TABLE OF CONTENTS
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SPECIAL ITEMS
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Church Office Hours
8:30-4:30
Mon - Fri
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Deadline for the
April 2017
newsletter is
March 20
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LISTENING TO THE HEARTBEAT OF GOD
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70 films and counting!
In preparation for our Lenten Series - New Vision in Lent: Faith and Film - our Christian Education team extended an invitation to the congregation. We asked you to recommend movies as together we explore six Lenten themes through the visual art of film. Your feedback has been tremendous! We have collected the names of over 70 films and still more are coming. Thank you!!
With such a great response, you may imagine what a challenge it was to select only six films. We did so prayerfully and keeping in mind the most diverse possible audience from youth through older adults.
We also wanted to provide a variety of locations to enjoy these films - from the community experience of a theater to the comfort of our own homes as well as the Molyneaux Lounge in the Memorial building.
Youth, families and elders - whether you consider yourself a film aficionado or take a casual interest in movies, make plans to experience how the powerful form of storytelling through film may give us new insight on faith through our six Lenten Themes: Healing and forgiveness, Recognizing God's presence, Commitment to the mission, Resilience in overcoming adversity, Journey through a time of testing, and Resurrection.
Mark your calendars with the dates, times, locations and movies listed below. Thank you to several of our ministry committees who will serve as hosts for these films and facilitate a brief discussion to follow.
March 5, 4pm, AMC Westchester,
The Shack (PG-13) Hosted by: Christian Education, Theme: Healing and Forgiveness
March 12, 1:30pm, Cronk Residence,
Broadway Danny Rose (PG), Hosted by: Christian Education, Theme: Recognizing God's Presence
March 12, 7pm, Bartel Residence,
The Way (PG-13) Hosted by: Pastor, Theme: Commitment to the Mission
March 19, 4pm. Molyneaux Lounge,
The Iron Giant (PG), Hosted by: Membership, Fellowship and Evangelism, Theme: Resilience in Overcoming Adversity
April 2, 7pm, Molyneaux Lounge,
Saved (PG-13) Hosted by: Progressive Christian Campus Ministry, Theme: Journey thru a time of testing.
April 9, 4pm, Molyneaux Lounge,
Son of God (PG-13) Hosted by: Mission and Outreach, Theme: Resurrection
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ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING GRACE AND GRATITUDE
The 2016-2017 Giving Catalog is available in the Molyneaux Lounge for those that would like to make an additional donation to One Great Hour of Sharing. You may choose to donate money to purchase a cow, or even a well, just two of the many choices available in the catalog. Undesignated gifts will contribute to the Disaster Assistance Program. Grace and Gratitude: "As Presbyterians, we are a people rooted in the grace of Jesus Christ. It is our gratitude for God's grace that moves us to join in God's mission in the world, with ministries of love and justice, reconciliation and peace."
Bulletin inserts will tell you about the work of One Great Hour of Sharing during Lent and special offering envelopes will be distributed.
Continue to Full Article
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Amy Bartel has been a familiar face at OPC since August 28, 2016.
 She grew up in New Concord, Ohio where, in her high school years, she participated in whatever was available. Field commander for the band, running track, an active thespian were among a few of her many activities. Her interest in fabric and design led to the establishment of a custom sewing and design business in Old Forge, NY - the Bartel's former community. Amy enjoys walking with Casey, their retriever /chow, an important member of the family, especially on the trails around Oxford. Jens (13) and Lydia (11) have settled into life in Oxford, as they help keep Dad on track.
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Larry and Kathy Hardy are long time residents of Butler County. They
 have three daughters (and families) in the area making for close family connections. For some years Kathy was a pre-school teacher at The Presbyterian Church of Hamilton. Larry worked for Great American and then moved on to Ohio Casualty, from whence he retired. Kathy is a knitter, embroiderer and gardener, when she is not hobbled by surgery on her wrist. In his leisure time Larry is woodworker, having made some of their most prized furniture. Reading keeps him sharp.
