ Banquet
The Annual All Sons’ Banquet will be Saturday, April 13. Dinner, consisting of Swiss steak, potato, vegetable and pie, will be served at 5:30pm. The suggested donation for the dinner is $10. Reservations for the dinner must be made by April 8. The program, titled “Let’s Talk Baseball” will be presented by Jim Pfander, the General Manager and COO of the Akron Aeros (and son of our own Rev. Jim Pfander!). The program is free and will begin at 6:30pm. This is a great opportunity to invite your friends, neighbors and co-workers to our church.
 
Super Hymn Sing
Our annual Super Hymn Sing will be held on Sunday, April 14 from 4 – 5:30pm, followed by a light meal. Frances Boyer has planned the program to include both old and new favorites. There will be special music including Miriam Zech, Mark Ritchey and Pastor Robin. Invite your friends and neighbors. All are welcome. Come and make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
 
Church Work Day
The Trustees have scheduled a work day for Saturday, April 20 at 9am. There will be a variety of tasks for people of all abilities. Please help us maintain and beautify our church building and grounds!
 
Save the Date!
On Saturday, May 18, Oak Chapel will join with other United Methodist churches around the globe in the fourth annual “Change the World” weekend. This day of service will challenge us to make a difference in our community and world. There will be three options for service that day for people of all ages and abilities. We will start and end the day with some reflection time and lunch will be served.
 
Next week’s calendar …
Sunday, 4/7 – UMW Sunday at 10:30am
                   UMW Unit Meeting at 11:45am
                   Youth groups at 6:30pm
                   Sunday evening Bible Study at 6:30pm
Monday, 4/8 – Bible Study at 10:15am
                   Girl Scouts at 6:00pm
Wednesday, 4/10 – Choir rehearsal at 7:30pm
Saturday, 4/13 –United Methodist Men – Green Leaf   at 7:30am
                   UMW District Meeting – Macedonia at 9:00am
                   Weight Loss Support Group at 9:15am
                   All Sons Dinner at 5:30pm
                   All Sons Program with Jim Pfander at 6:30pm
 
It is a privilege to be your pastor and to serve among such an amazing community. See you church!!
 
Grace and peace,
Pastor Robin

In A Nutshell | March 29, 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 God overcame death through the resurrection. Death did not – and does not! – have the final word. Last Sunday at the close of worship, I encouraged you to come to our Holy Week services. Tonight at 7:00 is the Good Friday cantata titled “For Such a One as This.” It is a very moving dramatic and musical presentation about Jesus’ last days and hours. Come, sit in the darkness of Jesus’ death, for then and only then, can we truly celebrate the light and the joy of the resurrection.
Our Resurrection celebration begins on Sunday morning at 7:30. The youth will lead this service. They have prepared a fun and meaningful skit that you won’t want to miss. Then stick around for breakfast provided by the Sing-Mar class at 8:15am. Jen Moser has some activities for the kids between breakfast and Sunday School at 9:30. Then join us for our traditional resurrection worship with communion at 10:30.
Why not invite a friend to worship with you this Sunday? Hope to see you there!
Canned Goods for People to People
We will celebrate Holy Communion during our Easter worship. Since we typically collect pantry items for People to People Ministries on Communion Sundays, please bring them this Sunday, March 31 instead of Sunday, April 7 (UMW Sunday).
UMW Sunday
The United Methodist Women will lead worship on Sunday, April 7, with guest speaker, Dr. Maggie Jackson. In honor of this day and because of the United Methodist Midwest Mission Distribution Center’s great need for layette kits, we are asking people to bring one or more of the following items to worship that day.
  • 6     Cloth diapers—pre-folded or plain diapers only. NO disposable diapers.
  • 2     Shirts—undershirts or onesies
  • 2     Wash cloths—infant size only; no adult wash cloths
  • 2     Gowns or Sleepers
  • 2     Diaper pins—must have protective plastic closures, no regular safety pins
  • 1     Sweater or jacket—must open from front, may be hand-knitted, crocheted or sewn (hooded sweatshirts acceptable)
  • 2     Receiving blankets—30”x30” or 30”x 32” sizes only, no crib blankets
All Sons’ Banquet
The Annual All Sons’ Banquet will be Saturday, April 13. Dinner, consisting of Swiss steak, potato, vegetable and pie, will be served at 5:30pm. The suggested donation for the dinner is $10. Reservations for the dinner must be made by April 8. The program, titled “Let’s Talk Baseball” will be presented by Jim Pfander, the General Manager and COO of the Akron Aeros (and son of our own Rev. Jim Pfander!). The program is free and will begin at 6:30pm. This is a great opportunity to invite your friends, neighbors and co-workers to our church.
Super Hymn Sing
Our annual Super Hymn Sing will be held on Sunday, April 14 from 4 – 5:30pm, followed by a light meal. We will sing both old and new favorites and there will be special music. If you have a favorite hymn you’d like to sing, please contact Frances Boyer at (330) 264-5133 or greatlifeliveit@sssnet.com. Invite your friends and neighbors. All are welcome.
Church Work Day
The Trustees have scheduled a work day for Saturday, April 20 at 9am. There will be a variety of tasks for people of all abilities. Please help us maintain and beautify our church building and grounds!
Save the Date!
On Saturday, May 18, Oak Chapel will join with other United Methodist churches around the globe in the fourth annual “Change the World” weekend. This day of service will challenge us to make a difference in our community and world. There will be three options for service that day for people of all ages and abilities. We will start and end the day with some reflection time and lunch will be served.
Next week’s calendar …
Sunday, 3/31 – Easter Sunrise Service at 7:30am
                   Easter Breakfast at 8:15am
                   Traditional Resurrection Worship at 10:30am
Monday, 4/1 – Retirees Breakfast – Milltown      at 8:00am
Wednesday, 4/3 –Morning Circle at 9:30am
                   Choir rehearsal at 7:30pm
Saturday, 4/6 – Weight Loss Support Group at 9:15am
It is a privilege to be your pastor and to serve among such an amazing community. See you church!!
Grace and peace,
Pastor Robin

