_________________________________________________________

 

Acolyte for October - Spencer Lykins October 8, 15, 22, and 29.

 

Preschool Teacher- Janet Holmes Oct. 1, 15, 22.  Lynn Cronk, Oct.8  Amy Bartel, October 29

 

K-2 Teachers- Sarah Miller and Deb Sayer

 

Grades 3-5 Teacher- Emily Lykins

 

Junior High 6-8 Teacher- Prue Dana

 

World Wide Communion Sunday October 1- Children are invited to the Narthex at 9:55.  They will be processing with the Communion Elements. 

 

On Sunday October 22 nd all teachers and prospective teachers are invited for treats and a special program at 9am in the Art Room. Watch for more details in the Voice. 

 

October 29 children are invited to the narthex at 9:55 to join in the procession with the bagpiper and banners celebrating our heritage and the Reformation of the church.

 

On Sunday, October 15, OPC's youth will attend a special outing at the Freedom Summer Memorial on Miami's Western Campus. They will be listening to Mrs. Sibyl Miller and her friend as they recount their experiences recruiting and registering voters during the Freedom Summer of 1964. We will eat lunch in town at noon (location TBA) and head out to Western immediately afterwards. The talk will occur around 1pm.

 

Return to Top

________________________________________________________

Return to Top

_______________________________________________

 ___________________________________________________

This month we begin a new digest of stewardship highlights taken from the reports of committees of Session. Items may be recent or later, depending on when the committees meet.  Not all committees are represented in this first column.  Let me know what you think of this new feature.  Nancy Moeckel, Editor

 

 

FACILITY PLANNING TEAM:   The Facilities Planning Team presented conceptual drawings of potential changes to the Memorial building designed to address issues of accessibility, flexibility, and fellowship at a May congregational meeting. These drawings, the result of lengthy discussions between committees of our congregation and architects, were approved by Session. The congregation provided additional feedback to the Facilities Team during early weeks of the summer. With this collective insight, our first Memorial building improvement will focus on the entrance to the Narthex and the Narthex itself. Our primary goals are a handicap accessible ramp, a handicap bathroom if feasible, and an effort to make the journey from street to sanctuary more welcoming. This will not change the sanctuary and no pews will be removed.

 

As a visioning first step, we have engaged Miami's Architecture students in a competition to provide visually pleasing and functional ideas to address the above changes and to improve the "front door" (i.e. first impression) appeal of the church to the community.  We hope to present visual ideas to the congregation by the end of this year.

TRUSTEES:   the Seminary chimney repair is complete.  The annual fall cleanup will be November 4 with pizza after.   The leak in the choir room ceiling is being looked after.

PROGRESSIVE CAMPUS MINISTRY: See info under "Our Mission Statement at Work"

WORSHIP & MUSIC:  Plans are in place for World Communion Day (October 1) and Heritage Sunday (October 29).  Our Confessional Banners of the Presbyterian Church will be place  in the Sanctuary by October 1.  Fifty-year members will be sent a personal invitation to attend worship on October 29 and will be honored with a heather sprig, bookmarks made by the children and a carnation.  We will also have our bagpiper and family as we have in the past.

MISSION & OUTREACH:  Peace Making offering will be held on Sunday Oct 1 this year. Approved the expenditure of up to $3,000 to support for the Bethesda Community Center in Colombia for the purchase of tables, chairs shelving etc. that are needed to provide programs for displaced children and their mothers.  Our committee reviewed the budget and accounts associated with Mission and Outreach and voted to distribute the following

On Sunday, Oct 1 we have plans in place to welcome missionaries from Russia, Ellen and Al Smith.

COMMUNICATIONS Projects include the new photo directory.  The update to the website continues with plans to launch the new website on or before 10/15/2017

NOMINATING: September 24 was the last date for submitting nominations.

DEACONS

Deacons Community Blood Drive Tuesday, October 17 2:00 - 6:00 

104 East Church Street

(The Seminary Building)

 

Requirements:

1) You must be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent)

2) You must weigh at least 110 pounds

 

Appointments are recommended and you are encouraged to sign up online at www.Donortime.com

       Use Sponsor Code 321

 

The eDonor online blood donation  scheduling site has been completely upgraded. Once you choose "Donor Login" you will be given instruction on what to do.

 

If you would like the church office to sign you up, please call 513.523.634. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, phone number, and time available.

 

Any questions about donor eligibility contact CBC at: 1-800-388-4483 or 777-4428

____________________

 

Danny Cross and Matt Lykins report they delivered 189 lbs. of food to the Oxford Food Pantry as a result of the Kids Summer Food Drive. In addition, donations for that program equaled $1487. Thank you everyone!  What a difference you made.

