headline logo 
  September 2017
top
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(scroll to see it all)
(click on to JUMP TO)
 
SPECIAL ITEMS
   Ice Cream Social

Deacons  
Church Office Hours
8:30-4:30
Mon - Fri
__________
Deadline for the 
October  2017
newsletter is 
September 20
 ___________

to set up an account
Already have an account?
_____________________

 


 

LISTENING TO THE HEARTBEAT OF GOD
_________________________________________________________
 
apnc
ASSOCIATE PASTOR NOMINATING COMMITTEE
 
The APNC committee will keep you up to date through this new column.  Members of the APNC are: Prue Dana, Debbie DeGennaro, Bill Fisher, Steve Flee, Nancy Parkinson, Leanne Staley, Janet Ziegler, Pastor Lawrence
______________________________________

With the Miami Valley Presbytery Committee on Ministry's approval of a position description for a full-time Associate Pastor and of the formation of a search committee for an Associate Pastor for OPC, our congregation, on Sunday, August 13th, approved the Associate Pastor position and elected an Associate Pastor Nominating Committee (APNC). The committee's duty is to nominate an associate pastor for election by our congregation.
APNC members (Prue Dana, Debbie DeGennaro, Bill Fisher, Steve Flee, Nancy Parkinson, Leanne Staley, and Janet Ziegler), along with Pastor Lawrence, gathered for our first meeting, at 7:00 pm on August 17, with Rev. Dr. "Sandy" McConnel, our Committee on Ministry Liaison. 
 
The intent of our meeting, Sandy said, was to "perceive the roadmap ahead." Although Presbytery is sometimes perceived as creating obstacles for PNC committees, Sandy assured us that our work together will be as partners.  In his Presbytery role, he will share with us the wisdom that's come from "difficult" searches in churches and will try to help us avoid such difficulties. 
 
He also stressed the importance of 1) an adequate budget for the search (including visits to seminaries), 2) confidentiality related to details of the major discussion in APNC committee meetings, 3) involving Pastor Lawrence in APNC committee interviews with candidates 4) communication-share regularly with the congregation how the work of the search is progressing.

Janet Zeigler for the APNC

Back toTop
_______________________________________________________
ppm
PROGRESSIVE CHRISTIAN CAMPUS MINISTRY
 
Over the past year, students, Miami faculty, and church members have worked and are working hard to acquire the funding and space to support this ministry, which will be ready to support the community at the beginning of the 2017-2018 academic school year.
 
Carol and Cal Klumb shared news of this new group that will begin regular meetings in the Seminary on September 9 at 5:30pm with an Eat, Pray, Worship approach.  Folks will be SHARING worship and meals, PROVIDING mission and service, ENJOYING conversation and fellowship and LEARNING and GROWING in faith.
 
ice-creamA special event is scheduled for August 29 at 8pm in Graeters uptown.  Ice Cream in on us! 
 
PCCM is an intentionally ecumenical group of students who have formed a Christian community at our home away from home. We welcome people from all backgrounds, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations... because all means ALL.
We strive not just to tolerate, not just to accept, but to educate ourselves about others, striving to live and love in the image of Jesus while we do so.
For more information contact Carol Klumb carol.klumb@miamioh.edu


Return to Top
___________________________________________________________

educate
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 

Thanks to our many volunteer teachers Church School classes started on August 20th.  Thanks to MEF for providing an ice cream social after the first day.  We had good attendance and a festive atmosphere.  There were many workers serving ice cream and ample treats for all ages. 
 
The preschool class and the 3-5th grade are using the Spark Lectionary Curriculum and share the same lessons but each on a different age level.  They will be studying some parables found in Matthew in September.  
 
Thank you for volunteering to teach.  What a talented and experienced group of teachers we have.  A special thanks to Joni Marcum and Katie Saylor for teaching grades 3-5 in August.  We can always use substitutes and shortly we will have sign-up for 2018 since most of the slots are filled for 2017.   Once again Becky Quay is back as our superintendent. She makes things run smoothly on Sunday mornings.  Many thanks for answering the call. Look for the sign-up sheet in the Molyneaux for more teaching opportunities. 
 
