Oxford Presbyterian Church U.S.A  | 101 N. Main Street, Oxford, OH 45056
oxfordpresbychurch.org


(Note on image:  Filled with joy this Christmas season, photographer Steve Gifford gifts us with one more image of creation.  He shares that "in addition to being known for their stunning color, Prothonotary Warblers bring the joy of their melodious song to the wet woodlands where they reside."  As we prepare to ring in the new year, let us join the eternal song,
"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace.")
Join Us for Worship at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday!

1st Sunday of Christmas
Scripture: Luke 2:22-28
Message: "The Time is Always Ripe to do Right"

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Sunday School 
Only Nursery and Preschool classes are available Sunday, December 31.  Children's Bible Stories and Activities Books, and bags are available for children in Grades 3-5 in the Narthex.
Journey Through the Bible
We shall not cease from exploration and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started... and know the place for the first time. - T.S. Eliot
 
What a blessing to come to the end of 2017 and the conclusion of our twelve month reading plan through the entire Bible!  Our exploration of scripture led us through many inspiring and comforting Bible passages.  We also encountered complex and challenges portions of scripture.  We engaged the themes of Poverty & Economics as well as Race & Ethnicity in the Bible and in our times.
 
Yet the journey certainly isn't over.  While Scripture hasn't changed, our times keep changing.  We have so much more to explore in God's always unfolding story of love and salvation.  Join the conversation in the sanctuary after worship on January 7th as we discern the next steps of our congregational journey in Adult Christian Education.
Alternative Christmas Gifts  
Still looking for a Christmas gift to give the person who already has everything?  A gift that will help the person who has nearly nothing!  Donate to the Bethesda Christian Community Center in your friends or family member's name.  Your donation will help furnish the newly completed Center so that their mission can continue and expand to provide services for the displaced women and children in Barranquilla, Colombia. Beautiful handmade cards are available for Alternate Giving Donations in the Molyneaux following worship Sunday.
Congregational Concern
We would like to share the news that Pris Berry, a longtime member of Oxford Presbyterian Church, passed away on Monday, December 25th.  Our sympathy and prayerful support are extended to the entire family. As stated by her son, Roger Berry -  We had three sweet days together and she went peacefully.  So much to be thankful for.
 
A Service of Witness to the Resurrection and Thanksgiving for the Life of Priscilla Berry will be held on Saturday, January 20 at 3:00 p.m. in the sanctuary.  Please keep the family in your prayers during their time of bereavement. 
OPC Office Hours
Closed -  Monday
January 1, 2018

Open for the rest of the week -
Tuesday - Friday,  8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
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2017 Pledging Reminder
For the past several weeks we have been focused on pledging for the coming year. We have had an encouraging response to date and are currently building a budget to reflect projected income for 2018. At this time, we also need to address pledging for the current year. We are within the final month of 2017 and are operating on a budget built on the basis of last year's pledging. Just a reminder, if you are able, please complete those pledged 2017 donations by the end of December.  
The Deacon's Christmas Food Drive
The Deacons request your continuous donations of food and money for their Christmas Food Drive.
 
Please leave bags of food in the Narthex and if you prefer to make a monetary donation, please make a check out to the Oxford Presbyterian Church with Christmas Food Drive in the note field or  if cash, mark pew envelope Christmas Food Drive.  The Deacon's will use the money to purchase food for the Oxford Choice Food Pantry.
 
Oxford Choice Food Pantry needs canned fruit, canned vegetables; spaghetti sauce, cereal, and peanut butter. Also, meals in a can (e.g. Chef Boy-Ar-Dee-type food like ravioli and others, including Kroger brand). We always put them in the bags and for some reason have not been getting as many as in past years in food drives. Toilet paper, personal care items like body wash, deodorant, shampoo and hair conditioner. Note: We are collecting plastic bags for use in the Oxford Choice Food Pantry.  Please leave bags in the food pantry box in the hallway past the offices.
Consider A Special Gift at the End of the Year
During the past year we have been grateful for those individuals who chose to make a special gift to the Oxford Presbyterian Church. These gifts address needs not routinely supported via the operating budget. As we approach the end of 2017, it is a good time to consider supporting additional special funding needs while benefiting  from an associated tax deduction.

A complete listing of opportunities available can be obtained in the church office or contact Bill King (513-720-7345) for a personal consultation.
Tuesday Evening Circle
The Tuesday Evening Circle will meet Tuesday, January 2 at Jane Baer's home, starting at 7:30 p.m. Janet Ziegler is the co-hostess. Sue Wilson will lead the program. Jo Reinhart will give the devotions. Visitors are welcomed. Contact person is Karen Simpson,  523-8363, k.simpson2007@yahoo.com .  

PLEASE Sign up to be a Greeter
in the months of January and February!!
 
Come around 9:30 a.m.
*Individuals (2 singles), a couple or a family
Choir members can be Greeters too!
   
Contact: Jan Reinhart (513.523.4339)
*Please indicate if you would like a postcard reminder
 
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2018 Pledge envelopes are available for pickup in the Narthex.
Creating a Healthy Oxford Community

Habitat for Humanity
The Presbyterian Saturday for Habitat, Carter Circle is January 13. We are committed for 5 volunteers and lunch for 20. Those who work should come to the site at 8:30 a.m. Depending on the weather, we will work until 3:30 p.m. Work will break at noon for lunch. 
 
The UU's have started the build working on the sub flooring. The Lutherans worked on Dec. 16. St. Mary will be working January 6.
 
Can you help? Please contact Prue Dana pdana@woh.rr.com
Your Stewardship Matters
When supervising the rebuilding of St. Paul's Cathedral in London (which took about 50 years to complete) architect Christopher Wren asked three different laborers what they were doing. One said he was cutting stone.  The second said he was earning six shillings.  The third said, "I'm helping Sir Christopher Wren build a great cathedral!"
 
What is your vision for the future of Oxford Presbyterian Church?  What ministry needs could be met, or people served in 10, 20, and even 50 years?  You may help make that vision a reality with a gift to this congregation made in your will.

Oxford Presbyterian Church

101 N. Main Street

Oxford, OH 45056

513-523-6364

office@oxfordpresbychurch.org

www.oxfordpresbychurch.org 

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