In A Nutshell | March 22, 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, but the events in the middle of the week are a critical part of the story. I encourage you to join us for worship during this important week. It is only when we sit in the darkness of Jesus’ death that we can fully experience the joy of Jesus’ resurrection.
 
This weekend we will celebrate Palm Sunday. The sermon, titled “Details, Details,” is based on Luke 19: 28 – 40.
 
Why not invite a friend to worship with you this Sunday? Hope to see you there!  
 
Catch Study …
If you didn’t attend the first Catch study last month, you can still join us for the rest of the series as we consider changes in the ministry of Oak Chapel United Methodist Church and ask ourselves “How do we reach more people for Christ?” What will be needed to move from a church of people asking “What’s in it for me?” to one asking “How do we reach more people for Christ?” Catch us this Monday, March 25 at 7:00pm in Fellowship Hall. 
 
Easter Flowers …
Once again this year, we will decorate the altar with spring plants for Easter. If you wish to remember or honor a loved one with a lily, daffodil or tulip plant, the cost is $9.00. Order forms will be in this Sunday’s bulletin or can be picked up in the Narthex. This Sunday, March 24 is the firm deadline to place your order. Please see Elizabeth Feldman if you have any questions.
 
Holy Week Worship
Next Thursday, March 28 at 7pm we will have a traditional Maundy Thursday worship service. Join us that evening as we remember Jesus’ final meal with his disciples.
 
On Good Friday evening, March 29 at 7pm, Oak Chapel’s choir and others in the community will present For Such a One as This. This dramatic worship experience is a unique retelling of the greatest story ever told. You will not want to miss it. Invite your friends and neighbors to this meaningful and soul-stirring service.
 
Our Easter morning schedule will begin with a Sunrise service at 7:30am, followed by breakfast (coordinated by the Sing-Mar Class) in Fellowship Hall. This is a great time of fellowship between the Sunrise Service and Sunday School at 9:30. Our formal Resurrection Celebration will be at 10:30am.
 
Canned Goods for People to People
We will celebrate Holy Communion during our Easter worship. Since we typically collect pantry items for People to People Ministries on Communion Sundays, please bring them next Sunday, March 31 instead of Sunday, April 7 (UMW Sunday).
 
All Sons’ Banquet …
The Annual All Sons’ Banquet will be Saturday, April 13. Dinner, consisting of Swiss steak, potato, vegetable and pie, will be served at 5:30pm. The suggested donation for the dinner is $10. Reservations for the dinner must be made by April 8. The program, titled “Let’s Talk Baseball” will be presented by Jim Pfander, the General Manager and COO of the Akron Aeros (and son of our own Rev. Jim Pfander!). The program is free and will begin at 6:30pm. This is a great opportunity to invite your friends, neighbors and co-workers to our church.
 