__________

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

 Return to Top 

__________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________

COLUMBIA MISSION

A Brief Report from the Colombia Mission Journey to Barranquilla, Colombia

August 25-Sept 1, 2017

 

Our team of six spent a week visiting with our sister church in Barranquilla Colombia, the Seventh Presbyterian Church. Attending were Carol Burkhalter, Karen Shearer, Robert Smith, Sue Wilson, Dave Wilson and Pastor Lawrence Bartel.  

We can't begin to tell you how wonderful our trip was to Barranquilla, Colombia and hosted by the 7th Presbyterian Church of Barranquilla. Everyone in the church greeted us with great affection and we were overwhelmed by their hospitality.  

During our visit to Barranquilla they taught us so much about the local issues and problems that the underprivileged people in Barranquilla face. We are very impressed that they and so many of their church members are trying to make a difference for one child and one mother at a time.  This experience has also increased our determination to enhance our own church's involvement in serving the needs of the poor people in Oxford and surrounding communities. Though not the same in the US, we also have people in our communities with abandoned children and mothers that need help. 

 

On Sunday, we attended their church service.  Though we did not understand everything due to our limited Spanish, their words of praise and song were very inspirational.  This was a small congregation, less than 120 active members, and yet they are so involved with community service.  During the service our team of six gave hand-made gifts to our sister church that included a banner by Karen and their church in turn, gave us a hand-made banner as well. During the service our team also passed out hand-made bookmarks in the shape of a cross and hand-made pocket crosses to serve as reminders of our partnership in Christ.

 

Each morning we greatly appreciated being picked up at the hotel and given a chance to learn more about their church, the Bethesda Community Center, or the role of the Presbytery in Colombia. We greatly appreciated the opportunity to meet with the Elders and other members of their church.   They were very patient with us as they tried to help us understand what their church does for people in their neighborhood and also the Bethesda Community Center in the impoverished neighborhood called barrio El Por Fin in Barranquilla.  

 

We so much enjoyed the opportunity to visit with the children at the Bethesda Center and observe their church sponsoring a free medical clinic day at the Center.  Looking into the eyes of these children we saw faith, hope and joy.  Seeing this in children who were pulled out of poverty and

  disrespect gave us hope in the mission that their church is doing for these displaced children and mothers and we rejoice in the opportunity to join them in this endeavor through financial support. 

 

This partnership is so very worthwhile and important to them as well as for us.  We must keep this relationship strong.  In doing so we are doing the work of the Lord. This trip greatly strengthened our partnership with our sister church in Colombia and it greatly enhances our resolve to support the mission activities of the Seventh Presbyterian Church in Barranquilla.  

Special thanks to the Oxford Presbyterian Church and the Presbytery of Miami Valley for providing significant support for this trip.

 

Much love in Christ, Dave Wilson

Chair, Mission and Outreach

_______________________________________________________

Seeking God, Serving Others, Sharing Christ's Love With All

ANNOUNCEMENTS

__________________________________

CHURCH SERVICES AT THE KNOLLS

 

If you've missed any of our recent church services you now have a chance to see one in the Country Kitchen.  We will be viewing them (via DVD) on Tuesdays, Oct. 10 & 24 at 10:00 A.M.  All are welcome, and if anyone needs a ride, Becky Quay would be glad to pick you up.  Just call 523-5747.

Thank you,

Becky

__________________________________________

NEW CMS SYSTEM

OPC is installing a new Church Management System. A CMS maintains records of people, their relationships (e.g. families), and giving and pledging information. We decided to change to reduce the cost of maintenance, improve staff efficiency with a more modern design, and potentially offer new features and options once we have built a firm understanding of how the system operates.

 

In the short term very few people with notice any changes. The new system requires full birthdates so some people will be contacted to update this info. Folks participating in electronic giving may be contacted to update records. We will not release the old CMS until we have rigorously audited giving records, and certified the people database.

 

If you notice any anomalies, please contact Bridgite, or Mary Martin on financial issues. You will receive an updated giving record around October 15th. If you have general questions about the selection process or the history that motivated the change, contact Joe Simpson ( [email protected] ).

 

_____________________

SAVE THE DATE

 

Sunday, October 29, 2017 after church service will be the first youth mission trip fundraiser.  We will have a luncheon in The Seminary. Tickets will be available beginning October 1.

 

Please sign up in the Molyneaux Lounge after service if you would like to volunteer a dish or contact Mary Shinn, 513-523-2662 or [email protected]. 

 

More information will be coming soon!