Continue to Full Article

________________________________________________________
cares 

CARES, CONCERNS, JOYS AND THANK YOUs
 

IN OUR PRAYERS :
Keep these friends in your prayers:
Betty Barnhart, Pris Berry, Tracy DeGood, Bob Douglass, Nancy Gates, Genee Hesse, Breanna Kinneman, Jan Reinhart, Marilyn Rettig, Sarah Soika, Stacey Winn
Lord in Your Mercy, Hear Our Prayers
_______________________

JOY(s)

Bienvenue, Eliot!
 
Grady, Janet and Tom welcome their AFS student Eliot. (La plume de ma tante est sur la table-ed)
____________________
 
THANK YOU(s)
Many thanks to the MEF (Membership Evangelism & Fellowship) Committee for the Welcome Back Ice Cream Social
(Leanne Staley, Tom Holmes, Janet Ziegler, Gwen Fears, Carol Klumb, Nancy Parkinson, Scott Parkinson, Dick Munsen)

 
Folks floated around the Molyneaux and whipped up conversation and fellowship galore.  Pictures being worth 1000 words see above.
 


_______________________________________________
deacon
DEACONS


Do you know someone who needs a Prayer Shawl? Shawls are given for comfort in times of illness or grief, as well as for celebration in times of joy.  If you have a friend or relative to whom you would like to give a Prayer Shawl, please call Diane Young, 513-255-6051


__________________________________________________

                   women

OXFORD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH WOMEN
  
 
circles
THE TUESDAY AFTERNOON CIRCLE
will have its first meeting of the year on Tuesday the 19 th of September at the Knolls beginning with an optional lunch at 12 noon.  The study Cloud of Witnesses, The Community of Christ in Hebrews , will begin at 1:30 in the Country Kitchen led by Lynn Cronk.  Study books will be available for $10.   Visitors are always welcome!  
Luncheon costs have changed and are now $8 with reservations due the Friday before, (Sept 15) to Rosemary Fisher at 524-7748.  Call Prue Dana or Lynn Cronk if you are interested in joining this group. Bring your pennies because the Least Coin is always collected during the meeting and the Mission Yearbook is also read.    


T HE TUESDAY EVENING CIRCLE
first meeting of the new program year will be on September 5, in the home of Billie Maynard, 135 Wayside Drive in Hamilton. Billie's phone number is 737-0243.The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. Violet Suit is the co-hostess. Janet Holmes will lead the devotions. The year's study is entitled Cloud of Witnesses, The Community of Christ in Hebrews by Melissa Bane Sevier. Karen Simpson will lead the study on Lesson One, In Community with Jesus Christ. Study books are available from Karen and will also be available at the meeting. The cost of a book is $10. We will be car-pooling. Billie lives in a gated community and there is a code to open the gate. Visitors are welcomed. A good time will be had by all. Contact Karen, 523-8363, if you need a ride.

_______________________________________________________
SESSION
augsession

* Joe Hookey, pastor emeritus of OPC, was joyfully welcomed at the meeting.  He brought greetings from the Presbytery of the Miami Valley and encouraged more participation from OPC in presbytery activities.

Return to Top
 ___________________________________________________
mission
OUR MISSION STATEMENT AT WORK

Seeking God, Serving Others, Sharing Christ's Love With All
 
MIAMI STUDENTS...WHERE ARE THEY NOW???
What a treat to meet up with Melanie Rund Reynolds, Andrew Reynolds and their adorable daughter, Marion in Holland, Michigan this summer!  A great reminder as we greet new Miami students this year that lasting friendships could be around the corner.
 
I met Melanie and Andrew in 2006 when some of our congregation were handing out cookies at a new Miami student event uptown.  We encouraged them to attend our church which they did, and were active in our congregation all four years of college.  When I looked at the student cards that they initially filled out, I was thrilled to learn that Melanie was from Saugatuck, MI, where we vacation in the summer, and Andrew was from near-by Holland.  We became fast friends!  Over the next four years Jack and I hosted each set of parents when they came to Oxford to visit their children (they always donated to our OPW Bed and Breakfast project) and we connected with Melanie's parents in Saugatuck in the summer. I ended up attending their church, Third Reformed, in Holland during the summers and chatted often with Melanie as she worked in various resort shops in town.
 
