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


(Note on image: Inspired by a journey to Ghana, the artist Annette Gandy Fortt returned to her studio in Silver Spring, Maryland and created this image illuminating the Parable of the Talents. )
Join Us for Worship at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday!

Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30
Message: "The Lord's Risk Tolerance"
Including the Sacrament of Baptism

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Building Momentum - 2018 Stewardship Campaign
 
Thank you for Building Momentum
 
Families and individuals came together on Stewardship Sunday to support the ministry of Oxford Presbyterian Church (OPC).  As of November 15, we have joyfully received 102 pledges totaling $263,754 to support next year's ministry.  This total includes 9 new pledges!
 
If for any reason you pledged at one time yet haven't pledged over the last several years, this is the opportune time - this is the year to begin again. 
 
If you are new to this body of Christ, we extend a personal invitation for you to make a pledge to the ministry of OPC.  Pledge cards are available in the sanctuary or the church office.
 
Thank you for investing in the future of Oxford Presbyterian Church.
Thank you for engaging our mission to seek God, serve others and share Christ's love with all.
Thank you for inspiring others to participate in this ministry of God's grace.
Journey Through the Bible

Bible Study and Discussion will continue this Sunday.  Enjoy a moment of fellowship in the lounge following worship. Around 11:30 p.m. join us in the Sanctuary where we'll begin our exploration of scripture together.  All are welcome!
Bread for the World Sample Letter

Join us this Sunday in writing letters for the offering of letters which will be addressing our legislators on the need to keep hunger programs in the 2017-18 budget. It takes 7 minutes to write a letter which is extremely effective in communicating our support of hunger programs such as WIC and SNAP. Sample letters are in the bulleting and linge and letter writing materials are all there as well. This is sponsored by the Peacemaking Committee.
45-56 Club: Bird Feeders
 
Students, parents, grandparents, and siblings are invited to make bird feeders with Dick Munson and Libby Birch.  The 45-56 Club will meet on Sunday, November 19 th  at 1:30 at 6751 Brown Road. Please plan to car pool.
 
A heavy duty plastic juice jug is needed.  Call the church office at 523-6364 to make reservations.  This event is open to all ages.  It will be just in time for winter so our families can feed the birds.  If you have a jug you would like to donate please leave it on the bench outside of the education office. 
Least Coin Offering


The Least Coin Offering will not be taken up this Sunday, November 19, as we celebrate this important day in the life of Matt, Molly, Owen and Aiden Todd.

Please continue to save your coins to share on Sunday, November 26th.  Let's make some noise!
Celebration at the Manger

CALLING ALL CHILDREN AND YOUTH! 
We need actors, musicians, singers, narrators, ushers and greeters!  The 4th annual Celebration at the Manger program will be held on Sunday, December 17th during the 10:00 a.m. worship service. 

Place your completed form in the "Celebration at the Manger" box in the Molyneaux by November 19th.

See insert in Sunday's bulletin for more details.  

The Tuesday Afternoon Circle
meets on November 21 at 1:30 in The Knolls Country Kitchen. Visitors and guests are always welcome. For more information contact Prue Dana or LynnCronk.
Office Holiday Hours:
 
In Celebration of the Thanksgiving Holiday the office hours will be as follows:
  • Monday, November 20 - 8:30 am until 4:30 pm
  • Tuesday, November 21 - 8:30 am until 4:30 pm
  • Wednesday, November 22 - 8:30 am until 4:30 pm
  • Thursday, November 23 - Closed
  • Friday, November 24 - 8:30 am until 1:00 pm
Please submit any bulletin announcements no later than 1:00 pm, Tuesday, November 21.  Bulletins will be run at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 22. Any e-newsletter submissions may be given no later than 9:00 am, Friday, November 24.
 
Please expect to receive The Voice e-news on Friday, November 24th!
 
Oxford Presbyterian Church Invites YOU to ...
 
Lunch ~ Crafts ~ Advent Materials
Seminary Building
Sunday December 3
11:30 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.
   
Pizza, salad and beverage provided.
 
Please R.S.V.P. by November 26th to the Church Office
The Deacon's Advent Food Drive
 
The Deacons request your donations of food and money for the Advent Food Drive. Food and Monetary donations may continuously be given throughout Advent.
 