Save the Date!
Our annual Super Hymn Sing will be held on Sunday, April 14 from 4 – 5:30pm, followed by a light meal. We will sing both old and new favorites and there will be special music. If you have a favorite hymn you’d like to sing, please contact Frances Boyer at (330) 264-5133 or greatlifeliveit@sssnet.com. Invite your friends and neighbors. All are welcome.
 
Next week’s calendar …
Monday, 3/25 – Bible Study – The Way at 10:15am
          Prayer Shawl Ministry at 5:30pm
          Girl Scouts at 6:00pm
          Catch! Study at 7:30pm
Tuesday, 3/26 –Membership Care Committee at 7:00pm
Wednesday, 3/27 – Choir rehearsal at 7:00pm
Thursday, 3/28 –Maundy Thursday Worship at 7:00pm
Friday, 3/29 – Good Friday Cantata at 7:00pm
Saturday, 3/30 – Weight Loss Support Group at 9:15am
 
It is a privilege to be your pastor and to serve among such an amazing community. See you church!!
 
Grace and peace,
Pastor Robin

In A Nutshell | March 15, 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 Jesus as written in John 12: 1 – 8. God works in mysterious ways as my message on this prescribed lectionary text was already in the works! The sermon is titled “No Cost-Benefit Analysis Here.”
 
Why not invite a friend to worship with you this Sunday? Hope to see you there!  
 
Fellowship Luncheon …
Don’t forget our next Fellowship Luncheon is this Sunday, March 17, immediately following worship. Bring your table service and a dish to share. This is a great opportunity to have conversation and get to know your church family better!
 
Blood Pressure Screenings …
The nurses on our Membership Care committee are now offering blood pressure checks after worship on the third Sunday of each month. These will be held in the classroom next to the nursery, across from the church office. Please take advantage of this opportunity this Sunday, March 17.
 
All Sons’ Banquet …
The Annual All Sons’ Banquet will be Saturday, April 13. Dinner, consisting of Swiss steak, potato, vegetable and pie, will be served at 5:30pm. The suggested donation for the dinner is $10. Reservations for the dinner must be made by April 8. The program, titled “Let’s Talk Baseball” will be presented by Jim Pfander, the General Manager and COO of the Akron Aeros (and son of our own Rev. Jim Pfander!). The program is free and will begin at 6:30pm. This is a great opportunity to invite your friends, neighbors and co-workers to our church.
 
Acorn Deadline …
The deadline to submit information for our monthly newsletter is the 15th of each month – that’s today!  If you have items for the April Acorn, have no fear, Elizabeth is offering us grace. Please submit your items to her by via e-mail at efeldman@woosterumc.org (or place printed items in the Acorn box in the church office) by Monday, March 18. Thanks for your attention to this matter.
 
Attention Treasurers and Leaders of church groups …
The Audit Committee has begun its work reviewing the financial records of each church group. Please submit your ledgers, bank statements & other supporting documentation to Gene Taylor as soon as possible.  Should you have any questions, please contact Gene.
 
Easter Flowers …
Once again this year, we will decorate the altar with spring plants for Easter. If you wish to remember or honor a loved one with a lily, daffodil or tulip plant, the cost is $9.00. Order forms will be in this Sunday’s bulletin or can be picked up in the Narthex. Sunday, March 24 is the firm deadline to place your order. Please see Elizabeth Feldman if you have any questions.
 
Looking Ahead to Holy Week …
On Thursday, March 28 at 7pm we will have a traditional Maundy Thursday worship service. The word maundy comes from the Latin word mandatum, meaning commandment, taken from some of Jesus’ final words to his disciples as he washed their feet at the Last Supper, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another” (John 13: 34 NRSV).  Join us that evening as we remember Jesus’ final meal with his disciples.
 
The following evening, Friday, March 29 at 7pm, Oak Chapel’s choir and others in the community will present For Such a One as This. This dramatic worship experience is a unique retelling of the greatest story ever told. You will not want to miss it. Invite your friends and neighbors to this meaningful and soul-stirring service.
 
Our Easter morning schedule will begin with a Sunrise service at 7:30am, followed by breakfast (coordinated by the Sing-Mar Class) in Fellowship Hall. This is a great time of fellowship between the Sunrise Service and Sunday School at 9:30. Our formal Resurrection Celebration will be at 10:30am.
 
