NEWS AND INFORMATION
WEEK OF NOVEMBER 23
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 SHOEBOX COLLECTION INFORMATION - If you didn’t get a chance to pack a shoebox, you can still BUILD A BOX ONLINE through Wednesday, November 26. You can choose the items you want to put in your box or have Samaritan’s Purse do it for you. Click HERE to build a shoebox online.
OC CHRISTMAS
- DO YOU NEED ASSISTANCE WITH CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR YOUR CHILDREN THIS YEAR? - OC Local2Global would like to assist families who attend Otterbein Church and who are struggling financially to purchase Christmas gifts for their children (birth-grade 12). If you need assistance or know a family who needs assistance, please complete the Gift Assistance application HERE, on the OC App, or stop by Connection Point. Contact Adam Sewell (adam.sewell@otterbeinchurch.org) if you have questions. Applications must be returned by Sunday, November 30.
- CHRISTMAS BLESSING BOX - Would you like to help a family who attends our church and is struggling financially to provide Christmas gifts for their children? We are collecting $20 Walmart gift cards in our Christmas Blessing Box located at Connection Point on Sunday mornings. These will be distributed to the eligible families that completed Christmas Gift Assistance applications. Please drop off the gift cards at Connection Point through Sunday, December 14.
- WINTER WARMTH COLLECTION - We’re collecting NEW socks, hats, and gloves for our local homeless shelters. If you’re able, consider picking up a few items to help someone in need this season. A collection box is available at Connection Point through December 14.
- THE GIFT OF SERVICE - As we head into the Christmas season, we’re adding more service times to welcome newcomers and guests. That also means more chances for you to jump in and offer the gift of service. If you love Jesus and enjoy caring for kids, we need help in Nursery & Preschool Child Care. We’re also looking for warm, friendly Greeters. Learn more HERE, on the OC App, or stop by Connection Point.
- CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS - We will have a poinsettia tree in our church lobby again this year for the Christmas season. Click HERE if you would like to purchase a poinsettia to be included on the tree in memory or in honor of someone. You can also complete the form on the OC App or stop by Connection Point in the lobby. Each red poinsettia costs $10. Orders need to be completed by Sunday, December 7.
- OC CHRISTMAS — SAVE THE DATES
Christmas Worship Celebration— December 13 | 4:30 & 6:30 p.m. and December 14 | 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 a.m.
Christmas Eve services— 12:30, 2:00, 3:30 & 5:00 p.m.
Check out the OC Christmas page HERE and on the OC App for more details!
NOTEWORTHY NEWS
- TIMELESS TREASURES CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON | DECEMBER 8 - Timeless Treasures, our senior adult group, is heading to Hickory Bridge Farm Restaurant for a Christmas luncheon on Monday, December 8 at noon. Enjoy a family-style meal featuring baked ham, oven-fried chicken, and a variety of sides. Matt and Carol from Sweet Life will share Christmas music to make the afternoon even more special. The cost is $30 per person. Sign up with payment TODAY-- Sunday, November 30 at Connection Point. If you prefer to register HERE or through the OC App, please note that a credit card is required. We hope you’ll join us for a warm and festive afternoon together.
- COLLEGE AGE (18-25) RETREAT | JANUARY 1-4 - The Otterbein Church Young Adults will be traveling to Kill Devil Hills, NC, for a weekend retreat on Thursday, January 1-Sunday January 4. We'll enjoy some teaching by Pastor Dwight on Christian living, plus we’ll enjoy food, games, and fellowship. Register by December 8. Learn more HERE or on the OC App.
- OTTERBEIN COMMUNITY PARK UPDATE - Please note: The park restrooms are CLOSED for the winter season. During this time, restroom key cards will be temporarily deactivated. Hold onto your key cards—they will be reactivated when the restrooms reopen in the spring.
OC EVENTS
- COLLEGE AGE (18-25) | NOVEMBER 30 - If you are a young adult (18-25) and want to connect with others your age and grow spiritually, join us on Sunday evenings. We connect each week over food, fellowship, and Bible study. On Sunday, November 30, join us at the church lobby from 5:00-8:00 p.m. We'll be decorating for Christmas! Questions? Email dwight.karkan@otterbeinchurch.org.
- INDOOR SOCCER | DECEMBER 2 - Indoor Soccer continues weekly on Tuesdays 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!
- FIRST TUESDAY PRAYER GATHERING | DECEMBER 2 - We will have our First Tuesday Prayer Gathering at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 2. 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.
- 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!
- 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.
THE BIBLE JOURNEY
- The Bible Journey is our new churchwide Bible reading plan—one chapter a day, with helpful podcasts, resources, and a place to ask questions along the way. It’s a great way to grow closer to God by spending time in His Word. You’ll find the daily reading plan on the OC App, our website, 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. You can also download a weekly copy of the plan HERE. We have added an audio link on the OC App to LISTEN to each daily reading.
Bible Journey journals with your first resource are available for $5 at Connection Point. In addition, stop by to pick up your free copy of “The Character of God." More new resources! Pastor Mark has compiled some great questions and the answers from Matthew and Mark. Remember to check the Resource page HERE or on the OC App, often. We will continue to add resources as they are developed. Join us on the journey!
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. Most of the groups are now on break for the holidays. Watch for new signups in January!
- 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 on the icon that looks like a stack of paper under the “My Giving” icon. Be sure to select GENERAL notifications and any other categories from which you want to receive messages.
- 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 - We’ve got exciting news! 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.
- The Otterbein Church Park Community Center Gym on Welty Road is open Monday-Friday mornings from 7:45-9:45 a.m. for anyone interested in walking for exercise. If you have any questions, please contact the church office by phone at 717-762-7147 or by email.