NEWS AND INFORMATION
WEEK OF NOVEMBER 1
DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THIS WEEK’S BULLETIN.
TO DO TODAY
- LET US KNOW YOU'RE HERE - Please take a moment and let us know you’re worshiping with us— whether in-person or online. CHECK-IN for Sunday services HERE or the easiest way to check-in is on the OC App directly from the Sunday tab. Select who is here and which service you’re attending. Please Note: Services are available for check-in on the App two hours prior and 30 minutes after the service time. It’s quick & easy!! If you choose not to use the OC App and you're with us in-person, just complete the Welcome Card in the seat back pocket. Then drop the card into one of the baskets outside the Worship Center doors. If you experience any issues with check-in from the App, please stop by Connection Point for further assistance.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
- OCC SHOEBOX INFORMATION - We are once again partnering with Samaritan’s Purse in their Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Collection. Information, labels, and shoeboxes are available in the lobby today. ALL boxes must be returned to the church by Sunday, Nov. 22. You can also PACK A BOX ONLINE for $30 ($36 if you add the Bible Study material to the box). You can choose the items you want to put in your box or have Samaritan’s Purse do it for you. A link to pack boxes online and for more information and resources for packing a shoebox can be found HERE.
NEW THIS WEEK
- A NEW ERA FOR YOUNG ADULTS MINISTRY!
Growing in faith. Building community. Finding your people. We're excited to announce a new chapter in our Young Adults Ministry! Beginning Sunday, November 1, we're launching two groups to help young adults connect, grow spiritually, and build meaningful relationships.
Young Adults (ages 18–25) will have Bible Study in the OC Youth Building at 5:00 p.m.
Young Adults Married will have Bible Study in The House at 5:00 p.m.
Both groups will gather for Bible study, fellowship, and opportunities to grow together in faith and community. Whether you're single or married, new to Otterbein or already part of the family, there's a place for you! We're looking forward to seeing how God works through this next chapter. Questions? Email dwight.karkan@otterbeinchurch.org.
- FIRST TUESDAY PRAYER - We will have our First Tuesday Prayer Gathering on Tuesday, November 3 at 7:00 p.m. We will be meeting in Room 402. Park on the south side of the building and use the Groups Entrance. Everyone is invited to join in this time of prayer for our church, community, and world.
- OTTERBEIN COMMUNITY PARK UPDATE - Please note: The park restrooms have been closed for the winter season. During this time, restroom key cards will be temporarily deactivated. Please hold onto your key cards—they will be reactivated when the restrooms reopen in the spring.
- COMMUNITY CENTER OPEN FOR WALKERS - Looking for a climate-controlled environment to walk and get some exercise? Our Community Center Gym on Welty Road is open Monday—Friday from 7:45-9:45 a.m. for anyone in our church or community who wishes to stop by.
- INDOOR SOCCER COMING SOON! Indoor Soccer begins on Tuesday, November 10. The group will meet weekly from 5:30—7:30 p.m. in the Otterbein Community Center Gym. Anyone in 9th grade or older is welcome to attend. All skill levels are welcome. Come join us for a great time of exercise and fellowship!
- ULTIMATE FRISBEE - INSIDE! Ready to get active, have fun, and connect with others? Ultimate Frisbee is back starting Monday, November 16! Join us each week from 5:30–8:30 p.m. in the Otterbein Community Center Gym for a relaxed, pickup-style game. Teams will be formed each week, with players rotating throughout the evening. High school age and up are invited to join in, so bring your energy and get ready to play! Sign up HERE, on the OC App, or stop by Connection Point.
- TIMELESS TREASURES | SAVE THE DATE - Timeless Treasures, our senior adult group, will have a Christmas luncheon at Hickory Bridge Farm Restaurant on Monday, December 14 at noon. The family-style meal costs $30 per person. Sign up on November 29 & December 6. More details coming soon!
NOTEWORTHY NEWS
- WELCOME TO OTTERBEIN CLASS | NOVEMBER 8 - Are you new to Otterbein? Join Pastor Mike for our Welcome to Otterbein Class and learn more about who we are at Otterbein Church and how you can take your next step. The class will be offered on Sunday, November 8, at 9:30 a.m. in the OC 45 Building. The OC 45 Building is the tan building located next to the OC Youth Building, the white, tent-shaped building. Register HERE, on the OC App, or stop by Connection Point in the church lobby.