Save the Date!
Our annual Super Hymn Sing will be held on Sunday, April 14 from 4 – 5:30pm, followed by a light meal. We will sing both old and new favorites and there will be special music. If you have a favorite hymn you’d like to sing, please contact Frances Boyer at (330) 264-5133 or greatlifeliveit@sssnet.com. Invite your friends and neighbors. All are welcome.
 
Next week’s calendar …
Sunday, 3/17 – Blood Pressure Checks at 11:35am
                             Fellowship Luncheon at 11:35am
                             Evening Lenten Service – Moreland at 7:00pm
Monday, 3/18 – Bible Study – The Way at 10:15am
                             Girl Scouts at 6:00pm
                             Trustees at 7:00pm
Tuesday, 3/19 – Compass Group Meeting – Dalton at 6:30pm
Wednesday, 3/20 – Choir rehearsal at 7:30pm
Thursday, 3/21 – UMW Call to Prayer & Self Denial at 6:00pm
Saturday, 3/23 – Weight Loss Support Group at 9:15am
 
It is a privilege to be your pastor and to serve among such an amazing community. See you church!!
 
Grace and peace,
Pastor Robin

In A Nutshell | March 8, 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, 11b – 32). We will look at the context in which Jesus shares this story with his listeners and examine ourselves in our relationships with God and others. In my message titled “The Ending is Up to Us,” I hope to offer a new perspective on this well-known parable.
Why not invite a friend to worship with you this Sunday? Hope to see you there!
Blankets for Mountain Vision …
Cheryl Rastetter and Cathy Shallenberger are organizing a group to make blankets to be given to the children of Valley Head, West Virginia at our Mountain Vision Christmas Party in December. The fleece has been purchased and now needs to be cut. Please join us in Fellowship Hall tomorrow (Saturday, March 9) at 9am for a cutting party.
One Great Hour of Sharing …
On Sunday there will be a special offering for One Great Hour of Sharing. These gifts cover the operating costs of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), making it possible for UMCOR to use 100% of all other designated gifts toward the projects their donors specify. UMCOR is dedicated alleviating human suffering around the globe. They provide humanitarian relief when war, conflict or natural disaster disrupt life to such an extent that communities are unable to recover on their own.
Attention Treasurers and Leaders of church groups …
The Audit Committee has begun its work reviewing the financial records of each church group. Please submit your ledgers, bank statements & other supporting documentation to Gene Taylor as soon as possible. Should you have any questions, please contact Gene.
Church Directories have arrived …
Our church directories/bicentennial yearbooks have arrived. The directories are marked with each family’s name and will be available for pick-up in the Narthex on Sunday morning.
Easter Flowers…
Once again this year, we will decorate the altar with spring plants for Easter. If you wish to remember or honor a loved one with a lily, daffodil or tulip plant, the cost is $9.00. Order forms will be in this Sunday’s bulletin or can be picked up in the Narthex. Sunday, March 24 is the firm deadline to place your order. Please see Elizabeth Feldman if you have any questions.
Looking Ahead to Holy Week …
On Thursday, March 28 at 7pm we will have a traditional Maundy Thursday worship service. The word maundy comes from the Latin wordmandatum, meaning commandment, taken from some of Jesus’ final words to his disciples as he washed their feet at the Last Supper, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another” (John 13: 34 NRSV). Join us that evening as we remember Jesus’ final meal with his disciples.
The following evening, Friday, March 29 at 7pm, Oak Chapel’s choir and others in the community will present For Such a One as This. This dramatic worship experience is a unique retelling of the greatest story ever told. You will not want to miss it. Invite your friends and neighbors to this meaningful and soul-stirring service.
Save the Date!
Our annual Super Hymn Sing will be held on Sunday, April 14 from 4 – 5:30pm, followed by a light meal. We will sing both old and new favorites and there will be special music. If you have a favorite hymn you’d like to sing, please contact Frances Boyer at (330) 264-5133 or greatlifeliveit@sssnet.com. Invite your friends and neighbors. All are welcome.
Next week’s calendar …
Sunday, 3/10 – Evening Lenten Service – New Pittsburg at 7pm
Monday, 3/11 – Bible Study – The Way at 10:15am
Girl Scouts at 6:00pm
Finance Committee with SPRC and DS at 7:00pm (in Fellowship Hall)
Tuesday, 3/12 –Outreach Committee at 10:30am
Membership Care Committee at 7:00pm
Wednesday, 3/13 – Choir rehearsal at 7:30pm
Thursday, 3/14 – Christian Education Committee at 7:00pm
Saturday, 3/16 – Weight Loss Support Group at 9:15am
Itis a privilege to be your pastor and to serve among such an amazing community. See you church!!
Grace and peace,
Pastor Robin