Andrew and Melanie both graduated in 2010 and were married in Holland that summer.  We were delighted to attend their wedding celebration!!  They moved to Cincinnati where Andrew got his masters in city planning from UC and worked for the city of Cincinnati.  Melanie taught Latin in high school.  After a year or so, Melanie, coming from a family of medical professionals, decided to get her masters in speech pathology from Miami.  They were avid Miami hockey fans, so we met up at home games occasionally. In 2014, Marion joined the family!  Thank goodness for Facebook as I followed the family and cherished pictures of the new baby.
 
In 2015, they moved back to Michigan, always their plan!  They live in Holland where Andrew works for Holland Public Works and Melanie is a speech pathologist at Holland Hospital where both her father and her brother are anesthesiologists. I ran into Andrew, Melanie, Marion, and Melanie's parents, Austin and Janet at Reformed Church a couple of weeks ago and snapped these shots.  Such a treat to rekindle friendships which started with our OPC "cookie outreach" 17 years ago!
 
Pat Gifford

Return to Top

____________________________________________________

nominating               
2017 CHURCH NOMINATING COMMITTEE
 
At the August 13 Congregational meeting, these members were elected to serve on the 2017 Church Nominating Committee: Lynn Cronk and Robert Smith, elders, Danny Cross, deacon, Jay Baird, Roberta Crain, Joe Foltz and Diane Young, members at large.
 
The church nominating committee will begin work in September.  Members of the congregation will be receiving a brochure, Nominating Church Officers on September 3 rd .  Members of the congregation may suggest names to the nominating committee for the offices of Trustee, Deacon, and Elder.  If you are submitting someone please check with him or her before submitting the name.  The church nominating committee invites your suggestions.  The terms are three years and officers may serve two consecutive terms.  When suggesting names consider if the candidate shows evidence of Christian living in daily life, shows commitment to the church by participation and attendance at OPC, and would be willing to accept the obligations and responsibilities related to the office. More detail regarding the specific offices is found in the brochure.   Additional brochures will be available outside of the church office and can be returned in the church offering plate or to the mailbox labeled Church Nominating.  Your suggested names will be considered but may not be chosen as a nominee.  Thank you for your participation in this process. The new/returning Church Officers will be elected at a congregational meeting in November. 
Lynn Cronk

Return to Top
________________________________________________________
announcement
CHURCH SERVICES AT THE KNOLLS
Come and join Becky Quay in the Country Kitchen as we view recent Presbyterian Church services on DVD.  We will meet on September 12 & 26 at 10:00 A.M.  As a special treat, on Sept. 12, Pastor Lawrence will be joining us for worship and fellowship.  If anyone needs a ride, please call Becky Quay at 523-5747.
_________________
 
mustardMUSTARD SEED INVESTMENT GROUP SEEKS MEMBERS.
 
If you would like to join a small investment group of fellow congregants, learn a little about investing, and support mission giving, please consider joining the Mustard Seed Investment group.
 
The group meets four times a year in members' homes, contributing $50 each quarter.  The value of our portfolio currently fluctuates around $23,000 dollars.   For the seventh year, we have contributed $500 to $700, most recently half to local missions and half to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.  The beneficiary(s) are determined by vote of the members.  As the value of the portfolio grows we hope the amount distributed will continue to grow as well. The portfolio is the property of the church.
 
We will meet September 6th at 7:30 at the home of Bill Fisher, 4883 James Rd., Oxford. Please visit with us to see if you are interested. Call Joe Simpson  513.523.8363 if you would like discuss the group or arrange a ride.
Joe Simpson
 
Answer to Question of the Month.
It's NOT a question, it's a statement.
_____________
 
photoYOU'RE INVITED TO BE A PART OF OUR NEW PHOTO DIRECTORY .
 
Our last directory was printed 2014. As you look around you today, you will see that we have new families, there have been weddings, and babies, and kids who are young adults now. We're changing, and a new photo directory will help us capture these changes. Our directory won't be complete without you!
 
When you participate in our directory photography program, in addition to a free 8x10 and copy of the printed directory, you will receive a link and security code to get our directory on line - on any of your mobile devices.  The mobile directory features quick links you are going to love!
 
Photography dates:
September 21-23 in the Memorial Church
September 28-30 in the Seminary Building
Weekdays 2- 9 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
 
Three ways to schedule your appointment
-       Use the link on our website ( oxfordpresbychurch.org )
-       Sign up after Church (Molyneaux Lounge)
-       Call the Church Office (513-523-6364)
 
Make your photo session appointment before September 8 for a chance to win one of six $50 off photo certificate!
 