- JOIN OUR CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION CHOIR - We will be having our Christmas Celebration Weekend on December 12 & 13 that will include a special worship choir directed by Dave Besecker. This year, the choir will be singing in parts and will have its own piece to share during the celebration! We invite anyone (Middle School-Adult) to participate, regardless of previous choir experience or ability to read music. There will be rehearsals on Wednesday nights, November 18–December 9, with a full rehearsal on December 10. If you would like to join the choir or desire more information, sign up HERE, on the OC App, or stop by Connection Point.
- CPR TRAINING—CHOOSE YOUR TRAINING DATE! Doug Walker, from Life-Saving Solutions, Inc. will be facilitating CPR Training at Otterbein Church this fall. This basic CPR class is intended for anyone who is interested in learning life-saving skills, regardless of experience level. This familiarizes students with concepts and proper application of CPR principles. Each session will last around two hours and is limited to 15-20 persons. Upon the completion of the training, participants will receive a certification from The American Safety and Health Institute.
- Saturday, December 5, 8:00 a.m. in the K5 Room
- To learn more and select your training date, check out the form HERE, on the OC App, or stop by Connection Point.
- GRIEFSHARE: SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS | NOV. 17 - The holiday season is fast approaching. With the holiday focus on family, traditions, social events and “cheer,” emotions can blindside you. Knowing what to expect and being prepared can be an immense help. Surviving the Holidays is a one-night event designed to help you navigate this emotional time. The group will meet on Tuesday, November 17, 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the OC 45 Building. We will begin with some light refreshments as we introduce ourselves to one another. Then we will watch a video, participate in a brief discussion, and encourage one another. Sign up by November 15: HERE, on the OC App, or stop by Connection Point. Feel free to invite others.
GET CONNECTED
- SMALL GROUPS FOR ADULTS - Are you looking for a place to connect with other adults and study the Bible? We have many new small groups for men, women and couples. Click HERE to learn more and register for groups.
Small Groups for Women:
Sunday (2x/month) 11:00 a.m. | Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver
Monday 9:30 a.m. | Experiencing God in Everyday Life by Richard, Mike and Daniel Blackaby
Tuesday 9:30 a.m. | Women of the Word - Without Wavering by Alexandra Hoover
Tuesday 6:30 p.m. | Widow Warriors - God Won't Leave You There by Anne Graham Lotz & Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright
Wednesday (2x/month) 7:00 p.m. | Adorned by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth
Wednesday (2x/month) 7:00 p.m. | God Won't Leave You There by Anne Graham Lotz
Small Groups for Men:
Monday 7:00 p.m. | The Resolution for Men
Tuesday 7:00 p.m. | Who Are My People?
Wednesday 7:00 p.m. | Base Camp - The Titus Ten | Foundations for Godly Manhood
Sermon-Based Small Groups (ongoing):
Every Sunday 11:00 a.m. in the Meeting Room next to the Café
- GRIEFSHARE HAS BEGUN - GriefShare is a Christ-centered small group that helps people apply biblical principles as they deal with the emotions and life stresses following the death of a loved one. The group includes video teaching followed by discussion. The new 13-week session began on September 16 and continues weekly on Wednesdays from 6:30-8:15 p.m. Learn more HERE, on the OC App, or stop by Connection Point.
OC EVENTS
- YOUNG ADULTS | TODAY—NOVEMBER 1 - Are you looking to connect with others your age while growing in your faith? Each week, we gather for food, fellowship, fun, and Bible study. On Sunday, November 1, join us at Pastor Dwight's house at 5:00 p.m. for a fun evening of fall crafts! Get creative, enjoy some laughs, and spend time connecting with friends. Whether it's your first time or you've been coming for a while, there's a place for you! Questions? Email dwight.karkan@otterbeinchurch.org.
- GRIEFSHARE: SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS | NOV. 17 - The holiday season is fast approaching. With the holiday focus on family, traditions, social events and “cheer,” emotions can blindside you. Knowing what to expect and being prepared can be an immense help. Surviving the Holidays is a one-night event designed to help you navigate this emotional time. The group will meet on Tuesday, November 17, 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the OC 45 Building. Sign up by November 15: HERE, on the OC App, or stop at Connection Point. Feel free to invite others.
- OC EVENTS - In addition to our Sunday morning services, we offer groups and special events to allow you to get to know one another with similar interests. Be sure to check out the OC Events page to see what's happening at Otterbein.