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Matt and Gina Myers have moved to Oxford from Knoxville, Tennessee
 with their 12-year-old twin girls, Winston (a drummer) and Carlisle (a violinist), two guinea pigs, a rabbit and a puppy named Tess. Gina is "taking a break" from the working world while adjusting to new surroundings. She has been involved in marketing within the health care industry. Matt is learning his way around Miami traditions as he settles in as the dean of the Farmer School of Business at Miami. The family particularly enjoys international travel.
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John and Nancy Parkinson keep the roads between Muncie, Indiana and
 Oxford humming. Nancy is in the kinesiology department at Miami and John teaches early American history at Ball State. As Nancy Gray, she was a member of OPC in the mid 1980's. Glad she came back! They are both readers and outdoor enthusiasts. Helping at the Apple Butter Festival has acquainted them with several OPC'ers.
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Mike and Lindsey Sunderhaus (and Anthony) are a busy family. Lindsey
 is an engineer at Procter and Gamble; Mike is a teacher at Hamilton High School and coaches football. Anthony keeps things running at preschool at the Ross Presbyterian Church. Lindsey and Mike were married at OPC in 2007. They are outdoor people, camping a favorite pastime. Mike describes Lindsey as a "jack of all trades" who keeps Anthony and their boxer "Adrian" fed and cared for.
Judy Fisher
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CARES, CONCERNS, JOYS AND THANK YOUs
IN OUR PRAYERS
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Keep these friends in your prayers:
Genee Hesse, Stacey Winn, Betty Barnhart, Cathy Fey, Marilyn Rettig, Sarah Soika, Bob Douglass, Nancy Gates, Breanna Kinneman, Jan Reinhart
Lord in Your Mercy, Hear Our Prayers
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Joys
For the OPC Youth--The joys of laser tag on Feb. 11
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WE'RE SAYING FAREWELL
Our dear sister, Lawretta Clum will be moving March 6th to be closer to family. Lawretta has been a long-time faithful member of OPC and her contribution to this congregation and the many committees she served on have been deeply appreciated. Though Lawretta may be moving from our community, she'll remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Grace and peace to you Lawretta in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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DEACONS
THE DEACON'S LENTEN FOOD DRIVE
Please leave the donated items for the Oxford Choice Pantry in the Narthex, (the front entrance to the Sanctuary) through Easter Sunday.
Monetary donations can be made by writing a check with a note in the note field "Deacon's Food Drive" or placing cash in a pew envelope with the "Deacon's Food Drive" noted through Easter Sunday.
Items needed:
"Big Three"
(things always needed): spaghetti, tuna and peanut butter.
Other items always needed: canned meals (Spaghetti O's, Ravioli, Chef Boyardee). The Oxford Food Pantry can always use varieties of cereal, canned fruit and vegetables and pasta (except noodles and macaroni. These items are received in abundance from Shared Harvest).
Toilet paper, personal care items like body wash, deodorant, shampoo and hair conditioner--but not bar soap (we have a LOT of that and it does not move) Danny Cross
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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
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OXFORD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH WOMEN
THE TUESDAY AFTERNOON CIRCLE
will meeton March 21 at 1:30 p.m. in The Knolls Country Kitchen. Becky Quay is leading the lesson and Betty Reinhart is leading Least Coin. You are welcome to join the group for lunch at 12 noon.
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HE TUESDAY EVENING CIRCLE
will meet on March 7, 7:30pm at Sue Wilson's home, 6538 Morning Sun Road. Karen Simpson leads the Program and Connie Everhart leads Devotions. All are welcome.
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SESSION
Session passed the following motions:
To take Deanna Roberts "under care", as an inquirer in the Presbyterian Church, as she prepares to become a teaching elder. An interview with Deanna was held, during the session meeting, via Skype.
To encourage and support Austin Lake as he develops and carries out landscaping plans for the Seminary and Memorial buildings, as his Eagle Scout project.
Accept the conceptual architectural plans for the Memorial Building, which will be shared with the congregation in the near future, for their information and input, and to engage MSA architects to develop conceptual plans for the Seminary Building. The Facilities Planning Team, chaired by Jenny Bailer and Joe Simpson, emphasize the importance of suggestions/questions from the congregation.
To continue the OPC relationship with Diane Ziegler as the parish associate.
To create a Staff Design Task Force.