Mary Shinn

_____________________

 

Deadline for the November Newsletter is October 20, 2017

_________________________

 

Return to Top

__________________________________________________________ 

CCNS NEWS

 

The first few weeks of school have been busy, exciting, educational and adventurous. We have met all the new and familiar faces in the C.C.N.S classroom. Since the first week of school our classes have grown and we are officially full. We have a total of 26 children enrolled in C.C.N.S. program for the 2017-2018 school year.

The past few weeks we've focused on the letter A- Acorn Hunting & Art, Alligator Songs and Apple Counting and Sorting. The letter B- Bubbles, Book making, Bead Art, Button Counting and Designs and reading many different stories, including some from the Children's Bible. The letter C- Colors, Caterpillar & Cotton/Cloud Art, Crayon sorting, making our own book about Creations, reading Creation written by Rylant and Counting as high as we can! 

In October, we have a field trip scheduled for Woodland Manor: Senior Retirement Living. We are dressing up and going trick or treating through the entire building. We are very grateful for the opportunity to visit Woodland Manor. This is a perfect way for young children to have the chance to become comfortable with older generations. The staff at Woodland work hard during our visit- they provide all the candy used during trick or treating and then a snack after the children have visited with the seniors. This field trip is always a success and the C.C.N.S. children are patiently waiting for October 30th to arrive.

We will be selling Warm Glow Candles for our fall fundraiser! This fundraiser will help the Christian Cooperative Nursery School with the cost of project supplies and other expenses (examples: butterfly growing project, STEM toys and materials for new outdoor toys).  STEM is a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in four specific disciplines - science, technology, engineering and mathematics - in an interdisciplinary and applied approach. Warm glow candles are always a great gift! We will begin the fundraiser on September 25, 2017 and it will end on October 25, 2017. Candles will be in before Christmas. We hope everyone has a great October!

________________

  Return to Top

LISTENING TO THE HEARTBEAT OF GOD

Full Article

As I've shared my testimony in the past, I've often said, Conflict drew me into the Presbyterian Church.  Having the privilege to serve as a pastor for some years now, I would like to modify one word.  I wish to change that one word from conflict to reform.

 

Let me tell you the story.  In the 1990's, the General Assembly of our denomination approved an amendment to the part of our constitution called the Book of Order.  The amendment was then sent back to the Presbyteries for ratification.  If ratified, that amendment would ban gay and lesbian persons from ordination in our church.

 

At the time, I was worshipping at First Presbyterian Church of Wooster, OH.  Very shortly after this controversial amendment was sent back to the local level of Presbyteries for ratification, First Presbyterian of Wooster seized the moment.  The congregation realized that it was a God given time to exercise the opportunity to model the community of Christ.

        

Over a series of many weeks, they welcomed into their fellowship people who could look at this important theme from every angle - a theologian and a bible scholar, a psychologist and a therapist, parents of children who were gay and lesbian, a church history professor, as well as passionate activists from advocacy groups on both sides of this issue.

 

Their model was simple.  Break bread together over a common meal. Allow the featured speaker to share her/his own experience with the issue.  Then, always move into a time of bible study and prayer. There were no debates.  There was no up or down vote.  The outcome was simply to know the will of God through being open and trusting with each other.  The grace and peace of the Holy Spirit nurtured the souls of all who participated.  The elder commissioner then voted at the Presbytery meeting with confidence knowing the full diversity and conviction of the congregation that had elected them.

 

With some years of experience as a member and now pastor, I'd like to reframe my testimony by now stating, Reform drew me into the Presbyterian Church.  The PC (USA) has continued to reform itself since the 1990's.  Our denomination has experienced much reform and change since the Memorial Presbyterian Church and Seminary United Presbyterian Church merged to form The United Presbyterian Church of Oxford, Ohio in 1966.  Certainly, the Presbyterian Church is not the same denomination it was when the Rev. James Hughes gathered the first Presbyterian congregation from the Oxford community in 1818.  

 

As we approach the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation on October 31st, the motto of the Presbyterian Church - reformed and always being reformed according to the Word of God - guides us more than ever.

 

This theme will shape our congregational worship for much of October. Over three consecutive weeks we will study the primary watchwords of the Protestant Reformation - sola gratia (by grace alone), sola fide (by faith alone), and sola scriptura (by Scripture alone).

 

The month will conclude with a combined celebration of Heritage Sunday and Reformation Sunday on October 29.  Worship will begin that Sunday with a procession of banners led by a bagpiper.  Later in worship, our 50-year members will be recognized and then presented with a small gift by the children of our church family.  Then at 4 p.m. that afternoon, an ecumenical prayer service marking the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation will be held in Kumler Chapel at the Western College Campus.