In A Nutshell | March 1, 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 spirit of the conversations, and am excited about the potential for growth for each of us individually and collectively as a community of faith. We will meet for the second session on Monday, March 25. Consider joining the conversation as we prayerfully discern God’s will for Oak Chapel by thoughtfully answering these questions:
o  Why do people need Jesus?
o  Why do people need the Church?
o  Why do people need Oak Chapel United Methodist Church?
This Sunday we will celebrate God’s abundance through Holy Communion. The sermon, titled “An Open Invitation,” is based on Isaiah 55: 1 – 9. As you prepare for worship, please remember our monthly collection of pantry items for People to People ministries.
Why not invite a friend to worship with you this Sunday? Hope to see you there!
Church Locks Changed …
For a few months, the Trustees have been discussing rekeying the locks on the exterior doors of the church so that all of the doors could be opened with the same key. At the last meeting, they decided to move forward with this project and the work was completed this week. All four exterior doors now have the same key. These new keys are numbered and cannot be duplicated. Should you have any questions or need a numbered key assigned to you, please contact Ewing Giffin or Pastor Robin.
World Day of Prayer Service …
The Church Women United of Wayne County will host their annual World Day of Prayer Service today, Friday, March 1 at Zion Lutheran Church (301 N. Market St.) at 2:00pm. (Please note the time. It was advertised incorrectly in the bulletin. The correct time is 2:00pm). The speaker, Charlotte Marky, will share her story of a “Journey to Freedom.” All are welcome.
VBS Preview …
Vacation Bible School is scheduled for June 24 – 28 and we are getting excited! This year’s theme is “God’s Backyard Bible Camp” and we need your help. Jen Moser, VBS Director, will host a preview of the VBS materials this Sunday, March 3, immediately following worship. A light lunch will be served. Please come and learn how you might get involved in this year’s program.
Blankets for Mountain Vision …
Cheryl Rastetter and Cathy Shallenberger are organizing a group to make blankets to be given to the children of Valley Head, West Virginia at our Mountain Vision Christmas Party in December.  The fleece has been purchased and now needs to be cut. Please join us in Fellowship Hall at 9am on Saturday, March 9 for a cutting party.
Looking Ahead to Holy Week …
On Thursday, March 28 at 7pm we will have a traditional Maundy Thursday worship service. The word maundy comes from the Latin wordmandatum, meaning commandment, taken from some of Jesus’ final words to his disciples as he washed their feet at the Last Supper, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another” (John 13: 34 NRSV).  Join us that evening as we remember Jesus’ final meal with his disciples.
The following evening, Friday, March 29 at 7pm, Oak Chapel’s choir and others in the community will present For Such a One as This. This dramatic worship experience is a unique retelling of the greatest story ever told. You will not want to miss it. Invite your friends and neighbors to this meaningful and soul-stirring service.
Save the Date!
Our annual Super Hymn Sing will be held on Sunday, April 14 from 4 – 5:30pm, followed by a light meal. We will sing both old and new favorites and there will be special music. If you have a favorite hymn you’d like to sing, please contact Frances Boyer at (330) 264-5133 or greatlifeliveit@sssnet.com. Invite your friends and neighbors. All are welcome.
Next week’s calendar …
Sunday, 3/3 – VBS Preview at 11:45am
                   Youth Group at 6:30pm
                   Evening Lenten Service –Bethel at 7:00pm
Monday, 3/4 – Retirees Breakfast – Milltown at 8:00am
                   Bible Study – The Way at 10:15am
                   Girl Scouts at 6:00pm
                   Candy Making at 6:15pm
Tuesday, 3/5 –Memorials Committee Meeting at 7:00pm
Wednesday, 3/6 –Morning Circle at Betty Franks’ at 9:30am
                   Choir rehearsal at 7:30pm
Thursday, 3/7 – NO Worship Committee          as previously advertised
Saturday, 3/9 – United Methodist Men – Green Leaf at 7:30am
                   Make Blankets for Mountain Vision at 9:00am
                   Weight Loss Support Group at 9:15am
                   UMW Executive Committee at 10:30am
Itis a privilege to be your pastor and to serve among such an amazing community. See you church!!
Grace and peace,
Pastor Robin
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