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OUR MISSION STATEMENT AT WORK
Seeking God, Serving Others, Sharing Christ's Love With All
Worship Media Library
Did you ever wish you could see a worship service that you had to miss? Or think after a service you wished someone you knew could have been there to see it?
Your wish has been granted! The videos of our worship services taken by Mike Handy and his team have been published to YouTube playlists that can be viewed anytime. Go to our website, (
oxfordpresbychurch.org
) and click "Worship Media Library" in the right navigation.
Please spread the word!
Thanks to Kim Logsdon, Joe Simpson and Mike Hardy.
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SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT
Just to be sure you know, Bridgite's regular hours in the Church Office are 8:30 to 4:30, Monday thru Friday.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Oxford Chamber of Commerce crowned Kim Logsdon a "Chamber Champion". Kim is the Associate Director of Communications and Public Relations at Miami University's Gerontology Department. The chamber has depended on her over the last year for her help with public relations. Last spring, she collaborated with students to complete a usability audit for the chamber website. She helped also to create the newly formed Wine Festival website. CONGRATULATIONS Kim!
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MUSTARD 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 March 8th at 7:30 at the home of Robert and Marjorie Smith, 5111 Bonham Road. 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.
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OPC Community Meal March 29
Community Meal is an on-going ministry of serving our community. Oxford Presbyterian hosts Community Meals every fifth Wednesday at 5:30pm in our Seminary Building.
There is a box by the church offices and one in the Narthex to place items for the Community Meal Pantry Needs. If you would like to donate money for this meal, please indicate "Community Meal" on your check. Pantry Needs: bleach, detergent, multipurpose cleaner, dish soap, mouthwash, hand soap, body wash, shampoo, diapers (NB, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5), wipes, 9 volt batteries, baby shampoo, baby lotion, paper towels, toilet bowl cleaner.
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CHURCH SERVICES AT THE KNOLLS
Come join Becky Quay
March 14 & 28
to view Presbyterian Church services on DVD. Program begins at 10:00 A.M in the Assisted Living dining room and All are welcome!
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2017 WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
World Day of Prayer 2017 will be celebrated Sunday March 5, 3 to 5 p.m. at the St. Mary Catholic Church. World Day of Prayer is a worldwide ecumenical movement led by Christian women who come together to observe a common day of prayer and action. This year's worship was written by Women of the Philippines with a focus on "Am I being Unfair to you?" lifting up issues of mission, justice and peace.
Church Women United of Oxford has been a part of the World Day of Prayer since it's beginning in 1927. Through sharing worship together, we expand the heart and minds in our own community. Through our offerings we make life better for women and their families around the world. World Day of Prayer matters! Prue Dana
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The February retreat kicking off our "Films and Faith" Lenten series was a huge success! Ed McNulty was a
wonderful speaker giving great insight on the subject.
Photos by Jenn Walter
Answer to the question of the month
Throw the ball straight up in the air.
NEWS FROM THE COMMUNITY ADULT DAY SERVICE
Come one come all...
Monday March 13 we will be holding our Annual Spaghetti Dinner Fund Raiser. Tickets will be on sale at the Senior Center prior to the event. Adults are $8.00 Kids under 10 at $4.00. It's all you can eat and the menu includes spaghetti with meat or meatless sauce, salad, breadsticks and desert. We will have door prizes and a raffles going on at the dinner. Serving time is 5-6: 30 at the Senior Center located at 922 Tollgate Drive. We will also have carryout available. Help us celebrate our
20th year of service to the Oxford Community. Mark your calendars - plan to attend! Bring your friends for a nice evening out and support the ADS.