 

On Thursday and Friday of the following week, a conference on the European Religious Reformations of the sixteenth century will be held at the Miami University Art Museum.  Watch in Friday's "Voice" e-newsletter for more details.

 

With their enduring legacy, the ideas that fueled the reformation shape the very way we worship God, learn and teach the faith, fulfill the great commandments, and actively engage the world in which we live.  As our congregation builds momentum for a hope-filled future, we are inspired by the continuing presence of God's reforming spirit among us.   

____________________________

TEMPUS FUGIT - TIME FLIES

(from Pastor Lawrence)

 

One year ago, I invited members of the OPC family into a series of open and gracious conversations called "Listening is an Act of Love."  The goal of these conversations was to provide an opportunity for the congregation to know me and to allow me to get to know your unique stories and gifts.  I still cherish these conversations that took place at a variety of locations around the community and at a variety of times.

 

To mark the one-year anniversary of our ministry partnership together, I invite you to another series of conversations we'll again call "Listening is an Act of Love."  Part fellowship and part reflection, we'll consider how the Holy Spirit has moved through our congregation over the last twelve months.  We'll also look forward into the future and consider the ways we can do better in our ministry and mission.  How we might more fully live into our mission - "Seeking God, Serving Others, and Sharing Christ's Love with All."

 

First thing in the morning, join me for coffee at Kofenya on Tuesday, October 3 at 8:30 a.m.  If you're out running errands, join me at the Oxford Coffee Company on Thursday, October 5 at 2:30 p.m.  On your way home, join me at the Quarter Barrel on Friday, October 6 at 4:30 p.m.  You're welcome to come late, leave early, or linger with me in conversation

  ________________________

Return to Top

DISCOVER OXFORD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH - A CLASS FOR INQUIRERS AND NEW MEMBERS

 

A cherished hymn begins:

Called as partners in Christ's service,

Called to ministries of grace,

We respond with deep commitment

Fresh new lines of faith to trace.

 

Have you been visiting Oxford Presbyterian Church (OPC) or worshipping with us regularly?  If so, then please join our Discover OPC Class for Inquirers and New Members in the lounge after worship (approximately 11:30 - 1:00 p.m.) on Sundays, October 8 and 15.  The class is both fun and informative with childcare available.

 

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 as you study at Miami.

 

If you sense OPC is where the Lord is leading you for  worship, growth, and mission, you will have the opportunity to formally join our church family at the end of the session.  To learn more, please talk with Pastor Lawrence or contact him at the church office.  Long-time Christians and seekers in the Christian faith are welcome!

___________________________

Return to Top

FINANCIAL SNAPSHOT

 

Teamwork keeps the ministry and mission of Oxford Presbyterian Church strong. In the month of August, contributions to our ministry noticeably declined to $20,699 from the $28,398 projected in the 2017 budget. One ruling elder reviewing the financial report at our last Session meeting named this decrease in tithes and offerings our "summer slumber". 

 

While this one-month decline may be attributed to a predictable seasonal lull, we wish to affirm the significance of every OPC family member and every financial gift to our congregation.   We encourage everyone who has pledged or tithed to our ministry to remain current in your giving.  

 

All who give of their time, talents and treasures are all on the team.  Please join one another in prayer about how the Lord is calling us to share our blessings as we live out our mission.  Thank you for being a faithful partner in the ministry of Oxford Presbyterian Church!

 

 

Month

Income  Expenses

August   Actual   $20,698.91 $21,731.64

August   Budget $28,398.00 $33,854.00

 

 

 

Year to Date (YTD)

Income   Expenses

YTD Actual   $289,503.00 $220,711.68

YTD Budget   $289,784.00 $270,833.00

 

_____________________

Return to Top

 

In the words of the letter to the Ephesians, "Peace to those who are near and those who are far away." 

 

Day to day however, peace seems like a fragile hope in our lives and those all around the world.  This feels particularly true in the stories from the Holy Land where intersecting claims about justice, identity, historical narratives, biblical prophecy and day-to-day crises seems to shatter our prayers for peace into a thousand pieces.  Yet, the Holy Land shows us much about ourselves, our journey of faith, and our hope for the future.

 

You are invited to join the 2018 Mosaic of Peace.  Presented by the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program, this 12-day conference from April 29-May 12, 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. 

   

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/

 

Our journey will be one of both hope and humility as we recognize the wisdom of Terry Tempest Williams who has written, "A mosaic is a conversation between what is broken... A mosaic is a conversation with time."

Return to Top

_________________________________________________________

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.  [email protected] (and here is your bonus for reading this section: What do you get when you divide the diameter of a jack-o-lantern by it's circumference?       Pumpkin Pi.)