Every Family Knows a Family!
Invite another family not worshiping with us to schedule an appointment.  They will receive their own 8 x 10 photo.  No obligation to purchase and what a great outreach opportunity!
 
In case you were wondering - YES - photos will be back in time for Christmas!
______________
Deadline for the October Newsletter is September 20, 2017
_________________

ccnsCCNS NEWS
The time has come.... Summer is ending and the school year is about to begin! As of July 27, 2017, the Oxford Presbyterian Church Personnel Committee and Pastor Lawrence have officially offered employment to the CCNS Staff. CCNS will be hiring one or two substitute teachers and plan to introduce them in a later newsletter. Slow start classes will begin September 5, 2017. We look forward to seeing all the new and current families and the smiling faces of our preschoolers.


__________________________________________________________ 
crop
communityWALK, GIVE, CHANGE THE WORLD
 
The CROP Hunger Walk is set for September 17, 12:30 p.m. beginning and ending at the Uptown Parks.  Join Greek and non-Greek student and community people in this Walk to end hunger. The signup and pledge envelopes are available during fellowship time following the service Aug. 27, Sept. 3 and 10 and 17.
 
The CROP Hunger Walk is a community led fundraising event to end hunger. Through the walk there is global solidarity with millions who walk miles every day in search of food and water. The walk gives us an opportunity to support Church World Service development projects and disaster assistance round the world. Through the walk there is assistance for 1900 local food banks and soup kitchens in the U.S.
 
From its birth in 1969, CROP Hunger Walks have grown to include walkers of all ages, faiths and backgrounds in more than 1,000 communities throughout the U.S. The CROP hunger walk is America's Hunger Walk. Your participation impacts individuals and families in more than 35 countries. In many developing nations, people can walk up to six miles a day to get food and water. One in nine people worldwide lack access to clean water and a healthy diet. We walk to be in solidarity, to bring awareness to these issues and to raise the funds for permanent change. You can register online and ask family and friends to sponsor and support you. Crophunngerwalk.org .
Prue Dana
________________________________
concertCREATING A HEALTHY OXFORD COMMUNITY
  A very special concert will be given on Friday, September 8th, at 7:00 p.m. at the beautiful Kumler Chapel, Western Drive on the Miami campus.  The concert is organized by Nancy Hadden, a professional Baroque flutist now living in London, England, in memory of her parents, Robert and Janet Smyser Fenholt (1925-2016), long-time Oxford residents and graduates of Miami University.  Nancy will be joined by
  • Soprano Julianne Baird (Rutgers University),
  • Erin Headley, viola da gamba (the second largest and lowest member of the viol family) (Concord, N.H.),
  • Lucas Harris, archlute (a specialized form of lute, particularly popular during the Italian baroque era) (Toronto, Canada)
in a program of arias and instrumental music by J. S. Bach and G. F. Handel.   The concert is free and open to the public.
____________________
adultNEWS FROM ADULT DAY SERVICE
 
September is here and we are gearing up for fall here at the ADS.  Miami is back in session and we welcome back all our friends and student volunteers.  We hope everyone has had a wonderful summer. 
I took a little break while writing this and went and asked the ADS client's to help me with this month's newsletter.  I asked them what are their favorite things to do while at the ADS.  I thought I would take a minute to share their responses.  Peggy said "bunco or Rummikub". Rose laughed and said it was "spending time with her friends" while Charles was joking with her and responded with "getting away from my wife."  Then he let out a big belly chuckle and all at the table joined in.  Roy stated he loves to do the jigsaw puzzles and spending time with the friend's he has made here.  Ruth said she likes "all of it" and Leonard loves the "devotion hour".  I have to admit my favorite part of my job is getting time to sit and spend time with clients and getting to know the little things about them. 
Thanks to everyone who has come and helped with the garden clean up.  We did have Miami scholar students with the Wooden Institute come and work during June and Wilkes Leadership Institute In August.  Their help is greatly appreciated!
If you would like information for a possible client or volunteer opportunities, please call Debbie Curry at 513-523-0464

Return to Top
___________________________________________________________

announce   

staff
 
Oxford Presbyterian Church Staff
Office Hours: 8:30-4:30, M-F
Telephone: 513-523-6364
Fax: 513-523-8215
Seminary Building: 513-523-7411
 