If you would like to donate a desert, door prize or gift certificate for the spaghetti dinner please sign up at the Senior Center or call Debbie Curry at the ADS 513-523-0464
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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 Associates:
Dr. Bruce Bueschel, Rev. Diane Ziegler
Clerk
: Julia R. Fisher
Administrative Assistant:
Financial Secretary:
Director/Teacher C.C.N.S.:
Sarah Mapel: ccnsoxfordpreschool@gmail.com
Newsletter Editor:
Custodian:
Priscilla Parks
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 2019: Keith Payne, Joe Simpson
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MARCH BIRTHDAYS
2 Greg Hughes
2 Mickey Simonds
4 Nancy Shoker
5 Billie Maynard
5 Jamie Thomas
11 Debbie Davidson
11 Richard Wespiser
14 Mark Boardman
14 Nicole Jordan
15 Evalou Middaugh
16 Kyle Shriver
18 Ethan Kraushar
18 Alan Mehl
19 Emma Fisher
19 Randy Shoker
21 David Marado
21 Owen Todd
22 Deborah Bommer
22 Lindsay Crist
22 Danny Cross
24 Marilyn Curry
24 Jill Grajewski
24 Trevor Richmond
25 Dick Fisher
25 Ted Fujii
26 Marian Nelson
26 Pat Spitler
29 Jan Cromer
29 Brad Cronk
29 Kennedy Johnson
29 Debby Snyder
30 Fred Brower
A LITTLE MARCH MADNESS FOR OUR CELEBRANTS
March is National: American Dietetic Association Nutrition, American Red Cross, Caffeine Awareness, Craft Month, Epilepsy Awareness, Flour, Fresh Celery, Frozen Food, Irish-American, Music in our Schools, Noodle, Nutrition, Peanut, Professional Social Work, (my niece Julia receives her MSW in March!!!!!---ed.), Reading and Women's History: Month
Daylight saving time 2017 in Ohio will start at 2:00 AM on Sunday, March 12
The vernal equinox in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA is on
Monday, March 20, 2017 at 6:29 am EDT
Birth flower for March: Daffodil.
In the language of flowers, daffodils symbolize friendship, chivalry, respect, modesty and faithfulness.
March 1st: Ohio became 17th state (1803),
March 14 is International Pi Day
(lemon chiffon is my favorite-ed)
March 22 is World Water Day
March 28th: Three Mile Island nuclear accident (1979)
The ocean
is 12,080.7 feet (3,682.2 meters) deep on average. That's about eight Empire State Buildings, stacked one on top of the other.
A woman named Emily Roebling supervised construction of the Brooklyn Bridge.
When her husband became ill in 1872 Emily took over day-to-day supervision of bridge construction. Emily had studied many engineering topics related to bridge construction including mathematics, strength of materials, and cable construction.
Fleas can jump up to 200 times their height. This is equivalent to a human jumping the Empire State Building.
Question of the Month
How can you throw a ball as hard as you can and have it come back to you, even if it doesn't bounce off anything? There is nothing attached to it, and no one else catches or throws it back to you.
Find the answer by reading the entire newsletter!
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LISTENING TO THE HEARTBEAT OF GOD
Full Article
Reading through the Hebrew Scriptures in our Journey Through the Bible along with current news, I'm reminded of the insight of William Faulkner who observed that "The past is never dead. It's not even the past." Since the time of Abraham and Sarah, the Bible records conflicts over use of land, access to sacred spaces as well as natural resources such as water.
In 2016, I had the privilege of co-leading the Mosaic of Peace, a journey to Israel and Palestine through the Peacemaking Office of the PC(USA). Joining together as pilgrims were thirty Presbyterians from the United States and Columbia. Our vocations and political orientations were even more diverse than our ages, which ranged from young adults to elders.
I'll never forget one participant, a presbytery executive, who reflected on the journey by writing: "My innocent imagination of the little town of Bethlehem is now forever shattered by the truth of what Bethlehem is today. The Presbyterian Peacemaking Program study tour on which I participated did not do the typical, fly-by tourist visit to Bethlehem. Most tours quickly visit the Church of the Nativity and Manger Square to buy an olive wood manger scene and then quickly escape back to the security of Israel. We did those things, but we also went deep into the bleeding heart of Bethlehem, Palestine. This real Bethlehem has shaken me, tossed all my preconceptions around a bit, and immersed me deeply in the history, ambiguity and the pain of the Israel/Palestine conflict. This is our Holy Land; it is a profoundly conflicted place."
Thankfully, you and I follow in the faithful heritage of Presbyterians who have engaged mission efforts in the Middle East for nearly two hundred years. Presbyterian mission co-workers established schools, universities, and hospitals that grew into leading institutions across the region which now touch more lives than ever. Fruitful relationships with partner churches empower our present mission co-workers to build upon this faithful legacy so that they may meet today's pressing physical and spiritual needs with long term solutions.
