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 scripture before worship on Sunday.

Our new Oak Chapel T-shirts have arrived and will be on sale in the Narthex on Sunday! They are the perfect attire for outreach activities and other events like fair parking.  They are green with the church name and United Methodist logo on the front and say “Serving God and Community” on the back. Sizes Medium through 2XL are available. Each shirt is just $10.00. Get ‘em while they’re hot!

All females ages 0 to 105 and older are invited to our celebration of All Daughters. If you have a favorite apron, we would like you to bring it and tell your story … Once Upon an Apron. We will gather for fellowship and a yummy catered meal at 6pm in Fellowship Hall. Invite your friends and neighbors. Please reserve your spot by calling the church office (330-264-2537) by Monday, May 6, or indicate your reservation on the attendance pads at church on Sunday. A free-will offering will be taken to help defray the cost of the meal.

Our Compass Group is planning a mission trip to Ocean, NJ to help with the relief efforts after Superstorm Sandy. The dates are Sunday, July 28 through Saturday, August 3. The cost is roughly $300 per person. Pastor Robin is going and would like others from Oak Chapel to join her. This is a great opportunity for us to“be” the church in the world. Please prayerfully consider participating.

God calls us to reach out to our neighbors.  You will have the opportunity to do so as you join fellow United Methodists across the country on May 18^th who seek to Change the World, one small act at a time.  Oak Chapel will offer three opportunities for you to participate:

·        Helping Those in Need

This group will go out into our neighborhoods to help those who have no family locally or church family with yard work and/or minor home repairs.

·        Creative Crafters

This group will gather in fellowship hall to knit or crochet squares to be sewn together for mission blankets or to create cards to share with those we serve.

·        Caring for Cats and Dogs

This group will volunteer at the Humane Society working with our youth, weather permitting.  Due to the size of the facility, this group will be limited in size if weather does not permit outside work.

We will gather at 8:30am that day for a time of reflection, then be sent out to our respective work locations. We will gather back at the church at Noon for another time of reflection and lunch.

How many hands does it take to change the world? Yours!

Sunday, 5/5 – Youth Groups at 6:30pm

                   Change the World Study at 6:30pm

Monday, 5/6 – Retirees Breakfast – Milltown at 8:00am

                   Bible Study at 10:15am

                   Staff-Parish Relations Committee at 7:00pm

Tuesday, 5/7 – Election Day

                   Girl Scouts at 6:00pm

Wednesday, 5/8 – Choir Rehearsal at 7:30pm

Saturday, 5/11 – United Methodist Men – Green Leaf at 7:30am

                   Weight Loss Support Group at 9:15am

                   All Daughters Banquet at 6:00pm

Itis a privilege to be your pastor and to serve among such an amazing community. See you church!!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Robin

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. Then join us for Bible Study on Sunday evening at 6:30 to discuss this text, the sermon and the ways in which we are called to live out our faith.

Elizabeth just sent the May Acorn a short time ago. Please read it carefully so you don’t miss any of our upcoming activities. I look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday.

Sunday, 4/28 –Youth Groups at 6:30pm

                             Change the World Study at 6:30pm

Monday, 4/29 – Bible Study at 10:15am

                             Trustees Building Use Committee at 7:00pm

Wednesday, 5/1 – Morning Circle at Betty Taylor’s.

                             See Evelyn Silver or Joanne Jolliff regarding carpooling.

                             No Choir Rehearsal

Thursday, 5/2 – Worship Committee Meeting at 7:00pm

Friday, 5/3 – Church Women United at 6:00pm

Saturday, 5/4 – 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

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.

 

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!

 

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.

 

The deadline to submit information for our monthly newsletter is the 15^th 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.

 

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.

 

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!

 

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.

 

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

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.

 

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.

 

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!

 

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.

 

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.

 

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!

 

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!

 

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.

 

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

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! 

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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!

 

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.

 

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!

 

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!

 

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.

 

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

• 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