- HOMETOWN HAPPENINGS - We are excited to introduce a new initiative to help local non-profit organizations share their upcoming events, camps, and retreats with the community! We believe in the power of connection and want to provide a platform where organizations can reach more people and make a greater impact. The link to the community bulletin board is located on the OC Events page on both the OC website and the OC App. Check it out HERE— and join us in building a stronger, more connected community!
THE BIBLE JOURNEY
- The Bible Journey is our churchwide Bible reading plan—one chapter a day, with helpful podcasts and questions to ponder what you've read. We have started Season Two of The Bible Journey - this year we are looking at a chronological viewpoint of the Old Testament. Pastor Mark has selected 250 chapters that capture the meta-narrative of the Old Testament. If you're still making your way through the New Testament readings, don't worry. All of The Bible Journey chapters and companion podcasts will remain available so you can continue at your own pace.
If you are new to the Journey, you can find the daily reading plan HERE, on the OC App, and at facebook.com/groups/ocdevotionals (click “join” to have it show up in your feed). If you have notifications turned on in the OC App for “Bible Journey,” you’ll get a reminder each morning at 7:00 a.m. with a direct link to that day’s reading. We invite you to get your own Bible Journey Journal for $5 at Connection Point. Now is a great time to start reading the Bible!
OTHER NEWS & INFORMATION
- OTTERBEIN SMALL GROUPS - Otterbein has many different small group environments where people connect with others and learn biblical principles for life. Groups include Men's Base Camp, Men's Groups, Women's Groups, Sunday Message Discussion Groups, and Adult Bible Classes. Groups meet on various days and at different times, some meeting weekly and others meeting less frequently. Click HERE to learn more.
- ALL THINGS OTTERBEIN AT YOUR FINGERTIPS - We encourage you to download the OC APP where you can complete the Welcome Card, give online, read the announcements, share a prayer request, find message notes, register, and sign up for events, watch last week’s service, and much more! Click HERE, text "APP" to 833-921-6237, or search "Otterbein Church Waynesboro" in any of the app stores.
- OC YOUTH & PARENTS - Your go-to spot for everything OC Youth is on the OC App! Just head to the “Sunday” section and tap on the OC Youth page. You’ll find upcoming events, registration forms, social media links, and much more—all in one place. Check it out and stay connected!
- RAMSEY+ FINANCIAL RESOURCES - Otterbein has partnered with Dave Ramsey to offer a great tool for helping you take control of your money and get rid of your debt for good. With Ramsey+, you get a step-by-step plan and the tools to help you pay off debt faster, so you can finally spend and save how you want—worry-free. Ramsey+ includes the Financial Peace University course (on demand) along with many other great resources. Sign up HERE for this free resource. Contact Rick Duesler at rick.duesler@otterbeinchurch.org if you have questions or need assistance signing up.
- CHECK OUT RIGHTNOW MEDIA - Otterbein has partnered with RightNow Media to provide you free access to a huge, streaming, online, access-on-any-device library of over 10,000 video Bible studies, leadership videos, kids shows, and more. To sum it up — it’s like the Netflix of Bible study videos and Christian entertainment. You will have FREE access to thousands of video resources to help you with parenting, marriage, finances, spiritual growth, leadership development, and more. It includes content for all ages and stages of life, and all of your family members are invited to set up their own accounts. Click HERE to start watching right away.
- PACKS OF OFFERING ENVELOPES AVAILABLE - Packs of offering envelopes are available at Connection Point in the Church lobby for anyone desiring to use them to give their offering or you can contact the church office at info@otterbeinchurch.org or 717.762.7147 for more information or to request envelopes.
- Have you joined the "OTTERBEIN ONLINE" Facebook group? Facebook has made some changes to its algorithms over the past several months and there is a good chance you are not seeing information from Otterbein Church on your newsfeed. The best way to make sure you see Otterbein News when it is posted on Facebook is to be part of the OTTERBEIN ONLINE group. If you are, anything posted will appear near the top of your newsfeed. Here is a link to the group. If you need help finding the group or aren't sure how to join, contact us at info@otterbeinchurch.org and we will assist you.
- TEXT ALERTS AND OC APP NOTIFICATIONS - The best way to get notifications regarding service and event cancellations/changes is to sign up for TEXT ALERTS and/or have notifications turned on in the OC APP. You can sign up for TEXT ALERTS by texting 94000 (enter where you would type a phone number or the person’s name) and putting the keyword OCINFO In the OC APP, go to the profile section and click the "Settings" icon. Under Church Settings you can select your notification categories. Be sure to select GENERAL notifications along with any other categories that you want to receive messages from.