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 Advent Food Drive in the note field or  if cash, mark pew envelope Advent 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. One specific items is 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.
Youth Group News:

We are excited to officially announce that we will be traveling to Charleston, SC for the 2018 Mission Trip! We will be serving in the community from June 17-22, 2018. This trip is open to students who will be entering grades 9-12 for the 2018-19 school year. If you are interested in attending, please contact Mitch Hardy. A $50 deposit and sign-ups for the Mission Trip are due Thursday, November 30. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out Mitch Hardy at the (513) 907-5641 or mitchelljameshardy@gmail.com

The Oxford Presbyterian Women 
Annual Christmas Cookie & Craft Sale
 
Saturday, December 2
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Molyneaux Lounge
 
See insert in Sunday's bulletin for more details
Decorate Safe Haven Farm
 
A happy group of OPC elves are going to Safe Haven Farms on Sunday, December 3 to decorate their center for the Christmas season.  We will meet in the alley behind the church at 1:30 p.m. and can carpool or drive separately to Middletown.  Directions will be available.  Questions?  Ask Karen Shearer.
Special Music Fund and Poinsettias
 
The Worship and Music Committee of Session hopes to make each of the worship services as meaningful as possible. Congregational participation is a crucial ingredient in that effort. One example of participation is seen in the enthusiastic response to the opportunities to honor or memorialize others with the purchase of flowers to enhance the beauty of the sanctuary throughout the year, particularly at Christmas and Easter. It has been suggested that opportunity be given to honor or memorialize others with a gift to the Special Music Fund in lieu of, or in addition to the purchase of flowers.

See the insert in Sunday's bulletin for more details and to place an order for your poinsettia.   The number of poinsettias will be limited to the first 40.
Creating a Healthy Oxford Community

Kiwanis request for Salvation Army Bellringers

There is a need for "Bell Ringers" during the Christmas season in support of the annual Salvation Army Red Kettle drive.  Numerous 1 hour shifts remain available beginning Saturday, November 25 through Sunday, December 24.  Simply go to www.oxfordkiwanis.org, click on volunteer opportunities, and sign up for a vacant shift or shifts.  This is a great experience to share with children and grandchildren.   All proceeds are directed the Oxford Family Resource Center.

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Thank You for Supporting
Oxford Empty Bowls

The 15th Oxford Empty Bowls benefit soup luncheon for the Oxford Community Choice Pantry was a JOY and SUCCESS! 
 
Hundreds of people from all parts of our Oxford and Miami University communities came together to make this event possible.  We do not yet have a final event total; contributions continue to come in as Silent Auction winners receive their gorgeous wooden bowls, and throughout the week 10% of purchases made at the Oxford Community Art Center's Art Shop by those with our coupon will be donated to the Oxford Community Choice Pantry as part of Empty Bowls.  We can, however, share that our preliminary total thus far is: $8,352.82!
 
There is a phrase that often shared among the facilitators of Empty Bowls.  It is, The character of the community is dependent on us.  Thanks to you, the Oxford and Miami University are in good hands.
Labyrinth
 
Feeling harried?  Out of balance?  Seeking spiritual exercise?  Then this invitation is for you.
 
The canvas labyrinth from Westminster Presbyterian Church is Dayton has been installed for a short time on the sanctuary floor of the Seminary Building.  An ancient practice of walking prayer and meditation, the labyrinth has been rediscovered by many as a relevant spiritual tool for our digital age. 
 
Before or after worship on Sunday, stop into the Seminary Building for a time of meditation and prayer with God as you walk the labyrinth.  Climbing the stairs of the Seminary, you'll find a table of resources available as you prepare for your walk.  Then enter the sanctuary and prayerfully walk with the Spirit step by careful step.
Living Into Hope
When I stand before God at the end of my life,
I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left,
and could say, 'I used everything you gave me.'
- Erma Bombeck

Oxford Presbyterian Church

101 N. Main Street

Oxford, OH 45056

513-523-6364

office@oxfordpresbychurch.org

www.oxfordpresbychurch.org 

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