Two of the Presbyterian mission co-workers who walked with us on the Mosaic of Peace were the Rev. Kate Taber and the Rev. Dr. Victor Makari. Since 2013, Kate has served in ministry alongside Palestinian Christians as Associate Pastor of Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem while also helping visiting Presbyterians engage with the residents in Israel and Palestine.
Born in Egypt, Victor was commissioned by the Presbyterian Church in Egypt to serve as a "minister in mission" to the Philadelphia Presbytery. His 45-year ministry in the states included two decades as the PC(USA)'s mission area coordinator for the Middle East. Retiring from that position in 2014, Victor now lives in Bethlehem and consults widely with our Christian partners on the interface of religion and state in the Arab world.
Kate, Victor, and all of our mission co-workers carry the gospel into the world for and because of you and me. They work for us, or on our behalf, in the ministry of Jesus Christ that we truly support but cannot in reality accomplish from our homes in Oxford. They work for reconciliation and peace that provides security and justice for all people. They work tirelessly for refugee relief and resettlement.
Kate and Victor carry the gospel into the world because of our prayer and financial support. A portion of our Per Capita giving supports all mission co-workers through the Presbyterian Mission Agency. In addition, your Mission and Outreach Committee voted to energize the work of our mission co-workers in Israel and Palestine with an additional $1,000 this calendar year.
There's still more good news about the mission work of our congregation. At regular intervals in this newsletter, I look forward to highlighting the work of additional mission co-workers that we support with financial gifts over and above our Per Capita giving.
Your stewardship makes this possible!
Your stewardship is not only a faithful practice following a biblical teaching, it is a truly tangible response to news headlines from around the world.
(To learn more about the ministries of Kate and Victor, pick up one of their prayer cards in the narthex of the sanctuary, outside the church office or click here to download:
Pastor Lawrence
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CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Full Article
ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING GRACE AND GRATITUDE
The 2016-2017 Giving Catalog is available in the Molyneaux Lounge for those that would like to make an additional donation to One Great Hour of Sharing. You may choose to donate money to purchase a cow, or even a well, just two of the many choices available in the catalog. Undesignated gifts will contribute to the Disaster Assistance Program. Grace and Gratitude: "As Presbyterians, we are a people rooted in the grace of Jesus Christ. It is our gratitude for God's grace that moves us to join in God's mission in the world, with ministries of love and justice, reconciliation and peace."
Bulletin inserts will tell you about the work of One Great Hour of Sharing during Lent and special offering envelopes will be distributed.
Children in our church school will take home Fish Banks at the beginning of Lent. They will fill the banks with nickels, dimes, quarters, pennies, and even dollars. On Palm Sunday they will be returned to the sanctuary. The children in the 3-5th Grade Class decided the money would go toward a special One Great Hour of Sharing Project. They will be purchasing Jerry Cans with the money received from the banks. $20 will purchase 10 jerry cans which provides a family with an easy way to transport water to their homes. This year our Vacation Bible School has a water theme. Millions of people in our world do not have access to clean water. This is one way we can help others in the world have clean water. Thank you for helping with this project
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Church School in March
Preschool- Lynn Cronk
K-2- Sarah Miller and Deb Sayers
Grades 3-5 - Leanne Staley
Grades 6-8- Prue Dana and Katie Saylor
45-56 Club Will Meet
Sunday March 19 from 1:30 -3:00 with Dick Munson. Please contact Dick for reservations at 372-2118 or lobelnursery@gmail.com
They will be making fishing flies. Youth, siblings, parents and grandparents are all welcome.
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Acolyte for March will be Lydia Bartel
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Lenten Devotionals and Calendars are
are available in the Molyneaux
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Join New Visions in Lent: Faith and Film Series
On March 5 the viewing of
The Shack
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March 12 at 1:30 Brunch at the home of Brad and Lynn Cronk followed by a showing in their lower level of
Broadway Danny Rose
and discussion to follow. Please contact Lynn at
lcronk@woh.rr.com
by Friday March 10 if you plan to attend. Please see the complete list of movies in this film series in the listing in this issue.
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March 31-April 2: The Youth will be on a Retreat to Kirkmont with Mitch Hardy, our youth leader.
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