Pastor: Lawrence Bartel
Music Director: Kent Peterson
Organist: Lynn Jacobs
Pastor Emeritus: Dr. Joseph R. Hookey
Parish Associate:   Rev. Diane Ziegler
Clerk : Julia R. Fisher
Administrative Assistant:
            Bridgite Dickerson: office@oxfordpresbychurch.org
Financial Secretary:
            Mary Martin:   finance@oxfordpresbychurch.org
Director/Teacher C.C.N.S.:
            Sarah Mapel: ccnsoxfordpreschool@gmail.com
Newsletter Editor:
            Nancy Moeckel, moeckenj@miamioh.edu
Custodian: Priscilla Parks
Sexton: Robert Simpson
 
 
OFFICERS OF OPC
 
SESSION
 
Class of 2017:
Mary Jane Roberts, Robert Smith, Janet Zeigler, Gwen Fears, Kim Logsdon
Class of 2018 Carol Klumb, Amy McGoldrick, Katie Payne, Deb Sayers, David Wilson
Class of 2019 : Jenny Bailer, Lynn Cronk, Greg Hughes, Nancy Moeckel,
Johanna Reinhart
 
DEACONS
 
Class of 2017: Danny Cross, Connie Everhart, Matt Lykins, Rori Lykins, Jean O'Connell,
Class of 2018: Karen Shearer, Lee Fisher, Virginia Layton, Joni Marcum, MaryJo McFadden
Class of 2019: Carol Burkhalter,Debbie Davidson, Janet Holmes, Pat Roberts Diane Young

TRUSTEES
 
Class of 2017: Lisa Brunckhorst, Rick Bailey
Class of 2018 Tom Holmes, Nick Fears
Class of 2019Keith Payne, Joe Simpson 

 
 
birthdaysAugust Birthday Oversights
Oh so sorry!
August 9   Scott Parkinson
August 24    Lydia Bartel
 
 
September Birthdays
 
1     Layne Listerman
2     Sandi Hazleton
3     John Beaton
3     Margaret Keister
3     Jennifer  Roberts
4     Paula Foltz
4     Scott Richmond
10    Kylee Fears
11    Emily Kraushar
12    Rick Bailey
12   Emma Lake
14   Becky Rudolph
17   Bob Burke
17   Jennifer Lake
17   Karen Simpson
19   Elijah Brown
19   Larry Hardy
19   Jennifer Walter
20   Denise Reed
21   Pam Deahl
23   Mary Jane Roberts
23   Sam Stephenson
24   Stephen McDaniel
25   Lisa Gayhart
26   Bill Schilling
26   Vicky Trostel,
27   Becky Quay
28   Emily Lykins
28   Rori Lykins
28   Grace Marado
 
September Stuff

June is often considered a "summer month", whereas September is not. This is despite the fact that September has twice as many summer days as June.
 
Autumn Equinox 2017 in Northern Hemisphere will be at 4:02 PM on
Friday, September 22.
 
September 7th: On this day in 1915, Babe Ruth hit his first ever home run!
 
In America, the first Sunday after the first Monday in September is celebrated as National Grandparents' Day. (Sunday September 10)
 
Native American Day is always celebrated on the 4th Friday of September.
 
Did you know
the first letters of the months July through to November spell JASON
 
Bookkeeper' and 'bookkeeping' are the only 2 words in the English language with three consecutive double letters
 
Your foot and your forearm are the same length (okay, hike it up there and give it a measure)
 
 
Question of the month:
What has 4 letters, sometimes has 9 letters, but never has 5
Read every article in the newsletter to find the answer!
 
A study in the Journal of Aging Research found that babies born during the Autumn months are more likely to live to 100 than those born during the rest of the year. (yikes, I was born in July-ed)
 
Church bells are the loudest musical instrument in the world - the original heavy metal band
 
Three dogs (from First Class cabins!) survived the sinking of the Titanic - two Pomeranians and one Pekingese .
 
It's a myth that dogs only see in black and white. In fact, it's believed that dogs see primarily in blue, greenish-yellow, yellow and various shades of gray.
 

_________________________________________________________
full
In my personal recollection, I wish to be as objective as possible about what is a very subjective experience.  Without conveying any judgment or justification, I now perceive that I crossed these thresholds of awareness slowly in the homogeneous community of my youth.
 
Over a few short years, the world has changed rapidly.
 
Let's begin with how we experience these rapid changes as we first look at marriage.  Today one in six newlyweds marry someone outside their race.  Next let's consider changes in family life.  Seventy-three percent of non-Caucasian children who are adopted, are adopted into Caucasian families.  These aren't merely statistics, many of our families have experienced these changes in the most recent generation.
 
Now let's think about the information we receive about race and ethnicity.  With cable television news, the internet, social media, and a combination of many other factors, today we are faced with so much information about race and ethnicity.
Please take a moment to reflect with me.  How much of this information is true and accurate wisdom?  How much information is justified by quoting the Bible?  How much is misinformation?  How much is outright hateful?
 
The events in Charlottesville tragically brought to life the hateful rhetoric and misinformation about race and ethnicity in our time.  My heart broke, my indignation rose, and my spirit trembled.  Perhaps you felt something similar.  I believe God's heart broke too.
 
White supremacy and racism deny the very imprint of God's image within each of us.  This hateful rhetoric and misinformation deny the very foundation of our faith through the incarnation of love found in Jesus Christ.  It violates every teaching of our Lord and Savior including the greatest commandments to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." (Luke 10:27)
 
forumWhen we began our Journey Through the Bible on January 1st, we planned two forums on moral themes in the Bible and in our times. These forums included Poverty and Economics as well as Race and Ethnicity.  When we identified race and ethnicity as a moral theme for discussion, we never would have wished that this conversation would be as timely or urgent as it is 
today in light of the challenge of Charlottesville.
 
We are on this journey together.  One step you can take on this journey is by joining the upcoming three-week forum on race and ethnicity.  Co-facilitated by our Parish Associate, the Rev. Diane Ziegler, the forum will begin Friday, September 8 with fellowship at 4:30 p.m. and study around 5:30 p.m.  The forum will continue on September 15 and September 22.  

As the events in Charlottesville demonstrate, this is an essential national conversation.  At the very same time, this conversation takes place in smaller and smaller circles which bring us back to our own story.  This IS a denominational journey of the Presbyterian Church. This IS a congregational journey of Oxford Presbyterian Church.  This IS a personal journey. 

My personal journey continues to unfold.  I couldn't have imagined that in 2017 my own family members would be part of the increasingly diverse demographic of my hometown.  Over thirteen years ago, my sister adopted three children of African-American, African-Latino, and Latino heritage.  Their names are Justina, Latrice and Jaden.  They are beloved children of God.  They are changing the school I attended.  They are changing our family. They are changing me.
_______________________________

membersMEMBERSHIP IN OXFORD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Christ is before all things and in Christ all things hold together.  Col. 1:17
 
The amazing mystery is that as one of the Oxford Presbyterian Church (OPC) family, everyone already "belongs" at OPC - but perhaps the Spirit is inspiring you to make it official.  In addition to full membership open to all adults, university students are encouraged to consider affiliate membership in OPC.  

As an affiliate member of OPC, you remain in good standing with your home congregation while still expressing your commitment to our fellowship while you are a student at Miami.  Affiliate membership carries with it all the rights, privileges and responsibilities of full membership except voting in Congregational meetings and holding office.   

memberclass
__________________
 
FINANCIAL SNAPSHOT
  snapshot
You don't have to wait for our annual Stewardship Campaign to change your pledge to Oxford Presbyterian Church.  If the Lord has blessed with you unexpected income this year, please consider increasing your pledge for the remainder of our congregation's fiscal year.  To change your pledge at any time, please talk with one of our financial officers or Pastor Lawrence. 
 
Thank you for being a faithful partner in the ministry of Oxford Presbyterian Church!
Return to Top
__________________
mosaic 
Mosaic of Peace 2018
 
Have you ever wanted to journey through the land of Abraham and Sarah, the kings and prophets?  Have you ever imagined walking in the footsteps of Jesus?  Have you ever wanted to move beyond the headlines to meet the people of Israel and Palestine?
 
Then the Mosaic of Peace is for you. 
 
Presented by the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program, this 12-day conference from April 29-May 12, 2018 is designed for both laity and clergy.  Participants will experience this remarkable and troubled region, encounter its diverse people, explore its rich history and complex current situation, and engage with those who seek its peace. 
 
Registration just opened and already the applicants represent the diversity of the PC(USA) including the current co-moderators of our denomination, the Revs. Denise Anderson and Jan Edmiston.
 
For more information, please contact Pastor Lawrence who will be serving as a co-director of this journey, pick up a brochure from the bulletin board across from the staff offices, or visit here - https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/peacemaking/mosaic/
 
_______________
 
Breakfast and a Book -
Born a Crime
 
trevorUnder the apartheid laws in South Africa, the marital union with a person of another race was one of the most heinous crimes.  In the words of Trevor Noah, it was a "crime worse than treason".  So when the relationship between his black mother and Swiss/German father resulted in a half white, half black child who violated any number of laws, statutes, and regulations - Noah "was born a crime."
 
Trevor Noah is coming to Miami University for Family Weekend. This visit presents us with an excellent opportunity to read and discuss Noah's memoir of growing up in South Africa, Born a Crime.  With characteristic insight and humor, he leads the reader through his experience of growing up under apartheid and then coming of age in the post apartheid era.  Today, Trevor Noah may be best known as the host of the Daily Show on Comedy Central.  Just as his identify and life story transcend stereotypes, this compelling memoir holds together the personal and universal, spiritual and secular.   
You are invited to join Pastor Lawrence to discuss Born a Crime at Bob Evan's restaurant on Saturday, September 30 at 8 a.m.  The printed and audio book formats are available through booksellers as well as the Lane Public library.  All are welcome to Breakfast and a Book as we engage this memoir that promises to stimulate great conversation. 

___________________
_________________________________________________________
education
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 
Full Article
Thanks to our many volunteer teachers Church School classes started on August 20th.  Thanks to MEF for providing an ice cream social after the first day.  We had good attendance and a festive atmosphere.  There were many workers serving ice cream and ample treats for all ages. 
 
The preschool class and the 3-5th grade are using the Spark Lectionary Curriculum and share the same lessons but each on a different age level.  They will be studying some parables found in Matthew in September.  
 
Thank you for volunteering to teach.  What a talented and experienced group of teachers we have.  A special thanks to Joni Marcum and Katie Saylor for teaching grades 3-5 in August.  We can always use substitutes and shortly we will have sign-up for 2018 since most of the slots are filled for 2017.   Once again Becky Quay is back as our superintendent. She makes things run smoothly on Sunday mornings.  Many thanks for answering the call. Look for the sign-up sheet in the Molyneaux for more teaching opportunities. 
 
A Response from a Teacher
After Teaching in Our Church School August 20 th
 
Thank you for the opportunity to teach Bible lessons to these bright children! Oh, I enjoyed it so much!  They are engaged and listened and responded to questions.  I can tell they are not only learning the lessons in church, but they are living what they are learning at home. 
 
What a blessing to work with them!  Again thank you for the opportunity!
 
Sister in Christ,
Joni Marcum
______________
SEPTEMBER TEACHERS
 
Preschool/nursery  Janet Holmes
K-2 Deb Sayer and Sarah Miller
3-5 Jen Walter
6-8 Prue Dana- Sept 10,17, and 24
                 
Acolytes
Lydia Bartel will be acolyte in September.  The first Sunday of the month there is no acolyte due to Communion Sunday. 
Thanks to Abby Curry for serving as acolyte in August.
 
--Lynn Cronk
 ________________________________
youthYOUTH GROUP NEWS

Mitch Hardy
 
Fall is here, which means school is staring back up and that Youth Group is back to our regular meeting time! Youth Group will be meeting on every Thursday evening from 7:00PM-8:30PM in the Youth Room upstairs starting on August 31 . We are looking forward to sharing another wonderful year with the students of this congregation! All are welcome!
 
On Sunday, September 3, there will be a Parents Meeting for all parents and guardians interested in hearing about plans in store for the Youth Ministry at OPC. We will be going over the events and trips being planned for the Youth over the next school year including Winter Lock-In, Spring Retreat, and Mission Trip. We would love to have you join us and hear about all the exciting plans in store for the students at OPC! If you have any questions, please contact Mitch Hardy at (513) 907-5641 or mitchelljameshardy@gmail.com .
 
_____________________________________________
We welcome your feedback on the newsletter. We CRAVE your feedback as if it were water in the desert.  What is missing from the newsletter that you would like to see?  Let me know. Thanks, nancy.  moeckenj@miamioh.edu (and here is your bonus for reading this section:  What do you call a boomerang that won't work? .................a stick!